[Photos] The progression of a sunrise on the first of June...

I have this wonderful thing known as terminal insomnia; which is a form of insomnia where instead of having problems falling asleep, you have a problem where you wake up earlier than usual (no matter what time you go to bed), and can't fall asleep again. I'm having a bit of a relapse right now... so this morning, while I let the cat outside to pretend to go to the toilet (after getting lost two houses down he came back in and used the litter tray instead. WTF???), I decided to watch the sunrise.

And then when I realised the sunrise was going to show off... I decided to take some pictures. :)

01. Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning... and all that. This is the view from our front porch. Some of it will disappear when all the houses go up.





( Four more beneath the cut (and now the sky looks like Turner...) )

[Art] Takahe as Totem

Takahe as Totem

The takahe is a flightless bird, closely related to the purple swamphen in the rail family. It was thought to be extinct for some time, before being rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains in New Zealand. It survives today, as an endangered animal, with new 'safe' populations being kept on off-shore islands. The takahe lives in alpine regions, and eats the base stems of snow-grass. It is a territorial bird.





Keywords associated with Takahe as a totem animal are:

surprises, expect the unexpected, an inability to soar over your problems, celebrating sound and sound magic, surviving in austere environments, adapting to harsh conditions, surviving predation, strength and sturdiness, the need for constant nourishment.

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18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint

[Art] Bush Dog as Totem

Bush Dog as Totem

The bush dog is a canine that is very rare, despite being found throughout Central and South America. Like the takahe, when it was first discovered (as fossils), it was thought to be an extinct animal until found alive. The bush dog is also known as the vinegar dog, and vinegar fox. They are diurnal carnivores that primarily hunt rodents, and live in small, tightly-knit family packs; they constantly whine to each other to stay in touch throughout dense forest floors. Out of all the canines, it is most closely related to the maned wolf.





Keywords for Bush Dog as a totem animal (obviously not exhaustive):

Hidden wisdom, shyness, keeping to oneself and to a small community, family dynamics, clashes with rodent energy, savannah energy, needing a pack, attachment to family and the concept of family, playing a part.

AVAILABLE - $75 USD
18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint

[Art] Peacock Pheasant as Totem

Peacock Pheasant as Totem

There are seven species of peacock pheasant, and all are stunningly beautiful; most of the males having iridescent eyes, or ocelli on their wings and tail. The males clear 'stages' for themselves in the forst, and then use these ocelli in brilliant displays, for courtship purposes. Some form lasting pair-bonds, and some do not. The males in many of the species notably tend to die off in the prime of their life. Peacock pheasants are actually cultivated as pets in some regions, and some species become remarkably tame. Most species are Vulnerable or Endangered due to habitat destruction.





Keywords for Peacock Pheasant as a totem animal (not exhaustive).

Living with oppression, failing in the prime of your life, the spirit of performance, sacred rituals, knowing how to strut your stuff, forest wisdom, elusive wisdom, what you seek is hard to find, looking beneath the surface, do not accept things at face value, appropriate caution and wariness, mistrust.

18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint