Autumn in Paintings, Verses and Song

Autumn in Paintings, Verses and Song
Dr Abe V Rotor 

Living with Nature School on Blog

Autumn Leaves in acrylic by AVR                    

The Woods in Autumn acrylic by AVR

Autumn Moods

Meditate at sunrise

In kaleidoscope of colors

Weaving through the mist, 

With whispers of devotion.

Take a book and flip the pages,

Slowly with intent feelings,

As the early breeze brushes

Your forehead  and brawn.

Or walk down the lane

Trodden only by the unseen;

Before the season is over,

Let each one praise Nature.

Autumn Leaves 1

The falling leaves
Drift by my window
The falling leaves
Of red and gold

I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold

Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song

But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall

Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song

But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall.

 A Walk in the Woods in Autumn acrylic by AVR
Autumn Leaves 2

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
Nous vivions tous, les deux ensemble
Toi que m'aimais moi qui t'aimais
Mais la vie sépare ceux qui s'aiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants désunis

"Autumn Leaves" is a much-recorded popular song. Originally it was a 1945 French song "Les feuilles mortes" (literally "The Dead Leaves") with music by Hungarian-French composer Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prevert the Hungarian title is "Hulló levelek" (Falling Leaves). Yves Montand (with Irene Joachim) introduced "Les feuilles mortes" in 1946 in the film Les Portes de la Nuit.  
The American songwriter Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics in 1947 and Jo Stafford was among the first to perform this version. "Autumn Leaves" became a pop standard and a jazz standard in both languages, both as an instrumental and with a singer. Popularized by world famous singers like Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. 
------------------
Lesson on former Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid (People's School-on-Air) with Ms Melly C Tenorio 738 DZRB AM Band, 8 to 9 evening class Monday to Friday

Animals have keener perception than humans, take heed!

Animals have keener perception than humans, take heed!
Dr Abe V Rotor

Gray heron arrives with the monsoon season

Casting of cicada. Cicada emerges from the

soil soon after the first heavy rain in May

Remember Paul, the octopus that predicted the Spanish championship in world's football in 2010? While the story may be embellished, animals no doubt have well developed instincts that awe humans, the advances in spite of science and technology.

Birds migrate in anticipation of winter and return 1n spring. Snakes travel in the desert to drink in an uncharted oasis. Honeybees travel many miles to gather nectar and pollen w2ithout getting lost. Well, here are other outstanding feats.

1. The kingfisher (salaksak) is an emissary of death.
The kingfisher’s throaty voice is a call of death, so the old folks say. Well, when ponds and rivers dry up because of drought, this fish eater will scour for alternative food outside its niche, poaching around farms and homes.

2. Ants on the move signal the coming of a heavy rainfall, if not a typhoon. Likewise, cockroaches seek for shelter outside their hiding place.
The biological clock of these creatures responds to invisible signals, which comprise decreased atmospheric pressure, high relative humidity and air temperature. Their sensitive antennae and tactile hairs covering their body pick these up these changes of the environment. Thus we find ants in exodus, carrying their eggs and young nto sheltered places. Cockroaches become unusually active, flying about in frenzy, in search for a new place. There is a common message, that is, to escape to safer ground, an archetype information engrained in their genes passed on to them by their ancestors through evolution.

3. Cat grooming at the doorway tells of the coming of visitors.
Cats are fastidious clean creatures. Like birds at rest preening, cats lick their paws and fur clean especially after eating. But what has this to do with their alleged ability to forecast? Well, let’s look at it this way. It is customary in the province to cook something especially for our guests. And fond that we are with cats, we let them have their fill while we are cooking.

4. When house lizards (butiki) are noisy, there is a guest coming.
My father used to tell me when I was a child, that if house lizards make loud and crispy calls, it’s likely that a visitor is coming.

How do lizards know? Some people attribute this to the house lizard’s habit of “kissing” the ground at dusk. But this has nothing to do with predicting a guest’s arrival. But we know that when a person is anticipating a guest he is extraordinarily keen, and thus become aware of anything happening in his surroundings – including the mating calls of lizards.

House lizards take a drink on the ground and return to their dwellings on top of trees, on ceilings and roofs where water is scarce. By the way lizards are present where there are insects they feed on, such as areas around fluorescent lamps and streetlights.

