A Victory for Wolves in Greater Yellowstone!
Posted by msterilinn on Jul 22, 2008
I wish to do my best to express how wonderful it feels to hear good news in the fight to save our Wolf brothers and sisters. I truly felt despair for the future of these beautiful and noble creatures when I heard about the opening up of Wolf hunting after so much hard work to keep the protections from being lifted. We are by no means out of the danger zone in this fight to save the Wolves, yet this small victory gives us heart to know we may not be fighting a losing battle. There are those who have little or no love for Wolves, and they are ready to fight for their desires to kill every Wolf for their own purposes. For those fighting to give Wolves their natural right to live wild and free, as intended by the Creator of this Earth, I wish to share some really great news I recieved from Defenders…
Dear Teri,
I was at home in Boise when I heard the news Friday: A federal judge has restored endangered species protections for wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies.
The ruling by a district court judge in Montana could save the lives of hundreds of wolves by stopping this fall’s planned wolf sport hunting seasons in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
I want to thank you for the crucial role that caring people like you have played in this initial victory.
It’s a huge win that couldn’t have happened without the thousands of Defenders activists and donors who have worked to support our efforts here in the Northern Rockies by contributing money to our Wolf Legal Defense Fund, supporting our on-the-ground work and much more.But we still have a long fight ahead of us.
Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter – who said last year that he wanted to be one of the first in the state to shoot a wolf — immediately criticized the judge’s ruling to restore protections for wolves. Wyoming’s Governor has vowed that his state will fight the ruling.
Idaho Anti-Wolf Coalition leader Ron Gillette was even more direct, telling a local reporter that “[i]t is going to be all-out war.”
Rest assured, Defenders of Wildlife will keep fighting for wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the rest of the Northern Rockies by continuing to…
- Make the case in court to restore full protections for these endangered wolves;
- Pay for guard dogs, range riders, turbo fladry fencing and other non-lethal wolf management strategies to keep livestock and wolves safe; and
- Combat distortions and misperceptions about wolves to build tolerance and understanding for the vital role that wolves play in healthy ecosystems.
Teri, we have a tough fight ahead of us. For now, please accept my sincere gratitude for all you’ve done to help us save wolves.
For the Wild Ones,
Suzanne Asha Stone
Northern Rockies Representative
Defenders of Wildlife Boise OfficeP.S. I take pride in know the important role Defenders of Wildlife plays in protecting wolves. If you would like to support our work, please consider making a secure online donation now.
This is such fantastic news, and it makes it all worthwhile for the time spent advocating and sending out such heartfelt prayers for the Wolves. Although Wolves are still endangered, and this is just one tiny victory in the fight to save our worlds wild creatures, I truly hope to make a difference in my own small way, and wish to do my best to create awareness and interest in helping those who dwell alongside us in keeping the balance created upon this Earth. I will sleep much better knowing we have made a positive step in the right direction, and pray there is yet hope for our four legged friends who need our help to survive the dangers presented on this beautiful planet we know as Mother Earth. We must remember.. All Life is Sacred.
Pilamaye!
Today is Earth Day… Celebrate Life!
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 22, 2008
Although I am mindful of this wonderful and beautiful Earth each and every day, today is as fine as any to create awareness. As folks celebrate world-wide, I send out my heartfelt prayers for the healing and preservation of this Sacred planet.
We lost a Great and Ancient tree to the machinations of modernization, just recently. My daughter and I have loved to walk a path through the trees near a river by our home. Along this path lived a beautiful Cottonwood tree, the largest I have ever seen, standing watch over all the smaller plants and trees nearby. Each time we passed this Ancient Spirit we would stop and touch it, giving a prayer of thanks for the air we breathe and the wonderful shade provided during hot days. Although we love all that is green and natural, this Ancient One held a special place in our hearts. It had been here for much longer than the ugliness of some places nearby, and brought a timeless beauty to this place.
Last week we were walking across the river from this favourite tree, and I stumbled when I looked to see this tree. I could not seem to catch my breath and tears came to my eyes. My daughter grew concerned and asked me what was wrong. When I could speak I pointed across the river with a heavy heart. Our dear and beautiful tree still stood, yet all of it’s branches had been cut off. This still-living tree was about to be cut down, for no reason that I could see. It was still healthy and strong! I felt the pain of this quite deeply, and was so sad!
