Hooo wants

1. I have become obsessed with owls lately.

2. Even though I've opted not to officially participate in February's NaBloPoMo, I find myself spending a lot of time talking (both online and irl) about things I want.

In honor of both obsessions, I present this from The Yumi Yumi Shop on Etsy:

For some reason, I like anything that presents all four seasons.  In fact, experiencing all four seasons fully is one of the things I love most about living in the Northeast (probably second only to proximity to NYC).  So this then combines that AND my current love of all things owl.  I think I would even have an owl-themed nursery if I were to get pregnant (no, we're not trying any time soon, it's just a topic that's kind of fun to think about - it's more fun to think about the decorating of a nursery than the actual work involved once a baby arrives).  To make it even better, owls are often pictured with books.  I decided to do a little faux research (i.e. Wikipedia reading) about owls to see if I could find the reason for this connection (i.e. owls = knowledge).  Interesting facts:

1. Owls are far sighted.  They can't see anything within a few inches of their eyes (the exact opposite of me before LASIK).  This could be why they're often pictured with reading glasses.

2. Owls kill their prey with their sharp beak and talons and then swallow their prey whole (eww, 1).  They then regurgitate the indigestible parts of their prey (bones, scales, fur) in the form of pellets (eww, 2).

3. In Hindu mythology, owls are associated with the goddess of wealth so it is considered lucky if an owl resides near your house.

4. In Greek mythology, the owl was often associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, the arts, and skills.  It seems this is where their association with knowledge and wisdom comes from.

5. The owl is the official mascot of Mensa.  (I've been meaning to apply to Mensa for years.  Maybe after I move I'll finally get on that.  I should have put it on my 101 in 1001 list.)

There are a lot of bad omens and meanings also associated with owls, seemingly mainly due to the way they screech and the fact that most of them are nocturnal.  Nocturnal screeching and wisdom?  Sounds like perfectly appropriate decoration for a nursery.

And, really, how could I not want these stuffed owls from bdelicious.com: