I’m tired, and feeling just about as blurred as the bird in this photo, skillfully evading my every attempt at focusing my lens. January 20 is a big day – one that will hopefully emerge with clearly outlined purpose, high energy, and minimal blur. I’m hoping for contrast to what has transpired – rich, exuberant contrast.
Are you celebrating, or just cautiously optimistic? Or neither? Neighbors up and down our block will gather in the street after work, for a suitable beverage and some socially distant rejoicing, to ring in the long-awaited changing of the guards. Whether this bird will join us remains to be seen, but if it comes, I will regard it as a good omen. I think we’re all relieved. Four years are finally over , and it’s time for a new beginning. Don’t know about you, but we’re flipping the old, and welcoming the new.
I was born and raised in Sweden, By now, I have lived almost as long in the United States. The path I’ve taken has been long and varied, and has given me a philosophical approach to life. I may joke that I’m a sybarite, but the truth is, I find joy and luxury in life’s simple things as well.
My outlook on life has roots in a culture rich in history and tradition, and I care a great deal about environmental stewardship. Aesthetically, while drawn to the visually clean, functional practicality and sustainable solutions that are the hallmarks of modern Scandinavia, I also have a deep appreciation for the raw, the weathered, and the worn - materials that tell a story. To me, contrast, counterpoint, and diversity are what makes life interesting and engaging.
Color has always informed everything I do. I’m a functional tetrachromat, and a hopeless plantoholic. I was originally trained as an architect working mostly on interiors, but soon ventured outside - into garden design. It’s that contrast thing again… An interior adrift from its exterior, is like a yin without a yang. My firm conviction that everything is connected gets me in trouble time and time again. The world is a big place, and full of marvelous distractions, and offers plentiful opportunities for inquiry and exploration.
I started writing to quell my constant queries, explore my discoveries, and nurture my curiosity. The Creative Flux was started in 2010, and became a catch-all for all kinds of intersecting interests. The start of Flutter & Hum at the end of 2013 marks my descent into plant nerd revelry. I occasionally contribute to other blogs, but those two are my main ones. For sure, topics are all over the map, but then again - so am I! Welcome to my blogs!
As one of your overseas, and very recent, readers I’m cautiously optimistic about the changes in your adopted country. From the UK we on the left can remember Vietnam, Iran/Contra, Iraq etc and other American adventures abroad. Not that we don’t have our own historical baggage either.
But as a fellow gardener and nature watcher/bather I wouldn’t have planted the first crop of new potatoes without the feeling that a harvest will come in the fullness of time. Keep well, take care, CS
Happy day! I kept waking up last night, counting the hours until noon DC time, 11am my time. Our flag will go out and maybe, we can all begin recovery! Here’s to decency and competence!
I’ve shed so many tears this morning. It really is amazing how much weight has been lifted from my shoulders. To know the person in the highest office has the best interests of the country in mind. Wow. Such a change. Such a relief.
I know – you and me both. And so many others, I hear. It’s staggering to think how close we were to descending into complete, brutal fascism. These four years were a good test of our system. If we’ve learned anything, it should have been which areas of our democracy need shoring up. Tears are a good way to acknowledge how close we were to losing it all.
I welcome the change with open arms and heart but I also know that there will be maddening roadblocks and opposition along the way and that it may not be possible to overcome all of these. At a minimum, I feel confident that we’ll finally have knowledgeable people at the helm who can sort truth from fiction and blatant self-interest.
You know, I was listening to NPR on my way home, and the reports from the White House were positive – tales of how the members of the new administration are old friends and work mates, and how there is a sparkling energy in the air. The 17 executive orders signed today reminded me of arriving at the scene of an accident – the first thing you do is stop the bleeding. Needless to say, I have hope. Quite a lot if it! This was a good day for our planet.
The Creative Flux 
As one of your overseas, and very recent, readers I’m cautiously optimistic about the changes in your adopted country. From the UK we on the left can remember Vietnam, Iran/Contra, Iraq etc and other American adventures abroad. Not that we don’t have our own historical baggage either.
But as a fellow gardener and nature watcher/bather I wouldn’t have planted the first crop of new potatoes without the feeling that a harvest will come in the fullness of time. Keep well, take care, CS
Happy day! I kept waking up last night, counting the hours until noon DC time, 11am my time. Our flag will go out and maybe, we can all begin recovery! Here’s to decency and competence!
Yay! We celebrated this evening with an impromptu block party – which ended up in our back yard, around the fire pit. I feel sooooo goooood!!! 😀
Yes, it feels like it is easier to breath. Happy party Anna, and cheers for better connection and tolerans between us all
We had a wonderful time, thank you! Everyone is completely exuberant – it was wonderful to share all that good energy!
I’ve shed so many tears this morning. It really is amazing how much weight has been lifted from my shoulders. To know the person in the highest office has the best interests of the country in mind. Wow. Such a change. Such a relief.
My WV: http://www.thedangergarden.com/2021/01/wednesday-vignette-overheard.html
I know – you and me both. And so many others, I hear. It’s staggering to think how close we were to descending into complete, brutal fascism. These four years were a good test of our system. If we’ve learned anything, it should have been which areas of our democracy need shoring up. Tears are a good way to acknowledge how close we were to losing it all.
I welcome the change with open arms and heart but I also know that there will be maddening roadblocks and opposition along the way and that it may not be possible to overcome all of these. At a minimum, I feel confident that we’ll finally have knowledgeable people at the helm who can sort truth from fiction and blatant self-interest.
You know, I was listening to NPR on my way home, and the reports from the White House were positive – tales of how the members of the new administration are old friends and work mates, and how there is a sparkling energy in the air. The 17 executive orders signed today reminded me of arriving at the scene of an accident – the first thing you do is stop the bleeding. Needless to say, I have hope. Quite a lot if it! This was a good day for our planet.
Just relief. Just pure relief. Not much hope, but a lot of relief. Maybe that will have to do.
Lovely shot of the…Robin?
I think it might be a Robin, but I’m terrible at bird ID. Yes, lots of relief, but already sensing future disappointments, sad to say.