John, I so agree. ENTS is often dominated by the art and obsession of measuring trees. While I agree this should remain our greatest strength, It should not be all we are about. Our group would be so much more if our horizons were broadened. This would really help broaden our membership and vary our discussions. There could be something " treeish " for everybody. For example, trees in ficton, trees in folklore, tree photography, tree art etc. There is so many ways trees could be uplifted and celebrated. I introduced the website to a woman that I worked with, some time back and she said she liked the site but said " It's too scientific " I am not smart enough to be a member. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against ENTS scientific aspects, I do well with that approach, I just feel that we could be so much more. Something for everybody. But members have to make it happen. Both old ones and ones just coming in. Comon' folks, we have something to celebrate. Our best friends are the greatest beings on earth! Let's celebrate leaf, twig & branch. Harooommm......
And yes, the Standing Ones rule! James P P.S. Jenny has set a wonderful example for us, and yes like Bob has found out A familiar tree can become an old friend. On Jan 8, 4:45 pm, "John Knuerr" <[email protected]> wrote: > Jenny's comment about what's happening to our soil got me to thinking about > what Thomas Berry, noted geologian who passed away in June 2009, once said: > "The Universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." > Treating the soil, or trees, or living creatures as objects allows us to > continue to destroy beings and habitat. This, in turn, got me to thinking > about our ENTS group. When I read Jenny's postings it's clear that she sees > each bird as an individual being - a subject, not object. When Bob first > took me into old growth forests, over time and repeated visits the groves > gave way to individuals who over the 15 or so years have become old friends > to me. On occasion, when I measure a tree, I do so with reverence. It's an > encounter with another being that can bring a sense of wonder and joy. Not > unlike measuring how much my grandchild has grown. > > From the beginning, Bob has always hoped that ENTS would be a celebration of > the Standing One's through science, history, poetry, music and dance. In > these times of increasing devastation of the natural world by our species, I > would love to see us explore how we can broaden our circle to the younger > generation. > > I'd appreciate others thoughts on this. > > John
