too hot
introduced to Mary Howitt’s poem ‘The Spider and the Fly’ by an unexpected source: ‘Too Hot To Handle’.
surprise, surprise… i’ve got a shape for that!
The Spider and the Fly
By Mary Howitt
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to shew when you are there.”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”
“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome–will you please to take a slice?”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”
“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you’re pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day.”
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple–there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue–
Thinking only of her crested head–poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour–but she ne’er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
french curves
‘Complete Stretching’ - Maxine Tobias & John Patrick Sullivan (1992/Knopf)
picked this up in the ballet days, trying to achieve better flexibility and turnout.
slightly different goals nowadays. glad to have held on to this.
came across ‘Bob and Brad’ today. super helpful, given the current circumstances.
“Skeleton Sam” with shoulder-saddled Gumby were eerily on the nose… !
visualizing auto encounters. just getting started, trying some things out. here’s where i’m at:
‘Courtesy Van’
Toyota Warhawk… ?
using french curves for the first time – in earnest. it’s interesting. gonna take some getting used to.
Pearl’s Shapes
“A Single Pale Rose” - ‘Steven Universe’; Season 5, Episode 18 (2018)
everyday shapes
‘My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres’ - (2019/HBO) directed by Dave McCary
watched ‘My Favorite Shapes…’ a few weeks ago – inspired.
lost one of my favorite shapes not long ago (so long sweet hand fan…) and worried i lost another on Tuesday.
keeping record of my shapes more explicitly now, starting with my everyday shapes:
bright, orange, and reminds me of a friend – makes me happy ;)
keys: essential. Alaska keychain is a recent addition – an indirect souvenir.
DIY leather notebook cover carrying two (sometimes three) pocket Moleskines.
multi-pen, currently inked with two black Monteverde refills and two Pilot refills: one green, one red.
Monteverde > Pilot
yellow leather wallet, yellow leather wallet, yellow leather wallet
upgrade – birthday gift to myself.
“incognito mode” sunnies. longest lasting pair, nearly a decade now… ?
tea tree toothpicks – nice alternative to chewing gum.
impulse buy with pharmacy training memory attached. liking this “flavor”, too.
this just in: new hand fan. from the Portland Japanese Garden, same as last; but also different. still getting acquainted, and will not be carried in my back pocket…
view from the desk yesterday. clouds looked real high – probably cirrus? want to remember this.
and this, a little later on, too.
had a difficult time writing yesterday – going back and forth and feeling stuck between. thought i’d be able to tie things off, but ended up needing more time. that’s ok, there are no deadlines here. need to remember that.
slow down – there’s no rush. take the time you need.