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. 

In my life I have had more experiences with cats and dogs than any other kind of animal, probably because they are more common animals to growing up with in an American family. However, there have been a few times in my life when the universe has sent unusual animals across my path for reasons unknown. When this happens, it is hard to ignore. There is one experience that sticks out in my mind. Some time ago, out of the blue, a tortoise came knocking on my door, asking if she could spend a little time with me.

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.

To Empower Heal and Inspire

 Madeleine Walker

I am an animal intuitive and over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to have incredible encounters with all kinds of creatures, great and small. The animals have a message for human kind. They tell us we have become disempowered and detached from the rhythms and needs of the planet and in turn disconnected from the divinity within us all. I believe the time has come for a global unification of interspecies consciousness to remind us that all living creatures on the planet are divinely inter-connected. These Animal Whispers Empowerment cards were created with the intention of communicating special messages from all kinds of creatures, which will resonate with the individuals who draw them.

Each card is imbued with love and blessings. Care has been taken to specifically design the cards to capture the essence of each animal. Special attention has been paid to the images and the healing qualities of the colors and the loving power of each cards particular message for you. The whole card will impact your consciousness in many ways and on different levels. Trust you will be led to the perfect message for you as you ask to be guided in your daily practice, whether you approach the cards for a simple confidence boost or deeper, more complex issues such as decisions about your direction, self-healing, or life purpose.

I recently received an email rant about my burger blog, Fractured Foodies Having Fun. It reads: "You are suppose to be "in touch" with the universe and have some sort of connection with spirits YET YOU PROMOTE THE EATING OF ANIMALS!?!?  I do not think you are what you pretend to be if you do not see the correlation!"

The "What you pretend to be..." is referring to, I assume, my being a spiritual teacher and aspirant. Hmmmm. Thought provoking, yet unthinking at the same time, this rant is I think. Oh, sorry, my inner Yoda comes out sometimes. "Back Yoda, Back!"

I was going to reply to Jan's email slam but thought, instead to address it in my Confetti Head blog. And, now I am publishing it here because this is an important issue to some people.

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”.)