Lenten Photo Challenge; Day 26 - Wilderness

I wish there were more wilderness near where I live. I would visit it more often. Unfortunately there are fewer and fewer areas of wilderness in our country and in our world.

Population and urban growth are creeping into the wilderness. And then there are those people, who like me, would like to have a home and live in the wilderness, but unlike me, they actually have the money and freedom to actually move into it and make it less wild.

I think that is the nature of people to time the wild. Make the wilderness more domesticated. We did it with wolves. Why stop there? I don't think that is a bad thing but we should know where and when to stop. Not every wild area has to have a mulched trail and port-a-potty for our convenience. Some people are just not made to be in the wilderness.

But we keep bringing civilization to the wilderness. There is a whole political discussion that could be done on this topic but I don't have the brains or time to do that here. I just would like there to be more wilderness and limits to our incursions into it.

I want my kids and their kids to know what a wilderness is.... and not by having to travel to the city.


The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders.
Edward Abbey

Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.
Henry David Thoreau

In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.
Charles Lindbergh

The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.
Jim Fowler

Lenten Photo Challenge: - Day 23 - Stop

Stop. People really need to stop.


They need to stop and think before they speak.

They need to stop thinking that there is only a right and left.

They need to stop and think before they pull the race card.

They need to stop before taking knee-jerk reactions.

They need to stop thinking that they are always right.

They need to stop blaming others for their own mistakes.

They need to stop thinking only of themselves.

They need to stop talking about people behind their backs.

They need to stop complaining about every God-damned thing that happens that maybe doesn't go right.

They need to stop thinking they can handle everything by themselves.

They need to stop letting everyone do everything for and give everything to them.

They need to stop being lazy.

They need to stop. Access themselves. Look into themselves and see what they need to stop doing.

** I had some input on these. Not all of them are my original thoughts. I could go on. I am sure you could too, but let's stop here. **

The season of Lent.

I am a Lutheran and by most accounts, have never really observed the tradition of giving up something for Lent. But after a discussion with my Pastor a few years ago, I saw the reasoning, logic and devotion that takes place in the practice of giving up something for Lent. The first year I did it, I gave up soda pop... not things like Brisk ice tea or things like that, but soda pop proper. Fizzy caffinated soft drinks. Made it through without too much trouble and discovered that when I could have it again, I really didn't miss it. The next year, I gave up soft drinks, and potato based meals. Again, no problem and really didn't miss it. This year, I will add one more. Candy. I have a sweet tooth that you cannot imagine! I love candy. It is my premium gas for my high octane engine! Any thing that comes in a wrapper, or in a box will be verboten for the next 40 days. This will be tough. Hopefully I will find another fuel to use keep the metabolism up! The sacrifice and challenge will be good for me. I will keep you up to date.

Later!

Sorry for the delay...

Sorry I have not been more attentive to the blog. A lot of stuff going on. I have a huge project at work that is taking up most of the brain cells in my head, things are busy around home, and I have been distracted by a injury (maybe) to my right knee. The doctor suspects I have a torn meniscus (cartilage) that will maybe require some outpatient surgery. We will see. However, to let you know what has been happening, I have a number of history demos coming up soon, (Love them, as they pay really well!) and I and working on the next two batches of DeeJay Cellars wine. They are a Port and a Cabernet. Both are about two weeks or more from bottling. And I am eagerly awaiting Easter, as I gave up Soda, all candy, and all potatoe products for Lent. (I am not a Catlikker, but a Lutheran, but I see a good lesson in the practice of giving up things for Lent.) I am not really missing anything, but I am looking forward to having a chance at eating those danged Kathryn Beich candy bars my son is selling for his Scout Troop! Dang those caramel bars are good. I hear them calling my name! Anyway, that is all for now.

Later!