When you 100% know better, speak up and educate, tutting won't save the world. I genuinely think you should post a copy of the book with a polite note to say you saw that they had stripped the wall and that you're not assuming the reasons they did it, but that you hope this book will be as enjoyable for them as it was for you. Framed as a neighbourly gesture and friendly invitation means they may be more likely to read and actually learn as I'd assume and hope that they genuinely don't know any better (yet).
Thanks Jen. Are you sure tutting won't save the world? I'm VERY good at that! I think posting the book is a good route to take. If one good thing has come out of this it's made me want to read Gathering Moss again. Have you read it? I'd recommend it if not...
Hi Andrew and Emma - I empathise with your angst over others treatment of OUR environment! Many years ago in Nairobi National Park I saw a lump of paper chucked out of the car window ahead of me. Youthfull enthusiast I raced ahead and stopped the car, then handed them the paper saying "I think you dropped this". From the back seat an elderly lady with a very rural English accent responded "It was a hinsect. I couldn't have that in the car"! What could I say, clash of cultures, of generations, or upbringing. The upshot of your incident is that you had an audience of two - Emma and Benji, so you have sporead your feelings on the subject. Now you have an even bigger audience through your blog, all of whom will be thinking like you or along similar lines. As Sheila often said to me - if you can't be a flood light, ast least be a candle to those immediately arround you. Things are changing, albeit it slowly. So often I have found that direct confrontation causes aggressive responses. One day perhaps you'll see the home owner doing some weoodland work and the chancve to interact tactfully. Here in NZ I have been astounded at bthe inclredible ownership and use of environment savaging machines - leaf blowers and weed eaters (weed whippers, and other names) taming their surroundings. Using a broom or scythe, brish hook - would be quieter, use no fuel, and provide physical exercise. Patience, tact, education - and the knowledge you are right - are the best tools in this instance!
Hi Chris, good to hear from you and thank you for the comment and wise words! Sorry to hear (but not surprised) that things are similar in NZ. Safe travels and best wishes from all of us.
When you 100% know better, speak up and educate, tutting won't save the world. I genuinely think you should post a copy of the book with a polite note to say you saw that they had stripped the wall and that you're not assuming the reasons they did it, but that you hope this book will be as enjoyable for them as it was for you. Framed as a neighbourly gesture and friendly invitation means they may be more likely to read and actually learn as I'd assume and hope that they genuinely don't know any better (yet).
Thanks Jen. Are you sure tutting won't save the world? I'm VERY good at that! I think posting the book is a good route to take. If one good thing has come out of this it's made me want to read Gathering Moss again. Have you read it? I'd recommend it if not...
Great post and wholeheartedly agree with you on all accounts. And I feel your pain😔💚
Hi Andrew and Emma - I empathise with your angst over others treatment of OUR environment! Many years ago in Nairobi National Park I saw a lump of paper chucked out of the car window ahead of me. Youthfull enthusiast I raced ahead and stopped the car, then handed them the paper saying "I think you dropped this". From the back seat an elderly lady with a very rural English accent responded "It was a hinsect. I couldn't have that in the car"! What could I say, clash of cultures, of generations, or upbringing. The upshot of your incident is that you had an audience of two - Emma and Benji, so you have sporead your feelings on the subject. Now you have an even bigger audience through your blog, all of whom will be thinking like you or along similar lines. As Sheila often said to me - if you can't be a flood light, ast least be a candle to those immediately arround you. Things are changing, albeit it slowly. So often I have found that direct confrontation causes aggressive responses. One day perhaps you'll see the home owner doing some weoodland work and the chancve to interact tactfully. Here in NZ I have been astounded at bthe inclredible ownership and use of environment savaging machines - leaf blowers and weed eaters (weed whippers, and other names) taming their surroundings. Using a broom or scythe, brish hook - would be quieter, use no fuel, and provide physical exercise. Patience, tact, education - and the knowledge you are right - are the best tools in this instance!
Hi Chris, good to hear from you and thank you for the comment and wise words! Sorry to hear (but not surprised) that things are similar in NZ. Safe travels and best wishes from all of us.
Thanks Hadge, I do like the idea of the note through the letter box...