When you look around you, what do you see? Do you like what you see? It depends upon what your view reveals. Some places on this Earth are still wild and beautiful. And in some places, humans have managed to place their mark in a balanced way, which does not detract from the earth’s beauty. In others, our incredible Mother Earth is being systematically fouled and destroyed. I strive to find the beauty in all things, as surely the creator intended, yet sometimes it is very hard to find that which is disappearing so rapidly.

It is sad, and although I do my best to create positive changes in my own small way, some days I feel just a bit defeated. I know it is important to keep those positive thoughts flowing, so the energy that surrounds us is good, yet it takes so much courage to withstand the darkness in this world. I will continue to nurture, protect, and teach those who connect with my sphere of influence until my dying breath. I am a warrior, after all, and it is what I do.

I would like to share a video which gave me goosebumps, in looking at the different places and beings which make up this planet we call Earth. What do you see?

I have had a rough few days, experiencing a terrible migraine which lasted nearly 2.5 days. Of course one of my most lucid thoughts during this dark period was.. how grateful I would feel just to look at the beauty which surrounds us in nature, and give thanks for my life. Such misery seems to make me that much more thankful for all of my blessings, no matter how small they may seem. I take nothing for granted, and count myself very lucky to walk in good health. If I must suffer the occasional terrible pain to remind me of just how lucky I am, then so be it. I will never forget that pain, and will treasure the moments I am free from it.

Yet again I am searching for beautiful and wondrous places on this Earth to share as I venture forth on my quest. I rediscovered a site dedicated to the Beauty and Art that can be found on this planet and beyond. I would like to take this moment to share a couple of images which caught my eye, as they are simply wondrous. These “fire rainbows” are true natural phenomenons that do occur through very special and rare circumstances. Although they appear mystical, they truly are real, and are actually scientifically documented. How I would love to witness such a fantastic and lovely occurance in person!

If you would like to learn more, and view some more of these incredible fire rainbows, I would be happy to direct you to Beauty of Earth.. ArtsOnEarth.com, as I must give credit for this wondrous find, where it is due. You will be glad to visit such a site full of the Art this Earth provides, free of charge, in all that is beautiful in nature as the Creator intended. Enjoy!

Life on this Earth cannot exist without our Rainforests. This not new news, and yet still our Rainforests are being thoughtlessly destroyed. Every moment brings us closer to a world devoid of life, yet those ignorant to the consequences still persist. Why? What motivations, besides greed, can bring about that which will serve to devastate this planet? Is man truly so bent on self-destruction?

My daughter and are at present studying the Biomes of this planet, and the Rainforest. In our home studies we must learn those integral parts that make up this Earth. The biosystems, ecosystems and all that lives in the natural world and keeps this planet in balance. It is quite disturbing to try to answer her many questions, and she is becoming quite alarmed with the current events happening around our planet, and with good cause. It is sad to think of what the world will be when she is grown, and the daunting task we are setting forth for our children. She asks me “What will I tell my children, Mama?”.

I try so hard to paint a picture of all the wonders in nature, yet it is quite difficult to do when nature is disappearing so rapidly. The virgin Rainforests are home to 61.8% of all the biological diversity on Earth. In this, the richest environment for life, we are destroying a land area which is equivalent to the size of the city of Tokyo Japan ( 240 square miles ) every day. This equals 6417 acres per hour, 107 acres per minute or 1.78 acres per second. This issue of Rainforests destruction and mass species extinctions is the #1 issue facing humanity. If we do not stop this NOW, it will be too late.

It is believed, based on the Fibonacci series of numbers which are found throughout nature, that there are approximately 560 Rainforests species extinctions per day. This equals one Rainforests species extinction every 2 minutes and 33 seconds. We are but a strand in the fabric of life, all intricately interdependent on one another. And yet here we are, in the mere geological blink of an eye, eroding the very foundation of our own existence with mass species extinctions. This 6th great mass extinction period on Earth that we are insanely causing by the suicidal annihilation of the Web of Life, will very soon bring about our own extinction.

The Omega Point is the point in time, when all of the devastation we have inflicted over the years to our life support ecosystems finally becomes too much and they irreversibly fail, no longer able to sustain Homo Sapiens. What this translates into for our future generations is an ever increasingly nightmarish slippery slope to extinction.

Rainforests are some of the world’s most ancient and complex ecosystems. They cover a mere 2% of the Earth, yet more than half of all plant and animal species live there. The rainforest is home to creatures as famous as the jaguar and poison dart frog, as well as lesser-known and even unidentified species.

I will be following up soon with more about the life that still exists within the rainforest.

