Thursday Thirteen

Today I'm sharing images of my most surprising garden success, the Amorphophallus conjac (thank you for the correction to "conjac", Lucius Antony, from the incorrect "titanum"!). This so-called "corpse flower" actually bloomed this year! It's the third time since being introduced out of a little pot as an interesting but mysterious foliage specimen. The garden center owner didn't seem to know that he sold me a renowned food source from Asia. It's the tubers that are edible, though I do believe I'll pass on trying to eat mine.

Before I could even photograph the nub of a flower shoot protruding from the soil, this ubiquitous shape formed. I'll let the first few pictures speak for themselves.













After many days of stinky glory, the beautiful cloacking spathe shrivelled and the spadex at its center collapsed. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.



This isn't the best focus, but it sure reminds me of Jar Jar Binks from "Star Wars".



It lingered, getting uglier and uglier.



Then, the joy of rebirth brought these darling little shoots.



This mottled stem is what drew my eye at the garden center. That guy called it a "snake plant"!



This shows off the tropical leaves of an individual stalk.



Here you can see the resulting miniature jungle. Now, it's chest high and still spreading!

Summer Projects

A new, better retaining wall meant I finally had a good reason to plant the barren spot of my cottage garden. After much deliberation, I finally settled on grasses. They give pretty winter interest and even an invasive species won't be able to spread too far with a brick wall and another sturdy native like my Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium spp.) just to the right. I'll post more photos as it blooms.

In the meantime, here are the newest additions, which will hopefully fill in quite nicely through the seasons. I put in two northern sea oats and a perennial whose name I can't recall beyond the local common name of "chocolate plant". ~blush~ Research isn't turning up anything. Anyway, it's got nice contrasting summer foliage.

Image for the Day

I really like Pink Tentacle for strange and wonderful articles regarding Japanese history and culture. Today, I found a great showing of more art dedicated to the plethora of Asian demons and spirits. You can find theme here:

Pink Tentacle

This is my favorite since I adore both the cat and the fox (click on the image to enlarge):

Brain Boosting

I’m no self-help fanatic, but I do like to keep my brain sharp. When my email homepage listed a link for ways to help with that, I had to click.

What I found actually pleased me. I’m ahead on the curve with these suggestions:

1. Use your non-dominant hand – I spent months writing with my left hand when working in a lawn care office during a slow winter period. The legibility became quite clear by the time spring arrived. I also do things to give the right wrist a physical relief, so it’s nice to know there’s a side benefit.

2. Work out your brain – Just for fun I took up learning Japanese and, let me tell you, it’s a fun challenge. Word search puzzles used to be a favorite pastime and I still like to read upside down occasionally. The options are limitless but I don’t think this passive online game counts: Sushi Cat. What can I say? Sushi cat is adorable and I fell under his spell exactly twice. That’s all, I swear.

3. Move your fingers – Someone actually suggested I use a squeeze ball while studying Japanese and I think it makes a difference. Also interesting, the article brings up the connection between Asian intelligence and the use of chopsticks. I bought a set that is specifically made to Japanese standards; they’re pointed instead of square. My partner thinks I’m crazy.

4. Stimulate brain acuity with self-massage – Pressure points are mentioned in the article. I recall a former boyfriend being quite familiar with them. Oh, yeah. Wait, sorry, I digress. Anyway, I’d prefer to have a friend work on this part. I’ll be visiting a local spa in a few weeks. It’s timed to coincide with my colleague’s return from a two week vacation. I’ll probably need more than a massage by then, but one can always hope.

Thank you, Dr. Mao. Here is the article if you’d like to read for yourself:

4 Exercises to Sharpen Your Brain

Now, go stimulate your brain!

~~

Something it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I ordered a bench recently. I'm so pleased with the design and quality that it seemed a fun thing to share.



Well, I'm no photographer but here you can see how cute my African giraffe works with it.

Thursday Thirteen

Thursdays mean listing thirteen random things. Whoever came up with the idea, it's fun to read (or view) whatever bloggers compile. Come enjoy a peak into my mind. This week I listed blessings I take for granted.

Darla's Sand Castles

Flash Fiction Friday

This was inspired by a picture prompt, and I thought I'd share the image and the results. I hope you enjoy the brief read...

Distant Drumming

Waukeen gulped a few swallows of water, conscious of conserving the precious fluid. He had been at the drum nonstop through two moon rises. He couldn’t say exactly how many hours passed, but his formerly smooth scalp badly needed shaved.

As son of Chief Wauk, he lamented that more than the gnawing hunger or numbing fatigue. Word of encroaching war took precedence over ritual grooming.

