There’s a dead cypress tree in our backyard — a diminished-looking thing that one might otherwise consider an eyesore if it were not for the fact that it attracts birds like a magnet. A couple of months ago, I spotted a northern flicker perched on one of the parched branches — pretty exciting, considering thisContinue reading “A cypress’ second life (plus a fun finch fact)”
Author Archives: Cassandra
Mini mockingbirds
Perch Report – Spring Valley, Nev. It’s no biggie to see Northern mockingbirds since they’re so common in Southern Nevada, but over the past few days, I’ve had the pleasure of watching an adult feed its three fledglings in my yard. It has been tirelessly zipping around each day in the hopes of finding insectsContinue reading “Mini mockingbirds”
Thought
I prefer an English garden over a baroque one.
Bach’s spotless image
I just finished a big fat biography on J.S. Bach. I like his music, but one of my primary reasons for reading it was to gain an understanding of why he’s so sanctified as far as how he’s perceived and recalled in the cultural consciousness. He earned his money primarily from composing music for ChristianContinue reading “Bach’s spotless image”
Clouds
As far as I knew, I was lying on the grass, looking at the sky. Come to find out I was staring up at the roof of your mouth and its scattered white clouds. What gave it away were your lips, and how I noticed that they were lips to begin with was when IContinue reading “Clouds”
5 Vignettes
The man’s cane made a distinctive tap when he walked, and she always knew it was him without having to look up from her book. The tapping sound had a rattle to it — like there was a broken part. Despite her formidable dry spells, when death was near, she could write. Fear would makeContinue reading “5 Vignettes”
Song
Notes from the sky Constellations coming down A sudden C-sharp; the fall of F-minor Chords being torn from the Milky Way The universe in a solemn key
12 ways to seem intelligent
Even though you might be half-witted, strive to use the word “repartee” when possible. Practice your chronic regurgitation of facts and opinions in the mirror to add an element of authenticity. If nothing else, avoid reading genre fiction in view of highbrow crowds. If you happen to meet someone named Margot, seize the opportunity andContinue reading “12 ways to seem intelligent”
Opera
A sparkling operatic voice emanating from the 7-Eleven — strong soprano notes. A woman passing, stunned, looked around her as if someone called her name, or like something she lost long ago was suddenly within walking distance.
