It's okay to cry

Sometimes the best thing to do is to cry. Nothing should ever be held in so much that we are at breaking point - but this isn't the reality we live in.

I rarely cry and if I do, I hide it. Crying can be seen as a sign of 'weakness' and by crying alone, I feel like I can then pull myself together, knowing I'm not going to explode in anger on someone else. It's not the best tactic, but it saves the day.

I also want to portray how important and okay it is to cry in front of others. I know it may seem attention-seeking, like you've broken down, or just plain embarrassing, but we are only human.

Stay strong, but strength is in how you recover, not necessarily what you do.

KK

A note on microaggressions - think of them like mosquito bites...

As explained in the video above, micro-aggression's are dismissals, insults, or similar 'aggression' directed at anyone - particularly in a racial sense, women, those of different abilities, religions and other marginalised social groups - such as disabilities and lower income earners. However, I think this theory applies to a lot more these days - a lot of things can be seen as offensive to the person receiving the comment.

Comments like:

"You get around well!" To someone in a wheelchair
"You don't look like you're in pain..." To someone with an 'invisible illness'
"I never notice you struggling..." To someone with a disability, eating disorder, etc.

- Are all little comments that we can put up with in moderation - besides, most of the time the people saying these comments mean well, but I think it is important for us all to understand that - like the video says - these comments can be like mozzie bites - one or two are fine, but constant bites, (comments) can get irritating quick!

It can be hard to see if a comment will effect someone, but keep it in mind,

KK

Don't forget to remember series - respect your elders

There are so many times when we forget to remember the important things, so since this is something I think about a lot, I thought I'd do a little series of posts on the important things to remember, everyday if we can!

So, always respect your elders!

I have always found this so important. And to be utterly truthful, even if the person older than me seems downright dumb.... I am still able to respect that they have lived longer than me - therefore I don't know what they've been through in their life, I never could!

Obviously, this isn't the sole reason for the 'need' to respect your elders.Whether older than a month, a year or a few more years, it really doesn't matter - they deserve respect.

To respect your elders, it is vital to understand respect.
According to Dictionary.com - respect is more complex than it [should be] seems.

respect

[ri-spekt] 

noun

1.

a particular, detail, or point (usually preceded by in):

to differ in some respect.

2.

relation or reference:

inquiries with respect to a route.

3.

esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability:

I have great respect for her judgement.

4.

deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgement:

respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag;respect for the elderly.

5.

the condition of being esteemed or honoured:

to be held in respect.

I think definitions 4 and 5 apply best here, (and not just because the example is 'respect for the elderly...) I hate going into the specifics of definitions, but I show them to be clear. Honour your elders, acknowledge your elders and know everyone has a right to be respected.

By respect I don't just mean, look up to someone, trust them, adore them, bow for them, (although you can if you feel that is right...) but I mean respect their opinions, what they have been through and what they are doing. Everyone deserves your respect - but I think I need to point out respect for elders as just being kind and knowing that no one has an excuse, but everyone has an experience. 

Those that are older than us have done so much for who we are today, they went to war, came up with the recipes we eat today, gave birth to your ancestors, etc. - what's not to respect?

Don't forget to remember, your elders might just have gone through things you are or will be going through...

KK

Motivation Monday: You are the glow

What do we all want in life? Happiness? A partner? The simple life? - That's the point ~ there is always something we want!

But is 'want' the answer to how we get it? There are many theories about who, what, when, where, why and how we achieve what we want, but I believe that best thing you can do is GLOW! Own your worth, create love for yourself, live in the moment and be thankful!

Trust me, I understand how hard it can be to own your worth, but if you want anything in life, EVER - you need to glow!

To get the things you want, you need to not only believe in yourself, but enjoy every moment you are alive.

Its only as lame as you make it, but your heart pounds when you are happy for a reason ~ you're glowing! I always try to imagine that my heart is glowing and warm sparks swirl around (like Rapunzel's 'healing') when I want to feel good.

If I am grateful and feel my heart glowing, I find that, no matter what, I have what I want - in the moment, because that is all it takes!

As you may have noticed if you have watched the above video, 'the glow' is referring to the Disney princesses (we all know and love) discovering who they are and what they want. Although there is total merit in wanting to be a Disney princess... you, as yourself, gender aside, have the ability to be the glow!

So try it! Take a deep breath, close your eyes if you want, focus on something positive and use your glow!

'You are the glow!'

KK

Thanks to - Carrie Underwood - Don't Forget To Remember Me Series!

