Pigs

Opposite Day – ND #64

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Brutus being a hogger not a pig – Photo: L. Weikel

Opposite Day

I might as well call today Opposite Day. As magical as yesterday was, with the myriad animal sightings and a meteor streaking across the sky, today was, well, lovely but benign.

OK, maybe benign isn’t the opposite of magical. Perhaps I’m exaggerating a tad the difference between yesterday’s and today’s experiences. I’ll concede that, if pressed, I probably wouldn’t want to experience the literal opposite of a magical day.

In fact, today was rather delightful. A warm front came through (or perhaps the frigid arctic front just left) making it almost feel as though taking a walk without a jacket might be on the agenda. It wasn’t. I got chilly before stepping off the porch. But it was tempting.

Pacha Pig-nose – Photo: L. Weikel

Clarification

I posted the other day about a pig in my life to whom I’ve given the name Princess. Let me be clear: this is an unofficial naming. Indeed, I feel she told me her name is Princess. But I’ve not seen her paperwork, nor would I trust it to accurately reflect what Princess would like to be called anyway.

Princess is not my pig. She abides on a neighbor’s farm. Said neighbor is a farmer and part of this farmer’s offerings to his customers are pork products.

This makes me very sad, but it’s not for me to judge nor to condemn. I do, however, choose to bond with Princess and at the very least let her know that she is loved and seen and appreciated while she’s alive. I’m grateful for her being my friend who pokes her head outside of her hut and then runs out to greet me whenever I walk by.

I intend to give her a carrot now and then, in addition to the dog treats I inevitably carry in my pocket. Based on suggestions of a friend, I may occasionally bring a different vegetable or fruit (an apple, squash, spinach, cooked broccoli?) but if I’m honest, I’m lucky when I remember a carrot. So if she only gets what is the equivalent of a piece of candy from me (a carrot) now and again, I admit to feeling little to no remorse. She could have worse friends.

Alas, the past two days it’s been dark by the time we reached Princess’s abode. So even though I remembered her treat, I didn’t see her.

Princess Pig-nose – Photo: L. Weikel

Admission

I’ll admit it: I’m hoping she might have babies. I shudder at the prospect of their future, too, but hey. We all have our destinies. And as our puppies have turned six months old already, the prospect of bonding with some piglets is a tempting daydream.

(T+64)

Snarfing Down a Carrot – Day 984

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Snarfing Down a Carrot – Photo: L. Weikel

Snarfing Down a Carrot

As I’ve said a vast number of times before, it’s the little things in life that make it all worthwhile. Yeah, I’ve written about a lot of the ‘little things’ in my life over the past 983 days, even accidentally titling three separate posts (here, here, and here) ‘Little Things.’ But I’ve never titled a post ‘Snarfing Down a Carrot’ before tonight and yet the snarfing was most definitely another example of a tiny moment that made my day.

In point of fact, and upon reflection, almost every post has been about something most people would view as utterly inconsequential.

Alas, perhaps that’s one of the lessons I’ve learned through this exercise I dubbed my ‘1111 Devotion.’ My life is a tapestry of inconsequential moments; opportunities to assign personal meaning to the shape of a cloud or to realize joy in the midnight song of a catbird.

Or to experience delight when pigs, responding to my calls, run from their pen to greet me with smiles and appreciative grunts. It got even better (in my book) when the swine that snagged the biggest carrot used decidedly covert and deliberate tactics to hide her coup from the other two. Not only did she know she’d scored, she was determined to hide it from the other two.

She knew what she was doing! – Photo: L. Weikel

Laughter and Joy

I’m grateful for the laughter and joy my ‘three little pigs’ brought me this evening. It was quite a juggling act, taking their photos while feeding them carrots, singing their praises, and making sure Spartacus stuck by my side.

But I hope you’ll agree, these photos capture at least a little of their ‘cheek,’ and surely elicit a chuckle.

I was going to pick a card for us to contemplate on tomorrow’s full moon in Aquarius. Instead, I became distracted by my lovely and loving little porkers.

Maybe I’ll pick a card tomorrow.

Or maybe not.

Shhhh! It’s our secret – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-127)

This Face – Day 938

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Cutie Pig (This Face!) – Photo: L. Weikel

This Face

A few days ago I made a discovery that literally made me yelp with joy. Our local farmer is raising pigs again. Seriously: just look at this face!

It seems like it’s been a very long time since our walks were last graced with these curious creatures. A search of my posts indicates it’s been a good two years since I wrote about them. So it’s no wonder my heart skipped a beat when I beheld their adorable faces again.

