per·i·pa·tet·ic
ˌperēpəˈtedik/
adjective
  1. 1.
    traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods.
    "the peripatetic nature of military life"
    synonyms:nomadic, itinerant, traveling, wandering, roving, roaming, migrant,migratory, unsettled
    "I could never get used to her peripatetic lifestyle"
  2. 2.
    Aristotelian.
noun
  1. 1.
    a person who travels from place to place.
  2. 2.
    an Aristotelian philosopher.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Mus Maximus Mus(t) Exit(us)



It is easy to find fault, if one has that disposition. There was once a man who, not being able to find any other fault with coal, complained that there were too many prehistoric toads in it.


--from Mark Twain's Pudd'nhead Wilson, excerpt from Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar--



I might as well face it. The Year of the Rat is over, and the Year of the Ox is being ushered in and welcomed all over the world. The photo of the rat in the first frame is not my own. I am sure there are rats living somewhere nearby, but I have never seen one yet to be able to take its picture. It would probably escape that fate anyway because I would probably drop the camera and run, not walk, as far away as possible, screaming all the way. Calendars serve many useful purposes: measuring the passage of time, serving as a record of history, reminding us of things we need to accomplish, and making us aware of certain obligations like birthdays and anniversaries. I find it interesting that the Chinese have been keeping track of time far longer than any Western civilization has and have been allowing the lunar cycle to determine the method of time-keeping. Time may be considered not in linear terms but in cyclic ones instead. The course of human history could therefore be seen as contours on an isopach map of the world's history, if such a map only existed. Of course, if it did, you would probably see quite a few eraser marks and blank spots as each new generation tries to adjust the contours of its self-concept onto evidence of previous sedimentary layers. Pictures from a recent visit to the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science may just prove my point, whatever it is. I should warn you that I was born in a Year of the Rat, but rest easy. My cycle is nearing the completion of its circuit. January 26, 2009, on the calendar finds the Ox taking over. If you don't like what this new year has in store, there is no need to worry. It too is only part of a cycle, just like the seasons, climate change, and anything else governed by nature.

I had no idea Florida was once home to a "princess." Those Napoleons were quite the characters for changing the world and their personal fortunes along the way.


The museum property borders a lake and swamp. Bald cypress trees dominate the landscape, bearing all of the accoutrements necessary for survival in a watery environment. I still have not found a definitive explanation for the appearance of knees on some trees and none on others.


Panthers once flourished in Florida, but we know what progress can do for certain species of mammals. Of course, progress appears to follow a cyclic pattern of its own.


One day, these panthers might once more roam freely in Florida instead of being confined to cages at a museum.


Wolves and panthers are outstanding symbols of the cunning required for survival of the fittest.


You can also find the grandest symbol of them all at this American museum in the Deep South. I would probably never be able to capture one on camera sitting this still in the wild, if I were even fortunate enough to see one. The way it kept staring at me staring at it, I began to wonder if it thought it was seeing some kind of prey. Maybe a rat?

35 comments:

  1. It was posing pretty just for you, no rat even having been born in the year of the rat. This year's predictions are not good and it looks as though the Chinese had it right with economic worries. I am so glad it will pass, just like all cycles. My grandson was born almost two years ago (maybe Micah was born then?) in the year of the Rabbit. A friend told me this is a very lucky year to be born. I do so hope so and will further investigate.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Chinese traditions are interesting. We all should be wearing red today to protect us from Nian, the Chinese New Year Beast;)
    Marnie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tina, I hate to say it, but 2007 was the Year of the Pig. I should have given another warning related to this post: Horoscopes are for entertainment purposes only! It's not very practical to live one's life according to astrological signs, but it's fun to look at things in retrospect and see how they compare to the predictions.

    Marnie, I was thinking the same thing. You can't be too careful, especially these days! Boy, I am tricky. Maybe there is something to this lunar way of keeping time. I end up contradicting myself in the space of just a few words.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi W2W, I love to read your posts, but find myself with a loss for words for a comment. But I can say that the photo of the rat was more than a bit disturbing! I forgot all about the Chinese new year, and will do so again until next year, but am wearing red! HA
    Frances

    ReplyDelete
  5. I looked up what I am..I am a monkey. My outlook is
    Monkey Overview

    This year offers the Monkey some opportunities to go far with your talents. The Monkey's generous nature may leave you stretched in several different directions, so it is important to stay focused in order to achieve the goals you have set for yourself this year. You will be given the opportunity to impress the right people both in business, as well as in your personal life. Don't hold back this year, for this could be one that will leave an impression over the course of the next few years.

    ReplyDelete
  6. So much I could comment on...but I found those trees knees almost looked like Moose hooves!! And really great shot of the owl! Thanks for leaving a comment about my desert island post;) Aren't you going to join us there???

