Naughty or nice? ©
Molly Malamute is getting a head start on her holiday gift shopping.
Someone seems to be getting a bundle of switches – which probably means something different if it’s from a dog than if it’s from Santa.
Easy to Miss., the meaning.
Ho Ho Ho. Gift collecting we will go!©
In any case, she’s put her paw down over anyone peeking into her stash in the hedge before Christmas.
Santa and Molly “…knows when you are sleeping. Knows when you’re awake….”
With traditions, magic has to be seen.
Molly always recommends if being a bit naughty, stick a little nice in there with it.
It’s the thought that doggedly counts.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Whether to the mall or home, safe travels all.
Not Palm Beach, but Molly sports seasonal dress with green harness and red leash. Branching out as Santa’s little helper.©
Chilling north wind whips her hair. She stands for it. Faces it head on. Can’t rip the genetic memories out of her.
Those dreams took root generations ago – in the warm Caribbean trade winds far far away. As an immigrant, she has done her best to “grow where you are planted”, but suburban life leaves her cold and longing. Her paradise lost.
“Do humans ever feel this?” she wonders. “Probably not.”
And again she tossed her fronds high – reaching for all the stories the wind was bringing from home.
Palms up. Such tall lovely models happily drying their fronds in the sun and wind. Reminds them of home.©
Paradise seductively calls:
Forget the holiday gift hunting madness (Why bother? They won’t like it anyway) and winter’s chill.
You can easily book it: a flight or a warm spot by the fire.
Think of just the right words, and there you are:
- “Considering the size of the island, Bequia has a large publications industry. Various publishers, editors, and writers work on the island, as do painters and graphic designers.” (WIKI)
- “Is this the perfect Caribbean island?” (Telegraph.co.uk, 2011.)
- “This charming Caribbean island still feels like a secret. Artists and writers thrive in its little communities, fueled by the colorful tropical life surrounding them…” (“Best Islands to Live On” by islands.com, 2008)
- Best of Bequia, 2016. (Trip Advisor Catch the wave and get the current scoop)
Of course you can afford to move on and turn the page.
No need to pack.
Just grab a story by Susan M. Toy and say “Ahhhh.” (I swear your toes will feel the warm sands as you read.)
Like a laid back exotic setting with well-defined characters searching for answers?
Cruise into Bequia’s mysteries with Susan Toy’s Island in the Clouds.
That is if you don’t mind starting off the morning with a body in the pool.
Seriously. Now which is preferable? Time to escape.©
Don’t think Bequia will allow anyone to live isolated from problems, though.
Things have changed a bit since 2008 and 2011.
In One Woman’s Island, Bequia Perspectives novel #2, there’s a clash of cultures and troubles stirred up by those simply trying to find themselves and maybe make the world a little better place in the process. Timeless and universal.
And there’s dogs. Rescue dogs.
You can see what’s cooking in One Woman’s Island. Really. Actual recipes included.
Some warm dishes and characters to entertain during the cold winter. (Perfect for that irritable SAD person with the winter blues)
Nothing like warm Caribbean winds to fill sails or dreams.
“A few more minutes then back in the sleigh.” He’s in the book! (Christmas Treasures.com)
Except maybe a red Mustang convertible.
That might do, too…with a big red bow, Santa?
Oh, OK the reindeer would complain. Can’t upset the deer ones.
They do approve of books, right?
Oh, prefer e-books? Weight watchers.
Should have guessed that. Susan’s books fit that perfectly, too.
Winter dreams keep everyone warm. No matter which way the wind blows.
So chill. With books, sunscreen’s optional.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
To those traveling today: safe passage and warm welcomes upon arrival.
Great time to reconsider an old rule for polite social gatherings: Never discuss money, religion, or politics. Dogs are great conversation starters. Like “Is that your dog rolling in that smelly spot?”
Palms make such a lovely sound in the wind. And you don’t have to rake leaves later.©
Trips during a new relationship are tricky. It’s the see level of expectations.