We crossed the river the next day. I truly dreaded approaching the part of the path where this Great tree had lived for so long. It still stood, and I swear I could feel the pain of this poor tree as it stood, with all of its branches full of new life, lying in piles around it. My daughter was very sad as well and asked me why. Why had they done this to a tree in a place where nothing was to be built and the tree represented Life, and was no danger to folks walking? I do not know why… so I approached the tree and offered tobacco to the spirit of this Ancient One. I cried and prayed and asked forgiveness for man’s folly. We said goodbye to this wonderful tree that had given us such pleasure and comfort on our many walks. This place no longer brought me pleasure, and I am not certain we shall return. I prefer to stroll in the wild places that man has not touched.
Each day it is good to take time to honor Life, and all living things. We do not own this planet… we are just here for a little while. The Earth is Ancient, and generous in her gifts. It is only right to be thankful for what we have been blessed with, and to teach our children to be caring and thankful as well. This is part of the great Balance. So each day, let us promote Life by planting seeds, and nurturing our gardens and forests. Let us care for each other as well.
Here are a few helpful tips to get started…
Reduce - Reuse – Recycle; bring your reusable grocery totes. If you must buy disposables, buy paper products rather than plastic or Styrofoam. The manufacture of Styrofoam depletes the ozone layer.
Conserve water, waste not and fix leaks.
Use fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants, and dispose of them properly.
Try to use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps.
Don’t use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand.
Save your kitchen scraps for the compost pile.
Boycott tuna or buy only “dolphin-safe”
Use Seafood Watch to choose seafood that’s good for you, and good for the oceans.
Volunteer your time to conservation projects.
Participate in stream and beach cleaning programs.
Become more involved in marine environmental issues.
Vote for candidates that share your sentiments.
Write your legislators when you have an opinion about pending legislation on environmental, land use and other issues.
Plant native, insect resistant, trees and shrubs in your backyard to provide food and shelter for birds and other creatures.
Pull weeds instead of using herbicides.. Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.
Use public transit.. Ride your bike or walk instead.. Drive a more gas efficient car.
Mother Earth shakes things up…
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 1, 2008
It is very important in these times to pay close attention to the Earth changes as they occur. If the following is accurate, we need to monitor the situation as Mother Earth shakes things up.
Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Increases Next Month…
The chance of a major earthquake striking Vancouver Island will be slightly higher next month as tiny tremors rattle the earth 40 kilometres beneath our feet.
Seismologists forecast the southern half of the Island, including Nanaimo, to enter a period of what they call “episodic tremor and slip” activity in mid-April, as the Juan de Fuca plate grinds underneath the North American plate along what’s known as the Cascadia subduction zone.
The fault that slopes down beneath Vancouver Island comes under increased pressure at these times causing small sub-surface tremors for about a two-week period, and that’s also when seismologists think it’s more likely there could be a major movement of the plates, causing a potential magnitude 9 earthquake.
Such a quake would also trigger a tsumani that would level the west coast and could topple tall or unstable buildings in cities like Nanaimo.
This type of earthquake last struck in 1700, wiping out aboriginal villages and sending a tsunami across the Pacific.
But there’s no need to run to the mainland for cover, says one earthquake scientist, people who live along the coast from northern California to the northern tip of Vancouver Island probably face this risk about one-third of the time anyway.
ETS activity occurs beneath the southern half of Vancouver island about every 14 months, and people probably won’t feel the shaking going on 40 kilometres beneath Nanaimo’s surface, said Garry Rogers, an earthquake scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada.
Each time ETS activity takes place, more stress is added on the two plates, he explained.
Eventually, the pressure will be too much for the plates to take and the Cascadia subduction zone, which spans about 1,000 kilometres north from California to the Island, will rupture causing a major earthquake.
While studying ETS activity can provide some insight into earthquakes, it doesn’t help scientists predict when they will happen.
These tremors take place at other locations along the fault at different times.
An 11-month cycle has been observed in California, for instance.
“It happens everywhere along the Cascadia subjuction zone, but it goes off at different times,” said Rogers, adding that ETS activity is taking place somewhere about one-third of the time.
