What if you meet a lion ... in Windsor?

Sabre's visit to Windsor 

It was a fine summer's evening.   Sabre was free, thanks to the new zoo keeper's incompetence at closing time.  He  made a dash for freedom setting off lights, alarms and sirens.  His old legs ran and ran and ran until he was well into the thick of the town centre stopping only to quench his thirst and feed on some discarded leftovers. He was tired now and hungry. He didn't have so much energy these days. His fierce, fast and ferocious days were dwindling.  As he wandered, he came upon a traveller asleep in a the shop doorway.   He tiptoed quietly and gazed upon the slumbering minstrel in her dreamlike world. Surely his good fortune could not last?  A veritable feast lay before him.  He raised his eyes heavenly in grateful thanks.  The old all-knowing moon shook her head with a definite, 'No!'

The minstrel stirred and woke to find Sabre towering above her.

'Oh, spare me sir, don't make me your supper.  I'm a weary traveller in need of some rest.  My guitar has magical powers and if you request,  I can charm cheeses, wine and food of the best'.

Sabre thought to himself, 'What a treat .. a travelling minstrel and one who can conjure up food with a tune'.  For a tired old lion without any teeth this was a wonderful find.  Perhaps the minstrel and he could become better acquainted?

Okay, okay ... just a little storytelling today.  Sabre, (not his real name), I met on a recent visit to Windsor town centre. I found him not far from Windsor Castle ..yes the Windsor Castle, the location of several royal weddings over the years.  Currently there are many beautifully painted lions in the area, each one standing colourful and proud.  The Lions Sculpture Trail is a public art initiative from The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  As well as a public art display for one and all to enjoy, the lions will be sold at the end of the viewing season to generate funds for three local charities.

What a great way to enjoy outdoor art and donate to a great cause at the same time.

Before I left, Sabre whispered quietly, 'Come back again and meet my colourful colleagues and bring your friends too!'

Not all lions are as talkative as Sabre, but a lion trail map is available (from the Information centre) for a nominal sum and a fun day out.  Enjoy! 
    

What prompts your writing?

Sometimes I sit down to write but inspiration avoids me.

Sometimes I sit and think, ‘What will I write today?’

Sometimes I sit and gaze out the window … waiting …

Like today, a beautiful autumnal morning, cold, with a little sunshine, white clouds gathering in a clear blue sky.  There’s a slight breeze, leaves dropping from the big eucalyptus tree at the bottom of the garden.  I watch them drifting slowly, gently, and softly to the ground … a flow of hypnotic and unhurried seconds from Mother Nature.

Just as I was drifting into a trance, a sudden movement caught my eye.  There he was, a huge spider weaving his web between the garden shed and an evergreen bush. I watched how he meticulously wove the shiny, silvery threads, slowly and with precision. He moved up and down, left to right, backwards and forwards creating and adapting as he went.  I wondered if he had planned the design before he started or whether or not he made it up as he went along? Every now and again the breeze blew at his work.  He stopped, secured himself safely in the centre of the web. When the breeze passed, he continued to weave, and didn’t allow himself to be distracted by the occasional butterfly who fluttered past checking progress from a safe distance.  I was transfixed by the intricate pattern he wove.  I sat.  I watched spellbound and in awe and admiration of his artwork.  I was impressed by his diligence, patience and perseverance.  I wondered if this spider had a message for me. What might that message be?  What might a spider share as he goes about his day-to-day business of web development? Maybe it’s about making something beautiful?  Maybe it’s about spending more time in the slower lane? Maybe it’s about how nature inspires us?

Sadly I was unable to capture a picture of his artwork. However, I have managed to locate something that may allow you to admire his handiwork courtesy of YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNtSAQHNONo

I’d like to thank a busy spider for my writing prompt today. Who would have guessed that he would be my inspiration? But wasn’t there someone else inspired by a spider … in Scotland … a long time ago?