Every facet of this offering is edifying. I feel it on a cellular level. You are doing something special with your work here. And this particular piece begs to be a children's book.
What a beautiful dream, Kim. I've long admired books like Arnold Lobel's "Owl at Home" Jill Barklem's "Brambly Hedge" series, Milne's "Winnie The Pooh" and so many others. I loved reading those to my kids as bedtime stories--or sometimes first thing in the morning. I remember my kids used to ask, "Can we have a wake-up story?" 😊
I was just about to ask about influences, Ann. Besides your awe-inspiring forest, what other wondrous sources have contributed to this magical world you've so graciously shaped and shared?
What a beautiful question, Jos. I guess the forest has always been a special place for me, and strongly linked to the fairytales I loved in childhood. I read a lot of Hans Christian Andersen (The Little Match Girl ❤️) and Grimm’s. And I still have a special copy of Little Red Riding Hood with the most beautiful illustrations. I am a Christian who loves the ancient practice of contemplative prayer as well. I guess it all influences me. Thanks for asking. I appreciate your reading and thoughtful insights. 💛
Your story is absolutely wonderful, Ann! As with all your writing it is so multilayered, insightful and beautifully reflects the worlds you observe and reflect back to us. This time the world of beetles - the Scatterlings themselves. What a treat to have my music accompany your tender story. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Thank you for reading here, Melanie. Beetles make up 25% of all species on Earth right now-close to 400,00--with so many more to be discovered. It leaves one filled with awe.
I meant to say... I have long been haunted by that quote, that God has an inordinate fondness for beetles. I can't remember where I stumbled upon it, but in my mind I associate it with a display of beetles at Harvard's Museum of Natural History. They may have included the quote in the display, or it's possible the exhibit just triggered my memory of the quote I'd read previously.
But it's one of my favorites in the museum, a beautiful array of beetles, shining carapaces like jewels. Of course a little sad because they are all lifeless, but seeing them reminds me of all the crawling brothers and cousins in all the far corners of the world.
Ah me as well! I would love to see the exhibit at Harvard. The infinite artistic and poetic imagination of God, the author of all Beauty, it is a humbling and joyful thing.
What a treat to listen to the track while reading your delightful piece. Your homage to the scatterlings made my heart want to sing along with them. So many critters doing the humble work for turning hard into soft! “Tomorrow, she begins her seven years of chewing dark, making hardness soft, for a stranger she will never meet.”
Thank you, Mark! I feel like there’s something about collaboration that can encourage us to stretch and grow. It was a beautiful experience, and I’m so grateful for it all.
I know right - it blows me away! It's the same with most insects. Like, flies. I never realised there were SO MANY different kinds of flies. Amazing! Love the way you bring this to light, and love the animal becomings throughout. Beautiful.
Oh, my heart. This collection of beetle poems would make a wonderful tiny chapbook or mini poetry zine. Have you heard of Tiny Wren Lit? Submissions reopen in 2026...
Thank you for your vote of confidence MK! So glad you liked this story. I agree, Tiny Wren Lit makes wonderful mini-chap books. They made Kortney Garrison’s “Every Broken Year” which I love so much for the poetry, but also as a very beautiful physical object. Maybe I’ll try to make a submission. I really appreciate your encouragement.
A great piece of music to listen to and peaceful images of bugs doing their part to further life. I’m just readying for bed and my head will undoubtedly dream of insect seams to hold us together.
Beautiful! I love the magical realism of this story!
I'm sure you read wonderful stories to your little ones, Justus. And also, we are never too old for a good bedtime story!!
Lovely!!
Thank you so much, Shital!
Every facet of this offering is edifying. I feel it on a cellular level. You are doing something special with your work here. And this particular piece begs to be a children's book.
What a beautiful dream, Kim. I've long admired books like Arnold Lobel's "Owl at Home" Jill Barklem's "Brambly Hedge" series, Milne's "Winnie The Pooh" and so many others. I loved reading those to my kids as bedtime stories--or sometimes first thing in the morning. I remember my kids used to ask, "Can we have a wake-up story?" 😊
Wake up stories... precious moments! 💜
I was just about to ask about influences, Ann. Besides your awe-inspiring forest, what other wondrous sources have contributed to this magical world you've so graciously shaped and shared?
