Why the turtle?
Well, it’s cute, so why not? Actually, I have a pet turtle named Sheldon who has completely changed my view of turtles as pets. He’s what’s known as a red-eared slider, just like the one on my home page, and he’s an active and inquisitive little fellow who really does have a personality. Who knew? He watches TV, likes occasional walkabouts around the house, and clearly enjoys the company of people—some more than others.
Sheldon has now outgrown three tanks and my wife and I are nearly at our wits end trying to figure out how to accommodate him. He’s about seven inches long now and we’ve learned that he could easily double in size before he stops growing. Turtles like Sheldon also live 25-35 years as pets, so he’s destined to become our fifth child.
Turtles also have had a long and honored place in the history of human cultures all over the world. They figured heavily in the mythologies and religions of Native American tribes, ancient Mesopotamian cultures, the Yoruba tribe in Africa, China, Japan, and the peoples of Oceania. In many of these myths, a turtle carries the world on its back. Hindu mythology has an elephant supporting the world, but even that symbol of strength and longevity stood on the back of a tortoise.
So, I could do far worse than associate myself with such an ancient and powerful being.
Paul H. Hebner
April 13, 2008
Anti-Blog?
This is not a blog. It's the antithesis of a blog, which I suppose makes it a journal.
I'm not a fan of blogs. They are often unruly, noisy, and can be perceived as open invitations to abuse.
Instead, I offer this journal, which I will update on an occasional basis. If you want to comment on my writing, please feel free to send a message.
Thanks.
Paul H. Hebner
Anti-Blog