“Dude, you said ‘Fly south with me, Babe, and I’ll take you to paradise.’ This does not qualify as desirable waterfront property – not even close to that promise of a private island.” ©
“Wait, Babe. Visualize the potential. Ever watch HGTV’s House Hunters or Homes Afloat? Location. Location. Location. Flip it and then we can duck out towards Bitter .©
Better ending at Bitter:
- “The perfect Caribbean vacation” The Bitter End.
- Trip Advisor: BEYC resort reviews.
- WIKI: Virgin Gorda and BVI
Birds of a feather can flock together…we’ll use your credit card, OK?
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Not enthusiastic about a holiday sail of “Learn to work the lines and winches (Spelling is important) or walk the plank, Matey”? Chart some mystery later this week.
Riding in on the strong front’s chilly blast, winter residents are arriving. Strangely humanlike, the established local flocks complain loudly about sharing watering holes and refuse to mingle with the newcomers…except there’s always at least one flighty teenager who totally ignores parents. ©
Nothing says NFL football like machetes and bandoliers. And Lucha libre masks.
OK. Maybe only in Houston, but one Texan Superfan will be missing a few of his favorite accessories For Monday’s game in Mexico City.
Apparently the stadium there bans certain things…and I’m like, “Wait. They allow all that stuff in NRG Stadium here?”
When traveling, it’s important to pack the right accessories.(click2houston.com)
This creative Houstonian is blending cultures: NFL football gear with Lucha libre (with a little help from his mom)
“Traveling Texans Superfan excited to see team play in home country”
Go ahead and watch the short video. You gotta love this guy.
And it’s so Houston.
Fans, the game day costume challenge gauntlet has been thrown down.(click2houston.org)
What will other heritage inspired Superfans create?
Real possibilities with the international population.
Guaranteed to get you some big time screen time. (Think selfies! Fans of Superfans!)
No time to drop the ball, cultural slackers.
NFL is getting desperate for a way to grab eyeballs.
Some are saying pack your own lunch if heading to the Texans vs Oakland Raiders event.
“Team warned top stay in hotel; not order room service in Mexico”
Psyche! Although for serious fans, it’s more than just a game…
But no problemo – even without all the spirited accessories, Superfans like Carranza are ready for some US football. And if this game is anything like the international soccer games here, everyone better hope that stadium is structurally overbuilt and super sturdy.
“Fandom without borders” (ESPN: Why the NFL is in Mexico.)
The games people play. NBA targeted China, remember?
Going long.
Get ready for that pass. (And pass the chips which fall where they may and it’s OK ’cause the dog will eat them.)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Ok now. Eager to see even more culturally diverse and creative fan outfits at the games soon. Pancho Villa and the Zapatistas can’t be the only inspiration out there.(screenshot.click2houston.com)
“Don’t go over to the dark side.Call a geologist for goodness sakes.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Dad casually chatted with the old man for a bit once the spot was marked. (I thought they would never stop.)
Discussing the number of paces it took the stick to go quiet and horizontal from the marked spot – with a man’s stride being about X number of feet. Determining how deep the water was below.
“Yes,” the dowser said, “always used the El mmm.”
He handed Dad the forked stick – with a grin.
The dowser’s truck barely disappeared down the red dirt road before Dad took the stick in hand – palms up with thumbs out – and off he strode across the field.
Now Dad, a scientific sort, was quite a known jokester, so when the stick started jumping in his hand, Mom laughed “Stop that! Stop fooling around. The kids will believe you.”
Only he had a funny look on his face.
“I’m not doing it. It’s jumping around all on its’ own. I can’t stop it.”
I knew when he was joking and when he wasn’t. He wasn’t.
“Me! Me!”
But he wouldn’t relinquish it.
Kept walking back and forth struggling to hold the stick still, but unable to.
Totally stunned. Trying to control it. Trying to figure it out.
Mom, always The Practical, The Realist, grabbed the stick. A look of expectation lit up her face.
Nothing. Not a wiggle. Not a jump.
