loving art, science and creative kids
7/22/2017 10:11:06 PM
Yellow Headed Black Birds
These beautiful birds are protected at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, yet they risk their lives when traveling to Mexico for the winter. I painted them last spring after taking our annual excursion to view Oregon’s migratory birds. Sorry, but the painting was sold.
Ray took the picture of the Band-Tailed Pigeon perched on our back porch feeder. Notice the dart (or broken arrow) sticking out of it’s shoulder. This was a courageous bird that most likely managed to make the trip from Mexico north, carrying the projectile the entire distance. It made me wonder why this pigeon was treated so poorly so I did a bit of research about killing birds.
I learned that pigeons and doves are the same, though doves are usually labeled as the smaller of the two birds. There are close to 300 species of doves and pigeons, each with their own cooing sound. Those living in Peru sound like small ground frogs while black-wing ground doves chirp like birds. In the wild they live 3-5 years but in captivity they often reach 12-15 years. Much has been written about about turtle doves, recognized by a ring around their necks, long colorful cuckoo doves, and plump short tailed quail-like doves. Wild doves can not be domesticated but those who want them as pets can choose from a variety of species. Most domestic doves are banded with the year it was hatched.
Advertisers on Google promote dove hunting adventures to countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Columbia. Hunters are supplied with 1000 free shells, and go on 8 shoots over four days for a cost of approximately $2,600 plus tips. High volume dove shooting is also advertised by South America Adventure Safaris where the most experienced shooters stay in luxurious lodges. These mighty hunters face-off with ducks, pigeons, and doves. Most of the meat goes uneaten by the hunters though the organizers claim the birds supply food to the local community. Since most of birds are shot with lead pellets that become imbedded in their flesh, they are not safe to eat. The pellets also are a hazard to birds, such as hawks, that pick up lead shot from the ground and get poisoned. Because they are preyed upon in most countries including the United States, foreign doves have developed an instinctual fear of humans.
I read a blog by a horrified writer who echoes my sentiments. “ I understand the idea of hunting for food or pest control, and I get the idea of hunting for sport but what I don’t get is why someone would go and kill a thousand birds, or a couple dozen. Is it the challenge? Doesn’t seem like a big challenge if some kid can take down a thousand on a weekend? What is the appeal?”
There were many answers.
One person mentioned that doves eat grain and are considered a plague by farmers for they destroy entire crops in a night. Another boasted that their meat is delicious and hunting is fun, for it occurs when the weather is good as opposed to hunting ducks or geese in the fall.
Another answered, “There are a great many things I shoot and kill, yet have zero desire to eat. Moles, feral cats, nutria, rats, field mice, the neighbor's dogs, voles, starlings … of course possum, raccoon and coyote as well. Crows just aren't worth the trouble to clean (much like dove), but I hunt them anyway.”
However, one response that did make some sense to me was, “Number 1 rule of hunting . . . you eat what you kill! If you were hungry enough, you’d not only eat dog, you’d fight for the scraps.”
There are many other species of birds, besides doves that are being eliminated worldwide. The Guardian newspaper recently reported that conservationists are appalled at the illegal killing of 25 million birds a year in the Mediterranean alone. Egyptians line beaches with high nets across miles of the Nile Delta. Cypriots stop songbirds by smearing branches with glue, while the Italians kill anything that flies and the French set metal traps for small birds. Though these countries do have strong laws, they are not working. The Guardian mentioned that Italy and Egypt are the most dangerous countries for migratory birds followed by Syria, Lebanon and Cyprus where songbirds are a culinary delicacy.
I am stymied. My bird feeder attracts lovely feathered creatures that I have come to treasure. The thought of them being killed for sport is demoralizing. The fact that we are wiping out populations of birds and animals on a mass scale I believe is unconscionable. On the other hand, the idea of people going hungry is also unethical. In poor countries, entire populations of wildlife are eliminated because of food insecurity.
