16 juli 2006
Bluegills at Matthaei
YPSIDIXIT and the adventurous friend spent the morning marveling at butterflies, snickering at dragonfly threesomes, and soaking up midsummer beauty at Matthaei. We'd last been here when snow covered the fields, twinkling in cold miniature diamonds on the dead dry weeds. Ypsidixit marked the passage of time, put a pretty yellow leaf in her ponytail for decoration, and felt humbled and grateful to be on the same pineconed path as the AF.
We walked to the artificial pond on the northern side of Matthaei, within earshot of the barking dogs of the Humane Society. Here we were mesmerized by a bluegill in the shallows. It monitored a hand-sized cleared gravel area among the water weeds. We speculated that this was its nest, and that it was protecting its eggs. It seemed hard to believe that a little bluegill could so energetically clean out an area so big relative to its small size. But Y. silently reflected that with love, all things are possible.
Y. and the AF chilled out on a bench overlooking the pond and had snacks. The AF chided Y. for bringing hot tea, despite the fact that drinking hot beverages on a hot day makes one cooler. Y. magisterially ignored his complaints and serenely drank her hot tea. As did the AF, in grudging recognition of my common sense.
Y. and the AF stood on the gravelly pondshore, watching a hand-sized painted turtle. The shy turtle didn't know what to make of us. He peeked out of the water, then swam 5 feet in to us, then peeked out again, then swam 5 more feet in to us. We stood still. Y. was squatted on her haunches, which was beginning to get uncomfortable, but I didn't move. It took a good 10 minutes for the shy turtle to get within a few feet of us. He took one last look at us, then turned and fled for his life, swimming at top speed away from the 2 people in Washtenaw County least likely to hurt him.
Y. reflected on the high yet worthwhile cost of purchasing trust, a purchase made in increments over time, as she and the equally extremely shy AF walked quietly through the woods to the parking lot.
Posted by ypsidixit at 16 juli 2006 22:45
Comments
If the lunar transit was a feel-good summer movie, the Aries moon would be the dance break in the middle -- a spontaneous release of energy. It's sometimes seemingly unmotivated, but the audience goes with it anyway because it's just so silly and fun. Set your body in motion without a care to what anyone thinks. Go with your whim.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). The stars see you doing preparation in order to keep the bad kind of surprises to a minimum. Have the answers to frequently asked questions handy, and you're good to go.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Be outside. Experience open air. Too many artificial settings have a way of zapping you of creativity. Tonight, young people help you get perspective. You're really cool, you know.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've as much motivation as a rock now and would be very happy to learn the underrated skill: How to never have to work. This isn't because you're lazy, it's because you're tired. Take a break, and don't punish yourself.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). A fulfilling personal life will bring much-needed balance. You could even forget your worries altogether. Tonight: Say the words that cause others to open up.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Every moment of your day doesn't have to be scheduled. Liberate your spirit with a plan to do absolutely nothing. By the way, a box or bag is still in need of unpacking. When you put stuff away, you're claiming your space.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The heat is on at work, and luckily, so are you. Write your best ideas down and follow through. Your joie de vivre returns, and don't think it goes unnoticed, either. Singles attract all kinds of interest.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You recognize how different personalities complement one another. This is a skill you can bank on now. You'll be putting together a dream team of sorts. Water signs are best for what you need: Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A formerly rocky romantic relationship is experiencing gorgeous weather tonight. With a little creativity, you can turn this smooth ride into a bonding experience. Games are particularly lucky.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your personal history could use a rewrite. Putting a new spin on the past might help you get a better grip on the present. And you're not lying to yourself, either -- it's all in how you frame it.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today is about money and how you can make it differently than you've ever made it before. Input from partners is truly brilliant. A new idea may be a moneymaker or money saver -- either one is good.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). All you have to do is everything you promised! Promising less makes tomorrow easier. Next time, if you can't find it in your heart to say "no," then at least say "maybe" instead of "I'll do it!" PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Work alone -- others will only compromise your vision. Effective money management opens doors. Energy is high once you detach yourself from problems that are not yours to solve.
Posted by: Rocky at 17 juli 2006 09:12
Thank you, kindest Oracle. Though I'm about the last person who needs to be told "liberate your spirit with a plan to do absolutely nothing."
Posted by: Laura at 17 juli 2006 09:24
My honey and I hiked this very spot last week. It was delightful watching the fish drift in the sunny spots in the pond. I love the new world garden flowers at the entry way as well as the herb garden out back. I saw many honeybees at work and dragonflies galore too.
Posted by: maryd at 17 juli 2006 12:23