THE grandson is coming for a visit with his mom (Mr. Dragon's daughter), and dad. We are excited. It is always a delight to see and visit with all of them. We usually travel to Seattle, but this year they are coming here. His mom has had some medical problems and she's seeing a few doctors here. We get to visit, entertain, run, play, laugh and enjoy. I bet we sleep well every night, too!
I wanted to let you know as it will probably be a little quiet around Twisty Lane while HIMSELF is here. I'm also doing what Mr. Dragon calls my *visiting lecturer* gig on Tuesday (the same day HIMSELF arrives). I'll be talking with docents at the museum about the new Arts of India Gallery ... for two hours or until my voice gives out ... whichever comes first!
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In other big news, Mr. Dragon broke 100 for the first time since returning to golf. This important event took place on Saturday. He's been smiling a lot, but I still have asked that all golfing equipment be removed from the dining room table.
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It has been sad around here since Rocky's passing, but a special aromatherapy has helped. Perhaps it is one of Snap's Rules: When you are sad, make soup! First I made my favorite (it's so quick and easy) , then the chowder again and lastly a split pea soup that was just too close to perfect for words. I promise to share the recipe when I have a moment or two. (Shame on me for teasing.)
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Lastly, we picked up Rocky's ashes from our veterinarian. He assured us, once again, that there was nothing we could have done. For some reason, it was more important for Rocky to be on the other side than with us, but, oh, how it still hurts and how we miss the little guy ... all of us ... Mr. Dragon, Moi, Riley and Teddy.
Last week, the Next Chapter group, under the leadership of the wonderful Jamie Ridler, began reading The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices For a Happier Life by Martha Beck. Jamie suggested we make vision cards for each practice in the book. The first practice is Nothing and here is my vision card.
"To begin the Joy Diet, you must do nothing for at least fifteen minutes a day."
I was excited. This was something I could do! Something I used to do and for some reason (something I'll have to look into further) stopped doing. It was time to return to the "center of my being" and listen. Slow down. Tell my monkey mind TIME OUT!
I returned to one of my favorite authors and teachers, Thich Nhat Hanh and the book A Lifetime of Peace: Essential Writings by and About Thich Nhat Hanh. After greeting the morning and a new day, I began to count my breath. Breathe in and count one, breathe out and count one. Breathe in, two. Breathe out, two. Breathe and count to ten. If a thought comes along .. recognize it, send it away and start with one again. Each time count to ten. Counting attaches mindfulness to the breath. Soon I was reaching ten time and time again, without really realizing it. It was so nice to return to this form of meditation and nothingness.
This, however, is not enough for Thich Nhat Hanh. He believes you can "practice meditation when you walk, stand, lie down, sit, while washing your hands, washing the dishes, drinking tea, talking to friends or whatever you are doing". Whatever you are doing - it must be the most important thing. Be mindful.
I often find this "nothingness" while I am doing handwork ... knit, crochet, cross stitch. I zone out, get into a flow, tune everything out. Even what I'm doing just flows. And after, I am refreshed, whole, calm.
It's so nice to return to nothing. To put the do not disturb sign out.
Be sure to visit to see other critters from around the world.
We are going back to the Houston Zoo
for more of Photography Day
and cats.
This beautiful little cat is the Margay.
The Margay is about two feet tall from feet to shoulders, three feet long and weighs about five to twelve pounds. It has gray to golden-brown fur with black and brown spots. The spots on its sides are often different shapes and are often black with a brown center. Its undersides are white. The Margay has a small head, large ears and eyes and a long tail.
The Margay can be found from Mexico to Argentina. It was once found in the United States in Texas. The last Margay seen in the United States was spotted in Texas in the 1850s.
(Please excuse the blur ... between the rain and this little guy being in constant motion it made getting a really good shot a little beyond my capabilities.)
The Margay makes its home in tropical and subtropical forests.
The Margay eats a wide-variety of food including birds, bird eggs, small mammals, reptiles and fruit. It hunts primarily in trees.
Margays mate year-round. Females give birth to one or two young three to four months after mating. The kittens begin to eat meat when they are about eight weeks old.
The Margay is nocturnal. It is a very good climber and jumper. It has joints in its ankles that rotate 180 degrees. This helps it climb down vertical trees headfirst. It is the only cat in North America that can do that! It can also hang from tree limbs by one hind foot. It spends most of its time in the tree canopy hunting for birds, small mammals, reptiles and eggs.
The Margay is near threatened because of loss of habitat.
We spent a lot of time just watching this little guy. He was in constant motion -- up, down, around and do it all again and again.
Here's a video from the zoo on You Tube. The keeper will talk about enrichment for the cats and this little guy is in the video -- constant motion! You'll also see the Fossa, Leopards, Tigers.
One of my sisters-by-choice, is a Jamestown, New York girl. She spent several weeks there recently and sent me these postcards. We lovingly call ourselves Lucy and Ethel (she's Lucy and I'm Ethel). Not only do I enjoy Lucy and the gang from the television show (always good for a laugh), but I Love *MY* Lucy.
This post card is called The Nursery School. The back of the card reads Nursery School (aired December 5, 1955).
On the front, this card reads "The story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz all began here in Jamestown, New York, where Lucy was born on August 6, 1911. When Lucille Ball was very young, this is where she lived, saw her first vaudeville, dreamed of an acting career and stared in her first high school play. Later, when she had met and married Desi Arnaz and I Love Lucy was a remarkable success, Lucille Ball never forgot Jamestown. She came back often and remained close to her family and friends. We welcome them back now to relive their true story."
The back of the card reads: "The Lucy-Desi Museum, Jamestown, New York whose mission is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter."
