Moments of beauty begin to braid your days. John O’Donohue

This week’s inspiration comes from two writing friends who remind me that finding beauty is essential in our lives. 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Two experiences reminded me recently that the fight for the protection of elephants and the health of our planet is ongoing. One reminded me of past trauma, the other foreshadowed more horror in the near future.

The pastoralist Samburu people of Northern Kenya believe elephants were once people. Their oral tradition tells the story of how they became the ancestors of the elephant.

Where will we go for healing when wildlife and wild places no longer exist? Katie Rowe Co-Founder Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Cuteness may be hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. 

I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent! Dr. Seuss

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Barack Obama

Recently friends from Australia, USA and Canada sent me a link to a video of elephants in the San Diego Zoo responding to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on April 14th.

I am delighted to report my photo Sunrise over the Mara is included in the “Weekly Selection” gallery in the Africa Geographic 2025 Photo Competition this week.

Elephants have much to teach us about good parenting, effective leadership and how to get along in the world.

Cathy and I headed to a structure that looked like it was built for VIP’s flying in on private planes to inspect the estate. “Do you have a signal?” I asked Cathy. “No, do you?” “No.”

In the heart of the African night, the darkness was not just a lack of light; it was a living breathing entity.

The greatest enemy of conservation is apathy. Imagery can break apathy. Pictures have power! David Doubilet

Without bringing the animals into the home and heart of an audience, the disconnect between humans and the natural world will continue to deepen.  Kevin Richardson

Every time you leave home,
Another road takes you
Into a world you were never in

John O’Donohue

At first glance, the landscape looked empty every time we set out on a game drive. But, if we took our time, showed up, had patience, it soon became clear that it wasn’t empty at all. It was full of life.

In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. Terry Pratchett

I believe when we travel with intention, when we are open to outcome, when we stay curious, magic can happen.

Meet the waterbuck. They wear their hearts on their nose. They also have a special superpower! Read this week’s story to to learn more.

Reposted from July 2023.

The pastoralist Samburu people of Northern Kenya believe elephants were once people. Their oral tradition tells the story of how they became the ancestors of the elephant.