5. Emergence of the June beetle ushers the start of rainy season.
Sometimes in comes out in May, hence also called May beetle.
This beetle, Leucopholis irrorata, resides under the soil for about a year as grub subsisting on roots of plants. It soon develops into pupa, and consequently adult towards the rainy season, remaining in its chamber until the first heavy rain comes. The beetle emerges and looks for food and mate. In a few days it dies, the female having laid dozens of eggs in the soil for the next generation.

What triggers metamorphosis is dictated by a biological clock pre-set by mature in the species. However, differential emergence among members of the population within the same species within a span of three months (April to June) is not fully understood.

Take heed of your biological clock

Take heed of  your biological clock 
"Living organisms take heed of their biological clock - except humans, in many cases." avr

Dr Abe V. Rotor

“There is a time for all things.”

- William Shakespeare

Each one of us is governed by a built-in clock within us. Everything we do is “timed;” it has a schedule. And this living clock controls our actions and 

Time out. UST Manila 2010

behaviors. It is the key to survival; a tool in evolution so that it is ingrained in our genes. If that is so, are our biological clocks
then synchronized?

Generally, yes. And that is why we all respond to common rules that society has set for us. We respond to the seasons of the year, each characterized by events we celebrate. We have standard working hours, and curfew. Weekends are set aside for rest and leisure. Summer means vacation. We observe three meals a day, coffee breaks, siestas, and the like.

Menstrual cycle, estrus periods, stages in growth and development – all these are controlled by inner rhythms dictated by that biological clock. So patterned are our laws and rules that we know well the best season to plant or to hunt, to plan weddings and inaugurations, to travel, to go to school, to have a date, to meditate, to be merry.

There is a saying, 
“There’s time for everything.”

To every thing there is a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to
break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to
mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to
gather stones together; a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep,
and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep
silence, and time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war,
and a time of peace.

- Ecclesiastes

Yes, we are governed by inner rhythms which are classified into the following:

Ultradian - Less than a heartbeat
Fluctuation of energy
Attention span
Brain waves

Circadian (daily) day
Blood pressure level
Sleep wake cycle
Cell division

Circaseptan (weekly ) about a week
Rejection of kidney, heart, and pancreas transplants

Circatrigintan (monthly) about a month
Menstrual Cycle

Circannual (annual) about a year
Seasonal depression
Susceptibility to some diseases

Living organisms take heed of their biological clock - except humans, in many cases. ~

Complete Fried Rice

 Complete Fried Rice

Make it Attractive and Tasty for your Kids.

Dr Abe V Rotor

 

 

  . Peep-a-boo Fried Rice

Oh, surprise your kids on the breakfast table, 

or when they seem to have no appetite at all.

a peep-a-boo fried rice to them guessing game. 

and there's always variety you can set again.   

  

Serve a complete rice meal

Or simply serve a complete rice meal with decors:

carrot bits, fried egg shreds, minced meat or fish

veggie and leek disguised, why not seaweeds, too? 

newly cooked, teeming hot - not leftover, please. ~

Nature is our best teacher. Here are vital signs to watch.

Nature is our best teacher. Here are vital signs to watch.
Rain is coming, take heed!  Hovering dragonflies, aggressive biting of mosquitoes, ants on the move carrying their young and provisions. 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Let's recognize Nature as our best teacher.

Read Nature. You will enjoy life, live healthier and longer. You'll gain more friends and respect from people.
Monsoon rains may last for 18 consecutive days, hence the term
siyam-siyam, from which Masagana 99 rice program was coined.
Above all, you will be at peace with yourself and with your environment.

Here are some biological signs to watch. They are Nature's barometer, so to speak; Nature's clock, Nature's way of communicating with the living world.

1. Mad dog – Its tail is tucked underneath; animal restless biting at anything within its reach; froth coming from its mouth; stealthily moves about without any apparent direction; dreads the presence of water (hydrophobia);   usually occurs during hot days particularly in summer. Be keen; keep distance; notify others of danger; get help.
Dogs must be vaccinated with anti-rabies and not allowed to go in the street. (Nikko, our pet at 15 before he died of old age.)

