Welcome to the new series of Posts from Your Archives 2023 where I will be sharing posts from the last six months of 2022 I have selected from the archives of willing participants. If you wish to be included the information is at the the end of the post.
This is the second post from Denise Finn and she explores the meaning behind some interesting visitors.
#SpiritualGuides, #Poetry – Animal visits and their meaning—plus a poem by D.L. Finn
As you know, I love nature. I am at peace amongst the trees, by the river, or with an animal. You find this in my poetry and writing. There are times, though, when I lose my way. Stress builds up, and things get scattered. I take those times to sit and be in the forest or by any water. Usually, I get the balance I am seeking.
Sometimes, though, I seem to need a bit of extra help when messages from beyond come in different packages. I won’t go into the full message, but my takeaway from it.
Recently there have been many messages. The first one to get my attention was a bite from a black widow. Unusual since they usually hide. This one was sitting mid-air where I turn on the hose to water the plants. With very few side effects, I took this seriously and gratefully because it could have been so much worse. Spiders coming around me have always carried the message to be more creative. I apply this to my writing. Black widows can also warn that we are on the wrong path. To work on oneself and work on artistic endeavors. They are powerful females, and I believe here is the message I am one too.
My next event followed soon after with being attacked by several ground nesting bees on my ankles, while my husband and I were clearing our property for our home insurance (it was renewed.) 😊 They didn’t appreciate me raking over their nest. One clung to me as I raced back to the house. I finally got it off and got inside. Bees rarely bother me, so this was a new message to pay attention to my surroundings and trust my intuition. Got it! They are close by when I go outside, so I am paying attention to what is around me.
Coyotes have been making their presence more known lately. I’ve seen three this summer when I’ve never noticed any around the house or forest through the years. Maybe I’m paying more attention? One was walking through our front yard, and I only glimpsed it. The second time I was leaving the house in my car, one crossed the street and then stopped and stared at me. The third time I was exercising and saw two out the window. This couple headed for the Magical Trail. Seeing them includes the need to be more playful, adaptable, patient, and even having good luck. Also, I can handle what is coming to me.
Not a good picture, but here is the frog from that night.
Now the oddest of the bunch. A couple of days ago, I was in bed watching a movie while my husband played music. It was a calm, warm summer night. Right then, something wet splatted onto my arm, and I immediately hit it away. Then I jumped out of bed, flipped all the lights on, and began my search. Soon, I saw a little frog hopping along the floor. I have no idea how he got into the house or my bedroom, but he was there. The little frog gave me the most intense stare when I captured him. He was soon moved to the outside water fountain. I looked up a frog’s meaning and was relieved to find it was good luck. Jumping on me could mean a period of growth, abundance, and getting to know myself better.
Then there are the white feathers. I see many of them on my walk, and we don’t have white birds here, gray yes, white no. I feel only love coming from those, though.
So, many messages lately signal to me that a change is coming. I can already see the start of it and my part to play. It may involve a helping role while ensuring I take care of myself. A balancing act. I’m hoping that it will all work out for the best. It sounds like everything will ultimately be okay according to the messages received. Fingers crossed.
What about you? Do you get little messages too? Does it make it into your writing?
I’ll end this with a haiku:
gentle breeze
blows forest magic
in my soul
Embrace your inner child by reading a magical book! D. L. Finn
©D.L. Finn 2022
My thanks to Denise for inviting me to share from her archives and I recommend that you pop in there each month to enjoy her recommendations. I know she would love to hear from you.
About D.L. Finn
D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her
A selection of books by D.L. Finn
One of the reviews for A Voice in the Silence
Joan H A blend of genres into a satisfying read
Isolated during a snowstorm with a serial killer on the loose? Sounds like the making of a compelling thriller. A Voice in The Silence is that and more.
After her husband’s death, Drea Burr grieves for him. Not only that, she lost her beloved canine shortly afterward, and her relationship with her son has become strained. When three animals, a dog, a cat, and a rat, show up at her house, she takes them in. It’s not long before she discovers the animals are “unique.”
When Drea becomes the target of a serial killer, she not only gets help from the animals, but also from her deceased husband’s best friend, Adam.
