My Carpenter Bees

My carpenter bees 🐝💗

Autumnal

This wolf in British Columbia took a break from eating herring roe to investigate a half-submerged object: the photographer’s camera

Photograph by Ian McAllister

We all bleed the same color blood. Me, Acrylics/Canvas, 2022

Forest fungal growth

I want to take a moment to talk about what's happening. If it isn't obvious, I mean the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I'm still in a bit of shock that this has happened at all, as I'm sure many people are- on both sides. After watching Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's heartbreaking speech, I just want to repeat what's most important.

We are people. Human beings, friends, family, people- we all have the same blood and bones. This decision wasn't one of the people, and the effects will be devastating to both countries. The majority of Russians are anti-war, despite the heavy push of propaganda from the government against Ukraine. People don't want this. People don't want to hurt each other, people don't want to attack homes and families. But what can they do? Anti-war Ukrainians now have to defend themselves, they have no option. Russians enlisted into the military, what can they do- say no? What danger would that put them in from their own leaders? As you can see, this isn't an easy fix. There isn't something a singular, or even a group of people can do to change this quickly. The government is corrupt, and has a very, very firm grasp over the country. As many Ukrainians are mourning this tragedy, so are Russians. In a war, there are no winners. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from when you're just another corpse on a battlefield.

There are mass anti-war protests going on, and I fully stand with them against this disgrace. Peace and real democracy shouldn't be an unachievable dream. To all Ukrainians, my heart goes out for you during this time. I can't begin to fathom the terror, the heartache, the sorrow- all I can do is remind you, you aren't alone. I wish you all the strength in the world to keep yourself, your family, and your country safe. To the anti-war Russians, my heart also goes out to you as you watch this horror unfold, as I know how hopeless and powerless you must feel against it. And to all those fighting, I just hope to whichever higher power you believe in that you'll be able to return home to your loved ones.

We are all people. We bleed the same, we love the same, we die the same. There is no victory to be found in mass graves and mourning mothers.

Нет войне.