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What????

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What I saw concerned me greatly. Never have I seen anything as to what I was looking at in that moment. I asked,

“Excuse me, but could you tell me what you all are doing?”

I had politeness in my voice, and a smile on my face, even though I was alarmed. My question sounded curious. And that was all. Nothing in my body language or in my voice bespoke of menace.

Yet that was how I was interpreted. Immediately, my question was greeted by a nasty, aggressive, angry, abusive woman saying to the effect I had no right to ask. Here I was on a Nature Preserve and I saw a woman, a man, and 4 children with pails and nets scooping things out of the water. You bet I had a right to ask, darn it!

I was lied to. I was told by this belligerent woman that the office had supplied them with the pails and nets. I found out about the lie when I made a beeline to the office to report these people. I was also told by this rude woman that I was wrong when I told her this was a Nature Preserve. Therefore, she had every right to be doing what she was with her kids. She came right out and told me I didn’t know what I was talking about!

(So how I asked myself [later] could she possibly have gotten those pails and nets at the office when she didn’t even know where she was?)

I just stood there, shaking my head, looking at this woman not believing my ears or eyes. She spoke to me as if I was dirt, demanding me in a dictator-type voice for me to leave her and her tribe alone. And then the whopper. She pointed at my camera and told me I was the one in the wrong by stealing.

OH MY GOD!

Taking pictures is stealing? Was this woman for real?

The audacity of some people. The nerve. The crassness. The attitude that they are going to do what they want to do come hell or high water. And then they turn the entire situation around to make it look like YOU are the guilty party. Not they.

I knew if I dared to step toward this irate woman, or press the issue, she would have physically charged me. Meanwhile, her husband is looking the other way and her kids continued catching the minnows or whatever they were catching. With no remorse, or regret, or shame, they just continued on taking from the Nature Preserve, stealing a Heron’s dinner.

And about the young girl at the office. I was more upset then she was and nothing was done about this matter. Not that I knew of. What has gotten into some people? What is happening??? I have yet to return to this park on account of this incident. That is how upsetting this is to me.

The precious picture you saw is of a red squirrel taken at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve Park where this incident happened.

Photography/ “What????”/ August 2018©AmyRose
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

78 thoughts on “What????”

    1. I agree, Holly. Those children just kept on having “fun” even though there was a heated conversation going on mostly from their Mom’s end. I know better then to try to get sense into someone like this because they just don’t hear you. I won’t stop caring and when I do return to this park and if I see something like this again, I will again speak up! These animals need protecting! 💖🌹

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    1. Your Dad is a good person. I couldn’t agree with him more. And yes it is so sad that these children’s values are being skewed. I really hope some good somehow came out of this event. 💝

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  3. When my dad took us to these kinds of places he always said to leave it better than we found it, not do whatever we want because we are there. So sad….what she is teaching those children.

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  4. I agree those people are wrong to be catching minnows, or whatever, but I doubt I would have approached them. That woman sounds like my loony neighbor (but she doesn’t have a husband or young kids, so I know it wasn’t her). The most I would have done is report them to the office, but as you found out, it’s not a crime they take seriously. Kudos to you for trying. If nothing else, maybe those kids will remember the confrontation and figure out their mom is nuts (obviously, the husband already knows that).

    I’m so glad you “stole” that photo of the squirrel. I think it’s the best one I’ve ever seen.

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    1. CM, I usually don’t stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, but my alarm bells were sounding so strongly I had to at least try doing something. If ever again I see something like this I will take pictures of those who are perpetrating a “crime”. Sadly I don’t think the kids were even aware of the exchange between their mother and myself. They never broke stride in what they were doing.

      And yep I sure did “steal” that photo. 99% of people who go to this park have a camera in hand. Thus many burglars are walking around. Those same burglars are the ones who police this park. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and have done it myself as well. Once I told a dad with two boys with fishing poles in hand they could not fish in these ponds and why. They were respectful and turned around to leave. Two young kids on bikes were riding around. I told them about the rule no bikes and they immediately felt awful. They too left right away. So yeah, there are people around who do resect the rules. Thank goodness! ☺️