Stay tuned for this series! In the meantime enjoy this song!

KK

Hey..... What's your sign?

You can tell so much about a person by their star sign. I know it sounds overused and just plain corny, but there are not many people I have met who are somewhat true to their star sign!

I don't go by everything that star signs say and I do know a lot of people who don't care for them, but I also study science, I am logical and I still believe - belief is a post for another time.

As shown above, I have found that these good qualities are true for the people I know. I'm a Pisces and without sounding like I am trying to hard - I am 99% true to my sign - just about anything you read about the qualities of a Pisces is me in a nutshell, the good and the bad. And no, I'm am not a fish...

I know a lot of Aquarians who are definitely honest, they can be blunt about it, but they mean well and I always listen, eventually.

Every Taurus I know has a complex personality, although their main trait is stubbornness (which is rarely a bad thing in their case,) the complexities of why they are stubborn would surprise most of us, so they tend to understand the harder stuff.

Sagittarius will definitely defy the rules to make things better...

I know a lot of the other signs well and they are also quite true to this strength portrayal. All I am saying is to take a closer look at what makes a person - it doesn't necessarily have to be star sign related, but they are just a little peek into what makes a person...

Just demonstrating my Piscean nature...

KK

Love your dad, uncle, brother, step dad, partner, etc - to the males in the family!

Today in Australia it is Father's day.

My dad and I

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - to all of the dads and fathers figures out there!

As a female, having a father figure in my life is very important. I always have some kind of father around, whether that be my step dad, dad, grandad, uncles, cousins, brother  I mean I look up to these people, so I think that is a big part of Fathers day!

My brother, mum, step dad and me

My brother, Dad and I

I just wanted to make this post to make sure to remember all of the good times, appreciate those father figures for what they have always done for me and continue to be there for them. I love my dad so much and I also adore my step dad. They are amazing people and so different, which makes me love them more!

As men are so hard to buy for and this is a 'sentimental' post - I just want to say that I think you need to really think about what to give your dad for fathers day (or any day for that matter) not that women are always materialistic, but I find that men tend to need things, more than want them.

I ended up getting my dad some dvds and some food items that he loves (because he is almost impossible to buy for, but he eats food...) and I put some money towards a watch that my step dad wanted and some licorice allsorts that he loves.

It always pays to take note of what anyone in your life likes - little things like favourite colour, food, experiences, favourite animal, book even, - I don't think that generic gifts (eg. tools, ties) I think dads just want to be loved!

Enjoy your fathers day!
XX

KK

Every person in my life!

Today I met with my good friend. Although our chat was bittersweet, it inspired me to reminisce and let the pain and good times mesh together to create a beautiful ambience in my head.

Stories, Never Doubt Nature*, this blog and similar projects came to mind. I've always had a passion to create and work with animals and seeing my friend and chatting, made me click, made me remember the why!

Although the chat bought back some very hard times, I let them come into my mind and just go, almost like a meditation. I wouldn't say that the 'sweet' parts of the bittersweet memories made up for the bad, but I did think of the rest of the 'sweet' that I have achieved since those days...

I really wish that there was something I could do or say, but whether there is or not, I want to convey how important every person in my life was or is important to me!

I remember the times we pretended to be snow leopards in the long grass of my backyard and hid in the alcoves of your dads house in the winter.

I appreciate the cutting and pasting to try to win a competition in a barbie magazine when I was so young.

I remember picking the tiny buds off the bushes in your garden.

I laugh at the times we were in timeout together, just from laughing during dinner.

I am embarrassed by the time I broke the ornament on your mantelpiece.

These are the smallest of my memories, but they are there and important to me. Whether the people I shared these memories with, remember them or not, isn't too important. What is important, is that I drew inspiration from these and to this day I notice the things that everyone I know, does. I am glad you are in my life, negative or positive, you have been there for a reason.

KK




*Never Doubt Nature is my growing business on the side: neverdoubtnature.blogspot.com.au keep an eye out!

Throwback Thursday: How Quaint.

Childhood smiles!

I love reading. I will read almost any genre, my bookshelves are made up of nothing in common and I love it all!

The books that really make me smile though, are the ones that are written with childlike wonder, curiosity and adventure, really they inspire me.

Books like Old Yeller, Little Women, Peter Pan, Black Beauty, Treasure Island, they all have that simple yearning for well, no technology! Authors like Enid Blyton are favourites of mine too! Yes, it was surely the time period in which these books were written, that make them so 'quaint.' Most of them are aimed at children, however, reading a charming, old-fashioned story every now and then, reminds me of the little things.

My nana (who has now passed away) used to read to me and I would read to her as I grew older. I have so many memories of pronouncing a word right and getting applause, being asked to read and choosing a book, reading with her in bed and by the window. No wonder a love of reading blossomed for me at a young age!

All of these books remind me of how my beautiful nana would talk and act, even describe her 'younger years' as. So I guess I love these stories because I can sort of relive a piece of what she may have experienced!

My favourite book (EVER) The Valley makes me wonder if this is how nana was. It goes back and forth in time and paints an amazing picture of teenage adventure. Every-time I read this book, I feel like I am there, with Thommo and Clem, causing mischief. I can imagine myself running across paddocks with Ol' Yeller, writing and hiking up my skirt with Jo March, watching Black Beauty strut before me, looking up to Long John Silver and riding on a wagon with Lotta and Jim!

It is mostly the language and writing style (with pictures) that draw me to these books and I think that as I grew up, I kept these characters with me, they have always inspired me to write myself, take life lightly and be kind!

This song, Peter Pan recently came up on my playlist and it makes me think that this is how I used to be... it might sound to-good-to-be-true to 'grow up,' but I know my nana would have not only wanted me to grow up into a 'lovely young lady' but also remember the little loves.... it's okay to believe in fairies and follow the stars, as long as you don't let the wonders of reality pass you by either!

Enjoy the quaint!

KK

Blogging Challenge - five favourite songs

'Challenge' alright!

Just five songs? five? Guys I ADORE musical theatre, live so many experiences through music and I dabble in writing it, how am I supposed to pick just five songs?

So I am going to do the first five that come to mind... in no particular order.

Closer - The Corrs

Some Hearts - Carrie Underwood

The entire Wicked soundtrack...

The entire Jersey Boys soundtrack....

and

Better When I'm Dancin' - Meghan Trainor

Wow that was hard,

KK

Blogging Challenge - My Proudest Moment

I couldn't just pick one proud moment in my life.  I try to be proud of everything I do. I have been through a lot and that makes me proud, in fact every time, I don't succeed, I learn something and the ability to recognise that, I think is a big deal!

I used to be a very silent, jealous person and that did not get me far. When I noticed other people's achievements - perhaps those who weren't so nice to me, I bottled it up, thinking i was worthless and couldn't achieve my dreams - I guess overcoming this and being happy for other people's achievements as well my own is what makes me proud!

KK

Blogging Challenge - Dream job!

Haha I love this blogging prompt, because I have already blogged about it so many times. If you check out my other blog http://www.neverdoubtnature.blogspot.com.au/ in due time.... you will notice the How I got here: studying Zoology post which pretty much sums everything up.

But as that post isn't up quite yet, I will just tell you that my dream job isn't really specific - but it would be anything to do with Australian animals! 

My dream workplace would be Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, as I grew up visiting there and have always admired the work every department at this zoo does for Australian wildlife.

Volunteering for Zoos Victoria

KK

Blogging Challenge - Favourite Quote

For me at KK's Passion, I have always loved this quote, as I have always been a risk taker and a big dreamer!

I love many a quote, but this one pretty much sums up the way I am always thinking. I don't so much feel the need to travel the world or become the richest, most powerful person, but I do care so much more than others have literally told me, is wise and I give everyone and everything the benefit of the doubt, so I am always expecting more than others think is possible!

I would like to point out though, that I don't tend to compare myself to others unless I am around negative people - which does happen a lot. I certainly don't strive to be better than anyone, I just hope to live a positive and supportive, risky and creative life!

KK

30 Day Blogging Challenge - 20 things about me

1.  My favourite animal is a platypus.
2. I have hazel eyes
3. I left high school, took a year off, then went back for my final year before Tafe.
4. I love Turkish Delight.
5. I am a Black Belt in Karate.
6. I'm a morning person.
7. My favourite band is The Corrs.
8. I was born on Friday the 13th.
9. I love the rain.
10. My favourite author is Di Morrissey.
11. I am not scared of much.
12. I fainted in my First Aid course and still passed.
13. I have a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management.
14. My least favourite Disney Princess is Snow White.
15. I had an imaginary friend named George when I was little.
16. My favourite colour is green.
17. I don't like goat's cheese.
18. I am a slow reader, but I read a lot.
19. I can touch the top of my nose with my tongue.
20. I study Zoology and plan to work with Australian animals.

KK

Feeling crap? 'I feel better when I'm Dancin!'