It’s been a very long time since any animals have resided within the fencing surrounding this gorgeous tract of land. With the absence of the four-leggeds that used to live there, the grasses have grown tall, thick, and lush. When I first detected movement on the far side of the small pen within the vast enclosure, I dismissed it as wishful thinking.

Definitely Sentient

I think what bowls me over the most about pigs is their friendliness. While I adore the sheep that have grown up within these confines, their personalities overall pale in comparison to the pigs’. It’s undeniable.

The first time I spotted them last week and realized Teddy-the-Farmer was raising pigs again, I called out in my customary sing-song voice that I reserve for babies and small animals. (OK, I’ll admit, I use the voice on toddlers and not-so-small animals, too.) I could see them reacting. The largest seemed to lift her head and grunted, “Huh? What’s that? You talkin’ to me?” She immediately headed over toward me, not caring one whit that Spartacus was with me.

I saw a second one peek at us from around the corner of the pen. A third rambled out of the pen as if awakened from a long winter’s nap.

The three of them chatted with us for a few minutes. I felt bad that I had nothing to give them in that moment and hoped they wouldn’t hold it against us.

Prancing Passel

They didn’t. The next time we saw them, which was a few days later, I couldn’t see any of them as we climbed the hill. I called out to them in my usual way and didn’t the three of them come tearing out of their pen?

Honestly, they appeared to prance as they made their way happily over to see us. The joy they bring is almost too much to bear.

I need to remember to bring carrots tomorrow.

Photo: L. Weikel

(T-173)

A Plethora of Pleasures – Day 937

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Sunset, Tree, and Wildflowers – Photo: L. Weikel

A Plethora of Pleasures

My walks the past two evenings have yielded a plethora of pleasures. From pigs to bunnies to a stunning sunset casting tangerine rays across a field of wildflowers, it’s hard to choose a favorite. Even lightning bugs made their appearance and demanded their share of oohs and aahs.

Lightning bugs are pretty tough to capture with my iPhone. But they were definitely showing off tonight, reveling in their newfound ability to light up the night. Karl and I sat in the dark on our porch and watched them rise from the grass, and slowly make their way up into the trees. A few were sassy and bold, lighting up brightly then dragging their fluorescent abdomens to create streaks across the yard with dramatic flair.

Wary but not afraid – Photo: L. Weikel

Not Much Movement

I don’t know if it was the heat of the day or just a lack of fear, but so many creatures we encountered seemed utterly unfazed by my attempts to take their photo. The bunny allowed me to nearly walk right up to it – and this with Spartacus (obliviously) trotting and sniffing along the way.

A barn swallow continued flirting with me as well. It allowed me to approach and take a slow motion video of it launching into flight that’s stunning.

I didn’t even bother to take photos of all the deer sitting in the fields, their heads the only parts of their bodies popping up out of the wavy grasses. There were at least three moments of unadulterated adorableness when a mommy doe walked onto the road in front of me, only to have the teeny tiniest of fawns stumble onto the road right behind her. I swear, the babies I’ve seen over the past five days or so had to have been born the same day as I saw them.

You Called? – Photo: L. Weikel

Captured My Heart

For now, I’m just going to leave you with a few photos. I’ve had a long day and spent much of it out in the sun. I feel sated by the plethora of pleasures strewn in my path.

(T-174)

Foiled – Day 142

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Cuddle Pigs 29 March 19 – Photo: L.Weikel

Foiled!

I had a mission today. A mission that was foiled.

I was really looking forward today to bringing a most exclusive organic treat to the precious pigs that run across the field to greet us every day.

Back Story

Every once in a while I’ve shared an organic dog treat with my porcine brethren and sistren (is that even a word?).  Remember, in Chinese astrology, I am an Earth Pig, also known as a Monastery Pig, so we have a bond. Even though I shouldn’t be, given their sweet and playful natures, I’ve been astounded by how gently these hefty creatures nibble the treat from my fingers.

Indeed, one in particular, “245,” was deemed by us to be the brightest of them all – because s/he would bound across the field when s/he saw us walking up the hill alongside their field. I was pretty sure s/he remembered the tiny dog treats I’d occasionally give her, although s/he also seemed to respond to my voice, which automatically and unconsciously immediately climbs three registers whenever I encounter babies, small children, or animals of any kind.

I’m referring to my favorite pig as “245” because that was the number embossed on the metal charm attached to her collar. I hadn’t yet discerned a name coming from her in our encounters. Indeed, I was focusing more on her face and didn’t think to check out the nether regions – and for that I apologize, since its causing me to vacillate on the whole gender pronoun thing in this post.