This book is a blend of genres—paranormal, romance, thriller, ghost fiction—and Finn does a wonderful job at blending the genres into a compelling and satisfying story. And just when you think Drea believes her problems are behind her, something else happens that keeps readers turning the pages.
A Voice in The Silence is perfect for lovers of sci-fi, paranormal, romance, and of course, animals. Suspend your disbelief and go along for the ride. You won’t be disappointed.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor
How to feature in the series?
- All I need you to do is give me permission to dive in to your archives and find two posts to share here on Smorgasbord. (sally.cronin@moyhill.com)
- Rather than a set topic, I will select posts at random of general interest across a number of subjects from the second six months of 2022. (it is helpful if you have a link to your archives in your sidebar by month)
- As I will be promoting your books as part of the post along with all your information and links so I will not be sharing direct marketing or self- promotional posts in the series.
- If you are an author I am sure you will have a page on your blog with the details, and an ‘about page’ with your profile and social media links (always a good idea anyway). I will get everything that I need.
- As a blogger I would assume that you have an ‘about page’ a profile photo and your links to social media.
- Copyright is yours and I will ©Your name on every post… and you will be named as the author in the URL and subject line.
- Previous participants are very welcome to take part again.
- Each post is reformatted for my blog and I don’t cut and paste, this means it might look different from your own post especially if you are using the block editor
- If I do share a post which contains mainly photographs I will share up to five and link back to the original post for people to view the rest.
N.B – To get the maximum benefit from your archive posts, the only thing I ask is that you respond to comments individually and share on your own social media.. thank you.
Pingback: Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2023 #Potluck – #SpiritualGuides, #Poetry – Animal visits and their meaning—plus a poem by D.L. Finn — Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Typography
Thanks for sharing.
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How frightening to be bitten by a black widow spider! Glad you got treated and were able to make some sense out of it.
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Thanks Sharon..hugsx
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Thanks, Sharon:) I was lucky I didn’t react. My grandson insists it was only a warning not a full bite. Either way, I watch for them now.
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I’m terrified of spiders, especially the dangerous ones. I’d have freaked out.
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I know where you are coming from Sharon, one holiday in France when I was stripping the bed after a week I found there was a scorpion between the mattress and the sheet and I had been sleeping on it all week. I hasten to add it was now deceased… but not sure for how long. ♥
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Black Widow spiders freak me out, spiders freak me out. Glad you were all right in the end. Enjoyable read.
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Thanks Jane ♥
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Me too, Jane!
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I am scratching myself now just thinking about them.
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Thanks, Jane. Black widows have always worried me and I don’t like them anywhere near me. Thisxwas pretty unusual and I watch where I walk outside now.
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We managed a few guitarists – as well as bands – and there was one who came to live with us for a while. He had pet tarantulas and we didn’t know about them – kept in his room – until packets of ‘chirping’ things came through the post every day.
The ‘things’ turned out to be live crickets and he fed the spiders with them! Dear God! After he’d left I still got the creepy crawlies every time I went into that room. Itched like mad imagining baby spiders left behind were crawling all over me. He’d have had to live somewhere else had we known.
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That sounds horrendous Jane OMG.. ♥
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I can never get over them. My skin crawls thinking of them, and the noise they made.
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♥
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So lovely! Thank you, Sally, for featuring Denise today. I share the comfort she finds in nature, so beautifully captured in her haiku. Hugs to you both. 🤗
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Thanks Gwen and I love nature and draw such inspiration from it.. ♥
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Thanks, Gwen. I do find my comfort and sometimes my fears in nature. I needed to reread this today 🙂
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Nice to see Denise featured here today. I’m also a nature lover.
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Wonderful thanks Joan ♥
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Thank you, Joan 😉 Nature has it all for us. Xo
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Spiders and bees? Uh… no. But I love how you embrace all aspects of nature. And the poem was perfect. Great work, Denise.
Thanks, Sally.