“This we know: The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
Chief Seattle

Mother Earth has so much raw beauty, and Tibet is no exception. This image evokes a feeling of mystery and magic; secrets the earth holds from a time beyond imagining. Such a stunningly beautiful land, with a rich spiritual background. Although the peoples of this region have had more than their fair share of trials and warfare, even to this day, the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking to behold. Sweeping views and mountainous ranges make this one of the worlds greatest natural wonders. A Shangri La to behold, my wild nature cannot resist the lure and temptation to explore.

With a population of slightly less than three million, spread over 1.2 million sq-km (0.5 million sq-mile), much of the Tibet Autonomous Region is wide open space. China has established 38 reserves to protect the region’s natural environment, which includes mountains, lakes and forests. But global warming is changing the landscape. Temperatures in Tibet are rising at more than twice the worldwide average, melting glaciers that feed some of Asia’s major rivers.

Tibetan Life and Tourism

Outside towns and cities, people mostly rely on farming to survive. Tibetans grow crops or herd animals, such as cows and yaks. Common crops include barley, potatoes and turnips. A few years ago, watermelons were introduced to the region and now seem to be the summer fruit of choice. Farmers sell them directly from roadside stalls.

China hopes to attract three million tourists to Tibet by 2020. But there are concerns that these tourists, who will need hotels, restaurants and shops, will destroy Tibet’s unique character. More visitors could lead to ugly developments around major tourist sites and damage to the region’s natural environment. Local officials maintain this will not happen, but bold statements and action are often two different things.

Buddhist tradition

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-feet-high cliff in Paro Valley, is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha, flew onto the cliff on the back of a tigress, and then meditated in a cave which now exists within the monastery walls. The monastery, formally called Taktshang Goemba, was built in 1692 and reconstructed in 1998 after a fire. Now, the monastery is restricted to practicing Buddhists on religious retreats and is off-limits to ordinary tourists.

Religion remains important for ordinary Tibetans, many of whom make pilgrimages to the region’s monasteries and temples. Pilgrims are as prominent as tourists on Lhasa’s streets, as they walk around sacred sites chanting and clutching prayer beads. Many sites have been restored after being destroyed in China’s Cultural Revolution, when the country was plunged into virtual civil war. China says there are now more than 1,700 places of worship in Tibet, and about 46,000 monks and nuns.

Bloggers unite to spread the word about refugees in peril, and get people involved in the crisis of those suffering around the world, as I write this post. I sit here with plenty of food, although I am far from rich, and shelter to keep my family warm and dry in the winter, and cool in the summer. Although I am no stranger to the pain of suffering and hard times, I cannot imagine living in such appalling conditions, as those refugees must endure each waking moment. As a mother, I am filled with great sadness as I see how much these people struggle just to survive, and to watch my children starve would be too horrifying to even imagine. Not to mention the atrocities being committed against these people. Regardless of each individuals personal beliefs about the Creator and Spirituality, who has the right to destroy others because their beliefs differ? Our true creator would not wish this, and no one may convince me otherwise.

I blog for many reasons, and to help those less able to help themselves is way up there at the top. People are dying, and those who are living in these refugee camps are suffering beyond our imagining. Not only are these people displaced with little hope of finding homes, they are the victims of disease and targets of militia outbreaks. Children are the victims of rape. Plagued by foul weather and the minimal of shelter, if any, there is little hope for these families and we who are free must find it in our hearts to help in whatever way we can.

This seems a daunting task, and a hopeless mission if we truly look at the scope of this global tragedy, as it is told that the numbers are as high as 42 million uprooted by war around the world. This is a staggering number if you ask me, and in this modern day of supposed ‘enlightened’ human beings, it is puzzling to imagine such barbaric behaviour occuring to such a large degree. If we remind ourselves that these are not just numbers, and are living, breathing human beings just like you and I, then we can begin to realize that it could just as easily be us living this nightmare.

There are those who dedicate their lives to helping those suffering, with assistance of food, shelter, medical attention and supplies. If you would like to further educate yourself and others, perhaps you would like to visit Doctors Without Borders to see what is happening on an alarming scale, and possibly help with donations of your time, or even offer financial assistance if you are in a position to do so. Spreading the word and raising awareness is a great first step towards helping these lost ones, and will go a long way to bringing hope to these people.

I will be doing more research, and dedicating more time to these humanitarian efforts in the future. Meanwhile, you may be interested in a refugee camp blog that has just finished up a tour to raise awareness called 42 Million Uprooted by War: A Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City. These people dedicate their lives to helping refugees, and I believe their dedication, courage, compassion and love for their fellow humans in danger and dire straits, will encourage others to follow suit and join in this totally worthwhile cause.

