Seeing Patterns

George Bernard Shaw said, "If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience."

I believe there are those who learn from history and with that knowledge are able to re-shape the cyclical turn slightly from what would occur if uninfluenced by that knowledge.  It is as though they are able to nudge the pendulum just enough to change its monotonous passage through space and time.  They change the course of the future.

I also believe there are some who change the pattern while oblivious to the repetitive nature of events through time.  They are inspired to do something that sends ripples through the pattern -- a wobble in the spinning top -- that changes the course into the future.  The actions might be small, or they might be of a larger nature.  The key is that they are actions.

It would be easy at this point to sermonize on the consequences of our actions.  That is, as the British might say, a "sticky wicket."  A simple and glaring example is that Israel likely would not exist today had it not been for the acts of Hitler.  Where is the morality in that?  His actions certainly had consequences, but they were not what he intended nor was the result brought about in the way most people would have preferred.

Yes, our actions have consequences, but we don't always know if they will be good or bad.

Patterns of history are one thing, but patterns exist all around us in many forms.  I think it is instructive to note that they create a mathematical symphony of symmetry.  The Four-spotted Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla quadriguttata) is actually a wasp.  It has a distinct pattern that makes it easily identifiable.  The one below was wandering near our firepit a few weeks ago.

 Making Sense

There is so much in this world that doesn't make sense.  Most of it involves human behavior.  I'm sure that if I understood all of the factors that went into shaping a person's worldview I might begin to understand, but such is impossible for man.  We just have to accept that people are each wired differently -- both from their genetic makeup as well as their life experiences.

Even the concept that what one perceives as strange behavior seems perfectly natural to another is difficult to comprehend.  Our life experiences, education, and the influence of friends strongly biases us to see behaviors that are not common to our like-minded friends, family and acquaintances that we find those "strange" behaviors difficult to understand.

The opposite side of that is for one to become so used to odd behaviors that they begin to accept them as completely natural and common.  The danger in doing so is that truly dangerous behaviors are allowed to go unchecked.  Those who fall into this category see those of the previous category as being bigoted, racists and worse.  When this occurs, they become guilty of the very thing they condemn.

I must admit that I am a little biased against anything that looks like a wasp.  I have been stung more than once, and the experience is not pleasant.  Yesterday I found Black-and-yellow Mud Daubers (Sceliphron caementarium)  on one of the Jalapeno Pepper plants.  My first inclination was to find the wasp spray.  I decided I didn't want to spray them while on the pepper plant because I didn't want to possibly consume the chemical.  Instead, I became intrigued by their behavior and took their photograph.

I believe there are three of the Mud Daubers in the picture.  I don't know for certain what they were doing but after reading some about them I suspect they were searching for food -- either tiny insects or possibly nectar from the flowers.  I think it likely they were providing a beneficial service.  I don't really know enough to know what I don't know in this case -- just like in the case of some human behavior.

 Rainy Day

It is sometimes nice to have a rainy day.  We have been spending most mornings out working on our place despite the heat and humidity.  At least the mornings are a little cooler than the afternoons.

A light, steady rain is falling as I sit here with a cup of coffee and express a few random thoughts in this blog.  I must admit that I don't really have anything profound to say, but this morning may be worse than normal.  I am rambling.

I hear birds calling among the trees despite the rain.  Maybe they are happy for the coolness and perhaps needed a shower.  I wonder if I should put soap and a towel out by the bird bath....

There are a Cardinal and a Downey Woodpecker in the Sweetgum Tree just outside my window.  The rain doesn't seem to be bothering them.  In fact, they seem joyful if birds can experience such feelings.

I suppose that is the lesson for the day.  Be joyful in all circumstances.  Sounds Biblical.

It has seen a lot of wear and been with me for many years.  It is getting a little bit scarred and stained, but it keeps the coffee hot.

 Navigating Complexity

It is sometimes easy to get "bogged down" when dealing with complex problems.  There is a tendency to become overwhelmed when resolution is not quickly attainable.  Our minds have a tendency to fasten onto the myriads of difficulties rather focusing on individual component parts that are solvable.

I have found that is usually effective to begin by breaking down the problems into discrete, manageable pieces and then taking them one at a time.  It is desirable that they be evaluated according to either importance, or ease of solution and then prioritized accordingly.

