Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tuesday Tarot

Llewellyn Tarot, The Fool, from the Mabinogion (Welsh Mythology)

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sunday Favorites

 I am a great fan of the birds of prey, so for the letter G I am going to share three of my favorites, one from each of three categories.

The Goshawk.  A native of Great Britain, this is a large powerful hawk, capable of easily killing a large hare (or jackrabbit like we have here).  Like most hawks this one hunts from a perch, or a falconer's fist and chases the prey.  Big and strong enough to chase a hare through dense underbrush this was the hawk of the workman back when falconry was a way to eat, not a sport. This hunter was a favorite. 

The Gyrfalcon.  Again a native of Great Britain and parts of Europe.  Trapping, taming or hunting with this falcon was punishable by death.  This was the falcon for kings only.  Falcons hunt by hovering over an area - called "waiting on" - and watching for prey to become visible when they dive on the animal.   Gyrfalcons would accompany the royal courts on their hunts, following the horses and dogs.

The Golden Eagle.  Native to North America, this bird is a common sight in the west.  They prefer to nest on high cliffs and cruise the canyons looking for prey.  Despite their size and noble appearance eagles have never been admired by falconers.  Disappointing as it may be, most eagles are not exceptional hunters and often eat carrion.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

one sign of spring

photo from flickr - no other credit given

Where ever robins go in the winter - they eat well.  They are starting to re-appear and they are so fat it is a wonder that they can fly. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sunday Favorite Things



Frankincense.  I burn incense all the time and this is a favorite.

Finger food.  Always better when you can eat it with your fingers.

Farms.  Not agri-industry.  FARMS, healthy places to grow food.  They are making a comeback.

Freya.  Last week I cheated and used Eclipse (Afghan Hound) as an "E"  Freya got her pointy little nose bent, so here is Freya.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thursday's trees

The trees have been looking sort of fuzzy lately, but reluctant to show any green.  Finally a hint of green in starting to show.  But not on all.



Monday, April 4, 2011

thought for the day

 
"In the sacred traditions, 
the first thing you do in the morning 
is ask for blessings from the four elements: 
earth, air, fire and water. 
Because all of the work that you are going to do that day 
will change the universe." 
~ Laura Esquivel

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunday Favorite Things



Electronic Toys


Eggs, fresh, organic, free range

Eclipse (ok this is cheating, but that is her name)