Happy New Year

I read once that unless you spend at least a few minutes every day giving of yourself in a situation where no one will say thank you, you’re not maximizing your time on the planet. Just this morning, when I got too close to Diego, my beautiful Russian Blue fellow, he gave me a hearty hiss, just as I was putting down his food in the meadow. And then came home to Mocha’s projectile poopage. Don’t ask. Anyway, if working for zero thanks is good karma, I’m thinking I’m paid up for the next several years.  😉

At the same time, I got a beautiful thank you this Christmas in the form of a necklace, made by hand by my enormously talented sister-in-law, Julie Buelteman, which features a St. Francis medallion. Beautiful, eh?

When I read the words on the back of it – “It is in giving that we receive” – I got choked up. These were not only the perfect words on the first spiritual talisman I’ve ever gotten, the necklace itself was the first tangible evidence that my family supports the time and energy I put into this work. I generally don’t talk about it much, because of the inevitable teasing I get at times. But this represents a corner turned.

Here’s to not only more productive work for Earth’s critters in 2014, but to more thank yous for all the wonderful people who give their 15 minutes a day – not just to the critters but to make the world a nicer place for them and for you. And thanks to St. Francis for the inspiration.