Monday, November 7, 2022

The bird is on the wing (in more ways than one)...

 



Caught you! (On the Stealth Camera)

Yesterday was one of those days made for exploring, so that's what Millie and I did.  It was, indeed, a day well spent for we know these beautiful days of fall won't last long.



The heavy rains of last week did worlds of good for the pond, so that it actually looked quite lovely in yesterday's sun.  The spring-fed stream of water that feeds the pond seemed lively and quick as it tumbled over rock and root toward its destination.  Millie and I decided to follow the stream backward and search for its source, which we did find after much tearing through briar and bramble.  

  I was reminded of the 1970s mini-series, "In Search for the Source of the Nile," which told of the obsession of European explorers' quest for the headwaters of the famed African River.  











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My obsession right now is to finish this little sketching journal before New Year's Day, at which time I plan to go into semi-hibernation mode that I am so looking forward to.



Omar Khayyam (1048-1131)

A Persian polymath, scholar, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet, widely considered to be one of the most influential thinkers of the Middle Ages.

Omaar Khayyam was born of Khorasani Persian ancestry, in Nishapur in 1048.  Although open to doubt, it has often been assumed that his forebears followed the trade of tent-making, since Khayyam means tentmaker in Arabic. 

As a mathematician, he is most notable for his work on the classification and solution of cubic equations, where he provided geometric solutions by the intersection of conics.  Khayyam also contributed to the understanding of the parallel axiom.  

As an astronomer, he calculated the duration of the solar year. 

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I made this sketch from a picture of a marble statue created in his image.  I wasn't sure how he should be dressed, nor in what colors would be appropriate for the time in which he lived, but I thought surely there would have been indigo for dying cloth. I love having him and some of his poetry here in this little book. 

To all of us the thought of heaven is dear-

Why not be sure of it and make it here?

No doubt there is heaven yonder too

But 'tis so far away-

And you are here.

~Omar

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Dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows, why fret about it, if today be sweet.

~Omar

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To wisely live your life, you don't need to know much.

Just remember two main rules for the beginning:

You better starve than eat whatever

And better be alone, than with whoever.

~Omar

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Come, fill the cup, and in the fire of spring your winter

garment of repentance fling:

the bird of time has but a little way to flutter ~ 

and the bird is on the wing.

~Omar

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17 comments:

kathyinozarks said...

A lovely post I really enjoyed it-and you and Millie had quite the adventure finding the source of the water-how fun! I am sure she really enjoyed it too. I liked the quotes from Omar, and your sketches are amazing-hugs

Prims By The Water said...

What bird is that. Very beautiful! Loved your pics! Good luck finishing your journal. Janice

Julia said...

Beautiful photography. Smart Millie to have found the source of water.

I've never heard of this gentleman, Omar until now. Time is flying by so fast, and you have a great goal to accomplish. Good luck with this.
Hugs,
Julia

acorn hollow said...

A lovely walk and your walking partner sure liked it. I love that first poem so very true.
Cathy

happyone said...

Oh my the fall picture is gorgeous.
Know what you mean about getting outside on these beautiful fall days.

Hootin Anni said...

I'm reminded of National Geographic with your search for the source. Then the pbs program Nature showing off the rich beauty of your trek!!!

Debra said...

Lovely post my friend! I must set a goal like that for my sketchbook-you will have a real treasure book when it is all done. So many memories you have captured too.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

That photo of the pond is worthy of a painting!
Thank you for the introduction to quotes by Omar - I don't think I've seen these before (and you know I am a quote collector!).

nookworm said...

The Omar quotes really make sense. Thank you for sharing as I had forgotten about him. Finding the source of water was so compelling and I would have done the same! Really enjoyed this with wonderful images!

Inger said...

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year, the photos are beautiful and oh, how I would love to have a pond like that nearby.

kat said...

How beautiful your ramble was today, such a contrast to the blood curdling screams of your "midnight walk". I don't think I'd have had the courage to go on, but perhaps a trusty dog by your side, who is not given to fanciful imaginings helped!
Thank you for Omar Khayyam's words as well, much wisdom in them

Debbie Nolan said...

Oh I so enjoyed my walk with you and Millie. Your photos are gorgeous...especially loved the one with the beautiful pond.
Omar is super sketched as well as quoted. I had never heard of him before. Sounds like he was a very intriguing person.
Hope your November weather continues to give you more lovely walks with your sweet Millie. Hugs!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Such a lovely large blue bird! The pond photo with the trees reflecting is so pretty! I hope you finish your sketch journal as planned, you are quite the artist!

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Never really thought about Omar Khayyam, thank you for the post.

Bonnie K said...

What a lovely post. Thank you for the lesson on Omaar.

Rose said...

I love that second photo...

I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

GretchenJoanna said...

"Dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows, why fret about it, if today be sweet." I love that one. One more way to say that NOW is all we have, and even it will soon be dying...

Thank you!