Happy World Frog Day! Here are the Bullrush Frogs and a bit of info dump about them <3
They were first released in 1991 for the UK and then re-released in 2001. So there are Tomy and Flair versions, as well as a release in the US, which has slightly different clothes and sitting/crawling twins. The Tomy clothes for them are similar to the Urban Life era, being a bit fancier.
Official Bios (this one cracks me up):
FATHER WALTER BULLRUSH is known for being very, very lazy, but this is not really true. If Walter likes to do something, he will put all his limited energies into it. He will always be ready to drive the Country Bus for instance, he will even get up early in the morning if you need a driver. Fishing, of course, is his main love, that is, dangling a hook in the water. He does not like to catch anything because if he did, he would have to then find something else to do. Walter has found that by singing at the top of his croaky voice he can frighten all the fish away! His singing also frightens everyone else away, so he spends many a happy, uninterrupted afternoon on the riverbank singing and sunning himself.
MOTHER LYDIA BULLRUSH, unlike her darling husband, is always working and working very hard. She runs a beautifully spotless house and cares for her husband and four children, and that full time job is only a small part of her busy life. Lydia has a passion for wicker work, whether it is making baskets, hats or mats, her workmanship is imacculate and very artistic. Collecting bulrushes, dying them bright colours before leaving them to dry in the summer sun is the only job she gets any help with. Algy, her oldest son, enjoys the summer afternoons down by the river helping his mother whilst she enjoys teaching him to weave.
BROTHER ALGERNON BULLRUSH hates his full name, so everyone calls him Algy, even his mother who does not like nicknames and only does so, because it pleases her wonderful son. Algy, like his mother, has a passion for weaving, but unlike his mother he prefers to create impractical items like wall hangings. He claims these items he creates are art, not picture art like in art class at school, but abstract art where the shapes and colours portray the meaning and message. Lily his sister says he gets these strange ideas from reading too many stuffy books.
SISTER LILY BULLRUSH loves to sing and unlike her father has a beautiful voice. Because she is a little shy she does most of her practising down by the river where everyone avoids going because of her fathers singing. She originally wanted to be a pop star but now wants to be an opera singer because people go to see the opera all the time. Pop singers only have concerts when they have a record in the charts. Ottilee Marmalade is also giving Lily tips on how to be more confident, hoping she will overcome her shyness.
BABY BROTHER MOSES BULLRUSH must be about the only little boy in Sylvania who loves having baths. He spends hours and hours in the bath playing with his rubber duck and other bath-time toys. If only Lydia or Walter had more time, he would spend all day playing and splashing around in the tub.
BABY SISTER IRIS BULLRUSH must be one of the cleanest little children in Sylvania, because she just hates having baths, so therefore never gets dirty. When ever it is her turn to have a bath, she just cries and cries, then bawls her eyes out and splashes about until her parents get her out of the bath. Bath-time in the Bullrush household is always rather nerve racking!
*having trouble finding official photos so here is one from Sylvanian Store Keepers and the rest are my family who dont have the right clothes lol
<3 In my town Mr. and Mrs Bullrush are renamed Sunnypatch and they are co-mayors of Sunnypatch Gardens.
49 notes
·
View notes
IMAGINE YOUR MUSE AS A DEITY.
REPOST, DO NOT REBLOG.
SIDON
deity of — sibling ties, running water, responsibility for others, self-belief / doubt, met challenges, accepting loss, optimism
associated with — calm pools and rapids alike, moonlight, seats of power, entryways, bridges, spears
sacred plants — seaweed, aloe, agrimony, borage, lotus, mullein, oak leaves, bullrush, ivy
sacred stones / gems — amber, malachite, lapis lazuli, prehnite
sacred animals — pelicans, lobsters, kingfishers, starfish, dogs, seals, dragonflies
colors — silver, cardinal red, soft and deep blues, turbulent foamy whites, ambery gold
foods — fish / sushi, raspberries, grapefruit, apricot, kale, seaweed
scents — petrichor, cinnamon and clove, polish, salt, pine needles
accepted offerings — fish bones, the removal of unnatural debris, cleaning whatever place of worship one frequents or possesses, tea leaves, berries, music, interesting shells
accepted ways to honour — keep your environment clean - particularly water, respecting and looking after your family, caring for your community, dedicating practice to him, dedicating one more try to him, always acting on a second wind should you get one, remaining open and encouraging to whoever may need it, overcoming fear
( And the rest of the crew under the cut - sans Miph.a - too close to Sidon’s to write out fully again - and my farmer girls, who I’ll edit in later. )
ZANT
deity of — consuming devotion, patience, diligence, perhaps short-sighted success in business, revival, history, vengeance, wrath, loyalty and disloyalty alike, emotional outbursts, stoicism
