... and thanks to urbanization, there are way too many of them! Just like humans...and just like some countries imposed limits on procreation, we impose it on urban pigeons, without much success. Where am I going with this? Intelligence and ability to adapt have a flip-side. Cats and dogs are other examples. Perhaps termites as well. However, while all these creatures adapt to their environment, humans have adapted the environment to ourselves, large scale. Does that make humans evil? No. But it does make us responsible.

I just came back from New Jersey, where heavy snowfall did indeed start this month. I hadn't seen real snow in several years, and being able to stomp through piles of it in the middle of suburbia was delightful. - I've always loved and admired wolves for their independence, for their ferocity, for their gentelness...for being wild.

I loved this film. It also reminded me that excellence takes years of dedicated practice; that behind every moment of recognition and fame, every seemingly overnight sensation, are a decade or more of intense, focused, and determined work, every day, for hours and hours. - And I wonder often: How do you get to that comittment, and then stick to it?

My husky, may she rest in peace, loved when I played music. If I hit just the right notes, she'd sign along for a bit. My cat, though, she runs away the moment I pick up a musical instrument. I realize two things from this. One is that I felt encouraged to play because my dog enjoyed it, and I often hesitate, because my cat doesn't. The second, more important one: I don't play well, and no, that's not false humility, as there is another thing or two that I am very good at, and I am not shy about saying it. I wish I did play better than and advanced beginner considering how many years of practice and studying I've put in. -- The thing that changed as I was writing this: I played well enough for my dog to enjoy it. Maybe it's time to drop expectations, because when I do, I play well enough to enjoy it for myself. Even if my cat runs out the door.

A few days ago at the dog park, I watched this crazy little dog just running and running and running. I marvelled at his energy. I reflected that I could never have a dog that is so energetic. I thought he was kind of cute, so I let myself by captivated. He stopped and noticed me, then started running again. That's when I realized that he was doing it for the pure joy of it. Running is fun! And I remembered how I used to run for the pure joy of it. What will I do today for the pure joy of it?