Joscelyn Godwin, The Mystery of the Seven Vowels:
Yet I will add, in all seriousness, that no animal would have served better as a hidden symbol of Iaô than the patient and unmusical ass, which cries as best it can the name of the Unknown God.
I was not expecting to find a joke–much less a funny one–in this book.
Me, four years ago: “Unknown/Unknowable”
From a year ago today: “The men who live in my memory”
Me, anytime I have a cold brew coffee. Rachel has listened to an unusually large amount of talk from me this morning.
Three years ago today I posted on carceral environmentalism and I still like that phrase.
The rich and powerful used to pose with a hand inside their waistcoat, like Napoleon. Now they pose with thumbs up, like Trump.
Pete at Just a Few Acres Farm is signing off YouTube. I’m genuinely sad to see him go. Also, unsurprised: being a human being and not an influencer, he’s struggled with the perversities of the platform for years. I’m thankful for the hours of pleasure he’s given us. I’ll keep watching re-runs.
“A company man for USA, Inc.” I had an old draft that ended with that line but apparently I deleted it a couple of nights ago. Oh well! Feel free to use it for a folk protest song.
Made pimento cheese for a gathering of friends tonight. I’ve always loved pimento cheese but this is the first time making it. So simple. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (shred it yourself; it’s cheaper!) 4 oz diced pimentos 1-2 tsp mustard salt and pepper small amount of grated onion, to taste a few or many dashes of hot sauce 1/2 cup mayo (added a little at a time until you get to the desired texture) Mix together and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Wonderful episode of The Emerald: “Carry That Weight: On Mythic Burdens and Cosmic Supports.” If you’re feeling the weight of the world—and you’re open to an animist view of the world—I cannot recommend it highly enough.