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Thanks Staci hugsx
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Yes, wasn’t my idea of a good combination… lol. I was extremely careful outside for a while, Staci. A very loud message that is still being heard. Xo
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Ugh, spiders! Lols 😂 Great archive share, Sally and Denise. Hugs 💕🙂
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Thanks very much Harmony…. with you on the spiders except George who I had as a pet….. ♥
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Lol! I can handle most spiders except black widows. Yet, they seem to find me, Harmony. So far the message isn’t toxic. Hugs xo
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💖
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Wow, some of those were ominous. My city has started to get cayotes wandering around here too, we often have warnings posted in our lobby to be careful on walking trails. But feathers, yes, they are always a comforting sign of a hello from heaven. ❤
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Thanks Diana.. I have a thing about butterflies and always see them as messengers… a bit scary about the trails.. ♥♥
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Yes, very loud messages. The coyotes have made me rethink walking alone on our trail since we lost our dog last year. They are beautiful creatures though but also hunters. The feathers always make me smile 🙂 A very welcomed hello!
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❤
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This was a great post from Denise to share, Sally. I very much pay attention to odd animal or insect visits. Not too long ago, I had a little ladybug inside my apartment. I live on the fourth floor, and it was dead winter, so I definitely took it as a message. fun stuff!
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I agree Jan and the more I watch the birds in our garden the more atuned I get to the weather for example. They know well before we do what is coming.. ♥
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I also had a encounter a few weeks ago with a lady bug, Jan! There was a cup left outside that had filled up with rainwater. Floating in it was a ladybug. I poured it out and couldn’t believe it was alive and it flew off. And it was so cold outside. Definitely a message 🙂
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What a beautiful post from Denise. I must have missed this one, so I’m delighted you shared it, Sally. I love her takeaways from her encounters with different wildlife and how she transforms even painful experiences into something meaningful and positive. Thanks to Denise for the wonderful post and to you for sharing. ❤
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Thanks very much Diana and delighted to showcase Denise and the post ♥♥
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Thank you, Diana 🙂 I’m glad Sally chose this one, it was one I needed to see again. Glad you liked it. Nature has a lot to offer us xo
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This weekend, it’s offering two days of snow. Lol. A beautiful post, my friend.
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Lol
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What a great approach to these natural messages. I might see them all as bad luck! Now, I will be more open-minded.
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Great to hear Jacqui… enjoy your weekend hugsx
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Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 I figure if I don’t listen the messages will only get louder 🙂
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A terrific post from Denise. Thanks for featuring her today, Sally
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Thanks John..hugsx
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Thank you, John 🙂
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😊
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Like Diana and Jacqui, it’s the positive aspects taken from these signs that is so encouraging. I’m not sure, though, that anything can convince me that a close encounter with a spider could ever be a fortunate event! I do love nature, however, and even a spell in the garden can do me good. Love the haiku – beautiful! xx
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Thanks Alex and I agree an hour in the garden is just the tonic I need right now ♥
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Thanks, Alex 🙂 If I take in their message I find they leave me alone! Yes, nothing like being in nature and gardening. Of course I am more careful now and try not to rush or be in my head.
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Denise, your love and appreciation of nature came through loud and clear in Tree Fairies. I have Just her Poetry Seasons of a Soul in my Kindle and it’s agitating to be read! 🙂
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Wonderful thanks Alex ♥
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I hope you enjoy it, Alex. My love of nature is in there.
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A good review.
Loved reading about all of the omens, and I’m glad they are all posative.
Not sure about the black widow or the frog jumping on you, but glad you saw the positive.
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Thanks sue ♥
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Thanks, Sue 🙂 I had to really reflect to find some positives but they were there.
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Thank you for having me here today, Sally. I love the post you picked. It was a message I needed to hear at this moment again. Nature gifts us so much. Right now its the birds and squirrels visiting for a winter meal. Xo hugs
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Pleasure Denise and it definitely struck a chord with me… even in the winter the daily contact with all the different birds coming down to feed touches a part nothing else can.. hugs
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Interesting post! I’m not much of one for messages, but I definitely turn to nature for comfort, not to say sanity. I’d say those stings and bites are certainly a message to pay attention–not a bad reminder for any of us.
I too have left the Bay Area, but moved back home to Seattle, where we have no venomous snakes or spiders. I like that 🙂
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Thanks Rebecca… there is a lot to be said for slightly colder climates. Glad there are no snakes here either but spiders try to get in out of the rain in the autumn. Enjoy your weekend.
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Thank you, Rebecca 🙂 I do need to pay more attention that is for sure. I like there is no venomous spiders and snakes there too! A big plus 🙂
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Wonderful post. Thanks for letting us revisit it.
