Two frogs.

I watched a documentary just the other day about the wildlife of Thailand. I have always had a love of nature and wildlife probably instilled in me by my father who had just such a love.

I am often asked by my artists friends why I go back to painting flowers from time to time. For them painting flowers seems a feminine thing. I do not agree there is such beauty in even a single flowerhead. 

I suppose it all comes down to how you view things and life in general.  

Like the tale of the two frogs. 

A long time ago in Japan there lived two frogs. One had made his home in a ditch near the town of Osaka, on the coast. The other lived in a little clear steam which ran through the city of Kyoto.

Living so far apart there had never been an opportunity for the two to meet. Strangely on almost the same day the idea came into their minds that they would like to see a little more of the world than where they lived.

The little frog who lived in Osaka wanted to see Kyoto whereas the other wanted to see Osaka.

So one fine morning just as the first signs of spring began to show they both set off on their journey. 

Both found the journey much more tiring than they had expected. They did not know much about travelling.

Halfway between the two towns there lay a great mountain that had to be climbed and crossed. It took them a long time and a great many hops to reach the top, but at last they were there. What a surprise for each of them to see the other!

They stopped for a moment and looked at each other. They then fell into conversation, each telling the other why they came to be there. It seemed exciting to be able to exchange tales about where they each came from so the chatted and then lay back in the sun and rested before setting off again. 

"What a pity we are so small," said the Osaka frog, " for if we were taller we could see from here where each of us has come from.

The Kyoto frog said, "That is simple we only have to stand up on our hind legs hold onto each other and stretch. Then we will see where we are going."

The Osaka frog thought this was a marvellous idea and at once jumped up and placed his feet on the shoulders of his new friend, who was also now standing tall. They both stretched as much as they could holding and balancing each other, so that they would not fall.

The Kyoto frog turned his nose towards Osaka the Osaka frog turned his nose towards Kyoto. 

The foolish frogs of course had not taken account of the fact that in this position their eyes lay in the backs of their heads, and although their noses pointed in the direction of travel all they could see was where they had come from.

"Oh dear me!" said the Osaka frog, "Kyoto is exactly like Osaka. It is certainly a very long journey for nothing I think I will just go home.

"If I had had any idea that Osaka was anything like Kyoto I should never have made the effort either. 

At that they dropped back to the ground said a fond farewell and both started off home.

Until the end of their lives they believed that both place were identical. While in fact they are so very different from each other.

Once you have set your heart on a purpose or your mind on the road you wish to travel is is well worth at least completing the journey. Never let the first little disappointment take away the dream.

Have a marvellous day.