2. Drought – Occurs in summer; landscape scorched; dry river beds and ponds; brush fires occurs; lake water recedes; crack on earth, especially areas under water in monsoon; worst scenario - flowering of bamboo usually during El Nino, a phenomenon that happens every 7 to 10 years.
Leaves oft talisay (Terminalia catappa) turn orange to red before falling to the ground, a sign that the Amihan (cold season) has arrived.  
3. Earthquake – Farm animals restless; horses kick and neigh; pigs snort; fowls abandon usual roost; turkey cackle; cattle seek exit from corral; dogs howl; and the like. Wild animals abandon abode – snakes come out into the open; reptile keep out of the water; elephants defy their master’s command; birds abandon nest, other emigrate.

4. Typhoon – Doldrums-like calm; uneasiness to both humans and animals as barometer reading drops which means atmospheric pressure goes down; arthritis and hypertension 

symptoms are felt by sensitive persons. As typhoon approaches, sea becomes rough; sky overcast; clouds move fast to one direction; gusts of cold and warm wind, thunderstorms.
A restless cockroach in the evening
heralds the coming of bad weather.

5. Influenza – Precipitated by alternate cold and hot weather, thunderstorms, abrupt change in season. Influenza season is usually at the onset of amihan as the habagat comes to an end. Practical signs: people coughing in church and other gatherings; sale of cold tablets and antibiotics is up; hospitals full. Epidemic starts in the family, neighborhood, local community; also, in schools, malls and markets, and may spread to cover a city or district or province. Modern transportation has made spread of flu easier and wider.

6. Pristine Environment – Abundance of lichens on trunks and branches of trees, rocks, and soil. There are three types: crustose (crust), foliose (leaf-like) and fruticose (fruiting type). They are biological indicators of clean air. The ultimate test is the abundance of the fruticose type.

7. Inclement Weather – Halo around moon; gray and red sunset; a storm may be coming depending upon the intensity of these signs.

This field cricket, nature's violinist, is most
active during warm summer night.

8. Rain - Dragonflies hovering; aggressive biting of mosquitoes; ants move to another place carrying their young and provisions. The latter predicts heavy continuous rainfall or siyam-siyam or nep-nep. Herons on the move heralds the monsoon.

9. Monsoon – Frogs croak; insects (termite, ants) swarm; lightning and thunder get frequent; first heavy rain in May vegetates the landscape, thus turning from brown to green. It comes early or late, but usually in later part of May. Global warming has brought unpredictable signs indicating that our climate is changing.

10. Ripening of Fruits – Generally from green to yellow to orange (banana, orange, apple, etc. Determined by smell: guava, jackfruit, durian, melon, etc); shiny rind (caimito, siniguelas). Dull skin (chico), enlarged ridges and furrows (atis, guayabano, anonas)
 
When earthworms crawl out of their holes and search for higher grounds, it is a sign that a flood is coming.
Can you read other signs?
1. Sweetness/sourness of fruit
2. Maturity and succulence of vegetables (okra, cucumber)
3. Tenderness of nut (buko, macapuno)
4. Sweetness and maturity of fruit (watermelon)
5. Time to harvest singkamas, onions, garlic, sugar beet
6. Presence of jellyfish
7. Red tide season
8. Coming flood (earthworm abandon their burrows.)
9. Time to harvest palay, corn, wheat.
10. Slippery walkway (presence of algae and scum)
11. Depth of water (by color, sound of oar, current, clarity)
12. Cloud reading of weather.
13. Glassy eyes (deep feelings like hatred, or “wala sa sarili”)
14. Wrinkles at the corner of eyes (happy disposition)
15. Furrows on forehead (problematic)
16. Rough hand (worker, also athlete)
17. Brilliant and attentive eyes (intelligence)
18. Clumsiness, strumming (nervous, uncertain)
19. Heavy feet (angry, lazy)
20. Tight jaw (angry, restlessly active)

Open Forum:
1. How reliable is “gut feel”
2. How about ESP?
3. What is “aura?” How does it apply to relationships?
4. What is Biological Clock? Name how it affects your life.
5. Life starts at 40 – how do you interpret this?
6. What are prophets to you? Are there people who can see the future? Do you believe in Nostrodamus?
7. Are dreams hidden motives, indirect messages, prophesies?
8. How superstitious are you? Do you practice superstition?
9. Do you think you were once living on earth in another being or living thing, in another time and place? Do you believe re-incarnation?
10. How fatalistic are you – you are predestined even before you were born?