Even when standing right on the anointed spot.
Dead still. A stick stuck.
“Bah. Ok, great joke.”
Disgusted at being fooled, she stomped to the porch.
I intercepted the stick pass off.
Carefully positioned my hands: palms up, thumbs out. With high hopes took a step.
It happened. It was alive.
It jumped. It wiggled.
I could barely hold on to it much less stop it. No matter what.
It lunged forward. Pulling me along like a team of sled dogs.
The straight stem tugged into a curve down seemingly vibrating with pure happiness at the site of water.
Electrifying.
As I walked away from the water sites, it calmed once far from the water it wanted.
Eyes as big a saucers, Dad and I.
Mom was stink-eyed.
“Dad, do you think Mother will ever get over it? After all, she was the always the one rumored to be a bit touched…” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
No mistaking that scowl. Making fun of her?
We shuffled back and forth. Eyes down.
Dad looked to see if she was looking, then whispered, “Looks like you have the touch”.
For the remainder of the afternoon Dad and I followed the El mmmm around the farm over hill, creek banks, and dry stream bed.
Just to make sure we didn’t dream it.
We didn’t, I assure you.
Dad never dismissed the experience.
Many things can’t be explained. Like finding the well water exactly at the depth the dowser predicted.
I haven’t held an El mmm branch for some time.
Might have been smart to stick with it, though.
Could have become legendary for directing parched shoppers to the closest bottled water source.
Never doubt a dowser
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Part One is here, in case you missed it.
More to muddle over?
- USGS.gov/edu Science for a changing world. Water Dowsing. (What is it. What science says)
- Skeptic’s Dictionary. Dowsing (a.k.a water witching, radiesthesia) Lots of history, testimonials, the 1980’s German study, Munich physicist Hans-Dieter Betz, types of dowsing including for drugs, guns, and bombs. Quite a reading list too.
- Live Science. Dowsing: the Pseudoscience of Water Witching. History from 1556, but even with New Age ideas, still no better than chance?
- WIKI. “Dowsing“. Pictures and information. Martin Luther was against it (1518). Jesuits declared dowsing superstitious and perhaps satanic ( but, then again, maybe not, the decided.). Types of dowsing equipment, scientific studies, possible explanations, and famous dowsers.
Did Lady Luck smile or was it something else? Didn’t matter. My white tennis shoes were no longer pink.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
He was an old man – which wasn’t unusual considering – nor did he seem to find it unusual I was tagging along and filing every single word. It seemed to amuse him.
The three of us, the old man, my dad, and I struggled through the brush to locate it: a fine energetic El mmm tree (that’s how he said it: “El mmmm”) with roots deep into the soil by a stream.
Our old well had become unreliable with too much red mud in the bucket too often. Dad wanted a deeper one.
So of course we needed an expert: the local dowser.
Don’t judge a dowser by his overalls. He looked the part.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Now Dad was scientific in thought. Mom, too.
Kids loved to visit our house to mess with the chemistry sets, real microscopes, and sometimes cow eyeballs in the freezer next to the ice cream (depending if what unit was being taught that week).
Dad had already figured that the new well would be along a hidden underground river’s path – most likely between our current shallow one and the dip in the ground where the old, old one that had been dug shortly after the civil war beside the giant oak tree, also of that era.
But he was always curious about the old ways.
All the old farmers said this dowser never failed to find good water and to tell exactly how far down it was.
The leaves had fallen, but ground not yet frozen when his schedule had time for us.
A quick examination of the tree’s branches, then the dowser selected 2 forks and quickly, cleanly, cut them with a sharp knife.
“‘precciate you lettin’ us have these branches” he thanked the tree. (Who seemed OK with it all. )
Back up by the house, we watched him pace back and forth among the existing wells with the fork’s branches in his hands: palms up, thumbs out.
“Do you think he’ll find it? Druther get my iron from vitamin pills than that well water.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
As predicted, he stopped halfway between the two old well sites and announced there was the spot.
