I got a lot out of this class, but I think the most important thing focused on the art side of things. The day we spent in class painting was the best part of the course. I went home and started painting and sketching. I have started doing this almost every other day in the past few weeks. Mostly trees. lol. When I was a senior in high school and taking 4 art classes every project I did had trees. There is something about them that I find fun and intriguing to portray. There are so many different kinds, ways to portray them, and emotions that can be communicated. The diversity of them is what keeps me on that subject and not moving to something else.
Practically speaking, I am much more aware of my role in conservation, and well for that matter pollution. They walk and in hand as far as my role I suppose. I was never really aware of the biblical side of ecology and conservation, that as a Christian, I am responsible for spiritually.
One of thing I really appreciated that I am not sure I would have otherwise ever been aware, is the locally specific details. The fact that Lake Washington is a super unique source of freshwater that supplies Brevard county water was very interesting. As well as finding out my location-specific details about where my power comes from, where my waste goes, etc.
About Me
- Sydney-Alyse
- I am a South Carolinian who was raised classic, conservative, Christian, and proud. These are my exploits as I attempt to bring Greek Life and Southern Charm to Southeastern University. I love Autumn, Lilly Pulitzer, Sweet Tea, French cooking, Monograms, Gardenias, Pearls, Sailing, and Turquoise.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Week 11: Post- Post
The sun was dipping lower and lower in the sky as Hadley and Dane approached the summit of Roan Mountian. This was Hadley's favorite part of the Appalachian trail and it was right down the road from her childhood home in Tennessee. A late spring day like this one made the hike even better. Known for it's Rhododendron gardens that were in full bloom this time of year, she and Dane had started their hike at Carver's Gap and had been hiking for several hours along the wild flower covered trails. It was a surprisingly empty trail for that time of year, but Hadley never felt as alive as when she hiked these trails and so she never minded when they belonged to her alone for the day.
She had thought it odd when Dane had surprised her with a trip up the mountain so late in the day; they usually left early in the morning and had hiked up to the summit in time for a picnic lunch. But today, he had asked her to hike up the summit for a sunset dinner picnic. She was a little fearful of hiking back down in the dark, but both she and Dane had grown up here and knew the trails as if they were their own backyards, because, well, they sort of were. She hadn't wanted to disappoint him, because he had seem so excited so, ignoring her misgivings, she consented to a late hike.
They were reaching the top of the summit where it seemed to plateau off a bit, and her breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times she reached the Roan Mountain summit, she was always swept away by the beauty of the valley below her. This was her land, she had always lived in that valley and never wanted to leave.
"Hadley," She heard Dane's voice behind her. She turned to face him, and was surprised when she found him down on one knee... What was he doing? No, he couldn't be....
"Hadley Grace Johnson," he paused, " I have loved you ever since third grade, and I cannot imaging spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She stared at him, trying to grasp what was happening. "But my Daddy..." she started, her accent that faded when she was at college in Boston was making a full-fledged appearance.
"I have already asked your father's permission."
Hadley felt the tears start falling down her cheeks as she held out her hand and Dane slipped his grandmother's wedding ring one, the one Hadley had only dreamed would be on her hand one day.
"Is that a yes?' Dane said with a nervous laugh.
Hadley grabbed his hand and pulled him up into an embrace and through her tears of joy, she said, "Of course! You have always known it would be a yes."
The two of them turned and looked out over the valley. The valley where they had grown up and where, now, their kids would grow up.
She had thought it odd when Dane had surprised her with a trip up the mountain so late in the day; they usually left early in the morning and had hiked up to the summit in time for a picnic lunch. But today, he had asked her to hike up the summit for a sunset dinner picnic. She was a little fearful of hiking back down in the dark, but both she and Dane had grown up here and knew the trails as if they were their own backyards, because, well, they sort of were. She hadn't wanted to disappoint him, because he had seem so excited so, ignoring her misgivings, she consented to a late hike.
They were reaching the top of the summit where it seemed to plateau off a bit, and her breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times she reached the Roan Mountain summit, she was always swept away by the beauty of the valley below her. This was her land, she had always lived in that valley and never wanted to leave.
"Hadley," She heard Dane's voice behind her. She turned to face him, and was surprised when she found him down on one knee... What was he doing? No, he couldn't be....
"Hadley Grace Johnson," he paused, " I have loved you ever since third grade, and I cannot imaging spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
She stared at him, trying to grasp what was happening. "But my Daddy..." she started, her accent that faded when she was at college in Boston was making a full-fledged appearance.
"I have already asked your father's permission."
Hadley felt the tears start falling down her cheeks as she held out her hand and Dane slipped his grandmother's wedding ring one, the one Hadley had only dreamed would be on her hand one day.
"Is that a yes?' Dane said with a nervous laugh.
Hadley grabbed his hand and pulled him up into an embrace and through her tears of joy, she said, "Of course! You have always known it would be a yes."
The two of them turned and looked out over the valley. The valley where they had grown up and where, now, their kids would grow up.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Week 13: Post- Post
A Creative Idea to Help the Environment.
Hmm.... Something effective, but plausible.... Hmmm.....
Ending the excessive watering of the SEU campus. It has been brought to my attention that this doesn't help the entire environment, but as we often discuss in class, every step counts because it adds up over time.
So, here's the thing, the campus watering system is complex and over a huge area, however, it rains, and then we decided to allow the program to run and don't do anything about the fact that we are wasting fresh water. In a state where we will reach a problem with this faster than many other states.
What can we do about this? We need to change our computerized program, or replace ours with one that will, allow an override whenever it has recently rained and the ground will subsequently be overwatered. Again this seems small, but thousands upon thousands of gallons of water would be saved annually, not to mention the reduced water bill for the school which would very much pay off in the long run if we did need to replace our system.
Obviously, certain facilites workers woud need to be given access to the override and make sure that whoever works the weekends was one of these people, but this could be a very effective and simple change if it was made a priority.
Hmm.... Something effective, but plausible.... Hmmm.....
Ending the excessive watering of the SEU campus. It has been brought to my attention that this doesn't help the entire environment, but as we often discuss in class, every step counts because it adds up over time.
So, here's the thing, the campus watering system is complex and over a huge area, however, it rains, and then we decided to allow the program to run and don't do anything about the fact that we are wasting fresh water. In a state where we will reach a problem with this faster than many other states.
What can we do about this? We need to change our computerized program, or replace ours with one that will, allow an override whenever it has recently rained and the ground will subsequently be overwatered. Again this seems small, but thousands upon thousands of gallons of water would be saved annually, not to mention the reduced water bill for the school which would very much pay off in the long run if we did need to replace our system.
Obviously, certain facilites workers woud need to be given access to the override and make sure that whoever works the weekends was one of these people, but this could be a very effective and simple change if it was made a priority.
Week 12: Pre-Post
So, in the resolution of this book, I am frustrated. As adequately described by Prof. Corrigan in class, "I am addicted to 'happy endings.'" Too many Disney Princess movies, and now I do not know what to do with a novel that doesn't end the way I would like it to.
