Protected or Trapped?

Recently I went to a nature center & left feeling uncertain whether the animals were better off in or out of their "safety" pens.  Why?  Because of how sad they all looked.  See for yourself.  The fox, bobcat, bald eagle, snow owl and barn owls all looked downtrodden and upset, even.  As if to say, "Let me out of here.  I might be in danger out in the forest, but I'll have my freedom, and that's what I really want."

Every animal looked so sad, I couldn't bear to see their suffering behind fences.  Dependant on their keepers for food not necessarily shelter.  And, most were in isolation, kept apart from their buddies and pals.  That's not right.

I don't know what the answer is, as I suspect they'd have a hard time of it in the wild and may even be hunted down by a predator---two or four-legged.  At least in the nature center, they'll be safe.  But, at what cost?  To their sanity?  One snow owl already died because of stress, one of the rangers told me.  She hated being kept penned up.  I don't blame her.

A hard question.  One worth pondering.  Animals value their freedom.  Just like most of us.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

I know what it's like. I've seen it played out a few zillion times. You're waiting for that magical day when someone makes the connection and recognizes who you really are.

Maybe they'll first catch the sparkle in your eye. Or perhaps they'll marvel at your insights and the depth of your spirit. Someone who will help you connect the dots, believe in yourself, and make sense of it all. Someone who will understand you, approve of you, and unhesitatingly give you a leg up so that life can pluck your ready, ripened self from the branch of magnificence.

Well, I'm here to tell you, your wait is over.

That someone, is you!

Mike Dooley

Inspirational Author, Speaker and Friend

(Un) Happy Valentine's Day

When you're single, Valentine's Day can be a drag.  And, so it was.  Rather than lament, I'll supply you with a bevy of beautiful images designed to lift your spirits and make you smile.  They did for me.  Enjoy!

The Seed of Love

"There is no harvest for the heart alone; The seed of love must be eternally resown."

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Two days before Valentine's Day.  Good thoughts.  More to come. . .

Time for a Winter Break

Photography, by nature, is spiritual considering it comes from the darkness to show the light

Kevin Russo

Cold, blustery winter day.  Good for digging in the files and coming up with some bright blooms from springtime past.  Enjoy!


No matter the season

No matter the reason,
You are in my heart
From the very start
Of every day,
In every way.
My Suzy, my love,
In life or death
We shall never part.

Flowers help our hearts to smile

Whether we take a step or walk a mile.
Lovely, lovely,
Light and bright.
Lovely, lovely,
Day and night.

Radiate warmth.  Smile and be happy.  Someone loves you all the day through.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! ! !

For the first time all winter we're getting a blizzard.  And, I'm glad.  For, now I can stay home and write to my heart's content without feeling I should be hurrying, scurrying, working harder, performing better, doing more and more and MORE. . . . !

For the first time all season, I made a roaring fire, sat back and ate lunch in my family room while I watched the flames dance and listened to the wood crackle.  Ahh, bliss.

Sweetie Sue lying on the little rug in front of the hearth, a kitty on both sides of her, another in my lap, and two gazing at the snow falling out the glass doorwall makes me feel grounded, content and so happy to be alive and well, here and now. 

Present moment, wonderful moment!

Ode To My Flickr Friends

Ain't the "net" great?  Why, just this morning I was watching a fantastic video of Gannetts (like seagulls but more colorful) hopping and flying about Bass Cove in England.  One of my Flickr friends, Richard, made a delightful video on You Tube and sent it to all of his photo friends, me included.  So I had the great pleasure of going to a beautiful cove on the Atlantic Ocean this morning and seeing these glorious birds having fun!

In turn, my heart sang and I had fun.  But this is just the start.  Richard takes me all over the world in his travels.  So does Dennis of Nova Scotia.  I've recently been to Peggy's Cove and all along the eastern seaports.  Oh, and Dennis doesn't stop there.  He goes 'round the globe and shares his photos and videos from all around.  Why, we just returned from a wonderful trip to the Kremlin and all around Russia.  Plus, he narrates with the skill and charm of an Oxford History Professor!  I've learned more from Dennis and his travels than any textbook or history class I've taken.  Thank you, my friend!

Then there's Tony, from England, who tours many historical churches and noteable monuments, statues, stained glass, and much more.  He's taken me to carnivals, on cruises, aboard ships, atop mountains and more.  I've learned so much from his travels and tours.  Merci, Tony!

And Nick in Oregon.   Carl in Somerset.  Julia, Stephen and Tony from England.  Dragan from Serbia.  Celeste in California.  Greta in South Africa.  Paddu and Rich in New York, Louise in Toronto, Paivi from Helsinki, now living in Oslo, Norway.  So many friends in so many interesting places.  Time to go.  Blue-Footed Boobies in Antarctica await---toodles!

Each time you  remember the Truth

of who you are, You bring more light into

the world.

Author Unknown

(But Very Much Appreciated!)