Sign of the season: Canine interpretation of Shavasana or yoga corpse pose©
No, she’s not dead. They poke her periodically to make sure.
She’s just doing a Ziegfeld Follies-type Tableau vivant.
There’s a message here somewhere. (1922 tableau/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
A visual symbol of the holiday season: exhaustion.
You can identify with this, right? All the frantic scurrying, searching online bargains, decking the hall, and swearing (lots of swearing). Swearing you shall find a way to jingle on without tears or meltdowns.
Leave it to a German to strip the seasonal noise, frenzy, and chaos down to a clear and simple, yet meaningful, representation.
A true art form, that.
Obviously Ziegfeld inspired. (And that cat Mo can forget any ideas that this is his spot. Only fit for a princess.)©
Taking in her message of what’s important (Sleep and relaxed state. Did I interpret that correctly? Hard to know. Things get lost in translation. Art is so subjective….and she’s still in character and posed so not speaking….)
A stillness worth emulating.1920’s Ziegfeld Girl (Johnson/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Appreciate you stopping by during such a busy time. (I heard that cheer seeing a short-ish post.)
While we are off being social media inactivists, please jingle, mingle, or sit by the fire. We’ll be back as we can.
Wishing warm thoughts and warm toes.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
The German shows off her Showgirl legs here.
Or perhaps a small memory by that Lady of Leisure, The German, in her elegant East Coast high-rise from a few years ago? Here.
What is Shavasana? Read here and stretch out the benefits.
“Mine. All mine. Back off, fluffball. I have those Showgirl legs.”(The German sent these pictures of her new house. Thought you’d get a laugh to see her settling in.)©
Is it genetic, environmental, or cultural? Those pinchy fingers. The shifty eyes sweeping to see if anyone’s looking. A destroyer gene or a learned self-righteous behavior? When unexpectedly encountered, there’s always a smugness. Or is that a birth defect facial expression? One which forced them into a life of shadowy plant pinching.
Simply naive or secretly anti-monarch?
“The monarch is a butterfly, not a form of government, you Dunderhead!” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
In any case, monarch butterflies still dawdling in the area are at risk.
Not asking for much. Only a blossom or two for a sip. They aren’t big drinkers.
True, the endangered fliers are rather picky. Not just any flower will dew.
But native Lantana enchants them.
Eat up and move on south. Quickly.
Winter’s had a short preview here, so the Lantana is ready to call it a season. Ready to go to ground.
The always obliging plant has gutted it up and pushed out a few new leaves and flowers on the very tips of their overly leggy end-of-summer branches.
Sprawling arms, are not the plant’s best look, but hey, the butterflies are depending on the plant. (Lazy moochers, move on!)
Lantana: the ballerina of the flower world.©
Their “unkept” landscape look appears to be galling someone in the neighborhood.
Under the cover of darkness, The Pincher is creeping into the yard and breaking off 4-5 inches at the end of Lantana’s branches. Leaving the evidence on the ground or hanging. Poor little branches with flowers desperately trying to hang on, but shriveling up and dying.
Innocent branches that have lived only to provide for the needy.
Perhaps looking a bit bedraggled, but pretty is as pretty does!
Heartlessly broken for no reason.
Not extending over sidewalk, street or near any property lines.
Mr. Pincher, it’s not exactly prime time for landscape design.
Starving butterflies!
That’s it.
Getting an early Christmas present for myself: GoPro camera with motion detector.
Afraid to take on one from your own species? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
FYI, Mr. Pincher. Santa knows.
(And his reindeer aren’t too happy about it either.)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Fans of these flighty ones? Read more:
- “Mexico hopes to see 3-4 times more monarch butterflies” (VOA)
- “Big increase forecast in monarch butterflies” (Mexico News Daily)
- “Central Oregon could be important to monarch butterfly breeding.” (The Bulletin, Oregon)
- “Study: Monarch migration dates back millions of years” VIDEO of winterized monarchs
- “Don’t move a monarch butterfly. It could get lost.” (Discovery News)
Monarch at brunch. (Luis nunes alberto/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Some don’t know. Content to descend without a whimper into the constrictor-like depths. Trained rats parking neatly between the lines in the first available.
Finding comfort with womb-like order as a prelude to unknowns.
Angles intersect. Thoughts like that.
Pointedly posed. It’s under control. No question.(1933.Schlacks/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Weighty structures by design: To reassure – or regiment – to make it all easier.
