Today’s column started out as some universal truths for my teenage son but I got a little sidetracked. The person doing the work gets to choose the music and (within reason) the volume. So if I am cleaning the kitchen with They Might Be Giants at 11, you cannot get out of bed, turn it down, and return to bed. Can’t. The one carrying the load has the right of way. When you meet someone with their arms full, open the door and step aside. When you borrow something, return it better/fixed/fuelled up. Always. Grocery carts, there is a special place in hell for you if you don’t at least try to get them back towards the store. People keep saying “we’re all in this together” but when they stand at the top of an escalator, gazing about like they are the only one in the world, it casts doubt in my mind. I hope my son will be one of the helpers, those people who can’t just stand by when others are in trouble. I have let him know time and again that he is smart, strong and healthy and needs to use these gifts to help those who need help. The world needs us to give what we have, now more than ever, of our talents, our thoughtfulness and our collective goodwill to get us through the current crises (the plural, pronounced cry-sees). Examples of exceptionalism abound: line jumpers, rule breakers, bad parkers, corporate money-grubbers who put shareholders’ profits above all else, even community well-being. I sometimes think I am special too, but I am not. I am one of 7.8 billion other humans inhabiting this rock in space. I am rambling on but I think you get the point. Some people are trying hard to be the person their dog thinks they are. Others, not so much. And if you aren’t trying to make the world a better place, step aside for the people who are.
So the rain rolled in this week – which ideally means the smoke is rolling out. This is good news for live music at the little Legion. With the front lawn covered in pop-up tents for you and your bubble, get down and get some Staggers & Jaggs Friday and/or Jeevious Family (with surprise guests Campfire Shitkickers) on Saturday. The lawn opens at 4 with everything done by 9 p.m. There are cold drinks, hot food, fresh air and friends at a safe distance.
World Rivers Day is Saturday, Sept. 26, and a truly meaningful way of celebrating would be to join the SC Streamkeepers at their monthly Invasive Plant Removal at Malcolm Creek (Saturday not Sunday!).
Be on the path near the bridge over Malcolm Creek at 11 a.m. It wraps up at 1 p.m. Follow “Beach Access” sign off Lower & Metcalfe, bring gloves, eye protection and small clippers if you have them.
Masks required! Dress for the weather. Any questions? Email scstreamkeepers@gmail.com. What should I rant about? kellybacks@rocketmail.com
