The Midas Touch, The Ears of an Ass
After Pan had his flute made of Syrinx, he challenged Apollo to a musical contest, All the judges agreed Apollo's Lyre playing had bested the airy flute of Pan. All the judges that is except Midas, he stated his preference for the Pan flute. Apollo was incensed and said to the Grecian King 'I see the problem, it's your ears, they are much too small to hear the true beauty of my music', and with a touch he turned the kings ears into those of an ass. The King was outraged and embarrassed by this curse, but he told no one, he hid the huge donkey ears under hats, huge helmets and scarves. The only one who knew of this secret was his barber. Who had to see when he trimmed the kings hair. The barber was sworn to secrecy and he did his best to keep it to himself. But as the burden of the secret grew, he one day had to let it out. He went to the mountain and dug a hole and whispered into it, the "King has the ears of an ass". He felt immediately relieved having let the secret out.
Fritillaria raddeana This one is proving to be an outstanding early season bloomer in the old whiskey barrel at the corner of the carport. |
Fritillaria pudica The Golden Bells of the Sahaptin land in bloom in March |
Stories through history, theology and contemporary times warn of the dangers of the lust of riches. I've found it interesting in my journey through adulthood to observe what some people will do in the all consuming quest for riches. What about integrity and making a difference in this world as a reward. What if everyone sought to just do a little bit better for humanity instead of following the all consuming lust for riches that can make people do such foolish things?
Also, beware the echo, what you say matters and if you want to keep something a secret don't even whisper it to a hole in the ground because you never know where that echo might carry the secret.
Rain and wind after a mostly sunny and beautiful weekend, filled with smiles and laughs and fancy hats.
Mark