Things to note in this half of the book: 1- Friendship. LeGuin is all about it. One critique I read about this suggested that this was in direct opposition to the "Red Scare" going on at the time, a la the "Creechie Scare." She bonds Lyubov and Selver which changes the way we are viewing Creechies overall and their threat, although it should be noted, retaliation or otherwise, they still invaded the camp. Which calls into question just how right Americans are in their pride over their heritage because we invaded the Native American's land and then punished them brutally for a long time for retaliating. And gave them blankets poisoned with small pox. But now we give them land, casinos, no laws or taxes and a ruined society, so it must be ok right?
On page 96, Selver warns Lyubov, who completely misses the warning and fails to put it in his report. Very Pearl Harbor, No? Again, a parallel to America's arrogance and pride that misses so many stumbling blocks and preventable atrocities.
Things to note in this half of the book: 1- Friendship. LeGuin is all about it. One critique I read about this suggested that this was in direct opposition to the "Red Scare" going on at the time, a la the "Creechie Scare." She bonds Lyubov and Selver which changes the way we are viewing Creechies overall and their threat, although it should be noted, retaliation or otherwise, they still invaded the camp. Which calls into question just how right Americans are in their pride over their heritage because we invaded the Native American's land and then punished them brutally for a long time for retaliating. And gave them blankets poisoned with small pox. But now we give them land, casinos, no laws or taxes and a ruined society, so it must be ok right?
On page 96, Selver warns Lyubov, who completely misses the warning and fails to put it in his report. Very Pearl Harbor, No? Again, a parallel to America's arrogance and pride that misses so many stumbling blocks and preventable atrocities.
Week 10: Post- Post
So I took all the tests, and below are the results of each test:
Carbon Footprint: 19 tons of CO2/year which is below the nation average (but 75% more than the global average, Hello America.)
Water Use: An average of 69 gallons/day and 483 gallons/month for me and my roommate
EcoConsumer Waste: this test applied very much less simply because I use every few of those products. Everything is digital these days and I have a reusable Camelbak water bottle; the only one I really use is paper towels.
What I find is that I am rather below average for most things, but that doesn't excuse me from doing my part in conserving even more. And when I say "below average" that is compared to the average Americans and we are probably the worst in the world in every category.
Carbon Footprint: 19 tons of CO2/year which is below the nation average (but 75% more than the global average, Hello America.)
Water Use: An average of 69 gallons/day and 483 gallons/month for me and my roommate
EcoConsumer Waste: this test applied very much less simply because I use every few of those products. Everything is digital these days and I have a reusable Camelbak water bottle; the only one I really use is paper towels.
What I find is that I am rather below average for most things, but that doesn't excuse me from doing my part in conserving even more. And when I say "below average" that is compared to the average Americans and we are probably the worst in the world in every category.
Week 11: Pre-Post
So I went into this reading rather enthusiastic and excited. I love novels. I devour several a week.
My perspective has changed since my initial reading (obviously, I am writing this after the class discussion). I was initially frustrated with the different styles of writing displayed but when giving it a chance and allowing that it is for the varying thought processes of each character and trying to use it as a map into each characters mind, it is instead a tool, not a hinderance.
LeGuin's goal to make Davidson hated is quickly accomplished with his arrogance and his overall lack of concern for anything or anyone. She achieves this quickly with her female audience when he calls women "prime human stock," as they arrive on a ship for population purposes. He is quickly disliked by his male audience as well though, for he fills every chauvinistic male stereotype a female has offered up in a fight of the sexes. In the beginning it is also important to note that Davidson wants to cut down the forest.
Selver is another matter, we sympathize with his plight and crusade, even if the methods seem a bit barbaric. But, we excuse them, because subconsciously we stil see them as something akin to "Ewoks" in StarWars than humans that are simply living the same intelligent lives we are, just on another planet.
I am still struck by several similarities of this piece and the technology and political environment that permeate the plot of this story (mind you written in 1972) and Ender's Game, by Orsen Scott Card (1977). In WWF, we hear of "the ansible" which is also mentioned in Ender's Game after the LeGuin's "Ansible", and it plays a pivotal role in both works. Ender's Game also has a political machine/structure lead by the Hegemon and International Fleet (IF) which is very similar to WWF's "The League."
My perspective has changed since my initial reading (obviously, I am writing this after the class discussion). I was initially frustrated with the different styles of writing displayed but when giving it a chance and allowing that it is for the varying thought processes of each character and trying to use it as a map into each characters mind, it is instead a tool, not a hinderance.
LeGuin's goal to make Davidson hated is quickly accomplished with his arrogance and his overall lack of concern for anything or anyone. She achieves this quickly with her female audience when he calls women "prime human stock," as they arrive on a ship for population purposes. He is quickly disliked by his male audience as well though, for he fills every chauvinistic male stereotype a female has offered up in a fight of the sexes. In the beginning it is also important to note that Davidson wants to cut down the forest.
Selver is another matter, we sympathize with his plight and crusade, even if the methods seem a bit barbaric. But, we excuse them, because subconsciously we stil see them as something akin to "Ewoks" in StarWars than humans that are simply living the same intelligent lives we are, just on another planet.
I am still struck by several similarities of this piece and the technology and political environment that permeate the plot of this story (mind you written in 1972) and Ender's Game, by Orsen Scott Card (1977). In WWF, we hear of "the ansible" which is also mentioned in Ender's Game after the LeGuin's "Ansible", and it plays a pivotal role in both works. Ender's Game also has a political machine/structure lead by the Hegemon and International Fleet (IF) which is very similar to WWF's "The League."
Week 5: Pre-Post
The "Birds in the City: A Field Sketchbook" intrigued me in the first place because when I began looking at it, I realize that I had assumed a "field sketch" implied that it was sketched in a field. That sounds silly, but you know how you have a preconceived idea about something no matter how silly it may really be. Anyways, So as I look through the field book, I wish that I could sketch with a pen and have such fabulous results. Now, I know the point of the piece is to just sketch. Start somewhere and observe and reflect through the tip of your pen, but I wish I had the same skill as the author clearly does. For instance, on page 84 (I'll mention this again later), the easy skill she demonstrates with perception and dimension are great.
The sketch on page 82, which shows many birds taking flight, or perhaps landing in a row of trees, is one sketch that captures the mind and lets it fly (pun intended). it is simple enough to let the mind fill in colors and ideas; is it winter and the trees are bare? Perhaps its summer and they are full of leaves. The birds, where are they going? Are they flying south? Maybe this is their year-round home.
Page 84 is a sketch of a peregrine on a rooftop and is the sketch that I mention demonstrates great skill and an easy hand at depth and perspective. She also portrays an almost quizzical expression on the peregrine. Which again, leaves the imagination open to so many paths. What is the peregrine's story? What is it doing on a rooftop in this urban setting? What does it think of all of the hustle you see on the streets below?
Her final sketch on page 86 with only the words "Birds and Their Urban Roosts," is an interesting way to end the piece. Like putting an introduction after the whole piece, but it fits. I love the simplicity, it really does seem to sum up the piece.
The sketch on page 82, which shows many birds taking flight, or perhaps landing in a row of trees, is one sketch that captures the mind and lets it fly (pun intended). it is simple enough to let the mind fill in colors and ideas; is it winter and the trees are bare? Perhaps its summer and they are full of leaves. The birds, where are they going? Are they flying south? Maybe this is their year-round home.
