Timothy Power's Blog, page 19

Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks are essential for celebrating Independence Day. But the bangs rattle some people’s heads. And the stinging smoke makes some noses get runny. And all the dogs in town yearn for a cave to hide in. Luckily, there are fireworks in nature. Quiet and good-smelling.
Agapanthus. A purple pow!

A blaze of asters.

A dazzling dahlia.

Whistling thistles.

Memorable Michelmas Daisies.

Spectacular spider lilies.

And aerial allium.

Stay safe and sane, and have a fabulous floral Fourth, everyone!

It’s Go Skateboarding Day!

Some surfers weren’t content with riding the waves. They wanted to surf city streets, too. And there was only one way to do it. June 21 is Go Skateboarding Day, an official annual holiday conceived by the International Association of Skateboard Companies to promote the joys of cruising along the pavement on a short narrow board with two small wheels fixed to the bottom of either end. How fun is that? Just look at the joy on longtime pro Peggy Oki’s face as she zooms along the asphalt.

Peggy Oki – © Kevin Steele / kevsteele.com

Don’t have a skateboard? I bet someone you know does. Beg them to borrow it today. And learn more about Peggy Oki’s groundbreaking skateboarding history here.

Happy Father’s Day!

Today we give thanks for great dads everywhere. Love you, Da! You’re the best.

Compliments are delicious

Compliment story found at Letters of Note.

Powerpuff T!

Yes, it’s me! Fighting for fun and fairness, the Powerpuff way. Powerpuff yourself here!

For the birds

No one was a bigger fan of feathered friends than American ornithologist, painter, and naturalist John James Audubon, who traveled deep into the woods, glens, and marshes to capture bird life in illustrated glory. Now, Audubon.org is making available prints from Audubon’s major work, The Birds of America, to download for free. Here are some of my favorites.
The Raven. Obviously croaking a warning.

American Robin. A harbinger of Spring.

Barn Owl. Silent night stalker.

Barn Swallow. The picture of grace in flight, just as beautiful in repose.

 

Red-Throated Diver. Awkward on land, unbeatable in water.

Common American Gull. The reliable guardian of the ocean shores.

Many more of Audubon’s amazing illustrations can be found at Audubon.org. Pay a visit and find your own faves!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today all loving moms deserve breakfast in bed. Brought to them quietly, without any fuss. And then taken away just as quietly, so they can be left to SLEEP IN. Thanks, moms, for all that you do!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo has come to represent a celebration of the contributions that Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to America. Time to break out the papel picado!

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Buggy beauty

Fueled by a concern for nature and a scientific curiosity, Japanese artist Hiroshi Shinno creates ikimono (life/living) sculptures of imaginary insects out of metal and resin. Shinno intends for these fantastical forms to remind us of the wondrous variety that is found in the natural world. Even insectophobes have got to be onboard with that!

Shinno keeps an Insect Diary, in which he sketches ideas for future works. Take a look!

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You looking at me?

Pareidolia is the word that describes the way we see meaningful things in ordinary objects. Such as faces. Sinks especially bring out the pareidolia in me.

What would these sinks say, if they could talk? “Wash your hands!” of course.

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