Sound and silence seem to be mismatched in a Tsawwassen/ Delta neighbourhood.
A green moment of Sunday afternoon leisure sitting in the sunshine of a house-front reading weekend papers with the sound of boys playing street hockey is suddenly broken by the blasting sound of a leaf blower which blows away the street hockey as it overwhelms the streetscape.
Walking out early one morning along a pedestrian path, I encounter a young woman walking towards me. I smile and say, "Good morning." No response. There is no recognition on her face of my presence. I am puzzled until I notice the wiring of ear buds plugging her into her own private world of sound which equals the 'sound of silence' between neighbours.
Green living of sitting or walking in public space can be enjoyable or troublesome as we watch and listen to our surroundings, the people, nature, bikes and vehicles. What are the Sounds and Silence of Green in your neighbourhood?
Is it the green sound of a broom sweeping autumn leaves, laughter of children playing in the street or sports field or neighbours greeting one another? Is it the green silence of bicycles, pedestrians or the quiet of trees?
Happy green living and listening to all this Thanksgiving weekend!
