WHISPERS & CYMBALS

Heard something that struck a cord today, quietly. The most important things, truths, worthwhile issues probably occur in small moments, subtleties, whispers if you will. The nosier the presentation, the less importance is accorded the message. It's all about the tumult. The tumult itself somehow becoming the issue. A moment lost when we focus on the colors, the clowns, the circus.

Especially apt in the midst of this political season. The more noise they make, the sillier the actual words and the less we listen. Yet we form opinions from the explosive smoke and mirrors delivered in place of answers. Deliver me and offer a simpler note, a gentler song, an act of real worth.

Address the economy, the loss of American stature in the world, the never-ending wars, the disenfranchised who will die as they cannot afford medical marvels available to those who can pay. Stay out of our bedrooms and churches and focus on the issues that mean something. I can dream.

DOG DAYS FUN & ADVENTURE

I have to quit doing this to people.

My exercise place decided to decorate for the season. I arrived early one morning to see DOGS DOGS DOGS! Hanging from the ceiling, taped to the wall, dog bones and dog toys scattered hither and yon (do people still say that?). I pointed out to the sweet morning lady - "you know it's an ancient Greek tradition to call this time the dog days as the Dog Star Sirius occurs at this time of the year (anytime between early July to early September), or you could blame the poem bemoaning Mad Dogs and Englishmen". She stops, looks at me and says "now why didn't you tell me that before I did all this work?" And we both laughed. I told her, don't worry most people won't get it anyway.

More fun. After much begging by the guy organizing the extravaganza, I agreed to serve on the Burt man's golf team which also included his friend Dave W and Dad. The organizer pointed out that I didn't want to golf with my old man having put myself on Roy-boy's side. I said, yes I am. Had him puzzling for days. Anyway golfed about as well as expected by someone who goes out once maybe twice a summer. However after 4 holes we were 2 pars and 2 birds due primarily by the boy hitting some awesome drives and me making one miraculous putt (pays to pray). But then everyone went to sh---, which is not surprising when 2 of us do not golf that often. Actually Dave hit some long ones, however his sense of direction is a tad off, so I think he was the winner of the most balls lost contest. And when we had to use one of my drives, "we's in big troubles".

One crazy shot had us all putting one between the trees because, as Dad pointed out, a tree is 90% air anyway. Dave finally hit this amazing shot through the trees, over the creek and onto the green. We were laughing so hard, we're lucky the rest of us got a shot off. However we ended up 2 over. Needless to say we did not stay for the payoff of the "skins". There was a memorable moment when we were shooting entirely over a pond on a par three. I nailed the bugger easily 125 -150 yards. Unfortunately I decided at that precise moment that a slice was called for---"SPLASH". Ah well, that's why we carry extra balls.

However we did get our money's worth (more shots taken and 2 meals). Between 7:30 and 2 pm we had breakfast, goodies at the turn and lunch. And by golly we took 'em all because after all, we had paid for it.

We rounded out Saturday by enjoying a great barbecue at my Nephew's new home. I could live on their wrap-around patio. Then we ladies adjourned to the movies to allow my niece a little downtime from her bundles of joy while the gentlemen cleaned up and watch the Tigers win one for once. It was some movie about pants, I'm still not sure the back story, and the popcorn was good. Burt man said niece Colleen (the hostess) settled down on the floor to color which of course drew the little ones like moths to a flame. Hope her light carpet is impervious or compatible with wax crayons of various hues. LOL.

NATURE OF LIFE AND DEATH

As I gaze out my patio doors, I can't help but be amused by the fickleness of Mother Nature. The plants exposed to the deluges of June are now towering over the metal fence like a crocheted green afghan. However due to her stinginess with the moisture since, the tomatoes took their own sweet time. This of course prompted rain dances and artificial means of sustenance. But now in the beginning of August, giant cucumbers, onions and several types of tomatoes insist upon coming to fruition all at once. Fie!

A lady I know mentioned another fact of nature: mainly that she has had confirmation of cancer in a new spot from two previous areas she had brutally excised and "che-moed" to death. She debated with herself on whether she had the strength to fight once again or just let nature take its course, though that could be a painful journey of an indeterminate length. She smiled and said "well we all live like there's no tomorrow and you could step off the curb and get hit by a car". Though I nodded at the wisdom of that, privately I have to consider. Isn't it different when you can see the car coming and know that soon you will be beneath its wheels?

THE DRUIDS WERE RIGHT

On a whim my daughter text messaged an invitation to go riding today. I was happy to agree and we realized we had not been to the stables in a very very very long time. Perfect morning for it with a temperature in the low 70's and a wrangler who knew all the shady areas but without an overwhelming urge to chatter. Heaven.

Each of us happy in our own thoughts and realizing this is a perfect exercise where you reap the benefits of maintaining a straight posture, and experiencing a challenging thigh-master workout each time you trot. My boy, Chad, was feeling frisky and teasing for a nip of leg which of course I did not allow. A few tentative tree scrapings were attempted and thwarted, so he settled down.

The corn was as high around us as the proverbial "elephant's eye" and it looked like the passing horses have been reaching in for quick bites as the front row of each field was neatly filed down by eager teeth. I explained to the other two ladies that it was similar to the three of us walking past a table laden with dark chocolate. Regardless of good intentions, we are going to sneak a nibble.

As the horses are commonplace in this area, and they have a stronger randier odor than the humans astride, the other animals in the area usually stick around to say "howdy" without noticing the extra, insignificant appendage atop each one. We were treated to Mama does and their spotted offspring who watched and waited until our paths crossed before sliding into the thick vegetation. I understand that often the elder deer will sacrifice the smaller, younger ones by sending them out first or leaving them out last. Which explains why they are the elder deer, duhh. An abrupt stop to enjoy wild turkeys and their offspring perfectly camouflaged by the greens and browns and shadows of the deeper woods.

Altogether a beautiful start to Sunday morning worship in a tree topped cathedral supported by a choir of noisy peacocks, and concluding with a homily of joy from the barn kittens pouncing on sunbeams.

BUTTERFLY SCENES

It happened overnight! My Rose of Sharon bush (affectionately named Rosie) we planted in hopes of attracting butterflies has stubbornly refused to blossom. In fact she showed nothing but terminal signs ever since we planted her; bending as each horrific storm struck her; leaves drooping and weeping down from the plant. Petal by petal dropping to form a puddle of yellow at her feet. We watered, we didn't water. We fed her plant food and talked to her (well I did) trying to explain the significance of her survival in that little spot by the corner of the house.

And then this morning the Burt man led me to her and said "Look"! There proudly shimmering from the highest branch the most delicate and beautiful pink blossom so much like the carnations our Lady loved. As we looked closer, dozens of little buds are forming getting ready to dress our little Rosie in her summer finery. And anti-climatic as it may seem, a translucent little white butterfly floated triumphantly around the plant giggling a little B-Fly giggle as if to say "oh ye of little faith".

You see the boy researched and found that Rose of Sharon attracts butterflies and as those who have followed my blog know, I believe they are Mother's representatives checking in...