Meghan Trainor you have nailed it again!
I mean thanks to the Peanuts movie we can all re-live our childhoods and put this song on repeat, daily, every hour of the day!

I have been feeling very down lately and this song as been going nonstop, I have my pal Michelle to thank and my other mates Sarah and Andrew for making me feel better - and yes, this usually does involve dancing!

I have just finished a production of Earth Boy and the Mutant Ballerina's (post to come soon) and I met these three through the BATS theatre company. I just want to say that I am so grateful for this, because we have been a tight group since and I think it will stay that way!

Treasure your friends, your family and yourself, and remember if any of that gets out of whack - dance a little because no one is watching.... they're all on their phones!

KK

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2016! ~ Part 1

I just got back from experiencing the Tamworth Country Music Festival in NSW, Australia. (Three months ago, yes I started writing this post and stopped...)

My friend and I drove the 16+ hours each way to the beautiful Australian city between Sydney and Brisbane.

Taking the Newell Hwy on our way to Tamworth and staying overnight in the small town of Parkes, our first stop was an experience, not only in driving, but for me an eye opener and reminder of the harsh Australian land.
As I drove along the long Hwy, I allowed the country to put me in awe as I thought about the early settlers and explorers that travelled these flats and hills without air conditioning and music....When I wasn't driving I was still in the moment, something so rare, that I forgot if I was hungry or tired. Time stood still.

When my friend and I stopped in Parkes, we were so exhausted that we just booked into the motel and relaxed, it was too much to explore the town  (though it broke my heart that I was physically incapable.) I did compromise a lot of myself on this trip because I didn't want to be a burden and drag my friend around, but if it was all about me, I'd be up at 6am photographing nature and in bed by 8pm after making the absolute most of the day - but heat, humidity and normal human behaviour doesn't allow others to want to join me in that... Sane or not unfortunately!

Up and at it early the next day, we were dying to get to Tamworth and I was beginning to get wary. (Yes, beginning - after a night of sleep...) I had my coffee and we were off fairly early before the heat hit. After 4+ hours of driving (taking it in turns of course) we reached TAMWORTH! And I instantly had butterflies in my stomach. I had heard the audio book 'Under Southern skies' numerous times on my trips to uni and I was so inspired by the story, but reaching Tamworth - I suddenly felt like I truly could do it!

First up my friend and I ate and got some cold water into us, phew it was hot! I was also busting for the toilet, so I rushed off. The poster to the left (pictured) was in the loo and I got more of those cheeky butterflies! I ran out of the toilet to greet my friend in the car and told her we had to go to this!
We checked into the Caravan Park and got out the tent to set up. After that it was a trip (almost) into town to the Golden Guitar - on the edge of Tamworth. Being the tourists we were, we started to buy souvenirs and postcards, we checked out upcoming gigs and then got into a bit of a state (well I did) because I didn't get a booklet I was supposed to get in the mail (weeks before) so there was the search for the building in the city of Tamworth to retrieve that!

Once we got into  Tamworth, we could understand the hype if we hadn't already! There were buskers and stalls, people of all ages running around and just happiness, everyone we passed smiled or waved - the benefits of a country town! We were absolutely buggered after I got my booklet, so we went to the nearest pub The Impy and quenched our thirst. I was high on air or something because I was bursting with energy while my poor friend suffered a little from the heat, so while she cooled down under the fan spraying gentle water over us, I started to really get into the live music.

The gorgeous singer chelsea basham was and is absolutaly amazing (we are totally instagram friends, ha... haha) and I had to buy her CD and a photo - both of which she signed - eeeeek!

I absolutely love and can relate to her songs: Gold and I learned the hard way.

As I only briefly spoke to her as she signed my merchandise, I could just feel how lovely she was and I knew I was going to be obsessed and had to look her up on Youtube, her website and the Tamworth CMF grapevine - so I did and I adored her persona more and more. Really I was in my own little world, in awe of the passion that the first person I saw at the festival could possibly match, if not certainly outshine my own!

The gorgeous Chelsea Basham. 

Day one: Loot.

We stayed and listened to another artist who sang some old classic country rock songs. I just took it all in and ate my chips and soft drink for dinner with my pal. After food and rest we just made it back to the tent and crashed for the night.

It was an amazing first day at the festival and I was in a state of euphoria.

I hate that I keep forgetting, but I love the country I live in and would live nowhere else. It's strange, but in my strange little world at my house, I keep forgetting what else is out there where my heart really lies.
I grew up with country ballads of the Australian land and animals and I have an indescribable passion for nature that I wonder how I can forget this power deep inside me.

