Day 7

Quote; "With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

Sometimes it is hard to appreciate a different culture, a different way of life until you experience up front and see it for yourself.  I think traveling is often one of the best ways to see a different culture up close, get a different prospective, and break away from your daily patterns 

While viewing this years Unit selections, I think that Santa Fe, New Mexico might be a good choice. Visiting the Santa Fe Artist Market gives an opportunity to see a way of life in terms of how the artists spend their time to make their eclectic art to raise money to feed their families.  

Photos of the Santa Fe Artists Market 

(Photo Source: Google Images) 

Day 6

Quote; "With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

Amanda and I started our school club F.L.A ( for the love of animals) last year, and since then, the club has tremendously grown. We are aware of so many animals and organizations that desperately need assistance, that we've decided to take our fundraising a step further than other clubs, and raise money off campus as well.  The effort was well worth it as we've been able to interact and assist more animals in need.  

In the beginning of November we had a bake sale in front of Adam's Pet Store in Chester to benefit the PUFF cat adoption rescue. We made $250 within 3 hours! Our on campus fundraiser bake sale was held a week later.  We managed to raise $186 for Rudy, a Hendrick's Board Rescue dog. Rudy was an extremely abused dog (NYC police have started a criminal investigation to apprehend his abuser). He was beaten and starved until he could no longer stand.  Our raised funds  are going towards his medical bills and helping Rudy get back on his feet. To further break away from the consistent fundraising method of bake sales, we are launching our own 100% essential, all natural perfumes and  selling to both Gill students and the public. 

IN addition to fundraising, we volunteer at shelters. Today we scheduled a visit to the Lakota Wolf Preserve to assist them with keeping up the wolf habitats during the winter months.  In September we visited and helped clean at Raptor Trust.

Photos of the wolves at Lakota Wolf Preserve 

 

Photo Source  http://www.lakotawolf.com/

Day 5

Quote; "With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

They say, "A cluttered desk, (or in my case room), is a cluttered mind".  So, I took the plunge, and instead of going shopping this Black Friday I chose to pack away clothes and other assorted 'things' I haven't used in the past year and brought them to Goodwill.  

The day after Thanksgiving really should be about reflection, and being thankful of what we have, no matter how little or grand. I don't know, but I find it a bit intriguing that massive amounts of people congregate into these mobs, in the early morning hours, while trambling one another waiting to get through the front doors to get these so called 'deals'.  I think I'd rather spend the extra 20 bucks and save my sanity.  Just saying! 

Day 4

Quote; "With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

Ah… Thanksgiving Day,  the day for family gatherings and lots of food!  A day to be grateful for the things you have, and a wonderful day to spend with those you love.

This used to be a huge holiday for my mothers side of the family, however, when my grandfather died tragically in a car accident almost 3 years ago, the fun of the holiday died with him.  He was always the anchor to our ship and somehow now that he is gone it seems the ship is just afloat at sea. So, this year I decided to try something different, something that would evoke his presence, even if for a bit.  I collected all the photos (and there were many!) of myself and him during the holidays, scanned them and created a memory book online. Once the printed book comes in the mail, I think I'll gift wrap it and give it to my mom for Christmas.  I know she will love it. 

Day 3

Quote; "With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

Let's admit it, we all love watching those adorable dog and cat videos when the opportunity avails (I know I'm not the only one).  But with hamsters? Watch this youtuber who put a different spin on festive animal videos with his own furry friends. 

Talk about breaking away from consistency! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iieQDN7l_Yw

Day 2

Quote; "With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do" (Emerson par. 14). 

      School's out for the week! The best part is that I got out a bit earlier since I had a free period.  I was picked up by my uncle, so instead of the usual drop off we decided to head to Hacklebarney State Park for a nature walk.   All I had to do was switch into a pair of sneakers and I was ready. Nothing comes close to appreciating the wonderful autumn scent than a nicely paced hike.  Both the weather and company were perfect, and the scenery divine.  Perfect setting to remind one of Emerson's works and his appreciation of nature!

Day 1

Quote:  "With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do"  (Emerson par. 14). 

We know nothing about cats, dogs yes. My mom had run a beagle rescue for over 10 years. So what happens when you become attached to the older neighborhood stray cat that you have been leaving food out for the past 6 months?  The weather forecast predicted below freezing temperatures for the night and I could not stand the thought of this tiny, older, severely matted, amber eyed cat seeking refuge in the soaking moldy leaves. Yes, she was very skittish, very afraid of human contact but something needed to be done because I feared she would not bode well into the night. Add to the fact that she was of lately looking weaker, and shivering as she ate her food.   

Well tonight we took the plunge, the chance to see if this little creature could be caught.  My father was able to catch her and she is now  in an overly large wire crate with plenty of blankets, food and water for the night.  She seems a bit upset at her circumstances but I am going to assume that she sees the outside as her home and doesn't know quite what to make of the indoor world.   Still her unease upsets me a bit as I don't understand the mind of a cat as well as a dog.  But she is well worth it and I look forward to seeing if she can accustom to being an indoor cat.  

Here is a photo of her before she was caught  

Here is a photo of her now snuggled in warm blankets