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Thanks Craig and enjoy your weekend..xx
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Thanks, Craig 🙂
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Wonderful share, Sally. I’m okay with spiders, but a black widow and brown recluse are two spiders that freak me out. Thanks for featuring Denise today!❤️
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Me too Jill… glad you enjoyed the post as much as I did. ♥
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Thanks, Jill. I’m with you on those two spiders. I check everything before touching it now.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks very much Michael and enjoy your weekend..hugsx
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Wow, i have never seen a Black Widow in real. Great experiences by Denise. Here are only some blue tits. They are always trying to enter the house, and building their nests inside. Lol xx Michael
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I agree Michael.. and knowing your weather is more ferocious than ours I don’t blame those blue tits at all.. Swallows used to nest in our garage in Spain each year and they would get very angry when we entered to take the car out and we then had to hose off the roof of it.. But the upside was allowing them to nest in there and around the house each year kept the mosquitos down considerably… Let them in and they will keep the spiders out lol.. hugs
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I prefer not to see another black widow again, Micheal. I encourage as many birds to visit as I can to help keep that population down! Ww have starlings that hid in our garage when it snows 🙂 i don’t blame them its nicer inside!
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Fantastic, Denise – I’m always glad not to see a spider.
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Some believe them to be lucky but I don’t mind in some rooms of the house but can’t bear to see them in the bedroom, particularly on the ceiling about the bed… not sleep at all..♥
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Thanks, Toni 🙂 I’d much rather not see them too, especially the widows!
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Thank you for sharing, Sally, as this is a thoughtful post from Denise and I must have missed it the first time. Thank you, Denise. Spiders…eekkk, and yes, there are messages all around and it is a timely reminder of how we can see them in nature, Denise. White feathers are a direct message from our loved ones in spirit, I believe and I find them so comforting. 💗
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Thanks for sharing your experience Jane and I agree there are some signs that are hard to ignore.. ♥
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Thanks, Jane 🙂 If I can catch a spider they go outside, but if they are over me or near me they may not see the outside again…lol. Black widows I never want to see and usually don’t. This one dangling in midair was so strange. She stayed there all day until my husband relocated her. I figured since I didn’t get sick it was the least we could do. Yes, I find a lot of comfort in finding those feathers too.
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Nobody hates spiders more than I, though I don’t kill them, but this post was beautiful in so many ways. I love how you’ve found meaning in the things you see around you, Denise, even one that could have been deadly. What a positive way to look at the world! Beautiful! 🤗❤️🤗
Thanks for sharing Sally! Still rockin’, my friend! 😀 ❤
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Thanks very much Marcia and I will keep rockin’ as long as you do too.. ♥
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Thanks, Marcia 🙂 I try to relocate our spiders too. Only the ones that are too close to me I can’t control my immediate reaction. Yes, I was grateful the bite didn’t do what I have heard of happening to others. A warning bit as my grandson called it. My husband relocated her since I didn’t have an extreme reaction or she just barely bit me. Nature is an amazing place full of wisdom and a few lessons. Xo
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An interesting post by Denise. During the Covid summer we saw so many spider nests. I t was the most unusual thing as I haven’t seen any since. I think weather and conditions do change from year to year and you see more or less of certain creatures. A lovely haiku too.
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Thanks Robbie… I noticed more wildlife in the gardens that would normally be more reticent such as hedgehogs and different types of bird to the norm.. Less traffic and human noise in the gardens and perhaps less pollution.. ♥
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💞🌺
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Thanks, Robbie. There was an abundance of spiders last year, I’m hoping it was a one time thing. A widow dangling in midair was nothing I’d seen before. They usually run and hid. Yes, the weather makes a huge difference and I think with all the extra wildlife we had the last couple of years will dwindle with the unusual amount of snow we are still getting.
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Definitely the insects will decline
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Beautiful haiku and I hope the next messages are a bit less eventful for Denise. Thanks, Sally.
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I hope so too Olga hugsx
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Wow! Spiders, bees, coyotes, and frogs! That’s an awful lot of messengers coming to you, Denise. I’m glad the black widow bite wasn’t serious. I’m not a fan of spiders. All the other critters, I can handle. Spiders? Nope! I love the haiku.
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Thanks Beem… glad you enjoyed. x
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