Post title taken from a few small lines in my favourite childhood book, Charlotte's Web. The book that my husband is currently reading to my eldest daughter. I listen in while they read her new copy, which sounds hauntingly as emotive as the day I first picked it up to read when I was her age.
A tear will still form when I read that passage at the end; "Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both."
While repairing a sock monkey for Olivia at the kitchen table today, she asked me how I knew to make a right choice. I told her that I listen to my belly. I told her if my belly hurts, or feels achy, that the choice is wrong. That the belly is much smarter than the brain. She immediately got it.
Like Charlotte's web, where encouragement and support came in the form of a single word woven into a web, sometimes it's the simplest of gestures that help another person out. A simple explanation. A tiny thoughtful word of encouragement. Taking a moment out of the day to ponder thoughts and questions.
And so we end our Good Friday, by listening to the loud and tangible thoughts and opinions of our bellies. We make the right choices.
***
Wanting my wedding to happen that much sooner NOW.
Oh! I found the most beautiful photo collaboration blog, HERE.
~Photos by Gillian da Silva, taken today on Good Friday in my kitchen, and in the wood down by Crystal Beach near my home.
Oh, I cannot, cannot re-read this book - I just tear up when I try. It is wonderful, but so heartbreaking. Like life, I guess.
And yes! I always pay attention to my belly - it is so much smarter than I.
Posted by: debi | April 10, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Beautiful thoughts on a good day of sharing good things
Posted by: Paige | April 10, 2009 at 08:48 PM
me too, Debi
I get all welly...lumpy in my throat. There are so many tender moments between the pig and the spider that it is impossible to reread.
xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | April 10, 2009 at 08:55 PM
It was a day of sharing. In fact, I'm sharing dill pickle popcorn right now and must get off the computer, because a Planet Earth video just went in and the kids would like their mother to watch it with them!!! xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | April 10, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Now THAT's a kickass wedding photo! Chica, you are going to have a beautiful wedding day, but let me ask you, who's going to keep the helicopters away?? The papparazzi and wedding crashers?? Something to thing about, eh?? (Do I sound Canadian with the "eh?") ;)
Now how about that quote from Charlotte's Web, eh? How sweet is that?? I have the book somewhere on the shelf, but have never read it. The movie...we have it, too, and it breaks my heart every time I see it.
PS - I love these three photos, btw. I'll have you know I smiled and said "Queso" for the second one! ;) Happy Easter, Chica...to you and your fam!! :)
Posted by: Scarlet | April 11, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Beautiful photos! And Charlotte's Web...it played a big role in my own childhood. Sigh. And you're so right about that feeling in the pit of your stomach when something is wrong. You are a wonderful mom and a wise woman. (And you'll be a beautiful bride!) Love to you, beautiful! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | April 11, 2009 at 09:07 AM
What a beautiful story. And, those pictures are amazing. Happy Easter weekend to you!
Posted by: Grey Street Girl | April 11, 2009 at 02:44 PM
lovely photos, like the depth of field a lot. In the second picture it seems that you applied tilt shift .. is that true or accidental?
Posted by: Nabeel | April 11, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Such lovely images Gillian. Like Tara said, you will make an amazingly lovely bride.
Posted by: Yoli | April 11, 2009 at 09:12 PM
I love the photo of the private beach....
too cool.
Posted by: gemma | April 11, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Gillian,
What a beautiful post. Today I will remember all the love Charlotte had for Wilbur...
Kate
Posted by: Kate Robertson | April 12, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Are those the mini PC cupcakes? I almost bought some yesterday and now I wish I had ... great shots. For next year, I saw the most amazing eggs died using old silk ties from good will ... http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/silk-dyed-eggs.html
xo
Kath
Posted by: soeurs du jour | April 12, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Oh. I love occasions of synchronicity just like this one: On Thursday I began reading Charlotte's Web to my class of second graders. I find myself falling in love with this old favorite all over again.
Posted by: Relyn | April 14, 2009 at 11:54 AM
must know more about the little tiny camera in the second picture....
Posted by: julochka | April 14, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Great shots..love the camera and the gate shot especially! We just watched the original the other night (again). My son loves the movie and each time we see a spider we refer to it as Charlotte or one of her babies. This morning my son reached over , petted my head and called me Mama Charlotte:) A tear-jerker of a book and movie, especially when they sing "Mother Earth and Father Time"
Posted by: Christine | April 19, 2009 at 01:39 PM