Koi Pond

Tainted

Today's earworm is a classic that first came to our attention sometime in high school (eons ago now) when Soft Cell covered it to great acclaim:  Tainted Love. However, it is not the 1980s version that we enjoy most -- rather, it is the Marilyn Manson version, which is somehow much more alluring.

We hope you enjoy.

Blue Sky

When we go hiking or camping, I feel as though I spend a great deal of time looking up. There is never enough sky in an ordinary week -- it is the house, the car, the road, the office, the store, and reverse to the house again. There is a glimpse of horizon as I drive along my way hither and yon, and perhaps a flash of  sunset and peek of sky while I am in the yard with the dogs. That is not nearly enough.

I always feel better with the open sky above. My favorite times for the sky are dawn and dusk, when the sun is a bare presence and the air is quiet. Best of all is a sky with a slice of moon.

It is time to make a point of being out, under the open sky, more often. 

Window of Opportunity

Eons ago, when Ottoman-shaped Dog (may he rest in peace) was first diagnosed with diabetes, the vet shaved a small square of fur so that we would have better access to his skin for insulin shots. We dubbed it his "window of opportunity," and drew a heart in it, with Mom in the center, as a pseudo tattoo. (You can see it here.) He was such a devoted companion, that ottoman-shaped dog of my heart. 

We felt that Tiny Dog needed a pseudo Mom tattoo in a shaved spot, too. Good girl, Tiny Dog. 

Old Book

Ah, the bliss of a beautiful book -- this Nature Atlas of America, from ages ago. I shall admire it, page by careful page, over time. Behold, a mere sampling of all that is wonderful of this book:

The cover.

The face plate.

Minerals.

Trees.

Birds.

Fish.

Amphibians and reptiles.

Insects.

And mammals. 

Isn't it wonderful? Lovely.
(Edited 9-26-2017 at 9:20 PM to correct the 'minerals' photo.)

Chain

Like links in a chain,
We can weather the storms --
Stronger together.

Picture copyright 2017, Mediocria Firma. Used with gratitude.

Song of the Flower

by Kahlil Gibran

-----

I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze
To announce the coming of light;
At eventide I join the birds
In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with
My beautiful colors, and the air
Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
Night watch over me, and as I
Awaken I stare at the sun, which is
The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to
The voices of the birds, and dance
To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.

Picture copyright 2017, Mediocria Firma. Used with gratitude.