When we look first at importance, solution of one problem often goes far in solving other related issues.  However, those large problems often bring a level of difficulty that leads to discouragement and half-hearted effort because our minds continually tell us we can't do it.  Extended periods with seeming lack of progress create a psychological barrier that adds to the burden of what must be overcome for success.

If we begin with smaller problems that are easily handled, we often create a pattern of success that bolsters our mental attitude.  We see the wins -- even the small wins -- as progress.  As each problem is handled and set aside, the list gets smaller and the tendency to be overwhelmed is reduced.

How we approach complexity boils down to a mental game we play with ourselves.  The trick is to convince ourselves that we can solve the problems and then retain that positive attitude throughout the process.  It isn't as simple as it sounds because some problems require Herculean effort to solve.  They may be beyond our ability.  Once you recognize that, you call for help.

The Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) is a type of mallow.  It is native to East, South and Central Texas where it is sometimes found growing along streams.  It is adaptable to both shaded and sunny locations.  The variety you see below is a domesticated one we have planted at our home.  The wild varieties are usually red.  I like the complexity of the blossom.

 AI-driven Dreaming

This morning I awoke from a dream that seemed to be lengthy and intense.  It was as though I was having a long conversation with an expert who was explaining something to me.  He was explaining that we are in a state of electronic warfare on a global scale and went on to describe the various ways that it was playing out and affecting all of us.

We discussed things like isolation from the Internet, shielding of sensitive computer hardware and we talked about AI data centers.  I got the sense that those AI data centers are the weapons of the next phase of the war.  Some will be defensive and some offensive in nature.  They are mostly being located in rural areas due to the threat of conventional or nuclear weapons against them.  Those locations expose smaller segments of the population to the potential collateral damage.

It was just a dream.  It was my mind attempting to make sense of the random information with which we are daily bombarded.  It was a dream that makes sense in the light of day.  Many dreams don't.

As I have mentioned many times, I enjoy dreams and look forward to them.  I believe our minds often do their best work while we dream.  I believe we all dream but some are more tuned to those dreams than others.  Even our dog dreams as he lies down in some of the strangest places.  I wish I could go to sleep and dream as easily as he does.

 Fields of Clover

Clover is often associated with wealth, prosperity and good fortune.  This is especially true of a four-leaf clover which is considered to be rare.  Clover symbolizes that "all is right with the world."

Clover is an interesting perennial that grows lush with the coming of spring rains.  It fixes nitrogen in the soil which is then bio-available to grasses and forbs which need it for proper growth and health.  It is highly palatable to grazing animals and is an excellent source of protein which is needed for the growth and health of those animals.

It creates a soft carpet that is pleasurable to walk in barefooted.  People have been known to lie down in it due to the pleasant smells and softness of the natural blanket it provides.

City dwellers don't like clover growing in their manicured monoculture lawns that use tons of water and mine the soils of their nutrients.  On the other hand, those who raise grazing animals generally love it for the benefits it provides.  That attitude is just one of many that divides the thoughts of those who take comfort from the proximity of many people to those who are most comfortable with solitude.

Solitude typically is only comfortable for those who have accepted themselves as they are.  It is for those who are secure in their being rather always seeking solace in the company of others.  Solitude is a place of communion with God.

I like to see clover growing in the meadow.  It brings with it a sense of peace.

Below is a picture of White Clover (Trifolium repens) growing on our place.  It is one of the most widely cultivated clovers worldwide and is a highly desirable forage crop.  If in need, the plant can be consumed by humans as well.  It is high in proteins and is sometimes mixed into salads.  Boiling it for about 10 minutes makes it more easily digestible.  (No, I haven't tried it, but it is good to know should an emergency arise.)  White Clover is known to occasionally produce the four-leaf configuration.  I didn't see any in the photo below.

 Fostering Uncertainty

"Although our intellect always longs for clarity and certainty, our nature often finds uncertainty fascinating." -- Carl von Clausewitz

Arriving at a point of certainty is a sure indicator that we have stopped learning and have dismissed any new information that might inform our opinion of outcome as otherwise.  -- me

I want to always be learning.  I desire that those around me be learning.  I want to be around people who are curious, who are looking at things in new ways and constantly aware that there might be better ways to do things.  I want questions that probe current understanding.  I want uncertainty.

That seems a strange thing to desire -- uncertainty.  Most of us want a blanket of security in knowing with certainty what the day holds.  It is an unrealistic expectation.  Safety and security are illusory.

