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Yikes.
It’s going to be a warm one here today - probably into the 90’s. Around here that’s the kind of weather that causes your inner elbows to sweat if you even think about moving. I took the dog out a bit earlier than normal to beat the heat, but it was still quite warm. The evening walk will be much later than usual, and probably short.
While on the walk we saw a heavy metal guy out walking his stocky pit bull. Black boots, black socks, black shorts (lots of chains), black tank top, tattoos, long black ponytail - AND WEARING A MASK PROPERLY. Not below his nose, not down at his chin, which is what I see most people doing if they have one at all. They may or may not pull it up when other people draw near.
How is that a big tough guy with a tough dog will go out walking on a Sunday morning when there’s very few people out and about and will still wear a mask? Could it be that he’s smart? Understands the situation and cares not just about himself but about other people as well? Perhaps thinks that if people see him - a big tough guy wearing a mask - then maybe they’ll do it too?
A few blocks later we were in sight of a church where a large crowd was gathering for an outdoor service. I didn’t get close enough to see for sure, but I’ll bet there weren’t a lot of masks and that people were sitting closer than six feet from each other. Sure, they’re outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe.
Have you read the book Riddley Walker, by Russell Hoban? Yes! The same Russell Hoban who wrote Bread and Jam for Frances, a beloved children’s book.
This is definitely NOT a children’s book, despite the appearance of Punch on the cover. The story takes place in England in the far future, long after a nuclear holocaust destroys civilization as we know it. Humanity has regressed to a barely-literate iron-age state of existence. We’re talking grim, folks. I highly recommend the book, but be forewarned it takes focus to read as it’s written in the language of the time. Here’s the first page:
Michael and I often talk about how it feels we’re on the verge of slipping into a world like Riddley Walker, where this is little or no knowledge left. I realize this is an exaggeration, but the disdain for science and education in general right now is frightening. So many people seem eager to accept as truth the most ludicrous things, so instead of the “fad” of QAnon fading we see it is instead taking hold even more. People refuse to wear masks, thinking it’s somehow bad for their health or some sort of tyranny. Common sense has been tossed out the door, and it no good will come of it.
Oh geez, it’s not yet 11:30 am and it’s 85 degrees out.
This weather makes me think about other times when I’ve been in a very warm place. When I was a kid (7-ish?) we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park when it was 110. I have very vague memories of riding an open air trolley through the park, which I see now has a different name.
In 2007 Nolan and I traveled to South Dakota with my parents, and met up with my cousins family for several days of camping and sightseeing. The day we visited Deadwood it was at least 95. Our visit included the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Nolan looks chipper in this photo, but I recall we were all pretty wilted by this point in the day.
A few years ago we had a fun camping trip with our friends at Newhalem. The weather was forecast to break 100. We sat around the shady campsite, barely moving and watching the weather app on the phone as the temperature crept upwards. It was too hot to walk down to the store for ice cream, but we did go down to the creek for a while. Our dog Syd didn’t really like to be in the water, but he was very happy sitting on the mossy rocks!
Syd was quite a handful. We didn’t realize how much of a handful he was until we got Rowland, who is of course a very, very good boy. Even when he sits in my garden.
One last thing before I wrap up and go sit very still somewhere in the shade. I recently noticed these little divots in our yard near the shed. At first I blamed the local squirrel, who buries things in our lawn.
Yesterday I discovered the truth about these hollows in the dirt - little birds make them! I sat in the trailer and watched them gleefully flap their wings as they took dirt baths. A large flock of House Sparrows was having a right good time in the yard yesterday, and many partook of the dry dirt spa treatment.
It was so enjoyable watching their antics!
I hope wherever you are you’re able to stay cool (or warm, as the case may be), and can grab a moment to watch the little creatures who live outside your window oblivious to our woes.
Tidbits
Short today!
The Whippet - I was made aware of this newsletter yesterday, and will be spending some time reading through older posts. Just my kind of esoteric writing (h/t University of Winds!)
Making: very tiny x-marks, a pattern called Flock (from Amy Maricle). Next week she’s leading a 12-day “inchie challenge” where each day one makes a piece of art that is 2” or smaller. I’ll be satisfied if on this hot day I manage to get my 12 pieces of paper cut. I like this pattern - there’s a lot to play with here from very tight groupings, to white space, to trying it with your eyes closed!
Recently eaten: yesterday for lunch Michael made a sandwich form of “Bradford Salad” using some leftover sausage, bacon, and fried tomato. It was a variation of the traditional Full English Breakfast, just without a few pieces. We completed a day of English food with a favorite - beans on toast!
Reading: I’m starting to get into Islands in the Net now, and still working away on Nature Journaling.
Eye Candy Corner
Today I’m highlighting just one artist who’s work stems from a process requiring heat.
Jeremy Howe - roswellartist (on Instagram)
Since 2000, Jeremy Howe’s medium of choice has been fireworks. In this high-energy genre, Jeremy has pioneered and fine-tuned various techniques in the art of capturing colored smoke and oxidation trails onto paper. He is a self-taught artist, holding a degree in geology from New Mexico Tech.
Leave it to a geologist to use an unusual medium for their artistic expression… he also paints with food. There’s so many amazing pieces to choose from - here’s just two from his Instagram account.
Makes me want to go play and make art with strange things.
Video of the Week
The heat is making me lazy, so here is the one and only video I could quickly find of Jeremy Howe making one of his firework smoke pieces.
Current Temperature: 81.5 F (27.5 C)
Current Humidity: 56%
Wind (max gust): 6.9 mph
Precipitation: 0.00 in
So cool that you featured my pal Jeremy! Tualang Honey Harvest is in my collection - it's an impressive piece. And thanks for the book recommendation - I just put it on my Bookshop wishlist. xoxo