What kind of world...










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... are we creating?

Plant-animal relationships. Culture and our relationship with nature. Conceptions of beauty. How change happens. For our biosphere, I write, educate, and garden with these things in mind. Along the way, there have been unexpected delights: For one, finding out that butterflies differ in eye color.

Brimstone butterfly, found across Africa, Asia, and Europe.  Caterpillar host plants: buckthorns (Rhamnus species) and alder buckthorn (Frangula dodonei).

Silver-washed fritillary, found in Algeria, Europe, Japan, and temperate Asia. Caterpillar host plants: violets (Viola species). This butterfly is "puddling" --
drinking salt- and mineral-laden moisture from the soil to pass in his sperm to the female. Caterpillars need these salts and minerals to develop into butterflies;
​the nutrients in the caterpillar host plants are not enough.

Red admiral butterfly, widespread in temperate regions, found in Asia, Central and North America, Europe, North Africa, and on Hawaiian and Caribbean islands.
​ Caterpillar host plants: primarily stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and other species in the nettle family (Urticaceae). 

After living in France for nearly six years, I've returned to Southern California. The transition has been a shock; the contrast, stark. It was marvelous being in a country with universal health care, ample and means-tested options for childcare, five times more affordable housing per capita, and a demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship. In France, there was so much less suffering. The country prioritizes the common good. 
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In the end, as with everything, it's about what we value.

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Ménec Neolithic alignments, Carnac, France

​What will we leave behind?

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