Contrasts let us appreciate life.
Indifference shows us the strength of love. Night's cloak lets us truly see the details of the day. And I suspect that is all Hegel was attempting to teach us with his convoluted Teutonic dialectic.
My friend, Ron Nelson in Oregon, sent me an email that tossed me down this philosophical rabbit trail. The photograph at the top of this post is of his back yard.
My former state has been having some very odd weather. When I was there in December, it seemed like Spring. But Oregon has suffered a series of winter storms that do not fit its regular pattern.
Oregon is a wet winter state. Not a cold, snowy place. That is why I never quite understand people from places like Ontario or Alberta when they say they come south for the weather. Weather has never been a real factor for me in deciding where to live. But, for them, the contrast is greater.
And that sounds just a bit churlish this noon. Because here I sit on my patio. 72 degrees. 60% humidity. With a nice breeze. Almost perfect. With the exception of the odd mosquito -- who is simply trying to add to the contrast, I suspect.
I may have not come south for the weather. But today I can really appreciate the contrast.
So, Ron. As much as I enjoy contrasts, today I will simply enjoy this end of the spectrum.
But thank you for letting me appreciate it.
