Residents in Aotearoa: Solidarity

Friday, 27 March 2020

Solidarity

I don't know if this is being done elsewhere in the world, but it is in New Zealand. During this mandatory shutdown, people are being separated from one another. Therefore, if people in their homes could reach out in some way to those passing by, it might make for a more caring attitude in everyone.

It was suggested that putting a teddy bear in a window might be a good idea. Children walking with their parents on the streets could take comfort as they passed friendly teddies waving to them.

You'll see in this post that some folks had other ideas than teddy bears, but it all works. Enjoy.

This picture is actually always up there. It is our dentist and dental hygenist. (sisters)

Okay, I admit it, I'm cheating with this one. But who has a seal balancing a ball as a lawn ornament?

I'm adding some additional shots that I took after publishing this post yesterday. And, I'm attaching a Youtube video I just took of a tui.

On the sidewalk near the train station.

Espalier Park

Sorry for the shaking on this video. The wind was pushing at me a bit, and I had quite a bit of zoom on the camera. (and I'm 68)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7L2n0frbfs -djf

2 comments:

Dianne29 March 2020 at 12:42
I’m glad I waited a day before adding my comment so I could see the extra pictures you posted and the video of the Tui bird. I love the subtle humor in Summerland’s sign! And it makes sense that Espalier Park is closed since it’s a playground. Hopefully they won’t close the nature walks as well! And I see the trains and buses are still running – bus routes here have stopped.

Back here in my own neighborhood I can’t say that there are teddies in people’s windows, but I have noticed lots more people and families walking, riding bikes, etc. On my walk this morning a couple was out in their front yard playing with their dogs by blowing soap bubbles for them to chase! It was delightful to see and then just a few houses later, a mom in her front yard was blowing bubbles for her toddler! Although it was not choreographed that way, I thought what a wonderful way to spread some joy during these scary times. I am thinking of making a yard sign to encourage and uplift those who pass by – and a neighborhood group is suggesting we put out luminaries, a candle or light in our front yards on April 1st to show our unity and spread a little light and hope.
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Doug Foster29 March 2020 at 12:51
I could have put many, many more pictures of teddies, other stuffed animals, and even angels that I see in the windows of the houses around here. I think that most people are demonstrating a very good attitude during this crisis.
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My deer blind, a place outside of time and space.

This is a picture of my deer hunting blind. I built in in 1975 and used it until about 2010. I'm publishing this picture and text on November 15 of 2022, the opening day of Michigan's rifle deer hunting season, to remember all the years I spent sitting there and occasionally harvesting a deer. I think that the meat I provided for my family was only a small portion of the benefit I received from hunting in this manner. Of greater value to me was the time I spent alone, watching the forest and its many components interact. I had time to unwind from the stresses of my work, to appreciate our world, and even sometimes to pray. That blind was a refuge to me. It was cozy, and comfortable and I spent much more time filming the activities of not only deer, but bears, racoons, turkeys, squirrels, hawks, and once, even a snowy owl, than I did harvesting deer. May I suggest to all of you that you try to find some time and a place, where you can be alone, and where you can ponder and appreciate your life and your place in the world. It does a body good. -djf