Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Winged Things

"They are given wings at all in order to suggest the swiftness of unimpeded intellectual energy. They are given human form because man is the only rational creature we know. Creatures higher in the natural order than ourselves, either incorporeal or animating bodies of a sort we cannot experience, must be represented symbolically if they are to be represented at all..."

Monday, July 25, 2016

Sunday, July 24, 2016

"This great sea unto this little pit"

"I will set herein one miracle, which I have seen painted on an altar of [St. Augustine of Hippo] at the black friars at Antwerp, howbeit I find it not in the legend, mine exemplar, neither in English, French, ne in Latin.

It was so that this glorious doctor made and compiled many volumes, as afore is said, among whom he made a book of the Trinity, in which he studied and mused sore in his mind, so far forth that on a time as he went by tbe sea-side in Africa, studying on the Trinity, he found by the sea-side a little child which had made a little pit in the sand, and in his hand a little spoon.

And with the spoon he took out water of the large sea and poured it into the pit. And when S. Augustine beheld him he marvelled, and demanded him what he did.

And he answered and said: I will lade out and bring all this water of the sea into this pit.

What? said he, it is impossible, how may it be done, sith the sea is so great and large, and thy pit and spoon so little?

Yes, forsooth, said he, I shall lightlier and sooner draw all the water of the sea and bring it into this pit than thou shalt bring the mystery of the Trinity and his divinity into thy little understanding as to the regard thereof; for the mystery of the Trinity is greater and larger to the comparison of thy wit and brain than is this great sea unto this little pit.

And therewith the child vanished away.

Then here may every man take ensample that no man, and especially simple lettered men, ne unlearned, presume to intermit ne to muse on high things of the godhead, farther than we be informed by our faith, for our only faith shall suffice us."

--The Golden Legend, Jacopus de Voragine.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Thursday, July 21, 2016

FORTUNE COOKIE FORTUNES

As a curiosity, I keep almost all of these I get. I've lost a few, say, maybe seven or so. This means I have an approximate idea of how many times I've eaten at a Chinese restaurant. So, 89+.

You have a strong desire for a home and your family comes first.
You will travel both far and wide for both pleasure and business.
You will conquer obstacles to achieve success.
The world will soon be ready receive your talents.
The only way to have a friend is to be one.
An alien of some sort will be appearing to you shortly!
You will make many changes before settling satisfactorily.
Your present plans are going to succeed.
Life is a series of choices. Today yours are good ones.
You will be fortunate in everything you put your hands to.
You have an active mind and a keen imagination.
Do not rush through life. Pause and enjoy it.
You will be lucky in love with a famous person.
Character matters; leadership descends from character.
Others take notice of your radiance. Share your happiness.
Don't forget to do good deeds as you accumulate wealth.
Don't worry about the stock market. Invest in family.
People always know what they are saying, just never listen.
You shall attain great wisdom with each passing year.
You will always be surrounded by true friends.
You are always welcome to any gathering. Host a party this month.
Next week, green is a lucky color for you.
You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend.
Time makes one wise. Ask advice from someone older than you.
Passionate new romance appears in your life when you least expect it.
Your winsome smile will be your sure protection.
Your dearest wish will come true.
Your nature is harmonious and affectionate.
You will be recognized and honored as a community leader.
Now is the time to call loved ones at a distance. Share your news.
Now is the best time for you to be spontaneous. Serendipity!
Focus on your long-term goal. Don't hesitate to act now.
Because of your melodic nature, the moonlight never misses an appointment.
Everything will now come your way.
You will inherit a large sum of money.
You will step on the soil of many countries.
You are the master of every situation.
The love of your life is already in your life, take a look at those close to you.
You will be showered with good luck tomorrow!
For better luck you have to wait till spring.
You will travel to many exotic places in your lifetime.
Anyone can memorize things, but the important thing is to understand it.
Your efforts are budding--results will appear soon.
You constantly struggle for self-improvement--and it shows.
An unexpected event will soon make your life more exciting.
Your judgement is a little off at this time. Rely on friends.
A person is never too old to learn.
You will make many changes before settling satisfactorily. [Again!]
Your first choice is wisest to follow in the coming month.
You will soon bring joy to someone.
Contentment is just around the corner. Look forward!
Friend long absent are coming back to you.
Rely on long time friends to give you advice with your present question.
Your sense of humor is enjoyed by all.
You have at your command the wisdom of the ages.
You will soon receive help from an unexpected source.
You are always welcome in a gathering.
Investigate new possibilities with friends. Now is the time!
Many receive advice, only the wise profit by it.
You will have many friends when you need them.
Your life will be prosperous if you use your creativity.
Listen these next few days to your friends to get the answers you seek.
Stop searching forever. Happiness is just next to you.
Life is a series of choices. Today yours are good ones. [Again.]
Nothing dared, nothing gained.
Time heals all wounds. Keep your chin up.
You shouldn't overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.
You deserve to have a good time after a hard day's work.
Linger over dinner discussions this week for needed advice.
An unexpected payment is coming your way!
Tomorrow is a good day for trying something new.
Take that chance you've been considering.
You will bring sunshine into someone's life this week.
Tomorrow your creative side will come forward with exceptional ideas.
Your dearest wish will come true. [Again.]
The weather is wonderful.
You will be involved in many humanitarian projects.
You will do well to expand your business.
A good time to start something new.
The fun side of a relationship begins to unfold.
An important discussion involving you will take place today.
You have ability to sense and know higher truth.
A pleasant surprise is in store for you soon in the coming week.
Your clever mind will lead many rewards.
This is the year when ingenuity stands high on the list.
Your winsome smile will be your sure protection. [Again.]
There are big changes ahead for you.
You will do well to expand your horizons.
You will award some great honor.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016