Callisaurus draconoides rhodostictus - Western Zebra-tailed Lizard

I did not take this picture - this is the only exception to the rule of all images are mine.

So let me explain why I am including this handsome fellow (he is male). I was riding my bike, quickly, along the river bank, when suddenly, beside me, appeared a little dude who looked just like this, and he was keeping up! It was astonishing, he moved like a water skipper across the desert sand and gravel.

He was gleaming white with green and black markings.... like a race car all painted to impress.

Pure exhilaration to ride next to him for a bit and see him fly along on delicate feet.

I think he did it just for kicks.

Power Play

Feeling a little weak? Frightened of what the future (exams) may hold? Why not ride this beauty down the sidewalk, and watch pedestrians run in fear, car drivers slow down and stare in awe.

I took this picture in Boise, Idaho, my home town. Now that you have seen this, you will not be surprised to learn that we have the most women small-business owners per-capita of any state. (reasoning: the little girl that drives this will likely grow up and own her own businesss, she already 'owns her own bizness, $!%@#")

I wish she would pick me up Monday morning and take me to my exam in this vehicle, this would be a recipe for success. (Either that or study, sigh).

Guess it's a long drive on the open road for a small girl in a plastic vehicle to get here from Boise, so I'll go study now.

Poetry In (loco)motion

I like this image because the lights are blurred, as though they are moving...life is really more like this than a focused still shot.

The Sufi's known as 'whirling dervishes' believe that if you can plant one foot in one secure spot, then the rest of the world (and you) can spin and spin without losing your balance.

Med school is a film, not a still life painting. In fact, life just won't ever sit still (that condition is usually known as death)

Where do you plant your toe?...

Whirled Peas

Who knew that one of my classmates and his med school 'Big Bro' would find the solution for peace in the Middle East, possibly the world. Clearly illustrated above is the fact that an Israeli Jew and and Egyptian Muslim have only negligible differences once they both put on matching tiny pink tank tops, black boxers and low-ridin' jeans. Leaders of the world, take note.

In other fashion news, I went roller-blading this afternoon in the park. My housemate received this news with...silence....followed by shock and chagrin and promptly said "who rollerblades?...that is so 90's". Well, I rollerblade. Derby Queens, be kind to me, I am not ready for the hairspray or tattoos just yet, but I do look awesome in knee pads (yeah!).

The heart has ears

In no particular order, some facts:

My housemate is a great cook, see photo to the right for the proof of his fabulous tacos. The way to study is hearing these being made while reviewing some histology and pathology of major organ.

Our enthusiastic guide to the previously-living bodies preserved for our eager viewing told us several interesting facts. I like that the right and left atrium of the heart have ears (auricles). I picture the inner self walking into a glass-domed, plant-filled atrium. In this space, you can hear what only the heart hears, plants growing, the beat of other hearts (this is not just poetic language, put cells from two different hearts in their own test tubes - they keep their own beat, put them next to each other, they assume the same rhythm).

Another fact, my big bookcase is falling apart. The sun is setting orange and purple behind black tree outlines and slivers of rain chipped off of clouds by abundant thunder and lightning.

Annie likes to watch the computer screen.

and I still live Med school.

Even more dangle

This lovely item speaks for itself -worn by an equally lovely Zambian woman. One of the unexpected joys of medical school is meeting people from all over the world. I am inspired by the colors, decorations and stories. My little house will be glad I met these people, so I will bedazzle this space, poco-a-poco.

Speaking of Spanish, what a great little taco shop I discovered this weekend in South Tucson: Taqueria Pico de Gallo. The tacos are the thing to order, with handmade corn tortillas that are about 1/4 inch thick! MMm, you can smell them as you drive up! Not greasy, but baked or roasted, perfect for the desert any time of year.

I used to think I had a good imagination, but all of this proves me wrong. I never thought to have such interesting classmates, such delicious food, dramatic monsoons, (and so many fabulous earrings!)

Zapotec creation

Found this rug at Old Town Artisans in Tucson and love the warm and texture - you can feel the lanolin in the wool fibers still. It will live on the wall in my little place. It should feel at home above the saltillo tile floor.

Small dreams fulfilled are delicious - and the tile floor and rug are just that - like pomegranate seeds in the salad of life!

By the way, buying locally grown Canary melons and putting them next to the same deliciously yellow baby pear tomoatoes is also pure joy.