The Hyacinth and Greek Mythology

These beautiful and fragrant flowers are native to the Eastern Mediterranean from Turkey to Israel and Northeastern Iran.  As pretty as they are, their bulbs are poisonous, containing oxalic acid which can irritate the skin.

The Hyacinth also has history in Greek Mythology.  It was said that Hyacinth was a young boy loved by both Apollo and Zephyrus, the wind god.  Hyacinth was throwing the discus with Apollo when he missed Apollo's throw and was struck by the discus and died.  This was not accidental, though, for Zephyrus, being jealous of Apollo, caused a shift in the wind which forced Apollo's discus off course, thus causing Hyacinth's death.  Apollo did not allow Hades to take Hyacinth, instead making him a flower.*

The hyacinth is sometimes associated with rebirth; maybe this is why.

*information source:  Wikipedia

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality. - Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand, a Russian-born philosopher, novelist, playwright and screenwriter, moved to the United States in 1926. She was most well known for her fictional novel "Atlas Shrugged". 

Reality: The state of things as they exist. You can choose to ignore a situation or pretend it doesn't exist. However, by doing this you leave yourself vulnerable to whatever is coming down the pike. You've heard about ostriches sticking their heads in the sand? Well, it's not true that they do that, but it does demonstrate the concept of avoiding reality. While you are not acknowledging what is going on, the reality is that the situation does exist and sooner or later you will have to deal with the outcome.

Too Busy?

 

I've been busy at multiple tasks this morning, and thought there's no way I can get a post up today.  I don't have any ideas, and I'm just too busy to take the time, so I figured I'd just share a picture.  In looking for just the right one, I found this one of Dood when he lived outside.  

It reminded me that no matter how busy we are or how long our "to do list" is,  we should remember to take time to relax and enjoy the good things in life.  

So as you face the busy day ahead or look forward to the weekend activities, take a little time to stop and smell the flowers.

What Is It?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday. 

I took this picture on April 1.  What is it? 

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.
  - Sir Winston Churchill


That being an apt statement in the days of Churchill, just imagine with today's technology how quickly lies and half truths can make their way into the minds and lives of millions of people.  

Thanks to the vast media of today, misinformation can circle the globe and be acted upon before the truth of the situation has begun to be sorted out.  As with Newton's law of physics which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, actions without all the facts can have unintended consequences.