When I was young my motivation to become a biologist (later diverted by the turbidity of the desire to make money and realization of the actualities of real careers in science) was the unique blend of comfort and awe I found in nature.

Janine Benyus in her book “Biomimicry” describes the joys, struggles and successes of a few scientists to design new technologies based on the amazing designs and properties of nature. But nature is also a source of amazement and awe for its own life giving sake. Life is difficult no matter where you live. We have learned to live life like ox to the plow rather than as otters in the stream. And so it is essential that we look to nature both outside our own eyeballs and within our own amazing bodies for joy, delight, astonishment and inspiration…for new models for living.

Here are some tidbits from nature to tickle you delight bone:
• When was the last time you arose in time to see the sunrise with all her glory heralded by a chorus of colors preceding her like trumpeted rainbows of minty, turqoise atmosphere layered over a sheen of red-gold clouds?
• A dragonfly beats its pairs of long, slender wings independently, the front ones rising as the rear ones fall, allowing it to fly more than 35 mph, hover or even fly backward!
• Has your heart beat quickened by your ear being norseled and snuffled by the velvety soft nose of 1,000 lb horse?
• In the 5th century B.C. Herodotus reported giant gold digging ants in the Himalayas. Scientists have vindicated him by “discovering” a species of marmot in the Dansar plain in the Himalayas of Pakistan that in creating its burrows casts up gold dust rich soil which has been gathered by the local tribes for centuries.
• Did you know that you can make necklace beads from rose petals? The Victorians did.

You will find many opportunities for refreshing your soul and delighting your heart in today’s Dirt!

Blessings from Tim and the Dirt! Gang