His fingers holding the flask felt odd clutching something other than the bamboo bachi. He’d had these sticks since he was a boy, and always held them the exact same way, the grain familiar as his own fingerprints. Any other grip lacked the sharp sound needed to carry. Other, more decorative sticks waited at home, and he retained hope of returning soon for a victorious, celebratory performance.

He listened for a long moment, then repeated the rhythm precisely. When he finished, Waukeen waited for his brethren across the southern valley to relay the message to the next drummer. Then Waukeen would receive a new communiqué. The length of each passage, the pauses in between, were specific rules handed down from a generation so distant that none alive new who decided them.

The system worked, and that was enough. News of distant happenings, good or bad word simultaneously translated in Waukeen’s village, occupied those dedicated to the service. Musicianship was Waukeen’s gift to the Forest People. He mused for a moment on the sad message he’d imparted the year before, when his mother died in childbirth. Waukeen shook his head, refusing to be distracted by old sorrow. If war came, he’d have more grief than he could stomach.

A twig snapped in the trees at his back. Too exhausted for more than a faint prickle of adrenaline, he relaxed upon hearing the voice of his clan-sister, Eilakarn. She was much more welcome than a tiger or baboon.

“My mother sends her regards, Waukeen.” When he nodded tiredly, she said, “I see your water is holding out. I have brought fresh, as well as food from Eila’s kitchen.”

“I can’t take time to eat! I thank you for the thoughtfulness, though, and apologize for my harsh tone. I know you’ve walked far on my behalf.”

“We are all tense. And you must be exhausted. As for the food, you will eat. I even brought your favorite.”

He could smell the dumplings now, rice flour wrappers filled with minced elk meat and wolfberries. His stomach growled and she laughed. With the next messenger still completing his staccato phrase, Waukeen enjoyed the moment. The pair could have been embarking on a carefree summer swim for the joyful sound of her laughter.

“I’m glad you’re amused.”

“Well, your belly sounded like a bear.”

“Wait. I must listen.”

She folded silently to his side as the eerie sound of a lone Taiko carried from the north. The musical words were a mystery to Eilakarn, and barely understood by Waukeen. He knew the message said something about their warmonger neighbors, the Roon, but that went without saying. As the last beat echoed, his hands took over from instinct. He felt his clan-sister’s eyes on him and sensed heat rising in his cheeks.

Waukeen had successfully ignored the fact that her witness to his drumming was taboo. Only married women were allowed to attend performances by men. The driving music was considered too passionate for virginal ears, the body movements of drumming too sensual. Performing the music, on the other hand, was said to release sexual tension. For his part, Waukeen looked forward to the day he could watch a woman play.

As his latest finishing note reverberated, he set down both sticks and picked up his water. Eilakarn took his free hand in hers. She turned it palm up and traced the calluses, smiling boldly. A shiver travelled down the young man’s spine.

“What news have I been relaying?”

“First, eat,” she ordered happily, releasing his limb and opening her basket.

He didn’t wonder at her mood, simply grateful for the lightness of it. And the smells of the food dispelled any lingering dread. The dumplings were specially made, smaller than normal, so that he could chew and swallow quickly. The gesture struck him as both sad and thoughtful.

“Eila has outdone herself,” he remarked, mouth watering at the offering.

When Eilakarn didn’t reply, he looked up. Her long, dark hair framed a beaming smile.

“What is it?”

“Our warriors turned back the Roon. The battle is over. Your father is well and on his way back. When he returns, we can be married.”

“These messages have been honoring the fallen.”

“Yes, Waukeen. First our men, and then the Roon. You should soon be done and we can go home together.”

As she snagged a morsel and popped it in his mouth, Eilakarn leaned forward for a kiss. Her lips felt warm and very soft. He regretted the slight scratchiness of his chin whiskers against her silky cheek.

Against her mouth, he repeated, “And we can be married.”

She sat back, giggling, and rubbed his head. “After you have a bath and a shave!”

13 Amazing Ice Cream Flavors

Not surprisingly, the Japanese have managed to turn a favorite treat into something either incredibly wondrous or utterly disgusting. I decided to share what I found on the amusing Who Sucks website. You can see for yourself, here: http://www.who-sucks.com/food/101-frightening-ice-cream-flavors-from-around-the-world.

This ain't your typical vanilla soft serve:

1. Miso – this one actually sounds good if you ask me; the bean paste should lend its flavor well to either sweet or savory foods

2. Genmai – brown rice is healthy but I have yet to appreciate the chewiness, I’ll stick with the white Japanese style (Kokuho Rose is good, and thanks to this site I want to try Koshihikari rice!)