Page 84 is a sketch of a peregrine on a rooftop and is the sketch that I mention demonstrates great skill and an easy hand at depth and perspective. She also portrays an almost quizzical expression on the peregrine. Which again, leaves the imagination open to so many paths. What is the peregrine's story? What is it doing on a rooftop in this urban setting? What does it think of all of the hustle you see on the streets below?
Her final sketch on page 86 with only the words "Birds and Their Urban Roosts," is an interesting way to end the piece. Like putting an introduction after the whole piece, but it fits. I love the simplicity, it really does seem to sum up the piece.
Week 3: Post- Post
The Upper Lot
Standing beneath the tall oaks, dripping with lacy spanish moss, I hear the call of the water fowl. The ducks on the lake, Lake Holloway, just beyond the wall of trees and silver palms, call to one another. I hear, if I listen that is, to the flutter of their wings, the splash of the water as they glide to a stop atop the glassy lake surface, the whisper of the wind as it rustles the branches and leaves of the trees and shrubs providing this hollow of shade and peace.
The trees, this place, they take me back, to a time I can only dream of. I wish I knew first hand, but they do. They were here when life was less complicated. They saw the moments that I read about in history books and novels. The "glory days" of this place that I love. They saw, they witnessed, they were a part. Suppose another young girl, seeking comfort on a day in early December 1941, when the world ceased to make sense. She feared for her father, brother, beau, whoever it was in her life. Suppose these very trees engulfed her with silent solace, sympathy and above all else reassurance. They have been in this sport for years, and humanity willing, will be there for years to come. Like both that girl, and me, they have years ahead of them, and many more things to see.
Standing beneath the tall oaks, dripping with lacy spanish moss, I hear the call of the water fowl. The ducks on the lake, Lake Holloway, just beyond the wall of trees and silver palms, call to one another. I hear, if I listen that is, to the flutter of their wings, the splash of the water as they glide to a stop atop the glassy lake surface, the whisper of the wind as it rustles the branches and leaves of the trees and shrubs providing this hollow of shade and peace.
The trees, this place, they take me back, to a time I can only dream of. I wish I knew first hand, but they do. They were here when life was less complicated. They saw the moments that I read about in history books and novels. The "glory days" of this place that I love. They saw, they witnessed, they were a part. Suppose another young girl, seeking comfort on a day in early December 1941, when the world ceased to make sense. She feared for her father, brother, beau, whoever it was in her life. Suppose these very trees engulfed her with silent solace, sympathy and above all else reassurance. They have been in this sport for years, and humanity willing, will be there for years to come. Like both that girl, and me, they have years ahead of them, and many more things to see.
Week 3: Pre-Post
January through July
In the Sand County Almanac, the photographs spoke volumes to me. In this post, I want to explore a reflection on some of my favorites from January to July.
On page 32, Leopold displays a beyond stunning picture of stars as they move across the sky over the course of a night. From my photography experience, this is a technically unbelievable shot. The sharpness of the tree and grasses in contrast to the star trails is insane. A photographer can only dream of the conditions that produced that shot.
On page 44, The shot of Canada geese on the Great Marsh, makes me want, dream, that I am in a boat in their midst. A small wooden row boat ( ok, so maybe I have seen The Notebook a few too many times) and just floating in the middle of this gander. If it started to rain, a few dark clouds crossing what seems to be a bright sky, I wouldn't mind.
The rogue symmetry of the Bur Oak on page 58 caught my attention. The prose that accompanied it was just as breathtaking. "When school children vote on a state bird, flower, or tree, they are not making a decision; they are merely ratifying history. Thus history made the Bur Oak the tree of southern Wisconsin when prairie grasses first gained possession of the region. Bur oak is the only tree that can stand up to a prairie fire and live."
Page 70, holds the image of something I greatly covet: a well worn, name-carved-in, cork-handled old school fishing pole. I WANT ONE. anyways. It is completely wonderful and then to accompany it with one of the many tales that the fishing pole has seen. Page 79 shows binoculars as well as notebooks and a pipe. I think of Leopold as the typical old, british guy. Regardless of his nationality, lol, I find respect for an owner of such well used and well-loved items. All with his name on them, the ownership, I find beautiful.
In the Sand County Almanac, the photographs spoke volumes to me. In this post, I want to explore a reflection on some of my favorites from January to July.
On page 32, Leopold displays a beyond stunning picture of stars as they move across the sky over the course of a night. From my photography experience, this is a technically unbelievable shot. The sharpness of the tree and grasses in contrast to the star trails is insane. A photographer can only dream of the conditions that produced that shot.
On page 44, The shot of Canada geese on the Great Marsh, makes me want, dream, that I am in a boat in their midst. A small wooden row boat ( ok, so maybe I have seen The Notebook a few too many times) and just floating in the middle of this gander. If it started to rain, a few dark clouds crossing what seems to be a bright sky, I wouldn't mind.
The rogue symmetry of the Bur Oak on page 58 caught my attention. The prose that accompanied it was just as breathtaking. "When school children vote on a state bird, flower, or tree, they are not making a decision; they are merely ratifying history. Thus history made the Bur Oak the tree of southern Wisconsin when prairie grasses first gained possession of the region. Bur oak is the only tree that can stand up to a prairie fire and live."
Page 70, holds the image of something I greatly covet: a well worn, name-carved-in, cork-handled old school fishing pole. I WANT ONE. anyways. It is completely wonderful and then to accompany it with one of the many tales that the fishing pole has seen. Page 79 shows binoculars as well as notebooks and a pipe. I think of Leopold as the typical old, british guy. Regardless of his nationality, lol, I find respect for an owner of such well used and well-loved items. All with his name on them, the ownership, I find beautiful.
Week 1: Pre-Post
My name is Sydney-Alyse Young. I am
a junior and a half and nineteen years old. I was born in Columbia, South
Carolina and I consider that my hometown. I am a southerner who is very conservative,
outspoken, classic, and proud of all of it. I love the fall, particularly
football season, pearls, anything monogrammed, navy blue, or that has bows. I
drink 5 cups of coffee a morning and this semester I am making myself do things
I have always been afraid to do or did not want to, things like climbing
towers, rollercoasters, auditions, and 8 a.m. classes. I have lived in 8 cities
and my parents currently reside in Melbourne, Florida. I am PK, MK, and a
children’s pastor.
My
degree is in English. I would like to teach high school English and coach
cheerleading at a Christian school until the Lord sees fit to move me into the
next season in my life and I pay off my college loans. I am called to one day
be in ministry, through my marriage to a pastor and I would like to attend John
MacArthur’s Master’s College to receive a 1-year certificate in women’s
ministry. I am currently the Children’s Pastor at New River Baptist Church in
Melbourne.
The
Lord and my mother are my two closest friends. I am extremely domestic and owe
it to my mother and grandmother who both closely resemble June Cleaver. I know
the Lord has called me to be a supporter not a leader and I do my best to equip
myself for that calling until the Lord brings that season to pass. My life
motto is “Beauty Invites” and if I never went to crazy as to get a tattoo
that’s what it would say. It comes from the book Captivating by Stasi Elderidge and I love it because it embodies
who I want to be. A woman of the Lord who invites those around her to live out
their calling, enabling and loving them, stripping away the bitterness and hurt
I’ve accumulated in life.
