The Chemical that Ate My Brain
There’s an old joke about the chemical compound “dihydrogen monoxide.” The joke goes something like this, “Have you heard about the chemical dihydrogen monoxide?” The joker than lists a bunch of “facts” about this so-called “dihydrogen monoxide.” Fact like:
- It is a major component in acid rain
- It is collected in big pools in industrial complexes even though it can accelerate corrosion
- It’s a major byproduct of many toxic industrial processes, yet it mostly unregulated
- Too much of it can kill you, in fact, if you get it into your lungs, it can kill you instantly
- It has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients
- It’s often used in nuclear power plants
This dangerous chemical compound known as dihydrogen monoxide? Yes, it’s more commonly known as water.
Reflecting on It All
Water is the ultimate multitasker. It hydrates, it cleans, and let’s be honest, it’s the best at reflections.
You would never know it from looking at this image, but it can also be a brute. Here, it’s serene, textured, and a delightful shade of blue with a bit of a sunlit glow to it.
Water can make you wonder if you should be sipping a piña colada or contemplating the meaning of life.
This week, here in Central Texas, we discovered the dark side of water. With 19 inches of rain falling and the river rising about 30 inches, a massive fast moving flash flood gripped the Texas Hill Country. If you have been following along in the news, sadly, many people were swept away in the flood. I believe the death toll is up to 119 and possibly still rising.
Row, Row, Row Your Birthday
This image was captured at a time when I celebrated the happy side of water, on my birthday down by the river in San Marcos, Texas. Let me tell you, it was a day filled with existential musings and a fun time without the thought of flood waters entering into the conversation.
As I gazed at this mesmerizing scene, I couldn’t help but think about the countless times I’ve stared into a body of water, searching for answers. I never thought it would manifest itself as an existential threat of any kind, it was just a fun time down by the riverside.
The texture in this soft composition is like a gentle caress from Mother Nature herself, whispering tranquility and calm. It’s almost as if the water is saying, “Relax, my friend. Life is but a series of ripples.”
We never knew the ripples could grow into such a fury. It’s amazing how nature can turn so easily, how water changes from one form to the next. Tranquil, peaceful, and serene one moment, deadly the next, that’s a tale of water for the ages.
It’s Like a Wet Chaos Machine of Sorts
I still love water for its reflections. They are like the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, look at all of the beautiful chaos around you. Get lost in it here.” Each ripple tells a story, a moment frozen in time, reminding us that life is fluid and ever-changing.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Embrace the reflections, the textures, and the blues. Dive into the chaos and let it wash over you. After all, if you can’t find serenity in a piece of art, where else can you find it?
After the Flood
Meanwhile, here in Texas, the water has stopped falling from the sky. No more dihydrogen monoxide from the clouds, thankfully. We are still dealing with the aftermath.
On a personal note, I’m fine. I don’t live near the river and I pretty much stayed in and avoided any of the flood zones. My phone did go off several times and I was under a “shelter in place” but I was pretty much tucked away out of the calamity of it all. I didn’t go chasing any waterfalls or flood images, as that is not really my calling.
But first, OK maybe Second, Um, Er, Last?
Of course, I was going to go to the grocery store to get some food, when the first of the rains hit. You know how much I love getting groceries, right? I decided to wait until the rain let up. How was I supposed to know that would wind up being the better part of a week, with a lot of flooding in-between?
I am happy to report the news is all good here too. Yesterday, I managed to get to the store, so now I am fully stocked up and drying out nicely.
Final Flood Reflections
Reflections are still a favorite subject of mine. I respect Mother Nature and her fury, all the while trying to keep myself out of the flood zone.
When I prepared the artist statement for my work, “The Poetry of Ice,” I found this quote from the author Toni Morrison, “All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.”
I think that sums up dihydrogen monoxide rather nicely.
Until next time…
