I’ve been a bit overwhelmed at work so I haven’t blogged much lately. In spite of this fact, I’ve still managed to pick up a couple of new subscribers — including (drum roll, please) His Holiness, the Dalai Lama!
I’m tremendously honored by His Holiness’ visit, but astounded that he actually took the time to comment:
Medical scientists now recognize peace of mind is something very important. So now, scientific research brings us more conviction that warm-heartedness is something very important for individual happy life — including healthy body — and happy family, happy community. So therefore do what makes you happy.”
If you read this blog even casually, you know how much I love travel, writing and photography. But what one thing would I choose if I had to focus on what really, truly makes me happy?
Aardvarks.
I’ve been obsessed with aardvarks since about the second grade, when I first learned how to spell aardvark. I was smitten with the sound of those first two, twin letters — aaaah — the sound I might make as I sip a cup of cocoa. Or plummet off a cliff to my death.
And then there’s “vark.” What other animal can claim “vark” as its second syllable? Go ahead, rack your brain. If you’re like me, you’ll only get the image of a dachshund barking with a thick German accent.
Over the years my appreciation for the aardvark has only deepened, as I’ve come to realize how much I have in common with this strange nocturnal animal. To paraphrase enchantedlearning.com, the aardvark and I:
• are both hairy, burrowing mammals,
• measure about 5 feet (including the tail),
• have a long snout and a sleek, brown coat,
• possess poor eyesight but have a keen sense of smell,
• have teeth made of cement (mine are mostly fillings),
• grow bristles around our small mouths, and
• look extremely goofy when we walk.
We’re also both great lovers of nature.
Anyway, I hope you’ll join me as I say goodbye to HBlog and devote my energy to AardvarkBlog.
I also hope you’ll — eventually — forgive me for pulling the wool over your eyes. To my knowledge, the Dalai Lama has never read my blog. But I really do love aardvarks (and their funny name).
Happy April Fools’ Day!
HeideBlog 
HaHa you got me.
Given the strange things I’ve told you over the years, Tom, I suppose it really isn’t *that* improbable that I’d suddenly decide to devote my life to the study of all things aarvark. 😀
Geez, I fell for THAT?! And I was so wary on April Fools’ Day, too. 😉
So sorry to ruin your April Fools’ Resistance streak, Rich! I’ll try to make it even more implausible next year, to give you a fighting chance. 😀
I propose that the next newly discovered species should be called a vaarkaaard. Hope you are with me on this one!
Vaarkaaard. I like it!! (How could one possibly resist any word with three consecutive a’s?) 🙂
I got a little sad at the start of your post until I read about your fascination with the Aardvark, then I looked at the date and knew, April Fools Day! Hope yours was a good one! 😉
You are too clever for me, Rochelle! Though I do admit a certain fascination with the aardvark. 😉
Oh, H, you got me good! I thought, “Wow, aardvarks; who knew?” I recently saw a picture of one standing on its hind legs and I thought, “Well, that IS interesting.” However, you don’t have a glossy brown coat or a snout, and I didn’t want you thinking that of yourself, so was determined to mention this. I was a little thrown by the Dalai Lama, but His Holiness does get around …
I will blame my naivete on the fact that I am reading this on April 2!
Always enjoy your posts –
sh
“I was a little thrown by the Dalai Lama, but His Holiness does get around …”
Now it’s you who has ME in stitches, Sherri. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words. I am honored whenever you stop by.