I
enjoy reading more than just about any other hobby and I am constantly reading Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen was one
of the best writers of all time and I absolutely adore her writing. The subject
matter, eloquence, imagery, complexity of relationships and time-period
customs, underlying romantic tensions- I love it all! I also love to dance (I
was in Prof. Dixon’s program for several semesters), tumble and cheer, I blog
and have a small following of a group of people I do not know on various
matters like fashion, cooking, college life, and such. I have tried just about
every sport and hobby at least once and value versatility.
As
far as nature goes, I love to sail, hike, creek, climb waterfalls, kayak,
canoe, and just about anything else. One of the highlights of my life was
hiking sixteen miles of the Appalachian Trail, barefoot and in the rain. I do
not have any interaction other than experience, but both my brother and my
god-brother earned their Bachelor’s degrees in Outdoor Recreation Education.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Week 14: Post-Post
This post dovetails so well with my reflection on Psalm 96. The earth is the very center of our humanly existence When we hurt the earth, we are hurting ourselves, because, although one day we will occupy a new earth and the heavenly realms, this is our only real dimension. So often when I think of the earth and hurting people, my brother comes to mind. The boy is a real piece of work and his political standpoints drive me completely up a wall, but I so admire how he views the creation around him. He lives in a small house up in western edge of Maryland with his dog and a whole lot of paint and canvases that have been filled, or are waiting for inspiration to strike. I wish he understood that a God who loves him beyond the limits of his human mind's comprehension, created all of the beauty he so esteems.
While the soul-spirit effects are real, the effects that reach into humanity and daily life are sometimes more visible. If you look at the Gulf Oil Spill, the effects on the daily life of thousands upon thousands of families who live in that area are very real and very painful. Tourism, crabbing, shrimping, and sea fishing all felt the long-linger effects of this avoidable atrocity. The families that are effected are what really touch my heart though. We destroy the environment for our our gains and overlook the individuals that are dependent on that resource. We are more dependent on the earth and its resources than anything else, a fact that I think is often ignored or taken for granted, with the exception of the sustaining hand of the Lord. The livelihood of families and entire communities that rely on the health of our earth and the way we as a nation, no humanity treats our planet.
I think in some ways, because there are increasingly more and more marketing schemes to "Be Green" and "Save the Planet," we have desensitized our culture by making it the stylish thing to be, so that when we have tragedies, people as a whole do not feel any responsibility or need to get involved because they are already the hip, popular "eco-friendly." Last time I checked, using a BPA-free water bottle, recycling plastic bottles when its convenient and wearing a shirt made of 5% recycled materials doesn't excuse you from doing your part, be it raising awareness or physically assisting.
While the soul-spirit effects are real, the effects that reach into humanity and daily life are sometimes more visible. If you look at the Gulf Oil Spill, the effects on the daily life of thousands upon thousands of families who live in that area are very real and very painful. Tourism, crabbing, shrimping, and sea fishing all felt the long-linger effects of this avoidable atrocity. The families that are effected are what really touch my heart though. We destroy the environment for our our gains and overlook the individuals that are dependent on that resource. We are more dependent on the earth and its resources than anything else, a fact that I think is often ignored or taken for granted, with the exception of the sustaining hand of the Lord. The livelihood of families and entire communities that rely on the health of our earth and the way we as a nation, no humanity treats our planet.
I think in some ways, because there are increasingly more and more marketing schemes to "Be Green" and "Save the Planet," we have desensitized our culture by making it the stylish thing to be, so that when we have tragedies, people as a whole do not feel any responsibility or need to get involved because they are already the hip, popular "eco-friendly." Last time I checked, using a BPA-free water bottle, recycling plastic bottles when its convenient and wearing a shirt made of 5% recycled materials doesn't excuse you from doing your part, be it raising awareness or physically assisting.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Week 14: Pre-Post
The article on the Gulf oil spill was great. Comically written, albeit about a very grave topic. I particularly enjoyed one paragraph:
"Put it in writing!" someone shouted out. By now the air conditioning had shut itself off and the coolers of Budweiser were running low. A shrimper named Matt O'Brien approached the mic. "We don't need to hear this anymore," he declared, hands on hips. It didn't matter what assurances they were offered because, he explained, "we just don't trust you guys!" And with that, such a loud cheer rose up from the floor you'd have thought the Oilers (the unfortunately named school football team) had scored a touchdown."
It basically sums up the anger and frustration that the people feel, and how petty the efforts are to help the individuals who are affected. The caption under the photo also gives word to how the situation is really being handled, "Obama can't order the pelicans not to die." Its so true. All the bureaucracy really doesn't accomplish anything after a situation begins to get out of control, at the very most it can hope to compensate as best as possible for the situations repercussions.
In the article by Olson, I really agreed with his statement, "First and foremost, we are called not to forget. Remember, keep informed, and in some way be involved with ecosystem, creatures, and people of the Gulf Coast community." While I may not be able to go to the regions affected and physically do something about it, I can promote and education and legislation about to prevent this from happening again as well as making the necessary restitution to the affected parties.
Another point that he brings to the table (that is also mentioned in the Doster Pastoral Essay) is one I had not considered at all. This is not a "natural disaster." This is a disaster caused by humans. Just because something has an terrible effect on the environment, doesn't make it a natural disaster. This was completely preventable and and the fault lies in the lap of humanity and not "Mother Nature."
"Put it in writing!" someone shouted out. By now the air conditioning had shut itself off and the coolers of Budweiser were running low. A shrimper named Matt O'Brien approached the mic. "We don't need to hear this anymore," he declared, hands on hips. It didn't matter what assurances they were offered because, he explained, "we just don't trust you guys!" And with that, such a loud cheer rose up from the floor you'd have thought the Oilers (the unfortunately named school football team) had scored a touchdown."
It basically sums up the anger and frustration that the people feel, and how petty the efforts are to help the individuals who are affected. The caption under the photo also gives word to how the situation is really being handled, "Obama can't order the pelicans not to die." Its so true. All the bureaucracy really doesn't accomplish anything after a situation begins to get out of control, at the very most it can hope to compensate as best as possible for the situations repercussions.
In the article by Olson, I really agreed with his statement, "First and foremost, we are called not to forget. Remember, keep informed, and in some way be involved with ecosystem, creatures, and people of the Gulf Coast community." While I may not be able to go to the regions affected and physically do something about it, I can promote and education and legislation about to prevent this from happening again as well as making the necessary restitution to the affected parties.
Another point that he brings to the table (that is also mentioned in the Doster Pastoral Essay) is one I had not considered at all. This is not a "natural disaster." This is a disaster caused by humans. Just because something has an terrible effect on the environment, doesn't make it a natural disaster. This was completely preventable and and the fault lies in the lap of humanity and not "Mother Nature."