Space so easily conquered and mastered, how could Anything challenge decisive human domination?
“All under control. Nothing to fear. Nothing to worry about.”
Who decided stark rigid boxes said that best?
Lines drawn. Minds drawn. Happily quartered….
Up on the roof. Houston Medical Center Parking garage.©
But some know. Better.
Zoom past the narrow cramped garage spaces. Winding up floor after floor of the parking garage to the wide open roof.
Burst out the dark cavern blinking like a gopher who made a wrong turn and ended up facing sun instead of root.
One last escape. Even if only momentary.
Buildings like brash sculpture against a bold sky.
A much better opening act.
Marshaling inner strength before facing the unavoidable pokes, prods, and questions like “Why are you still eating chips, ice cream, and Mexican food and not working out with weights like we talked about?”
“Hey, I walked down from roof….”
Saved by the bright.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Worrisome threshold or your basic entrance to any doctor’s appointment.(Robert Pozzi/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Dealing with the demanding littles is so tedious. (Gulliver and Glumdalclitch/1850/ USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Shaken awaken
Rocks down on a roll.
A little earthquake here. A bit of a landslide there.
Like a sleeping mastiff grumpily irritated by fleas, does Mother Earth, on occasion, try to rid herself of annoying pests?
What unfolded here? Garni Crater on Mars.(USPD/NASA.gov)
The way things are going, no need to worry about global warming.
The human species continues running headlong towards oblivion. All on their own. No hostile environmental assistance required.
Gone, gone, and including the Goody-goods
Problem solved.
No escaping them. Constant petty squabbles and poking one another. (Gulliver by Melies,1902/Fredojoda/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The entire planet handed back to the Animal Kingdom.
The question would be then, which collection of cells would crawl out of the heap and assume the leading role?
My bet’s on cats and dogs. They’ve been doing internships and watching closely. Maybe too closely. They fight like…well, you know.
Should we leave the successors a note?
We didn’t decipher the ones left for us.
Might be wiser to let them strike out all on their own.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Searching for a little rocks that roll and sands of time? Click here (You have to love that #9. Really moves. Although #4 and #6 will grow on you if you give them a chance. What can I say about #39 and #40 other than simply electric and out of this world?)
Or rock your interest in ‘humanity’s earliest architectural plans’.
And they seem resistant to bug spray, tornadoes, and tidal waves.(1830Litho./Ferdinand-Philippe d’Orleans/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Dear Molly Malamute,
Such Dunderheads we are. Mystery solved. Not a cardboard obstacle course prototype in the living room. Or an attempt to create a sound proof bunker to muffle the constant irritating ding-dongs at the door by Amazon and Fed Ex right now.
A moving event. Again
But my Person says this is our paws down forever home.
Good news: there’s a nice yard. Paw tested well.
“Wait. Is it winter? I feel a draft.”©
Bad news: Yes. A large sumo cat.
Apparently, he heard of Granny Cat’s passing and moved quickly to fill the vacancy.
Smelled bad. Yes, his rapid securing of place, but even worse, were the toxic fumes from his heavy matted fur and the less than pristine rear end.
After a bath and a (snorting laugh) Poodle clip leaving only neck ruff and fluff on tail (muffled dog laughter), it was obvious that it wasn’t just hair creating that sumo appearance.
Even more surprising was an additional petite cat. Possibly discovered hiding in sumo cat’s clumped up fur.
Oh, well. They need me.
The big one, Mo (as in Mo Hair), needs an exercise program. Nothing like real stair stepping. I’ll make sure he steps up and down those quickly and often.
And Little needs a guardian and protector so he won’t be so shy. Dog on duty.
Being the RC Canine of a Realm is a serious job, but I have steady paw and will.
Looking forward to your inspection of the new digs.
(I’ve got my very own dirt to dig! My very own!)
Your friend in fur,
The German
Paws for peace.©
Paws Applause: A hard fought victory for military dogs. They are coming home. ALL of them.
You thought it was done and they were safe with the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)? Unfortunately that bill which authorized the transfer of a retiring military working dog if no suitable adopter was available at the military facility where the dog was located, said that the dog “may transfer,” rather than “shall transfer.”
One word. “May” means maybe, or maybe not, depending on space available at the moment, budget, or how someone felt that day. “Shall” (as language students know) is more emphatic, carries strong weight and mandates. It shall be done. No questions. No wiggle room.
