As I was out observing the glories of summer on Buena Vista Hill and walking home down one of its residential sides, I passed a door that had a sign you do not see every day, highlighted by the lights that came on because of the motion sensor:
Yep, you read that right: geese.
Now, leaving aside the fact that the door is quite stout and the lights and probably some cameras are in play, consider this:
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Geese are indeed formidable creatures, and single individuals can break bones -- a group of them could actually kill an unprepared human.
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Assuming that the sign is CORRECT, whoever posted it has got some power in San Francisco, because that would take some exceptions to the zoning rules and some permits ... a lot going on in that house's backyard... and I have photographed migrating geese flying over the area in previous years ... and there are actually a lot of them who nest around park lakes, so, maybe ...
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Assuming the sign is a joke, it is still a light-hearted but serious warning, because the person who posted that has a mind that, even if there are no actual geese involved, still definitely might have plans for intruders that are just as unexpected as a flock of trained attack geese.
No. 3, of course, is the real message of the sign. The door is stout and tall; the lights come on immediately, but the sign is just pure psychology: whatever is happening behind that door isn't worth the risk, but, the poster was friendly about it! A unique approach to security, from a secure and kindly mind!
I had a good laugh and was encouraged by this: while it is definitely necessary to maintain boundaries with people, and they must be strong, it is still possible to be kind. In my past I did not know that a balance was possible, and so took way too much foolishness off people to maintain kindness. Now, I know how to better control my environment and use my intelligence and sense of humor to steer people clear of trouble with me -- it is a skill that can be learned, and protects everyone involved. For those kind at heart, that is very important.
Now, don't get it twisted. People who really are causing trouble or want to with me or anyone I am concerned with will find that they can get what they want, just like I'm sure that if there are no trained attack geese actually up the hill, that household has something else in mind that will be a problem for an intruder. But sometimes conflict can be avoided if everyone takes a moment to laugh and think again, and you an use your intelligence and a sense of good humor to make that kind of space around yourself. As you go into your Monday, keep that in mind!