Reach

I am astounded and humbled by the reaction to my blip yesterday. I didn't expect that at all. I don't seek popularity but it's got to fourth second on the popular page which says something about the thoughtfulness and engagement of my fellow blippers.

I know that if I'd posted that text elsewhere on the internet I would have had a lot of flak and probably some pretty unpleasant abuse so I want to thank especially those who have read what I wrote and disagree with me - and I know there are plenty of you - for your dignified silence or your respectful questioning. This calm and mature way of managing our differences is how we all make the world a better place and I'm proud to be part of this unusual community.


This tree is a Japanese flowering cherry. Its blossom in spring is traditionally a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short. Its flamboyant dying at the end of autumn says much the same to me.