...When first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott
from the epic poem, Marmion published in 1808
As it is now raining outside, today seemed like a perfect day to clean out the cobwebs, both literally and figuratively.
Let's see...it is noon now and I have completed my run, sipped coffee & caught up with current world events (a favorite Sunday pastime), cleaned the kitchen, folded laundry, and finally found time to remove the curious cobwebs which mysteriously appear underneath my lower kitchen cabinets. Also disturbed a few spiders while doing so. Didn't have the heart to eliminate them, so these little guys have been gently relocated to the great outdoors. Now feeling guilty as the temperature has dramatically dropped and my friends may not be used to outdoor living. After all, they enjoyed the creature comforts of controlled climate and had access to unlimited food sources. Should I have spared them a prolonged pain & suffering?
For some reason, the little spiders I released into the wild this morning made me think of the 'big guy' I literally ran into while visiting Cains, Australia in July of 2005. For years, I have obsessed over its scientific identification. Besides being very large, as in about the length of a dollar bill, I know little about this spider--or do I? Over the years, I have obsessed about its true identity. Perused several arachnid reference books and still am at a total loss as to its genius and species.
In reviewing this photo which was taken about 2 feet away (with a very unsteady hand mind you--remember this thing is BIG and I don't know if it is poisonous), I made some interesting observations:
1) Beauty is present in everything.
2) Nature provides us with complex patterns of symmetry.
3) Looks can be deceiving as what appears to be delicate & fragile can actually be strong & resilient.
In contrast with the torn webbing, I simply love the coloration and symmetrical banding on the legs. After seven years of trying to associate scientific meaning and a name to this spider, I am hereby officially letting it go. Instead, I am content with having met this creature. I am thankful for the lessons this 'big guy' has taught me. Nature does not lie. She speaks only truth. It is not necessary to associate a label to every fact. Instead, accept the wholeness of the unknown and relish in having the privilege to participate in such an experience.
Oh, and I thought if I posted this pic on the web, maybe some kind soul out there just might be knowledgeable enough to correctly identify my 'big guy'.
