Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Beltane & Busyness

LOVE this photo. You can just see the little bud sprouting, plus you have what appears to be some sort of altar on the ground.

This weekend, many nature-lovers and pagans will celebrate Beltane, the half-way point between spring and summer. Looks like I'm going to be busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, however. Lots to write, still more painting at the house, and need to visit my mom after she had a short hospital stay. I'm not even going to whip up my usual altar or ritual this time. Feels like I need something different, another way to mark the occasion.

Since Beltane is opposite Samhain (Halloween), many say this time of year is also when the veil between the worlds is thin. I've always felt that way at Samhain, so I'd like to find time to meditate on that this weekend. We'll see.

Hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy spring!

Hug Mama Earth Today

You probably already knew it was Earth Day--but what are you doing about it? I confess, I'm quite busy but I am getting out today for a long walk. It may not sound like much, but walks keep me aware of what Mother Nature is up to, it's good exercise and it keeps my feet on solid ground, so to speak.

For more Earth Day ideas, click here. And if miss today, there's always tomorrow or the day after...

Hug Mama Earth Today

You probably already knew it was Earth Day--but what are you doing about it? I confess, I'm quite busy but I am getting out today for a long walk. It may not sound like much, but walks keep me aware of what Mother Nature is up to, it's good exercise and it keeps my feet on solid ground, so to speak.

For more Earth Day ideas, click here. And if miss today, there's always tomorrow or the day after...

Azaleas Are Ablaze!

This is my first spring in Latham Grove--and it's beautiful! There are so many azaleas blooming in whites (my favorite), pinks, reds and rusty orange. And because the apartments in which I live are so old, the azaleas are a nice size, too.

Otherwise, life is good but quite busy. Thanks for stopping by--and if I've been negligent in visiting my favorite blogs, I apologize! I'll be back soon.

Azaleas Are Ablaze!

This is my first spring in Latham Grove--and it's beautiful! There are so many azaleas blooming in whites (my favorite), pinks, reds and rusty orange. And because the apartments in which I live are so old, the azaleas are a nice size, too.

Otherwise, life is good but quite busy. Thanks for stopping by--and if I've been negligent in visiting my favorite blogs, I apologize! I'll be back soon.

It's Spring in the Grove!

I've been snapping some pics lately of all the spring color here in Latham Grove. There's an entire row of these purple things growing along a fence. Looks like garden phlox to me, but regardless, it's a wonderful shade of purple!

It's Spring in the Grove!

I've been snapping some pics lately of all the spring color here in Latham Grove. There's an entire row of these purple things growing along a fence. Looks like garden phlox to me, but regardless, it's a wonderful shade of purple!

How to Look Really Smart and Identify that Bird Feather You Found

Don't have time to become a master ornithologist in your spare time or wade into the marshes every weekend with your local bird club? No sweat, just check out the Feather Atlas, from the National Fish & Wildlife Forensics Lab. It's really easy to use--if I can do it, you can, too!

I found 2 different feathers recently and wondered which birdies had lost them. You never know what you might learn by picking up a feather and studying the bird. Could be your bird totem, or maybe that feather has appeared to signal a new lesson. Sure, I had delusions of spending all my extra time with binoculars and a bird book, but my attempts so far have been frustrating and time-consuming. (Those birds need to sit STILL until I find the right page, dammit!)

By using the Feather Atlas, I discovered that I had correctly identified one feather (a blue jay!), and the 2nd one turned out to be from a mourning dove. Do these feathers and their birds have something to teach me? Well, now that I know the bird, I can meditate on the symbolism, and I'll let you know!

How to Look Really Smart and Identify that Bird Feather You Found

Don't have time to become a master ornithologist in your spare time or wade into the marshes every weekend with your local bird club? No sweat, just check out the Feather Atlas, from the National Fish & Wildlife Forensics Lab. It's really easy to use--if I can do it, you can, too!

I found 2 different feathers recently and wondered which birdies had lost them. You never know what you might learn by picking up a feather and studying the bird. Could be your bird totem, or maybe that feather has appeared to signal a new lesson. Sure, I had delusions of spending all my extra time with binoculars and a bird book, but my attempts so far have been frustrating and time-consuming. (Those birds need to sit STILL until I find the right page, dammit!)