What do we as a society do to address hunger as well as provide for the needs of sportsmen? Very real nutritional concerns as well as recreational desires are the main reason populations of wildlife have been exterminated. Questions of population control, agricultural practices that encourage small farmers, and sharing of resources must be considered when addressing this issue. Why can't hunters have fun shooting drones or skeets instead of living creatu
As a city girl surrounded by concrete and brick buildings, it was not until my seventh grade teacher introduced a unit on birding that I became aware that we shared space with other populations of beauty. Though I did come down with a debilitating case of poison ivy, it was not enough to discourage me from venturing forth again. And on a cold, windy day I shivered and participated in the Audubon Society's January bird count, knowing the importance of keeping track of the effect of urbanization on species survival rates. More recently, I returned to Malheur to observe the spring migration and become immersed in the beauty of eastern Oregon.
One of the best ways to combat wildlife destruction is to encourage more people to visit a national refuge. A pair of binoculars and a bird book are wonderful aides to enjoying nature and challenging one's ability to recognize the variety of species that share our planet. Those who appreciate diversity are less likely to want to destroy it.
References:
Vidal, John ,Conservationists are appalled at illegal killing of 25 m birds a year in the Mediterranean/ The Guardian, 2015/ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/26/conservationists-appalled-at-illegal-killing-of-25m-birds-a-year-in-the-mediterranean
Northwest Firearms/ Forum /
https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/dove-hunting-why.89738/
American Dove Association web site: http://www.americandoveassociation.com/html/dove-information.html
Please respond on my blog site below.
7/8/2017 10:17:44 PM
When Tragedy Strikes
The call came at 1:30 PM on the day the weather finally shed its tears to let the sun break through. Spreading warmth and energy throughout Portland, my exercise friends and I chatted with animation about all we planned to do that day. Gardening was at the top of the list.
But, when I got home later, there was a message from my partner Ray who told me that our precious adopted son had been injured that morning in an industrial accident and was on the way to the hospital. I started to shake uncontrollably with tears replacing my garden hose to water the earth. Accidentally hit by a heavy board, Seth was knocked from an 8 foot high scaffold to land on his head. The rescue crew had a difficult time climbing through a 4 foot hole before lowering themselves 30 feet into a black cauldron to reach the floor of an oil tanker being painted for it’s journey north.
Once on the scene, the medics stabilized Seth’s neck and placed him on a stiff stretcher in order to hoist him through blackness to the light shining through the hole above. Those in the tank reminded me of coal miners who worked in precarious conditions where they use the light of headlamps to illuminate their jobs. It is tough, dirty, heavy work that involves raising and lowering scaffolding, sand blasting, and painting with mineral infused paint carried in 90 pound buckets. Always concerned, foremen are supposed to make sure their workers wear and hook harnesses on for safety. In this case, our boy was a victim, for he was not wearing one.
It was only a week ago that I got into my car for the trip to the emergency room. I was acutely conscious of driving carefully since my nerves were shattered, my hands shook, and my heart continued to pound erratically. All I thought about on the endless trip was to be careful and not get into an accident on increasingly dangerous Portland streets.
The grounds of the trauma center finally came into view and I rushed in to discover that Seth was being prepared for surgery. I was told that he had suffered a concussion, the fifth vertebrae in his neck was shattered, with bone shards piercing his spinal cord. Three additional vertebrae were also broken in his lower spine. The surgeon’s task was to remove the damaged neck bone and replace it with a wire basket that would eventually be held in place by surrounding tissue. Though Seth could use his left arm, it appeared that the right one was severely wounded and his legs lacked movement. The prognosis was grim, with doctors stating that he would never walk again.
The past week was one of shock, anger, and sadness, yet we had to begin planning for the future. Watching our boy being turned from side to side by nurses, seeing his inert legs moved by physical therapists, and observing him being hoisted by pulleys in order to spend some time sitting in a wheel chair was an emotional call to reality. This accident really did occur and as much as we hoped, the after effects of the accident will not go away.
Everyone I know is so proud of this journeyman painter who, by the age of 26, had fought to overcome a difficult childhood, where there were better odds for him to spend his future on the streets than to succeed as a well-paid union worker. Now his metal was going to be tested once more to see how he will handle the many physical and emotional changes he will be required to make.