“One of these, it seems likely, will be the one that breaks the camel’s back (and causes an earthquake).
We have no idea which one it is.
And just because the ETS activity isn’t happening near Nanaimo at the time, doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. A quake could originate in California but travel north to B.C.’s southern coast, for instance.
“When our subduction zone ruptures, the past history has been the entire thing or half the thing goes at one time,” said Rogers.
And ETS activity doesn’t run like clockwork.
The northern half of Vancouver Island usually experienced these tremors about six months out of sync with the southern half of the Island.
But recently that schedule has changed all of a sudden, leaving scientists perplexed.
Rogers points out that the more probable source of major damage on the Island is not an extremely rare and deep underground subduction quake, but rather more common earthquakes that are less powerful but felt more intensely because they happen closer to the surface.
ETS activity was first discovered by a team of scientists, that included Rogers, on Vancouver Island in 2003.
Visit Earth Changes to keep track of Earth and Weather patterns as they occur.
Voices from the Longest Walk 2008
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 25, 2008
It is absolutely incredible to see and hear such an outpouring of Love and dedication to help bring about awareness in helping our beautiful Earth. The Longest Walk 2008 is about hope and a message to the world about how important it is to save our Sacred Sites, and the people of Mother Earth. So many are suffering along with the Land, and Spirit moves us to do more to manifest the healing necessary for all Life to thrive on this planet we inhabit whilst in human form. I would like to take this time to share with you the stories and voices from the Longest Walk, and ask that you look into your hearts and give your thoughts and prayers for this important cause.
Visit The Longest Walk 1978 - 2008 and listen to the voices of the People. I will share a small sample of words spoken from the heart.
In the words of Shunsho Yamada = Japanese Coordinator and Translator…
“Many Japanese are interested in Indian culture and Indian ceremonies and philosophies. Japanese people are also interested in this Walk because Japan is facing tragedy. The Japanese suicide rate is 35,000 people per year – many due to economic hardship faced by suddenly losing their jobs. Also, Japanese summer temperatures are very high due to global warming and the typhoons are attacking very hard these days.
Japanese people have lost our religion and our spirituality in the last 60 years so we cannot find the way to undo the tragedy from our hearts. So many Japanese came here for the Walk that is happening. But also in speaking to the Japanese people, I would like to say that this Walk is one of the ways we can make a statement for healing and we need to do something from our hearts. Here there is much happiness for the future and we can see the hope for the future.
Many people have made huge sacrifices to be here – many have given up their jobs to be here. They are thinking very seriously about the future and they come here to seek the hope of the future. We will also be thinking about having a Walk or movement in Japan.
We live to be happy. Money is not a way to happiness. You can use money for a good way. Money spent in this way is Spirit. No money has value if you keep it. But if you give it, it then has value and that is the meaning of the good way.
It is a great honor to be here.”
I wrote another post recently on the The Longest Walk 2008, in case you are interested in reading about it here on my Blog. Or you may just visit their site to see what this is all about and get involved!
Our Birth Totems
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 12, 2008
Here is a quick look at our Birth Totems. I shall be putting together some more material about our totems, in more depth, in the near future. Our Earth Medicine is what connects us to the Earth. In essence, these connections are an important part of the Balance. This is another reason why it is so important to remember our roles as stewards of this beautiful planet, and take good care of those in the Animal Nation, as they are a part of us.
The Twelve Birth times are represented by totems, each one an animal that expresses the Qualities inherent that birth time. Earth Medicine associates an animal totem to each birth time (the two sets) of dates below the animal reflect the difference in season between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These Animals help connect you to the powers and abilities that they represent.
Falcon :
21 March ~ 19 April (N.H.) ~ 22 September ~ 22 October (S.H.)
Falcons are full of initiative, but often rush in to make decisions that they may later regret. Lively and extroverted, they have enthusiasm for new experiences but can sometimes lack persistence.
Beaver :
20 April ~ 20 May (N.H.) ~ 23 October ~ 22 November (S.H.)
Practical and Steady, Beavers have a capacity for perserverence. Good Homekeepers, they are warm and affectionate, but need Harmony and Peace to avoid becoming irritable. They have a keen aesthetic sense.
