It’s Florida Week for the Animals: February 15-23, 2014!
Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission — to be of service to them wherever they require it. —St. Francis of Assisi
Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives. —Dr. Albert Schweitzer
When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul. —A.D. Williams
Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. ―Martin Luther King, Jr.
My little Sara, AKA “Criminal,” stalking another one of my rescues. One year later, she’s a far different soul than the one I pulled off the streets.
It’s been so long since my last post, I feel like I’m re-learning WordPress. Fortunately I’ve kept up with the amazing words, art, and images of all of you. The scope of talent, and the depth of support, continues to take my breath away.
February 15-23 is the 6th Annual Florida Week for the Animals! Check out their Calendar of Events to see what’s happening throughout the state. From the website:
Throughout the week, educational institutions, animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane organizations across the state will be hosting scores of wonderful animal-related special events. Educators, students, businesses and caring citizens across Florida will be joining in, creating and planning their exciting activities to celebrate and help animals. Events will include adoption fairs, spay/neuter events, shelter volunteer and beautification days, programs in libraries, walks for the farm animals and therapy dogs visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Also to be included are a salute to our canine military and police dogs, cat initiatives, educational programs, blessings of the animals, and fun-filled festival days for families to come and enjoy food, music and the always amazing animals!
Not to forget our wildlife: Florida’s beautiful but misunderstood alligators (here at Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach)
Help speak up for the innocent and voiceless of our state, this week and every day. It doesn’t take much. And be sure to visit the links to the right, under “Florida Nature Blogs.” Blogs like janthina images, Walking with Alligators, naturetime, and Our Florida Journal showcase and highlight the plight of our area’s most unique and beautiful creatures.
One of the neighborhood kitties I’ve TNR’d (Trapped-Neutered-Released), with the help of some amazing organizations. Here, “Momma” sits on my car (immediately upon my arrival), waiting for…love? OK, food.
Always keep an eye on our feathered friends: This guy’s happy at home in the wild (within the SWA Trail network in West Palm Beach), but many require our assistance as we continue to breach their world
FeyGirl
Serenity Spell 
So glad to see you back! Your wonderful blogs and photos have been missed. Lots. –Curt
Aw, THANKS so very much for your sweet words. I’ve missed it terribly, but all of your beautiful adventures help keep me sane. 🙂 -Christina
So glad that my posts have helped, Christina. Comments like yours, and posts like yours, make this whole experience of blogging worthwhile. –Curt
Oh yay YAY! Yer back! Now stay back! What a wonderful post.
Aw, THANKS so much!! I really do plan to — it keeps me grounded! And happy. And happy girls…. 🙂
I hope you’re doing well with your snow, and cold! Wow, this has been a season. I’ve been north much more this year — no words. Honestly, no words.
a beautiful post…:-)
Thanks so very much — it’s truly an honor, coming from such an incredible artist and ardent supporter of the animal kingdom!
you are too kind…:-)
A week for the animals is very well deserved. And welcome back!
Thanks so much! I miss this space — but thank goodness I’ve been able to keep up with all your wonderful work!
These events are great, and will hopefully highlight so many more things that can be implemented within the States to help both animals AND humans. It’s wonderful!!
Glad you’re back – don’t stay away so long next time
THANK you! I don’t plan to, believe me… I truly miss it. And I do want to travel north (SOON) for a hike! 🙂
Reblogged this on Spirit In Action and commented:
Thank for sharing this and for posting again. I have missed you! Thank you also for highlighting the other nature blogs, living in a bed blogs like yours are a cherished window for me back into the world I miss:-)
I hope everyone will click thru on this one-not only this post but everything on Serenity Spell is worth seeing!
THANKS so very much for the reblog!! And for the kind words.
I know you’ll enjoy those other blogs as well, since they’re kindred nature- and animal-spirits. I only listed the Florida-based ones though to the right, for this blog. Otherwise the list would be a bit nutty. 🙂 Hope you’ve been well!!
What a delight to find you here this morning, along with your wonderful photos. Sara’s a beauty – my special favorite among these photos – but they’re all deserving of admiration. It’s just great to hear that a week is being devoted statewide to animals of all sorts. There are a lot of local programs here, but I’m not sure I’ve heard of anything across the state. I’ll have to check.
Enjoy your special week!
Thank you, you’re so kind, as always!! I love that image of Sara… She was stalking her older brother from behind the corner. Such a pest. 🙂
The events they have planned are really wonderful; designed to help both the animals AND the humans. I hope word spreads, and more individuals and groups become involved. I just read an article today about a stray dog adopted into a hospital — and the TREMENDOUS good he’s done. Of course!
Thanks again — it’s good to talk to you here, and not just commenting on your site, heh!
So glad you’re back. (I first thought something was wrong with my reader.) Cute kitties! ❤
Thanks so much!! NOTHING wrong with your reader, hee… Just dropped off the planet a bit. 🙂 Hope you’ve been well — I know it’s been a bit *chillier* than normal in your area!! (I’ve been making trips to Atlanta, and WOW. Just… WOW.)
Glad to see you back! I’ve missed your thoughtful posts and gorgeous photos!