For all. Including the dogs that served in non-combat zone overseas. In the past, the military would not provide transportation back to the states for those canine soldiers at all.
All spring and summer, advocates, dog handlers, and military dogs themselves went to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, and speak with pride in front of Congress about the importance of bringing all military dogs home and giving their human partners first chance to adopt.
Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) worked with the House and Senate to rewrite the easy-out language addressing military dogs for the 2016 NDAA. In early October 2015, the bill, which passed with bi-partisan support, was vetoed by President Obama (for budget reasons).
Lunging forward to this November when the 2016 NDAA passed both houses with a reduction in spending, but with the language for military dogs remaining. And finally, FINALLY, President Obama signed it into law.
No soldier left behind.
Thanks to all who barked long, loud, and incessantly. It does matter.
“No matter how nice the accommodations and company, there’s no place like being safe at home and sleeping in your own little bed.”(As told to Staff during a recent visit)©
Has to be just right or else. Walking on broken glass is easier than buying gifts.
New video game? Ho-hum. People want something powerful enough to burn memories for a lifetime – for tales to tell long after moving into the Senior Citizens’ Home.
Nothing will brighten up the day like unwrapping your very own flamethrower.
Yep, available on-line in multiple colors. Pink camo? Probably. The ladies like to get in on the action these days, too.
Always fantasized about taking on a commando role? Even giant screen gaming can’t compete with the real experience of handling your very own flamethrower!
Always wanted to recreate a Game of Thrones episode? Flame it up, dragon.
Always searched for the perfect dangerous alien invasion Halloween costume? Nothing fires up the imagination like a flamethrower.
Always wishing for a way to quiet down noisy neighbors? Flame on for shock and awe.
Flamethrowers are perfectly legal. No background check needed. One quick click on-line and faster than you can strike a match, one can be delivered to your door.
Some state laws may insist on a signature and photo ID showing proof of age over 18 yrs upon delivery, but “valid” IDs for club entrances have never been a problem, right?
Perfectly legit. (Except California has some issues concerning wildfire potential. Party poopers.)
1944. See? A timeless classic.(PD:UK War Office photo/Imperial War Museum)
Just like in those late night TV commercials: the ideal multipurpose tool!
For snake and wild hog management. Not to mention all that brush on the South 40 that needs to be taken out. Burn the stickers off prickly pears and BINGO: instant provisions for cattle.
Perfect for memorable fondue parties or to quick start that charcoal grill. No better party entertainment.
While do it yourselfers may try to cheap out with that can of hairspray and a lighter, there’s nothing like the real thing.
Be the first on your block! Make short work of yard work. (X15 flamethrower.Image: Throwflame.com)
No more fretting, Santa. Flamethrowers: a hunk-a-hunk of burning love!
Heating up treats for the holidays,
Phil, the philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
- “Flamethrowers, given up by military, are now being sold to the public” (CNN Money.)
- “You Can Buy This Ridiculous Flamethrower if You Are an Insane Person” (Popular Mechanics)
- BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL: X15 Flamethrower. Now only $1,599.00-$1,750.00. Plus FREE SHIRT with coupon code. Does it get any better? VIDEO!!! (Throwflame.com.)
Take that Frosty! Think again Mr. Snow Miser! (Image: engadget.com)
Like three owls suddenly facing a glaring light, that’s what we must have looked like.
“Who did it?”
If you stay silent, do you become invisible?(PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Silence.
Stunned, but uncomfortably aware that an answer better be forthcoming.
Quickly.
The three of us, serious brother, my six-foot dad known for practical jokes, and me, the usual straight man, sat frozen. The phrase “mad as a wet hen” was probably created just for my mom.
“Who put the snake in the outhouse?”
“I’m waiting.” Anyone would break under her piercing glare.(RGZV Frankenthal/Commons.wikimedia.org)
I mean, seriously? We were struggling not to laugh…or atleast two of us were. A snake in the outhouse? Something you always dreamed of doing, but never dared. Retaliation just too probable.
She was not amused. By the lack of confessions or the lack of action.
Eventually, like the villagers after Frankenstein, we heading down the wooded path with hoes and assorted snake motivators. The dog leading with determination to defend his pack against a snake of reported epic proportions.
Dad cautiously opened the weathered grey planked door.
This big. Possibly a species that had survived unseen for decades! (Chatsam/Commons.wikimedia.org)
A long rather plump black snake was draped half across the sunny bench seat with half hanging down into the depths. I swear it lifted its’ head and said, “What? Occupied!”
