A Tiny Tenant and a Mossy Little Home
This week, I found a small guest tucked between the window and blinds in my washroom. A curious little jumping spider with soft lashes and the calmest presence. The room is the most humid in the house, and the window faces my backyard. Maybe she wandered in by chance, or maybe she followed the warmth and quiet.
At first, I was going to release her outside. But I hesitated. Instead of rushing to get her outside, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole (something I find myself doing quite often…). I found the cutest enclosures for jumping spiders and began to search out supplies. The very next day (LOL) I had everything I needed to create a cute new home for her.
Now ready with moss, bark, a little coconut hideaway, a miniature tree and the enclosure I liked best, I carefully placed each piece like I was decorating a home, hoping she might feel safe enough to stay.
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I laugh when I think of how I must be perceived but then I stop ruminating. I’ve always been this way. The overgiver. The one who wants everything to feel special, even to a spider. Maybe especially to a spider. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if she had found her way here, the least I could do was offer something better than a cold windowpane.
She hasn’t moved in yet.
But, I still find myself checking on her, wondering if she’ll explore, wondering if she’ll choose it. Maybe she will. Maybe she won’t. But I know I made something good. Something soft and safe and wild with a fresh safe supply of water.
Gardening is teaching me to tend and this little spider is reminding me of why I do. Sometimes the gesture matters more than the outcome because doing for others sometimes in and of itself is rewarding. Often, making something beautiful just because is reason enough.
