Happy Friday, dear friends. The good news is my fever has finally broken and I am feeling much better.
The irritating news is, because it’s not bad news when everything unfolds perfectly even though that very fact can be irritating, we are beset by another huge snow storm.
This situation, in the past, might have pushed me into get it done mode. Not this time. There is no energy to get anything done but heal, and so I did what I rarely do, I called out for help to a neighbor.
I asked for the recommendation of a driveway shoveling teen who might want to make some extra pocket money, and they said they would take care of my driveway. Tears welled up in me, filling me with gratitude, but also reminding me of how few times I have asked for help and simply struggled through things.
A dear friend mentioned to me today, that my lack of asking for help is actually a not very nice trait that I have. I am rich beyond measure in energy and I adore giving of myself. I need to also learn to receive from humans. Even though I believe I exist in a supportive universe, humans are part of that universe, and they deserve the pleasure of an equal energy exchange.
I never thought about it that way. Lesson learned. I asked for help. I received it. I gave them an opportunity to give. It’s all good. The only thing that could make it better is for the warm weather to get here soon!
Ringling Brothers Circus to phase out Asian Elephant acts within the next three years.
When I saw this news story my heart leapt for joy! My love affair with elephants began when I was very small. We lived near the Brooklyn Zoo, and most Sundays my parents would wheel us through the exhibits.
Back then, the elephants were housed in a gigantic enclosure, tiled with white, and lined with straw. There were huge iron bars and a small walkway that separated the elephants from the humans, but the elephants had trunks and we had peanuts and so, I was able to touch a live elephant at a very young age.
Being an energy reader, I could feel their immense intelligence, along with their longing for their families. I knew it was wrong for them to be in cages and taken from their families. I don’t think I ever enjoyed the circus because of this knowing. Anything that is held against its will, may find a way to survive, but it can never be truly happy. I feel we all innately know this, but many deny it.
After years of state and local legislative battles, to cobble together efficient tour schedules for 3 working circus troupes, Ringling Brothers Circus, which has been owned by the Feld family since 1967, has announced they will phase out live elephant acts from their performances over the next three years.
They plan to retire their 43 working Asian elephants, which is the largest North American herd under one name, to their already existing animal retirement park near Orlando, Fl. At present, the park will only be open to scientists studying elephants, but the family may have additional enhancements to attract tourism, in order to offset the $65,000 annual support necessary for each animal.
Animal rights groups are resoundingly ecstatic over this news, and feel it follows the trend initiated by Seaworld in response to their captive Orca program. The time of the trained animal, used for the entertainment of humans, is being replaced with an honoring of their divine right to exist in the wild, as their own magnificent masters, and I cannot applaud loudly enough at this blessed turn of events!
Ringling Bros. to give up elephant acts in 3 years by Tamara Lush for AP the Big Story
The UK embraces the Fairtrade model with a two week focus, and includes school kids.
Many UK villages work hard to obtain Fairtrade status. This does not necessarily mean that they produce products that are subject to the Fairtrade model, though they may. It means that their village purchases and uses Fairtrade products as much as they can, and has them available for purchase in local establishments.
Their Fairtrade status represents the end user model. The villages are proud to support Fairtrade, and they want visitors to understand that.
They also want children in the area to understand the significance of the Fairtrade model, as they grow up and take their place as global consumers.
During the Fairtrade Fortnight focus on the platform, across the UK, the Plymouth area offered special programs for school children to bring awareness to the concept of paying a fair living wage to artisans for the products they create. The program wrapped up with a special Fairtrade luncheon so that the kids could taste how good the products are, and possibly cement them as future Fairtrade consumers.
The more children are introduced to ethical and sustainable platforms, the more they understand that there is always a way out of the status quo with solution based and visionary thinking.
And finally…
Your daily dose of fun!
When scanning the interwebs for some fun to round out the roundup, I came across this adorable video compilation of ferrets! Who knew they were so adorable and fun loving, and got along swimmingly with other pets? Not me! I was enthralled with their antics and I hope you enjoy them too.
Who knew how funny ferrets were? On YouTube
That’s the news for today. Have a wonderful day. I hope to see you back here tomorrow for more news.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex