Category Archives: Kindness

Animals, Kindness

Happy Holidays!

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There are numerous holidays at this special time of year and I would like to give thanks to you for reading my blog and being part of my life. Let us all rejoice in good health and many blessings, and may we remember to care for one another, and the world we live in.

Climate Change, Kindness, Leadership

Helping Hands

As the death toll climbs from Hurricane Ian we are reminded, yet again, of the increasing severity of climate change. We must continue to reduce our carbon footprints, and positively impact our world. I am heartened by all of the people volunteering to help those who have lost their homes and rebuild communities in Florida and Puerto Rico.

I am also buoyed by friends, colleagues, and others who are planting trees and working to increase biodiversity across the world. We know that we must continue to join together so that we have a livable planet.

Butterflies, Kindness

Hope for Our World

Monarch Butterfly

I just read an interesting article written by Margaret Renki, an author who recently wrote a book entitled, “Graceland, at Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache from the American South”.   In the article she spoke about Eastern monarch butterflies, those beautiful creatures who manage to fly nearly 3,000 of miles from the United States to Mexico but whose population is down by 88%.  She was trying to save some caterpillars (who would become butterflies) she brought home from a garden center and I admit, part of me was looking for some inspiration in her words.  While I did not find a flowery quote, I found some solace knowing that someone else out there besides me is also trying to help the natural world.  Thank you, Margaret Renki.

Kindness

Happy New year!

This is one of my favorite times of the year and yet, I know many have struggled.  2020 brought COVID-19 and deepened social unrest.  Both affected economies all over the world, and the lives of each one of us.  Still, we witnessed the heroism of nurses and doctors who work in our hospitals and nursing homes, and random acts of kindness from many people around us.

Playing my violin has allowed me to find beauty, even in the darkest hours.  It makes my heart lighter, and in essence, is an act of self-care.  May you find something or someone who adds to your smile and touches your soul.  May you have happiness and be free from suffering.  And may the joy of the season and the new year touch and heal your heart.

Animals, Kindness, Leadership

10 ways to help and save wildlife

Mountain Lion in Grand Teton National Park
  1. Urge elected politicians and government agencies to support policies—such as ivory bans and other restrictions on wildlife trade—that protect animals.  Your voice matters!
  2. Visit a national wildlife refuge, park, or other open space and learn about the endangered species and other animals that live there. Stay informed and support policies that keep these areas wild and protect native species.
  3. The Endangered Species Act has proven to be an effective safety net for imperiled species—extinction has been prevented for more than 98 percent of the animals under its care. Urge your elected officials to preserve the important safeguards in the Act.
  4. One of the easiest and most effective ways to help wildlife is to preserve the environment in which the animals live.
  5. Participate in or hold your own local trash clean-up to help protect the habitats of endangered species and other wildlife.
  6. Reduce, reuse, and recycle!
  7. Save energy. Driving less, using energy efficient vehicles and appliances, and simply turning off the lights when you leave a room reduce energy use. Many power plants rely on coal and other fossil fuels that damage animal habitats when they are extracted and pollute the environment and contribute to climate change when they are burned.
  8. Plant native flowers, trees, and bushes in your backyard. This gives local wild animals food, shelter, and a place to raise families. Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
  9. If you see an animal at the park, on a nature trail, or near a water source, let them be and do not remove them from their environment. These animals survive best in their own habitat. Take a picture instead.
  10. Be An Educated Consumer and Think before you buy.  Learn more about consumer choices that are better for animals and the environment.