That which endures......

scheherazade

scheherazade

Northern Horse Whisperer
Valued Senior Member
That which endures......

......has been of special significance to our species since we first devised the means to communicate.

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From one generation to the next, we have sought to preserve and convey a record of the journey. Primitive cave drawings until the present age of digital information, we have left our trace, all the while continuing our quest in several directions simultaneously, for the answer to our origins, our purpose, if there be one, and ever seeking a path to immortality.

My purpose in posting this thread is to explore the many paths which have endured, and to invite other posters to share their most enduring experiences, memories and thoughts.

As a species, we are possessed of a most enduring curiosity, and I am intrigued to see what twists and turns this thread, placed intentionally in the category of 'Free thoughts' may take.

Having assumed the forum name of Scheherazade, you can expect that my thread will be one of short stories, to which I hope others will contribute, and the tie which binds is the common theme of 'endurance', from the individual and the collective perspectives.

Masi Cho
 
We tell our stories in many forms, among them prose, poetry and song, so to start, here is one of the most enduring poems about the Yukon, the place where I reside, penned by Robert Service, and made here into a music video by Les McLaughlin and Tracey Brown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbPTHA1ggMA&feature=related

ServiceChilkSummit.jpg


The summit of the Chilkoot Pass, 1898

The Spell of the Yukon

I wanted the gold, and I sought it;
I scabbled and mucked like a slave.
Was it famine or scurvy - I fought it;
I hurled my youth into a grave.
I wanted the gold, and I got it -
Came ourt with a fortune last fall, -
Yet somehow life's not what I thought it,
And somehow the gold isn't all.

No! There's the land. (Have you seen it?)
It's the cussedest land that I know,
From the big, dizzy mountains that screen it
To the deep, deathlike valleys below.
Some say God was tired when He made it;
Some say it's a fine land to shun;
Maybe; but there's some as would trade it
For no land on earth - and I'm one.

You come to get rich (damned good reason);
You feel like an exile at first;
You hate it like hell for a season,
And then you are worse than the worst.
It grips you like some kinds of sinning;
It twists you from foe to a friend;
It seems it's been since the begining;
It seems it will be to the end.

I've stood in some mighty-mouthed hollow
That's plumb-full of hush to the brim;
I've watched the big, husky sun wallow
In crimson and gold, and grow dim,
Till the moon set the pearly peeks gleaming,
And the stars tumbled out, neck and crop;
And I've thought that I surely was dreaming,
With the peace o' the world piled on top.

The summer - no sweeter was ever;
The sunshiny woods all athrill;
The grayling aleap in the river,
The bighorn asleep on the hill.
The strong life that never knows harness;
The wilds where the caribou call;
The freshness, the freedom, the farness -
O God! how I'm stuck on it all.

The winter! the brightness that blinds you,
the white land locked tight as a drum,
The cold fear that follows and finds you,
The silence that bludgeons you dumb.
The snows that are older than history,
The woods where the weird shadows slant;
The stillness, the moonlight, the mystery,
I've bade'em good-by - but I can't.

There's a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where;
There are lives that are erring and aimless;
And deaths that just hang by a hair;
There are hardships that nobody reckons;
There are valleys unpeopled and still;
There's a land - oh, it beckons and beckons,
And I want to go back - and I will.

They're making my money diminish;
I'm sick of the taste of champgne.
Thank God! when I'm skinned to a finish
I'll pike to the Yukon again.
I'll fight - and you bet it's no sham-fight;
It's hell! - but I've been there before;
And it's better than this by a damsite -
So me for the Yukon once more.

There's gold, and it's haunting and haunting;
It's luring me on as of old;
Yet it isn't the gold that I'm wanting
So much as just finding the gold.
It's the great, broad land 'way up yonder.
It's the forests where silance has lease;
It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It's the stillness that fills me with peace.
R. Service
 
scheherazade said:
Having assumed the forum name of Scheherazade, you can expect that my thread will be one of short stories, to which I hope others will contribute, and the tie which binds is the common theme of 'endurance', from the individual and the collective perspectives.
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Better than playing elaborate games with us for your enjoyment, how about making a point?

Cave Man Art- depicted the cave man's daily life. It was not meant to be read 40,000 years later- it is in charcoal and meant to teach the next generation of the wild beasts.

Your turn-
 
jmpet said:
Better than playing elaborate games with us for your enjoyment, how about making a point?

Cave Man Art- depicted the cave man's daily life. It was not meant to be read 40,000 years later- it is in charcoal and meant to teach the next generation of the wild beasts.

Your turn-
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Thank you for your reply, jmpet, and perhaps you missed in my opening post that I have started this thread as a place to examine that which endures in our understanding of the world, history, cosmos, etc.

I observe that most of the threads at this forum have a short life, possibly a reflection of the pace of the modern world. For myself, I am a simple creature that sees some value in continuity, and so I have posted a 'home base' with a small purpose, which I will pursue regularly and which I have titled with in mind the ability for all manner of topics to flow through.

