(no subject)

When I shop for groceries at the usual place I always stop at the flower stand.

This Friday I noticed there were a lot of miniature roses out and had a look, not planning to buy any, I already had 6 at home and those for sale were the usual pinks, white and reds...

Until this one stopped me in my tracks, and consequently came home with me.

 
This autumn' s minis all seem to have the flower shape of this one, I love it. the only thing I don't like is that I couldn't find anywere the name of this variety,

...and no active community on LJ about miniature roses? Hmmm

Ming Li Part 2

Part one is here

Gradually, while the group was moving forward, the light grew stronger, and, at long last, he could see his kidnappers… “Gibbons?! Why should apes have kidnapped me? All this doesn’t make any sense, Probably I’m at “The Immortals’ Grove” still, I’m dreaming, and in a short while the owner will wake me up because he has to close”.

“You are not dreaming Ming Li, come!”,  the mysterious voice was heard again. A short distance away the corridor widened out, becoming a great hall: the walls were made of jade, in colours and hues Ming Li had never seen before, pillars of jasper, alabaster, agate and rock-crystal held up the majestic vault in which were set myriads of precious stones,their light illuminated the whole cave.  

The hall was full of gibbons of every shape, size and hue; above them, wherever it was possible to perch, there where many-coloured birds:diamond birds, kingfishers, humming birds, lyrebirds,birds of paradise, peacocks, and above them all reigned a magnificent phoenix.

“Come nearer,  Ming Li”, said the bird.When he did, still astonished and  frightened by all the strange things he saw , the phoenix spoke again: “I am Meihuang, princess of the mountain fairies, I ask forgiveness for the way I had you brought here but we all need your help, are you willing to listen to my story?” .

Ming Li was so taken by Meihuang’s musical voice, he did not realize she was waiting for an answer until a big, black gibbon with a rather unfriendly mien tapped him on the shoulder.

 “ I listen, my lady, and will do what I can to help you…”

 “Years ago the Dragon King of Dongting Lake proposed marriage to me, I refused; sadly the Dragon King has a foul temper, he took offence at my refusal and this is his vengeance: he has changed my dignitaries into gibbons and me and my ladies into birds, and in these shapes we will remain, until I accept his offer, or a hero frees us from the curse.

Only one of great courage and intelligence can succeed, are you willing to try, Ming Li? I will be forever grateful…”  

What chances does a young man have in such a circumstance? Entranced by Meihuang’s words,with  wine-muddled thoughts, and not at all certain that the gibbons would have allowed him to leave if he refused, Ming Li accepted the princess’ request and was taken to the guest lodgings to rest, till the following day.

When he woke up, discovering he really was in a cave amidst the woods, the young man realized he was in big trouble: what chances could he have against a powerful genius like the Dragon King of Dongting Lake? On the other hand, he had already given his word to the fairy princess, he could not, certainly, go back on it…

He felt like he was riding a tiger, with no way to get off. Even the words of the Master where of no help, Confucius had never spoken about fairies and genies. The only thing Ming Li could do was to prepare himself, do his best and hope it would be enough.

Almost missed the promised weekly update, sorry!

Here there are a few more references to 'old' Chinese culture, if anything sparks any question feel free to ask. :-)