What a beautiful question, Jos. I guess the forest has always been a special place for me, and strongly linked to the fairytales I loved in childhood. I read a lot of Hans Christian Andersen (The Little Match Girl ❤️) and Grimm’s. And I still have a special copy of Little Red Riding Hood with the most beautiful illustrations. I am a Christian who loves the ancient practice of contemplative prayer as well. I guess it all influences me. Thanks for asking. I appreciate your reading and thoughtful insights. 💛
I agree, it really is a pleasure to read and feel this.
Thank you, Wes.
I love how you are re-enchanting the web that surrounds us, helping us to see the magic that is already there.
Thank you, Markael. It is wondrous and beautiful!
God bless the beetles!
Indeed Hasse.
.
"Angels feasted on existence and God kept saying,
'Have more of what I made.'"
.
Your story is absolutely wonderful, Ann! As with all your writing it is so multilayered, insightful and beautifully reflects the worlds you observe and reflect back to us. This time the world of beetles - the Scatterlings themselves. What a treat to have my music accompany your tender story. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Glyn, these words were steeped in your music, making everything sound so much better.
I thank you, my friend. It was an absolute joy!
Thank you for the beautiful feast of music and images and words and for the journey into this oft-overlooked world.
Thank you for reading here, Melanie. Beetles make up 25% of all species on Earth right now-close to 400,00--with so many more to be discovered. It leaves one filled with awe.
I meant to say... I have long been haunted by that quote, that God has an inordinate fondness for beetles. I can't remember where I stumbled upon it, but in my mind I associate it with a display of beetles at Harvard's Museum of Natural History. They may have included the quote in the display, or it's possible the exhibit just triggered my memory of the quote I'd read previously.
But it's one of my favorites in the museum, a beautiful array of beetles, shining carapaces like jewels. Of course a little sad because they are all lifeless, but seeing them reminds me of all the crawling brothers and cousins in all the far corners of the world.
Ah me as well! I would love to see the exhibit at Harvard. The infinite artistic and poetic imagination of God, the author of all Beauty, it is a humbling and joyful thing.
Lovely! Wonderful.
Thank you for telling me, Sherry! So glad you liked it🐞
What a treat to listen to the track while reading your delightful piece. Your homage to the scatterlings made my heart want to sing along with them. So many critters doing the humble work for turning hard into soft! “Tomorrow, she begins her seven years of chewing dark, making hardness soft, for a stranger she will never meet.”
I think of your writing like this, Kimberly. You will never know all the ones you serve, but that's ok. It's a mystery, and just as it should be. xo 💛
This is brimful with gentle compassion. Beautifully composed, Ann!
Thank you, Mark! I feel like there’s something about collaboration that can encourage us to stretch and grow. It was a beautiful experience, and I’m so grateful for it all.
What a wonderful read Ann! Inspiring!
.
stars & beetles:
two ways of knowing
the infinite
.
🖤
Thank you, Dick! So many cool beetle species in existence and so Many still to be discovered!
I know right - it blows me away! It's the same with most insects. Like, flies. I never realised there were SO MANY different kinds of flies. Amazing! Love the way you bring this to light, and love the animal becomings throughout. Beautiful.
💛💛💛
This is magical, Ann.
Thank you for reading LeeAnn! 🐞❤️
Thank you for this tender, touching story 🙏 the music and images are perfect. "Love is our work", and yours too 💚
Thanks for taking the time to respond, it truly matters to me. Much love to you, Jacqueline! 🐞🪲
🪲💚🐛💚🙏✨💚
Oh, my heart. This collection of beetle poems would make a wonderful tiny chapbook or mini poetry zine. Have you heard of Tiny Wren Lit? Submissions reopen in 2026...
Thank you for your vote of confidence MK! So glad you liked this story. I agree, Tiny Wren Lit makes wonderful mini-chap books. They made Kortney Garrison’s “Every Broken Year” which I love so much for the poetry, but also as a very beautiful physical object. Maybe I’ll try to make a submission. I really appreciate your encouragement.
I keep coming back to this. It is wonderful. And I agree with Kim, it would make an amazing children’s book.
Oh Ann, that was just soooo lovely to read, to look at the photos, watch the videos of my beloved beetles, listen to the children singing. Thank you.
Thank you, Wes! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Music has such fine power to lift us. And the little ones singing--it is glorious. Their joy. 💛
A great piece of music to listen to and peaceful images of bugs doing their part to further life. I’m just readying for bed and my head will undoubtedly dream of insect seams to hold us together.
Thomas, how lovely. Sleep well, dear one.