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  5. Just more craziness of the world today AR…It’s everywhere and people are poised to attack at any attempt to question their motives. It is truly the twilight zone these days. I got a call from my Reverse Mortgage co. yesterday asking me to call back immediately as it was important. Of course panic ripped through me. I called back and they told me I was in default because I never returned my proof of residence form. I said what form? I never got a form. She then said well you should have returned our calls to you. They even called my son across the country to find out where I was. She was not happy. I said excuse me, I have gotten no calls and NO messages on my machine so how could I return your calls if I didn’t even know you called? She huffed that I was in default and so I could see no point in continuing my conversation, I was at fault and a bad girl! The whole world is nuts. I stay home and go nowhere. So sorry there was no response to your attempting to save the creatures. At least you tried. Good for you! I waste no time putting these idiots in their place. Where would they be without us? Boycott them if need be. Keep at it AR 🙂 Things are about to explode wide open so hang on tight. Take care and hugs your way…VK ❤

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    1. VK, the insanity of this world never and I mean never ceases to amaze me. I’m so sorry you had to go through all this. Staying home and going nowhere is no answer yet I too at times do the very same thing. I focus with INTENTION every time I do go out followed with the “feeling all is good” and yes I do have beautiful interactions. It’s taken me this long to respond to you because it has been crazy of late. It’s getting more difficult to blog. I hope you are having a good weekend. You hang in there as well. 😘

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  6. Oops…Forgot! I love the squirrel !!!! It reminds me of mine(Skamp) who hangs out on my front porch…Fun little guys but sadly destructive. Those fingers/appendages are really long! Better to grip the bark with I guess.

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  7. Sorry you went through this Amy but the photo is gorgeous.

    I’m not often political but I’m going to take a chance here – this reminded me so much of our government now – absurd beligerance and yet silence from the others. Perhaps the attitudes are contagious. I hope this doesn’t offend you.

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    1. Nico, no offense here taken, believe me. I avoid politics as well but what you said in your comment I could not agree more with. Of course the attitudes are contagious. If our leaders act a certain way, the gullible and those who do not think for themselves, will be affected. And I do thank you about this squirrel. He was a cutie. Blessings! 💝💝💝

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  8. This country has evolved into a place where some people think they can do as they please and to hell with the consequences. We have a local park in Austin that has 5 large ponds which the Pond Society has been helping to maintain. Guess what, people let their kids get in the ponds and mess about ruining all of our work. What is wrong with this country…BTW, great picture of the squirrel. We only have grey ones around here in Texas.

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    1. I thought we only had grey squirrels here too until I saw this guy. And yes it is a true shame what is happening yet I see those like me who are adamant to assist Mother Nature, to stand up for Her, and to do what is right and good. If we don’t stand up for what is right even if we think nothing good happened, then what is the point of even living? I thank you for commenting …. and apologies for the late reply. Life for me has been challenging. Hope you had a great weekend. 😎

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  9. Oh Amy, sorry you were confronted with their nonsense… so many people now are acting out their fear and feeling of lack… We have to trust nature is here for all, no matter how they treat it and continue being the compassionate examples in our own daily life… the squirrel is awesome and makes up for your unfortunate incident. Stand strong Amy… as it’s not going to get better! We have to focus on our own life, feeling of joy and creating #newearth from within. Love to you x Barbara x

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    1. Thank you, Barbara, for your empathy. No matter what, the Warrior in me will defend Mother to the best of my ability. It is just hardwired in me to do so. And yes that squirrel is pretty fascinating. We don’t see many red squirrels here so this guy was a total surprise. And if it gets much worse then this, I honestly don’t know how I will remain standing. I’ve gotten pretty beat up and am so ready for a peaceful and tranquil interlude. I’ve been creating the new earth for so many years yet sometimes the discouragement rages as I see the violence and insanity increase around me. Much Love to you this day in this world that has gone mad. 💝

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  10. It sounds like a tricky situation. Are there Rangers or someone like that whose job it is to protect the preserve and help people in it? I think they would be more interested in what you saw than the person in the office. Personally, I am hesitant to interact with strangers unless it is a friendly hello or a short friendly conversation. You just don’t know what someone might do. This state is a concealed carry state so there is the additional thought of who’s packing what. I hope you feel comfortable going back to enjoy the park again soon. ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Sarah, there are no Rangers that I have ever seen in this park. For the most part, we the people who go to this park frequently, actually police it. When the alarm sounded within myself when I saw these people, the Warrior in me just wouldn’t be stopped. Yet I also was super aware of where this woman was and where her hands were. Here too people can carry yet that is the last thing you think of when you are in a park, at least I don’t. The temps (again) have dropped so I am thinking of returning to this park perhaps even today. Life has been extremely challenging for me, hence the late reply. Hope you are having a good weekend! 💝

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      1. Hi Amy, I hope you find the work in your garden therapeutic. I read your most recent post. I am sorry to hear someone has been taking what is not theirs to take. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a way to stop copying on the web. I looked into it myself back when I first started posting photos. It seems like a flaw in the design of the photo viewers. You would think some clever person would invent code that we could put in to prevent copying. A watermark like you put on the most recent photo seems to be the only recourse.

