The bar-headed goose can fly at almost thirty thousand feet, allowing it to migrate over the Himalayas before sweeping south. Pairs of them have been spotted over Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain on earth. In certain villages the birds are caught and the names of the dead are written in dark ink on the underside of the birds’ bellies. The geese are said to bring news of the dead to the heavens.
~ Colum McCann, Apeirogon: A Novel (Random House, February 25, 2020)
Notes:
- Bar Headed-Goose Photo: “Bar-Headed Geese Slow Their Metabolism to Soar over Everest” from the Scientist
- Post title Inspired by Albert Einstein’s quote: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Live & Learn 
Live & Learn… because you need to know these things.
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Truth!
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Wow!! … “The geese are said to bring news of the dead to the heavens.” Colum McCann, Apeirogon: A Novel (Random House, February 25, 2020) … read more!!
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the messengers.
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Need to be reminded of these moments of transcendence now more than ever, pal. Thank you….
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So with you Lori…
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Whoever coined that saying …..The geese are said to bring news of the dead to the heavens…… did good. What a glorious idea and one that we all can imagine to happen in some form! Love this – you’re such a well of wisdom and source of ‘sharing clever stuff’…. thanks a lot.
We’re back from a grueling weekend with great plans, lots of idealism and none of it happening due to the cancelling of ALL things in France (and Switzerland). We were just happy to be able to come back to Switzerland before the entries would shut down too….. So any of your posts are highly welcome. Thank You.
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So glad you were able to get home Kiki. Nothing like home!
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So VERY true. We were afraid that the borders might be locked and that all travellers were to be checked thoroughly. Expected great delays but sailed through w/o a hitch.
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So good!
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May the awe and wonder of the world we live in continue. May we not forget the miracle of it all. Thanks David 💛
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Awe and wonder. That’s it Val. Reminds me of:
Isn’t it wonderful to be alive?
You know, you can forget all about it.
Then suddenly you remember, and think of all the things you can do. Here I am. I can walk around. I can talk. I can see things and remember things.
I am alive.
How wonderful.”
– Sophia Loren
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