SOTC 346/365 (plus a bonus photo!)

Listen up for a minute. I don’t typically do editorial photography; however, when my planet is at stake, I make an exception.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg came to Alberta this week. Her trip included a stop in Edmonton on a Friday, which happens to be her weekly school strike day.

I’m primarily a nature/outdoor photographer, capturing the beauty of the world around me. And I want that beauty to last—both for my lifetime and the lifetime of generations to come. Everything I photograph inspires me to protect this earth I dwell upon. How does it not inspire others?!

So I admire Greta for turning up the volume on the issue of sustainability, and how critical it is to take actions--both individually, and as a society--that will improve our planet. Each part of the globe has their challenges; each part of the globe also has the power and ability to work and think differently.

One news article I read following her visit to Edmonton indicated that while Greta's message is powerful, it is not fully informed, as she does not seem to recognize any of the initiatives that already exist--initiatives of the kind that she is advocating for. It was is something I reflected on as well. There are several great innovations, nationally and world-wide, that reduce our negative impact on the environment (one of my favourites is this bad boy here).

That being said, at the end of the day--at least in Alberta--we are still extracting oil from the ground in excess. Alberta’s identity is wrapped up in oil and gas, to a fault. I get it--I heat my home with natural gas and fill up my car at Shell like everyone else. AND, I also believe we need to move away from oil and gas to something more sustainable as fast as possible.

I do agree that Greta will need to start affirming the positive actions that are being taken if she wants her message to remain powerful and motivating over time. It's well-known that recognizing strengths is a better motivator for learning and change than admonishment. Greta's key focus right now seems to be in sending the message that society simply isn't moving fast enough to counteract the damage we are still doing; and, that we aren't taking those 2C seriously enough. While the message is limited in scope, she's not wrong. (I've been eco-conscious since well before she was born, and some days it blows my mind that some people don't even value the concept of recycling, let alone anything more advanced.)

I have lots of beautiful places I want to photograph both in this province and around the world. ...will they still be there when I arrive?

Muttart Therapy OR SOTC 40/365

I bought an annual pass to the Muttart Conservatory today. In four visits it pays for itself. Last year I visited three times, two with the sole purpose of taking pictures. The thought of being able to go an unlimited number of times this year excites me, camera in hand or not! First of all, the Muttart is a green reprieve in the dark depths of winter--offering tropical climes year-round in one of its pyramids. Second, in its feature pyramid, vibrant colours are ever-changing with themed displays--a sight to take in through every season. Third, the other two pyramids remain temperate and arid all year round. It's like having a mini trip to Arizona or Seattle whenever I want without the cost of a plane ticket.

My goal this year is to visit the Muttart at least once per Feature Pyramid  display. There will be seven over the course of the year. The first one celebrates the Chinese New Year. As the display will be over by the time I get back from Hawaii, and my weekends are filling up fast, I figured I'd better check it out today. The pyramid was adorned in red and gold, featured a dragon in the centre, and was punctuated around its perimeter by many of their lovely orchids. I don't know who's responsible for the design of the Feature Pyramid, but they always do a great job.

I skipped the Arid Pyramid today, and spent only a little time in the Temperate Pyramid, given that, currently, it's not much warmer than the outdoors of Edmonton. I moved quickly to the Tropical Pyramid, my favourite.

Aside from the warm, cozy humidity that hugs you upon entry into the green space, it seems that there is always something blooming in this pyramid. It may not be the same each visit, but because tropical climes can grow plants all year round, it means there is always something popping open. Sometimes it's a Bird of Paradise. Other times a hibiscus. Today it was a water lily.

One small flower, opening itself up against an expanse of green to showcase its colours. Beckoning all who pass by to stop, look, appreciate. By the time I return, it may be gone.

But I see you today.
I see You today.

41/365

It's been about 30C (85F) for the last several days in Edmonton. Uncharacteristic for the city (heck, most of the country) this time of year. This is the fourth year in a row that we have been blessed with summer temperatures in September. Climate Shift, thy name is Alberta???

Still, despite the summer feel, it is clear that fall is arriving. Neighbourhoods and River Valley trails are spotted with yellow trees, the sun is waking up later and going to bed earlier, and as hot as it's been getting in the day time, it's dipping down to about 10C or less (50F) at night.

I decided to mow the lawn this afternoon. With the increase in temperatures and decrease in rain these last few weeks, it's been a while since I'd tended to it, but it was finally starting to look a bit untidy, so I figured my lawn deserved a hair cut. :) Except that mowing the lawn then turned into a whole clean-up-the-garden event. My mom joined me outside, pointing to different areas of the yard and commenting, "in the fall, you'll want to... this" and "in the fall, you'll want to... that." As I'm taking note of these garden tips, I'm thinking about how it pretty much is fall, and how it's not going to get any warmer, really, than it has been this week, so maybe I should start tackling some of the tasks now, while it's still nice enough that I want to be outside.

So we loosened the dirt at the side of the house and yanked up a bunch of weeds. Pulled out the mass of weeds growing between the driveway and the fence, as well. Took apart the small garden bed near the BBQ that I want to re-build differently next spring. Plucked a couple cucumbers from the garden and watered what's left of the vegetables.

Next weekend I will do more pulling and plucking, as well as some pruning.

It's hard to believe the season of growth and colour and life is moving towards dormancy once again, and in a couple short months, I will be shoveling the driveway instead of mowing the lawn. :\

That being said, as long as it is warm and sunny, I will get my hands a little dirty while I can.

Crazy Cool Seattle

I am currently very excited; I get to go to Seattle this weekend! (I was there for the first time back in September) The initial motivator for this trip was to see Rob Bell, who is on tour speaking across the country. Seattle happens to be the closest he will be coming to Canada. But of course, it being the Family Day Long weekend for us Albertans, and Rob Bell's talk comprising a mere two hours of the entire weekend, there will be ample opportunity to revisit highlights from the first trip and create some new adventures, too!

So anyway, I'm a geek, and have off-and-on over the last month gleaned information about Seattle for fun. This evening, I just wiki'd Seattle outright. While Seattle's weather may be dull most of the time, Seattle is anything but a dull city!

For example, did you know that Seattle is in a major earthquake zone?! Or that its original name was Duwamps (after the Indian tribe)? ...I already knew that Starbucks originated in Seattle (saw it close up). I did NOT know that, despite having a population of a mere 600,000, Seattle is one of the most congested cities in the US. I recently learned that a major fire in 1889 burned most of the downtown area, and the city was rebuilt ON TOP of itself. Seattle has an underground city!!! ...This is cool stuff!

I have quickly fallen for this city. When I was there in September, I could not get over the amazingly amicable people, and the beauty of the rolling hills and the ocean. ...Alas, the poor city only averages 58 sunny days a year, which is the main reason I could never live there. I grew up averaging 333 sunny days per year in Calgary (top sunny city in Canada), and living in Edmonton still affords me about 321 sunny days per year.

But a weekend road trip? Sign me up anytime!