Lesson in commonality

[MrJim]

Two of my favorite things have something in common: They are common and abundant (at least in the continental US)

Dandelions
Mockingbirds

Why do you suppose these are two of my favorite things?

<<have to go right now, will be back, but didn't want to lose this thought-getting more absent minded in my advancing age>>

 

[MrJim]

To continue my thought:

Our neighbor doesn't like dandelions because he likes to keep his lawn "weed free".

My wife (and her mother) does not like mockingbirds because they sing often in the early morning and disturbing her sleep.

Dandelions are neat because of their brilliant yellow color that is as beautiful as any marigold.

Mockingbird's ability to mimic is so fascinating that my birdlover wife can get fooled by them.

If either the dandelion or the mockingbird weren't so common, people would be going out of their way to see them. But their "common-ness" has made their special traits appear ordinary, and so they get looked over, and only their "faults" are noticed.

There is a lesson here bigger than birds & flowers...

 

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

To continue my thought:

Our neighbor doesn't like dandelions because he likes to keep his lawn "weed free".

My wife (and her mother) does not like mockingbirds because they sing often in the early morning and disturbing her sleep.

Dandelions are neat because of their brilliant yellow color that is as beautiful as any marigold.

Mockingbird's ability to mimic is so fascinating that my birdlover wife can get fooled by them.

If either the dandelion or the mockingbird weren't so common, people would be going out of their way to see them. But their "common-ness" has made their special traits appear ordinary, and so they get looked over, and only their "faults" are noticed.

There is a lesson here bigger than birds & flowers...

Amen brother...there is!

 

[CelticRose]

I like dandelions but we don't have mockingbirds. From your description I'd probably like them too. Now we get curlews & if there is another bird that makes a more nerve shattering shriek at the drop of a hat I have yet to meet it.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

I really like this thread, Jim. It's peaceful

 

[Criada]

Also - sparrows!
Possibly the cutest thing God made - and largely ignored1

 

[CelticRose]

Lizards, anyone? I like the little ones that sneak in the house & sunbathe on the walls.

 

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

I like the doves. They mate for life and are the cutest lil things when they sit on the telephone pole together.

 

[simmeringabsolute]

Yep, people tend to take things for granted when those things are plentiful. I have always loved dandelions!

 

[MrJim]

In our society there are lots of dandelions & mockingbirds~one that comes to mind is the cashier at the store. I become my neighbor or wife complaining about the weeds & noise--"she's too slow, she can't bag, she's too chatty" and miss out the real nature of the person. Doesn't have to be an interview nor therapy session, just a "How's it goin?" "Really busy today" & look in the eye instead of treating them like a weed or noisy bird...dunno, just find myself at times treating people like furniture.

 

[edie19]

In our society there are lots of dandelions & mockingbirds~one that comes to mind is the cashier at the store. I become my neighbor or wife complaining about the weeds & noise--"she's too slow, she can't bag, she's too chatty" and miss out the real nature of the person. Doesn't have to be an interview nor therapy session, just a "How's it goin?" "Really busy today" & look in the eye instead of treating them like a weed or noisy bird...dunno, just find myself at times treating people like furniture.

Sadly I think they must get used to being treated like furniture too. If I'm at a drive through (say Wendy's or Tim Horton's) I make a concerted effort to always say thank-you. It's amazing how surprised the cashiers look sometimes when I say that - like it's something they've never heard before.

 

[free2be]

Sadly I think they must get used to being treated like furniture too. If I'm at a drive through (say Wendy's or Tim Horton's) I make a concerted effort to always say thank-you. It's amazing how surprised the cashiers look sometimes when I say that - like it's something they've never heard before.

It's so true, and if you wish them to have a great day, they think you're outta your mind!

For such personal beings, people can me so impersonal.

 

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

In our society there are lots of dandelions & mockingbirds~one that comes to mind is the cashier at the store. I become my neighbor or wife complaining about the weeds & noise--"she's too slow, she can't bag, she's too chatty" and miss out the real nature of the person. Doesn't have to be an interview nor therapy session, just a "How's it goin?" "Really busy today" & look in the eye instead of treating them like a weed or noisy bird...dunno, just find myself at times treating people like furniture.

So very true bro... I do it too...and then kick myself for it later. Why do we have to pick at each other...we're like vultures.

 

[Joykins]

Most "weeds" are just wildflowers strong enough to grow where we don't intend them to.

I like 'em but my lawn has always sort of had survival of the fittest as a motto.