Whilst searching through the land to find that which I deem worthy of mention, amongst the most beautiful of lands I discovered the Antrim Coast and Glens. The nine famous glens, endowed with evocative names and blessed with a diversity of landscape are also rich in history, in folklore and in the natural beauty that is a world away from the frantic bustle of modern life.

The coastline of County Antrim from Ballycastle to Larne and the world famous Glens of Antrim contain some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in Northern Ireland. The area is dominated by a high undulating plateau cut by deep glens which open north and eastwards to the sea. It is an area of contrasts: gentle bays are separated by blunt headlands; exposed moorland gives way to sheltered valleys; wide open expanses to enclosed farmland.

Entwined amongst the rich history and traditions of the communities within these mysterious glens is the constant sense of a dual landscape; one of breathtaking nautral drama and beauty that opens up as you negotiate the hills and bends, and another more hidden landscape of mists and myths, of legends and folklore and tales of giants, fairies and other wonderful creatures. Let us explore them all.

Glenaan – The glen of the colt’s foot or rush lights, a rugged glen – having the site of the legendary Ossian’s grave, with the Cushendall-Ballymoney mountain road. The Celtic poet Ossian is said to have resisted St Patrick, arguing that Christianity was too strict for the exuberant Gaels.

Glenarm – The glen of the army, with Glenarm village, eleven miles north of Larne, on the famous Causeway Coastal Route. The oldest of the villages, with narrow streets leading to Glenarm Forest with its paths and waterfalls. A gold and Silversmith’s workshop and a pottery in the village are worth a visit. Glenarm Castle, with a striking resemblance to the Tower of London, is the home of the Earl of Antrim.

Glenariff – The arable or fertile glen, the best-known of the nine as the ‘Queen of the Glens’, sweeps majestically towards the village of Waterfoot. A series of waterfalls plunge down through a gorge traversed by rustic bridges. One cascade has the name ‘tears of the mountain’. The park is also a national nature reserve with easy access to a caravan and camp site. There is a wonderful view from the visitor centre down the glen which Thackeray described as a ‘Switzerland in miniature’. Waterfoot is the village at the foot of Glenariff, by lovely Red Bay, so called because of the reddish sand washed by streams from the sandstone. Fishing boats can be hired at the harbour here. There is a series of caves in the Cliffs, which were once inhabited, with the fragmentary ruins of Red Bay Castle above.

Glenballyeamon – Edwardstown glen, at the foot of which is Cushendall – more or less at the centre of the nine glens. Tieveragh Hill is supposed to be the capital of the fairies (living inside it). Above the village soars the table-top mountain of Lurigethan.

Glencorp – The glen of the slaughtered, close by Glenaan and roughly parallel to the main road from Cushendall to Cushendun. A prominent round hill on the east slope of Glencorp is called Tieveragh. This is famed as the home of multitudes of fairies, said to emerge in a procession on May Eve (30 April). Those who doubt the existence of the little folk will not see them, for they reveal themselves only to believers.

Glencloy – The glen of the hedges, two miles north of Glenarm, with the village of Carnlough at its foot. Lying about 14 miles north of Larne, this glen takes its name from the stone ditches in the upper glen and on Garron mountain. Some of these have been shown to date from the Bronze Age. The main village is Carnlough (population about 1000) stretching along most of the bay. A further 500-600 people live in the upper glen. Archaeological excavations at Bay Farm have uncovered evidence of Neolithic occupation (around 4000 B.C.) and further excavations in the same general area uncovered a Bronze Age settlement dated between 2000 and 1500 B.C.

Glendun – The glen of the brown river, adjacent to Cushendun village; spanned by a viaduct on the main Cushendall-Ballycastle road.

Glenshesk – A pleasant glen lying on the eastern side of Knocklayde mountain opening out to the sea at Ballycastle. It is quite easy to visit and explore this glen and Glentaise in the course of a couple of days. Like Glentaisie, on the other side of Knocklayde, it is also full of historic lore and at its foot lie the ruins of the Franciscan Friary of Bunamargy which was built for the friars by the local chieftain, Rory MacQuillan in 1485. As a result of a few fierce battles it became the property of the MacDonnell Clan who had no qualms about setting fire to the friary when it was occupied by the English forces under the command of Sir William Stanley in 1584. This glen is peppered with standing stones marking the burial places of saintly men and women and of brave clan leaders killed in battle. A castle in Drumenia is called after Goban Saoer who is celebrated in folklore as the icon of all skilled builders and craftsmen. Folklore – You do not have to travel far in County Antrim to encounter Finn MacCool, whether in his legendary giant form or as a Celtic warrior. In the latter guise he is said to have slain his favourite hunting dog Bran in Glenshesk – at a spot now known as Doonfin – during an incident in the pursuit of deer. Hunting features frequently in tales of Finn and his band of fighters, the Fianna, and Finn’s two dogs, Bran and Skolawn, are recorded as being a type of greyhound, but no doubt larger and heavier than today’s refined racing dogs.

