When Children Sing

 

So tired, so tired of disaster, lying, destruction, evil, and every other bad thing there is. So what to do?

 For me? Videos of children being incredible, works every time.

 

One talented family

                                     

                                                       The Kabs Family

                                                        

Ukrainian Courage

 

The leader and hero of a nation is a brave man who loves his country. It takes a brave man committed to his nation to wear a helmet.

                                        Volodymyr Zelenskyy

 I watched Walter Cronkite when I was not yet aware of the world's disasters. JFK assignation? Vietnam? Some other battle somewhere else?

But then the words he said and the photos that were shown revealed that life on the farm was insulated from that part of our history. I knew nothing.

“When the will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death – that is heroism.” unknown quote

 Heroes are not just ones out on the battlefield, they are brave souls who rise to the occasion to save other souls.

 

                                                                                                       

Adam ruins....everything

 

                                           How prostitutes settled the West YouTube

A rant is long overdue, so bear with me.

Internet security has always been an issue, and this issue becomes blaring when it affects millions of people worldwide.  This is not just about many hacking invasions.

My daughter introduced me to "Adam Ruins...", a YouTube series where an incredible revelations about a variety of a broad scary vulnerabilities in today's societies. (While "Adam Ruins..." may or may not totally truthful, this one certainly must be.)

Here is one scary video that is applicable to my rant:

This is 6:20 in time, but well worth the watch.

For instance, I searched some sites to find a dress or something for my son's wedding.  Since then I have been inundated on Gmail, Blogspot and Facebook sidebars for outfits that may be of interest. Motorcycle parts? NextMD for migraines? IQ tests? (I am brilliant, a genius, by the way.)

Basically we live in a world where privacy is a rare, or even non-existent luxury. Even "going off the grid" is still not a guarantee. Nothing is invisible

Not much of a rant, but this is certainly one of outrage, anger, and most of all: fear.

I hope that this is accessible!  If not, paste "Adam ruins + YouTube" in your search.

 

This is a post from 2017. We are not alone.

 

Women really did change the West. Whether prostitutes, women with husbands and kids, teachers, sharpshooters, women really made a difference then and now.   

 

Flood at Colony at 307B

 

                                             Black ants

 

Recent floods and the installation of artificial turf had forced Ant Colony 307B to relocate at a far corner of an artichoke field. The ant  army acted as a unit to move every member through the arterial twists and turns of the now drenched network of their former home.

Moving the queen ant with her arsenal of ant larvae and drones had proved to be most interesting.  Trudging through soggy tunnels had revealed an unknown treasure of collected artwork.  Minute paint chips, grains of paprika, and tiny shreds of colored paper lined walls of the queen’s chamber.

The treasure remained behind as the tunnels collapsed.

Just how extensive is an ant colony/hill? Each video is about 6 minutes, not heavy watching.

 

                                Aluminum in ant hill

Note:All the ants do die in this video.   

 

Many thanks to Delores at Under the Porch Light who created the Wed. Words She has handed off the baton to volunteers, River 

being one of those creative writers.  This week had a buffet of words.

This is a re-post from 2014.

 

                                
                                Gigantic ant colony

Head on over to River and collect the new words. You can do this.

Miranda, Oh, Miranda

    

 Miranda. 

                                                10 short clips of Miranda

Not many know of this BritBox treasure, one of those British shows that can't be described. It is simply to be enjoyed.

Let me just say this. I am addicted to Great British Baking Show. It is hard to admit that, but there you go. So finding Miranda is a great transition.

 Here is an incomplete synopsis:  

 Miranda is played by Miranda Hart, a 6 ft. 1 in. comedian and actress. She is socially awkward, prat fall expert. She lives in her own flat over a business co-owned by her old school chum, Stevie (who is maybe 5 ft. 1 in). Stevie is business and Miranda uses that set-up. No love life is a big issue.

Here is another video. (I know. Is this all that the Cat posted today?? Really?)

 That is all I got.  Except this is the male love leading man: Tom Ellis.

 

  Gary (Ellis) as Gary the chef

And then there is Lucifer, a successful show. Tom Ellis, makes a transition from a gentle Gary, a chef starting his own restaurant where Miranda and Gary have chemistry. And then he appears in Lucifer**, same actor, but with a different persona.

                          

                               

           Tom Ellis is a versatile actor, multi-talented. He is also family man with 3 children. Being with his children far outweighs what Ellis' Lucifer. I think the program was picked up by Netflix.

 

Miranda          

 

**This is a synopsis of the show, Lucifer   . If you want to know more, click on the name to the left. This is recommended.

         

Let the Little Children Come

Teach your children.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16 | NIV

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Children's children are the crown of old men;
and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 | KJV

Battles to Be Queen of Queens

Future Queen of Queens

Switzerland, oh Switzerland, how lovely are your peaks.

People contemplate Switzerland and immediately envision snow, mountains, cheese fondue, watches, chocolate and lots of other stuff, just like every other country. But, one is discounting a key factor in Switzerland's economy:
                             Bovines

Perhaps one of the strangest festivals involving cows is Annual Cow Fighting, beginning in March, lasting through September. Cows will spend the summer roaming and eating in the pastures, making delightful creamy milk that turns into magical cheese. So they have some time to fight.