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am a rabbit. I can think of worse things like the pig you mention. I will be cute and fuzzy any day over a Rat or Ox! We see Bald Eagle at our lake but I am yet to capture a good pic of one. A while back I collected endangered animal figurines from Lenox Company. I have the Florida Panther so I knew a bit about them. Sad to think that man has pushed the wild life around so much...

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Frances, I guess I had better stop scaring people with gators and rats. I promise, there will be more flowers and other garden-related tings soon. Thanks to your recent post, I'm reminded that it's all downhill from here, and I mean that in a positive way!

    Michelle, you are one of the most focused and talented people I know, as well as generous, so I predict you will not have any problems this year. Thanks for sharing the info on your "personality." And I do think you are tolerant. You might feel like shaking some sense into your neighbors, but you're polite (courageous) enough to write and hand-deliver letters to them. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword and far more effective.

    Jan, I've never seen a moose's hooves, so I had no idea! The last picture is of a bald eagle. It might be easier to see it if you click on the pic. My camera is not the best for zooming in, and I am definitely not the best of photographers. I did hitch a ride with Tina to the island. I'm bringing azaleas, gardenias, and Knockout roses. Hope you like them!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great shot of the bald cypresses!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Skeeter, you were born under the luckiest of signs! I wonder if Frances' Semi is one too? I'll bet you're one of those people whose garden grows without much effort.

    Philip, there were so many of them to choose from in the swamp, but this little group was especially appealing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ha, your kidding right? I lost about 10 things in the garden last year. Luckily, I had the containers and were able to get a refund on them...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm the dragon, my daughter the tiger, hubby-rat, son-chicken. Makes for a interesting life!

    ReplyDelete
  14. See, Skeeter, you are lucky. You still had the containers and got the refund. I would have taken them to be recycled, lost the receipts, and gnashed my teeth because of the dead plants.

    Dawn, I bet there is never a dull moment at your house with such a diverse group. Hubby and daughter are dogs, son is a monkey, (can't remember what year daughter-in-law was born--I'm in trouble now!), and I'm not saying what Micah is because he should find out for himself in a few years without me blurting it out now. Your little people were a big hit with everyone today!

    ReplyDelete
  15. That was yet another interesting post and food for entertainment and thoughts, W2W. I've always enjoyed your posts and did so now too. People seldom remember their history and seldom are they interested in knowing about it and it's great to see that you aren't one among those! I like the photo of Eagle!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you, Chandramouli. If only people would pay attention to their history lessons, then maybe the "wheel of fortune" (global economy) would not be grinding to a halt. I'm guessing from your comment and blog that you are a good student of history, which makes you an excellent teacher too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are Beautiful photos! I am going to add you to my Follower list because I really enjoy your journalism. Thank you for visiting my blog as well. I am going to post more WINTER WONDERLAND photos today. you asked if I got cold knees... my Toes were freezing because I made the mistake of walking out in the 8" of snow in my Nike Tennis Shoes! WHAT WAS I THINKING???

    Warm Wishes from my garden in the Midwest!

    ReplyDelete
  18. nice bit of writing. I am a rabbit.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Bren, thank you! I am honored. I've never really thought of myself as a journalist, but I do love to record my impressions of life and look for clarity in "muddy waters" and complexity in simple things. And if I'm not learning something new every day, I would be very upset with myself. Photography, among other things, still holds a lot of mystery for me. I am not a technophile and get easily frustrated with whatchamagizmos and other wonders of modern life. So why am I blogging? So I can learn something new every day (for free) from interesting people like you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks, Wayne. I found out that daughter-in-law is a rabbit too. You rabbits have the magic touch, it seems. If someone offers to rub your feet, be suspicious!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yes, we are lucky folk us rabbits. Thanks for the advice.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you for that generous comment, but I don't about becoming teacher, but I definitely know that I'm good (if not great) at history and I enjoy reading many different cultures - especially ancient.

    ReplyDelete
  23. You're welcome, Mr. S, and thanks for visiting. I consider myself lucky to have your acquaintance.

    Chandramouli, I hope you keep teaching us about what you've learned and are learning. Ancient cultures are buried treasures waiting to be discovered and shared with new generations.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yet another interesting post. Starting with Mark Twain, the comment on the last line, and everything in between. The cypresses do look like animal hooves. A beautiful shot!
    BTW, I'm an ox.
    Thank you for your words on my blog. Loved your visit,will always cherish your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  25. If this is a good year to be born in, as Ms. Tina suggested, who do I see about being reborn? And I'm not referring to what Pentecostals call "born again." * I've heard folks argue that oil and gas are sustainable just because that resource is so old, you know, old because it derives from dinosaur poop and what not that's been trapped below the earth's surface for millennia; is that the same disposition Twain speaks of?
    *
    "A contour that connects points of equal thickness. Commonly, the isopachs, or contours that make up an isopach map, display the stratigraphic thickness of a rock unit as opposed to the true vertical thickness. Isopachs are true stratigraphic thicknesses; i.e., perpendicular to bedding surfaces." * I had to look up "isopach." * I've never traveled in a time machine, nor do I quite get the "if you traveled fast enough in space you'd reach the back of yourself" theory, but I do know time is not on my side.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yay, I think I can finally leave a comment!