What was not predicted was how that El mmm branch, held at the start straight out parallel to the ground, started bucking and jerked like a unbroke horse fighting a halter as he walked.
Then the stem of the branch lunged forward, slowly curved down pointing to a spot on the ground.
The dowser walked off and came back across at 3 different angles.
The El mmm would not be fooled. Always the same spot.
Then he would walk away, counting the steps until the branch rose back up horizontal to the ground and became still.
Mother chuckled and went inside. Brother smirked.
Dad and I were mesmerized.
The quivering stick seemed to have a mind of its’ own – a strong one.
To be continued Wednesday….(It’s just too long)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
- American Society of Dowsers. “Dowsing is the exercise of a human faculty, which allows one to obtain information in a manner beyond the scope and power of the standard human physical senses of sight, sound, touch, etc.”(Willey, 1970) History and information.
- From across the pond. The British Society of Dowsers. They have classes and Special Interest groups (Archeology, Earth energies, Water and services, or Health and well-being) How about a series of Sikh chanting meditations for dowsers” featuring words and sounds carefully crafted over hundreds of years to resonate around the head and energize it”?
Can we keep him? We can tell the neighbors it’s a cat or a science project.(1959Nat. Lib of Wales. Geoff Charles/PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
If any idea has a chance, this one does.
Find a solution to a common problem and the world will beat a path to your door. So I’m sweeping the porch in preparation.
Selfies have become mainstream, but there’s a problem of limiting hand usage.
Even with a long selfie stick, one hand is always occupied making it near impossible to hold really big protest signs so they can be read, do “hands up”correctly, pump both fists to show enthusiasm or protest at the same time if you also have to hang onto dogs, partners, small children, or hold multiple food items/coffee….
You see the problem.
People have stuff and need two hands for normal activities, yet still want to take selfies.
Solution: a backpack design featuring a long arm that a cell phone can be attached which arches over the wearer’s head.
The arm might be remote-controlled by the wearer to swing or rotate for selfies in profile as well as face forward.
Better than taking a purse that could get stolen lost in the riot, game day, concert crowds.
Reel potential here for screen queens.
So Shark wanna-bes, anyone ready to bite into a great new product?
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Don’t call me, baby. Kept me up all night squalling.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
They, the future. Piling on.
Whiners from sleep deprivation. Smelly mess.
After this, no one can admonish them with “What have you done to earn your keep?”
They avoid meeting eyes, knowing they are full of it.
No, baby, everyone’s not a winner. That was a lie.
Truth, though is that every single one has something they are good at. So go with that.
Take those plastic disposable diapers and go.
(Parents everywhere would be ecstatic if you only would…)
You see germs and messes. Others see building materials. (Wellcome Images.UK..569402i /Commons.wikimedia.org)
Take those toxic landfill killers and build, Baby, build!
Why use steel or precious lumber for framing and structure when unwanted diaper lumps could be placed like Legos then covered with concrete.
Like they do with Superfund toxic waste dump sites. (Instant parking lot or highway! People have such short memories…)
A straw pole thinks recycled diapers could become the new adobe perfect big outdoor walls.
Problem solved by creative thinking.
There.
Dry those tears and waddle proud.
To those who much is given, mush is expected in return.
As the churl turns,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
JFK. (1989) “For of those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each of us—recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities….” Read the rest here.
See, no matter how much time passes, history will not look kindly on this dress. Not solid building material at all. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Let’s see. Who shall the powerful freak out today?©
In a different time, an omen. Halos around the sun. A bored star trying on some ring-a-ding jewelry. Waiting along with the commuters.
And that’s when I saw it: the cheery, little, eco-friendly hybrid car: full of himself, or at least, the driver.
A tiny car, not shy though, even when traveling between a garbage truck and a four door monster-sized pickup.
Maybe it was traveling with close friends like little kids do at schools, knowing the danger of that road.
Smart.
The lettering on the vehicle’s sides certainly indicated an elevated concept: “Green Pest Control”.