Another charming experience of rustic living.
Can’t beat that.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Happy Thanksgiving Season. No matter the chaos, there’s always something worth giving thanks for… like indoor plumbing.
(Oh, for the not initiated into rural life, black snakes are the good snakes. You never kill them. They eat rats and poisonous snakes. I once saw a pair of Copperheads leaping and lunging like the Running W brand for half a block trying to escape a big black snake who never lost a hunt. That black snake generally lived near the giant ancient oak tree next to the house or in the orchard. We always were careful not to startle or step on him or run over him with the mower. And stayed out of his way if he was working. Never take your eyes off a moving snake. Don’t know what he’s herding.)
“Over the river and through the woods….” Do kid still sing that? Hope so. ©
Music of the spheres, evenly paced, probably do not adjust to personal tastes.
Dirge or light little ditty. You can claw, or you can pussyfoot, but it is what it is.
Musica universalis.(Pluto/USPD/www.nasa.gov)
Smaug, a master of the scales, was finally weighted down too much.
The popular 17 yr old Komodo Dragon played to his huge fan club like any rock star. His performances during special days like the zoo’s Feast with the Beasts Day were always standing room only.
Nothing like devouring giant ostrich eggs or a whole goat carcass to draw a crowd.
Smaug knows. (Houstonzoo.org)
He carried his fit as a fiddle 200 pounds well, though, until about a year and a half ago when he started to strut and stroll differently with his right front foot not quite keeping up with the beat.
Normally a Komodo dragon will slide his foot forward and pop muscles so the palm hits the ground first.
Suddenly Smaug’s muscle sequence wasn’t working and he ended up walking on the top of his bent toes which then got swollen and infected.
Put your little foot. Put your little foot…Smaug’s right foot problem is obvious. (Houston Zoo.org)
Help arrived with a special medical team including Dr. Jared Howell, director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Program at Baylor College of Medicine.
According Dr. Howell, “What happened for Smaug is that he wasn’t able to fire his muscles to pull the foot forward, so as he picked up his shoulder to pull the foot forward, it stayed in the flex position and then he would land on it and roll his wrist underneath every single time he took a step. He’s over 200 pounds, so that’s a lot of weight going onto that hand.”
There was a bit of a learning curve as Komodo dragons not only have scales, their muscle functions and joints operate differently than those in humans.
The experts devised a flexible brace that kept the toes straight so they could heal, yet with wrist and arm movement that was be flexible for normal Komodo dragon movement. (More on that effort and brace here)
It looked like after 4-6 months of bracing practice, Smaug would recover.
Smaug unconcerned with the lack of color coordination.(HoustonZoo.org)
Sadly, last Tuesday, The Houston Zoo announced that Smaug had taken his final curtain call.
The popular performer was in pain and was unable to walk due to a new health problem. Scans showed a severe lumbar spinal cord compression unrelated to his recent foot problems.
Zoo harmony is now minus one sweet note.
Previous post about Smaug and Komodo Dragons here.
In counterpoint, a bit of a cappella caterwauling by HRH R.C. Cat.
(Who is quite embarrassed for the species about a recent claim, so She will not address the issue Herself, but has instructive Staff to immediately speak on Her – and all felines – behalf.)
Snoring.
“If not acknowledge, it doesn’t exist” Cat Proverb.©
It has come to HRH attention that recently there have been suggestions that cats snore. (We shall not name the blogger to protect and ensure her safety.)
Loud snorts and sounds emitted while in cat naps apparently have various functions and general purposes according to the Cat Instruction for Dunderheads in Service Manual:
- Loudly exhaled air of cat relaxing yoga breaths allows instant sleep. Simply part of the routine.
- Such sounds are an advanced evolutionary technique to warn those in the area that while cat eyes may appear to be closed, monitoring of the area is continued. Loud zzzz cat sounds at night are exactly the same as ambulance sirens used by humans. A warning: “Stay back.”
- Such noises are a kindness produced by cats to reassure all those near of their Power and Might even in repose. A protective sound umbrella for all in their care.
- Most importantly: Cat do not snore.
Cloudy melodies (Cloud patterns over Prince Edward Island.USPD/wwwnasa.gov)
Time for the last refrain,
As Bob Marley said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” (Unlike cats. We deny we said that.)