So far, he has been a good patient, asking for help when needed, monitoring the efficiency of his nurses, and watching his gluten free diet. Partially denying the end of his previous life he has yet to transverse the black hole leading to his future. Contrary to medical opinions, he strongly believes he will walk again. I hope he will. The emotional and physical healing process will take time but I have faith that he will emerge a different, yet stronger person.
At this moment, the focus is on Ray and me, for we are not angels. Taking care of a disabled person was not how we thought we would be spending our retirement years. We question our ability to remain positive influences in his life, for to take on the task of overseeing his rehabilitation, we are committed to do so. How do we convert a cliff house, built on seven levels into a handicap accessible home that can accommodate van, wheelchair, hospital bed and a special needs bathroom? Will I be able to lift Seth from the floor if he falls? What services will his insurance provide during his transition to independence? Will I be willing to spend hours driving to doctor’s meetings and physical therapy sessions until he can maneuver on his own? Ray and I are not thrilled by having shifty relatives trek through our home for visits. Though a few of Seth’s siblings are concerned and quite helpful, most of his relations were part of the reason he became a street person in the first place.
We also wonder what we face when the grieving process that hasn’t quite hit, begins? According to Kugler-Ross there are five stages of grief, starting with denial and following with anger. Bargaining with yourself that sadness and grief for what has been lost will be avoided, has to be faced. All too often depression sets in before acceptance of the status quo. Finally future possibilities open up, initiating a determination to fight and plan for them. We are still in phase one. Has this really happened and what does it mean?
Tragedy is a family affair that affects the injured party along with loved ones. It involves support from friends and neighbors to bolster spirits and provide advice when needed. We are communal beings, dependent on others when entering uncharted territory and finding emotions in turmoil.
Ray and I realize that our lives were forever changed once we decided to accept the challenge of continuing to help this young man who came into our home six years ago desiring to overcome homelessness and despair. Now new hurdles posed by his disability have to be pushed aside. Life has a way of exposing hidden pathways that once revealed are there to explore. Our toes are on the road.
Please share your experiences of survival on my blog site at eichingerfineart.com/blog.
7/1/2017 11:16:36 PM
First Fight
This painting is a remembrance of the first fight I had with my partner, Ray. At the time, we were not happy with each other, but we remained committed for the next 20 years.
Fighting with Pizzazz
In a few weeks I am attending Shift, a music-art festival that will be held outside of the Dalles, Oregon. Several organizers thought it would be funny to set me up in a booth labeled, “Do you need a mother?” It will contain a sofa and easy chairs and festival goers will be invited in for a time of quiet reflection and a cup of tea. Perhaps it will be spiked. An art table will be available so my “children” can post their creations on the wall. I am sure they will all be fabulous. Also, a sand box will hold candles that visitors can light along with a wish. With a broad grin, the director of Planned Parenthood offered to donate a few hundred condoms. After all, don’t mothers say, “better to be safe than sorry?” What a hoot!
Wondering about what kind of advice I might be asked to give, I had to first acknowledge that my children rarely wanted to listen to my words of wisdom. But, since I was invited to run this booth on a lark, I thought, why not say what’s on my mind? This is my chance to spout forth and tackle the number one love problem of all time, how to have a fight with both parties coming out a winner.
When I was a newly-wed, a friend advised me that when fighting, except for physical violence, anything goes. He advised that shouting, cursing, and spiteful words are fair game for they get emotions out in the open and make you feel better. He then told me with a smile, that kissing and making-up is part of the fun.
“Not so,” said I. “Ugly words and actions have a way of hurting and can be remembered forever.” We never agreed on the best way to fight, though his marriage lasted only a few short years and my former marriage stayed together for twenty. Mine dissolved, in part, because I was too reclusive and fearful of sharing my feelings until it was too late. According to a counselor, instead of showing appropriate emotions when angry, I would smile. This is not an honest way to interact with your partner.
Those who live together are bound to have occasional disagreements. Arguing is a natural and interesting part of a relationship, but having arguments that are effective and not destructive have to be learned. All to often, during childhood, we observed our parents involved in ugly confrontations. As adults, we may have to discard those disturbing images before we can establish new patterns for interacting. Just as in a boxing match, there are rules to be followed for effective fighting, ones that further rather than stop conversation. As a student working for my MA in counseling psychology, I was trained to teach my clients a few dos and don’ts for handling disagreements. Following are my ten favorite suggestions.