Rolling with irony.
The driver’s door lettering listed “Green Mosquito Control” at the top of the menu.
The little biters are all a-buzz.
How green and environmentally friendly is it to kill off a participant in the food chain? Mosquitoes contribute and have rights, too.
Bullying by dominant individuals is no longer tolerated these days.
No doubt some class action suit is in progress.
No shooing off easily these days.
Talk about scratching the surface. Yes, I’m feeling itchy.
Red means stop – and notice the rings/halo around the sun. Considering the temps, hard to believe it’s caused by ice crystals. This is an outbound flight path, so some insist the rings are created by pollution and chemicals given off by air traffic. Could just be the sun trying on new outfits for Fall. Or the aging star begging for attention and, maybe, a sky selfie. Old wives’ tales warn to get ready for rough weather and stormy times. Seriously? We’ve already got those 3 Supermoons in the last 3 months of the year (With Nov 14th being an “Extra Super Supermoon” that won’t happen again until Nov. 25, 2034)©
Why is it the lane not chosen always the one that gets there faster?
A really old well seasoned and obviously well-loved Jeep rolling past with elbows draped outside all the open windows. (Sun was roasting passengers in their tin cans with 85 F that day.)
The majority of the back window covered by an intricate white line decal of The Virgin of Guadalupe.
Now there’s a smile: young guys leaving work, arms out the car window on a Friday afternoon.
Rolling cool with Mary.
Chained between the lines, but knowing what I saw. Circling past.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Not enough to make you feel lassoed?
- How about a book? classic sci-fi Ring Around the Sun by Clifford D. Simak and earth-bound gritty with Ring Around the Sun by Nelson Martin.
- Or circle around with NPR. NASA Discovers a Ring around the Solar System.
What? Trial run? X marks the spot? Hope not. We are one of the places rumored to be targeted for election day terror attacks. Joint emergency groups actually held a big practice disaster drill downtown over the weekend. Seriously, dudes, most of us already voted. Stop circling the wagons. Maybe that’s all wrong and it’s really the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstake Awards van headed this way. I’d better go home and sweep the porch so it’s nice in the pictures…..©
In order to get someplace, you have to know how things work.
Not always just point and drive.
Like with a sailboat, none of that going as the crow flies.
Outriggers. local favorite after tourists season. View west down Clear Lake channel. Fishing on rocks at right. Marinas on either side of water.©
See the little grey “house” in the picture above? It’s really a fuel dock for a marina.
Note the little white sails just to the left of it. The boat is under sail moving to the right.
Small sailboat now sailing back to left. (port) ©
The sailboat is heading down the channel from Clear Lake to Galveston Bay into the wind.
The skipper has to put a little thought into it as the wind is coming from behind where we are sitting. The passengers/crew will have to be alert and be ready to move .
Try to sail directly into the wind and a sailboat stops: dead in the water (and the skipper looks foolish or inexperienced. Horrors!)
Making progress zigzagging to utilize the wind and keep the sails full so he keeps moving. Just turned back to make another pass across ©
Still sailing on the same leg – towards one of the marinas. Those “sticks” aren’t power poles everywhere. Those are sailboat masts. This is is one of the largest collection of sailboats and marinas in the US which is why the Texas coastline is sometimes called the Third Coast.©
After more turns and zigzagging, the boat is opposite our table. Sometimes boats tie up, people get off to eat here, or grab a beer from the breezy bar underneath. But maybe later. A nice Fall sailing day shouldn’t be wasted indoors ©
This is a J boat, about 22 feet, a racer which is why there’s not anything decorative or fussy in the design or cockpit.
It is steered by a tiller to the rudder instead of a wheel and when out for a leisurely sail, can comfortably hold four.
Yes, they should all have life jackets on. Slipping under the patrol radar since it’s not the busy weekend/summer season. (Still warm here – 80’s F. But windy Fall days are cool on the water.)