Aw, thank you so very much! That’s incredibly kind of you to say — I miss this space and everyone terribly.
You know, I still have your “Plant Intelligence” post on my computer screen!! It’s been a passion of mine for YEARS. Just a fascinating field of study. And I’m waiting to devote time to read it WELL. And the links you provided, too. I can’t wait!!
Good to ‘see’ you again. And the animals.
Thank you!! It’s wonderful to be back… Finally! I hope to keep up with the posts, this time. 🙂 I hope you’ve been well!!
Love our animals!
YAY! Ditto, ditto, ditto! They have some wonderful events planned, too…. I hope word really gets out.
What a great and timely return post, Christina! You have been missed!
Thank you for mentioning our blog and even if one person changes the way they behave toward animals, it’s all worthwhile!
An additional reminder as we head into Florida’s Week For The Animals – Friday through Monday (Feb 14-17) is Audubon’s annual Great Backyard Bird Count. It’s for all levels of experience and can really help with contributing to the data base of bird knowledge in order to better manage all our resources. Here’s a link for more information: http://gbbc.birdcount.org/about/.
It’s really good to see your post – looking forward to MORE!
— Wally
What a wonderful thing to say — THANK you so very much!! I’ve missed this space terribly.
And thank you for mentioning the Audubon event — how timely! I’m going to be letting a few friends know immediately….
Thanks so much, again. For my own well-being, I promise to do MORE! 🙂 -Christina
Happy to see you back, Christina, and thank you for the information. Enjoyed your photos — missed you.
Thanks so much!! It’s wonderful to be back, especially returning to such kind, talented and incredible people such as you.
So welcome and looking forward to more of your thoughts and photos.
Nice to see you back too. Christina, I changed my blog URL to: http://thetropicalfloweringzone.com
I was with Blogger and I used to follow you from there but I switched to WordPress. I don’t know if you remember me but I remember you. Maria
Hello Maria!! Of course I remember you — I was wondering where you left to, because I couldn’t FIND you, hahah! Oh, I can’t wait to investigate your new blog…. And for my own sake, I’m thrilled you’re on WP! 🙂
It’s wonderful to *see* you again, wink!
I am continually amazed at the ability of wild creatures to adapt to human intervention in their world.
Ditto, completely! I recently read a fascinating update on that very topic — I believe it was British. The increased success of various species in the cityscapes.
HelloHello! Your haircut resembles mine!
LOVE this post – we must respect, honor and love these beautiful creatures, be they feathered, furred or scaled.
Sara is so ebony and silken – I love watching cats stalking and waiting, calling back to instincts that are centuries old. My parents cat – Aubrey – was stalking a squirrel the other day; she would have tangled with it had there not been a window between them.. However, not to diss Aubrey, but I think squirrlie would have had the upper hand!
Ah, how did I know you would have a similar cut? We’re transplants from the ’20s. 🙂 (Recently, someone suggested doing away with my bangs…which I’ve had for eons. I nearly passed out.)
THANKS so very much! I’m thrilled they formally organized such plans — really wonderful things lined up to help both critters and humans alike. I just wish they could push forward, more (for example, with putting strays into nursing homes and hospitals — studies have shown, blah blah blah….).
I just love watching the kitties stalk — it’s mesmerizing. But you’re right: Sometimes their hearts are a wee bit larger than their brains.
Such pretty kitties! And the alligator is cute too!
🙂 Hee, a true swamp friend — using the word “cute” for gators. I usually call them “sweethearts.”
Welcome back to the blogosphere!! You HAVE been missed!! Your new icon picture is great although I am fond of that joyful tree hugging image also!! The new pic infused the green light looks very ‘earth mother’ though!!
Hoorah hoorah I’m back! I’m still behind with the rest of my life… wink… But I’m trying to return to the blogosphere, yay! 🙂 I took that picture on a solo hike, off in the middle of nowhere, after a few hours of hiking. I think I was in a bit of a rush to return to the car before the sun got any lower! Heeee…..
I am not in favor of hiking without a buddy…so you be careful when the urge strikes and you are solo!! Wear boots and take your phone..file a flight plan with someone for sure!! Otherwise solitude can make one hyper aware of the sounds you don’t ordinarily notice..in a good way I mean. Can be a good emotional recharge.
Oh believe me… I’ve learned my lesson, after one particularly scary close call! OK, make that two or three. If I go solo these days, I go to places I know well. Otherwise I’m out WAY too far, the sun dipping lower and lower… and I begin to hear the coyotes and wild hogs. Not good!! My sense of direction is HORRIFIC. And I’m being polite. 🙂
I´m glad that you are back again … I really missed your blog posts … Both text and photos …
So welcome back ! … // Hugs to you from me // Maria 🙂
WELCOME BACK!!! I always so like to see your posts because from them I learn about so many things about Mother Nature and her beings. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY – may this day truly be a day of love for you.! Mari
Oops – forgot to say his to your cats from my cat Erofej. He finds all four and two-leggeds quite fascinating!
So nice to see you back and blogging. 🙂
Slowly, but surely…. 🙂 Hoorahs!