the turtle does not tell of things he does not know – only what he’s lived –
the wolf remains strong lower than all that sustains – the pack remains strong –
the eagle carries the heart of all the worlds – sharing his teachings –
the bear looks on life with the strength to face her fears – protecting her young –
the beaver’s vision a natural gift within – the way it is done –
the raven, correct understanding how to walk – together, in life –
here, the buffalo maintains the balance and needs of all creations
Shared with dVerse Poetics – The Seven Grandfather Teachings I might come back to this prompt as I’m not that happy with this write. Indigenous Art by Michelle Stoney (except the raven, adapted by Ernie)
Today’s Daily Stoic poem:
Show, Not Tell, What You Know
You ate the words but failed to digest Is your philosophy just a fancy quote? Actions are the better way to invest Your time towards what you would promote
The Omnific – Good stuff and new to me. The bass playing is obviously super interesting and though I guess it is a little on-the-nose in places, talent can’t be denied. Gonna check out the rest of their catalogue.
Abstract Household Warfare – After The Omnific this is too experimental to dig right now. Right now, I need rhythm!
ADR – The concept and execution behind this is very good indeed. I checked out his other album THROAT which brought to mind Senyawa and Dokaka. Interesting but not me today.
group A – When a band describes themselves as a Japanese industrial / avant-garde synth duo you never know what you might get. Interesting stuff and would be cool to see in a dark illegal warehouse.
Blarf – Some great fucked up hip-hop (I suppose) and some whacked out noise. It seems that I’m all about the rhythm today and so this one only hits in places.
Weird selection that started off nicely for me and got my attention again at the end.
Listening (Homage to Grandfather series) by Daphne Odjig
My heart still speaks kindness after everything my eyes have witnessed, echo this compassion to your generation.
Your blood is in my blood, this same blood lived in the rivers of your ancestors’ hearts. “Grandson remain strong, this life is just a dream.”
Gianni Crow
Grandfather, I will try, yet I can’t help wanting to wake up from this dream, my angry blood washing the coasts.
Shall I pull a kindness spirit from my skin, to kindle a flame for our family to share, after everything my eyes have witnessed?
Grandfather guide me, with the compassion shared through our generations, the pull of the river drags at my feet.
Shall I sheaf the knife of revenge, the blood spilt, a burden for my own family, to break this cycle that is second nature?
Grandfather, with great strength I have listened to the tales too terrible and whispered around the fire of too many ghosts.
Shall I calm the fires of desire, douse the light, whilst holding on to the flames of culture, to consider these words for my children?
Grandfather, now I understand the dream as I beheld the eyes of my grandchildren, newborn at night and the eyes of the celestials looked back
I shall commune with The Great Fisher when summer is born again and pass on your compassion “Grandson remain strong, this life is just a dream.”
I’m mixing Native American ideas in this poem, and I probably show a lack of understanding of different myths and stories. I was initially pulled in by the quoted lines of Gianni Crow.
Then, looking through different myths, I found the story of the titular Great Fisher – Gotchi Odjig and then, looking for related art to accompany this piece, discovered Daphne Odjig’s fascinating work. The attached piece is suitably titled ‘Listening (Homage to Grandfather series)’. Daphne Odjig’s prints are available here at the Bearclaw Gallery.
Pretty healthy after a cold morning exercise of the legs. I feel a little bit of a sore throat, though and hope I don’t catch whatever Amy has had, which she is still coughing from.
(Later) Maybe I spoke too soon, as my throat is feeling worse and I’m a little dizzy again. I left school early as none of my students showed up in the afternoon and I got some medicine.
The angry driver from yesterday posted a story online and also contacted mum, as the car is registered in her name. I’m not sure what they want?
(Later) We checked the dashcam at Dad’s and though everyone was tense when they watched the video, they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Just a crazy driver trying to make me crash.
Not sure what will happen next. Either way, I’ll take everyone’s advice to drive more carefully because there are some crazy hillbillies out there.
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
Nene who carried my jacket around for three hours after I left it in class and rushed off to the dentist. I gave her some candy in thanks.
The best thing about today was:
Banoffee at 22 Grams, along with their awesome coffee. The banoffee had the right balance of flavours.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
My second class was suddenly cancelled and I didn’t want to hang around until 4.30 just to sign out. I took it as a message that I should go home early.
Something I learned today?
I need to be more careful when checking the AI work that gives me quizzes for the students. The class today were not capable of the level of some of the questions. I need to check them more accurately before class starts.
Just like I tell the kids that it’s ok to use AI but that you have to understand what it is telling you.
A made man comes apart, seams unravelling Bolts become unscrewed; Filled full of dust and dirt Electrical kickstarter Blood pumped in from poison vials, Eyes barely open to see machines Clinging to this life for a madman’s dreams
Confusion reigns in this laboratory there seems to be something in the air; A sadness amongst the madness Who is the real madman here? A sigh, a final breath; Living forever is a fool’s game Give it up This dream? Dead
A little slow to go this morning but my mind is clearing a little after two coffees.
Trying to catch up on reading poetry and it is a bit of a blur to try and comment after reading so much at one time. I can usually tell within a few lines if the rest is worth reading, though.
I plan to read more comics and books this afternoon, perhaps a little guitar action. Must try to avoid napping!
Health:
Physical: 7 Mental: 7
Today I’m grateful for:
Spending three hours at Utopia catching up on reading and doing a tiny bit of writing.
The best thing about today was:
Reading more of Bob Mortimer’s biography. I’m about halfway through now and enjoying the Englishness of his writing and humour.
What was out of your control today and how did you handle it?
I did succumb to lying down in the afternoon but stuck on some crazy music to listen to and that kept me from falling into too deep a sleep. I went to my room to play guitar after that and discovered that my fingers weren’t working properly, butchering songs that I usually enjoy playing. I need to practice more.
Something I learned today?
The word pogonip is a meteorological term used to describe an uncommon occurrence: frozen fog.
The word was coined by Native Americans to describe the frozen fogs of fine ice needles that occur in the mountain valleys of the western United States in December.
According to their tradition, breathing the fog is injurious to the lungs.
Anchan sent me this picture. Yesterday I talked to Jee about Anchan and she knew a little of her story too. So last night, after getting paid, I sent Anchan some money as a gift. She sent me this picture of her smiling, a picture for her application to the HAP program next year, if she can’t get to her favoured school in Chiang Mai.
1994ever 