#QuoteGarden: Trees, ashes

                “In a moment the ashes are made, but the forest is a long time growing.” Wise words before we throw away anything that has been a long time in building — relationships, cities, civilization. Taken literally, we still have time to stop the destruction of our environment. Just…

Exploring wolf references: wolf whistle

Wolf-whistle is a little different from many of the phrases I’ve explored. Just why the sound, made by inserting one’s fingers into…one’s mouth…is unknown. Some suggest it’s called that because the men making it are wolves–giving unwanted advances toward women. The high-pitched whistle is also sometimes called a wolf call. Humans have a long and…

Exploring wolf references “…and the wolves will eat you.”

The phrase, “Make yourself a sheep and the wolf will eat you” is from a 1773 letter to Jane Mecom, written by the famous quipster, Benjamin Franklin. In this instance, he is telling others not to allow superiors to do wrong and ignore it. Of course, the advice applies in many scenarios. Humans have a…

Exploring wolf references: a wolf in his belly

The saying, “A growing youth has a wolf in his belly” uses the image of a feasting wolf to demonstrate how much a teenager eats. Unlike many of the references, this one has a comical edge to it and is most akin to “wolf down.” Humans have a long and sordid history with wolves. As…