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Week 13: Pre-Post
I watched the video of Majora Carter from the TED conference. After seeing that she referenced Al Gore, and from previous blogs I am sure that my feelings on him are no secret, I wanted to see what this TED business was all about. I looked them up online, and while I don't have particularly fond feelings of all of the speakers that they have had, they seemed to have a good mission. This speaker was overall great. I think she had some valid points, which I will bring up later, but first I really need to address one issue. NOT EVERYTHING IS BECAUSE YOUR BLACK. Really? Seriously? You think that the reason you have environmental degregation in your area is because of race. That just shows a poor understanding of basic business and public policy. It has to do with socio-economic class, not race. I recognize that they can appear synonymous, but that does not mean that they are.
Ok, with that out of the way, moving on to what she actually talked about. "Greening The Ghetto" which is a sustainable urban redevelopment movement, recognizes the need for parks in the South Bronx area of NYC. Now, I think this is a great thing. Living in a concrete jungle can need some green to break up the grey monotony of life there, but I wasn't really sold on the idea that that is what tax dollars need to be going to. In a time of economic crisis, is that really where we need to be putting our resources when we are going billions in debt every minute? Personally, I feel like the answer is no. BUT, one great case that Carter points out is a case study on Bogata. The fact that their crime rates and littering levels drastically dropped after implementing a similar program, was very convincing. Case studies like that are much harder to refute than theory and thus can greatly affect my opinion of an idea.
Another statement that was made during this presentation that I particularly agreed with was when Carter stated, "I do not expect individuals of corporations to do this because it is moral or right." She recognizes that there has to be payoffs for the company. I think that if a lobbyist, activist, or anyone else promoting ecological responsibility, understands this position, they have a much higher chance at success. This understanding drives you to find a way that being ecologically-minded is beneficial for a company, because in all reality they will not change anything simply to be eco-friendly.
The one flaw I found in Carter's reasoning was in the statement, "Economic degredation leads to environmental degredation, which leads to social degredation." I struggle to see a real correlation between environmental and social degredation. I understand how there can be sometimes, but in all reality, I think that one is much more likely to participate in eco-friendly initiatives based on their social standing and not the other way around.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Week 10: Pre-Post
Ok, so lets talk about this video "The Story of Stuff." Here's the thing, research is great, essential really, and conservation is important and you can;t deny the facts. Where I begin to struggle is the concept that is taught the first week of any Prob & Stat class, and that is: Every statistic is biased by the graph on which it is displayed. I just feel like a lot of alarmists and extremist skew research findings to represent the information they feel is most true and pertinent.
I did like how the major flaw is simply stated as "We have a linear system in a finite world with limited resources." I think that is a great way to give perspective on why we have such a problem. So I watched this video and appreciated what it had to say, then I turned to the sidebar to see if there were other videos that I might be interested in from this project, and I decided to watch one on products I use everyday: cosmetics.
The first statistic that caught my attention was that the FDA has only banned 8 of 12,000 chemicals used in cosmetic products. My mom manages a company that owns a chain of health food stores. From this job, she has started to realize the dangers of a lot of toxins that we put in our bodies and can often be heard saying, "The FDA is NOT your friend. Just remember that!" For instance, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, which is typically the 2nd ingredient in shampoo, which is what causes it to lather, is horrible for your hair. In my house, we use a lot of organic and more holistic cosmetic products, such as Tom's brand.
I did like how the major flaw is simply stated as "We have a linear system in a finite world with limited resources." I think that is a great way to give perspective on why we have such a problem. So I watched this video and appreciated what it had to say, then I turned to the sidebar to see if there were other videos that I might be interested in from this project, and I decided to watch one on products I use everyday: cosmetics.
The first statistic that caught my attention was that the FDA has only banned 8 of 12,000 chemicals used in cosmetic products. My mom manages a company that owns a chain of health food stores. From this job, she has started to realize the dangers of a lot of toxins that we put in our bodies and can often be heard saying, "The FDA is NOT your friend. Just remember that!" For instance, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, which is typically the 2nd ingredient in shampoo, which is what causes it to lather, is horrible for your hair. In my house, we use a lot of organic and more holistic cosmetic products, such as Tom's brand.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Week 9: Post-Post
Psalm 96
Sing to God—worship God!
2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea,
Take the news of his glory to the lost,
News of his wonders to one and all!
4-5 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs.
His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap;
Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags.
5-6 God made the heavens—
Royal splendor radiates from him,
A powerful beauty sets him apart.
7 Bravo, God, Bravo!
Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!
In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might.
8-9 Bring gifts and celebrate,
Bow before the beauty of God,
Then to your knees—everyone worship!
10 Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.
11 Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.
12 Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—
13 An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Week 8: Post-Post
Psalm 104- Ok, this is a super long passage, but i think it is really a great one because it just captures who we are as members of creation. This is also the Message paraphrase, but I think for the Psalms sometimes it can be a great way to wade through some of the metaphors, poetry, similes, and other literary rapids.
O my soul, bless God! God, my God, how great you are!
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
You set earth on a firm foundation
so that nothing can shake it, ever.
You blanketed earth with ocean,
covered the mountains with deep waters;
Then you roared and the water ran away—
your thunder crash put it to flight.
Mountains pushed up, valleys spread out
in the places you assigned them.
You set boundaries between earth and sea;
never again will earth be flooded.
You started the springs and rivers,
sent them flowing among the hills.
All the wild animals now drink their fill,
wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Along the riverbanks the birds build nests,
ravens make their voices heard.
You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns;
earth is supplied with plenty of water.
You make grass grow for the livestock,
hay for the animals that plow the ground.
14-23 Oh yes, God brings grain from the land,
wine to make people happy,
Their faces glowing with health,
a people well-fed and hearty.
God's trees are well-watered—
the Lebanon cedars he planted.
Birds build their nests in those trees;
look—the stork at home in the treetop.
Mountain goats climb about the cliffs;
badgers burrow among the rocks.
The moon keeps track of the seasons,
the sun is in charge of each day.
When it's dark and night takes over,
all the forest creatures come out.
The young lions roar for their prey,
clamoring to God for their supper.
When the sun comes up, they vanish,
lazily stretched out in their dens.
Meanwhile, men and women go out to work,
busy at their jobs until evening.
24-30 What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they'd die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
31-32 The glory of God—let it last forever!
Let God enjoy his creation!
He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake,
points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt.
33-35 Oh, let me sing to God all my life long,
sing hymns to my God as long as I live!
Oh, let my song please him;
I'm so pleased to be singing to God.
But clear the ground of sinners—
no more godless men and women!
I really love the phrase found in verse 25: If you turned your back for a minute, they would die. We would die. Our very life is so dependent on Him. Every breath, every thought, every moment is wrapped up in the sole status of being His.
I also really love the power that is spoken through this whole passage, but an idea emerges in verses 31-32, which give the idea that all of these natural disasters that we fear so much and ask "God how could this happen," is at the sole whim of the creator enjoying his creation. He can exercise his power to simply point and a volcano and it will erupt, but more than that, he enjoys the power that his creation can exude. A characteristic of pride and building that can be found in the male spirit even now.
beautifully, gloriously robed,
Dressed up in sunshine,
and all heaven stretched out for your tent.
You built your palace on the ocean deeps,
made a chariot out of clouds and took off on wind-wings.
You commandeered winds as messengers,
appointed fire and flame as ambassadors.
You set earth on a firm foundation
so that nothing can shake it, ever.
You blanketed earth with ocean,
covered the mountains with deep waters;
Then you roared and the water ran away—
your thunder crash put it to flight.
