I would have said it was impossible.
The snail caught my eye while I was playing around with my camera in the front garden. It was on the edge of a bishop’s weed blossom, perched in what seemed a slightly precarious position.
Be careful, little one!
I leaned in for a closer look.
I’m not fond of the destruction snails can wreak in a garden, but I still think they’re kind of cute. As I watched this one, it stretched it’s head out toward a nearby blossom.
“Taking some time to smell the roses,” I thought, smiling.
Then, as I watched, it stretched even further across the empty space toward the blossom.
Uh, oh! That looks risky! What’s it doing?
I squatted down and prepared to watch the drama unfold.
It was hard to see exactly what was happening, but within a short time, the snail had somehow grasped onto some of the adjacent blossom,
What’s it doing? Is it eating? Is it using its mouth or its foot?
As I watched, it became clear that eating was not its primary intention at this time.
No way! It’s not going to try that, is it?
But the snail, far more intrepid than I, was clearly charting its trajectory forward, pulling itself closer to its intended destination. I watched, astonished.
Bit by bit, it moved forward, committed to its path. I held my breath, wondering at the outcome, marveling at the snail’s unhesitating flowing movement forward. Slowly, but surely, the two blossoms came closer together as the snail manipulated them, its body bridging the gap between them.
In a surprisingly short amount of time, the snail was clearly entrenched on the second blossom.
It’s actually going to make it.
As the snail moved forward, the previous perch released and swung back to its original position. The snail continued onward. I sat back on my heels, dumbfounded. I considered how far the snail must have already come and how far it must be going. I marveled at its steady path forward across daunting, seemingly impossible, barriers.
Just look at the distance between those two blossoms! Look at the length of the snail’s body! Incredible, right?
Before this moment when I stopped to watch its journey, I would have said it was impossible.
Nix the comfort zone 
Absolutely stunning. It might even be metaphorical. 😉
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Thanks! It was one of those moments that reminded me of the rewards of slowing down and paying attention.
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Yes, focus can be everything. We miss so much when we don’t see what we are looking at.
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What a beautiful and powerful small moment story that illustrates what is possible. Children’s book, maybe? You should consider publishing it! I love this line, “I marveled at its steady path forward across daunting, seemingly impossible, barriers.” The way you so cleverly embed the theme right there … well done!
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Thanks so much! I learned a lot just watching this small snail!
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I was pulling for the snail the whole time. A lovely photo journey.
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That snail taught me a lot about guts and determination!
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Honestly, I’m with Lanny: this could be a book. Your photos are amazing & your amazement is palpable. The way you intertwine your reaction with the snail’s journey made me want to go back and read this again. In fact, I did!
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Thanks, Amanda. I’m glad my amazement came through. I had no idea what a snail was capable of!
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This is a fun post, it lifted my spirits, thanks.
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Thanks for letting me know! It felt good to write about something positive.
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I loved watching that snail move around. Thanks for taking the time to capture it and share it with us.
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I’m going to be watching those snails a bit more carefully going forward. Who knows what else they might be capable of doing! lol
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I’m with Lanny and Amanda.This would definitely make a great picture book! You hooked me from the first sentence! Your use of first person point of view and the excitement of your thoughts are great tools and kept this reader waiting for each word or photo. Love how you took it full circle ending with your beginning, reminding the reader throughout the story that the impossible is possible with patience and determination! I also love how you teach the reader that being in nature and watching nature is joyful, rewarding, and knowledgeable. Happy for you that nature is bringing you joy and positivity in your mind and writing, again.
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Thanks so much for this thoughtful comment, Gail. I was relieved to be able to write something positive again!
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Super!!
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Thanks!
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That’s crazy! It makes me realize anything is possible if we just keep on stretching!
So glad you stayed to watch and then share with us all!
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Thanks, Christine. It’s amazing how much there is to see in a small patch of garden when you actually pay attention!
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Amazing photos and opportunity to see the snail in action. And yes, this goes perfect with the SOL quote for today! 🙂
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It was a perfect fit with the quote, wasn’t it! 🙂
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Captivating series of pictures. One helluva camera, one helluva photographer. I sent this posting on to two scientists, their focus is whales, in California. The questions that could come out of this from your fourth graders!
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Thanks, Dan. It was a delightful few moments with the snail and pretty eye-opening for me!
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