And under threat of pain, Staff has been instructed to conclude this concert with this:
“The only escape from the miseries of life are music and cats…”(Albert Schweitzer)
A fine finale and fare-thee-well,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Timeless tune: Fingerprints of water on the sand (USPD/www.nasa.gov)
Quick view from car going over the Hartman Bridge across the Houston Ship Channel. No pedestrians allowed. Don’t even consider stopping for any reason. Some serious looking people will chat with you if you try. ©
On a bridge. Inside a Tardis. Through a door. Within a blink.
Not here. Not there.
A time suspended in mid-air.
Flowing under. Swirling around. Slipping through. Mind’s eye wandering.
Not before. Not after. Momentarily present.
Tiny intervals secreted between transitions.
Quiet slight flight.
A catch of breath. Thought stilled. Steps paused. Vision on refresh.
And then. Over. Back. Through. Awakened.
Brief luxury, time suspended in mid-air.
On a bridge. Inside a Tardis. Through a door. Within a blink.
Momentary disconnect from earthly things.
There.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Same scene a second or two later. It is too different. The red barge on the right has moved. Life changes in a blink. ©
- Striking pictures/video of the Hartman Bridge over the Houston Ship Channel here.
- Here’s history of the Houston Ship Channel (starting in 1836-37) from TX State Historical Association
Wind, water, sky, sea birds calling. Nature’s offering classes in meditation. (houstontx.gov)
Plot suited for some dark novel. A futuristic video game. A slasher horror film.
A dark place where residents realize they are helpless against menacing outside forces determined to destroy them without mercy.
Ordinary people up against sinister forces…
That’s slouching close enough.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Something wicked this way comes.” No rare theme in life or literature.
A line from Shakespeare’s Act IV of Macbeth: “By the pricking of my thumbs / Something wicked this way comes.”
Also the title of Ray Bradbury’s 1962 allegory novel of good and evil, belief and fears, and the conflicting natures of good and evil that exist in humans.(novel’s summary and more here)
Wickedness: much depends on personal viewpoint and beliefs.
What entertains one, infuriates another. Death? Even that. One cherishes life, the other seeks its’ end.
Wickedly impossible to mediate between absolute polar opposites.
Oh, dear. More ragamuffins at the door? How many poor relatives must we be expected to introduce to society? (First Nat./USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
France, of the wicked can-can, broad tolerance, and open-ended thinking has always been the sophisticated darling.
Big time connections to this area since Texas (1685), like NOLA (New France) and Florida(1562), were French at one time or another.
Paris. We awkwardly arrived like country cousins on their doorstep for decades.
Looking for style, grace, and manners.
Sending the young to be polished and educated in the finer things. To knock the rough edges off.
The City of Light. Few places more watched for fashion and trends.
THE source of romance, love, and all things beautiful.
1945 French Resistance Group Poster, Paris. Liberation of the City.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Paris has seen dark wicked times before. She did not relinquish her ideals. Unbowed. Her free soul, never defeated.
She did not stand alone. She does not now, so they say.
After all, according to Clause 5 of NATO Treaty, an attack on France is an attack on the US.
What about the simple platitudes?
“Actions speak louder than words”.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (Ben Franklin, that old friend of France)
Looks can be deceiving. WIcked is as wicked does. (Johnson/LoC/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
So, odd the news anchors now breathless babble of
- “Charlie Sheen says he has H.I.V.” (Charlie. Mr. Big Ego Celebrity. Who cares? Only the scandal gossips. “Big minds talk about ideas; small minds talk about people.” People used to say that.)
- “Moschino Barbie commercial starts adorable boy with Mohawk” (Expensive doll’s commercial trumps hard facts of politics and life. So American: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!”)
- Mizzou Activists/students/BLM complains Paris getting all the attention, and so another temper tantrum with activists attempting to grab back attention. (Unclear on the concept. MLK would be so disappointed and disturbed.)
Heads buried in the sands.
Exercise is a healthy distraction. How about a long distance swim? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
There must be something between the mind numbing wickedness and the mind dulling idiotic.
- Consider not slouching with The Paris Review’s “Yeats’ ‘Second Coming’ – Our most thoroughly Pillaged Poem” (April 7, 2015. “What rough beast, its’ hour come at last, slouches…”)
- Collect some background information with Thomas Jefferson as he deals with the Trivoli pirates or examine a woman’s view of the French revolution (Sculptor Madam Tussaud tries to survive the chaos and keep her wax museum business alive.)
