cute

For a while long time I have sulked and repeatedly declared the owl over. I mused on other animals, tried to convince my desk-mate Sarah that the camel was our new cornerstone of cool. But still the regal owl reigned. Even last week I took the issue up over cocktails with a textile designer. Eventually my heart has been warming up to them… and when I saw the promo shots for the new Mint Chicks album, Screens, I knew owl was well again ❤ (It’s lame, shoot me – I don’t care!).

The same species of feathered friend is also prominent in their video ‘I Can’t Stop Being Foolish‘, a jammy little geeky number directed by Sam Peacocke.

Another fan of owls is the gorgeous and free spirited Alison Goldfrapp; seen here communing with nature in a ruffled, cirque sort of get up.

Thigh high socks and wavy hair – adorable! The images are part of the recent ‘Seventh Tree‘ album promotion.

So back to the Strigiformes. They are found pretty commonly throughout the world and have a strong allegorical presence through many of our favourite stories. Uh, like Harry Potter and Hedwig…

But why? Because in Greek mythology, the owl represents Athene, the goddess of foresight and knowledge. To Native Americans they are seen as protectors from harm. In a myriad of other cultures they shine brightly as signs of intelligence, reasoned perspective, wisdom, mystery, power and independence. It doesn’t hurt that they are so damn cute n’ fluffy either!

Yep, I’m over my owl-shunning phase and am right back into the swing of it all. This is embarrassing, but I’m geeking out on our avian friends so much that I’ve been listening to a collection of owl calls. They are actually pretty sweet sounding and I would like to see some sampled to make a banging electronic track – such as this Northern Tawny Bellied Screech Owl… A job for Goldfrapp perhaps!

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