You can see the main sail is curved and catching a strong wind gust that blew in from the bay (at left). Caught them by surprise. With 2 people sitting on the downwind side (right), and a sail full of wind, the boat was almost pushed flat into the water. Luckily the crew is nimble and swift – ducked down and moved to the other side to counterbalance, and the skipper steered up (into the wind) a bit to dump some air out of the sail. And voila – no problema other than slowing down a bit©
The skipper had just enough wind to complete the turn he had planned as he started under the big bridge. He’s good. You can see the passage narrows here. The wind gets flukey. You have to know, you have to be quick, you have to know what your boat/crew can do, and you have to plan ahead. Or it can be costly.©
He’s planning on just clearing the bridge passage and making another turn before running out of room, speed, or wind in the sail It was close. ©
It’s quite a ballet – more of a tango, perhaps.
Before long, the place where we are eating will be torn down as a twin tall bridge is built in this location. This is one of two roads out during hurricane evacuations. Long overdue.
There used to be a drawbridge here.
It was quite a trick getting boats out – especially during the hot summers with the crowds, weekend boaters, children steering, and beer.
There was a schedule for the bridge. You had to carefully make your way, then flow along with current and wind in the line hoping you timed it right so you didn’t arrive too early at the closed bridge. In that situation, you had to turn the boat around, square dance circle past all the waiting boats, then somehow manage to turn again and slip back into line. Lots of planning and strategizing
Tempers would flair – especially between motor boats and the sailors. Those that aren’t local often didn’t have manners, know the routine/pattern, and ignored the “No Wake Zone” signs.
The big bridge was a big improvement. Change happens. Things gained; things get lost.
Ah, they made it. Sailboat past the bridge and zigzagging toward the right bank.©
And now back to the left. You can see the Kemah Boardwalk with rides, restaurants, and tourists on the right bank.©
There’s the mouth of the channel opening to Galveston Bay. A couple of passes back and forth, but not much more to go.©
Real sailors don’t paddle or turn the motor on (unless that super tanker or cargo vessel is going a whole lot faster than you thought…).
Speed boats may be fast and thrilling. Attract the pretty. Plenty of room for AC, cold beverages, assorted clothing, and pets. Often with loud music and mandated yelling over the powerful noise.
Not everyone gets sailing.
Many times slow.
“Long periods of absolute boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.”
The boat leans, tilts, and feels unstable.
You can’t always go exactly where you want.
And you have to work to keep moving. (Call it Extreme Exercise…with some potential for “boat bites” from equipment.)
There is something to be said for focusing on how the winds blow, knowing where you’re going, looking ahead, and being willing to work to get there.
Afternoon reflections on skillful manuevers in the water.
Or do you think there’s any parallels eddying there?
Currently drifting,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Overlooking waterway and racing sailboat storage on right. Many of the smaller J boats and racing crafts are lifted out of the water between racing sessions. Keeps the hulls cleaner so they will be faster. Don’t be fooled. Small “plain” racing boats often cost more than a larger boat, maybe as much as a small car. Realistically, the chances are that the owner isn’t rich, drives an old car, doesn’t wear expensive clothes, or lives in a fancy place with designer furniture. Different priorities. Once the wind talks…©
Not so easy to brush off strange dark shadows.©
GPS standard for them. Perpetual calendar and Old Farmer’s Almanac included.
Only explanation for assorted “dumb” critters and butterflies finding their traditional winter resorts.
Do humans have some long forgotten genetic code triggered by shorter days and cooler temps, too?
Fall seems to rattle the skeletons in human closets.
Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Halloween, Día de los muertos, All Saints’ Day.
Countless rituals and festivals with a dash of fright and night.
While every conqueror slapped their own mask on existing local celebrations, the original spirits continue to haunt.
Ghost busters? You see her there – profile of a woman looking to the right? Stopped by, but left no message.©
Could there be a single origin of fall rituals from long ago?
Before the continents drifted apart, environments changed, and people wandered off over failing land bridges…
Whoa. That would have been a stellar event. Seriously spooktacular.