Please share us your knowledge and experiences. Learn more from Nature - she is our best teacher. ~

New Faces of "Old Folks" - A Changing of the Guards

New Faces of "Old Folks" - A Changing of the Guards 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature School on Blog 

While the traditional concept of old folk has been left behind, the role of spiritual healers has become the subject of an anthropological study by Dr Ronel de la Cruz, published in a book on Fuga Island, focusing the interconnectedness of folk wisdom with modern day knowledge, folk medicine with the breakthroughs in medical science and technology.       

Professor Raul Sunico leads the country's foremost musical composers, conductors and performers, reviving the fine qualities of music as well as the time-honored history of Philippine music. His group continues to bring honor and prestige for the country in its various performances here and abroad. Professor Sunico is the dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.

Radyo ng Bayan announcer and host, Melly C Tenorio seated, welcomes guests on live broadcast - authors of new book, Humanities Today - An Experiential Approach,  led by the author, center. DZRB is the center of learning through radio - Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid or People's School on the Air, a daily evening class of one-hour, an innovation of media and education working on the principle of "university without walls."

 Workshop on Natural Healing attended by mostly senior citizens. As people grow older they tend to go to natural food and medicine using herbals and other alternative medicine. They develop an active and  participatory lifestyle contrary to passive retirement. DARE Foundation, QC

Gardening as a hobby is healthful specially to senior citizns.  It is a key to a happy, long life. It provides wholesome exercise, fresh supply of vegetables and fruits, sunlight, fresh air, happy disposition, more friends, some income generated, notwithstanding.

Caring for the the underprivileged.  Street children find a home in this center, thanks to the  community leaders lay snd religious who also give their time and share their talent. Here Msgr. Danny Sta Maria and author participate in a program for these children.   

 Research to old people is more realistic and practical; it is applied and not confined in the laboratory. Here two biologists are looking into the ability of plants in the forest to convert organic  matter efficiently through symbiosis with a fungus Mycorrhiza. Thus, discovering a phenomenon to shed light to some superstitious beliefs of old folks. 

Older people enjoy life equally with the younger ones through travelling, seeing places outside the confines of their retirement, and meeting people. Thus erasing the boundaries of age, interest, and  activities. Underground river, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

0

The religious is metamorphosing in the example of Mother Teresa, moving away from the comforts and rituals of cloistered life. Here sisters of different religious orders in habits like ordinary wear, work for the poor, like the rehabilitation of street children led by Bahay in Kuya founder, a French-Canadian priest, in dark shirt next to the author)

Bannawag magazine the flagship of Ilocano language and cultutre, hinges on younger writers molded by the wisdom of writers, sociologists and local leaders from the older generation, among them Godofredo Reyes, Francisco Foronda, and the poetess Leonora Florentino. Photo: left, Cles Rambaud managing editor, and the author, columnist Okeyka Apong. 

Larry Henares (with lei), veteran journalist, continues to this day as columnist and broadcaster. You got to read, listen to Larry - professionals, businessmen, leaders say. He is newsman, critic, and in fact, conscience, with a parting "Hasta la bye, bye." a hind glimpse of our historical past. Photo: Larry with author and wife.       

 Former government officials and university professors, Dr Anselmo S Cabigan (right) and author during a light moment prior to their retirement from St Paul University QC.  They continue their mission to reach out for the least touched by formal education through the Internet.  School on Blog reaches more than 500 viewers daily in the Philippines and abroad. Dr Cabigan has devised a new learning methodology, also on the Internet.

Change and contiguity. New leadership at the Ateneo de Manila University - young, dynamic, scholar, with world vision - take over the helm of this world class institution. Newly ordained Jesuit priest Jomari Manzano, nephew of author.

 

 Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, spiritual icon for two generations - like the soldier that never dies but just fades away.  And yet in his way past ninety he continues to touch people's lives through his writings, TV shows, stage plays, and countless faithful seeking for advice. Author joins well-wishers on his 94th birthday.

Divine Word College of Vigan, formerly Colegio de la Imaculada Concepcion (CIC) HS class 1956 Left to right: author with RTC Judge Ven Baclig, Businessman Ely Ragsac, Col Badong Barnachea, and Eng Fel Aviso.