By using the Feather Atlas, I discovered that I had correctly identified one feather (a blue jay!), and the 2nd one turned out to be from a mourning dove. Do these feathers and their birds have something to teach me? Well, now that I know the bird, I can meditate on the symbolism, and I'll let you know!

Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

Welcome Spring!

I hope you've enjoyed these first few days of spring. Here, the weather was beautiful; a little overcast today, but almost 70 degrees--so beautiful nonetheless. The red bud trees have already popped a Eastery purple, clumps of yellow daffodils and pink/purple hyacinths have opened, and yellow forsythia will soon catch up. I placed a few sprigs of forsythia in this vase along with some daffodils from the yard, back at the old house. I used them in an equinox ceremony (more about that later).

Til then, I hope this brightens your day, along with a poem about spring that I found. It captures that brief moment when spring can still be chilly (like this morning, in fact), but you know the sun will soon warm up the earth and every living thing:

"Very Early Spring" by Katherine Mansifield

The field are snowbound no longer;

There are little blue lakes and flags of tenderest green.

The snow has been caught up into the sky--

So many white clouds--and the blue of the sky is cold.

Now the sun walks in the forest, 

He touches the bows and stems with his golden fingers; 

They shiver, and wake from slumber.

Over the barren branches he shakes his yellow curls.

Yet is the forest full of the sound of tears...

A wind dances over the fields.

Shrill and clear the sound of her waking laughter,

Yet the little blue lakes tremble

And the flags of tenderest green bend and shiver.

Welcome Spring!

I hope you've enjoyed these first few days of spring. Here, the weather was beautiful; a little overcast today, but almost 70 degrees--so beautiful nonetheless. The red bud trees have already popped a Eastery purple, clumps of yellow daffodils and pink/purple hyacinths have opened, and yellow forsythia will soon catch up. I placed a few sprigs of forsythia in this vase along with some daffodils from the yard, back at the old house. I used them in an equinox ceremony (more about that later).

Til then, I hope this brightens your day, along with a poem about spring that I found. It captures that brief moment when spring can still be chilly (like this morning, in fact), but you know the sun will soon warm up the earth and every living thing:

"Very Early Spring" by Katherine Mansifield

The field are snowbound no longer;

There are little blue lakes and flags of tenderest green.

The snow has been caught up into the sky--

So many white clouds--and the blue of the sky is cold.

Now the sun walks in the forest, 

He touches the bows and stems with his golden fingers; 

They shiver, and wake from slumber.

Over the barren branches he shakes his yellow curls.

Yet is the forest full of the sound of tears...

A wind dances over the fields.

Shrill and clear the sound of her waking laughter,

Yet the little blue lakes tremble

And the flags of tenderest green bend and shiver.

Critters Living in Icy, Dark Antarctic Challenge Our Concept of "Life"

Scientists pulling ice cores in the Antarctic just discovered a jellyfish and a shrimp in one of their samples, showing that life can thrive in very hostile conditions (meaning, bone-ass cold and black as pitch). Reminds me of other recent news about microbes living next to sizzlin' volcanic vents. And so the scientists wonder, as scientists do, whether we might one day find life on a frozen, icy moon like Europa.

That got me to thinking more about this. Sure, some icy-cold moon shrimp isn't exactly Little Green Men, but it is life. And that's amazing, don't you think? Who knows, there could be some form of life right now on humid ol' Venus. There's still so much we don't know about our own solar system. Just because we haven't had a response yet from all our attempts at conversation, doesn't mean something isn't out there somewhere. And frankly, I'll take moon shrimp over Aliens any day!

Critters Living in Icy, Dark Antarctic Challenge Our Concept of "Life"

Scientists pulling ice cores in the Antarctic just discovered a jellyfish and a shrimp in one of their samples, showing that life can thrive in very hostile conditions (meaning, bone-ass cold and black as pitch). Reminds me of other recent news about microbes living next to sizzlin' volcanic vents. And so the scientists wonder, as scientists do, whether we might one day find life on a frozen, icy moon like Europa.

That got me to thinking more about this. Sure, some icy-cold moon shrimp isn't exactly Little Green Men, but it is life. And that's amazing, don't you think? Who knows, there could be some form of life right now on humid ol' Venus. There's still so much we don't know about our own solar system. Just because we haven't had a response yet from all our attempts at conversation, doesn't mean something isn't out there somewhere. And frankly, I'll take moon shrimp over Aliens any day!