Mountains pushed up, valleys spread out
in the places you assigned them.
You set boundaries between earth and sea;
never again will earth be flooded.
You started the springs and rivers,
sent them flowing among the hills.
All the wild animals now drink their fill,
wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Along the riverbanks the birds build nests,
ravens make their voices heard.
You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns;
earth is supplied with plenty of water.
You make grass grow for the livestock,
hay for the animals that plow the ground.
14-23 Oh yes, God brings grain from the land,
wine to make people happy,
Their faces glowing with health,
a people well-fed and hearty.
God's trees are well-watered—
the Lebanon cedars he planted.
Birds build their nests in those trees;
look—the stork at home in the treetop.
Mountain goats climb about the cliffs;
badgers burrow among the rocks.
The moon keeps track of the seasons,
the sun is in charge of each day.
When it's dark and night takes over,
all the forest creatures come out.
The young lions roar for their prey,
clamoring to God for their supper.
When the sun comes up, they vanish,
lazily stretched out in their dens.
Meanwhile, men and women go out to work,
busy at their jobs until evening.
24-30 What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Oh, look—the deep, wide sea,
brimming with fish past counting,
sardines and sharks and salmon.
Ships plow those waters,
and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.
All the creatures look expectantly to you
to give them their meals on time.
You come, and they gather around;
you open your hand and they eat from it.
If you turned your back,
they'd die in a minute—
Take back your Spirit and they die,
revert to original mud;
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life—
the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.
31-32 The glory of God—let it last forever!
Let God enjoy his creation!
He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake,
points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt.
33-35 Oh, let me sing to God all my life long,
sing hymns to my God as long as I live!
Oh, let my song please him;
I'm so pleased to be singing to God.
But clear the ground of sinners—
no more godless men and women!
O my soul, bless God!
I also really love the power that is spoken through this whole passage, but an idea emerges in verses 31-32, which give the idea that all of these natural disasters that we fear so much and ask "God how could this happen," is at the sole whim of the creator enjoying his creation. He can exercise his power to simply point and a volcano and it will erupt, but more than that, he enjoys the power that his creation can exude. A characteristic of pride and building that can be found in the male spirit even now.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Week 8: Pre-Post
Good Stewardship, ecological awareness, and global responsibility have come to light and importance much more recently. That isn't to say that it has received as much attention as it should have, but Al Gore is doing the best he can, but hey, when you invent the internet, you don't have time for saving the world. Captain Planet, let's face it, the guy is a hero, but he disappeared in the 90's at the peak of Global Warming. Enter Al Gore.
Ok, seriously though, it is our responsibility to drive a prius, reduce our global carbon footprint, participating in Chartwells Project Clean Plate and buy fair trade Starbucks out of a 20% recycled paper cup. Clothing companies have cropped up everywhere selling more globally aware products. It is literally everywhere. But are we doing it properly?
No. Slow- food and slow-life are the right approach. Focusing on a local approach to helping be a good steward of this earth is what we should be doing. This walks hand-in-hand with slow-life approach of being aware of the world around you. If you are aware and you take notice of the world around you, you will understand the need for protection and good stewardship. The harder you work to reduce your negative impact of the planet the more you are aware of it's beauty.
We have been given this place to enjoy God's creativity, not to pillage and plunder like vikings in a new land. We owe it to humanity to honor this sacred place. We are called to enjoy it at a local level and appreciate it through responsiblity. Grocery shopping, clothing wearing, car driving, and outdoor pursuits are all a part of this.
Ok, seriously though, it is our responsibility to drive a prius, reduce our global carbon footprint, participating in Chartwells Project Clean Plate and buy fair trade Starbucks out of a 20% recycled paper cup. Clothing companies have cropped up everywhere selling more globally aware products. It is literally everywhere. But are we doing it properly?
No. Slow- food and slow-life are the right approach. Focusing on a local approach to helping be a good steward of this earth is what we should be doing. This walks hand-in-hand with slow-life approach of being aware of the world around you. If you are aware and you take notice of the world around you, you will understand the need for protection and good stewardship. The harder you work to reduce your negative impact of the planet the more you are aware of it's beauty.
We have been given this place to enjoy God's creativity, not to pillage and plunder like vikings in a new land. We owe it to humanity to honor this sacred place. We are called to enjoy it at a local level and appreciate it through responsiblity. Grocery shopping, clothing wearing, car driving, and outdoor pursuits are all a part of this.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Week 7: Post-Post
I want to revisit "Danger on the Peaks." As I mentioned in my previous post, this was my favorite by far. of anything we have read.
I have never been exposed to this style of writing, the whole prose poetry thing. I am such a straight forward person, and so the directness of it is so much more appreciated. But I also appreciated that he moves through his life in pieces. He engages the reader in so may various aspects of life, through his own experiences as well as the other people and important influences in his life. He engages ecology in such a different way. Not necessarily observing it like Mary Oliver, but through his life. He does life with nature. The brazen way he asked for the toughest, most remote peak is a direct nod to the fact that he is a part of his surroundings. He has no fear of them because he knows them inside and out. instinctively. They are a part of him innately, not through observing, but through subconscious awareness of who he is and how that relates to nature.
I have never been exposed to this style of writing, the whole prose poetry thing. I am such a straight forward person, and so the directness of it is so much more appreciated. But I also appreciated that he moves through his life in pieces. He engages the reader in so may various aspects of life, through his own experiences as well as the other people and important influences in his life. He engages ecology in such a different way. Not necessarily observing it like Mary Oliver, but through his life. He does life with nature. The brazen way he asked for the toughest, most remote peak is a direct nod to the fact that he is a part of his surroundings. He has no fear of them because he knows them inside and out. instinctively. They are a part of him innately, not through observing, but through subconscious awareness of who he is and how that relates to nature.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Week 7: Pre-Post
I love in particular, that I have have lived so many diverse places, because then I can identify with so many of the places that we read about. The Astralian Crawl piece was great. II could really identify. Not through writing necessarily, although I recognize that my most acclaimed writing and the pieces that win contests are always the ones that I do not over think. The pieces that I do vague planning, and then just let my fingers type away to a piece of excellence (although I rarely think they are, they did get me some scholarships). I, of all things, could identify through cheerleading. Cheerleading is a sport that commands that you get over mental blocks. You have to get inside your head and remove any thing that is in the way of you getting to the task. You have to convince yourself to flip backwards like a crazy person, in the same way that you have to just throw yourself into writing and think through how you want to land.
Danger on the Peaks was SO great. I love love love the Pacific Northwest and this great piece gave such an impression of the heart and soul of this region. I also appreciate the style of prose poetry. It gives me understanding. It makes so much more sense to read these odd little poems instead of trying to understand what the author is implying and interpreting whatever is inside someone else's head. The piece One Thousand Cranes, was my favorite piece we have read all semester. I absolutely adored it! It was so capturing and the way he wove real cranes and the story of his wife and japanese tradition together was positively stellar.
I did not like State of the Planet. It was boring. Not engaging at all. And we all know how much I love poetry. I suffered through it, but it just felt like circling. I have no idea the point at the end.
