I refuse to be sad today; some glimmers on this auspicious day:
*The news of Taylor Swift's engagement made me happy. She's written about disappointment and heartbreak for nearly two decades, and it's lovely to see her with someone who seems to honor her.
*I wish I could exchange places for at least a day with someone who'd never heard of Donald Trump. But Rebecca Solnit pointed out that people are doing so many amazing things to right the wrongs of this administration. "The ACLU is super-busy. Lawyers are suing like crazy. Democratic state a.g.s are talking every morning about their collective lawsuits. Protestors are in the streets, maybe 5 million at No Kings, there's lots of interference with ICE, 50501 was created expressly for this, Indivisible is growing by leaps and bounds, I'm seeing so many photographs of so many signs on overpasses, people are stepping up to help immigrants in all sorts of ways..."
*Although this study is a quarter century old, I just learned that instead of "fight or flight" women usually "tend and befriend" under stress. Women are inclined to nurture, protect, promote safety and create social networks instead of fleeing or fighting--brilliant! The paper is here.
*Not that this is something anyone who's benefitted from being loved by puppies needs proof of. But an Emory University study using MRIs by Dr. Gregory Berns indicates that dogs brains light up more actively for praise (i.e. human interaction/affection) than food. Our canine friends and babies love us!
*Pic: This morning, Big A takes off for the five-day DALMAC bike tour as he usually does this time of the year. I think Jeanie may recognize his bicycling club jersey. Since he's been so sick this year, we weren't sure he'd make it through all five days and were determined to take it day by day. I didn't know that I'd be rescuing him from Dewitt after half a day. Ok, the glimmer: He's off for the next four days, so he gets to rest and recuperate.
17 comments:
Hi Maya! Those are great glimmers. Thanks for the resources. I want to read up on bend and befriend article and the MRI on dogs- how adorable. I’m shaken to what happened in Minneapolis, especially that it was so close to Lisa, and need some distraction today.
Oh this is Daria from momofchildren.com
I love these glimmers, Maya! I am not surprised about the canine news - dogs are so great!
I really wanted Harry to do a speech on dog evolution this year-- there have been so many surprising studies and innovation recently that say a lot about how evolution might work in other species, too
Oh, I love that fact about dog brains. I wonder if the same is true for cats? Probably not, ha.
Poot Big A! He's probably disappointed about the bike tour. Hope he feels better after four days of rest.
Thanks for the glimmers! : )
Happy Ganesha Chaturthi. I'm sorry A didn't get to finish his race.
Love the glimmer of Tend And Befriend. And we don't just do that for each other, of course.
And, Jenny--I refuse to believe that my cat(s)' brains do/did not light up more each time I interact with them. Cats are just not as obvious as dogs, but they love us as profoundly.
I'm sorry for your husband's shortened bike tour, but I'm glad he listened to his body and respected his limits. Now he can spend time with you and the pups out in some good weather, recovering and rejuvenating.
It's great to see Big A back on his bike but I'm sorry to hear he had to cut his bike ride short after 1/2 a day. But that must mean he is listening to his body which is important after the summer he's had!
Lurking off and on during camp but glad I stopped in today to see Big A on the road. And yes, I recognize the jersey! Glad you didn't have to go to DeWitt!
Daria, I heard about the MLPS shooting on the radio right as I was reading this--how awful!
I'm not surprised at all either, Nicole. But I do feel very pleased!
Quite fascinating to dig into... As is speech, really.
Nance thinks cats too, and I'm inclined to agree. We should collect money for a "CAT" scan? haha
Thanks, Steph! (He hopes he gets another chance next year. I'm glad I didn't have to drive too far to retrieve him :) )
Nance, I suspect you're right. A student said that cats make us earn their affection and that sounds right to me. Dogs seem to love everybody in the style of Browning's Duchess.
I'm glad that A made a responsible choice and can continue to recover. I now have lots of plans for this weekend including digging holes in the garden. (I think that counts as gentle and necessary exercise.)
Yes to everything, Lisa. Still reeling from the close brush you've experienced.
I knew you would, Jeanie :)! I'm glad the weather is a bit better!
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