The Weekend Witness
Highlights on news, neighborhoods, and what's growing on in the world
The Obvious News
It’s really hot and there is a lot of anxiety about the upcoming presidential election.
We probably know by now with whom we can and cannot expect a productive conversation about politics. That being the case, we can observe that many of us share some measure of anxiety about the upcoming presidential election, even when we may be share the same root of the anxieties.
This might be the common ground we can start with or end with. Listening to understand and encourage each other does not require sharing the same perspective on a thing. This is time to think about our boundaries: when to engage, how to engage, and how to gracefully but firmly bow out of an exchange without storming off, silently simmering. Speaking of simmering, ya’ll stay hydrated out there.
“Politicians are a lot like diapers. They should be changed frequently, and for the same reasons.” --Mark TwainCandid Conversations
“NnnnnnnnnnonononononoyouareNOTdoingthis…” I laughed with a smidge–just a smidge– of spice as my new acquaintance took a friendly conversation about trees and soil stabilization and made a swift pivot to the president(s) “who got us into this mess.” What presidents? What mess? He assumed I understood which and what and I did not want to have this conversation! I knew my tendencies, especially during long sessions of mansplaining. Plus, I wasn’t sure if this person was able to take pushback from a woman. These waters had not yet been tested.
Can't you see
My temperature's rising
I radiate more heat than light–Neil Peart, “Presto”He paused for a second. Maybe he sensed the spicy smidge, but nevertheless plunged ahead. At some point he stated something about a certain group of people. I flashed a warning signal then raised my voice and made my point. Trees again.
After some reflection, I realized two things: 1) I don’t need to respond to everything and 2) there are some thing that demand a response. I am learning to know the difference. AND I can hope to return to that unfinished conversation while being friends in the meantime.
That can be hard where some of us were raised to be nice and not break the silent, agreeable lady code that allows people to walk all over us because sometimes the situation calls for a blunt and abrupt “No” without explanation, excuse, or apology.
Backyard Pollinators
What’s Growing On?
Photo credits: Courtney Dunkerton
DID YOU KNOW that pollinators provide about one of every three bites of food we eat? Backyard gardens, forests and fields, native species, and agricultural all rely on these busy black, gold and yellow fuzzy fliers.
Honey bees are one of many pollinators crucial to our environment, and as far as bees go, they get a lot of press and have benefitted from successful “save the bees” campaigns. BUT DID YOU KNOW that native bee populations are now the focus of concern, as the beekeeping industry has pushed the little golden honey makers to compete with other important pollinators: native bees, butterflies and other insects.
Learn more about our native bees here.
As North Carolina continues to become home to those seeking employment, a better way of life, and opportunities to capitalize on the real estate market, we want to pay attention to the impact of growth and protecting native species. These things CAN coexist!
If you are committed to a having a pesticide-free space for our little friends to work their magic, I’d like to recommend your participation in the Butterfly Highway.
The Butterfly Highway is a statewide conservation restoration initiative that aims to restore native pollinator habitats to areas impacted by urbanization, land use change and agriculture across North Carolina. From backyard Pollinator Pitstops to large-scale roadside habitat restoration, the project is creating a network of native flowering plants to support butterflies, bees, birds and other pollen and nectar dependent wildlife.
Notice my “Butterfly Highway” sign in the photo at the beginning of this section. I am so grateful to be a part of it and it’s super easy to register!
Speaking of pollinators, check out my good friend Jeff Pippen’s book Butterflies of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia: A Field Guide. This would be a great gift for you green thumb friends!
PHOTO REEL: Carpenter, bumble, and honeybees working the Cone Flowers and Mountain Mint, all native North Carolina species, and an adorable baby Birdhouse Gourd:
Belly Laugh: a 10-40 Calorie Burn
Research conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center revealed that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes burns between 10 and 40 calories. You can read some fancy research about it here.
Click HERE for your calorie burn and you’re welcome!
Well that’s a wrap! Thanks for reading, and I’d love your feedback!