Would explain a lot commonality. But any evidence of any of that – dust in the wind.
Mankind’s known history isn’t long. People also have short memories, not to mention after battles the invaders tend to destroy what irritates them.
Evidence could be buried under oceans, ice sheets, desert sands or in rubble from earthquakes or volcanoes.
Maybe it’s like that dusty cabinet of curiosities in an ancient relative’s house.
You don’t get to open it up or handle the items until you are old enough to be careful and really understand what you are looking at.
Meanwhile, we can pretend.
Phil the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Read more?
Halloween and Día de los muertos: not quite the same…yet. (Hope they don’t fly off and lose their way)
The ancient ones in Mexico and Latin America thought their ancestors returned on the wings of monarch butterflies each fall to visit. There was/is much joy when the monarchs finally arrive. Bright colors and flowers are painted everywhere to welcome them.
Tears had no place in mourning for Aztec families as it was thought tears and sadness would delay the dead on their path. Nov 1 is when children’s spirits return and the adult ancestors/relatives are welcomed Nov 2.
- Hey, Día de los muertos getting up to speed with commercialization: fancy/sexy costumes, party supplies now at Party City. Thirsty for some Cerveza de los Muertos? No need to wait for that other Americanized holiday Cinco de mayo!
- “Why it’s offensive to wear a Day of the Dead costume for Halloween”
- NPR. “Day of the Dead, Decoded: A Joyful celebration of Life and Food”
- Smithsonian Latino Center. “Día de los muertos resources and experiences.” Day of the Dead gallery, too.
A tangle of light and dark: humanity.©
.
The town quivered.
An ancient legend shook itself and rose.
The mountains no longer loomed protectively.
The sky was hounded.©
If they were perfectly still.
Huddled flat to the ground. Among marsh reeds.
Perhaps their little waterway would be seen as an offering: A bowl of temper cooling water running right to his feet.
Then refreshed, dog tired, he might return to sleep.
Once there were giants. “Sit. Stay. Guard,” he was told. Patiently, he waits for their return.©
Offensive? Dogged defense is the only option. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org
Bunnies and chicks have a lock on Easter.
Reindeer harness up and jingle the bells on Christmas.
Turkeys gobbled up Thanksgiving. (Ironic)
The envied Halloween slot is not uncontested.
Cat feel pretty smug as the traditional choice.
- Legends of feline “Familiar Spirits” associated with witches
- Independent, aloof attitude
- Nocturnal preference
- Ability to escape and cheat death with 9 lives.
- Uneasiness created by non-blinking penetrating stares or staring at something totally unseen by others (Cats chuckle to themselves over their little “made you look and worry” joke.)
Cats have an inflated sense of worth – especially when supported by their blowhard cronies.©
Of course, there’s big screen cat spooky:
Who could forget Catwoman or either version of Cat People: the eerie one of 1942 or Nastassja Kininski haunting New Orleans in 1982’s Cat People.
Yep, the cats’ meow for Halloween. It’s because they are easy to draw.
On the prowl for recognition since 1942.(USPD/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
Dogs, however, are rabid for Halloween paw parity.
Who howls at the moon?
It’s not Cerberus, the Cat of Hades and the Underworld.
They have their stars: as many supernatural canine tales as hairs on a dog.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles“(1939), Zoltan, Hound of Dracula (1978), or the original toothy Cujo (1983). Not to mention a whole pack of Wolf Man and Werewolf movies.(150 ancient and new mangy nightmares listed here)
Domesticated? Try to take that noisy favorite toy away in the middle of the night and see how fast the thin wrap of domestication comes off.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Cats may hiss to dismiss, but
Ever heard – on a cold, dreary, dark, foggy night – the chilling sound of a Malamute-Husky’s mournful wail because her mommy has gone to the store without her?
Shiver. Icy fingers down the spine.
Haunting enough to make even a cat’s hair stand up on her back.
Case closed.
And no, not this year. No expansion for additional spokespaws.
