Inspiration for changing the world in seven charts:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2414779/world-change-charts/
Sound and vision facts about birds:
Barn Owls can pinpoint the location of a mouse thirty from feet away, strictly by sound, and then fly to that exact spot even if the mouse makes no further sound.
I received a pair of binoculars as a birthday present recently, and the kids and I have been using them to explore the surrounding country and notice birds. Just in time for summer. I also read more of What It’s Like to Be a Bird and was again reminded how crazy cool birds are and how much we still don’t know about them (like when irruptions happen), which makes me happy.
Here are some sound and vision-related facts abut birds that I think are super cool.
I’ve been reading Philip Glass’s Music Without Words over the past month or two and it’s very good. As a very casual classical music fan, it’s very enlightening to learn more about the music composition side of the art, with plenty of that aspect of the book going over my head, but still interesting to glimpse that world nonetheless.
Regardless, there are A LOT of insights into the creative process that are very interesting to think about, and that, along with stories from a life filled with memorable experiences, work, and friendships, make for a good read.
Two book excerpts that were related that I loved this week:
“It was a brilliant idea: You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.” (Richard P. Feynman, Ralph Leighton, Edward Hutchings, and Albert R. Hibbs, “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!“)
“Some people may have thought that this book was too personal, too confessional. But what these people think about me is none of my business.” (Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird)
Walking is making a major comeback:
The family and I have been enjoying long walks around the farm for the past few months, and recently discovered a good route to walk to the grandparents place directly. There is something very unique about walking a good distance alone or with others. I always seem to end up feeling better than before I left.
Continuing the practice of figure drawing, focusing on faces and hands. I’ve been doing quick brush pen work from images on my iPad or on Zoom calls as one way to practice. I like these brush pens for line drawing and using a few lines to capture a shape. Proportion is less important, and some distortion makes it more interesting. Capturing the shapes of the lips and the eyes makes all the difference.