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Often when I’m in the middle of one chore or another, when I’ve got my head in a book, or attempting to cobble together a blog post, I’ll be summoned:
“Come look at this!”
Almost always, I go…
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The other day, it was a snake skin.
Which was pretty neat.
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My fear of snakes came from growing up with family who were afraid of them, not unreasonably. Adders which exist in England are venomous.
In Asia there were other sorts of dangerous snakes, which didn’t encourage me to better my acquaintance.
For a short while we lived in Penang where my mum and I went to visit the Snake Temple, for the life of me I can’t imagine why.
Mum liked neither snakes nor temples.
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The snakes were believed to be reincarnated, deified monks.
from Wikipedia:
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No-one needed to tell me not to pick up a snake, but seeing them curled up on the altar, seemingly not awake, I reached out and touched one. Perhaps I’d been told it was lucky.
My hair was held back behind my head by a clip that had an attached chain. At that precise moment it touched my neck. I think I did not scream, but I certainly jumped!
While I shall never be a fan, I now have a different attitude to snakes. How extraordinary is this skin, shed in one perfect piece?
My fear of snakes was just that. When it came to spiders, it was a phobia.
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This morning’s “come and see” call:
An entire hillside of spider webs.
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No doubt they are often there, but early sunshine lighting a dew-laden field makes them easily visible.
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The entire meadow was festooned.
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How can you not admire such an accomplishment?
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Such artistry.
Such perfection.
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When accidentally walking into a web, there was a time when I cringed, repulsed.
Now I apologise for my clumsiness.
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Nowhere in the future can I imagine a time when I might be happy to let this creature crawl on my arm.
But until fairly recently, I could not have been in the same room with it.
This particular spider lives in the vicinity of my office window. Not only do I allow it to remain, I talk to it.
Words of advice regarding the dangers of ending up in cat’s tummies and if it wouldn’t mind, staying over there.
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The thing about phobia is that it is not rational.
For example, it is the shadow in this picture that seems more creepy to me than the creature itself.
What “scares” me is the idea of those eight tiny feet touching me. What possible harm could they cause?
Some spiders are very dangerous. But not this one.
These days I rescue small spiders.
Without touching them of course.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the interesting photos! The temple devoted to snakes? I wouldn’t go there even if I were paid! Spiders on the other hand are different and I loved your photos!
Joanna
That snake skin looks like precious jewel, a work of art!
Nature is so unique even with snakes and spiders….. I’m not a fan of them…. But the snake skin is impressive…. Beautiful
Oh, Carolyn! Your photography skills are extraordinary! I feel very lucky to follow your blog.
I’m also amazed to see how cobwebs have been formed throughout the night – they almost look like my mother’s crochet work (every little line and hole so precise). Lovely photos – especially those covered with dewdrops. I must admit, the snake skin is stunning, BUT I’m slightly airy to snakes and spiders … I might not kill that spider sitting in your window, but I’ll call in help to rather put it outside (preferably far from the house).
I don’t have a fear of snakes. I have held many ‘harmless’ ones, including pythons and corn snakes. But I have a healthy respect for the deadly ones, so avoid Adders here. I can’t stand spiders, it’s the look of them, and the ‘scuttling’. I would never tolerate such a large spider in the house, and ever since I was badly bitten by a Wolf Spider in Beetley, I finish them off ruthlessly.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, I knew someone once who nearly died from a spider bite but I don’t think we have any like that here. There are wolf spiders but I haven’t seen one thank goodness!