Danger on the Peaks was SO great. I love love love the Pacific Northwest and this great piece gave such an impression of the heart and soul of this region. I also appreciate the style of prose poetry. It gives me understanding. It makes so much more sense to read these odd little poems instead of trying to understand what the author is implying and interpreting whatever is inside someone else's head. The piece One Thousand Cranes, was my favorite piece we have read all semester. I absolutely adored it! It was so capturing and the way he wove real cranes and the story of his wife and japanese tradition together was positively stellar.
I did not like State of the Planet. It was boring. Not engaging at all. And we all know how much I love poetry. I suffered through it, but it just felt like circling. I have no idea the point at the end.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 6: Post-Post
I chose my usual topic of the beautiful oaks on campus.
Patriarchs
Standing tall, watching, protecting.
They have learned from many students,
observed many professors.
The Patriarchs of this place.
The tears of anger, stress and loneliness
shed beneath;
In the spring,
The engagements and tears of Joy.
They clothe themselves in lacy moss for the occassion.
Nuturing, loving, standing tall
They watch the students,
they protect them;
They have been here for years,
and will remain
if in fact, we allow it.
They watch us,
all of us for several centuries.
But will we let them watch our young?
Or will we remove them
for our football fields and parking lots.
Patriarchs
Standing tall, watching, protecting.
They have learned from many students,
observed many professors.
The Patriarchs of this place.
The tears of anger, stress and loneliness
shed beneath;
In the spring,
The engagements and tears of Joy.
They clothe themselves in lacy moss for the occassion.
Nuturing, loving, standing tall
They watch the students,
they protect them;
They have been here for years,
and will remain
if in fact, we allow it.
They watch us,
all of us for several centuries.
But will we let them watch our young?
Or will we remove them
for our football fields and parking lots.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Week 6: Pre-Post
I hate poetry. I'm sorry. I am really trying. I really am. But first of all MARY OLIVER HAD A PARTNERRRR!?!?! this is like Whitman. I will never be able to read leaves of grass the same way.
Ok on to the readings. I do like some of Oliver's poetry. I like that she is free-verse. I'm not all about that rhyme scheme business. at all. Its so confining and restrictive. There is beauty to poetry (but that doesn't mean I love it) that is able to move and flow with perhaps some meter but without the restraint of a rhyme scheme or structure or even punctuation. Maybe there is some hidden meaning to those feelings that a psychoanalyst could figure out, but thats ok.
Back to the poetry itself. I enjoy that she calls attention to subjects that others may pass by or may not be considered a subject for poetry, although I feel that romanticizing everyday things is the true calling of poetry.
I don't like snakes. They rank up there with spiders. possibly higher on my dislike list simply because of how they move. It creeps me out. I don't think they are slimy or scaling like some girls. I merely don't like the way they slither without a spine and such. But- all that being said- Oliver's poem Ribbon Snake Asleep in the Sun was great. I love all the comparisons to a wheel and such.
Messenger is interesting because it is not nature poetry but at its very root is the core of who we are and our job on earth which would make it nature.
Ok on to the readings. I do like some of Oliver's poetry. I like that she is free-verse. I'm not all about that rhyme scheme business. at all. Its so confining and restrictive. There is beauty to poetry (but that doesn't mean I love it) that is able to move and flow with perhaps some meter but without the restraint of a rhyme scheme or structure or even punctuation. Maybe there is some hidden meaning to those feelings that a psychoanalyst could figure out, but thats ok.
Back to the poetry itself. I enjoy that she calls attention to subjects that others may pass by or may not be considered a subject for poetry, although I feel that romanticizing everyday things is the true calling of poetry.
I don't like snakes. They rank up there with spiders. possibly higher on my dislike list simply because of how they move. It creeps me out. I don't think they are slimy or scaling like some girls. I merely don't like the way they slither without a spine and such. But- all that being said- Oliver's poem Ribbon Snake Asleep in the Sun was great. I love all the comparisons to a wheel and such.
Messenger is interesting because it is not nature poetry but at its very root is the core of who we are and our job on earth which would make it nature.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Week 5: Post-Post
I decided to write about an ecosystem that I am very familiar with and that I have already expressed a love for: Southeastern. Particularly my favorite spot, narrowing down the broad environment that can be found on our campus.
Looking at the overall environment, I find: trees- oak, tall, providing shade and respite. Grass- green and lush, flourishing under the care of the large, patriarchal oaks. The spanish-moss draping over them delicately and with care. They are the founding fathers of this little meadow-esque spot that I love so much.
There is a small man-made creek new to the environment that releases the rainwater into the ground that accepts it thirstily and without question.
Raccoons, squirrels, and armadillos all make a home here. They race around the oaks like children at a family reunion, and perhaps they are. They enjoy all that their elders provide, those that have seen, heard, felt, and tasted so much more they have and ever will.
The worms that lives in the moist soft earth, eating, chewing, grinding. The fallen leaves, as confused as the rest of us, about what season it is. covering the ever-green grass, protecting it like a blanket.
the crickets and fire ants. making it impossible for me to sit amongst those oaks I love so much. The sweet smell of damp earth and the decomposing leaves and twigs.
The gentle breeze that floats through rustling, moving.
The birds that sing in four part harmony. They wrap you in their melodies.
Those patriarchal oaks. I love them.
This is my ecosystem.
Looking at the overall environment, I find: trees- oak, tall, providing shade and respite. Grass- green and lush, flourishing under the care of the large, patriarchal oaks. The spanish-moss draping over them delicately and with care. They are the founding fathers of this little meadow-esque spot that I love so much.
There is a small man-made creek new to the environment that releases the rainwater into the ground that accepts it thirstily and without question.
Raccoons, squirrels, and armadillos all make a home here. They race around the oaks like children at a family reunion, and perhaps they are. They enjoy all that their elders provide, those that have seen, heard, felt, and tasted so much more they have and ever will.
The worms that lives in the moist soft earth, eating, chewing, grinding. The fallen leaves, as confused as the rest of us, about what season it is. covering the ever-green grass, protecting it like a blanket.
the crickets and fire ants. making it impossible for me to sit amongst those oaks I love so much. The sweet smell of damp earth and the decomposing leaves and twigs.
The gentle breeze that floats through rustling, moving.
The birds that sing in four part harmony. They wrap you in their melodies.
Those patriarchal oaks. I love them.
This is my ecosystem.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Week 4: Post-Post
Here are my nature photos. I included some I took in January just because it gives some contrast. Enjoy!
This is my favorite spot on campus:
This is my favorite spot on campus:
There is no filter on this by the way...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Week 4: Pre-Post
I was excited to dive into this section of the Sand County Almanac readings because it deals with my favorite time of year. I absolutely love the Fall. The leaves changing to those glorious shades of deep reds, golds, burnt oranges, even browns. Yes, it is all lovely. I love the changes in the air as it turns cold and the feeling when you walk out your front door on a Saturday morning and you can smell the change in temperature just as much as you can feel it. It sudden urge to light a fire and snuggle up in a blanket and read a book next to a great big window and a roaring fire.
The night is extra still and gives you pause to consider the feeling of solitude, though it is not as strong as the feeling that comes in winter, standing in the middle of a field of snow. The only disruption in the gentle blanket, your footsteps. Winter is a time that to some seems dead. I see it, however, as a white backdrop that enables you to notice so many small things that may be overlooked in other seasons.
