Mantises and Malaysia

Daven posing, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

The other morning, this happy mantis found its way into our bed. I took that as a signal to combine it with a pickle jar, some soil and foliage and turn it into a carnivorous addition to my desk. Some might call it cruel, but I called him Daven.

I've been catching flies and moths and aphids and watching Daven eye them, snap them up, and eat their heads. I think he moved onto the rest when I wasn't looking.

Daven feasts, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

Then, today, his plaintive paws-together stare cut right through the Glad Wrap top of his enclosure and I had to consider letting him go. I found him one more fat, juicy housefly, and after a lengthy hunt, he caught it and munched its head. The fly freaked out, justifiably, and laid a foul string of squirming white maggots, which then rendered my desk addition an immediate addition to the flowerbed.

So, Daven, I had decided to set you free, and that self-sacrificing fly sealed your freedom -- adieu!

Daven feasts again, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

In other news, Naava found some sad, blackening bananas in the fridge and magically mixed them into an incredible banana cake.

Making banana cake I, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

Making banana cake II, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

Making banana cake III, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

Eating banana cake, Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia

And next week, I'm off to Malaysia to check out Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Kaut Island, and the famously intense Thaipusam festival! I've never been there before and by all accounts, it should be an awesome trip.

I'm writing about the trip for a few different mags, and I'll post details of forthcoming articles as they're confirmed.

And if Daven wanders your way, let me know. I miss his leaf-like swaying and wide-set puppy-dog eyes...