“Always expect the unexpected.”
For years, the area in San Francisco where we live, Monterey Heights, has been known to be covered in fog. Not anymore—due to global warming or some other changes in the weather, the fog burns off quickly and (at least on the weekends), we have days warm enough to have brunch outside on our deck. Our garden is filled with mature trees, bushes, flowers, and weeds. When we wake up in the morning, we hear birds chirping. When we sit outside, we often see hummingbirds suckling nectar from flowers, a couple of beautiful American robins picking up treasures they find on the ground. Squirrels come to play on the huge cypress trees. It is a very calming place, but we also have squatters. Certain flowers in our garden when not controlled, spread and overpower other growth.
Recently on a Sunday, I decided to bring some order to the chaos. I thought I knew what it will take to do the job. But it turns out that I had no idea how much work it would take to do it right. But what was even more interesting, the following Sunday when I thought that I knew what to expect, I was surprised at how slowly I was progressing and how many Sundays it would actually take to get satisfying results.
But the pleasant surprise actually came the next day—Monday. There was no way for me to know (since it never happened before) that when I came back from work after the dinner, the weather would be very pleasant and I sat outside, drinking tea, reading a fascinating book called “Black Swan” (not related to the movie) by Nassim Nicoles Taleb. Black Swan is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise. Mr. Taleb points out that before Black Swans were discovered, no one believed in their existence. The good examples of the “black swans” are 9/11, the economic meltdowns in September 2008, and the current war in the Middle East.
While reading the book and working in the garden, I realized that the enjoying theses pleasant evenings (which could also be considered “black swans”), could be benefited only after we do the work and get rid of the “squatters”. Can we prevent or eliminate destructive “black swans”? I do not know, but at least we can start by creating awareness.
P.S.
I often photograph flowers in our garden—especially roses, which appear unexpectedly different every time. Please enjoy.
Do Not Keep Me As A Secret!
Smile And Please SHARE It With A Friend!