An Effort at Inter-Species Diplomacy

Today, though. Today was going to be special because I was going to bring I.M. Carrot, the Emissary from the Kingdom of Vegetable, and offer him to my sweet 245. It felt only fitting that the circle of life be played out before my eyes between my favorite organic carrot and my favorite piece of pork.

Ugh. Sorry.

I shudder at that. I do. I have not eaten pork in at least a decade – ever since I realized not only how smart pigs are but also that eating them lowers your vibration and thus should not be eaten before ‘doing my Work.’

And that is where my post is leading me. My cloven-footed friends did not bound across the field to greet me today, ears waggling and waving as they bounced toward the fence separating us. Not only didn’t they come to me – they were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, the door to their pen was ajar and there was what appeared to be a horse trailer parked beside it.

This makes me very sad. Indeed, Karl turned to me as we gazed at the empty field and said, “Uggggh. I hope they’re not being butchered for people’s Easter dinners.”

Butchered – What an Ugly Word

I know; I know. That’s what they were raised for; it is their particular mission in life to live happy lives foraging in an expansive open field, methodically (and quite efficiently) turning up the grass with their slightly upturned snouts to devour the grubs and worms lurking just under the greenery. And then, when the time is right, offering themselves as nourishment to be savored by us two-leggeds.

I understand. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Just in case, though, I’m going to bring I.M. Carrot with me tomorrow, too, on the off chance that maybe my friends just took a ride somewhere today. You know – an afternoon jaunt to view greener pastures.

I wish I had a photo to offer you here of 245 munching I.M. Carrot. That would’ve been epic. Giving diplomacy a whole new twist.

 

(T-969)

I ask you, “What’s so great about those pigs when you have us?” – Photo: L.Weikel

Pigs But Not Pork – Day Eighty Seven

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Piglets running side by side (Photo: L.Weikel)

Pigs But Not Pork        

I’m struggling tonight. I’ve been awake since 4:00 a.m. and I’m falling asleep sitting up.

I did manage to get a walk in before the rain arrived, though. Thank goodness. But even better than the mere health benefits (and constitutional rigor it provides to our pups), was the fact that our little black piggies were playing outside today!

I wish I could post some of the short videos I take with my iPhone sometimes. For instance, today I could see from afar, as we approached their field, that the pigs were no longer hunkered down in their wooden pen, but were just outside it, grazing on tufts of grass and snuffling into the mud. I put the iPhone on camera mode as we approached and tried to coordinate both leashes in one hand, hoping that Spartacus would not suddenly lunge at the adorable porkers when I started talking and calling to them.

See, the problem with the pigs (from Spartacus’s perspective) is not that they are classic puppy-fun to run after. It’s that I talk to the piglets in the same high pitched sing-song voice that I talk to all animals, domesticated or not, and usually babies, as well. It’s the same voice I use to converse with Spartacus and Sheila. So there’s a hint of jealousy in the air when he hears me calling to the piglets and sheep. But I have to give Spart credit. His ears perk up at first, but then he just brushes it off, usually continuing to stop, sniff, and tinkle he way toward home.

Pigs But Not Pork (to me)

I took some video today and managed to catch the pigs at the moment they noticed we were walking up the hill along the road that runs beside the edge of their owner’s property.

Sadly, words fail to describe how freaking adorable they were! Oh my, I know why I don’t eat pork any more and haven’t for years (besides having been born in the Year of the Pig and therefore not wanting to eat one of my own) (for these are definitely Earth Pigs!). Just as we started approaching them, I saw one pig catch sight of me. He seemed to hop, startled, but then grunted something that the rest of his cohort totally understood, because suddenly they lifted their snouts en masse and the whole little herd started running toward us!

Even though I’d had my iPhone/camera ready, their sudden movement did make the pups pull a bit harder, so I fumbled with touching the button to start the recording. I managed, though, and I captured them trotting happily over to me, bopping along the edge of the fence, ears flapping gaily. A car suddenly rounded the corner, heading toward us (luckily not traveling too fast), but I only managed to capture a few frames.

It was long enough to capture the cute. Regrettably, though, I can’t post video on this blog.

Unbridled Joy

So the still shots will just have to do. For now. I’ll try to get even better ones another time.

These little creatures give me unbridled joy. The way they seem to hop and skip as they trip over themselves to run to greet me, their surprisingly long ears flapping and flopping in their exuberance, never fails to bring laughter and a burst of delight to my heart.

I hope my one-handed photos brighten your morning. Oh – and I forgot to mention the three sheep (one little, one medium, and one larger) who, for some strange reason, have been separated from the rest of their kin (who are in a large field at the top of the hill on the other side of the barn) and are relegated to, or perhaps rewarded by, hangin’ with the piglets.