What do you think will be the most enduring development from your life to date? Societal, technological, personal.....whatever......:)
 
When you first named the phrase “That which endures” I assumed that you were talking about “that which remains after death”. From my understanding, everything else seems illusory but ok, I think I understand your point.
All expressions of creativity from men and nature will endure in the collective consciousness; and it will continue to grow given the gifts left by the ancestors of each generation.
The hindrances of this evolution of the collective consciousness are the people who refuse to unleash their creativity in the world, and instead become destructive. There is no other way; we need to choose between the two.

Creativity can have many forms, and it depends on the individual: poetry, music, painting, writing, loving, dancing, giving, etc. are all contributions to the growth of the consciousness of humanity.
 
Wisdom_Seeker said:
When you first named the phrase “That which endures” I assumed that you were talking about “that which remains after death”. From my understanding, everything else seems illusory but ok, I think I understand your point.
All expressions of creativity from men and nature will endure in the collective consciousness; and it will continue to grow given the gifts left by the ancestors of each generation.
The hindrances of this evolution of the collective consciousness are the people who refuse to unleash their creativity in the world, and instead become destructive. There is no other way; we need to choose between the two.

Creativity can have many forms, and it depends on the individual: poetry, music, painting, writing, loving, dancing, giving, etc. are all contributions to the growth of the consciousness of humanity.
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Ah, yes, Wisdom Seeker, you have grasped the concept that I am wishing to explore. I like the way you have phrased the sentence above, which I have high-lighted in blue.

Both the constructive and the destructive influences of our past have endured, and in some way, we must reconcile the two, either by choice or through assimilation, as even nature expresses a dark as well as a light side, metaphorically and literally.

en.dure
VERB:
en·dured, en·dur·ing, en·dures
VERB:
tr.

To carry on through, despite hardships; undergo: endure an Arctic winter.
To bear with tolerance: "We seek the truth, and will endure the consequences" (Charles Seymour). See Synonyms at bear1.

VERB:
intr.

To continue in existence; last: buildings that have endured for centuries.
To suffer patiently without yielding.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English enduren, from Old French endurer, from Latin indrre, to make hard : in-, against, into ; see en-1 + drus, hard; see deru- in Indo-European roots
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Varda said:
I wonder why they made the heads so small.
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Yes.....not proportionate to the 'horse' we know today, yet I wonder if the species of that era was, perhaps, considerably different in some aspects of scale? The ability of the artist to convey proportion must also be considered as I know that many of us could not do justice in attempting a sketch, and also there is the thought that perhaps the scale is 'artistic license'.

Thank you for your astute observation.

On another note, the remains of an ancient horse were found while excavating for gold near Dawson City by an acquaintance of mine.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/yukon-museum-exhibits-remains-of-extinct-horse-54281122.html

"It's not too often you get a chance to see a big chunk of a 26,000-year-old animal," he said. "It's great that it's finally on display."
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There are many teaching tales which have endured and been passed down in oral tradition. The following is one.......

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life...

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One wolf is evil -- he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good---he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed".

Grey%20Wolves,%20fighting,%20N.%20Alaska.jpg


There are many who question just how much power of choice we may actually have in life.

In knowing our inner self, and choosing the attitude which we bring to any situation, it is as the tale states....choose which wolf you will feed, for that is the one which shall win.
 
scheherazade said:
There are many teaching tales which have endured and been passed down in oral tradition. The following is one.......

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life...

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One wolf is evil -- he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good---he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed".

Grey%20Wolves,%20fighting,%20N.%20Alaska.jpg


There are many who question just how much power of choice we may actually have in life.

In knowing our inner self, and choosing the attitude which we bring to any situation, it is as the tale states....choose which wolf you will feed, for that is the one which shall win.
Click to expand...

I have no words to describe the beauty and accuracy of this tale. Hats off.
hatsoff.jpg
 
scheherazade said:
There are many teaching tales which have endured and been passed down in oral tradition. The following is one.......

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life...

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

One wolf is evil -- he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good---he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed".

Grey%20Wolves,%20fighting,%20N.%20Alaska.jpg


There are many who question just how much power of choice we may actually have in life.

In knowing our inner self, and choosing the attitude which we bring to any situation, it is as the tale states....choose which wolf you will feed, for that is the one which shall win.
Click to expand...

In reality as we know it ! You need both hands of God . The right and the left . The attributes really were not meant to have a line in the sand drawn threw them . It is more like a time to kill and a time to save . It is part of what keeps a person from being a victim. To know who your superior is more important . Like who is my superior ? Lots of them . The ones that know what to do that you are dependent on . That is all dependent on the situation . You never know who might have the best plan until the situation comes up . They usually step up in survival mods . Make them selves known .

Anyway your a peach . We are almost related. I was born at Air strip mile 26 or Ladd Air-force Base just out side of Fairbanks . Me family called Me Klondike Mike because of it.
 
Me-Ki-Gal said:
IAnyway your a peach . We are almost related. I was born at Air strip mile 26 or Ladd Air-force Base just out side of Fairbanks . Me family called Me Klondike Mike because of it.
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Hey, Klondike Mike, you have some of the best stuff in your posts.

