Praying Mantis coincidence?

Is it a coincidence? Or could it be the same praying mantis (she looks the same size)? Let's see, the other day I transported the praying mantis in my car to New York and released her in the parking lot. Did she hitch a ride back to Jersey via my car? If so, did she travel from my car to my friend's car (a few houses away) and wind up in Virginia where my friend took these pictures? (photos by BD)

praying mantises

A colloquial name for the order is "praying mantises", because of the typical "prayer-like" stance, although the term is often mis-spelled as "preying mantis." The word mantis is Greek for "prophet" or "fortune teller."

Today I carpooled with a praying mantis. I adjusted my rearview mirror and was pleasantly surprised when I spotted the insect roaming slowly across the back window. She was long in length and very pretty. We drove to work together and then I took some pictures with my camera phone (I was disappointed that I didn’t have my camera with me). I carefully assisted the insect out of the car. It didn't take long for me to entice her to walk onto my hand. She must have enjoyed being there because I couldn’t remove her when I tried to place her in a bush. She gently started to crawl up my arm, but eventually I was able to persuade her to cling to a bush in the parking lot.

It was a great way to start the day!

Beautiful Girl

Kelly authored this wonderful poem about their days growing

up in Bergenfield and she really surprised us when she read it

at Laura's memorial birthday celebration. We have so many terrific

memories from the years we spent in Bergenfield.

It was one of our lucky days when Kelly's parents moved next door.

We have known Kelly and Renee since the day they were born;

soon after they became part of our extended family.

Kelly, I can't thank you enough for writing your thoughts

so beautifully. You truly captured Laura's spirit and triggered

so many great memories (including how much Renee

and Laura were at each other's throat one minute and the

next they were kissing and making up and promising

to stay friends forever). I will treasure this forever.

God bless you always.

(Please click on the poem)

My daughter, my friend

Today, I finally had time to visit "An Angels Touch Gift Shop" in Forked River. I have been wanting to stop in but never had the time, so after I was done working for the day I took a ride to the shop. I met gracious women in the store. Melinda & Liz were so welcoming that another customer and I stayed there for a couple of hours just talking! Both women shared some of their life experiences with us. I never did get the customer's name, but it doesn't matter. We were all there for a reason and it was well worth the trip.

While there, a customer came in looking for a unique gift for her friend who was moving. She asked us to help her and we did. She purchased a beautiful healing blanket. There are so many wonderful ones to choose. They are all handmade (and very soft) by a mom and her two daughters and blessed by a priest at St. Mary's. The family also prays the Rosary over each blanket before distributing them for sale.

I could not resist buying a beautiful angel which has a saying inscribed on the fold of her dress: My daughter, my friend. I am going to place it along side the angel that Laura bought me which has an endearing verse (I will post a picture and verse of the angel later).

Laura always put a lot of thought into her gifts, so when you received one from her you knew it was from her heart.

An Angels Touch Gift Shop

All Occasion Gifts

angelstouchall@gmail.com