All cows are naturally bossy and territorial, loving a good cow fight. Locking formidable horns, wrestling around a bit, until the loser gives up. Being muscular and easily riled, this breed appears like it could rip guts out. 

 Mooing loudly and apparently scary, the battle is mostly push and shove. When one feels like she won this event, they both walk off the field, apparently to do something involving grazing.

 

 

Hérens  breed is the cow of choice because they are particularly feisty and temperamental breed. This breed battles well, with its owner hoping to capture the prestigious title, Queens of Hérens.

From March to September, battles are held all around Switzerland, attracting tens of thousands of spectators. the final tournament will result the crowning of the Queen of Queens. The prize is one of those humongous ornate cowbell. Then any offspring will be sold for a big hefty price at an auction.(Big prize!)

 

 

YouTube, cows are paraded through town, showing their

large cow bells.

 

So there you have it. Switzerland is not just tourism, but this country celebrates the amazing products made in Switzerland. Here, cows are recognized for their contributions.  And the cow battles must be amazing.

 

This was posted in September 2019, we had just returned from visiting grandsons and their parents.  We did not witness this event, sadly. Maybe next time? This is exactly the non-tourist events we enjoy. Forget about listening to another entertaining events, or horn blowing, I'd rather see fighting cows anytime.

 

Who wouldn't?

 

Fairy Mud Hell

 

 

Being a fairy is no easy job, I tell you.  I know the truth. I have been one for years, and hated every moment. Every. Single. Stinking. Moment.

Oh, sure. Some fairies paint flowers, some water lovely green plants. Their primary job is to care for the planet, keeping all plants healthy. 

They flutter around with gossamer wings, whatever gossamer is.

 

Etsy

 

Their soft skin shimmers with a fluorescent glow, their clothing is even cross-stitched with spider webs, and their boots are soft butterfly cocoons. 

                                They even have great hair. Damn them.

My job? My job??  I am the fairy in charge of slugs and carnivorous bugs.  

 

In fact, I am President of Chapter 207 Union of Scavenger Bugs. One assassin bug attacked me, put me in fairy hospital for a week.  Best week of my miserable life, the only best week.

 

If there were even one thing about my job that I loved, that would be wonderful.  But as it stands now, I live in fairy mud hell.


This a re-post-rewritten-upgraded from a "Wednesday Words" challenge for writers to see what they could do with the underlined words back in 2016 again 2019.

I love taking an old post and changing it.  Also, it shows me where I was as a writer. I have no idea what this insect is.  I am hoping it is somewhere else, not near me.

Participating in Wednesday Word challenge is fun. This was created by Delores, who provided bloggers with unrelated words to attack and accomplish. Delores passed the W.W. baton after developing computer problems. The current words can be found at River site. The words she provides are always a fun write.

 

 

Shrriming hedges

 

 

This little guy is a hoot.  I have posted him before, but today I needed something more. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Morning Misted Grass

 

Morning misted grass

Velvet brushed green

Beckons, cries out

For a child,

Shoe-less and wild.

Race across bare grass

With bare feet

Unfettered and free.

Hedge to stone wall,

Run and invite all

Follow, come, join...

Weeping eyes reply,

Cannot run, sadly sigh...

Travel ahead and discover

Fields touched by many.

Through golden gorse,

Beneath rowan trees,

Still, but for wren and sparrow hawks.

Come, follow...

There is yet another

Field awaiting, 

Weeping eyes.

By Robert Sheridan

 

       Hedge trimming     

 

 Can you imagine walking along this road? Feeling the mist in the air?

 

Ireland 

The Face of Evil

 

Dear Mom,    

Have just returned from seeing “Golden Child” 

with Eddie Murphy. 

The villain is Charles Dance. I do believe he is 

the very face of evil. Love.  Joe 

 

 

Dear Joe,

Don’t be silly!  Just saw “Gosford Park” 

and Charles Dance is the only noble 

character in the lot.  Well, Clive Owen is  nice on the eyes.

 Love. Mom

Source

 Dear Mom,

Silly!  No, I mean it! 

Charles Dance is the face of evil.  

He and Terence Stamp. 

I just watched “Haunted Mansion”.. Love. Joe

 

Source

Dear Joe,
What about…can’t think of anyone else.  Love, Mom

p.s. How about Malcolm McDowell?  

His eyes creep me out.

  Dear Mom,

Charles Dance.  

Love Joe

Dear Joe,

Just saw “Dracula Untold” and I agree.  

Charles Dance is the face of evil.  

Dang.  Love. Mom

Dear Mom...

Good question...
"Who changed the
course of American History?  
Andy Williams"
Love. Joe 

 

 

                                                       Dear Joe,        

Seriously?  The answer: Don Knotts.

Love, Mom........

  

What about you?  Do you have any actor whose name reminds the good and the bad done by any talented actor? What actor could be the enigmatic answer to any question?

