Imagine hiking on an ancient
Roman Road flanked by
a Roman-built wall,
and this is possible today.

Originally built by the Romans circa 200 AD, there were four gateways, which were dismantled in the 18th and 19th centuries.[2] The walls were repaired and rebuilt during the Anglo-Saxon, medieval, and Civil War periods, and the city was besieged at least twice. Several turrets and bastions in the wall are of uncertain date. AI Overview © 6 mins ago, James A. George history • romans • exeter • uk • ekphrastic

The Animal Orchestra completed
their final performance,
and then disbanded
back into the wilderness
where some People say
they hear them while camping.

© Now, James A. George humor • animal-orchestra • ekphrastic

the Aussies went clubbing.

Is that stereotyping?

The leopard played the harp
beautifully employing her
sharp claws, and she was
stunning in her attire.

© Now, James A. George animal-orchestra • humor • ekphrastic-

I knew one of them in high school.
They made it big, winning lots of contests.

To harmonize in music means to add notes, chords, or additional vocal parts to a primary melody to create a more complex and pleasing sound. It involves playing or singing multiple, different notes simultaneously that complement the main melody, often based on the key of the song.
YouTube

© Now, James A. George humor • ekphrastic • brevity • animal-orchestra

They were going to call themselves, ‘Howl.’
except Ginsberg beat them to it.

© Now, James A. George humor • animal-orchestra • ekphrastic-

Readers ask, where’s the monkey (Baboon)?

The Monkey and Giraffe collaboration is clever, don’t you think?

Heavens, it is hard
for the turtle to play
the oboe.

However, the turtle
has strong lungs,
and that helps.

“Yes, many musicians and educators consider the oboe to be one of the hardest instruments to master, often topping the list alongside the French horn. Its difficulty stems from high-pressure air management, intense embouchure (facial muscle) strength, and the demanding, delicate craft of managing its double reeds.” AI Overview © Now, James A. George ekphrastic • turtle • oboe • animal-orchestra

A foraging bear is intense,
focused on getting grubs,
and even moths,
as I have witnessed.

It’s best not to disrupt them,
because they’re discovering food,
and eating is a
life or death activity.

As I saw it in the woods © Now, James A. George bears • nature • ekphrastic

When in England, I enjoy the cheese,
partly because it comes in such variety,
and tastes.

I thought the British must be the leaders
in cheese consumption, though that is
not the case, 24 pounds per year.

Americans consume 34 pounds per year, and Greeks consume 51.5 pounds per year. Finland – 49.5 pounds per year. Italy – 48 pounds per year. Switzerland – 48 pounds per year. Estonia – 45.8 pounds per year. Netherlands – 42.7 pounds per year.

What about statin consumption? High-income countries, particularly in Europe and North America, have the highest statin consumption. Data indicate that as of 2020, nations including Denmark, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States lead in daily statin doses per capita.

My heart bleeds freely for you.

Nutritional highlights:
Rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.
Can be high in sodium and saturated fat.
Some varieties are low in lactose, making them suitable for some lactose-intolerant individuals.
AI Overview © Now, James A. George ekphrastic • cheese • health • consumption • statin

My tools include Derwent pencils for drawing and texturing, Windsor & Newton, and Derwent Paints, and a plethora of brushes. I usually use five or so brushes with each painting. Everything begins with the Derwent Outliner.

While I might roam freely with the use of an auto, or travel by air, mostly, I am lassoed and tied to my recliner chair, and red Italian table chairs, and the Stickley library table.

My subjects can be as simple as something in arm’s reach, or as distant as my unbridled imagination. I long to paint people, though dogs will do, as does the landscape.

I strive to make the paintings interesting, often adding a sense of humor or satire.

My technique is untrained and crude, dipping down in the DNA as if I had nothing to do with that.

We met as high schoolers,
and stayed the course,
through college and thereafter,
to have a daughter,
and her having twin boys,
and we are flying high
as it seems forever,
and maybe we know
what that is.

Lucky Us © Now, James A. George love • marriage • anniversary

I discovered that my spirit animal is the bear.
Yes, they frighten me when I see them in the woods.
I imagine being a pioneer alone with one rifle shot,
and a knife or hatchet.

Could I have survived? Apparently so because
my ancestors did. Their stories are recorded
and handed down as folklore, dodging wolves
and bears.

I am more civilized, and while I have encountered
bears in the woods, I also imagine them
as members of the musical family,
playing parts in the Animal Orchestra.

“A bear spirit animal represents immense strength, courage, and protection, serving as a guide to tap into your inner power and face challenges confidently. It symbolizes a need for introspection, healing, and balancing assertive leadership with nurturing, quiet downtime, often encouraging a “hibernation” for reflection and rejuvenation.” AI Overview © Now, James A. George bear • spirit-animal • orchestra • ekphrastic • oboe

Bear Singing Popular Song

“I would rather eat persimmons.”

Some animals left the orchestra
to join the big band
and a television show.

© Now, James A. George ekphrastic • humor • art

Cooperative cool cats
are an excellent addition
to the animal orchestra
where audiences adore
the frisky felines.

© Now, James A. George ekphrastic • humor • art • animal-orchestra-

Some animals introduced the didgeridoo
to the orchestra, adding a long, low blow.
They introduced different techniques,
corresponding with unique abilities.

The didgeridoo is an ancient Aboriginal wind instrument from Northern Australia, traditionally crafted from eucalyptus wood hollowed by termites. It produces a deep, resonant drone using circular breathing—simultaneously inhaling through the nose and blowing through the mouth. Beyond music, it offers potential health benefits, such as reduced stress and snoring.
© Now, James A. George ekphrastic • humor • art • animals-orchestra

They Came from Afar

Auditioning animals traveled far
to participate in orchestra tryouts,
and some brought their indigenous
instruments and exotic dancers.

© 32 mins ago, James A. George ekphrastic • animals-orchestra • humor

Tigers are ferociously competitive,
and they showed up at the audition
bearing cheerleaders.

© Now, James A. George animal-orchestra • tigers • ekphrastic • brevity