Sweeter Than Honey

Bowl with Kufic Border. Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 

Earthernware with slip, pigment and lead glaze.

                                           9th-10th Century.

(image source = https://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/chapter-8-islamic-art/deck/9512578)

According to the book Art History: A View of the Work - Part 1 by Maryilyn Stokstand, the inscription says, "Knowledge: the beginning of it is bitter to the taste, but the end is sweeter than honey" (Stokstand 294).

Ironically, the plate is made with a clear lead glaze.

My ankles are doing well, but today, by following the path of pain, I have discovered a new body part! --The vastus medialis oblique! Apparently, your quads are called 'quads' because it's made out of 4 muscles. They are the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and the rectus femoris.

Through the discomfort of various tendons and muscles, I'm slowly growing a greater awareness of anatomy! It's awesome!

I'm still somewhat afraid to use my body. 

(image source = http://optiming.com/images/quotes/green-lantern-quote.jpg)

However, I do to need exercise. Exercise lowers my blood pressure (post workout), and that lowered blood pressure is helpful for keeping a balanced mind.

These past two days, I've read almost 3 books. Today, I felt antsy and walked to the gym. I tried reading a book on the cycling machine. I wouldn't call it a workout, but it does help you sweat. By the end of it, you smell. What more can you ask for?

Before the 'reading' session, my blood pressure was 134/77 63bpm (systolic/ diastolic/ beats per minute), and afterwards, it was 122/77 66bpm (Though, blood pressure reading can get funny after working out--Also,who knows how accurate the machine is at the rec center?) 

Anyways, I'm positive that those blood pressure readings will lower once I start aggressively exercising again. ..

The books I read were these...

Cultures of the World: Eritrea

by Roseline Ngcheong-Lum

The Mythology of Plants: Botanical Lore from Ancient Greece and Rome

by Annette Giesecke

Secrets of Aboriginal Healing: A Physicist's Journey with a Remote Australian Tribe

by Gary Holz, Robbie Holz 

Of these, I've enjoyed the book on Eritrea the most. Even though the book is just an overview of the Eritrea culture, it has exposed me to some hidden gems of history. For example, the mangrove restoration effort in Hirgigo. During the 20th century, Eritrea has suffered horrific deforestation. Forests used to cover 30% of the country, and now only covers 10%, The impact of this deforestation has caused a desertification, where the land becomes barren and can no longer sustain life. 

The American Biochemist Dr. Gordon Sato started the Manzanar Project. This project aimed to improve the lives of the desert coastal dwellers by planting Mangrove trees. The Mangrove trees create habitat for fish and combat desertification. It also provides fuel, and since the trees only require salt water, they don't take up valuable fresh water resources. Apparently, the project has been a huge success! You rarely get to hear such stories on ecological regeneration. 

The Mythology of Plants by Annette was a fabulous book too.  I enjoyed the stories surrounding the Narcissist flower, Grape, Cypress, Myrrh, Apple and Bay Laurel. I feel that appreciating Greek mythology really makes you understand where stories/myths of the bible come from.

The book Secrets of Aboriginal Healing by Dr Holz was good too. However, I don't fully believe Holtz's story. It feels too linear. The book is all about positive thinking, and its power. However, I keep thinking that it's too hopeful. It feels like it is designed to extract people from their money. It sounds more like wishful thinking, not positive thinking. ..Though personally, I suffer from being negative and that might cloud my judgement. It has great quotes and insight, so maybe I'll do a further write up on it sometime.