The Praying Mantis and Me
By admin, on September 22nd, 2009
There was one other time that I felt like I really helped a creature. Most of the time when we interfere with nature, I’m afraid we do more harm than good, but sometimes you just have to help.
I saw it struggling from the front porch: a huge praying mantis caught in a mass of webs on one of the boxwoods. Its legs were going every which way and I quickly walked down the steps to see exactly what it was that was caught. It was so large, it was only a split-second before I realized it was a huge praying mantis. (I seem to have a lot of those in my little garden.)
I extended not my hand, but my goldfish pond net to let the praying mantis hang onto something other than web. It gladly accepted and I moved it to the gardenia. I reached out gently with my hand and the praying mantis stood still, letting me carefully pull strand after strand of web off its tangled-up front legs.
Michaela came out and watched for a little while. It was quite a sight. Finally, after most all of the web was removed, I went inside. When I went back later the praying mantis was gone. Thus ended another Little Garden Adventure.
Lynn
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About Lynn
I am the mother of four delightful children: a 23-year-old son, a 20-year-old son, a 17-year-old son, and a bright and bubbly 13-year-old daughter. I share an apartment home with my 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. My little home on the internet is called Rose Cottage because of my love for gardening, roses, and all things romantic and Victorian. Welcome.
I'm a North Carolina girl and I love sharing North Carolina links and information. I do medical transcription from home. My hobbies include making sweet little dolls from clay who are named and have their own stories to tell. I also make old-fashioned brooches. These are for sale in my Etsy shop.
For 13 years continuously, I homeschooled some or all of our four children, but the time came that our homeschool had to be closed. It was the end of a beautiful chapter in my life. I will always be a strong supporter of homeschooling and I will continue to review books and maintain my homeschool website, The Healthy Homeschool. The Players
Lil Ol' Me
Son Daniel, 23
Son, Big Joe, 20
Son, John, 17
Daughter, Michaela, 13
Annie Fatso Beagle
My Symphony
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.
William Henry Channing
1810-1884
What You Do Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
Contact Me 
I would  for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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that is amazing…that it was still for you so that you could help…awesome
Awww… he looks like he is actually looking at you with an expression of gratitude.
How have you been hon? I’ve missed you these last couple of weeks, but have thought of you often as we begin our school year.. nature study and all☺
Love these pictures! I kept wondering what camera you used to catch these images.
How amazing! I love the butterfly story, too. I’m glad you helped them. I have a slight (okay, big) fear of bugs, but I am certainly enjoying seeing them from your blog.
I try to get the kids outside everyday to get over this irrational fear. I’m fine with the “nice” bugs…it’s more horseflies, bees, and spiders…really big spiders…that make me not be able to sleep!
Dear Lynn,
Poor little praying mantis! Good thing Super Lynn was there to the rescue~not everyone would have been so thoughtful. I’m sure your garden will be doubly blessed in the future
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Love,
Marqueta
You are the insect whisperer!
It just seems so symbolic of your life.