The Ragbag of a Human Heart

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 Dear Reader,

Muntjacs are native to Southeast Asia and were first introduced to Britain in 1894 at Woburn Park, Bedfordshire.  Following deliberate releases and escapes from the early 20th century onwards, they have spread to become a common, invasive species in much of England and Wales. Their success is due to their small size, adaptability and a year-round breeding ability which allows them to thrive in diverse habitats including urban areas.

The spiritual meaning of the muntjac deer combines general deer symbolism with its unique characteristics, suggesting a focus on defending on what is yours, alertness and finely tuned instincts.

The muntjac's ability to bark emphasizes the importance of announcing trouble or danger, while its continuous mating cycle can symbolize perpetual renewal or a connection to nature's continuous cycle.  Muntjacs also scream when frightened.  Does and offspring communicate with a series of squeaks.  

 

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Reading in the paper that it was going to be the worst flu winter ever I very reluctantly decided to have a vaccination myself.  Years ago I had one and felt ill for weeks.  I only have one and a half lungs and was told that if I got flu it would be curtains for me.  So I had it. And have felt fine, no side effects this time.   Surely this story tells us something?  I am not quite sure what but perhaps sometimes we have to do something against our wishes that turns out to be the right thing, as we have been advised.

 

 

 

From John Everett Millais   November 19th  1851 in Surrey

'Fearfully cold.   Landscape trees upon my window-panes.  After breakfast chopped wood, and after that painted ivy.....See symptoms of a speedy finish to my background.  After lunch pelted down some remaining apples in the orchard.   Read Tennyson and the Thirty-Nine Articles.'                                            

From John Ruskin   November 24th  1857 in Surrey   

'Very wet.  But quiet, and birds singing all sorts of delicate airs, richly, as if it was spring.'

 

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The Ragbag of a human heart

 

 

He saw the girl

young, beautiful, innocent,

inflamed her with clever words,

caught her

seduced her

smiled, walked away.

 

At the bus stop

he saw an old lady

waiting in the rain,

offered her a lift,

drove her back to her house,

made her a cup of tea,

hugged her,

smiled,  walked away.

 

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Very best wishes, Patricia