3. Sesame, Soybean, and Dried Kelp – Call me crazy, but I’d give this a taste without hesitation

4. Silk – actually made with the fibers, it can’t possibly have a flavor; silk should forever remain strictly as a textile if you ask me

5. Stout – thumbs up; dark beer strikes me as a pretty clever and intriguing taste

6. Potato Liquor – not so much, if this distilled form has the null properties I associate with vodka

7. Red Wine – staying with the alcohol theme, it sounds downright nasty to me, like a combination I saw the other day of Merlot and chocolate blended in a drink

8. Natural Salt – being a fan of salty more than sweet, I’d nonetheless have to add something sugary if this is as briny and unembellished as it sounds

9. Cherry Blossom – said to be delightful, the idea sounds quite wonderful!

10. Cheese Risotto – the gag factor strikes me as really high on this one

11. Chili Pepper – I want some without a doubt; bring on the burn

12. Indian Curry – sounds like a winner in my humble opinion but I’m also not your typical consumer of chocolaty sweets

13. Before reading, know that this last is really horrific…

…

…

…

I’m serious, it’s not for the faint of heart…

…

…

Raw Horseflesh – said to literally have chunks of the meat, this completely sickened me – Flicka? No way. Raw? That’s just nauseating.

13 Amazing Ice Cream Flavors

Not surprisingly, the Japanese have managed to turn a favorite treat into something either incredibly wondrous or utterly disgusting. I decided to share what I found on the amusing Who Sucks website. You can see for yourself, here: http://www.who-sucks.com/food/101-frightening-ice-cream-flavors-from-around-the-world.

This ain't your typical vanilla soft serve:

1. Miso – this one actually sounds good if you ask me; the bean paste should lend its flavor well to either sweet or savory foods

2. Genmai – brown rice is healthy but I have yet to appreciate the chewiness, I’ll stick with the white Japanese style (Kokuho Rose is good, and thanks to this site I want to try Koshihikari rice!)

3. Sesame, Soybean, and Dried Kelp – Call me crazy, but I’d give this a taste without hesitation

4. Silk – actually made with the fibers, it can’t possibly have a flavor; silk should forever remain strictly as a textile if you ask me

5. Stout – thumbs up; dark beer strikes me as a pretty clever and intriguing taste

6. Potato Liquor – not so much, if this distilled form has the null properties I associate with vodka

7. Red Wine – staying with the alcohol theme, it sounds downright nasty to me, like a combination I saw the other day of Merlot and chocolate blended in a drink

8. Natural Salt – being a fan of salty more than sweet, I’d nonetheless have to add something sugary if this is as briny and unembellished as it sounds

9. Cherry Blossom – said to be delightful, the idea sounds quite wonderful!

10. Cheese Risotto – the gag factor strikes me as really high on this one

11. Chili Pepper – I want some without a doubt; bring on the burn

12. Indian Curry – sounds like a winner in my humble opinion but I’m also not your typical consumer of chocolaty sweets

13. Before reading, know that this last is really horrific…

…

…

…

I’m serious, it’s not for the faint of heart…

…

…

Raw Horseflesh – said to literally have chunks of the meat, this completely sickened me – Flicka? No way. Raw? That’s just nauseating.

Wiley Wednesday

Today's the day I try to say something worthwhile and pertinent to writing. I hope you check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

The Writer's Retreat

Wild West

However much I complain about my job, the boss is cool. He rides a beautiful Harley and has a very open mind. My father sent me a funny email and I'm forwarding my supervisor this picture with the caption that he needs one:

Thirteen reasons I should have stayed home from work today:

1. It’s raining, and my muse thrives on rainy weather

2. Imagining a beautiful exchange between two fictional characters, I would have preferred to keep daydreaming in bed until the urge to write the scene forced me to get up

3. I’m actually in a good mood and should let my work-from-home partner enjoy this side for a change

4. My Thursday 13 list wasn’t already written as I’d wrongfully thought (a blog post is in the pipe for another topic– duh) and I could concentrate better away from here

5. The day job isn’t any fun

6. The one and only street out of my neighborhood was blocked by a fire truck due to a fallen tree (unfortunately, the fireman waved me on before I came to my senses and went home)

7. A constant stream of emails distract my attention from the fiction I’d rather be writing

8. Painting on my home’s interior is done and tons of artwork needs re-hung

9. Three cats would rather have me there

10. The floor needs vacuumed and I won’t want to do it by day’s end

11. My daily Japanese lesson could be done with a cat on the lap instead of sitting in my car or the company break room

12. It’s noisy here and I like things quiet (music in my ear keeps me somewhat sane)

13. To bastardize a quote my dad taught me about fishing, “A slow day of writing beats a good day at the office”

I hope that, wherever you are, you have a good Thursday!

Writer's Retreat Blog Post

Today I expounded upon the type of gaff that I sometimes feel alone in being able to achieve. Click for a laugh and I hope you'll share experiences of your own...

Writer's Retreat Blog