What I Am Reading Now – Endless Universe

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Herbert presents Endless Universe by Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok (Photo by M.A.D.)

I have been trying to make a dent on the backlog of books on my bookshelf. It is time for me to read Endless Universe by Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok. I have meant to read this book for quite some time. I am sure that by now, there have been new developments on the Cyclic Theory, but I am going to read it. The book was written by two cosmologists, and it is about the discussion of a new theory of the origin of the universe. New theory back then, when the book was written, that is.

So, why is a Christian reading this book? Short answer: It is not going to make me less of a Christian by reading it (not contagious like chicken pox). Long answer: Although I believe that God created Heavens and Earth, this topic has always fascinated me, so from time to time I read something related to it. I don’t need proof of anything, my faith rests in the Lord. If anything, reading has strengthened my faith throughout the years. So far, this one seems interesting enough to capture my attention.

By the end of the year, I hope to have make a significant dent on the pile of books. I find that having this pile prevents me from enjoying other books that are new releases, unless it is something that I must read now. It is like a cloud that hangs over my head, so I am making the effort to reduce it a bit more. I know that there is always going to be somewhat of a small pile waiting for me, because who can resist a good book when you see one? I prefer to hold a book on my hand when I read. I tried to get used to electronic format and ended up hating it. Simply, it is not for me; Herbert would understand.

Farmhouse Project Update

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Finally, the stump of the old tree that was taken down is being honored. I felt so sad when I had to get rid of the very old tree. It was a liability and dangerously close to the house; besides, it was showing signs of disease. But the tree refused to go down; it came to life again. I thought of a way in which to make us both happy.

I trimmed its new branches. My husband built a replica of the farmhouse, and we placed it atop the trunk. He decided to paint the window trim blue as well. Our window trim is white, but we thought it would look better that way. The inside painted in yellow suggests that the lights are on. We added a few woodland critters, a welcome sign, a mailbox, and sitting arrangement on the porch. I recycled those miniatures from the faerie garden. I think he did a great job and I love it. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Side view. All materials, with the exception of the gray paint and clear coat, are recycled. We want to build or paint a faerie door on the trunk. (Photo by M.A.D.)
We added a color changing spotlight. I took this picture from indoors through the window glass at night (too many night crawlers around). The rosebush gives a nice touch to it. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Same view during the day. (Photo by M.A.D.)

This is a project that we had scheduled for some time this year. The original plan was to add faerie lights and a Clematis plant or a type of vine to the trunk; however, we thought that a spotlight would be better, and the tree branches that grew again took the place of the Clematis plant. Hope you enjoy reading about this project.

UPDATE

My husband finished the faerie door. All materials used are recycled. I think he did an awesome job. Love it!

Faerie door using recycled materials. Photo by M.A.D.

The Life that We Dream

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“I’m standing here in summer sun, where rabbits hide, and small quail run… I listen to the prairie’s song in every breeze that comes along.” – Betty Lou Hebert, “Prairie Gentian.”

In our youth, we imagine life turning out a certain way; we are full of dreams and less experienced. We set out to conquer the world. As we mature, experiences, good and bad, have placed some weight on us, influenced our desires and dreams, and our footsteps hold firmly to the ground. Steps become steadier and more careful, less rushed, and bit more planned. Some of us find ourselves living the life we dreamed, while some of us might not, and others might be half-way there. For many of us, the life that we dreamed once might not be the life that we want to live now. Whatever the case might be, dreams remain. The adage, “When you stop dreaming you stop living,” might have a bit of truth.

From small dreams to larger dreams, it all seems to propel us forward in life, whether we want a fancy life or a simpler life. There are setbacks, new dreams, and things don’t always turn out the way we dreamed or planned for, but this doesn’t diminish the preciousness of life, and each day presents a new opportunity to dream again; each day, an opportunity to do a bit better than we did yesterday. After all, and on the way to a dream, we become our own judges, that is, in relation to our dreams in life.

What does a 90-year-old person dreams of? Maybe what we all seem to take for granted – to enjoy another day. What does a person with a terminal illness dreams of? Maybe for one more day amongst friends and loved ones. A person contemplating suicide? Perhaps for a better day, each day. In the end, no matter what one’s dreams were about or how these turned out, we seem to ask for one more day. In perspective, that is all we have, one day at a time.

Photo by M.A.D.

Around the Garden

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The beauty that a garden gives in a few pictures.

Isn’t he gorgeous? (Photo by M.A.D.)
This year mushrooms grew everywhere, especially in the faerie garden. These are huge. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Size comparison. Unfortunately, these mushrooms decompose very fast, and they smell like a rotten corpse. Bees, flies, and ants are attracted to it. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Two decomposing stinky mushrooms. They will melt and disappear. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Pretty colorful ones too. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Mama Turkey and her adorable babies stopped by. Could not get a clear picture as they moved fast. (Photo by M.A.D.)
The blessing of early Mums. (Photo by M.A.D.)

All little things that make me stop and smile. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Love and Light.

A Single Flower

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Photo by M.A.D.

