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
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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
.
Love,
Marqueta
You are the insect whisperer!
It just seems so symbolic of your life.