Deer :
21 May ~ 20 June (N.H.) ~ 23 November ~ 21 December (S.H.)
Deer are willing to sacrifice the old for the new. They loathe routine, thriving on variety and challenges. They have a practical wild side, often leaping from one situation or relationship into another without reflection.
Wood Pecker :
21 June ~ 21 July (N.H.) ~ 22 December ~ 19 January ( S.H.)
Emotional and Sensitive, Woodpeackers are warm to those close to them, and are willing to sacrifice their needs for those of their loved ones. They have lively imaginations but can be worriers.
Salmon :
22 July ~ 21 August (N.H.) ~ 20 January ~ 18 February (S.H.)
Enthusiastic and self-confident, Salmon people enjoy running things, They are uncomprimising and forceful, and can sometimes seem alittle arogant or self-important. They are easily hurt by neglect.
Brown Bear :
22 August ~ 20 September (N.H.) ~ 19 February ~ 20 March (S.H.)
Brown Bears are hard working, Practical, and self-reliant. They do not like change, preferring to stick with what is familiar. They have a flair for fixing things, are good natured, and make good friends.
Crow :
22 September ~ 22 October (N.H.) ~ 21 March ~ 19 April (S.H.)
Crows dislike solitude and feel most comfortable in company. Although usually good - natured and pleasant they can be strongly influenced by negative atmospheres, becoming gloomy and prickly.
Snake :
23 October ~ 22 November (N.H.) ~ 20 April ~ 20 May (S.H.)
Snakes are Mysterious, and secretive, Hiding their feelings beneath a cool exterior. Adaptable, determined and imaginative, they are capable of bouncing back from tough situations encountered in life.
Owl :
23 November ~ 23 December (N.H.) ~ 21 May ~ 20 June (S.H.)
Owls need freedom of expression. They are Lively, Self-Reliant, and have an eye for detail. Inquisitive and Adaptable, They have a tendency to over - extend themselves. Owls are often physically couragous.
Goose :
22 December ~ 19 January (N.H.) ~ 21 June ~ 21 July (S.H.)
Goose people are far - sited idealists who are willing to explore the unknown. They approach life with enthusiasm, determined to fulfill their dreams. They are perfectionists, and can appear unduly serious.
Otter :
20 January ~ 18 February (N.H.) ~ 22 July ~ 21 August (S.H.)
Otters are friendly, lively and perceptive. They feel inhibited by too many rules and regulations, which often make them appear eccentric. They like cleanliness and order and have original minds.
Wolf:
19 February ~ 20 March (N.H.) ~ 22 August ~ 21 September (S.H.)
Wolves are sensitive, Artisitic, and intuitive - people to whom others turn to for help. They value freedom and their own space, and are easily affected by others. They are philosophical, Trusting and Genuine.
The Longest Walk 2008.. for our Sacred Earth
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 5, 2008
I have been issued a special invitation, in which I wish to share with all my friends and fellow Earth lovers. At times we are called upon to do something more than wish or pray for this beautiful Earth to be restored to health, and asking for respect to be given to all living things, all Life being Sacred. If it is within our power, we may step forth and give just a bit more. So, I hereby offer an invitation, as follows…
You are invited to join the Sovereign First Peoples of this nation evolving on Mother Earth, Come and be a part of history led by the Native’s of this land that we share and call home, as the forces of darkness threaten to enslave us all, this most Sacred People are walking and praying, talking and listening to the needs of the people that they encounter along the way during their Journey. The forces of Nature will test them and heal them as they reconnect on a very deep level to the Soul of Mother Earth, come walk with us and transform yourselves on this Sacred Journey, of the longest Peace Walk in the history of the United States. We are One People.
What is the Longest Walk?
On Feb. 11th, Longest Walk participants will embark on a 5 month journey from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. arriving on July 11th. The Longest Walk south route is being led by AIM co-founder Dennis J. Banks. It is an extraordinary grassroots effort on a national level to bring attention to the environmental disharmony of Mother Earth, sacred site issues, and to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original longest walk.
Why are we walking?
We walk to promote harmony with the Earth. We walk for the Seventh Generation, for our Youth, for Peace, for Justice, for healing of Mother Earth, for the healing of our people suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, alcoholism, drug addictions and other diseases. We walk with the message: All Life is Sacred, Save Mother Earth. Save the Sacred Sites, for it is important for future generations.
Through the elements of the seasons, we shall walk through the rain, snow, over mountains, high winds, through the heat and cold, nothing shall deter us from completing our mission: All Life is Sacred, Protect Sacred Sites.
Let those who doubt, hear our pledge. Let those who believe, join our ranks. As we walk the final miles, by our side will be elders, families, children, people of all races, from many walks of life, the old and the new America. All Life is Sacred, Clean Up Mother Earth.
What is our Goal?
The Clean Up America Campaign is an effort to clean up our country’s highways and roads by collecting debris found along the Longest Walk route. This monumental task will engage Walkers in a global effort at a grassroots level to promote harmony with our delicate environment.
Longest Walk participants will carry specially marked trash bags to separate the collected refuse into trash bins and recycling bins. A rotating team of walkers will pick up trash along the way with trash pokers leaving a health trail of earth in their path.
How can I get involved in my Community?
Volunteer with your local state Longest Walk coordinator. Find out at www.longestwalk.org. Support the Longest Walk when they are in your Community. If you are unable to walk, perhaps you would like to sponsor a walker. All good thoughts and prayers are most welcome!
**We will present our proposal for saving the Sacred Site, for saving Mother Earth, etc. in D.C. Times, Dates and rest stops will be posted online as time draws near. Visit www.longestwalk.org today to keep updated.
The Healing Properties of Trees and Flowers
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 1, 2008
I am deeply honored to share some knowledge of Ancient Wisdom concerning our beloved trees. Many thanks to the Witch of the North for sharing…
Celtic Tree & Flower Medicine -
BIRCH - this tree is indicative of cleanliness & determination in
overcoming adversity. Use when wanting to make a fresh start &
ridding yourself of bad influences
ALDER - is a water-loving tree, the God linked with this tree is Bran
the blessed, is for spiritual protection & prophecy.
WILLOW - medicine stands for female & lunar rhythms of life. She is
water-seeking like the alder. Offers protection against damp diseases
&modern herbal Practioners extract salicin from the bark to be used
to ease illnesses like rheumatic fever. The gift of fertility is also
represented here.
ASH - The World Tree, it has deep penetrating roots which change the
chemistry of the soil, making undergrowth difficult for other
vegetation. Helps link the earthly and spiritual. Good medicine for
meditation.
HAWTHORN - Small tree with dense, many-branched body. Best used for
cleansing & chastity, bringing protection from the inner magical
realms.
OAK - The Oak’s place in Celtic lunar calendar is seventh among
thirteen months. The Oak has protected England through the use of his
timbers for the building of ships. Oaks are used as boundary marker.
Oak medicine is best used for securing your pursuits, protecting
while attaining your goals. It is essential protection for those less
able, who require security in order to strengthen their characters.
HOLLY - a white-wooded tree with almost invisible grain, looks much
like ivory. Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism
in both Pagan & Christian lore. In Arthurian legend, Gawain
(Representing the Oak King of summer) fought the Green Knight, who
was armed with a Holly club to represent winter. Holly medicine may
be used with difficulties in sleep and to ease the passage of death.
HAZEL - Hazel embodies many talents: poetry, divination, and the
powers of meditation. In Celtic tradition, the Salmon of knowledge is
said to eat the nuts dropped into its sacred pool from this tree
growing beside it. Each nut eaten by the salmon becomes a spot on its
skin. In Europe and North America
Hazel is used to gain knowledge, wisdom & poetic inspiration.
APPLE - A dense, fine grained, rosy colored wood with a sweet smell.
Apple is associated with choice. This is good medicine to use when
your are having difficulty in making decisions, whether they are work
or relationship oriented.
VINE - This is used in the development of prophetic powers, best when
used while trying to reach deeper state of consciousness and when
doing healing work.
IVY - Represents the spiral of the self and the search for self. The
maze of the labyrinth is also linked to Ivy, since it symbolized the
wondering soul, circling inward and outward, seeking nourishment from
within & without, leading you to ENLIGHTENMENT . A wonderful aid if
helping others on a spiritual journey.
REED - Helps create spiritual weapons - gives you direction. Best
when used before beginning healing work or soul retrievals.
BLACKTHORN - is a wintery tree. Fruits, known as sloes, only ripen
after the first frost. The Gaelic word “staif” has links with English
word “strife”. Wood of Blackthorn is traditionally used with the
Irish shillelagh. It represents the strong action of fate or outside
influences in your life. Blackthorn should not be used by the novice.
ELDER - is linked to eternal turnings of life and death, birth and
rebirth. It represents the end/beginning and beginning/end.
Significant of creativity and renewal.. new beginnings.
SILVER FIR - is used to bring knowledge of your present and past
lives into now. The color sliver links you to your SILVER THREAD
symbolizing your awareness of the progress of your spiritual journey.
Best used when searching for gift of INSIGHT.
HEATHER - used for Solitary healing work (going within) Heather along
with mistletoe create powerful healing medicine in both spiritual and
physical aspects.
WHITE POPLAR - concerns with earthly and material aspects of Life.
Also with finding the spiritual determination to face hardship we
have to endure. This tree has the ability to resist and to shield,
also an ability with languages and speech with close relationship
with the winds.
YEW- mostly found in ancient cemeteries. In Breton Legen, the tree is
said to grow a root into the open mouth of each corpse buried in the
graveyard. This root is the symbol of rebirth. Good medicine when
used in working with past life issues and regression.
GROVE - tree of All Knowledge. The grove represents a sacred place
wehre all is linked and becomes clear. Helps you look beneath the
surface of things.. whether situations or people. Medicine works with
your hidden knowledge, helping you to manifest it at the appropriate
time.
SPINDLE - completion of tasks. Ability to complete something to its
end, no matter how difficult. Good for progressing in certain areas
of your life which are of difficulty to you
HONEYSUCKLE - helps you to distinguish what is real from what is
false, and what is of real value on your journey. The honeysuckle
will help you tread safely - remaining true to your quest.
BEECH - Beech wood is close grained and easy t work with - smooth and
even surface. Beech medicine can tell you about yesterday and how it
is relevant today. Handling old objects or visiting a place connected
to your past will bring understanding of people, incidents, reviving
the memories within that are needed.
I found this and thought it was cool passing it on hope you like it.. Witch of the North.
Fifteen Ways to Bring Nature Indoors
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 31, 2008
Today I would like to share a special post as shared by a friend of mine. Our health and our lives are greatly enriched when we embrace the gifts of Nature. We are surrounded by too many man-made products which are made from harmful materials and chemicals. Decreasing these deadly objects from our homes and increasing that which is natural, will bring forth harmony and balance to our bodies as well as our Spirits. Let us love, honor, and respect our beautiful planet Earth.
Adapted from The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner (Chelsea Green, 2002)
In earlier times, when nature was perceived as alive, with intelligence and soul, people bonded with nature much as people bond with their pets or family now. This bonding process engendered a certain kind of attitude toward nature. It is an aspect of what Edward O. Wilson calls biophilia - a genetically encoded or innate emotional affinity toward all other life-forms on Earth. It means a deep fondness for, connection to, and love for life forms and living things.
We can begin to undo the cultural conditioning that teaches children that thinking defines their value, that Earth is dead, that other life-forms intrinsically possess less value. Bringing nature indoors is one way to begin bonding with life.
Here are a few ideas for welcoming the natural world into our homes.
Simple Solutions…
* Stones, rocks, pebbles. Placed in bowls or in a ring around a vase, heaped in a small cairn or put singly in a special place of honor, the infinite variety and solid beauty of stones add grounding and stability to our homes.
* Plants. Many potted plants need very little care, and they repay a minimum of effort on our part with so much benefit: plants filter the air we breathe and add vitality and good green energy to our rooms.
* Sunlight. Cheering, uplifting sunlight is such a necessity for the human body, mind, and spirit. Open the curtains and let it stream in.
