I stepped out into the garden this morning to find it cloaked in mist.
I had wanted to capture the view from the kitchen window.
And instead I was captivated by spiders’ webs.
They were strung up all over the place. Some were just holding on by a thread.
Sometimes they linked one plant to another, making networks.
Sometimes helping a plant keep its head together.
I had to be careful not to break these fine threads as I stepped around the garden.
It made me step lightly, and move slowly.
It made me think about fragility.
How sometimes we are just holding it together,
We feel a bit lost, or alone.
We might find ourselves around others who feel like this, but who might not be able to say so.
We need to tread lightly,
Hold out a hand.
And help one another to just keep holding on.
We tend not to be good with fragility, especially our own. We’re all fragile at times. Fragility is part of being human. There are times to be strong, and times to accept our own fragility, and the fragility of others.
Kindness goes a long way, including kindness to ourselves.
Be your own best friend. Listen to what you need right now.
Give out a little kindness today.
If you would like to join this positive and supportive little space on the internet, then click on the ‘Follow’ button at the bottom of this page. You will receive an email each time I post. I try to fill your inbox with nice stuff: kind words, observations of nature and what is happening in the garden right now, musings on life. We’re in this together, so let’s make it good.
The Mindful Gardener 
What lovely photos and thoughts Ali.. especially liked the bit about webs making networks. The 2nd photo, of the rosebud, is stunning! I always enjoy spider web photos and yours are lovely. Thanks for the lovely post!
Thank you! It surprised me that were spiders’ webs everywhere.
That last cobweb pic is wonderful.. Does each woven web get better, I wonder.. or is the first one made just as good. ?
I don’t know whether spiders get more experienced, or if some are better than others, but that thought is delighting me! I would be a crack-handed spider, I think!
Nice pictures , I was caught in your spider webs …!
Thanks Fred.
Lovely piece of writing!
Thank you Ann.
Lovely photos and sentiments Ali.
Thanks Claudette.
The rosebud is a gorgeous shot and you have caught some lovely webs here. I just hate walking into spiders’ webs, but I have to admire the amazing work that goes into making one. That last web is so beautiful, it really should be printed out and framed.
I should print out some photos. Thanks Jude!
Your garden and the insights you share from it are beautiful. I love the misty photo, the webs, and your analogy about fragility. In my garden when I see spider webs, they are usually messy globs of silk indicative of the types of spiders we get here. Comparing your webs to ours reminds me of a lovely, well-kept neighborhood with manicured lawns and beautiful flowers vs. a community where people let weeds grow unchecked and pile junk in the yard. Everybody lives just the same, but some choose to live in beauty. Beauty is more work, but I’ll take beauty. 🙂
I am grateful to my artistic spiders! Thank you Laurie.
Lovely thoughts and the photos are really good. I enjoy spider webs until I walk into one unknowingly.Thjust beautiful.e artistry in making them is
I remember the spiders’ webs were strong and bouncy in Australia! It was like walking into elastic! These just break.
Beautifully done friend. Peace.
Who knew cobwebs could look so beautiful. 🙂
I have been finding myself going back to compare the different constructions! There are some master craftspiders out there.
Such a lovely post, Ali, truly…
Thank you. x
wonderful post xx
Beautiful photos and sentiments. X
Lovely shots Alison.
Thank you Rupali.
Thank you, Ali, for filling my mind with “nice stuff: kind words, observations of nature,” especially as I’ve been feeling rather fragile — weepy — the past few days. You are a blessing!
I think a lot of people are feeling like this. There are, as someone else commented, undercurrents that have emotional resonance for all of us. We need to stand together and support one another through these rocky times. Much love to you.
Your posts are always uplifting. Thank you.
Thank you Belinda; that is a lovely thing to say.
Beautiful webs! It’s ironic that while they break easily, we’re told that the filaments rival titanium in strength.
Yes…I was watching a really long thread stretching in the sun yesterday, and it did look amazingly elastic, but I guess if you just catch it…
All strong things have their weak spots!
True!
I love your photos and words. Thank you.
Thank you Jennie.
So sweet and thoughtful reminding us that all of life is fragile and must be handled with care. Thank you for this reminder.
Beautiful. These spider web pictures are gorgeous, and your meditation on fragility is perfect. You are right. Fragility is part of being human, and gentleness is so important.
Thank you. Something I would not have written about if I had not read your Snowflake post, I think.
https://shellypruittjohnson.wordpress.com/2018/07/27/why-calling-people-a-sensitive-snowflake-demonstrates-inconsistent-and-fallacious-thinking/
I could leave a comment but you will tell me I am being too generous… 😉
Oh, I love having my ego stroked by you, Cathy! x
Teehee 😉 But any stroking, whether generous or not, is richly deserved. Your narrative style is delightful – well, it appeals to me and I guess I won’t be the only one. I could say more about it, but I won’t, for obvious reasons! Not at the moment anyway, but I daresay I will still throw the odd bit of praise in your direction occasionally
😌
This is wonderful! ❤️
Thank you Paraig.
A beautiful series of photos -those webs are amazing.
Thank you.