The Sphinx – Photography by Mary Mikawoz Click on image or link to see entire photograph
The Sphinx
Way, way on top of the eastern side of the Manitoba Legislature, is the Sphinx. It is something you can easily miss if you are not looking carefully enough.
According to Wikipedia, “In Greek tradition, the sphinx has the head of a woman, the haunches of a lion, and the wings of a bird. She is mythicized as treacherous and merciless, and will kill and eat those who cannot answer her riddle. This deadly version of a sphinx appears in the myth and drama of Oedipus.”
In the Manitoba Legislature, the Sphinx has a male’s head instead of a female’s head which makes sense as the Egyptian sphinx usually shows as a man or androsphinx. Further to that in Wikipedia, “In addition, the Egyptian sphinx was viewed as benevolent but having a ferocious strength similar to the malevolent Greek version. Both were thought of as guardians and often flank the entrances to temples.”
I have illustrated it with a red hue for the seriousness of missing out on the riddle.
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This is a female Great-Tailed Grackle found in Arizona. Females are brown whereas the males are black. I love they way the leaves softly and gently frame the bird. She is enjoying the shade.
According to the Audubon Field Guide, Great-Tailed Grackles are omnivores and their diet is varied including “many insects, also spiders, millipedes, snails, crayfish, tadpoles, small fish, lizards, eggs and nestlings of other birds, and sometimes adult birds. Also eats a wide variety of seeds, waste grain, berries, fruit, and nuts.”
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If you are interested in prints, contact Mary directly at mikawoz@gmail.com.
As a survivor of child sexual abuse and sexual harassment as an adult, I am releasing and forgiving those who hurt me in inappropriate ways. I am part of the “Me Too” movement and did not have the guts to say anything a few years ago when most people were coming out about what happened to them.
I love and accept my body exactly as I am even though people have hurt me in ways that should not be forgivable but now are.
The physical body is beautiful and is a sanctuary for our spiritual soul. I have survived despite what has happened to me. I love who I am and who I have become. I celebrate who I am – as a soul having a physical experience on this Earth.
Here is a female lion reposing. She looks content. The lion is on the vulnerable species list. They can run up to 80 km/h in bursts and lives for about 10 to 14 years. Females weigh about 130 kg.
This is one of the best photos I have of a solo Bald Eagle. The background was just perfect. I also like the way the plumage is gently flying in the air. Its beak is perfect for what he needs to do. The eye is piercing. Love this photo and the detail.
Did you know that both sexes of bald eagles have the same colouring for plumage? The difference is that the female is actually a bit larger. Eagles have excellent eyesight. “They have two foveae or centers of focus, that allow the birds to see both forward and to the side at the same time.”
Thank you for liking, commenting and/or sharing. Mary Mikawoz
Mary Mikawoz Creative Pursuits Blog 