Alphabe Thursday … V is for Vemos (we see)
Vemos tudos de primeira
Das aves aos animais
De domesticaos e selvagens
E milhões de vegetais
Potenciais de riquezas
Nas ervas medicinais
We see everything first
From birds to animals
Domestic and wild
And millions of plants
Potential wealth
In medicinal herbs
As the alphabet in the world of the Dicionario Brasileiro de literatura de cordel comes to a close, the poet reminds us that his country has botanical wealth beyond measure. Brazil is a new country and it doesn’t seem so long ago when a mother would care for her family using remedies from the trees and flowers.
Not voodoo or witchcraft; but sensible and practical measures to prevent or cure illness.
Wednesday’s Wise Woman
It is not too late to mention Ada again …
Yesterday we celebrated Ada Lovelace day; an international day celebrating the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Augusta Ada King , Countess of Lovelace (1815-1852) was born Augusta Ada Byron commonly known as Ada Lovelace. She was an English mathematician and writer famously known for her contribution to Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose-computer; the analytical engine. Her notes on the engine include what is recognised as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. As a result she is often described as the world’s first computer programmer.
I have read a little about her and it is not clear how it was that she become so interested in mathematics and for it to go on to dominate her adult life and then for her to make such a mark in history.
It would appear that as girl she suffered prolonged illness and when…
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Wednesday’s wise woman … Ada Byron
I am a day late … but nonetheless its good to celebrate Ada!
Ada Byron (1815-1852), born in London; the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) and Anne Isabella Milbanke. Born Augusta Ada Byron but better as Ada Lovelace; didn’t have a close relationship with her father; her parents separated when she was a month old and he died when she was eight.
Ada was a sickly child and suffered headaches and blurred vision. Later, after a bout of measles she was paralysed and confined to bed. As a result she could only walk with the aid of crutches. However during this time she continued her education. Her mother obsessed with the idea that Ada may be insane; taught her mathematics from a young age. She was schooled privately by eminent mathematicians of the day
By the time she was seventeen she was recognised as having ‘remarkable mathematical abilities’ and her interest dominated the rest of her adult…
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Weekly photo challenge … happy place
In post-war Britain life was not too comfortable; no need to dwell on this in light of discomfort we still see day -by-day not so far away. Nonetheless, the anticipation of a new bar of soap brings back harsh memories of lack and then the unwrapping, its smoothness and sweet perfume brings me to a happy place.
Last week …
Last week I was on annual leave; but sadly I have been unwell with Sciatica. The pain began while at work about 10 days ago, thinking it was a pulled muscle. However, this was not the case and before long I was taking a cocktail of painkilling tablets some with horrible side effects. So what was planned to be a happy holiday became nightmare. This is not an expression I use lightly I am generally a fit lady and enjoy a healthy lifestyle and to be taking such intrusive remedies has been alien to me.
During some time of less pain I was able to organise some work for an exhibition yesterday. It proved to be a little surreal, while I wandered about in a haze of drugs, throw up, and even returned home for an hour to sleep and top up on some pain relief … I managed to sell a piece although that has to be confirmed, I was pleased that the event happened. But not without support of those who made way for me to have clear run to the bathroom when the need arose.
So back to the GP this morning knowing that these drastic methods of pain control cannot continue, not because of the side effects although they are ghastly but more because they are addictive. So although I must begin weaning myself off during the next few days and am happily looking forward to returning to my gentler and less obtrusive methods to keep well.
Silent Sunday …
Its Saturday …
It is Saturday and a time when I tell you about the good and the bad … and my life as it dangles in between most of the time! There is no need to dwell on either, although some situations might come to light . Especially as I did get to London yesterday and visited my favourite shop and art gallery on the South Bank; to Intaglio Press to buy some printmaking supplies was a joy only to be surpassed with a wandering around Bankside Art Gallery and to buy a book!
There have been black times and even now I cannot think how I can finish writing this blog post without some ‘help’ that come now in the form of morphine; so the mood might improve and the rosy glow might make the world seem better.
However, with the help of my easel, sitting was not an option), a clutch of pencils and an eraser I was able to make these marks. …. the chicken is a bit nature that I don’t allow into my work too much but seemed to come out the paper and make me smile …
Friday’s , So far unread book …
This week I have been on annual leave; using up my last remaining days of the academic year. I had such great hopes to get some work done, read, and have some fun.
This didn’t happen instead I have a sciatica; and have moaned for 5 days! I have picked up books. pencils paper and accomplished nothing except pop more pills that are healthy!
One such book I bought a few weeks back and so far as remained unopened and it might stay that way today!
Alphabe Thursday …. U is for Uirapura
O canto do uirapura
e mais do que um poema
Tanto que sensibiliza
o próprio ecossistema
embevecido diante
do som de beleza extrema
I am not sure how this translates but thinking it be begins
The song of the Uirapuru (is a bird?), is more than a poem
So much so that it sensitizes the ecosystem itself
enraptured before the extreme beauty of sound
I was born and grew up in the countryside but enjoy life and living in a large town, The sounds of a bird is not enjoyed too much over the sounds of urbanisation. My friends laugh when I grumble that birds wake me in the morning and have little knowledge beyond being able to distinguish between a robin and a blackbird. While my husband enthuses over the various tits on the bird table I am bemused. Nonetheless, I can truly understand that the song of a bird surpasses any sounds a human might add to nature.
Wednesday’s Wise Woman … Frida Kahlo
Today I reblog an artist I admire above most not just because she is a fine artist, but because she succeeded while enduring much pain, illness and emotional hurt. I am an artist, not great but a master of self pity, regret and despair so after a few more painkillers, yoga and Acupuncture I will make wishes for those in pain …
Over the last months, I have written briefly and inadequately about women who have risen above adversity (Whatever that is?) to fame (Whatever that is?) My selection may seem random but it is not altogether without careful consideration; mainly because ‘ What do I know?’ Also,’What can I say?’ in 400 words (my self imposed word limit) who has indeed found fame while I have not and never will!
So it is from this humble place I look towards Frida Kahlo, (1907 -1954) who has contributed much to the world of art, to the Mexican Peace movement and making political stands against the North American Government and to the female forum while suffering tragedy and pain.
I have read Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, and various art books about Frida and even found a poetry book and all provide a rich source in relation to her life and do her a…
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Coat Hanger Doll's House 