I have been thinking for a long time that it’s more like a paradigm shift, and we won’t know what’s shifted or how until we’re well past it. Unless it shifts the wrong way. But I feel like helping to shift it the right way is happening under the surface, or in collective actions that don’t make news. We’ll have to see.
I love the vision of you on the river, with the stars and words and activities of the daytime 💗
I hate green lawns. And I saw a friend on FB the other day share a post about wildfires. His post said, "Summer used to be fun." I've thought so much about that since seeing it. Summer did used to be fun. Now it's terrifying how hot it is and how much we burn every summer. TERRIFYING.
Over here in the Gallatin I weep daily. Haze and smoke constantly. A neighbor burning trash in his backyard against a backdrop of one hundred-year-old Douglas Fir trees without the slightest knowledge or concern or interest, really, for what the loss of them would mean. Our state government offers no leadership on common goals that I used to think all Montanans share, quality of life in our state is quality of environment. Do we have to suffer until it’s gone entirely for folks to wake up? It is rampant uncontrolled destructive capitalism in Greater Yellowstone, and those profiting the most will just go to their luxury homes in Hawaii or wherever when it’s all gone here.
i share your anguish. from my 12th floor apartment hermit-cave i look out across the denver skyline sweep my gaze across much of the sprawling city north and south then west again towards the mountains which i know are still there but disappear much of every summer for the ozone and wildfire smoke and what we used to call "smog"--and i think "i'm glad i won't be here much longer." then i'm overcome w/grief and guilt and helplessness, too. we moved from the burbs to retire w/o yard etc. i love my reclusive refuge as a place to study and write and nurture an inner life. but it's impossible not to see... thanks again for another provocative piece.
That's the weirdest thing. I feel like climate change should be treated at this point like an evacuation order, or a flood, where folks are lined up stacking sandbags. A collective, all-hands-on-deck effort to turn it around. And it is nothing like that at all. It's crazy to me.
Also, you don't like boats on water? You'd have enjoyed this, I think, Victoria.
The ocean is on fire! As I drive I-5 from Eugene back to Montana, it's like a moving parking lot for the first 3 hours with a 10 minute stop due to accident. Cars with one person including me, sit idling, exhaust joining the haze already in the air. The Willamette River running through Portland looks lower than I have ever seen it. WTF are we going to do? A friend of mine in Eugene gave up her car years ago, committed to not flying, etc. I've got some changes to make.
I would like me ashes scattered in the Blackfoot, Box Canyon to be exact.
I have been thinking for a long time that it’s more like a paradigm shift, and we won’t know what’s shifted or how until we’re well past it. Unless it shifts the wrong way. But I feel like helping to shift it the right way is happening under the surface, or in collective actions that don’t make news. We’ll have to see.
I love the vision of you on the river, with the stars and words and activities of the daytime 💗
I wish I was still ON the river!
For your sake so do I!
I hate green lawns. And I saw a friend on FB the other day share a post about wildfires. His post said, "Summer used to be fun." I've thought so much about that since seeing it. Summer did used to be fun. Now it's terrifying how hot it is and how much we burn every summer. TERRIFYING.
Summer is the season I dread most anymore. But fun is always worth trying for.
Over here in the Gallatin I weep daily. Haze and smoke constantly. A neighbor burning trash in his backyard against a backdrop of one hundred-year-old Douglas Fir trees without the slightest knowledge or concern or interest, really, for what the loss of them would mean. Our state government offers no leadership on common goals that I used to think all Montanans share, quality of life in our state is quality of environment. Do we have to suffer until it’s gone entirely for folks to wake up? It is rampant uncontrolled destructive capitalism in Greater Yellowstone, and those profiting the most will just go to their luxury homes in Hawaii or wherever when it’s all gone here.
Montana is really a tough place to be right now, there's no getting around it.
i share your anguish. from my 12th floor apartment hermit-cave i look out across the denver skyline sweep my gaze across much of the sprawling city north and south then west again towards the mountains which i know are still there but disappear much of every summer for the ozone and wildfire smoke and what we used to call "smog"--and i think "i'm glad i won't be here much longer." then i'm overcome w/grief and guilt and helplessness, too. we moved from the burbs to retire w/o yard etc. i love my reclusive refuge as a place to study and write and nurture an inner life. but it's impossible not to see... thanks again for another provocative piece.
Thanks, Wayne. Hang in there. Keep writing that wonderful poetry.
I feel you.
Yes!! The League of Conservation Voters is putting on a webinar Thurs about 4:00 on climate...
There's so much I wish I could control in order to "make others do the right thing" but the only person I am in control of is ME.
Always ALWAYS love reading you, Chris.
Thank you, Marie.
Climate change should be the global threat that brings us all together. Should be. Could be. I hope it happens soon.
Your trip sounds heavenly. Except for the boats on water part. 😂
That's the weirdest thing. I feel like climate change should be treated at this point like an evacuation order, or a flood, where folks are lined up stacking sandbags. A collective, all-hands-on-deck effort to turn it around. And it is nothing like that at all. It's crazy to me.
Also, you don't like boats on water? You'd have enjoyed this, I think, Victoria.
The ocean is on fire! As I drive I-5 from Eugene back to Montana, it's like a moving parking lot for the first 3 hours with a 10 minute stop due to accident. Cars with one person including me, sit idling, exhaust joining the haze already in the air. The Willamette River running through Portland looks lower than I have ever seen it. WTF are we going to do? A friend of mine in Eugene gave up her car years ago, committed to not flying, etc. I've got some changes to make.
I would like me ashes scattered in the Blackfoot, Box Canyon to be exact.
The Blackfoot is a special place. And I love the PNW as much. It's hard to see all the change.