We just recalled the song “On the first day of Christmas, my true Love sent to Me”. Followed by other things the True Love delivered. Ah ha ha, you say.

Giggle now, see it later! And Awaaaaaaay We go…

Wishing you and yours a wealth of joy and inspiration-

Warmest Regards,

‘The Staff of Your Inner Rhino’.

On December 20, 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm first published their opus, namely ‘Grimms’ Fairy Tales’. The brothers were very successful, and their works are known hither and yon.

Very popular with Rhinos, as you might have guessed.

As you may know, there are many roads in today’s world, and areas that people inhabit, called Countries. Each of these Countries has people and towns, but also enormous spaces of savannah and yummy grasslands.

We Rhinos have dined on those grasslands for eons, and it is hard to know where We are welcome, and where less welcome. The lines between one Country and another are foggy to Us; We cross those lines with caution. On the map you see the bold black lines where one Country butts up to another. These Countries have names, but 1) the names change, and 2) We don’t get it. There are many mysterious rules for the residents. We don’t know what the rules are; Nobody tells Us. The moral of all that is: watch your step.

Today We decided Africa should be drawn sideways, just for variety’ sake. Point of view is often surprising, We find. We tried naming the Countries, but there are too many (3+++) and the spelling is aggravating.

In this case, James McNeill Whistler’s mother was his mother after all, but in this instance, also his model. This is one of his best-known works, 1871, adapted here for obvious reasons.

Rhinos are often in demand for modeling assignments, and we do our best to be patient. Holding still is not one of our strengths, but believe Us, Artists get cranky when anything looks different today than yesterday. It has something to do with light, somehow.

We had fun with this assignment. The painting seems so simple, and yet it has a Mount Rushmore sense of place among 19th Century paintings. Elegant without plumes and props. Sentimental without Triviality.

We like to start December by trying on last year’s suit and accessories, just to be sure everything is the same as We remember. Since it is actually a mental image, it always fits. And with a little concentration, it can be altered on the spot.

Then We practice our “Oh-Ho-Ho”, looking for favorable reviews from our relatives or critters that owe Us a favor.

Then We mentally fold the outfit neatly, and look forward to the Event!

Confucius, an historic teacher and sage, came from humble roots, yet rose to become a surprising cultural influence. The times in which he lived were rough, China then being feudal. At 17, Confucius set off across China to become a political advisor. It took him quite a while to accomplish his goals, and he gathered followers on his trek.

His teachings centered on honorable self-conduct and respect for the cultures from which the present sprang. He avoided conflict, seeking the smoothest approach to change. He was, for his time, egalitarian. After his death, his infuence and insights continued to spread.

Little is known of his life. Today, We Rhinos value many of his many insights, 2,500 years after the fact. Time distorts aspects of the original intent of Confucius, but his is still a presence in Eastern Asia.

“Virtue combines Gravity, Generosity of soul, Sincerity, Earnestness, and Kindness”. Very Rhino.

Once in a while, everybody topples over; it happens. It’s not as though We wanted to land in a heap. It just happens. Then We get up and check to see if everything is where it’s supposed to be.

Obviously, there will be times when a part in question is there, but it is feeling tender and needy. Then We need to give it attention and pat and rub it- gently. Most of the time, the part will respond well to some TLC.

The other thing to pay attention to: try not to fall down any more.

Eugene Ionesco wrote his play, ‘Rhinoceros’, opening in 1959. It takes place in rural France.

There is a shared source of excitement. People are turning into Rhinoceroses. Nobody knows why, or if this is good or bad news, and who decides when and if to make the change?

We Rhinos see this as an opportunity for villagers, but Ionesco has another point of view, being human and all. Perhaps there is an underlying meaning, but if so, what is it? The characters appear one by one, now Rhinos. One result of this transformation is that people lose their individuality. Once one is a Rhino, the old life and persona is wiped away. In Act 2, a man turns into a Rhino on stage, dashing in and out of his bathroom.

Ultimately, only the central character is left, staring around, waiting for his turn, IF it’s coming for him??

We Rhinos like ‘Rhinoceros’, naturally. Humans like it, sort of. Maybe you would too.

Yesterday was Black Friday, a day when retailers sell things at lower prices, to get the public agitated. It has been a successful ploy. The hazard has been the shopping frenzy which propels the crowds. Trust Us; We are discussing Major EXCITEMENT.

We Rhinos had thought Black Friday was just a story, with little foundation. One Black Friday experienced in the flesh cured Us of that underestimation.

An important reminder: Rhinos don’t own Things. We might admire things, but We have no place to put things. So We content ourselves with observation and plentiful ooohs and aaahs. But Rhinos let it go at that.