On Sat, 3 Jul 1999, Jeff Owens wrote:
>
> I just discovered a discussion list called NatureConnect which
> is part of a ecopsychology interest group. So far it has consisted
> of daily narratives exactly like your Canada Day journal. If anyone
> is interested i can post the info.
Yes, I'd be interested.
>
> The idea behind this style of sharing is to train us to see
> nature and not ignore it. I think this could include
> such mundane things as a sidewalk. It is part of our
> physical world and possibly part of the natural world. Hummm,
> i'm not sure about this?
I don't see a sidewalk as part of the natural world, but a sidewalk can
teach alot. My perspective on gardening as being a process of shaping what
wants to happen anyway is derived from watching sidewalks. Plants really,
really want to grow. Look at a city sidewalk, or an empty lot to see the
truth of this.
Walking barefoot in the rain in the dark in the city teaches you a lot
about staying aware of where your feet are going, what the textures under
your feet mean, how to watch and stay alert. I crossed areas of broken
glass twice. The first time I was in the middle of it before I was aware
of it. Under the shade of the tree the brown beer bottle shards were
invisible, but my daughter kicked a piece of glass. I put my sloppy wet
sandles back on to cross that patch. The next patch was under lights and
the bigger pieces (which are all I worry about, my feet are tough enough
to cope with the small pieces) were quite visible, so I didn't put my
sandles on.
Anyway, anyone who walks along a city sidewalk and sees and feels nothing,
that can be related to the natural world is missing alot.
The pileated woodpecker we heard first then saw was in a tree across the
road from our apartment building. We were standing waiting for the bus
when we saw it. Bill crossed the road for a better look. He'd never
expected to see a pileated woodpecker in his whole life, let alone to get
such a good up close view of one. I stayed with Anna and Kelly to hold the
bus. The bus driver waited for Bill to cross back over, and get on. He
seemed as interested as us in getting a good look at such a large and rare
bird. We are lucky in living so close to the river, and that so much of
the river bank has been retreed through the city.
sph
Sandra P. Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.flora.org/sandra/
----------------------------
The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due,
not a garden swollen to a realm;
his own hands to use,
not the hands of others to command. --Sam Gamgee