The bats/vampires and Bunnicula/vampire bunnies will have to get better agents to be considered in the next round. Just like SMU and UH who are mired in quicksand struggling for acceptance by the Big 12 football conference.
Fiercely determined not to be left on the shelf with wanna-bes and moldy has-been.©
Canines and felines claiming the rights to Halloween’s frights.
You may leave your vote in the comment section below.
Hair brain ideas deter zombies. (Not sure about hair balls doing the same, but the cats insist it’s another clump in their favor.)
Horrors’ honors: could be a catfight.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Wanted: a forever home. Have mummy, need daddy.©
’tis the season for stuff up in the air: the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow and odd gifts from secret admirers/desirers whether you want them or not.
Look, it doesn’t matter if Santa Claus is supplying info to WikiLeaks. At least someone is.
Mysterious monolith at attention as Air Force Blue Angel jets go vertical. Oh, OK it’s a half-done highway sign support, but it’s a bit 2001 A Space Odyssey-ish.©
It used to be whistleblowers and investigative reporters that kept politicians, elected officials, big business, and the high-profile nervously looking over their shoulder and mostly honest.
Not recently.
Grocery store scandal sheet have become more believable than traditional new sources who apparently are either afraid to report, have been bought off, or more than willing to trade their loyalty for future access and stories.
If it’s the season for hot mikes, undercover videos, and emails-gone-wild in public, great. Information is power.
Info leaks are tradition: Deep Throat, Watergate Scandal, Nixon White House tapes, Erin Brockovich,…
Check a whistleblower list here for those results
She was right: Russia is trying to intimidate voters and influence the election. Oh, OK. Blue Angels jets in formation over the Gulf Fwy. Always a traffic show stopper.©
So like turning on a kitchen light to run the roaches so you can smush them, information leaks serve a purpose. Like it or not.
What I don’t like is Sen Marco Rubio telling people to back off and ignore the leaked Hillary Clinton emails with “Today it is the Democrats. Tomorrow it could be us.”
Really? A “those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” thing?
If that doesn’t tell you both major parties are worried that the public will notice the parties are the basically same, only out for power for themselves, equally corrupt, and how the power brokers/elites really view the ordinary voters….
Remember the time you told something to one person who sworn not to tell, but did?
Ran home crying only to be told “If you didn’t want it to get out, you shouldn’t have opened your mouth and told anyone.”
That old “Two can keep a secret if one is dead.”
Popular concept for old Mafia Godfathers and Rulers across ages.
They always do practice tricks near Ellington Airport. Happens every fall, but newcomers are mesmerized on that Friday afternoon, tend to hit the brakes, and cause lots of wrecks. My neighbor’s got a new dent.©
Some things never go out of style. They just get updated.
A very wise CEO once said to me years ago, “Never put anything in email you wouldn’t want your very proper, old-fashion grandmother to read out loud in the middle of a big crowd.
Anything can get sent to the wrong inbox or hacked – and does.”
Only fools and the arrogant think they are untouchable.
So much up in the air.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
- Curious what digital attacks happening right now? Watch here
Things about to get loopy. In tight formation – how do they manage to fall so close together – yet know when it’s time to pull up?©
What if the path your life took depended on data?
“…an authoritarian government monitors everything you do, amasses huge amounts of data on almost every interaction you make, and awards you a single score that measures how “trustworthy” you are.
In this world, anything from defaulting on a loan to criticizing the ruling party, from running a red light to failing to care for your parents properly, could cause you to lose points.
And in this world, your score becomes the ultimate truth of who you are — determining whether you can borrow money, get your children into the best schools or travel abroad; whether you get a room in a fancy hotel, a seat in a top restaurant — or even just get a date.”
(Read more here: “China’s plan to organize its society relies on ‘big data’ to rate everyone.”) China’s possible target date: 2020.
Couldn’t happen here, right?
That would be called oppression government experts deciding to tell you what is right, good, and best for you ’cause you just can’t look at things, analyze information, and decide for yourself.
Uncorrupted lines of power. ©
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 