Toad in my garden
Living on Bear Mountain for six years has enlightened me six-fold about the world of nature. My mountainous woods and textured fields are packed with life in all forms that provide amazement beyond my expectations. I hope the next owner of this property respects Bear Mountain's natural world.
Pregnant Wolf spider in my garden
Two books have greatly influenced me while I have lived here. One is the book, The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre, who was a brilliant researcher of nature especially of insects and spiders.
Nectar frenzy
Henry Fabre, would have loved my place. His influence on me was to develop an interest in insect and spider behavior. I found that webs of spiders are like pieces of art, no two seemingly alike,which provides beauty to our environment as well as catching traps for spiders.
Bumble bee flying through wildflowers
Another of my favorite nature related books is The Earth Has A Soul edited by Meredith Sabini. It is filled with the thoughts of Carl G. Jung, a man that believes that observations lead to discoveries in natural life connections. He was a Swiss scientist working in many fields -- especially studied Eastern and Western philosophies. Let Jung speak to you directly from his book:
". . . there is so much that fills me: plants, animals, clouds, day and night . . . the more uncertain I have felt about myself, the more there has grown up in me a feeling of kinship with all things."
Orb garden spider waiting for its catch
Jung uses soul, psyche, and spirit as one and the same. He believes that technology has brought us further from our mythic past -- that we have lost its cosmological meaning. -- that technology does not always bring advances.
Blue tail dragonfly resting on my garden boardwalk
In the waning days of living here I thought I would post these nature shots from Bear Mountain. Hope you enjoy.
Praying Mantis -- terrorist to other insects.
I have always found grounding in nature. I think I will look up The Earth Has a Soul. It sounds interesting. What an amazing and beautiful place you have lived in. I plan to come back and read your older posts when I have a bit more time.
ReplyDeleteaspiritofsimplicity -- Thanks forthe nice comment. I do believe you would like reading through some of Jung's thoughts on nature. ~~ barbara
DeleteOh my oh my, what incredible observations, things many (most?) of us never see, never take the time to observe...And in my case, I grew up with a fear of insects, am consciously working on changing that...Yes, I do hope the next owner will love the land as you have. But the important thing is that YOU will love the next land on which you settle & I trust that you will continue to be an explorer with soul, & like Jung, you will continue your kinship with all things. And I hope you will continue to share that with us.
ReplyDeleteRita -- Many of us have lived under all types of conditions in many places. I used to think that folks that lived in the same place all their lives were very fortunate.. Well they are -- but so are those that experience so many parts of different living conditions. All of us have different palettes to pull from -- and ride with its tonal qualities. You write so well and I loved this comment. thank you -- barbara
DeleteThanks for the fine photos of insects I seldom see (or pay attention to) and for the simple and simply wonderful header photo of the porch (I assume) floor. I thought I'd heard of most of Jung's books but not of that one. It goes on my list. He was in touch with so many dimensions of life! It's always sad to put something or someplace we've loved in new hands. But you will take your own sensibility with you and will find new wonders to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteJune -- From your posts I know you are a follower of Jung. I have read some of his works but not enough. Hopefully I will be in the Pacific Northwest soon. My Utah place was rented out from under me as the closing was taking forever and the owner of the place was impatient and I don't blame her. So I found a place in the Pacific Northwest not to far from where I intermittently lived before in my fifties and sixties. It's beautiful county. thanks for the nice comment ~~ barbara
DeleteI have enjoyed this. Thank you... I'm sure you'll have lots to shoot out west...am looking forward to you new discoveries. This is an exciting adventure for you!!!
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- This is the slowest move I have ever made. Many interruptions. But I see the finish line in sight. Will hopefully be up and running with western photos soon. It will certainly be different than KY. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWe have those orb spiders here and I have spotted praying mantis a couple of times. They are imports, of course.
ReplyDeleteWe just saw an example of antly hard work and persistence as they hauled a centipede to their nest. It took them two days with an overnight break, and they moved the carcass 50 feet!
Hattie -- Your tale of the ant is fascinating. Another example of what I have witnessed about some insects and spiders -- their will, strength and endurance. Such qualities are to be found when we really look. Thanks for this story of the ants. E.O. Wilson would love it. ~~ barbara
DeleteNothing quite like living close to nature. I didn't really understand that until I moved to our farm 12 years ago.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- Aren't you glad you moved to your farm. I enjoy reading your posts about your family and gardens -- filled with love and busyness. ~~ barbara
DeleteWonderful pictures! I look forward to learning about the flora and fauna of your new home. And thank you for the book recommendations!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- Your home posts are an oasis of family history -- from weddings, dinners, gardening, writing and more -- it is nice that you open your door for all of us in the blogger world. I don't know what to really expect after I arrive in the west. Lots of detective work will be needed.
DeleteI think I needed a 'childs eye' to look at nature this summer. Our 8y grandson stayed for a visit and asked about every flower in the garden, the butterflies, bees and so on. You seem to have that gift of seeing what is under your nose with clarity.
ReplyDeleteclagle -- Just follow a small child in your garden or a field -- they will reveal nature to you. You certainly noticed that about your grandchild. Children have not had a chance to lost that innate ability to be fascinated with all things wild. What fun he must have had with you. thanks ~~ barbara
DeleteAh yes. So remindful and thankful of our decision fifty years ago now to leave the big city, move to the county to raise a family and never looked back.....
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- A country atmosphere is a great place to have raised your children. I imagine they greatly appreciate that they had this opportunity. I have lived in country, small town, suburbs, and big city. It seems that all can have opportunities if one looks for them. I think it is all about being aware. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteYou seem to have quite a food chain happening in your garden - nice set of animals and a nice set of pictures.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Stewart -- Yes, food chain definitely -- part of the natural connections process in nature. thanks for the nice comment ~~ barbara
DeleteMuch seems to have shifted for you since the move began. I admire your resilience and look forward to your take on the Northwest area you've decided upon. Your photos always intrigue me. Yesterday tried to capture a spider and web as spouse noted the fly caught, devoured--something your camera would have captured. More good wishes from your urban follower trying to balance politics with natural world.
ReplyDeletenaomi -- good to hear from you. Yes, the move has been tied up with other events so it has been a long process. Last night I arrived in the west and plan on looking for material with my camera very soon. Missed blogging while I was off. Good luck trying to balance politics with the natural world. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteYou shared a bountiful and beautiful album of nature with us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRaining Iguanas -- We are both devotees of Mother Nature -- we are charmed by her siren calls. thanks -- barbara
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