Be a Vincent Van Gogh...

 

When Vincent Van Gogh painted, he didn’t look around to see if anyone else was using the same colors or brushes as he did, nor did he ask for anyone’s approval to create masterworks in the style that gave him…his individual artistic voice. He reached deep within his creative self and worked boldly and deliberately using many of the same materials that other artists were using…same paints, same canvas, same varnish…tools of the trade…materials available at that time in history.  What set him apart, was his vision for the end result. His style, his technique, his finished product…all unique to his vision; bold, intense and unmistakably… Van Gogh.

One of a kind, unafraid to be different, with the courage of his convictions regardless of negative comments… sounds like a good mix of qualities for anyone who is working to ensure the survival of our native pollinators and songbirds or speaks out on behalf of the hundreds of wildlife species losing their natural environment because of urban development, misuse, and greed. It is, most likely true that those of us who are gardeners or have wildlife habitats that we care for will never have the same impact on the world as Van Gogh, but, we do have the power to create positive change in our own spaces. Plant for pollinators, eliminate the use of pesticides, create safe havens for wildlife and native birds to raise the young…there are so many opportunities to step up and be an advocate for our wild ones.

If you truly love nature and appreciate the beauty, please be the person with courage of conviction and make even one small change for better…we are responsible for those that come within our reach. Be a Van Gogh, bold in your vision, intense in your committment and unmistakable, in love with nature .  Until the next time, Godspeed and plant for the pollinators.