Winter to me, is summed up in a moment I can never forget. The cloudy afternoon in the winter of my junior year of high school where I was walking across the practice football field after the sky had dropped a bounty of snow that morning. I stopped in the middle of the field, feeling the silence, hearing it echo and shout around me, louder, in that moment, than any silence I had ever heard before. I saw the footsteps of my boots as they trampled on the grass hidden underneath walk across the field and lead to where I was standing. No one else had some this way since the snow had fallen, each flake delicately in its own piece of ground. Robert Frost's poetry, several poems in fact, came rushing to my mind. It was my moment. My split second in time, just me and the world. I will never forget that moment.
Perhaps my favorite passage out of this section is found on page 97 and is accompanied by a picture of a Barred Owl.
The Choral Copse
"By September, the day breaks with little help from birds. A song sparrow may give a single half-hearted song, a woodcock may twitter overhead en route to his daytime thicket, a barred owl may terminate the night's argument with one last wavering call but few others have anything to say or sing about.
It is on some, but not all, of these misty autumn daybreaks that one may hear the chorus of quail. the silence is suddenly broken by a dozen contralto voices, no longer able to restrain their praise of the day to come. After a brief minute or two, the music closes as suddenly as it began."
I love the idea that there is barely noise as the sun rises and then, in this great moment, every morning as the sun crests the horizon, there is a great swell of emotion and song as the birds welcome the fresh day ahead. They appreciate the beauty of the day ahead without thought to why they do it. They just are a part of the glory that comes at dawn each day.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Week 2: Post-Post
I decided in an effort of diversity in blog content with my peers I would use Melbourne, Florida, where my parents live, as my location.
The City of Melbourne's official websites states "Our water supply is derived from two independent sources, Lake Washington, and the Floridan Aquifer. " Obviously, the Florida Aquifer is a common source. Lake Washington (which I only knew to be a neighborhood and a tiny lake that my school did a clean-up service project at once in 8th grade) is descibed by the city as "part of the St. Johns River, the largest river in Florida. Lake Washington is approximately four miles long, and mile wide, and 10 to 15 feet deep. Lake Washington is one of the few surface water supplies used for drinking water in Florida." I was surprised that the lake is so shallow and yet we use it as a water source, and a rare surface water one at that.
As for waste water treatment plants (WWTP), in Melbourne we have two: D. B. Lee WWTP which deals with 7 million gallons per day and Grant Street WWTP which processes 5.5 million gallons per day these two plants service 74,000 customers. The City of Melbourne makes no differentiation between these waste water plants and solid waste plants, so I assume they are one in the same.
Our power is supplied by FPL or Florida Power and Light which supplies the majority of the Atlantic coast of Florida with power.
______________________________________________________________________
On to my water testing experience!
I'll be honest, I procrastinated a bit. There were just so many fun things going on this weekend. So, at 9 pm on Saturday night, I was walking toward Lake Holloway, when a few of my friends asked me where I was going. I explained what I was doing, and they decided to join me. A group of 5 of us made our way down to the dock. The two boys..er.. men helped me retreive the water, but not before we paused to watch some of the baby ducklings!
One things I discovered is that I will not be swimming in that lake anytime soon. The amount of visible organisms was enough of a deterrent, that I can not imagine what the microscopic ones are in number. Once I returned to a well lit area and preformed the tests, my readings were as follows: Air Temp- 22'C; Turbidity- 0 JTU; Water Temp- 30'C; DO- 4; and pH- 9.5.
This was not an entirely new concept to me. I went on a field trip when I was in the Advanced/Gifted Program in elementary school in Hillsborogh County. We went to the actual Zephyrshills Spring where the bottling company draws their water and pulled our own test samples. We then did similar tests to the ones we did today, as well as looking at the samples compared to the Zephyrhills Bottled Water samples, under a microscope. It also brought back memories of being obsessed with testing the pool water at the camp we lived at when I was in elementary school. Something is absolutely fascinating to a young mind about mixing the different drops to test all the water levels.
The City of Melbourne's official websites states "Our water supply is derived from two independent sources, Lake Washington, and the Floridan Aquifer. " Obviously, the Florida Aquifer is a common source. Lake Washington (which I only knew to be a neighborhood and a tiny lake that my school did a clean-up service project at once in 8th grade) is descibed by the city as "part of the St. Johns River, the largest river in Florida. Lake Washington is approximately four miles long, and mile wide, and 10 to 15 feet deep. Lake Washington is one of the few surface water supplies used for drinking water in Florida." I was surprised that the lake is so shallow and yet we use it as a water source, and a rare surface water one at that.
As for waste water treatment plants (WWTP), in Melbourne we have two: D. B. Lee WWTP which deals with 7 million gallons per day and Grant Street WWTP which processes 5.5 million gallons per day these two plants service 74,000 customers. The City of Melbourne makes no differentiation between these waste water plants and solid waste plants, so I assume they are one in the same.
Our power is supplied by FPL or Florida Power and Light which supplies the majority of the Atlantic coast of Florida with power.
______________________________________________________________________
On to my water testing experience!
I'll be honest, I procrastinated a bit. There were just so many fun things going on this weekend. So, at 9 pm on Saturday night, I was walking toward Lake Holloway, when a few of my friends asked me where I was going. I explained what I was doing, and they decided to join me. A group of 5 of us made our way down to the dock. The two boys..er.. men helped me retreive the water, but not before we paused to watch some of the baby ducklings!
One things I discovered is that I will not be swimming in that lake anytime soon. The amount of visible organisms was enough of a deterrent, that I can not imagine what the microscopic ones are in number. Once I returned to a well lit area and preformed the tests, my readings were as follows: Air Temp- 22'C; Turbidity- 0 JTU; Water Temp- 30'C; DO- 4; and pH- 9.5.
This was not an entirely new concept to me. I went on a field trip when I was in the Advanced/Gifted Program in elementary school in Hillsborogh County. We went to the actual Zephyrshills Spring where the bottling company draws their water and pulled our own test samples. We then did similar tests to the ones we did today, as well as looking at the samples compared to the Zephyrhills Bottled Water samples, under a microscope. It also brought back memories of being obsessed with testing the pool water at the camp we lived at when I was in elementary school. Something is absolutely fascinating to a young mind about mixing the different drops to test all the water levels.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Week 2: Pre-Post
I have heard so many good things about the Peace River and it is one place that I have always wanted to explore while at SEU. I have yet to have that chance so I enjoyed reading about it.
Several people have told me that it is a very enjoyable kayaking trip and others mentioned that they have found many great fossils there. I am so in love with the idea of finding fossils while kayaking and exploring nature. Its just such a romantic idea.
The SW Florida's "Trip through Native Florida" was very engaging and informative. I love that they included so many different areas of information, including the history with Osceola.
Several people have told me that it is a very enjoyable kayaking trip and others mentioned that they have found many great fossils there. I am so in love with the idea of finding fossils while kayaking and exploring nature. Its just such a romantic idea.
The SW Florida's "Trip through Native Florida" was very engaging and informative. I love that they included so many different areas of information, including the history with Osceola.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)