When I found Midas under our sunflowers, I knew I needed to take photos for Orange Tuesdays. Midas isn’t mine, but he came with the house, as the yard and porch are his by annexation. This photo reminds me of the story of Jack and Beanstalk, but Midas has no interest in climbing the sunflower’s stalk, just in napping. I am also reminded of the story of King Midas and the Golden Touch, who believes nothing more valuable than gold, wishes that everything he touched would turn to gold, but when his wish is granted, he discovers his whole world solidifying into uselessness: food, water, and worst of all, his daughter. How quickly King Midas’ wish went awry!
Once when we were young, my sister and I visited Butchart Gardens in BC, and there was a bronze statue of a pig, and you could make a wish while you rubbed his snout for luck. My sister told me she wished the whole world was orange. I don’t know if her enthusiasm for orange has endured, but I didn’t discover I loved orange until I started making art, and it was the orange glass that caught my eye again and again. Even better is orange gold smalti, a thin layer of gold under and even thinner layer of orange glass, and no, I don’t wish everything I touched turned to orange gold. Just a little is enough to bring things alive. My neighbor Midas has one good eye, which is plenty for hunting, since he brings small “gifts” for his owner. He got tired of my taking photos and turned his back to me.
Cats! They’re so aloof when they want to be. Still, I can’t imagine my world without them, and Midas looks like a sweetheart.
What a great post. I am really enjoying the glimpse of Midas’ personality. I LOVED my visit to Butchart Gardens. Couldn’t get enough!
i laways love cats…maybe someday I’ll rear cat..
oh i love that story too..
thanks for joining OT…