Glentaisie – The most northerly of the nine glens and, lying as it does at the foot of Knocklayde mountain, is probably the most sheltered. It is about five miles long and opens out to a fine sandy beach at the beautiful historic town of Ballycastle. named after the Princess Taisie, the daughter of King Dorm of Rathlin Island. According to legend, Taisie, renowned for her great beauty, was bethrothed to Congal, heir to the Kingdom of Ireland. The king of Norway also sought her hand in marriage, and when he arrived to claim his bride her wedding celebrations to Congal were underway. The King of Norway and his army tried to capture Taisie but in the subsequent battle he was killed and his army fled leaderless and empty handed. More recent history deals with the arrival of the MacDonnell Clan from Scotland and even more recent is the fact that the first ever wireless message across a stretch of water was transmitted by Guglielmo Marconi from Ballycastle to Rathlin in 1898.

Surely the lands of Northern Ireland are of great interest to me, and I am of a mind to visit soon. To take part in the festivities and explore the glens, the lands of my ancestors, is a desire I cannot resist. I cannot possibly even properly express the beauty and wonder of such places without a personal visit. Surely these places must be experienced in person to allow our spirits to absorb the magnificence and mystery of the natural creations on this earth. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into this Place of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is just a small part of our Mother Earth.

Further Study and Information

Here is a Guide to the Glens of Antrim. Can you separate truth from myth?

Here is a treasure I simply could not pass by. I can see myself blissfully strolling through these mysteriously beautiful woods. The Blackdown Hills are rich in history, and the remarkable amount of historical and archaeological remains surviving in the Blackdown Hills are just one of the reasons this landscape is protected. The AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) organises an active heritage group and there are many other local groups with an interest in history, heritage and archaeology.

The sense of community in Blackdown Hills is simply heartwarming, and makes this a thoroughly enchanting place I would love to visit. They have Mushroom forays, an ever-popular event for adults and kids, where one can forage for fungi in nearby woods before returning to the Farmers Inn in West Hatch to sample wild mushrooms. How totally cool! (I know I am weird, yet this is a delicious type of fungi we are talking about!)

Then there is the Autumn Apple Celebrations. Cider with Roadies will once again be touring the Blackdowns each autumn to champion the local apple! We can join in the celebrations as they touch down in the villages bringing their travelling apple press, Pomona. Have your own apples pressed into delicious juice, learn about planting and growing, and enjoy original music, drama and fun. Hmmm… sounds so country and old time to me, which makes this something I would love to be a part of.

A chance to take part in the ancient practice of coppicing hazel, or a Natural Christmas Decorations workshop, makes visiting this lovely English countryside even more inviting. Not to mention a walk through scenic Otterford, approx. 6½miles (11km.), about 3 hours, and a moderate walk for those who wish to enjoy the scenery with little discomfort (except the rain, the reason for the lush green landscape).

Ah, now here is something I find truly interesting. They have a group of fibre farmers dedicated and totally commited to offering the very best Alpaca, Cashmere, Mohair and wool products in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. Blackdown Hills Natural Fibres has a way of processing of local fibre in an environmentally sensitive way but without the compromise on quality this sometimes means. I would just love to gather some of these most amazingly high quality, absolutely unique yarns and finished items, as they have to offer. What a treat!

Well then, it is settled. Here is another place I will add to my itinerary of places to visit when I make my way to England, Scotland and Ireland. This is a trip I will thoroughly enjoy planning! Especially if I can learn the traditional skill of hedgelaying with the Blackdown Hills Hedge Association. Blackdowns hedges are renowned for their craftsmanship and as habitats for wildlife – they have a course where we can learn from the experts. This is a quaint part of the English lanscape I love most. And of course I will simply have to visit a castle, and explore the countryside’s wild places to my hearts content. Here we will find a treasure trove of Mother Earth’s natural wonders, although man has tampered with her work a bit, yet I believe the land has been preserved in a good way, which makes me very happy.

If you wish to learn more, and get the scoop on events in this area, you may visit Blackdown Hills AONB.