This morning is blustery and wet, gusts of leaves flying past my window. Increasingly, the landscape takes on the hue of late autumn.
My last post was truncated by WordPress. The culprit appears to have been a page break. If you only read a paragraph you missed most of the post.
Yesterday I was having coffee outdoors with a friend when a friend of his joined us at the table. Inevitably the conversation turned to the unseasonably warm autumn and day. The interloper volunteered that he thought the vast majority of climate change is being driven by long term climatic cycles, a theory long disproven. Although I thought better of it I rose to the bait, alas to no avail. That is OK by me as the changes we notice in the landscape and climate are deeply concerning and require voice.
Our dapper guest also questioned my use of cash to give small businesses a few extra cents with each purchase.
As I was doing the dishes last night I found myself wishing I had simply said my actions and concerns are based on the values and teachings I grew up on. I might have explained that in addition to just plain caring about the fate of species and my grand-kids, I realize that after I pass from this life I will have to face the Grandmothers and explain my actions. I’ve already had a taste of this in a near death experience and want that meeting to be as amicable as possible. Besides, imagining conversations with the Grandmothers makes for a solid moral compass.
Here are a few more Autumn Images:
Dreaming the World 
Beautiful photos of one of the loveliest times of year in New England. Ah, fall! On a more problematic note…the conversation with your friend about climate change. It’s always tricky to know when to speak up and when to remain silent, both in person and online. However, it seems to me that you were right to speak up. You were having a conversation among friends, and to remain silent might have implied agreement. No, you are not going to change his mind, just as he is not going to change yours. But it was important to let him know you disagreed with what he said.
Laurie, I agree. I could not get past the idea that he was just pulling my chains, yet I also believe he believes what he said. And yes, silence is often interpreted as agreement. Still, the moment was disturbing….
I visited a small business yesterday and did what I normally don’t do – I hauled out some cash instead of a credit card. I did laugh while doing it because I wasn’t positive I even had any. I even counted out change which I know I haven’t done in forever. I thought maybe some moths might fly out when I opened the zipper. 🙂
Judy, cash sure seems to make those receiving tips happy!
Incredible images, Michael. And yes, I have trouble responding quickly sometimes – I take time to consider. Yesterday I washed windows and had lots of good thoughts 🙂
Lara, I like the image of washing windows and having good thoughts. That seems about perfect to me.
Yes, cathartic. Cleaning helps me think 🙂
Beautiful photos! Some conversations are so hard, and they seem to be becoming more difficult these last few years. At the same time, I think many people are more open to having difficult conversations now.
I’m not so sure, Sienna, that more people are open to difficult conversations. I truly hope you are right!
Love the photos. I also appreciate your explanation of having to explain your life to the Grandmothers. As a grandmother I have always hoped that my grandchildren would think about their behavior and whether I would be disappointed with them. It seems to me that our society doesn’t have enough parents/grandparents who object to mean and dishonest behavior. It scares me when I think about the 40% of the population who are angry Trump followers and the huge number of those who are also parents. On the happy side of life, I have had the privilege of reading two Michael Watson posts in one week.
Thank you, Pat. Yes, that 40% is unnerving. I wonder whether maybe they have always been here but were hesitant to speak up.
Anyway, this week I actually had something to say…..
I think they have always been there but social norms shamed them into silence. We have become more tolerant of every action. I’m trying to figure out what it means to “love your neighbor” when your neighbor is mean and vicious and isn’t willing to think about their thinking. I have an easy answer based on Christian teaching but not sure the answer works for me in my daily life. Maybe there is an integrity issue here??? 🙂
Pat, I imagine our issues are indeed similar. On one hand I know everyone does their best. On the other, I know that may not be good enough. Yes, there is the injunction to be loving anyway, and the real difficulty in doing that.
I’m interested in the Near Death Experience you refer to, though realise it may be intensely personal to you.
Another Birthday greeting to you, Michael.
Hi Andy,
Thank you for the birthday greetings! As to the near death experience, I was in my early twenties. It took years to process; actually, I am still processing. It turns out to be very difficult to translate the wisdom of the Grandmothers into the everyday world.