In as much as a single flower, exists a whole world, a world of color, patterns, texture, lines, dimension, shape and form, of beauty and awe, when you stop to carefully and mindfully observe it. It can only speak of the magnificence and magnitude of its creator.

Garden Friends

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It is always lovely to spot a few friends in the garden.

I have not seen these birds before, but they are adorable. The tail’s color is my favorite shade of blue.

The deer are always visiting.

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV

Some Things are Meant to Be

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Some things are meant to be, simplicity, findings, and awe, with all the blessings of God.

Photo by M.A.D.
Mama Bird has been teaching her four babies how to forage for food and eat on their own. Sometimes, they want her to feed them, and she keeps on walking with them until they start pecking at whatever they find on the ground. There is a little one that has been a slow learner, and follows her until sometimes, she gives in and feeds him something. Photo by M.A.D.
From the garden. Blessings come in all sizes and colors. Photo by M.A.D.

Love and Light.

A Late Start

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This year, I started the veggie garden a bit later due to changes in weather. Too late for seeds now, and all my germinated seeds died, so I had to buy a few plants at the garden center. The prices were astronomically high at $3.95 for one tiny tomato plant. There are a few squash seeds coming out in the back area. We just threw them on the ground, and they took well. This year, the veggie garden will be very simple and with little variety. We planted tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and onions. We also have a blueberry bush and planted two strawberry roots. The grape vine will produce fruit this year; right now, it is covered in tiny grapes. The lettuce came back from last year, and also a few tomato plants grew from fallen seeds. The Brussel sprouts did not produce last year but I left it alone for seeds; let’s see how that goes. Little birds have been eating them. Once it is done seeding, I will remove the old plants because these will not produce anymore.

We are planning to add a raspberry and blackberry bush, and maybe peach, pear, and apple trees in the future. The idea is to develop this garden over time, so we don’t overwhelm ourselves with maintenance; instead, ease into it slowly, and by stages. It is what we have been doing with the rest of the garden, overall. We also have to do some rearranging of the boxes and eliminate some containers that seem to be too small and not performing well enough, so we can make a better use of the space by configurating it better.

This veggie garden was built from recycled pallets. It has hold well over the years.
This is the area of the veggie garden before, when we bought the place.
The same area during cleanup, from another angle. Most of the overgrown bushes and weeds are gone; only the large cedar and ornamental grass on the picture remain today.
Now that the weather is pleasant, my husband gets lost tinkering outdoors, so I insisted on installing a dinner bell on the porch so I can ring the bell when he doesn’t hear my call. Practical, loud, and charming.

There are many other projects on the list for this year. Let’s see how many we can tackle before Autumn arrives. I will share some here. The labor of love will continue.

Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller

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Herbert presents Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller (Photo by M.A.D.)

Finally, I was able to decide what to read next, and selected Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller (1981). It has been sitting on the shelf for a while now and it was time to pick it up. It has been highly praised for many years and recommended. Now that the topic of climate change has become a change agent in many technological applications, it seems appropriate to read this one. Although a bit wordy and specialized, it is piquing my curiosity; moreover, it has been deemed an important book by many other authors I have read. That is how I became aware of it. So far so good, and hopefully it doesn’t become too wordy and lengthy for my taste and attention span. As a comparison, I may say, “Oh, it tastes so delicious.” or “My taste buds are experiencing pure delight and ecstasy.” It all means the same.

Here is a bit of the back cover, in case you are interested in reading it. It also tells a bit of his achievements.

On AI

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Photo by Maria Diaz

This post is about my feelings on AI (artificial intelligence) and the future of writing and publishing. First, I should disclose that I am biased, and also old-school. I am more like the character Will Smith plays in I-Robot. Of course, when new inventions have been introduced in the history of humankind, there has been distrust, inquisition, questions, trepidation, and so much more. Much has been said about AI, especially, during the past year, and by now most of you must be familiar with some applications in technology, including writing. My concern is with the future of writing and the quality of content, as well as the increase on an already saturated market full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Must all be doom and gloom? Of course not. The same was said about print on demand and independent publishing, and here we are today. Saturation? Yes. I am sure that there are many benefits to AI, probably across and extended to all endeavors. Going back to the topic of quality and quantity, AI will be a best friend to those who want to make a quick buck while saturating the writing market with stories/content written at a fast pace and without care or soul.

That being said, so many questions arise, at least on my mind.

Will the publishing giants favor their own mass-produced stories?

Will freelance writers compete with AI on speed and delivery or will they embrace it?

Will they be paid less for their originality? What are the parameters for originality when it comes down to AI? Is it possible for AI to commit plagiarism?

Will readers appreciate a book written in what will become the “classical way” or will they become consumers of fast stories that might cater to their need for “more and quickly, please.”

Will the quality of stories suffer, or will it challenge writers? Will readers even notice?

Will AI become a favorite tool of writers or an archenemy?

Will it help with writer’s block or make it worse?

Will writers who care for quality and not quantity feel threatened by AI?

Will human writing even exist in the future or will “Robotina” kill the writer?

Of course, it is too early to tell, and I don’t have a crystal ball on my desk. As for this old-school writer, I believe that words evoke feelings, and that might or might not matter in a not-so-distant future.