Insects, Tramp's Bestiary, True Bugs

A Bug to Hug

45 Comments

Sometimes we can forget how fortunate we are. I am guessing that you are indoors right now, so am I.

Last August I was living on the street and at night it was so cold that I couldn’t control the shaking. I remember that well. I felt a bit chilly last night, this is the month that the nights turn cold.

Tonight and at this moment in time I have everything that I need. Shelter, food, warmth, a means to iron and wash my clothes so that I can mingle A shower and no fear of the police. I even have a Bug to Hug. Not everyone has all of these things.

I am what is known as a “Mark”, I can’t turn away from a man in trouble. The last time that I tried to live in a city I became instantly famous and it cost me five pounds to step out of my front door but it breaks my heart to see people suffer. I moved.

Some people think scrounger, probably makes more money than me, chooses to live that way etc. It is just that from my own experience I can’t think like that.

I don’t have much to give but I do have a Bug to Hug and sometimes that is enough. If you haven’t got a bug then please feel free to hug mine.

Bronze Shildbug

Bronze Shildbug

4

Bronze Shildbug

Bronze ShildbugThat is the larva of a Bronze Shieldbug and isn’t it lovely?

Although the people that I would like to reach don’t have access to indoors let alone a computer and can’t see this.

“I know. My love is with you. I haven’t got any money. Hang in there it might get better, fight as well as you can and I know.”

Bronze Shieldbug. It is Hug a Bug Day and if you are not in a position to hug a bug then let a bug hug you.

Bronze Shildbug

Bronze Shildbug

Bronze Shildbug

I am the lover of and supporter of the trodden on glasses also a member of the down trodden classes and I am happy with that.

45 thoughts on “A Bug to Hug”

  2. Thank you for sharing your story. You have a lot to give in smiles, since your posts make your readers smile each time we read them. Your humor and way with words, your knowledge, thank you for giving us that.

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  7. Unfortunately, we can’t always choose who we teach and when…just know that the people you are teaching are hungrily waiting for your posts every day.

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  8. Thanks for the personal insight intermingled with nature.

    I have a dear friend who runs one of only 5 open to all shelters not far from here. There’s only limited space, and folk can only stay 7 days, but when his marriage broke up he was just two steps away from falling apart and being in the same boat.

    It’s great to know you’ve a roof over your head and a great passion for nature that must enrich/touch thousands, you’re a darned good photographer to boot.

    Keep up the good work.

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  11. I’m glad you have a home now Colin; and that it is in the best of places – with nature;
    like many others, I love your posts too;
    all the best for your future;
    happy hug a bug day;
    Wren 🙂

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  12. Thanks for sharing your story. You deserve to have a warm and safe place to live. So does everyone else who lives on the streets.
    Keep your posts coming…they’re brilliant. 😊

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  14. Thanks for sharing your heart, Colin. I’m sorry you were homeless and sleeping in the cold. For various reasons, my brother was homeless and lived in the woods in a tent. Finally, a few years ago he got into a retirement home, but died suddenly this year. My heart goes out to those in need. If I were a millionaire, I’d give it all away! I love your little bug. I think maybe I could even hug this little guy. Blessings to you Colin!

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      1. Thank you so much, Colin. I’m working on something I think you will like. It’s taking me a while because I want it to be right, and I’m painting kitchen cabinets. Fun,fun! Happy Trails!

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  17. Thanks for sharing. I’m sorry to hear you had to live ‘rough’ – not a good thing in the winter (especially).

    Food, warmth in winter and a roof over one’s head are the basic things I wish for all people, but education and ‘options in life’ are second on the list. The freedom to chose how you want to live is priceless. Worth more than any high flying executive salary for which one has to work long hours and loaded down with stress.

    I love your bug shots – wonderful sharp focus and have often wondered what sort of camera you use. My camera gear is one of only two valuable things I possess – the Govt Disability Pension doesn’t go far when you have to pay high rent as well, but I was lucky enough to have a ‘nest egg’ and small inheritance to buy it with.

    Even though food and clothes are rather limited in ‘early’ retirement, I have to say that I’m the happiest I’ve even been in my life (apart from travelling overseas 35 years ago). The simple things in life are free and the opportunity to observe Nature and share it online with my photos is truly a joy.

    You certainly give joy with your nature observations and blog posts.

    I do so hope this better life continues.

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    1. Thank you Vicki 🙂 I agree the simple things are the best and I don’t find myself wanting much other than a new bug or flower to identify and learn about.
      My camera is a Panasonic FZ200 bridge camera. It is not very expensive, about £300 but it is a good bridge.
      I have at times had a lot in my life land, property, family and position but I am happier now that I have nothing. It is easy.

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      1. I’ve just read up on your Panasonic FZ200 as i wasn’t familiar with it. Was just wondering what you used as your focus is nice and sharp, so I knew it had to be a very steady hand or a great camera/lens. You certainly have a great eye for detail. I think the best flower photos I’ve taken have been with a tiny inexpensive Point & Shoot camera in 2010. But with practice, a DSLR is finally becoming familiar and easy.

        I live a frugal life since I had to take early retirement, but I’ve never been happier. Sometimes material possessions and high paying jobs are great burdens.

        And its not until we have nothing, that we come to appreciate each new day and the very nature of just being in the moment and the sheer joy of living.

        I hope you enjoy each day now that you’ve got a roof over your head & feel more safe & secure. Communing with Nature is one of the greatest healers and we are so lucky to be part of this natural world around us.

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  19. Lovely post and a gentle wake-up. Often it’s just taking time to share a moment that warms the hearts around us that means the most to those in need.
    If your readers have a garden, or live where they can harvest some wild edibles, why not pledge to take a bit of your harvest in to a shelter where it can be used to feed the hungry? You may not think a small bunch of carrots or a small bowl of berries is enough to make a difference, but if each of us who could did this, there would be plenty for those who have none.
    I’m just going out now to gather a few beets and carrots for the shelter here…

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