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Friday, May 08, 2009

Friday Five: A Bug's Life


As I was walking the beach today, I was surprised and delighted to find it swarming with ladybugs. The sweet little red beetles are one of my favorite insects and also my daughter's blogname--though as of this morning she was thinking of changing it to Butterfly. I'll keep you posted.

This got me thinking about spiritual insect trivia: Did you know that medieval mystics and theologians esteemed the bee for its dedicated work and transformation of ordinary ingredients into sweetness? That Spider Woman is an important creator Goddess to many Native American tribes? Or that Francis of Assisi was reminded of Jesus not only by lambs being led to slaughter, but also by worms (think "I am a worm and no man" from the Psalms)-- so he picked them up and took them out of stomping-vulnerable spots?!
In that spirit, this week's Friday Five is a magical mystery tour through God's garden of creepy crawlies!
1. Ladybugs or ladybirds? Pillbugs or roly-polys? Jesus bugs or water skeeters? Any other interesting regional or familial name variations?
2. Stomp on spiders, carry them outside, or peacefully co-exist?
3. Favorite insect?
4. Least favorite?
5. Got any good bug stories to share?
Bonus question: share a poem, song, quotation, etc. about insects.


As always, let us know in comments if you play. Post a direct link to your blog entry in your comment using the following formulation in the comment box: <a href="the url of your blog post goes here">what you want the link to say goes here</a> For a complete how-to,


31 comments:

  1. I played on my holiday. Thanks for this. Have a great Friday

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  2. I'm SOOOooo not a bug person... as you will see HERE!!Deb

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  3. Anyone else heard the 'legend' that the Lady Bug is named in honor of the Virgin Mary? But why is that?

    Not so buggy yet in Pennsylvania, but when my crocus popped up in late February they were visited by early honeybees, which brought me to rejoicing in light of their mysterious demise.

    Bugs? Hmmm.. seen some huge bold carpenter bees... and some 'stink' bugs sunning themselves on the south of the house.

    I find it curious that Leviticus is very specific that most insects were not to be consumed...except for a few species of locusts.. paving the way for John the Baptist I guess.

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  4. I bugged out at www.foraseason.blogspot.com

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  5. I played whack 'cuz that's what one does in the Southwest...

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  6. I pretty much don't like bugs... but I talked about them here.

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  7. LOL at mompriest--and remembering a bug that I think came from Hell, not God's garden of creepy crawlies...right here. Come look if you dare.

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  8. It was so much fun to think of bugs rather than the mess at church. Thanks, Sophia. Go here.

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  9. sage1: Jane (third commenter) researched the ladybug question and posted in her play. Apparently the cute little beetles ate lots of aphids and helped medieval farmers save their crops, so they were considered a gift/blessing from Our Lady.

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  10. I'm not very bug-positive, but I played here.

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  11. Thanks for a fun play, Sophia! Creep, crawl, or fly over here.

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  12. I made it! My version, with song, is here

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. I had to play today. Come on over and find out why!

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  15. I played. I really try to love bugs, for the sake of my three girls (who this very moment are outside catching roly-poly bugs...but past dreams haunt me here.

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  16. creepie-crawlies? All God's creatures are beautiful - except insects! 'nuff said here you go

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  17. I shuddered and played here.I guess I'll take the bugs, since I love the warmer weather!

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  18. the mosquito! Why did I forget the mosquito?!

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  19. Once again I was not sufficiently awake when I posted earlier to post my link accurately. Let's try again!
    I played here!

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