Logic: it’s a wonderful business when you think of it.
Which We Rhinos do. And in this case, did.
Category Archives: R Life Lessons
On Edge
Often Rhinos forget to take Obvious Things into account. We forget the ABCs of what’s what. Observe the illustration. Is this about the Rhino Hobbyist? Or about the activities of gulls? Or simply a bravura display of seascape brushwork? (Yes but) No.
What We want to remind our Readers to focus on is an omnipresent Fact. That is, namely: We go to places that are either A: Land or B: Water. This is mostly the Truth as We experience it. There is nothing static about the place where the two meet up. It is always in flux, one reason or another.
Sort of Marvelous when you think about it. There is an ever-shifting Edge, a demarcating border, defining Experience: wet or dry. SO SIMPLE, yet crucial to almost every interaction with the Planet. For each and every one of Us. Thrilling, all in all.
Starlight is not the Same
About once a month the Moon takes a day off, leaving things very dark indeed for those of Us who still need to be getting on with business. Fortunately, We have other ways, nose and ears, to navigate.
Rhinos have come to expect these lunar holidays, but that does not mean they are welcome.
Tick, tick, tick
Sol and her brother Mani were born before Norse Time got started. When the Planets and stars were invented, the twins were assigned to pull the Sun and Moon across the sky. Mani (see Sept. 7) took the Moon and Sol took the Sun. Daunting Jobs indeed, say We Rhinos.
At dawn, Sol takes her two horses, Arvakr and Alsvior, hooks up the Sun, and spends every day pulling it, one horizon to the other. The task is made more interesting by a Giant Wolf named Skoll, that chases her chariot. Sol seemed to think it was funny, as Skoll never caught her. Sadly for Sol, when Ragnarok (The Finale) comes, she will be eaten by Skoll, along with the sun itself and the stars. So Skoll gets the last laugh.
Sol has assorted names, and from one of them (Sunnu) comes Sunday, named for her.
an Apple a Day
“Physician, heal yourself” is an old saying, meaning “Pull yourself together, Buster.” For Us Rhinos, the saying is an ancient standby.
In the Wild there is no medical back-up, no organized response to illness or injury. We must each proceed as We think best, and hope for the best. Some herbs, some time, and some dumb luck: that infallible prescription.
The quote is in Latin, adding to the Classy Impression that ‘Your Inner Rhino’ likes to make.
the Muted Ho-Ho
The Chortle is really a subset of Expressions of Mirth. The technique has defining qualities, though there is plenty of room for individual interpretation.
The Chortle should be, but is not limited to: Sniggering, but in a congenial tone, and/or a Giggle-y rhythm, slightly choked off, and/or volume control, not to be confused with a Guffaw. It sounds easy, but it does take practice.
Ultimately, the Chortle is motivated by spontaneous Merriment, but vaguely discreet. Keep at it; you’ll master it with time.
Social Formalities
Whatever Society a Rhino wants to experience, We always try to brush up on what’s expected in the Swirl of Daily Events.
After We get all la-di-dahed, We can then decide if We like the Etiquette of the Company We’re courting.
So often We reappraise our Desires.
Practicalities
September is here: a thrill for some, a warning for others. Rhinos are mostly maintaining a wait-and-see attitude (which is nothing new.)
‘Your Inner Rhino’ is fortunate in having a vast store of Philosophic Observations to share with our Readers. We are never quite certain that these pithy epigrams retain their zest in translation, but that is what translation is all about anyway.
Ask Anybody.
Moltings
In the Wild, a Rhino may come across a feather. There on the path or bramble, worth considering. Rhinos respect messages from Nature. We consider hidden meanings, etc; Why this Feather, why Me, why Now?
If We ask around, We get interpretations from ‘clearly the end of the known world‘ to ‘get a life‘. Other critters must have a more complex attitude and lore concerning bird bits and pieces.
Rhinos don’t have all the Time on Earth on hand. Rhinos are busy. So We mostly assume the feather means things are Dandy.
Moor or Less
On August 24, 1847, Charlotte Bronte set down the pen, having finished her great novel JANE EYRE. By October, it was published, and has enjoyed success happily ever after.
Ms. C. Bronte came from an unusual family; her sisters, Anne and Emily, were also famous writers. Just how they managed to be so insightful and accomplished is a mystery to this day.
Maybe it was something in the air or the water? Some mysteries don’t yield to random conjecture. Who would know that better than We Rhinos?
