Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. Mr. Rogers

Feeling safe, being seen, loved and supported in early development is the best gift we can give a youngster. Elephants know all about this. Allomothers, or nannies abound in elephant society. They are the “other mothers” in a young calf’s life.

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

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.

There is no reconciliation without truth. Murray Sinclair

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.

Yousuf Karsh

Skunked: a fishing trip where no fish were caught. Not one bear sighting. What if the salmon never showed up?

The ends of the hairs on grizzly bears’ flanks, backs and shoulders often have white tips and give the bears a “grizzled” appearance, hence the species’ name.

Grizzlies are great swimmers. They are also fast, they can sprint faster than 55 kph. Take note - a grizzly will easily outrun, outclimb, and outswim you - so don’t swim with bears!

Indigenous people have co-existed with bears for thousands of years. At the core the bear represents courage and strength. The bear is seen as protector and healer.

Dawson turned off the motor and we drifted closer. No doubt about it, the bear knew we were there. He slipped into the water, raised his head as if to say hello, then proceeded about his business of looking for fish. We followed along at a respectful distance.

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.

If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise

For every bear that ever there was 

Will gather there for certain because 

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

‘There’s one!” I called out. “Good spotting!” said our guide Kyler, as he spun the boat around as confirming the humped black form at the edge of the shore was a black bear. The thrill of seeing a large mammal in its natural habitat never gets old for me.

I am thrilled to learn that four of my images have been accepted into the 2024 Canadian Association for Photographic Art Digital Salon Competition!

“I’m not a criminal,” said Paddington, hotly. “I’m a bear!”