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      2. I accidentally pushed the send button on the previous comment before I finished it. 🙂 I just wanted to say “Hi!” and wish you well. I hope you have beautiful weather for your gardening! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  11. What example at all is she setting for her four children? As for the man, the least said the better. Don’t get upset by these people Amy. Don’t let them get to you. Some people are born nasty and there is no changing them. We have such people here too. Cheer up my dear friend. 🙂

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    1. Bless you, Celestine. To tell you true, this incident really got to me. Yet a “small” voice has been telling me … don’t allow one person ruin what you love to do. It’s always such a shock to my system when I come across people like this. BIG (((HUGS))) and a huge thank you for reaching out to me. Apologies for the late reply. Life has been hectic for me. Much Love to you! 💝

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  12. To confront others when you are in the wrong is the absolute height of arrogance. Take the picture. Anything you can see from public property is fair game for your camera. Take it, take a picture of their license plate, turn them in, whatever it takes.

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  14. In England nature reserves very seldom bother about this kind of thing because they think that it is better to attract people in to the reserve rather than traumatise them for ever by making a fuss. Personally, I think it all depends on what kind of person you want in your nature reserve. And for me, people who damage the environment are not the kind to encourage.

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    1. John, I’m with you. I’d rather see a small amount of people at this park rather then a large number who are destructive. This park has been getting advertising lately so hence, more people are coming. For a long time this was a really unknown nature preserve, known to only those who love Nature.

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    1. Thank you, Pragalbha, regarding this squirrel. We don’t have many red squirrels here so imagine my surprise when I saw this guy. And I really do agree you, dear friend, regarding the disrespect. Hope you are having a great weekend. 😘

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  16. Beautiful squirrel…ugly family/woman. I wish she had been arrested and fined. Once, at the Chicago Botanic Garden a woman was caught cutting all the flowers. When security stopped her she was furious because her DAUGHTER was getting MARRIED and she was gong to take all the flowers for the bride, bridesmaids AND the tables. She was escorted out. I hope they fined her thousands of dollars. People are insane.

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    1. You’d think in a “perfect world” that would be the case. People are nuts, Gigi. They just have no respect for other’s property or little else in life as well. We who do understand respect and live it, continue to be the shining examples. Shine on, Gigi!! 💝

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  17. That’s incredible, Amy! Your experience solidifies my oft-said comment: “What is wrong with people these days?” There have always been people like the woman you encountered, it’s just that there are more of them these days—

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  18. This is unbelievable. I think it’s getting worse in all areas of the world. This sense of entitlement and then belligerence when their actions are questioned. Sad to say, I’ve come across such situations too, and didn’t hesitate to politely (yet firmly) speak up. (I won’t get started on some photographers’ behaviours!)
    The squirrel is a handsome fellow 🙂

    Best wishes,
    Takami 🙂

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    1. Good for you, Tamaki, for speaking up!! I am applauding you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 We have to if change is to happen. I refuse to just sweep the ugly under the rug. I’ve seen many photographers and many devoted lovers of this park actually policing this park. I have a feeling there are no monies for actual park officials to be doing this, so “we the people” are! I do my best to visit this park with as little people there as possible. And I do thank you about this squirrel. We don’t see many red squirrels here so you can imagine my surprise with this cutie. I hope you are having a great weekend! 😘

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  19. It comes from seemingly out of the blue – people who are acting like weirdos, entitled, spoiled, and no respect. They attack and make you look like the one on the wrong. I am blown away by how they do this and can’t even go there in trying to figure out how they tick. It’s impossible, we’re not wired that way, almost like a social psychopath. Lovely squirrel though!! and a red one at that!! Much love to you! Donna

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    1. When actions like these come from out of the blue, just so unexpected, it is so difficult for me to process what is actually going on. The shock to my system is just so great. And on top of that I was in my “happy zone” where the world at large didn’t even exist except for the park I was walking in. I’m not wired like they are either yet …. if I admit it, we ALL have the capability to act this way IF we so do choose to do so. None of us is better then the other. Some of us, however, have grown up to realize it is best to show kindness and Love then ugliness and hate.

