Growing up, we always cut Eastern Red Cedars off our property to use as Christmas trees. I hold firm in my belief they are the ugly cousin to the Douglas Fir, but nostalgia brings value and thinking sustainably, taketh what the land giveth. Part of the process of repurposing a tree for the holiday is to water it periodically to ensure it lasts until the long-awaited 25th. I find it ironically humorous that we ultimately kill something, dress it up and then nurture it a little because we don't want it to die too quick for the sake of our enjoyment.
There is speak of how most of our human decisions are subtly centered around reproduction. From how we cut our hair, learn to play the guitar, what clothes we buy, to the diet we subscribe to, to the job we take, each small decision is made to more skillfully attract a mate.
From a higher level though, in my opinion, our mortality is a bigger driver. Yes, we may want to breed and carry on the species, but we also have a looming pressure that our time to do that act is limited and that we are on a vague timeline with a hard stop.
Talking about this hovering biologic countdown could be perceived as morbid and sad, and on the surface it is but I'd argue that it should be motivating. It's the reason you should try to enjoy your Tuesday as much as the two days at the end of the week. Don't wait to do what you want to do.
Just like the procured cedar, we're all living a slow fun mortality so you may as well live it fully. Death makes life worth living.
Keep smilin'
JM
New in my life: Acorn ornaments make for a sassy cedar. That's what they called me in high school. Calculating backyard farming. I'm a coyote man.
Thanks for the catchup in your life. Always an interesting read.
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