1. Eliminate phrases like, “you always do that, you’ll never change” or “you’re so lazy.” Those word are distractions, escalate anger, and imply that the person you are talking to can never change. If you really believe that change is impossible, why confront the person at all? Most people do not always do something and most everyone I know is capable of transformation.
2. Don’t bring up the past, for that distracts from solving the current problem. Listing former weaknesses can be a conversation stopper. Stick to your present problem and share how you have been emotionally affected by the person’s behavior. Do you feel sad, angry, vindictive? You are responsible for your own feelings, thoughts and actions and it is helpful to identify.
3. Eliminate words and phrases that escalate anger. Cursing, throwing things, hitting and nasty remarks, rather than solve your problem will keep you upset for a longer period of time. You then become the problem because no one can talk to you rationally if you are acting irrationally. No one wants to be called names and by doing so, you run the risk of shutting the person down. Whenever a man shouts or curses me, my reaction is to walk away. I see the issue as that of the other person whom I think of as being a low grade dingbat, an ignoramus, unable to control himself.
4. Avoid making threats of punishment or reward for they also are avoidance techniques. They don’t work because they are usually interpreted as demands and an unwillingness to pay attention to any point of view but your own. If you can not stay calm and listen, walk away and revisit the issue when calmer.
5. If someone tells you what to do and you don’t want to do it, hold back the tendency to shout an immediate “no.” Take a deep breath and wait. Listen attentively, say “thank you, good advice or very interesting,” then follow with, “let me think about it and get back to you.” Arguing when upset rarely works. By taking the time to consider what has been said and organizing your thoughts, there is a better chance to have a meaningful discussion leading to a resolution. I had to learn how to do this, not only with my family but with employees at work. After a while, it gets to be second nature to hold back a response until you can deal with the issue rationally.
6. Take the time to put in writing an analysis of the pros and cons of your disagreement. You can though the paper away afterwards. Your goal is to unblock your ability to give a compassionate response to the other person’s point of view. Understanding is imperative before you can accommodate, tolerate or even appreciate differences of opinion. Your job is not to fix the problem, offer unasked for advice, or interrogate but rather to listen and bring the other person into the discussion in order to solve a mutually disagreeable problem.
7. If you have angered someone or they make you furious, don’t deal with the issue when your blood pressure is raised or you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is better to set a time for further discussion. By stating an interest in continuing the conversation at a future date your adversary will realize that you are concerned and want time to think things through. When you have calmed down and are able to consider what triggered your ferocious reaction you will be one step closer to a solution.
8. I often go on car rides when I need to have a sensitive discussion with my partner, friend or child. My goal is to do whatever is necessary to turn myself into a good listener. I find it much easier to be silent and listen when looking at the road move by. Difficult comments are more easily made when I do not have to peer into a person’s eyes, and I notice that I am more likely to get an understandable response in a non-confrontational environment.
9. There are instances when the best that can be done is to agree to disagree. There may be no room for compromise. At that point the discussion has to be centered around how to make accommodations in a way that will not be harmful to your relationship. For example: I do not agree with limiting visits to the United States from Muslim countries, but I thought that the Supreme Court’s decision for a partial accommodation until a full presentation is considered in the fall, was a very astute, temporary solution that saved face on both sides of the isle.
10. Relationships can be severely damaged over borrowing or lending money. If the terms of the agreement can not be met, anger can quietly simmer below the surface of a seemingly polite facade. That raw emotion may boil over during an unrelated instance. If you do decide to make a loan, consider that it may become a gift if there is an inability to repay and you want to maintain the relationship. If you can not afford to think this way, don’t get involved. If you are the borrower and can not meet repayment terms, be sure to acknowledge the fact on a regular basis. Express your gratitude and explain how you will meet your obligation.
Do you have motherly or fatherly words of wisdom you want to pass on to the next generation? Please share them on my blog site at [email protected]/blog.
Art is always for sale. Contact me at [email protected]
First FIght / 36” by 25”/ Acrylic on Canvas, Wood Frame, /$ 420
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