In the Humble Opinion of LittleBill, Socialist, Atheist, and Humanist
One Sees Heaven, Another Sees Hell

One Sees Heaven, Another Sees Hell


Tourists going through Santa Barbara on this beautiful fall day, are probably looking with envy at our Santa Ynez Mountains, wishing that they could live here too. But I look at those mountains through a different prism.

I was driving up a street on May 5 of this year, with a good view of the mountains, and I saw a small puff of smoke which turned out to be the birth of the Jesusita fire. And today I write this blog to the regulated sound of planes flying over, spreading hydromulch as they go. Their task is to plant the beginnings of another, far-far-off forest to replace what we once had.

When I look at the mountains, I do not see a scene of majesty. Instead, my mind sees frightened little animals trying desparately to stay alive. I see courageous little animal mothers covering their children with their own bodies to protect them. And five months later, I see those who are left searching in the rock and ash for nourishment which is no longer there.

A fire wrought by Nature is part of Nature’s history, as well as its recipe and nurture for the rest of time. A fire caused carelessly or purposely by Man is a weapon either of wanton pleasure or evil malice.

In the days since the fire, I have greatly increased my birdfeeding stations, and it is a joy to realize that I am now feeding birds which may well have come here to seek refuge.

ARW
10/7/09

11 comments:

jmsjoin said...

Hi my little Bill so glad to hear from you. You are such a sweetheart! The birds and other animals are so luck to have you there. Isn't it said when someplace so beautiful becomes a prison? I hope you are well, stay safe!

Lily said...

Nice to see you posting again!

Yes, it's heartbreaking to see how people can be this careless or even evil!
I have my experiences with fire and I have a healthy respect for it, I always watch that it never can sound us, nor that the fumes will toxicate us. Most people think taht's weird. For them it's either be careless or be afraid. someone who has a responsible attitude seems rather strange to them.
Hope, you're doing well now little Bill! take care and enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn!

jmsjoin said...

Hi little Bill
Just looking in so I will say Hi and I hope you are well, take care!

Hi Sarah Sofia!

Vigilante said...

I know you don't want to hear this Lil' Bill, But God loves you for your tender mercies. And so do we all!

jmsjoin said...

Hi little bill! Just seeing if you have anything new to say! Hope you are well, take care!

jmsjoin said...

Hi little bill!
Thinking of you and I hope you are well!

jmsjoin said...

Gee I guess I blew that away! Thinking of you! hope you are well and had a nice weekend!

Lily said...

Hi everybody!

It's getting cold in Denmark now and I hope you are all doing fine in the States!

take care little Bill!

jmsjoin said...

Hi Sarah Sofia, stay warm!

Hi my little Bill! Just seeing if you have anything to say, Hi, hope all is well and take care!

Lily said...

Mot easy to do Jim, it's bloody cold now...!

Hi little Bill! hope you and everybody else is having a golden autumn!

Vigilante said...

Hey, Lil'Bill! Hope your tail is wagging! Might try to call you today!