associated with — the workspace, tables ( for the interpersonal bridges they are; the negotiations and meals and debates held and settled over them ), libraries, catacombs
sacred plants — begonia, balsamine, poppies, rosemary, red dahlia, hollyhock
sacred stones / gems — rainbow obsidian, turquoise, sapphire,
sacred animals — chameleons, crocodiles, newts, frogs, gnats
colors — midtone blues, royal and mystical purples, gold so bright it’s nearly white, turquoise, jet black, stone gray, greens vivid almost to the point of seeming unnatural
foods — limes, apples, elderberries, poultry, strong aromatic teas, sharp cheddar
scents — aforementioned aromatic teas, aged incenses, dusty books, orchids
accepted offerings — anything stolen from an enemy, blood, history-related literature, handmade food or items crafted using techniques or recipes obsolete or archaic
accepted ways to honour — learn to wait however long it may take for the opportune moment to strike, pour yourself into your work, take interest in your ancestors and their struggles, aspire for more beyond your current means, bask in whatever victory your earn
SKULL KID
deity of — youth, trickery, mischief, irreverence, abandon, friendship among peers, loneliness, stasis, woodwind music, products of nature
associated with — forests, streams, the road less traveled, old stumps, overturned trees, the moon, disguises, struggles of identity, abandonment ( particularly as it applies to former friends, or children )
sacred plants — white lilac, amaranth, magnolia, love lies bleeding, arborvitae, mint, bells of ireland
sacred stones / gems — agate, opal, peridot
sacred animals — cats, dogs, ladybugs, koalas, raccoons, porcupines, parrots
colors — earthy browns, mossy greens, lively orange, soft white
foods — sweets - things sugary and insubstantial, cotton candy, berries, wild fruit, edible flowers, nuts, popcorn, soup intended for someone ill
scents — clean forest air, evergreens, damp earth, spices, gunpowder, cheap latex, warm hay, dust, wildflowers
accepted offerings — toys, firecrackers, whistles, anything made of natural materials, candy / baked goods, your conversation
accepted ways to honour — give loners a chance, savor your youthful vigor while you can but eventually grow out of it with peace, retain some childishness into adulthood however, give second chances, refuse to give in to your own despair, laugh at everything
VAATI
deity of — drastic personal change, ascension, loss of identity, warped but unconditional admiration, revels, entitlement, one-sided marriages, refusing one’s fate ( though often with tragic consequences ), impersonation
associated with — belligerent winds, billowing clothes, arcane knowledge, swordsmanship, magic perhaps stronger than its user can reliably handle, complete personal reinvention
sacred plants — lobelia, narcissus, jonquil, angrec, plum blossom, rainflower, bird’s foot trefoil
sacred stones / gems — amethyst, goldstone, tourmaline, onyx
sacred animals — viceroys, mockingbirds, field mice, peacocks, fireflies, bats
colors — royal purple, gold, ruby red, black
foods — peaches, fruity wines, oats, decadent cakes, beef, milk, honey, cream, dark chocolate
scents — ozone, freshly cut grass, ink, spices, ylang-ylang,
accepted offerings — small confections, coins, fine fabric, physical remnants of something used to cast spells, rainwater, wine, hand-picked weeds
accepted ways to honour — practice magic, dive headlong into things, invest shamelessly in yourself, take interest in the harsh truths others might not like to acknowledge, shed yourself like a second skin if and when you feel prepared to step away from it; try not to look back, cultivate an aura of power and learn to back it up
GHIRAHIM
deity of — subordination, sublimation, newfound autonomy, dedication to one’s master, outsiders, linear time, a definitive end
associated with — metalwork and swordsmanship, service ( typically with negative connotations ), those suddenly finding themselves alone on an intimidating mission, self-taught knowledge, social maladjustment
sacred plants — none.
sacred stones / gems — diamond, ruby, obsidian
sacred animals — none.
colors — gunmetal silver, glaring white, black, crimson, gold
foods — none.
scents — blood-copper, sulfur, hot metal, cool forest air
accepted offerings — blood, pocketknives, gemstones, arcane texts
accepted ways to honour — serve your master / superior and do so loyally and with joy, indulge your eccentricities, freely vent your anger on your enemies, take pity on smaller creatures when the thought strikes your fancy - but make no habit of it, mind your station always and know that while you are above many you are yet a pawn
1 note
·
View note
Saiwa-Swamp-National-Park-The smallest national park in Kenya
Saiwa-Swamp-National-Park-The smallest national park in Kenya
A dense, vibrantly green realm of swamp, bulrushes, sedges and surrounding riverine forest, Saiwa Swamp - Kenya’s smallest national park, was created specifically to protect the habitat of the rare and endangered semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. Rarely visited, well-off the tourist track but charmingly rewarding, this compact Park is unique in that it is the only place in Kenya where vehicles are prohibited and the walker reigns supreme.
Fact File
Altitude: 1,860-1,880 m.
Area: 3 sq km.
Location: Cherangani Hills of Trans-Nzoiya - Rift Valley Province
Distance from Nairobi: 400 km north-west of Nairobi.
Gazetted: Gazetted as a National Park in 1974.
