The wisdom of animals . . .

That California woman is going to have her hands full. Full story from Gal Friday.

Beatrix Potter quote and illustration . . .

"Thank goodness I was never sent to school;
it would have rubbed off some of the originality. "

Beatrix Potter, born in London, was educated privately at home. Both parents were from Unitarian families that became prosperous through the cotton trade. She grew up isolated from most other children, with drawing, nature, pets, her little brother, and governesses as her contacts with the outside world. In the 1890s, Beatrix Potter carried out experiments in natural history, illustrating animals, plants, lichen, and fungi. When the difficulties of succeeding as a woman scientist became clear, she began a career as an illustrator of children's writing.

Her best-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, began as a letter to the young son of her former governess. It was first privately published in 1901. After she married at age 47 and bought a farm in England's Lake District, her writing tapered off. She focused on her personal life with her husband, preserving (protecting)the natural landscape from developers, and raising sheep. In 1930 she became the first woman president of the Herdwick Sheep Breeder's Association.

Beatrix Potter wrote a diary in code from ages 14 to 31, deciphered and published in 1966. I never tire of learning more and more about this fascinating woman. Imagine writing a diary in code! I wonder who broke it? She must have been very protective of her private thoughts. I must look for this book at the library. I hope it is illustrated with her delightful drawings.

Follow your bliss . . .

I love the way this French Bulldog's whole face fits in this short, stubby container. I hope he got to lick something delicious. He doesn't look as if he's coming up for air anytime soon.

Joseph Campbell coined the phrase "Follow your bliss." Try following his advice this weekend and enjoy whatever you do.

Passenger view from the back seat . . .

I know just how this man feels. I am so used to being the driver that I have become a white knuckle passenger.

The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg, 1996

The Writing is on the Wall . . .

Ivern Ball was a poet and writer, famous for wise quotes. This seemed perfect to superimpose on one of my brick garden walls. Are you ignoring the writing on your wall?

Life's Little Instruction Book, page 16 . . .

...To be continued...

Create your own JACKSON POLLOCK masterpiece . . .

I just noticed the Google Doodle today and wondered what it was. It is a squiggly painting celebrating the birthday of Jackson Pollock (1912 - 1956).

I have had this link saved to my computer for years. The paint splatters when you move your mouse and the colors change with each click. When you "finish" your masterpiece, you can even save and print it. Very cool indeed. Here is the link to bring out your inner artist: http://jacksonpollock.org/

“The sad truth is that excellence makes people nervous.”
— Jackson Pollock

Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece | An amazing 'must see' short film . . .

Fallingwater from Cristóbal Vila on Vimeo.

This is one of the most amazing short films I have ever seen. Really! It left me speechless! How was it done? Length 4:32. Please watch if you are interested in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and/or computer generated films.