I believe businesses need to foster a level of uncertainty and I believe our educational systems need to do the same.  The fires of curiosity must constantly be fanned -- not always to a blazing heat, but at least to a constant glowing ember that can be brought to flame with addition of new fuel.  Growth is found in curiosity.  Without curiosity we slowly fade.

I am uncertain what the flower pictured below is.  My best guess is that it is a Soft Golden-aster (Chrysopsis pilosa).  It was growing near our entry, and I thought it was very photogenic.  If you have a more accurate identity, please add it in the comments.

 Visitation

Yesterday was one of heat and humidity that discouraged outdoor activities.  I don't mind sweating in the sun when necessary but have never been one to seek out the heat without purpose.  I found things to do inside where the air conditioning was working quite well.

We had made plans to meet some friends who were camping out at the lake sometime in the afternoon and I was dreading it.  I knew that sitting around visiting in the heat would be uncomfortable, even in the shade.  There was virtually no breeze to stir the air and the humidity remained high throughout the day.  I was not excited.

When I say that they were camping at the lake I mean that they were there in their RVs with most of the comforts of home.  In fact, we waited until after they had all taken an afternoon nap in those air conditioned "campers" before venturing out to meet them.  I thought camping meant tents and campfires and mosquitos and no shower.  That's not what is considered camping anymore.

When we arrived, we set out our camp chairs and joined the group in the shade of several large trees.  Fortunately, there was an occasional light breeze that helped to cool us off -- especially if you stood up and let it blow through sweat-dampened shirt.  Even the birds were quiet for the most part as they drowsed in the shade high in the trees.  I suspect they had a little more breeze at that height.

Despite the slight discomfort, it was an enjoyable visit.  As sunset neared the temperature began to drop and it became much more pleasant.  However, by then it was time to break up and go our separate ways.  Little did I know that a campfire and late-night fun was not in the plan.  I guess gray hair affects behavior more than our minds want it to....

Below is a late afternoon view of Pat Mayse Lake from near where we sat in the shade.

 Under Attack

Sometimes the best sign that you are accomplishing something worthwhile is the increased level of resistance that you face.  To put it into a Christian perspective, why would the devil attack if you aren't doing anything?

We have transitioned from a beautiful Spring to a sultry early Summer.  We still have the humidity of Spring but have added the heat of Summer.  The result is oppressive.  With abundant moisture the plants are growing rapidly and the need to pare back the growth is constant.  You can practically see the grass grow.

With Summer comes a transition in the types of flowers we see.  It also means an increase in the number of insects that tend to swarm any living thing.  Black-eyed Susans and Sunflowers are now becoming the dominant flowers seen across the pastures and roadsides.  If you look closely at them however, you see myriad small six-legged creatures seeking to make meals of them.  Those bugs then become meals for birds and on and on.

Growth comes with setbacks and attacks.  Just like in nature, it happens in our personal lives.  As we grow, new challenges seek to set us back.  The key is to keep on shining like the Black-eyed Susan pictured below.

 Staying Optimistic

It is far too easy to allow negativity to drag you down.  The constant bombardment of challenges and barriers can cause even the most positive of personalities to struggle with anxiety and depression.  At least part of the solution is to focus on the positive things you find along the way.

I have been looking forward to picking lots of dewberries from the plants growing wild on our place, but they have only been ripening a few at a time.  I have a bag in the freezer in which I place the ripe ones that I have picked.  Eventually there might be enough for a pie.  If not, they might garnish a piece of cake or some ice cream.  They are so close to being ready that I daily expect them all to have turned ripe overnight.  Instead, it is one here and one there.

Life is a bit like that.  We look ahead with hopeful expectations, but it seems their realization remains firmly in the future.  Every once in a while, something positive occurs, but the thing we aim for seems to remain elusively later in time.  It is important that we continue to do what is necessary and to remain hopeful.  With my berries it is a short walk each day to check their progress and to harvest the few that are ready.  I expect any day to make the trek and find the bushes loaded with ripe berries and I will have to go find a bucket to gather them in rather than carry the few ripe ones in my hand.

There are several species of dewberry.  I believe ours are the Southern Dewberry (Rubus trivialis).  They create a bright spot in the woods, but don't stumble into them unaware because the thorns will quickly entangle you.