Maneki Neko To Do List

1.  Get up.  Wash face with right paw.

2.  Watch humans get excited over waving of right paw.  Watch humans examine checking account to see if the balance has gone up.

3.  Eat breakfast.  Empty bowl with left paw.



4.  Watch humans get excited over waving of left paw.  Watch humans start business hours early.

5.  Nap in front of business.  Take credit for all sales.



6.  Get up and stretch.  Watch humans take it as a sign,

7.  Eat lunch.  Watch humans blame lack of sales on lack of maneki neko activity.

8.  Take walk.  Bring good fortune to sailors.  Check out calico neko down the street.

9. Return to shop.  Wash face with right paw. Watch humans check bank balance.

10.  Pretend to nap.  Watch human sigh and close shop.



11.  Follow human home.  Raise right paw when human's back is turned.

12.  Eat dinner.  Raise left paw when human's back is turned.

13.  Make tomorrow's To Do list.

14.  Nap.



Maneki nekos with an agenda can be found here.

To Ogden Nash's Valentine

To My Valentine

by Ogden Nash

More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That's how much I love you.



I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.



As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That's how much you I love.



I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.



I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That's how you're loved by me.



Brightandshinythings with heart here.

Ladybug Love on a (Nearly) Wordless Wednesday

Hearts here.

The Hare and the Elixir of Immortality

In both the Chinese and Japanese culture, the hare (Chinese, Tu; Japanese, Usagi) is sacred to the moon, where the Taoists believe it lives, mixing together the ingredients that form the elixir of life, or longevity.  

In the Chinese culture, the greatest desire is long life, which prolongs  enjoyment of this world's goods, and ensures receiving the respect paid to old age in a country governed by the maxims of Confucius. Longevity is therefore the first and greatest of the Woo Fuh or " Five Blessings." 

 Legend tells us that the rabbit's fur turns white at the age of 100, and blue at the age of 500.  

When the Chinese goddess Ch'ang-O drank too much of the magical elixir, she floated away to live on the moon, too light to return to earth.  

Year of the Rabbit charm can be found here.  Ch'ang-O can be found on the moon.

The Year of the Rabbit

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 

1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon. 

When the Chinese look at the Moon, they see the Moon Hare...

...standing near a rock under a Cassia tree...

 

and holding a bottle...

...with the Elixir of Immortality in his hands.

During the Chinese mid-Autumn festival when the Moon is supposed to be at its loveliest...

...Chinese children still carry lighted paper lanterns made in the image of a Rabbit and climb the hills to observe the Moon and admire the Moon Hare.

The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.

Likewise, a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and a congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in the fields of law, politics and government.

But he is also inclined to be moody; at such times he appears detached from his environment or indifferent to people.

The Rabbit is extremely lucky in business and monetary transactions. Astute at striking bargains, he can always pop up with a suitable proposal or alternative to benefit himself. His sharp business acumen, coupled with his knack for negotiation, will ensure him a fast rise in any career.

Thanks to the Holiday Spot for the rabbit horoscope.  More can be found there.

And the bracelet can be found here.