Inspirations

The sources of these images are from many lovely people's blogs that I read weekly. Please contact me if you want direct source info.

Wetland Safari

 So to refresh, the point of this blog to really have no point at all. It exists for me to dump out whatever is on the top of my head, or to mull over some creative thoughts. So to continue in this directionless direction...

Today was the first day it has rained. I have missed the usual sounds and smells of winter, so this rain was long overdue. There's really no room for fashion during a downpour. Especially when you are as lucky as I was to have to face the weather atop a bicycle. With my boots, slicker, and backpack wrapped in a blue (scented) trash bag, I felt prepared. I looked absolutely ridiculous, but when you have to traverse the muddy slopes of the Yolo County Bypass Reserve, you kinda get over appearances for the sake of utility.

 I brought my camera, but given the circumstances couldn't get any shots worth posting. We saw an awesome amount of wildlife out there today. Some species include Northern Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals, Pintails, Ruddys, Mallards, Bitterns, Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets, American Coots, Snow Geese, Spoonbills, and a bunch of other shorebirds. All in all, despite getting absolutely drenched, it was a great day.

Here are some random pictures of some of the Yolo Basin and some wildlife found there.

 Pintail 

 Great Blue Heron

 Nothern Shoveler

 Cinnamon Teal

 The American Coot (they were everywhere! Cutest lobate feet.)

 Pectoral Sandpiper

 Yolo Basin Skyline

Reeeeeally wish I would have seen a Wood duck! My favorite by far.

All images from Wikipedia. 

new year

So this is the new year? It has been awhile since I last blogged, but I have enjoyed the break I have given myself from normal habits. Final exams initiated my hiatus from the internet, and Thanksgiving & Winter breaks continued my lack of interest in my online journal. But I see this new year is an opportunity to begin again. 

I think my resolution this year is going to be to try to find ways to fuel my creative energy. I have been below my usual creative impulses, and I want to try to rise above this rut. 

Here are some pictures of a sunset at my from my parent's place this winter break.

A humongous fungus among us

So I was ranting about mushrooms the other week. Coincidentally, my bio lab last week was focused entirely on fungus. The bio department provided dried morels, chanterelles, truffles, puff balls, and any relatively common species on display. I wondered how long those shriveled toadstools had been encased in cheap plastic cases. Laying there embarrassed; all the mystery and life sucked out of them. 

My peers do not share my enthusiasm towards fungi. Considering the way in which information is "taught" to students in modern society, at least from where I am standing, I can't blame them. The ways (and I use the plural word "ways" out of respect for the rare professors that do not use power points) professors present what could be colorful information to their students is...dry. It all feels so rushed, frantic, and lacking genuineness. There's little room for anything personal or passionate in university lecture halls of several hundred students. And I understand why that might be. But I don't think it has to be so distant. Why does the information presented feel so inaccessible? I think a professor's duty should be to make their audience curious. Not afraid and unable. To give an example of a more intimate learning environment, maybe a bit dramatic but viable nonetheless, watch Leo Buscaglia's talk. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmfWSQspSo4  

The other event I found cool was my bio lab this week. We got to reach our hands into freezing salt water and touch sea cucumbers, frilly worms, anemones, and even a horseshoe crab. I mean, I got to pick up and hold a horseshoe crab. Practically a living fossil. Now that's a better example of intriguing your audience.

Sources: Henri Cartier Bressen, lookmind.com, and dayrecipe.com.

Waiting for Dia de los Muertos instead

It's Halloween day. But I lack the spirit for costumes and scares. Outside the sun is shining too brightly for ghouls and skeletons. I'm in the mood to curl up with a book and read. After the scholastic marathon that was last week, I find myself gravitating towards these sorts of relaxing tasks. 

My miniature dachshund is munching on a baby carrot stick. She's taking her time. 

I feel myself at a loss of words. My head is filled with multicolored confetti; clusters of thoughts falling slowly to the ground. I want to gather all the the tiny pieces, and organize them by color and shape. Thoughts about our government, and the consequences of authority. Thoughts about religion, and how intertwined it has become in the outcome of the leaders of our government. Thoughts about spirituality, lifestyle, and the struggle of societal acceptance and success. I find myself holding those who live outside of the box in the highest regard. Those who have shifted their perspectives towards goals less materialistic and more soulful, yet simple.

I need a good, long sleep.


Convenient how the word "studying" looks a bit like "student" + "dying".

Strained

Today is going to be a rough day. I am going to do my best to trick myself into a false sense of comfort, clarity, and relaxation. The means to achieve this end still allude me. Earplugs? Candles? Hot tea? Those sound like they might all lead to an unwelcome nap.

My windows are sealed shut, and my blinds drawn. The knock, knock, knock of hammers, and steady rumble of  crunching jackhammers penetrates the walls. I have one midterm tomorrow. Two on Wednesday. Today is going to be a rough day. 

It's safe to say most of us dislike when it's beautiful outside and we must lock ourselves inside for the well being of our academic selves; staring willfully at large books with small text. Well. Today is extraordinarily glorious. Mid-seventies with a light wind and fluffy mashed potato clouds in the sky. Torture. I need a gray day. The heavy sky seems to say, "Nothing to see here, move along,". And I can. But I digress.

All I can do is attempt to elevate myself above all this melodrama, and focus on the tasks ahead. Whining feels good temporarily. But I think studying will feel better. Plus, it's good for my karma... 

Sources: thisiscolossal.com and bintphotobooks.blogspot.com