Awareness of the outside world. The Alabama Hunter Jumper Association Banquet is today. (Grits teeth. Stomps down grumpy vibes.) One of these years, I will be reveling in h/j satin!
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Alternate title, In Praise of Civilization.
You might have guessed the non-outdoorsy main character in the recent sketches was somewhat autobiographical. [North To Alaska part 1] & [Taking The Long Way Home part 2]
From what I have seen in photos, Alaska is gorgeous. A visit sounds lovely. Go look at the pretty mountains. Then return to my hotel. Hike for three days to go look at the pretty mountains? No, thank you. I’m all about central heating and indoor plumbing.
I love nature, in a park.
I love animals, on my couch.
I like caves, with lights.
Call me a soft product of modern civilization? Yes. That’s the point. Safety, sanitation, and a reliable food supply have been the goals of humanity for thousands of years. Have we been perfect in sharing the benefits? No. Have we made mistakes? Yes. That doesn’t mean the underlying idea is flawed. We need to do a better job, not give it all up and become hunter-gatherers.
If living out it the wild is your bliss, great. You do you. In the modern world, no one should be forced to live raw due to the social choices of others. But we have wandered into politics.
We only started idolizing nature once it stopped trying to kill us. Or at least kill us on a daily basis. Nature still has its moments. It used to have those moments a lot more often. Woods used to be dark and scary and the home of dangerous critters. Nature became romantic once it became a choice.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 