Too many people, not enough trees

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The following quote is by Matthieu Ricard in his book “Happiness”. I don’t know whether the facts are actually true, but it’s certainly interesting in these times of iPads and global warming, and perhaps especially at this time of year.

Unlike GNP, the economic indicator that measures cash flow through an economy, GNH measures the happiness of the people as an indicator of development and progress. In order to improve the quality of life for its people, Bhutan has balanced cultural and environmental preservation with the development of industry and tourism. It is the only country in the world where hunting and fishing are banned throughout the land. That is a happy contrast to the two million hunters in France. (MR is a buddhist. Personally I’m not as opposed to “real” hunting as to factory farming and hobby shooting)

In addition, 60 percent of the land is required by law to remain forested.

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It’s dark again

And the lamps over the dining table are broken. So I have a very white daylight lamp in front of my painting station but my back is to it when working with small images or other things requiring a table, and it’s not enough in winter gloom. (getting a new lamp obviously, but it’s not as easy as all that to find what you like and need)

I’ve been thinking I’d like to do some big canvasses for a change anyway, but then I’m up against another issue: Uncovered living room floor. Acrylic paints. A desire to perhaps use runny stuff? As it is I spend way too many brain cells monitoring that I don’t accidentally spill or wipe my brushes on furniture, it ruins the flow more than you’d think!

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