Robin Wall Kimmerer: "The animacy of the world is something we already know, but the language of animacy teeters on extinction—not just for Native peoples, but for everyone. Our toddlers speak of plants and animals as if they were people, extending to them self and intention and compassion—until we teach them not to. We quickly retrain them and make them forget. When we tell them that the tree is not a who, but an it, we make that maple an object; we put a barrier between us, absolving ourselves of moral responsibility and opening the door to exploitation. Saying it makes a living land into “natural... jabel.blog

@jabel Love this! Soundtrack for this post, two songs by Poi Dog Pondering: Fact of Life and Bury me Deep!

@Denny Checking them out now!

@Denny growing up in TX and the Austin music scene, I really enjoyed Poi Dog Pondering! They made quite a splash for the time that they were in Austin. How fun to see their names pop up.

@jabel So, funny: Before I clicked the link to read your comments, recalling your mention the other day of the guy for whom veganism was baseline morality, I was ready to comment that the people(s) she refers to were, interestingly, not vegans. This is why one should always RTFA before commenting, ya? So I'll just mention that I've been reading Kimmerer's book on moss, and it's fascinating stuff. I love moss.

@jabel Oh, and per your woodworking thoughts, as an extension of no. 2: Make things that can be repaired, and that are worth the trouble of repairing. (I use liquid hide glue especially in chairs because it is reversible and sticks to itself—unlike yellow glue.) And failing that, remember that wood is also an excellent source of heat, so don't use chemical finishes that will off-gas into your ribs when you wind up chucking the whole thing on the barbecue.

@dwalbert That's a really good addition. Also, I didn't know yellow glue wasn't reversible! Tom Johnson (the restorer I watch on YouTube) always uses hide glue but I thought that was because it was period appropriate. Makes even more sense now. Thanks!

@jabel Thoughtful writing as always. And appreciated. Also: something germane and something apropos 🤓 (watch that second one to the end)

@tinyroofnail Thank you for all of those things!

@dwalbert Moss 😍🥰❤️

@dwalbert Love moss too, getting regular wonderful photos via @Rachelburch 🦠

@odd Thanks for the link to those photos!