In 2004 my former husband Dean and I adopted Jessie, a black mixed breed dog from the local shelter. She was approximately three years old at the time. We got her to be a companion for our hound, Roscoe, who we also rescued from a traumatic existence of starvation.  

Roscoe was delighted with the playful companionship of Jessie; however, one problem we immediately encountered with her was car sickness.  Every time we drove even a short distance, she would get car sick. Flower remedies which were helpful with other dogs, were ineffective.  As I was working with empowering symbols and glyphs, I started out to design one that would balance her equilibrium.  This was no help.  I designed another one to emulate the frequency of a popular over-the-counter sea sickness medication.  I had been successful in duplicating the energy of different medications or herbs with glyphs on previous occasions. 

December marks the beginning of whale season in Hawaii. Around this time majestic humpback whales appear in Hawaiian waters, having traversed 3,000 miles of deep blue sea from offshore Alaska. The whales stay through the winter, mating and bearing their young. To watch them cavort is a spectacle for the senses and the heart. 

Last Valentine’s Day Michael Fishbach and Gershon Cohen were fishing off the coast of Baja when they encountered a humpback whale tangled in a myriad of fishing nets. The animal’s fins were encumbered to the point that she could not swim and, if she remained fettered, would soon die. Armed with but a pen knife, Fishbach and Cohen worked diligently for over three hours, cutting away one small section of netting at a time, until “Valentina” was free. As soon as she gained a distance from the small boat, Valentina put on a freedom show to bring tears to any eye. (Check out the YouTube record of the event by searching “Saving Valentina.6.8.11.h264.mov”.)

I get it. Every day can be a test. Some days are good, some not so good. I always think I'm prepared for "bad" things to happen, but when there are too many of them in a row, it makes it very difficult to cope. Yet, when human events seem to be taking a turn for the very worst, the Universe always provides all of the blessings that we need.

I just had one of those weeks where one "bad" thing happened after another. Looking back, I call it "my week from hell." It was similar to cramming for a test when you've lost precious notes and broken your arm at the same time, or having to endure military bootcamp. When you're in the midst of a week like this, it sure feels like hell. but there are also many, many blessings.

Laura Darms

I am guessing that Khia is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Chow.  Many people, including me think she looks like a small wolf. She is one of those animals that came into my life for a reason, and I didn't even have to leave home. You'll understand if, like me, you one of those people who never stop when you see a sign for “Free Puppies” or “Free Kitten.” But fate struck when one day my partner was on her way toward the freeway when she saw a truck parked on the side of the road with a sign reading 'FREE PUPPIES."  For some inexplicable reason she stopped the car, rolled down her window and yelled to the man “What kind are they?”  He held up a puppy by the scruff of its neck and that is all she wrote.