Why did this topic hit thecontemplativecat?  Blame it on my then 19 yr. old son who has a creative peculiar mind. Where that came from, I do not know.

My son stated emphatically that Charles Dance and Aaron Neville are the answers to most questions.   Is that the truth? Was my son off on a tangent?

 

 

Aaron Neville, 

By one's deeds you may know him

source

October 7th, 2017, was Vladimir Putin's 65th birthday and many wishes of health and happiness to him. May God gift him with all that he deserves.

May God gift him, indeed, since Putin is a man with a variety of interesting qualities and activities.

Patriarch Krill of the Russian Orthodox church endorsed Putin's election.  He stated that Putin's terms were a "miracle of God" during the election of 2012.  Since collapse of USSR and lifted oppression of faithful believers, Patriarch Krill has joined an alliance with state.

Wikipedia

The Church even supported Putin's decision to move into Crimea and Ukraine.

Putin is apparently a believer with his religious awakening occurring after serious life-threatening event in his personal life in 1990s. In his early years, his mother had baptized him secretly when a baby and took him to services (held in secret). 

His mother gave him his baptismal cross before a trip to Israel, and asked him to have it blessed.  "I did as she said and then put the cross around my neck.  I have never taken it off since."

Happy trails

  Putin's confessor (according to rumors) is Russian Orthodox Bishop Tikhoshevkunov.

Putin is also actively involved in protection of rare species as Chairman of Russian Geographical Society Board of Trustees.
 

Forget about Syria!  

Forget about Crimea and Ukraine!

Forget about Iran and his support of their nuclear program!

Greeting Iran's leader

Forget about his past as head of the KGB!

KGB leader

Forget about all his choices! He wears a crucifix and has Russian Orthodox Church support after all.

Yes, may God show him the Christian way, whether or not he follows.  May God grant him deserved fruits of his labor. May God provide Putin with an appropriate reward for his many many works.

If Vladimir Putin lived in USA, he would qualify for Medicare. Putin could move into our retirement community. Does he like golf? We do not provide horse back rides.

Putin is now 70 yrs. old. This is a repost from Oct. 10, 2017. To know his choices, one must know his character. 

" By their deeds you will know them. Does a man gather grapes from thorns or figs from briars?”Matt. 6:17

Fly! Fly like the wind!

 

Nature in all its forms is crazy wonderful. Just about the time I see something that seems to be the most amazing, is when I see another most amazing.

The best estimate is that these above are 10,000 Canadian geese. I once watched a tornado of geese swirl and land in bare field. Finally, the field was black with birds. Amazing.

 Just about the time as I think that I have seen the most geese like I will ever see again, this is discovered. These above are estimated to be 300,000 geese how to count geese.

I know, a little extreme in these numbers.But the numbers are possible. Geese migrate from fall weather up north to southern locations, to breed and eat. The frigid winter coming down from Canada puts all food hard to find enough to eat. Numbers of migrating geese from over the North American continent can be millions

Sit back, pour some wine and then relax at this amazing sight. You may never see something where the sky sings with flapping wings..

Matthew 6:26

26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

The Mississippi River prime places stretches from Hannibal MO to Alton IL is prime resting spot, and hunting ground. The eagles nest there every year, and it is amazing. 

 Various titles for groups of geese flying together:  Bunch, chevron, Christmas, plump, know, and more. 

Why? WHY?

 

Brother of George Sanders

 While James appeared to be non-chalant to the point of being flippant at this sad funeral, his insides churned with the anxiety that consumed him.  No one would have ferreted out the source of his distress except Emilia, precious Emilia.

And she lay in the coffin.  Emilia.  How James had loved her.  She held the essence of beauty even now, cold in death. 

Just days before, when truth had come speeding through her understanding, Emilia had faced him.  “It was you!  You poisoned me over time, with mercury.  Why?  Why?”

James stepped out from shadowed staircase.  

Rachel Roberts 1927-1980 She is best remembered for her screen performances as the older mistress of the central male character.

”Simple, my love.  You are the only one who truly understood me.  Others labeled me ‘arrogant’, but you knew, you knew…”  

With a final gasp, Emilia crumbled to the floor. 

What was James' secret?  Why did he poison

Emilia?  What.....

 This a re-post, 2014, Wed. Words.

Band of Brothers St. Crispin's Day

 

  

Choices we make

I loved the nobility and passion of Henry V/Kenneth Branagh’s rousing speech in which he extols his men to remember that battle on St. Crispin’s Day.  Band of Brothers…reminding them how dear this relationship would always be.  Still gives me goosebumps.

 

Standing up, brave and sure, this bold army chronicled Henry V leadership for his short reign of about 9 years. Henry V is the unique king in that he invaded and beat France twice, during the 100 year war.

Kenneth Branagh St. Crispin Day

That given, I know absolutely nothing about the violent history of bloody English wars, or any European war in the 1400s - ? Was any battle EVER dry of blood? Not that I know of, blood and body pieces are the essence of war.

Even here, these band of brothers, will hold on to their comrades and their courage.Just words say it all.

                                            Renaissance Man, 1994