things of thankful:
lightning bugs laser shows in the backyard; firefly evening dance begins
rediscovering Ferron, Testimony (1981)
(also in honour of LGBTQ+ Pride Month)
recent “conversations” with turtles at a local environmental center confirming my continuing allure:
I first became aware of turtles’ affinity for me when I visited the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, BC. A large ocean-going turtle “latched on” to my movements, and paid no attention to anyone else during the time I spent next to his tank. The pattern has been repeated since. world turtle day
(they respond to my voice; make eye contact; and follow me around from within their enclosed environments)
images: Wikipedia
body, mind, spirit of tai chi
concept/practice of the beginner’s mind
exploration; discovery; digressions; distractions created through writing “a month of sunday posts:”
What are your things of thankful? Gratitudes (small stones; skipping stones)? Happiness quotient?
featured image: firefly.org
Lorraine's frilly freudian slip 
June 28, 2019 at 7:09 am
I too am enjoying fireflies and turtles, with grandchildren. Thanks.
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June 29, 2019 at 4:47 pm
Glad to hear that you and your grandchildren are part of the firefly and turtle experience.
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June 26, 2019 at 1:11 am
Enjoyed your picturesque ttot! Tai Chi surely helped me.
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June 26, 2019 at 1:34 am
I have an excellent instructor with infinite patience, and there is a core group who attend off and on. Some only take the advanced class (wooden sword, sticks, and such) now. Others do both.
I’m keeping the beginners mind approach. My hands and feet have yet to stay coordinated. I’d be dangerous with a sword or stick, lol. All agree!
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June 26, 2019 at 9:53 am
It has been so long since I attended. We did Taoist Tai Chi and it was pretty easy going and no swords, although I know some who did use them, just not in the classes.
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June 26, 2019 at 1:37 am
Until I did the research for this ttot, I didn’t realize that fireflies/lighntening bugs weren’t in all parts of North America. I don’t remember them much as a child since we lived in cities. I don’t ever remember collecting them in a jar. My husband does.
We live in a sprawling metropolitan area, but it’s surburia/small town (one town cheek by cheek by cheek). In our tiny back yard, the flies/bugs do their nightly dance. Spotting the first one gets marked down in our daily bird list.
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June 26, 2019 at 9:52 am
Sweet! I remember them when growing up and when living in IL, but they seem to be scant here in NC. I didn’t know I missed them until you posted and now I would like to see some. :D
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June 25, 2019 at 11:02 pm
We don’t have fireflies out west, so I’m particularly fascinated by them. So beautiful!
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June 26, 2019 at 1:34 pm
My comment disappeared!
I said, something to the affect that until I researched this post, I didn’t realize there were regional differences and disparities concerning fireflies/lightning bugs!
Sending you a “jar of fireflies” in my thoughts.
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June 25, 2019 at 7:08 pm
I have only seen fire flies while visiting in VT, but the ones in Tennessee seem to be a different type. What a fantastic beautiful show.
It is so interesting about the turtles affinity for you.
I am totally awkward at Tai Chi, but then again I haven’t given it half a chance. LOL
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June 26, 2019 at 1:40 am
I’m totally awkard at tai chi — hence I keep the beginner’s mind and feet.
But the practice at home can be calming (even if I look rather silly at it), the instructor is amazingly patient and calm, and the same core group shows up over time.
When I was a child, our cat thought we got the pet turtle for him, not me. No harm done, but I’m not sure the turtle liked his new furry friend as much as Purr liked the turtle.
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June 25, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Fireflies are such magical, lovely things, taking me back to childhood!
It is indeed Pride Month and I am thankful that understanding and acceptance is increasing because of it.
I love that you have a spirit connection with turtles! ♥️
Have a blessed week ahead!
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June 26, 2019 at 1:42 am
Thank you.
Yes, it’s nice when communities are built on acceptance and tolerance.
It does seem like turtles and I have some sort of connection.
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June 24, 2019 at 9:47 pm
Fun TToT!
I spent a number of years back in the near day (late 90s early 2k) in a tai chi class. Always very interesting and satisfying in terms of exercise.
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June 26, 2019 at 1:42 am
Yes, the instructor and class have a good vibe. My friend and I call it that “floaty tai chi feeling” when we waft out after class.
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