      Yes. A red squirrel! I’ve rarely ever seen one here so you can well imagine my surprise over this cutie. He was just making so much noise munching on a nut that that is what drew my attention to him. He could have cared less that I was taking pictures of him. That nut was more important. Much Love to you as well!! 💝

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  20. I am sorry to hear that you had to encounter such a rude person. I also do not think she could say something like to a person who she did not know at all and just a person who just asked her a very innocent question.

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    1. Some people, YellowCable, have so much emptiness in their hearts and so much anger within their being, that that is all they know. Thank you for your empathy. This interaction really got to me. Hope you are having a great weekend! 💖

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    1. Oh, David. My Heart truly goes out to you if you had to deal with people like this on a daily basis. I hope this woman does not forget me for a long time. Perhaps my actions will get her to see how inappropriate her actions were. I hope your weekend is a good one!☺️

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      1. i commend you on doing what’s right, Amy.
        caring for the earth, helping others who
        have not benefitted from the wisdom, or even
        common sense that you shared. my public health messages that were unappreciated happened regularly, but not daily, thankfully 🙂

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  22. Boy, it takes all kinds, huh? That’s why the world is messed up, when folks don’t think of the consequences of their actions. Don’t let the bad guys take the smile off your face, girlfriend! x

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    1. Yes, Eliza, it does take all kinds. I don’t like to admit it, but this woman really got to me. I have however, turned the corner with my smile back on and with plans on returning to this park. Much Love to you! 😘

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    1. There are many who do not hear words and there is no point in even trying to get them to hear. Yes, prayer is an excellent means to do good. I couldn’t agree more.

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  25. I’m so sorry to read about your extremely unpleasant encounter. It’s so unfortunate how little concern/compassion so many people have for our environment and other living beings. Too many people believe humans are above all else and that it’s our place to mess with Nature/our environment, and also mess with other people. It took courage to approach them! Good for you!!

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    1. I’ve been watching a program that is studying animals regarding intelligence and it is amazing! We humans “think” we are the most intelligent species on the planet. I also care for special cats and believe me I’ve come to understand that they know in different ways then we do and are far from stupid. Extremely intelligent they are! And thank you for your empathy and encouragement!

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  28. We all have a right to stand up for what we believe in. I think more people need to overcome their fear of confrontation and speak up when a wrong is being witnessed. You did good, Amy. Concerning your photo, I noticed that the one uplifted claw is quite interesting. Adds a special touch to this handsome fellow. ❤

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    1. Thank you, Olga. Unfortunately, not much good came out of what I did. There are just some people in this world that will not listen to anyone. I am right along with you regarding confrontation. Confrontation is uncomfortable for anyone, I don’t care who you are. But in order to overcome fear we all must stand up for what we believe and for what is right. May you have a beautiful day today! 💕🌹💕

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  29. Pingback: Into the Woods Again | Cordelia's Mom, Still

  30. AmyRose much love to you all the time! You are always in my prayers. I have been sharing a lot more of my poetry as I have been dealing with the MS and a few other things! Like you I love to share but it seems, but it has been hard to keep up with embracing what is shared by all whom I love, on WordPress. I have read your post on some stealing your pictures. Hang in there dear sister! I will keep you in my prayers always! Thanks for your recent visit!

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    1. Much Love to you as well, Wendell! Bless you for praying for me! Just of late, my life has opened up in ways I’ve waited to happen for a long time. How it is unfolding, however, is a surprise. When God starts working what we “thought” would happen usually doesn’t. And what we never even thought of does happen.
      It’s been difficult for me to keep up as well, dear friend. My life outside of WP has been very intense and busy. I’ve also just decided to step away from blogging so that I can be in Mother Nature more and with my family more. And about stealing … yes I was very upset and ready to quit but in brainstorming with another photographer, watermarking came up and so that is what I am doing from now on.
      Stay Blessed, brother! You are in my Heart. 💖

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  31. Pingback: Daily Kind Quote – Erika Kind

  32. Gosh AmyRose… are you sure that she wasn’t a U.S. politician? Most of them seem to act that very same way these days. (stealing from the pond and blaming others). Her attitude makes me a bit ill… but the picture of that beautiful squirrel made me smile… so you still managed to brighten my morning. Thank you. Oh… and don’t let someone like her keep you from wandering in such a beautiful place… it belongs to those who care.

    Hope your day is most beautiful…

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    1. Michael, when our leaders show blatant hatred and violence and disrespect that in turn teaches so many that it is OK to be this way. No way … not me! I refuse to allow someone whose mindset is in the gutters to upset me. Perhaps one day this woman will see Truth in order to set herself free. I will continue to wander in this most glorious place. May your day be a great one!! XOXOXO

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