- Dream with Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra with the battles, romance, legends, ghosts, and treasures
- Ponder the age-old “fair, not fair”/”equal, more equal” in Orwell’s 1945 political allegory Animal Farm.
- Mull over the nature of man with free books by Project Gutenberg.
Wickedly charmed while trying to make sense of the current reality.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Worth a glance and a thought:
- “Paris doesn’t need your hashtag ‘heroics”
- “Paris attacks and the civil war between Islam’s medievalists and modernisers”
Oh, it never hurts to find a sunny spot, dream of life more simple and maybe how to get back there.
Hey, there. Oh, yes, we’ve got plans. An aside, don’t you think I could model for toothpaste companies? Staff says, “No” but RC Cat is encouraging although I thought she mumbled something about glue/paste. Cats. Double trouble.©
No, not because of too many head injury crashes.
No, not because of too many TV split-screen eye whiplashes.
No, not because of too much saké .
No, not from marathon dotty domino challenges, any overload of ghost peppers, or too much treadmill incline Definitely not that.
A double play of moi, Molly Malamute! My present to Mouse on her Mirthday. (And I shall try doubly hard not to step on the back of her flip-flops today….only today. Not doubling that offer.)
Double trouble from that RC Cat who jumped up far too early announcing that as a special treat, Staff could get up and served HRH breakfast far before normal time – which would give Staff more time before lunch is served. See? A gift of time!
You can double back for a second look at any other posts. It’s allowed.
Doubly good,
Molly, the Marvelous Malamute
It’s true. Today I’m blogging post bookends…. moving ones…like the croquet hoops in Alice and Wonderland and the Red Queen. What was all that hooping about there anyway? Probably the Cheshire Cat. You know how cats are. Look, squirrel! (And the nosy German trying to barge into the photo session.)©
People of Paris and France.
We stand with you against this act of pure cowardice.
“Courage is resistance to fear, the mastery of fear – not the absence of fear.” (Mark Twain) (Theatre poster, 1900.George Rochegrosse/PD)
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Gothic window, Varennes-Jarcy, France.
Stoic? Stunned? Fascinated? (Milky Way over Easter Island.(Astrophotographer Brian Hancock/Space.com/NASA)
There are notes played that call deep. From out of no where. To some lost memory of something never experienced.
Songs. In an unrecognizable language. Only remembered by deep past.
Never been there. Never heard it from prime.
But it says, “You do. You did.”
A comfortable recognition.
Yet, unsettling.
Life’s current swirl leaves open some tiny slash and like a hardy plant which forces itself into life despite the inappropriate location, forgotten notes tap into consciousness.
A universal calling.
Music, beat, rhythm, rhyme.
The human species is hard-wired to seek it.
To respond to it.
To accompany the heartbeats, the rhythmic breathing, the blood pulsing.
It all comes down to blood. Bottom line. And top in the head which attempts to give wings in music.
Music, which flies straight back to the source, the heart.
There are notes that call deep.
Why?
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
An old woman harnessed her small dog and grandson to a wagon to flee through the snow fearing the Germans would retake Alsace, France during WW II.
A familiar sight in war: soldiers moving to the front past civilians hurrying back to safety.
Not a time warp.
These 1918 style snipers were part of the Rainbow’s 168th Infantry Regiment in WW II .
Pigeons were still used to send messages to the rear.
Yep, those soldiers are holding pigeons.
What would they think of drones?
Pine boughs over a foxhole made things as safe and warm as possible.
Home, sweet foxhole home.
Supply mule loaded, soldier ready to move out with his new adopted friend.
Easy to forget how young many of these soldiers were. Many fresh off the farm.
The way it always seems to be.
Talk about off road.
Both mules and jeeps required a good deal of pushing to get them through the mountains.
Too tense to really rest. Always the risk of ambush.
Würzburg’s factories being searched and cleared.
With the news of the war’s end, a prayer in thanks for making it through alive, and for those who didn’t.
It wasn’t easy: fighting the war or living life afterwards.
Soldiers from all four allied nations enjoy a short break before historic ceremony at Vienna.
Waiting for orders to head home, soldiers enjoyed relaxing with the local kids.
Small reminders of home – and what it’s all about.
Thanks, dad.
Thanks to all who serve for country, home, family, and children.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
More about the Rainbow Division’ s long history from WWI to present.
- WW II Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc
- 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division. (WIKI)
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 