Well, as you may have ascertained, my name is Seth Andrew Love. I go by many different common names such as Dr. Love, Hard Tack, Click, and Loche (in reference to an invasive fish species common in Central New York). I'm proud to call myself a member of New York State's North Country community and have been living up here since May 2012. More specifically, I hail from Jefferson County and live along the Chaumont River. Because of this, I sometimes forget whether I'm an American or Canadian (if you tap my arm I'm sure you'll get some maple sap). Please understand that while I may be proud of my geographical location, I am not entirely proud of the socio-philosophical tendencies of the area (I dream of a day when I can put on an abbot's tunic and nail my 99 theses to the door of the Depauville Inn and Bar, bringing about a great reformation of learning!). While that last part may be a slight exaggeration, I do hope for a day when rural America develops a craving for knowledge and objective truth.
I have a wonderful job as a seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Technically, I am the brook trout seasonal technician so a portion of my job duties involve monitoring Adirondack Park waters (both roadside and remote) with gill nets and a YSI meter. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Adirondack Park, it has a unique and controversial history which has given me much to ponder in regards to wilderness, governance, and ethics. It also happens to be the largest state park in the lower 48 states (over 3 million acres).
(Heritage Strain Brook Trout Egg Take)
(Processing Brook Trout at Evergreen Lake)
I wouldn't be an honorable member of the North Country if a few of my hobbies weren't outdoor related. However, I also enjoy reading, smoking my corn cob pipe, and sipping Johnnie Walker when I need to get back to my Celtic roots. When one lives on the river, it only makes sense to be in possession of some sort of watercraft. Even though I may be a government employee, I haven't saved up enough for my yacht, RV Moby Dick (oh yes, my yacht will be a research vessel as well as a pleasure boat). In the meantime, I'm borrowing a canoe from a co-worker so I can enjoy the Chaumont. On top of that, I finally invested in a used five/six-weight fly rod. Needless to say I'm pretty excited to get the hang of fly-fishing.
(View from the trail up to the high peak Algonquin)
Even though I was not an official member of Tribe until Anya and Andrew's wedding last summer, I had regularly been surrounded by Tribal events and gatherings during my time at Houghton. One regret from college is not being more involved with Tribe. Granted, I was trying to survive chemistry and genetics (which have not been useful in my career). Sure, it is a justified excuse. However, I still regret missing the many opportunities to be a formal part of this community. I was pretty excited when Jenny invited me to join Tribe after she smeared cupcake on my face and got my suit dirty. What an initiation!
I've recently been thinking about how my life has changed since I've graduated from Houghton. When I moved to Jefferson County, I never believed I would be here this long. I had dreams and visions of moving south and starting a sustainable, beyond-organic farm. But after what seems like a twinkle of an eye, I am still here. Maybe life is like a river. While the water in the river is always recycling, the river remains more-or-less the same. If a river were a sentient being, I doubt it would be able to notice every single water molecule exiting its boundary. Maybe the same applies to our perception of time as we age? Life is no longer measured by days or weeks, but rather by joyful and sorrowful events that happen over the years (such as marriages and deaths). Thankfully, we share a covenant with a God who doesn't change over time.
(Unhappy Lake Sturgeon from Lake Ontario)
I enjoy talking, writing, and learning about many topics ranging from ecology, ethics, political theory, and theology. So, ye best be ready!
Well, this post has become quite introspective for an “introduction.” Hopefully it lends itself to some thoughtful pondering.
Until next time,
S.A. Love
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