Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Day 4699: Revisit of Day 181, 2013 & The Humble Ant.

"Complicated": junk papers collage.

   





  


Want music?



    ClickEWF - That’s the Way of the World

 

2GN2S

Friend & Artist Carrol Wolf suggested I use some of the better oldie?

Repost of Day 181

Today, (January 23, 2013) I am a Xanthippe) I didn't even know what a Xanthippe  was until today.



Let me tell you ...
I usually wake up in an orderly way.
I won't bore you with details, but ...
today I didn't want to get up?
Headachy, but not sick.
Grouchy about the day ahead.
But, aiming to reverse this attitude ...
I decided on a blackberry protein smoothie.
My daughter the private trainer ...
(amazing example of fitness and stamina)
raves about the power of blackberries.
So, I use 30g protein (impressed?)...


a whole 4.4 oz of blackberries ... 


1/2 banana, 1 teaspoon flaxseed,


and 1 teaspoon of almond butter.



I staredt the nutri-blender and looked away ...
fascinated by a bird outside my window.
I look back to find a vivid purple abstract painting,
splattered all over my kitchen!
White cabinets, stove, floor ... everywhere!
Now, keep in mind I was trying to correct a
not-so terrific attitude to begin with!

For me, there was a few seconds of 
not wanting to start the task ahead, 
just looking in dis-belief.
But I am a grown-up and so I started.
The funny (not really) thing in cleaning up
is as soon as you think it's done, it isn't.
Please explain to me how the blender container,
which was obviously over-filled, is still full, but ...
there is an equal amount dispersed all over my kitchen?

As you may have gathered, the subject of each 
of my daily blogs just happens and I go with it.
After cleaning up my mess, I brought my smoothie 
into my office to check e-mails and ...
the ever non-existant blog comments. (hint?)
And, one of my daily views is A.Word.A.Day
So when I saw today's word, Xanthippe, 
it was like a bolt from the heavens saying ... 
here is your blog for today!




I drew this little sketch on the back of a bill envelope. 
It was to illustrate a curmudgeon in Day 141, but ...
seems like it fits Xanthippe too, right?



The humble ant


The humble ant, often seen as a simple insect, holds a fascinating secret—it has the potential to live for up to 29 years.
While most ants have a relatively short lifespan, queen ants, particularly of certain species, can live much longer, making them one of the longest-living insects on Earth. This exceptional longevity highlights the remarkable resilience and efficiency of ants, which serve a vital role in the ecosystems they inhabit.
Just like ants, we too are part of a much larger system, contributing to the balance of life on Earth. The queen ant’s extended life reminds us that the most important contributions often come from those who dedicate themselves to the greater good. In a spiritual sense, it speaks to the power of patience, persistence, and the wisdom gained through experience.
The ant's long life also symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings. While ants may seem insignificant on the surface, they form a complex network of collaboration and harmony that is essential to their survival. Similarly, each of us plays a part in the grand scheme of life, contributing to the well-being of our communities and the planet.
In many spiritual traditions, the importance of small acts of service and dedication is emphasized, showing that even the smallest creatures and actions can have a profound impact over time. How can you apply the principles of patience and collaboration in your own life?
As we reflect on the ant’s resilience, let us also recognize the importance of time and the value of long-term contributions. The queen ant’s long life is a reminder to embrace the journey and the impact of our actions, no matter how small they may seem in the moment. And ...

In a surprising discovery, scientists found that ants may possess self-awareness. In a study, researchers placed blue dots on the heads of ants and observed their behavior in front of mirrors. Remarkably, 23 out of 24 ants tried to remove the dot after seeing their reflection—suggesting they recognized themselves. This behavior, rare even in larger animals, challenges assumptions about insect intelligence and reveals that ants may be far more cognitively advanced than previously believed. And ...

 
This may be an ant overload, TMI, but interesting?




  
 
A 6+ minute video, Pea supper , here
 


  
 
Just because ...

Hoatzin chick


 

Tuesday's Smiles ... 




   






   





  
  

    

2 comments:

elenor said...

Jacki, I had to smile reading about your mishap in the kitchen. For me it was soup that I found everywhere around. Even now, months later I sometimes find little dried drops here and there....
Your Xanthippe drawing is very accurate. I don't know why but I've been familiar with her for a very long time. Funny, isn't it?
The information about ants was quite interesting so no overload.

jacki long said...

Thanks Elenor, I had hoped you would smile. And, the ants amazed me. Thanks again.