Footnotes to a Conversation, June 10, 2024
“Time and memory are true artists; they remould reality nearer to the heart’s desire.” – John Dewey
Wild Women
Wild Woman: Empowering Stories from Women who Work in Nature by Philippa Forrester combines personal anecdotes with stories of other women who work in nature, from a 16th-century botanist who made tremendous personal sacrifices to study plants on a voyage around the world to a wildlife photographer in Alaska and a woman who established a wildlife reserve in Africa. Forrester asks each woman why she chose to work in nature, how it makes them feel, and whether they believe women have specific qualities and skills that lend themselves to working in nature.
Women are often overlooked or discouraged from working outdoors or with wildlife, and that’s a mistake. If you know a young adult who loves animals and being outdoors, be sure to give them this book to read. It may help them choose a career.
What a Beautiful Mess!
We blush when we think about some of the stupid things we’ve done and try to hide our flaws from other people. Yet research has shown that “people often see a confession of vulnerability as a sign of authenticity.” Being honest about our weaknesses makes us more likable.
“If you can calm your inner critic and recognise that insecurity, disappointment and frustration are universal human experiences, you will find it far easier to share your perceived flaws with others – whose empathetic reactions may then act as a balm to your pain. Rather than isolating us, the things that cause us shame are often a sign of our humanity, and a source of intimacy and connection.” [The Guardian]
Clap Your Hands
Why do humans clap their hands? It’s mentioned in the Bible on a couple of occasions, but it really took off in ancient Rome. Nero paid 5,000 soldiers to clap at his public appearances, the more noise, the higher his rating. In the 1500s professional “claquers” were paid to attend theatre performances and lead the ovations. Organized clapping during the pandemic helped build community. But social pressure means none of us wants to be the first to stop clapping. [BBC]
6 Unexpected Pollinators
Mention pollinators and we automatically think of bees, but there are so many other pollinators, including flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, wasps, and spiders. [EcoFriendly West]
I am taking a short break. The next issue of Footnotes to a Conversation will be on July 1, 2024.
Footnotes to a Conversation is a weekly Monday feature covering an assortment of topics that I’ve come across in the preceding week – books, art, travel, food, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I also post occasional articles on other dates, including frequent book reviews and travel tales.
If you share my love of nature, check out EcoFriendly West, an online publication encouraging environmental initiatives in Western Canada, and Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces.