the nitty
the gritty
the darkest despair
the brightest ray of light
from the concrete city street
to the innocence of a baby's heartbeat
life is flowing freely on and on
within all of us, throughout the world
energy, electricity, love
suspended here in this air
somewhere i remain
lost in the memory of yesterday's kiss
and the luminescent glimmer of tomorrow's hope
a dancer expressing the song in her heart
like fluid poetry
a surgeon performing the precision
of art and science
a mother giving life, nurturing a hundred tomorrows
everyone
becoming, breathing, receiving
another day, another minute, another chance
to live again, to love again, to begin again
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Power of Dog
I have always been a big supporter of therapy dogs. I believe so much in this concept and have always wanted to become involved in that some way or another. Dogs have an unspoken way of healing wounds, comforting a traumatized child, and bringing joy in ways that nothing else in this world can.
Now with therapy dogs finding a spot in the courtroom to comfort children and abuse/trauma victims during testimony, I think this is another reminder to the world that animals are amazing creatures. They seem to know things we don't... the author of the Power of Now even refers to his own cats as "zen masters"... I have to say I would agree with that concept.
We all need love and friendship in the world.. if you are lacking it in your life, befriend an animal. They need love and friendship too. And you just might find your new best friend.
Now with therapy dogs finding a spot in the courtroom to comfort children and abuse/trauma victims during testimony, I think this is another reminder to the world that animals are amazing creatures. They seem to know things we don't... the author of the Power of Now even refers to his own cats as "zen masters"... I have to say I would agree with that concept.
We all need love and friendship in the world.. if you are lacking it in your life, befriend an animal. They need love and friendship too. And you just might find your new best friend.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Speak Up & Speak Out
When you see an act of violence against an innocent, vulnerable being, what do you do? Please ask yourself this and take time to reflect on this matter.
Recently, an eleven year old girl in Arizona was killed after being violently beaten and ordered to go lay in a small box that was much smaller than her. Evidence has shown that she was punished in incomprehensible ways... the neighbors even said they knew that after she died, it was not an accident as police originally thought due to the lies told her by aunts, uncle and grandmother.
But, even after all of these people witnessing the little girl being treated horribly even in broad daylight by her family members, no one spoke up and said anything. No one called authorities. No one acted to defend the little girl and put an end to the violence. Perhaps if someone had spoken up or called police, she would still be alive today.
Violence against children happens every day... it doesn't matter what country, what race or religious background. Violence against animals happens also...the thing I cannot bear to imagine. Both of these things tear me apart inside. Each time I hear about or read a story of something like this happening, it's like hearing it for the first time. I don't think it's something I can get used to or become numb to and I hope I never do. I feel passionately that people have to stand up and decide that they will not tolerate this.
I'm asking you -- yes, YOU -- to be a voice for the voiceless.
If you see a child or an animal being mistreated, don't turn your back. Don't pretend that you didn't see it. Don't ignore it because you're too busy or have somewhere to be.. or because you don't want to cause problems. Ignoring it will cause a bigger problem...it could cost some innocent person or animal their life or their ability to connect with others and experience love if they make it out alive. I don't know which is more of a tragedy.
Ordinary people can be heroes every day. Do the right thing.
Recently, an eleven year old girl in Arizona was killed after being violently beaten and ordered to go lay in a small box that was much smaller than her. Evidence has shown that she was punished in incomprehensible ways... the neighbors even said they knew that after she died, it was not an accident as police originally thought due to the lies told her by aunts, uncle and grandmother.
But, even after all of these people witnessing the little girl being treated horribly even in broad daylight by her family members, no one spoke up and said anything. No one called authorities. No one acted to defend the little girl and put an end to the violence. Perhaps if someone had spoken up or called police, she would still be alive today.
Violence against children happens every day... it doesn't matter what country, what race or religious background. Violence against animals happens also...the thing I cannot bear to imagine. Both of these things tear me apart inside. Each time I hear about or read a story of something like this happening, it's like hearing it for the first time. I don't think it's something I can get used to or become numb to and I hope I never do. I feel passionately that people have to stand up and decide that they will not tolerate this.
I'm asking you -- yes, YOU -- to be a voice for the voiceless.
If you see a child or an animal being mistreated, don't turn your back. Don't pretend that you didn't see it. Don't ignore it because you're too busy or have somewhere to be.. or because you don't want to cause problems. Ignoring it will cause a bigger problem...it could cost some innocent person or animal their life or their ability to connect with others and experience love if they make it out alive. I don't know which is more of a tragedy.
Ordinary people can be heroes every day. Do the right thing.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
5 Powerful Life Lessons (Jaycee Dugard)
I was truly touched and moved by Jaycee Dugard's story of survival. That woman shows so much grace and strength in the face of a horrific event that happened to her and ended up dragging out for 18 years! I honestly cannot say I have ever heard a story quite like hers combined with an outlook like hers.
She has a few life lessons that she has shared and I think they can be applicable to anyone at any place in their life no matter what they are facing.
1) Hold on to hope
2) Find meaning in the day -- even if it's a day in hell!
3) When there is no escape, adapt.
4) Do not forget what real love or goodness is.
5) Stare the past down with strength, not shame.
All of these touch me, but the last one really hits home with me. Growing up as an adopted child coming from a difficult past, there have been a lot of memories that continued to haunt me in my every day life and followed me as an adult. In and out of foster homes as a child and separated from my two older sisters, I was definitely not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. As I reached adolescence and started taking a closer look at who I was and where I came from, I started to feel sad and question myself and my own existence. Staring the past down with strength takes a lot of courage, but I believe it's a must to get through life.
Jaycee's strength is truly inspirational and a testimony of real human strength. Bless her!
She has a few life lessons that she has shared and I think they can be applicable to anyone at any place in their life no matter what they are facing.
1) Hold on to hope
2) Find meaning in the day -- even if it's a day in hell!
3) When there is no escape, adapt.
4) Do not forget what real love or goodness is.
5) Stare the past down with strength, not shame.
All of these touch me, but the last one really hits home with me. Growing up as an adopted child coming from a difficult past, there have been a lot of memories that continued to haunt me in my every day life and followed me as an adult. In and out of foster homes as a child and separated from my two older sisters, I was definitely not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. As I reached adolescence and started taking a closer look at who I was and where I came from, I started to feel sad and question myself and my own existence. Staring the past down with strength takes a lot of courage, but I believe it's a must to get through life.
Jaycee's strength is truly inspirational and a testimony of real human strength. Bless her!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
eternal light
eternal light
eternal flame
i never knew the answers
i still don't know the words
spoken through me
cast this pearl out unto the sea
somewhere in the world
somewhere in the vast open space
a tranquil blue peace awaits
in another time and another place
far from here, my thoughts can roam free
what never was and all that i wish to be
ethereal mother,
You will never know
How I yearn for you
Lost, stolen
Abandoned, gone
I dream of our bond
The one I'll never have
innocence and purity
the way that love should be
no possession, no twisted tale of fate
the sweetest day, it will be
In my imagination
it was and it is
the clouds parted, the sun wrapped its arms around me
to feel the feel of the warmth of a love so free
eternal flame
i never knew the answers
i still don't know the words
spoken through me
cast this pearl out unto the sea
somewhere in the world
somewhere in the vast open space
a tranquil blue peace awaits
in another time and another place
far from here, my thoughts can roam free
what never was and all that i wish to be
ethereal mother,
You will never know
How I yearn for you
Lost, stolen
Abandoned, gone
I dream of our bond
The one I'll never have
innocence and purity
the way that love should be
no possession, no twisted tale of fate
the sweetest day, it will be
In my imagination
it was and it is
the clouds parted, the sun wrapped its arms around me
to feel the feel of the warmth of a love so free
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Animals
.Have compassion for those around you - the humankind and the four-legged kind.
After all, we all bleed red blood.
We all feel.
Even though they cannot speak, they feel too. Never underestimate this. I break a little bit inside whenever I run across a person who thinks animals don't have feelings. This could not be further from the truth. There are so many examples that prove people with this belief wrong. I believe in time, there will be more evidence of this... just look at the recent video of dolphins' reactions upon seeing themselves in a mirror (quite cute, but also eye opening). Animals don't get enough credit for how smart they are, how amazing they are. Sometimes I wonder.. who are the civilized ones? Us or them?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Coral Reef
The gorgeous, magnificent beauty of the coral reef: It's much like a natural work of art -- one that the whole marine eco system depends on for its livelihood.
.
Coral reefs are made up of a mix of various organisms, with their main "architect" being organisms that are known as framework builders. Through limestone deposits made by organisms, a coral reef slowly develops. Reef systems are quite complex and they are crucial to marine life because they form the habitat for thousands of fish, snails, and other species. For more than 450 million years, coral reefs have provided a habitat to various marine life.
Coral reefs are so complex, in fact, that they far outnumber even rain forests in biodiversity. Coral reefs provide a source of food and income for approximately one million people and protect coastlines from various natural disasters.
These highly important structures are in danger due to the release of CO2 since the industrial revolution boom. The carbon contained in the atmosphere is currently at an all time high than planet Earth has ever seen before and it is only expected to rise in the years to come.
Bodies of water absorb carbon dioxide which on one hand, minimizes SOME aspects of global warming, but only at the expense of marine life. It results in "ocean acidification" which is essentially a shift in ocean water's pH levels, lowering the concentration of carbonate ions. Carbonate ions play a crucial role in the shell formation of many marine organisms.
Polluted water also contributes to the threat of coral reefs. Oil spills, gas and pesticide contamination into bodies of water can poison a reef system. Human waste, fertilizers, animal waste... these are also major contributors to water pollution.
Animal that live in coral reefs can mistake plastic as food. Plastic bags and other items, when covering a coral reef, have the potential to block sunlight and kill the organism. Sea turtles may mistake plastic for food (See "The Plastic Soup").
What can you do?
Donate to non profits that work to support the coral reef. Strive to live sustainably. Educate your friends and family. Be a smarter and more compassionate consumer - refuse to buy jewelry made of coral. If you eat fish, avoid buying fish that are at a risk of being over-fished. Finally, adopt a coral reef! This can make a great gift - especially for people who are difficult to buy for (or for that person who already has everything).
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. - Anne Frank
.Coral reefs are made up of a mix of various organisms, with their main "architect" being organisms that are known as framework builders. Through limestone deposits made by organisms, a coral reef slowly develops. Reef systems are quite complex and they are crucial to marine life because they form the habitat for thousands of fish, snails, and other species. For more than 450 million years, coral reefs have provided a habitat to various marine life.
Coral reefs are so complex, in fact, that they far outnumber even rain forests in biodiversity. Coral reefs provide a source of food and income for approximately one million people and protect coastlines from various natural disasters.
These highly important structures are in danger due to the release of CO2 since the industrial revolution boom. The carbon contained in the atmosphere is currently at an all time high than planet Earth has ever seen before and it is only expected to rise in the years to come.
Bodies of water absorb carbon dioxide which on one hand, minimizes SOME aspects of global warming, but only at the expense of marine life. It results in "ocean acidification" which is essentially a shift in ocean water's pH levels, lowering the concentration of carbonate ions. Carbonate ions play a crucial role in the shell formation of many marine organisms.
Polluted water also contributes to the threat of coral reefs. Oil spills, gas and pesticide contamination into bodies of water can poison a reef system. Human waste, fertilizers, animal waste... these are also major contributors to water pollution.
Animal that live in coral reefs can mistake plastic as food. Plastic bags and other items, when covering a coral reef, have the potential to block sunlight and kill the organism. Sea turtles may mistake plastic for food (See "The Plastic Soup").
What can you do?
Donate to non profits that work to support the coral reef. Strive to live sustainably. Educate your friends and family. Be a smarter and more compassionate consumer - refuse to buy jewelry made of coral. If you eat fish, avoid buying fish that are at a risk of being over-fished. Finally, adopt a coral reef! This can make a great gift - especially for people who are difficult to buy for (or for that person who already has everything).
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. - Anne Frank
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