Climate: Typical African wetland climate, ranging from warm to cool and humid to semi-arid (wet seasons March-June and October-November).
Vegetation: Swamp and riverine forest, tall bullrushes and sedge.
Wildlife: Sitatunga, monkey, spotted-necked otter, giant forest squirrel, leopard, bushbuck, ratel and African civet.
Birds: 372 species including such rarities as Ross' turaco and the blue-headed coucal.
Roads: The Park has no roads, only walking trails.
One of only two parks in Kenya where you can go walkabout
This Park is unique in that it is only accessible by foot. Traversed by some 7 km of well-maintained wooden walkways and trails, it also offers three timbered viewing platforms where you can stake yourself out for a glimpse of the elusive Sitatunga antelope. Well-marked trails skirt the perimeter of the swamp, which can also be traversed via the wooden duckboards that go right across it.
Spot the swamp star, the secretive Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei).
Known in Swahili as the ‘Nzohe', the remarkable and rare Sitatunga (pronounced ‘statunga') is a long-legged antelope that has adapted itself to exploit the abundant food resources of the swamp habitat. Its shaggy coat is oily and water repellent while its elongated and splayed hooves allow it to walk on submerged vegetation with impunity. So specialized are these feet that the Sitatunga can easily outrun its predators in the swamp, though on land it has a much clumsier gait. Reddish-brown with a vaguely moth-eaten look, it has very large ears and (on the males) horns. Moving with slow deliberation so as to avoid detection, the Sitatunga enters the water gently and sinks down until nearly all of its body is submerged. It then spends most of the day submerged or resting in reedy shade. A good swimmer, when alarmed the Sitatunga dives deep and remains submerged but for the tip of its nose. Crepuscular and extremely shy it prefers to feed morning and evening and occasionally leaves the swamp after dark to browse. Found in scattered locations throughout western and central Africa (particularly the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria and in the Kingwal Swamp near Kapsabet), it is only at Saiwa Swamp that these elusive creatures have become habituated to the proximity of humans.
How to see a Sitatunga
Watching and waiting are the tricks of the trade. You might also keep watch along the paths and tunnels that the Sitatunga makes through the reeds and rushes - especially between 6pm and 10am when they are most active.
Other stars in the Saiwa Swamp cast
Very conspicuous are the silken coats of the black and white colobus monkey and the white-bearded faces of the distinctive de Brazza monkey. You will also see plenty of blue and vervet monkey. Spotted-necked otter and giant forest squirrel will prove more difficult. Leopard are around, but it's unlikely you'll see one.
Ornithologist's nirvana
A great draw for ornithologists, the Park boasts over 372 species of birds. Rare birds include crowned hornbill, Ross' turaco and eastern grey plantain eater, while the riverine forests shelter one of Kenya's most spectacular forest birds, the Narina trogon. Most conspicuous around the Park are the grey-crowned cranes, but large numbers of ibis, duck and heron feed conspicuously in the more open patches of water. Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters are plentiful along the trails, as well as paradise flycatchers and black-headed gonoleks. Ludher's bush-shrike is also found here, but is difficult to spot being infinitely shyer. Cisticolas and warblers flit around the base of the observation towers, and long-crested eagles can often be seen perched high on the bare branches of dead trees. Blue-headed coucals can often be caught taking in the sun among the bullrushes while the reeds are home to Hartlaub's marsh widowbird and yellow bishop. When in fruit, the fig trees also offer a potent lure for double-toothed barbets.
Lush flora
The Park offers an interesting mix of forest and swamp vegetation and an extraordinarily diverse plant habitat. Dominated by tall bullrushes and sedges, it is bordered by a mixture of grassland, riverine forests and yellow acacia trees. Epiphytic ferns and orchids also proliferate. The wetter riverine forest is marked by gigantic strangler figs while Syzygium trees, with their dark-purple fruits, are not uncommon along the fringes of the swamp.
Iridescent insects
The swamp makes an ideal habitat for all manner of gorgeous dragonflies and damselflies while a profusion of jewel-hued butterflies dance along the trails (such as swallowtails and charaxes, and notably the African mocker swallowtail (Papilio dardanus).
Reptiles and amphibians
Home to numerous frogs and toads, and specifically the tree frogs, which are particularly noisy after a rainstorm, the swamp is also a preferred haunt of Bell's hinged tortoise. Snake life includes the forest cobra and the African rock python. As you follow the trails, you might also watch out for a side-striped chameleon.
Conservation challenges
The Park is entirely surrounded by intensively cultivated subsistence smallholdings (known as ‘shambas'), and so its perimeter fence marks a sharp divide between two very different habitats. Cultivation tends to be small-scale and by means of hand tools but the neighbouring farmers plough as close to the fence as possible, dramatizing the delicate balance that must be maintained between human well-being and the struggle to sustain a healthy bio-diverse habitat. Survival of the Park, therefore, is very much dependent upon close co-operation between the Kenya Wildlife Service and the surrounding community.
Read the full article
0 notes