On the Rocks

by in Ancient Rhinos, R Life Lessons, R Outlook | Leave a comment

Woolie-Man

We do not recall the day when Humans came onto the R Radar. They scampered around, doing who-knew-what, and We let them have their day. In the trees, in the grass, into everything. A spirited crew. Nature comprehends its own goals, not We Rhinos.

To be clear, Rhinos had been around for 50 million years or so at that point, so We had developed a great many skills and sensibilities already.

But it turned out that Humans had a keen interest in Tools. You may not think of stones as tools, but when somebody hurls one at you, it gets noticed. It is called the Stone Age for a reason. Rocks were abundant, all over the place. Humans were drawn to them.

When a species is in its infancy, We must be patient. We went further than that and offered advice and support. We will never know where you Readers might be were it not for Rhino Guidance, will We?

You’re welcome.

The Big Picture

by in R Body Beautiful, R Outlook | Leave a comment

4-12 Big'sBig

We are always surprised when We are described as “fat”. Fat seems to have a nasty connotation for you, though for Us it would be a sign of unusual good fortune. It would suggest that there was more-than-enough to eat.

We eat a great deal, but it is to sustain ourselves. When a critter is big, big portions seem like a no-brainer. Gotta keep chewing. Much of what We eat is low in nutrients, so We need even more to keep the fiddle in tune, as it were.

Offhand We can’t think of any critter in the Wild that is fat, unless preparing for hibernation. For Us, eating is not an indulgence, but part of self-preservation. Life in the Wild helps Us keep our focus.

What We are is Statuesque.

GlobeTrotting

by in Ancient Rhinos, R Life Lessons, Rhino Family | Leave a comment

4-11PreChunnel

Interestingly, when there is an Ice Age, much of the world’s water freezes, but does not melt. (Don’t ask why; We don’t know.) All that frozen water means there is less to fill the usual seas. So We can proceed from one part of the globe to another without either a boat or snorkeling equipment. No troublesome water, often for a Long Time.

You see here the happy Woolly Rhino, having gone from the mainland (A) to the island across the way (B). No wet ankles, just a whole new turf for investigation.

By the way, humans made many of the same trips as We did, following in our footsteps. Trailblazing, very Inner Rhino.

We have seen a lot of interesting places during the cycles of Ice Ages, which are always coming and going, as it turns out. That said, when things warm up and sea levels rise, We have been stranded in some picturesque locales. Curiosity is a mixed blessing, say We.

One wrinkle: Ice Ages are chilly, as you might expect from the title.

First Impressions

by in R Body Beautiful, R Mindset, R Outlook | 2 Comments

Inner Jive

We are aware that you may think of Us as prim or starchy, perhaps a wee bit stately. Our serene exteriors are easily misinterpreted.

Such qualities would imply an internal regimentation which would preclude our Artistic Core from breathing free. We must be comfortable with our Potential, shifting our rhythms, caroling our centers, and perfuming our hours.

So, that placid façade reflects only a tip of the R Iceberg. Get downwind of Us, and a panoply of revelations will make themselves available to you. We promise.

Say no more…

by in R Life Lessons, R Outlook | 1 Comment

body language #1

We Rhinos have intricate, nuanced ways to communicate with one another, any old time. No whisper needed. We do Body Language!

This illustration shows lengths to which We do not go. We don’t need to. These obvious gestures lack refinement. Also, they are exhausting.

We can command layers of subtlety that would confound all but the most discerning. We do not overstate ourselves. Rhinos belong to the Less-Is-More School of the Dance.

Body Language #2

Of the examples (A & B), see if you can see the differences between the images. See? Subtle. A twitch is worth a thousand words.

BULLETT for entries

Topsy Turvy

by in R Life Lessons, R Mindset | Leave a comment

4-5 Alice' Trials

Order is really a myth, an idea that is applied to the eccentricities of Chaos. If Nature had intended things to come in neat rows, that’s how they would be. But is that how they are, anywhere?

No. Haphazard and unpredictable is the style that suits Nature. Security and stability are just illusions. Nothing and Nobody has a beginning or ending disconnected from the rest of Nature.

That’s what makes “Alice in Wonderland” so brilliant. Alice’ adventures entice her toward madness, but she determines what’s what for herself. She does not back away; Alice embraces her own curiosity. If her experiences are a dream, she is the dreamer.

Obviously Alice is a girl in touch with her Inner Rhino.

To dunk, or not to dunk…

by in R Body Beautiful, R Life Lessons, R Outlook | 2 Comments

4-3 drenched
Not all Rhinos are swimmers, probably because those of Us that live in Africa don’t get much pool time. In Africa there are both hippos and crocodiles slinking around; neither gang is good at sharing. What they are good at is biting.

In Asia, there is a lot more uncontested water to soak in. And We do, almost every day, soak that is. A few happy hours swanning around and nibbling whatever is growing on the bank. A little gossip with neighboring Rhinos. Delightful.

As you can imagine, the relief from the tropical heat is welcome. Our Big skins need Big attention, and the water is soothing. Also, ticks do not like water. Bye bye, you little stinkers.

Each branch of our family has particularities, adaptations to where We live and what We’re up to. The core is pure Rhino, but the details vary. We are all the same, and each unique. Weird.

We don’t know how Nature keeps track of it all.

Free Wheeling

by in R Life Lessons, R Lite, Rhino Nifty | Leave a comment

Cartwheel

Some days, hurling yourself around out there seems like a fine solution, no matter what the provocation. We gotta do what We gotta do, right?

We Rhinos don’t actually have to perform a cartwheel to grasp the exhilaration of it; We live in a state of constant exhilaration already. We just focus that thrill factor onto the cartwheel format, and Voila!