I was walking through the living room when I saw some old, dead, miniature roses in one of Maria’s exotic pots. I thought it was beautiful to see these dust-covered dead roses. As I got closer, I saw a web, and when I got even closer, I saw a pretty good-sized spider moving around the web. The scene was beautiful.

It was a great spot for the spider, with sunlight during the day and warmth at night; we never once saw him in the candle holder, not until I took it outside to photograph it. I love the dead roses; they have so much character.

These roses were more beautiful in death than so many artificial things are in life. I took the flowers outside; it was getting dark, so I placed them where the light was behind them. I wish there had been more light. The spider climbed up, aware of me. We stood close together for a while; I spoke softly to him. After a half dozen photos, he slit down and disappeared into the iron vase. The scene was beautiful to me, as was the spider himself.

I talked with the spider for a while and explained that the spider bites I got this year almost landed me in the hospital, so I wouldn’t get close or talk for too long. I said I would leave him and his iron candle holder outside on the porch, not in the house. I felt curiously close to him, and we made a connection. I’ve often connected to people and things I’ve photographed. I wonder if I will see him again, hopefully not in the house. “We all have our place in the world, spider,” I said when we parted, “you and me both.”

Then I decided this beautiful scene should lead off my Flower Art, followed by some color and light. I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. We are going to get Maria’s car in the morning.
I look forward to seeing you after that.

Dead roses in the flower bed.

A new friend, the spider in the old candle holder.

Flower Art, The Rise Of Autumn

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