I have been in a quandary this holiday season, wondering what to say as I close out the holiday season and 2010. Hoping for inspiration, I visited large stores and small shops watching children's faces. I looked into the faces of people I passed on the street and in upscale restaurants and local coffee shops. It seemed to me that excitement and anticipation was missing from the faces I did see.
My dilemma was resolved by a letter from friends on the East Coast. The letter contained family news, pictures of their beautiful children and grandchildren, and a favorite quote from Antoine de St-Exupery, author of"The Little Prince," which I extend now to you for a good 2011.
"You'll be bothered from time to time by storms, fog, snow.
When you are, think of those who went through it before you
and say to yourself, 'What they could do,I can do.'"
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ABUSED ANIMALS & OURSELVES
The Humane Society always conjured for me a place to care for small animals who had been abused or abandoned. But here The Missouri Humane Society cares for large animals who are neglected at Long Meadows Rescue Ranch about 100 miles West of St.Louis. I learned of the Ranch through my granddaughter, a lover of all things equestrian who is a volunteer there.
The Ranch sits on 165 acres of rolling Missouri countryside. In 1988, The Society purchased the land with a bequest from George Packwood, Jr.,a long time supporter and owner of the Calgon Soap Corporation. Since the time it was established, Long Meadows has become one of the country's most comprehensive horse and farm animal rehabilitation Centers. The Ranch's mission is to make Missouri a safer, healthier place for all animals. It seems to be doing just that not only with the horses it cares for but with all of the barn yard animals I saw there as well.
It is always a wonder to me, that people engage in abuse of any kind as it belittles all we are and can be as human beings.
The Ranch sits on 165 acres of rolling Missouri countryside. In 1988, The Society purchased the land with a bequest from George Packwood, Jr.,a long time supporter and owner of the Calgon Soap Corporation. Since the time it was established, Long Meadows has become one of the country's most comprehensive horse and farm animal rehabilitation Centers. The Ranch's mission is to make Missouri a safer, healthier place for all animals. It seems to be doing just that not only with the horses it cares for but with all of the barn yard animals I saw there as well.
It is always a wonder to me, that people engage in abuse of any kind as it belittles all we are and can be as human beings.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
PLANNING OR LAND GRAB?
Labadie Missouri is a small town located about an hour's drive west of St. Louis. It is tucked into hills and mountains close by the Missouri River which provides rich, bottom land for farming and spectacular scenery.
Recently, I went there to speak with a small, dedicated group of people who were protesting AmerenUE, the utility company's plan to build a 400 acre landfill to store questionable toxic wastes. Since the 90s the company has been quietly purchasing farm land and has acquired 1100 acres upon which it wants to put the land fill. It wasn't until recently the community became aware of what was happening.
Even though Labadie is located in a County which does not allow storage of toxic wastes in a flood plane, the Company and elected officials are pushing for a quick acceptance of the utility's plan for expansion.
As I left the group, I wondered at the cost we pay as we allow any interest, political or corporate to despoil farmland, disregard flood plain ordinances and laws, and surreptitiously draw up plans without citizen input?
Recently, I went there to speak with a small, dedicated group of people who were protesting AmerenUE, the utility company's plan to build a 400 acre landfill to store questionable toxic wastes. Since the 90s the company has been quietly purchasing farm land and has acquired 1100 acres upon which it wants to put the land fill. It wasn't until recently the community became aware of what was happening.
Even though Labadie is located in a County which does not allow storage of toxic wastes in a flood plane, the Company and elected officials are pushing for a quick acceptance of the utility's plan for expansion.
As I left the group, I wondered at the cost we pay as we allow any interest, political or corporate to despoil farmland, disregard flood plain ordinances and laws, and surreptitiously draw up plans without citizen input?
Friday, December 3, 2010
NOT LIKE THE PURITANS?
I spent Thanksgiving week in Washington, D.C. with my son and other family and friends who live there. The City, so often vilified by those who live elsewhere, has always fascinated me. The united majesty of the Capitol, the awesome Supreme Court,the keeper of our treasures the Smithsonian, the powerful Lincoln Memorial, and the simplicity of the FDR Memorial still are inspiring to me.
I have visited the Capitol before as a student. I worked there at the beginning of my career. I marched there as a woman with two sons to protest our tolerance of the reckless use of guns. This time I walked on the National Mall with other visitors simply to enjoy places that chronicle our nation's brief history. I was delighted by the City's restaurants offering food from Asia, the Middle East, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Spain, English tea in the Smithsonian and a hot dog from a sidewalk vendor.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with the prerequisite turkey, sweet potatoes and apple pie - all delicious enough to rate second helpings. Blessings over the food were offered in English and Hebrew. As I looked around our table, I realized how unlike the Puritans we were. We were spouses, ex spouses, step sisters and brothers, siblings, significant others, all holding different political beliefs.
Not like the Puritans for sure! Then again, not like many other countries. The trip to Washington reminded me, I would not want to return to Puritanical ways.
I have visited the Capitol before as a student. I worked there at the beginning of my career. I marched there as a woman with two sons to protest our tolerance of the reckless use of guns. This time I walked on the National Mall with other visitors simply to enjoy places that chronicle our nation's brief history. I was delighted by the City's restaurants offering food from Asia, the Middle East, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Spain, English tea in the Smithsonian and a hot dog from a sidewalk vendor.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with the prerequisite turkey, sweet potatoes and apple pie - all delicious enough to rate second helpings. Blessings over the food were offered in English and Hebrew. As I looked around our table, I realized how unlike the Puritans we were. We were spouses, ex spouses, step sisters and brothers, siblings, significant others, all holding different political beliefs.
Not like the Puritans for sure! Then again, not like many other countries. The trip to Washington reminded me, I would not want to return to Puritanical ways.
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