"What the heck is that weirdo doing now? That one always growing weeds? No, not weed. Weeds. Damn girl out there wandering in the dark." - My neighbors, probably.

I had finally found some interesting texture patterns to explore with the blacklight on my sunflowers (the world is surprisingly boring in the dark with a light that is dark), when my neighbors decided to turn on their porch light, ruining my insomnia fueled wanderings through my back yard.

I have an idea. I should ask the world this after they've gone to bed. That will give me the feedback I need.

I'm worried that I might be coming across like I think the whole world should sit down and talk it out. But I don't think that's the solution, really. It's true that some people will not listen. It's true that some people don't feel up to the fight, and shouldn't feel guilt over that. But should we be saying to each other, "Don't bother trying"? What on earth will that sentiment solve?

But, I don't think my response should be "Don't say that".Maybe I need to cultivate reaching out to reassure?

Oh, no. I haven't slept well in days. And you know how you should sometimes maybe get up and do something when you can't sleep, that it might help you to take a break? Well, I just thought of an activity that excites me. Adrenaline. That's not good. Anyway, if this doesn't wear off, I might wander my back yard with the blacklight. I don't know if my exhausted butt is going to be able to resist this one.

Went to go tuck in my new mantis photos in their proper folder, all cozy for the night, and ran across that time a mantis we caught and kept a couple of days gave me an exoskeleton, and I put it under my microscope.
#mantis #insects #microscope

Nifty cognitive biases graphic found through this page:
https://betterhumans.pub/the-falsification-mindset-how-to-change-your-own-mind-db4a0a9ae7f2

Ten bucks says I'm back in the yard looking for more before the sun goes down. There were too many to count, maybe about a day or two old.
#gardening #mantis #insect #bugs

*gasp* They're back! omgsTheyREBACK! Oh, HI! Welcome to my garden new buddies!!!!! I'm going to go polish my little macro lens and get heat stroke in the yard :).
#gardening

Really starting to wonder how much of the "don't bother trying to change anyone's mind" dialogue is encouraged by people who don't want a progressive movement to grow, given the unwillingness of people to convert and recruit new supporters.

Whenever it feels like you will never be able to change someone's mind, you're right, in a way. One conversation never will, and ultimately we change our own minds after reflecting on our experiences. But if you look within, you might find the proof that we can influence each other by seeing how you have been influenced, and those moments can also give you an idea of how it can be done.