    I just checked and I was born in the year of the Ox. I hope that means this is my year to shine!

    Here is my comment from the previous post (I saved it:) ):

    Great quote from Alice! It seems to describe the American lifestyle for the past 50 years or so--running, buying, driving just to keep up with the status quo. I find since I've retired my needs and wants have changed--shopping trips no longer have the allure they once did, and I don't care about having the perfectly decorated house (that I ever did!). I'm happy to putter around outside and just "smell the roses."

    I haven't jumped onto the Green bandwagon, but I have tried to make some small steps. If not incentives, we need some ways at least to make this more convenient. Our local recycling dropoff was closed because people were using it to dump garbage!

    I have no idea why I couldn't leave a comment before, but glad everything is working out again.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for such a wonderful essay about our part of the world. I don't understand what an isopach is, yet, I'm doing research as I write, but I do understand that our lives are circular in nature. I especially enjoyed your photos. I love the museum, took my son there when he was small and we loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you, Kanak, for your kind words. For some reason, the base of the trees at the water line remind me of elephants' feet. This year will be a good one for you, I hope.

    TC, actually there is a theory that oil and gas might be sustainable because they are not decayed plant and animal matter but rather are constantly produced deep beneath the earth's mantle (abiogenic theory). So I guess you could say those carbon-based materials might be "born again." Such a notion, if ever proved, would certainly blow some other accepted theories and disciplines to pieces, but it's probably better to not start crumbling those foundational cookies. There are already signs that this old world is already in a heap of trouble right now. Need to dig it out, not bury it even deeper. Speaking of signs, TC, what's yours, old friend?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Rose, you and Kanak are going to have a banner year; I just know it. Rats are out. Oxen are in! The green bandwagon is a tempting one to join, for sure, especially if you love nature and growing things like we do. I think I would rather ride behind the wagon for a while and see if it's headed for any cliffs. I'm a little too old, brittle, and definitely not rich enough to engage in any "x-treme" sports. Recycling and conservation have been a part of my vocabulary and lifestyle since I was a tiny tot (mainly from necessity), and I don't intend to change now. I am so glad you were able to leave a comment again. Thanks!

    PJ, you're welcome! It's so nice to know another blogger besides me has seen these things. I just can't get enough of museums, art, history, or otherwise. The one in Tallahassee is certainly unique in that it offers indoor as well as outdoor exhibits and learning activities for all ages. There was even a garden spot, though not much was growing there this time of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Funny! I find rats quite cute. They have the cutest way of washing their face with both their front paws, for example. (A friend of mine has pet rats, so I've been able to watch them close up.) Um, I am scared of groups of ducks, though!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Monica, when the kids were young, we (I) put up with hamsters and a guinea pig in the house but also trapped mice that sometimes invaded our space. I slowly realized there was a double standard in place in that kind of situation. When it also became clear that I was the only one conscientious enough to clean the cages regularly (couldn't stand the smell anymore!), I refused to grant requests for rodents as pets. Fortunately, hamsters don't live very long, and the guinea pig found a home with another family. I did find them to be kind of cute, though, and I eventually felt sorry for using the barbaric, old-fashioned traps and began trapping the wild mice live and then setting them free. So I guess the rodent ownership changed my attitude for the better about the group as a whole. I'm happy to report that now we have two cats and are no longer bothered by mice from the wild. So what is it about groups of ducks that bothers you so much? Personally, I think a murder of crows is especially intimidating. I found an interesting site with lists of collective nouns for animals:


    http://www.rinkworks.com/words/collective.shtml

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi, glad to be able to comment once again.
    When I first saw the picture with the people in it, I thought it was a pic of some real people you know, and I thought you had some pretty stiff friends, with whom I wouldn't want to party. Glad to find out they aren't part of your posse. Ditto the rats.

    ReplyDelete
  33. WS, I'm glad too that you are able to comment again. It feels good to laugh these days, and your comments always help. You know, more often than not I do tend to hang out with some stiffs, reading guys and gals like Twain, Shakespeare, Milton, Bronte, Austen, Woolf....

    ReplyDelete
  34. I want a photo of a bald eagle for my photo collection too. But not the rat pic, eww. ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  35. MBT, you mean you don't like that classic movie "Willard?" I'm not talking about the remake but the one from the early 70s. Michael Jackson's song "Ben" really tugs at your heart.

    ReplyDelete