* Windows to the elements. What do you see when you look out of your windows? If you are fortunate to live in a place where nature isn’t overpowered by buildings and concrete, consider opening up a wall to create a window overlooking a special scene. Annie’s bathtub is surrounded by windows: when she bathes, she soaks in the spaciousness of sky, the majesty of trees, and the freedom of wild birds in flight.
* Gifts from the animals. Some of us find special treasures when we walk in nature: a feather, a cast-off antler, a shred of snake-skin. Consider bringing these inside to honor the animals.
* Seasonal reminders. We can bring bare branches indoors, place them in water, and watch the new leaves emerge in Spring. In Summer, we can put a handful of lush grass in a vase to appreciate. A few nuts and colorful leaves connect us to the spirit of Fall, and pinecones and evergreens help us celebrate Winter. Find your own ways to mirror seasonal changes inside.
* Tabletop fountains. It isn’t difficult to create small water fountains for our home. The gentle sound of trickling water is soothing and the principles of feng shui say that fountains create good energy. For easy directions, see /greenliving/good-fortune-fountain-how-to.html.
* Tabletop gardens. Fill a pretty container with soil and use it to create a miniature garden in your home. These can be both seasonal and fanciful: in Winter, for instance, you could imagine a gnome garden with moss, evergreen twigs, and quartz crystals to evoke ice.
* Flowers. Flowers are an instant cheer-up, such lush reminders of the natural world. If you compost them when they begin to fade, you won’t waste them: they can help to nourish your garden. We like to choose organic flowers, since most commercial growers rely on harmful pesticides.
* Decorate with food. Many of us love to put a bowl of cheery oranges, lemons, or apples on the table, or heap a few pumpkins and squashes on the countertop in the autumn: food makes a lovely natural decoration, as long as it isn’t too quickly perishable, that connects us to what we eat. Be creative: there is so much beauty in food!
* Birdfeeders visible from your window. We may not be able to let the birds inside, but placing a birdfeeder where we can watch it from indoors makes it feel as if they are in the room with us.
* Fresh air. If the air in your area is fresh, open your windows as often as possible to let it in! And be sure to use all-natural cleaning products, furnishings and building materials so your air is fresh even when the windows are closed.
* Nature-themed artwork. The next best thing to being there is having a painting or photograph of a natural scene or wildlife on the wall.
* Companion animals. Sometimes we forget that pets are part of nature (as are we), but when we watch a cat stalking its favorite catnip-filled mouse toy, or a dog worrying a bone, we can see the wildness peeking through!
* Choosing natural materials. Using all-natural household products, bedding, building supplies, and furnishings all add up to a home that resonates with nature — and is more healthful for you and your family.
Polar Bears running out of time… Please Help!
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 29, 2008
In our fight to save Earth’s wild creatures, we are faced with many battles. I will never tire of this worthwhile cause… yet I sometimes wonder if time is our greatest enemy. Time is running out for the beautiful and wild Polar Bears in the Chukchi Sea. Yet truly time is not THE enemy of those who wish to live as Nature intended. Year after year, President Bush has called for harmful drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important onshore denning habitats for U.S. polar bears. Earlier this month, his Secretary of the Interior approved the sale of drilling rights in the Chukchi Sea, potentially threatening even more bears with pollution, spills and disruptive activities.
What does George Bush have against polar bears?
The Bush/Cheney Administration’s own scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey say that global warming and habitat loss could lead polar bears to extinction in the U.S. by 2050. Yet, the president said little in last night’s State of the Union about what — if anything — his administration would be doing to prevent their extinction.
It is so very important to place this matter on high priority. Please visit Defenders of Wildlife and take the time to send a personalized message urging President Bush and his administration to do the following…
~ Direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to immediately list polar bears as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The decision on listing has already been delayed once. It’s time for President to act.
~ Abandon plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and
~ Protect polar bears by scrapping the planned February 6th sale of leasing rights to drill for oil and gas drilling rights in the Chukchi Sea.
Our fellow Polar Bears are quickly running out of time. I am sending my own personalized message right this moment, and I strongly urge you to follow my example and Take Action Today!
Thank you so much for your support and thoughts for this important cause in helping to protect our four legged friends. We are nearly halfway there… let it be known how precious and sacred ALL Life is, and let your voice be heard!
Save the Polar Bear with us at Defenders of Wildlife
