Welcome to Nature's Voice, a column intended as inspirational entertainment. I'm Michele Oksen.
My home, since 1983, is a remote cabin in the Santa Lucia Mountains between Cambria and Paso Robles, California. I overlook Lake Nacimiento from this land that my grandfather traded a horse and some tires for in the early 1930's.
Well off the grid, I have a small solar system and generator for power. Gravity flow water comes from a generous neighbor's spring in the winter and spring. In the summer and fall I use a large generator to pump well water. Heat comes from firewood I cut, split, and burn in the woodstove. Propane is used to fuel the refrigerator and range.
Although I have a secure aviary for my laying hens they prefer the woodlands during the day. Bobcats, coyotes, and hawks sometimes make a meal of "my girls." I hate it when that happens, but you've never seen a happier chicken than one that gets to roam the range freely—that's why I rarely leave them locked up when the sun is shining.
When my dogs aren't asleep at my feet they will run off predators including mountain lions. Black bear lumber through my yard once in awhile. That's when the dogs bark from under the house while I bang pots and pans together and yell, "You get out of here now!" Thankfully that's worked out well so far.
My sincere hope is that each month you will join me for an online nature walk somewhere in these magnificent Pacific coastlands. Each time we step into the great outdoors I will encourage you to hear whatever messages nature has for you.
Come along. Give a listen sometime. Nature's voice is always calling. |
|
Grass – a Well-Grounded Family
by Michele Oksen
Are you one of those people who love all the green grasses that cover our SLO coast hillsides this time of year? Those of us who are fortunate enough to live here know how to enjoy the soothing sight of the lushness while it lasts. When we have occasion to drive along any of our local highways we can't help but take inventory of the green as it all too soon turns to the color of a golden Palomino.
Did you know that grass is one of the largest plant families there is? Maybe that's because grasses establish their families by way of phenomenal root systems. Grass, the family - Poaceae, is made up of many diversified individuals, much like Homo sapiens.
Remember when people used to establish themselves with roots as well? Families by blood, or bond, or both were comprised of folks who knew they belonged together. The ties that bound were a sense of place and a feeling of pride and responsibility for one's 'tribe and village.' When our roots intertwine with other humans—like grasses that share the same soil—it creates a built in system of strength and erosion prevention. Now more that ever we can see that on the grandest scale we are all one human family sharing the same foundation—earth.
Quite naturally, external forces also have an influence on the stability of a family's environment. There may be literal or figurative floods. Like the times we feel we are drowning in debt, pressure, or oppression. There may be drought. Like the times when we thirst for acceptance, kindness, or harmony. Keep in mind that various grasses and peoples tolerate challenging circumstances differently. Long lonely winters cause some to become cold and hardened until their dying days. Others may bear the storms, perk right up, and thrive when things finally warm up. Same goes for extremely hot conditions. Some manage to endure the heat and jump for joy when things cool down. Others may become scorched and permanently scarred. No matter how much water, nutrients, or sweet talk you give, they are too far gone to ever recover completely.
Thankfully, this marvelous part of the Pacific coastlands often provides conditions that are conducive to well-being and maximum growth. We can develop everything we need to progress to our potential. We can grow healthy roots in nutritious and stable soil. We can be vigorous shoots awash with supportive rain and sunshine.
We are a well grounded part of our global family. We are the conscientious leaders who are responsible for inspiring others to greatness for the sake of this rotating foundation we all cling to. Think grass roots. Think family.
NOTE: Beginning in April, this column will run under a new name - Coastland Contemplations.
Grass photo by David Hindmon
Banner image by Fugle |
