A Walk Down Memory Lane; True Bliss

My backyard continues to be under construction, and it's nearly impossible to focus on its beauties, or even to feel at peace when it is covered with tools, planks of wood, and broken pieces of my garden.


Michelle Santos's photo
 

Michelle Santos's photo

As I sit in my backyard I can't help but to think about how differently my backyard is going to look once all the construction is done. My backyard has been my backyard since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital. "It's so freaking crazy to think about all that has happened in my backyard, and how it's been a part of some life changing events. Woah, my backyard has been here for days, almost like friend." Field notes 11/7. Sitting in my backyard and noticing all the changes that have been occurring, I began to remember all the memories it holds and what is has been a part of. The insomniac nights where I lay on the roof; in hopes of sleeping with the stars. Or better yet, the hand picked roses from my garden given to my sister when she was proposed to at the beginning of spring. And of course, I can't forget the time my brother got sent to the hospital for monkeying around on the tree.

Not only does humanity lack of gratitude towards the unexplainable beauties of nature, but also towards its simple presence. Nature has been there for us and with us all along, and sometimes we don't even notice it. Think about  the gleaming spotlight from the moon for those midnight kisses. The tree of love; where you carved his initials and he carved yours. Rolling down a hill of grass as a child, while laughing so hard you literally think your laugh box is going to break. Maybe, even sneaking out with your friends for a wild night at the lake.  Think about it. Without nature, none of those irreplaceable, unforgettable, and uncontrollable memories couldn't have been possible.

Nature isn't just meant to bring us air, paper, water, and foods. It's also meant to bring us bliss. Paul Bloom, the author of "Natural Happiness," speaks of the incomparable happiness that comes from nature as well. Bloom states, "It might be that one day we will be able to replace the experience of nature with star trek holodecks and robotic animals. But until then, this basic fact about human pleasure is an excellent argument for keeping the real thing." Bloom is speaking of the happiness that humanity receives from nature, and no matter how unthinkably advanced technology gets, nature will always be the better outlet for some real green action.

Take the time to think about nature. The time to remember all the joy nature has brought you. And afterwards give a little "thanks."

                                                                   Work Cited
Paul, Bloom. Natural Happiness.


There's Never a Right to Say Goodbye

 Every year, at a constant rate, hundreds and hundreds acres worth of green and tropical forest are viciously taken down for mankind's personal use, such as money, family needs, but the most common reason is agriculture--farmers will cut down land to plant crops and raise their livestock. The problem is not only the loss of trees, but also the millions of species that helplessly lose their homes, and unfortunately many of those species don't survive as they require certain environments to live in. (Deforestation). And for those who don't know, everything and everyone in the world make up one giant family, and when someone or something is hurt, it usually has on impact on almost everything, including us. For example, as millions of trees are cut down, the amount of oxygen is also cut down, an element essential for our existence. Also, as population and deforestation continue to grow, we are helping to create deadly circumstances.


"I never thought I would feel this upset to see my rose bush be removed completely from my backyard. It's not fair--it's been here forever and now it has to be removed so there will be enough space to build a shed--AN UNNECESSARY SHED." Field notes 10/31. After twelve long years of overflowing red and white roses, my rose bush has come to an end as my parents feel the most sincere necessity to build a shed that will require to destroy the entire garden. For years my rose bush has been the home to many bees as they need some type of plant where they can pollinate. Pollination is when pollen is transferred from the male parts to the female parts of a flower of the same kind. Eventually leading to the production of seeds. Pollination is necessary to maintain the balance in growing crops, the crops in which we consume. (Pollination). Although my rose bush was not providing foods for my community, there is still an impact in my backyard. With my rose bush being removed it means that the bees will have more time to target one of my family members to sting. It also means that there will be a greater amount of pests targeting the few plants that's remain.

Michelle Santos's photo

It's quite amazing to know that humanity is selfishly killing acres of nature, and they know nothing of what's truly at risk--our lives. Nature isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity, and whether it is a big or small part of nature, it has an impact on someone or everyone when something is hurt. Life is a gift, so why not take care of it?

                                                               Works Cited

    

“Deforestation.” Nationalgeographic. N.p. n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.

“Pollination.” Nativeplants. N.p. 28 May 2014. Web.  2 Nov. 2014.