My Great Grandfather or so went to the Alaska Gold Rush, but it didn't trickle down.
 
Me-Ki-Gal said:
In reality as we know it ! You need both hands of God . The right and the left . The attributes really were not meant to have a line in the sand drawn threw them . It is more like a time to kill and a time to save . It is part of what keeps a person from being a victim. To know who your superior is more important . Like who is my superior ? Lots of them . The ones that know what to do that you are dependent on . That is all dependent on the situation . You never know who might have the best plan until the situation comes up . They usually step up in survival mods . Make them selves known .

Anyway your a peach . We are almost related. I was born at Air strip mile 26 or Ladd Air-force Base just out side of Fairbanks . Me family called Me Klondike Mike because of it.
Click to expand...

I agree that we NEED the evil wolf under control, but not slain, for there are some challenges in this life that may not be met with good intentions alone. I've made the trip to Fairbanks and from, three times in total, by dogsled, lol....

There is a book by the title of Klondike Mike, but I'm thinking you are too young to be the main character? Perhaps you can ask for a percentage for the use of your name? ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Klondike-Mike-Alaskan-Merrill-Denison/dp/1417993650#reader_1417993650
 
Too cute!! Quarter Horse foals, I'm guessing and just beginning to shed their baby coats by the darker hair showing around muzzles and eyes.

hatsoff.jpg


That reminds me of the rather enduring protocol related to hats.....:)

Tipping of the hat is a conventional gesture of politeness. This hat tipping custom has the same origin as military saluting, which came from the raising of medieval Knights face visors to show friendliness.

Hats are worn less now, but at the turn of the 20th century, all adults wore hats whenever they left the house. It was a matter of good personal hygiene, since hats were a protection from industrial dirt.

Hats are removed when inside, except for places that are akin to public streets, like lobbies, corridors, and crowded elevators (non-residential). In a public building (where there are no apartments) the elevator is considered a public area.

You may choose to remove your hat in a public elevator, but in the presence of a lady your hat must be removed.

A gentleman takes off his hat and holds it in his hand when a lady enters the elevator in any building that can be classified as a dwelling such as an apartment house or hotel. He puts it on again in the corridor.



A public corridor is like the street, but an elevator in a hotel or apartment house has the character of a room in a house and there a gentleman does not keep his hat on in the presence of ladies.

Hats are removed for the National Anthem, passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications, and photographs.

Removed hats are held in hand in such a way that only the outside and never the lining is visible.
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This article sent to me by a friend.....

The enduring compassion that humans have for animals and the amazing interactions between species is ever a thing to ponder and marvel at.

SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - Michelle Feldstein was prepared to provide special accommodations for the blind horse she recently added to the flightless ducks, clawless cats and homeless llamas inhabiting her animal shelter in Montana.

But nothing could prepare her for the 40-legged, seeing-eye entourage that accompanied "Sissy," a sightless, 15-year-old quarter horse.

"Sissy came with five goats and five sheep -- and they take care of her," said Feldstein, the force behind Deer Haven Ranch, a private rescue facility she runs with her husband, Al, on 300 acres north of Yellowstone National Park.

[Sample Our Free Breaking News Alert And 3 P.M. News Newsletters]

The seeing-eye sheep and guard goats are never far from the white mare, and they never lead her astray. They shepherd Sissy to food and water, and angle the horse into her stall amid blowing snows or driving rains.

"They round her up at feeding time and then move aside to make sure she gets to the hay," Feldstein said. "They show her where the water is and stand between her and the fence to let her know the fence is there."

Before their arrival in February at Deer Haven, a retirement home for creatures ranging from henpecked roosters to abused alpacas, prospects for Sissy and her guide team of 10 were grim.

The animals might have been marked for death had Feldstein not intervened when another rescue facility in western Montana folded this winter.

"I only take animals that others consider throwaways," said Feldstein, 66, whose past professional careers have included race car driver and hospital administrator.

Feldstein and her husband, a retired editor of Mad Magazine, underwrite their rescue operation. It can cost as much as $50,000 a year for feed, veterinarian services, and winter-time heating of barns and water troughs for a total of 200 animals. The couple also run a guest house for humans whose profits are poured into the animal sanctuary.

Feldstein said she marvels at the blind mare and her barnyard attendants.

"There's a magic involved in sheep, goats and a horse becoming best friends," she said. "When you watch them, you have to wonder, why can't people do that?"

(Editing by Steve Gorman and Jerry Norton)

Copyright © 2011, Reuters
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Thank you for that post, Wisdom Seeker,

A beautiful story......with a tragic ending......:bawl: that will leave enduring memories for all who witnessed this unusual bonding between predator and prey, until nature prevailed through intervention.
 
I agree that we NEED the evil wolf under control, but not slain
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Too right. The protector and the monster are the same one wearing different masks, the difference is that the protector is harnessed to love.

The monster is in service to something dark and twisted inside a person.
 
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