A green thumb I am not, in fact you would do well to keep anything plant like away from me as I would probably kill it just by being near it. I can't grow things and I can't start a proper fire...I'd be dead in about 18 minutes if the apocalypse started because of these two simple facts. Sadly, I am not at all knowledgeable in how the natural world truly works. I didn't know until maybe 10 years ago or so how bees are used to pollinate fields. I mean I know bees pollinate but I didn't realize that it was actually an "industry"used to, well, feed us. Told you I wasn't all that smart.
But worry not, smarter people than I are all over this thing. And worry not, I'm not going to talk about the birds and the bees either. No, I wanted to talk about roots. There was a video posted somewhere that caught my attention, a time lapse of a bean seed germinating and sprouting. Incredible this nature thing I must say. It has always amazed me to see plant life sprout out through concrete in the middle of the downtown core, as they said in Jurassic Park "life finds a way". The largest living organism on earth is a fungus down in the States, nearly 4 km across. Imagine the root system on this baby, I wonder if it has anything to do with the shit above it, Drumphland and all right?
To watch the complex system spreading from this tiny seed, roots and off shoots working through photosynthesis and molecular processes all in support of the final product, the humble bean. It is of course a metaphor for life and yes you'd be right in assuming that this is what is jangling around in my head at the moment. Roots and how they play in the tapestry of our lives.
Our roots run deep. They nourish us, sustain us, support us and allow us to grow into whatever it is we will be. Photosynthesis replaced by life experiences of our own and of those around us. This is how we become who we are...simple right? Hardly. Complex systems that work together for a common purpose are just that, complex, so never easy. From defective cells (fuck off cancer) to any number of variables that can affect our system it's a wonder that we have flourished as we have. Life finds a way I guess, and thank fuck that it does because life can be beautiful if you let it in.
Spending an evening with Scott last night where we dined and drank as men do on the eve of battle, with little regard to the next day because what was important was the here and now. We sat for an excellent Japanese meal where we let the chef choose our food for us...we were in his hands and it was amazing. A pre-dinner drink surrounded by warm wood and comfortable chairs to allow for our particular brand of discourse. And finally back to the apartment for an excellent bottle of Spanish wine that we have always enjoyed while talking about the coming apocalypse and the funny things in our lives. It was a privilege to spend this kind of time with him, it allowed for us to talk through things. So while the occasion was created out of a somber reason we shared a beautiful evening together strengthening our roots some more and weaving some more of our tapestries together.
The paradox of these strong roots that keep us in check and grounded is that they also allow us to move freely about to garner new experiences, to live and love and set down even more roots which will allow for even more of the same again. Feeding our system with love, life and happiness is how we continue to grow, both as individuals and as people together. Principles, integrity, courage and character...these are the by products of our roots and the hope is that these are the traits that get pollinated over to other people in our lives. The best of us becoming part of another root system...green thumb after all, perhaps.
Ciao
D
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