Darkness

Shadows rule in the world of darkness,
cozy pools of darkling light.

Imagination flies unfettered,
in the secret world of night.

All around the world lay sleeping,
dozing in the land of dreams.

Fairies flit through the moonlit landscape,
sipping nectar from moonbeams.

As the light of day is dawning,
nighttime shadows light to gold.

Deepest darkness gives a shudder,
Daytime's light can be so cold.

Muppet Bohemian Rhapsody

Nest Building

Now that winter's here, I'm cold. Okay, so I'm perpetually cold. I'm the girl who is always wearing a jacket, possibly even in summer. Winter is just worse. Much worse. Gloves and scarves worse. 

I know. I live in California. Don't judge me.

So, I was told by another lizard-like friend about the feather-bed. And the joys of pillow-nest-building. Not just for warmth, but for comfort as well.

Seems humans, like dogs, are pack creatures and are most comfortable when crowded. If you don't have enough people in your bed to effectively comfort and warm you, you can substitute the pillow-nest and feather bed.

I can report than the feather-bed-pillow-nest is a hit with cold-blooded Ticias and pack dog Olivias alike. 

How a Newly Turned Foodie is Like a Vampire

Today my stomach told me, in no uncertain terms, that it wanted food and it wanted it NOW. I don't know if vampires are driven by their hunger with this much urgency and insistence, but I believe they are.

I blame the stomach-stretching exercise that is French Laundry for this. I am insatiable. All food tastes better to me now. It's like my taste buds have been reborn. They're open to any texture, any sensation, any combination. And they're directing my brain to experiment.

I've been seduced.

Lunch at Bouchon prepped me for the gastronomic delight that was to follow, but it was French Laundry that tipped me over the edge. I had trouble not expressing my delight vocally at dinner.

Good food, like good vampires, seduce you in unexpected and even taboo ways. A little nibble here, a taste explosion there, and you're butter in their hands.

And, once you're seduced, there's no going back to your old, unawakened life again.