Here’s a photo of the smallest one peeking out at me from behind the largest.

Sometimes I have to wonder how I got so incredibly lucky to live near all my beloved creatures.

Have a joyful day.

(T-1024)

Year of the Boar – Day Eighty Four

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Photo: livescience.com

Year of the Boar

Happy New Year! Happy Year of the Boar (Year of the Pig)! Technically, we’re not moving from the Year of the Dog until tomorrow (Monday, February 4th, 2019), but since most of you don’t read my posts until the morning after I publish them, I’m just paving the way for you to hit this new year running and give you the chance to celebrate all day.

Of course, I’m speaking of the Chinese New Year. And since the Chinese calendar is based on lunar cycles, the new year begins tomorrow at 4:04 p.m. EST, the time of the new moon.

You might wonder why I’m so excited to wish you these porcine-centered felicitations. A big reason might be that I am a Boar, having been born between February 8, 1959 and January 27, 1960.

And to make this year’s Year of the Pig even more ‘special’ for me (and those born in that same time span I just mentioned), since the Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the number 60, this year signifies a full turning of the astrological cycle since we were born. This will be a year of completion or ‘coming full circle’ for those of us born between the dates listed above.

Twelve Signs of the Chinese Zodiac

Just as you’re aware of the twelve signs that comprise our western zodiac, which begins with Aries and ends with Pisces, there are twelve signs in the Chinese Zodiac as well. The western zodiac signs change every 30 days or so, though, giving us twelve signs within each calendar year.

The Chinese system assigns a single symbol to an entire year, with the Year of the Rat, for instance, being considered the ‘first’ sign of the zodiac, and the Boar the last. However, each ‘year’ begins and ends on a different date according to the moon’s cycle in January/February of each year. Specifically, each new year in the Chinese system begins at the occurrence of the first new moon following the first full moon in a calendar year.

The signs, with the year in which each ‘mainly’ appears, are as follows:

Rat                  1924    1936    1948    1960    1972    1984    1996    2008    2020

Ox                   1925    1937    1949    1961    1973    1985    1997    2009    2021

Tiger                1926    1938    1950    1962    1974    1986    1998    2010    2022

Rabbit             1927    1939    1951    1963    1975    1987    1999    2011    2023

Drago             1928    1940    1952    1964    1976    1988    2000    2012    2023

Snake             1929    1941    1953    1965    1977    1989    2001    2013    2024

Horse              1930    1942    1954    1966    1978    1990    2002    2014    2025

Sheep             1931    1943    1955    1967    1979    1991    2003    2015    2026

Monkey           1932    1944    1956    1968    1980    1992    2004    2016    2027

Rooster           1933    1945    1957    1969    1981    1993    2005    2017    2028

Dog                 1934    1946    1958    1970    1982    1995    2007    2018    2029

Boar                1935    1947    1959    1971    1983    1996    2008    2019    2030

Obviously, if your birthdate falls toward the end of January or through about mid-February, you’ll need to check the specific dates for when each cycle began and ended in the year you were born. (I’m sure you can google it; but I’d be happy to post the specific dates for anyone who requests.)

The Five Variations of Each Symbol

Every twelve years, the cycle repeats. It’s important to remember, though, that the larger cycle recognized in this system is the 60 year cycle.

Thus, each symbol is repeated five times within those sixty years. And each of those five variations on the theme corresponds to an element:  Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Every 12 years, then, a different variation of the particular sign occurs, with the cycle repeating itself for the first time after 60 years have elapsed.

It’s quite intriguing to read about the variations in characteristics of the different signs as they are manifested every twelve years. You can just imagine the differences between, say, a Fire Rooster, a Metal Rooster, and a Water Rooster. (I use that as an illustration because I happen to have lived with these ‘variations’ for much of my life: specifically, my husband and two of my three sons.) (Which is also why I decorated our downstairs bathroom in fall colors, filled it with many roosters, and dubbed it our ‘cock room.’)

And with that image fixed firmly in your minds (a ‘cock room’ – you just know that’ll stick with you!), I am going to complete this post. I’ll write a bit more about the Year of the Boar tomorrow, and describe a bit more of the elemental attributes distinguishing the variations that occur every twelve years.

The point of all of this is that there are so very many ways we humans have developed, across cultures and across time, to help ourselves understand and make sense of who we are and what we’re here to experience. There are maps for us all over the place. We just need to look around and find the ones that work uniquely for us – and then dive into a deeper understanding of their keys.

Happy New Year!

(T-1027)

Photo by L. Weikel