As this blog is dedicated to my passions, I must say that the Tamworth Country Music Festival brought out more than one of my major passions. I have always loved country music, but I had butterflies with the reemergence of my other passions (perhaps also from the fear of forgetting my loves...)

• Writing - specifically lyrics and novels about the land, nature, animals and my FEELINGS! (for a while I had forgotten about those crucial "feelings" until I got butterflies.
• Singing and songwriting
• Weather
• Survival
• Nature, the baron road (but how much really thrives)
• Australian culture/personalities - genuine happiness - perhaps just a country trait...
• camping

KK

New year, new word.

Looking at the year ahead...

So in true 'New Years Resolution Style' I am getting around to doing the post I wanted to do in early Jan... in April, but better late than never!

If I talk in the present tense and look back at the start of the year - wow, my year has sucked so far! I mean it has definitely had its good parts, but overall, it was been a pretty ratty year for me. My mind has been all over the place... bleh.

But I have been thinking about the time I am using ( I would never say that I have wasted the time) and its been pretty hectic, so I have actually accomplished so much this year already, yet no where near what I thought I would have done..

Anyway, enough babbling. Here is the post I have wanted to write:

A fresh start - Unravelling the year ahead. 

This is my second year of doing this workbook of picking a word to live by for the year and it has really motivated me to get things done, this is the website: www.susannahconway.com and there is a lot of info on how to get started, but I have chosen for my word this year to be: SELF. 

Last year my word was Explore and boy did I do that! - I will post a review of all of that at some point...

But I really wanted to focus on Self this year because I am always doing things for others - so far I have failed dramatically at being self - aware, self - confident or any other self- related thing I was aiming for, because I think that a lot of things just fell in a heap and it has been hard to focus on me and easier to do things for others.

Is it okay for me to start fresh now? Well screw it, I'm going to, because every day is just another day and every minute is just a minute, we have to treasure them, but that doesn't mean we can't start fresh whenever we want!

KK

Back to Nature

Oh wow, where have I been? I'm not referring to my geographic location, I'm referring to my head - the head that has been stagnant of ideas and words for a while now, but I have cleared the gunk and hopefully I am on the write (yeah sorry) track again....

Passion - what does that really mean? Well this blog is dedicated to my passion/s and lately I haven't been too passionate, so rather than make promises about posting so much more. I know that going out and literally 'doing' the things that bring out the passion in me. Then I will be more inclined to write about it!

I'm just so sick of living life in a blur and day to day in my house cooped up, in my car waiting or at work wondering! There is so much more to me and my life, so I'm going to share it!

Don't lose sight of your passion,

KK

Happy freakin' new year

And the negativity begins....

I am honestly starting to believe that a new year means nothing in this (Australian, caucasian) society. We "celebrate" for one night by getting drunk and waking up the next morning with supposed resolutions, which seem to change within a week or so and then we complain about EVERYTHING!

I try to keep this blog positive and passionate, but this post is more freakin' pissed off and passionate.

It really got to me, that just about the first week into the new year, a lot of people in my life just started complaining about everything under the sun. Now this can't be everyone right? This can't be human nature, to be so negative all of the time, can it?


Well now it is late February and not much has changed.Since the start of the year I have refused to let a lot of negativity in, for the most part that has been fine, but I also haven't done a whole lot for myself yet either... So who is in the wrong here?

My word of the year is 'Self' - see the post 'my word of the year 2016' and in some respects I have been very slf inclined (in a good way) but not to the extent that I would like to.

*sigh*

Hopefully things get freakin' better,

KK

Pleasing everybody... at Christmas

Now, I'm not talking presents or food requirements, things that people want, no. I am talking about the selfish act that happens every year, the act of seeing the family.

Who's hosting this year?

Who's not coming so we can bitch about them?

Where are we having it this year?

Does it have to be Christmas day or can it be the weekend before?

Well I have to see other members of the family so I am seeing them separately to you....

Shall I go on? This is really ridiculous, I mean isn't Christmas about family, friends and giving? Well this isn't really giving. I would rather a loving family base than a thousand presents. All that really needs to be given is time. I wish everyone just stopped with the drama and did that.

Just a little rant....

KK

Gift giving, letters and thank you notes

 I love me some gratitude and I love displaying how much I love people, even though it isn't always clear.  My gift board on Pinterest shows the way I like to represent my love and gratitude.

I think that at least 30% of my time (a random number I know) I am thinking about something I can give, something I can do for someone unconditionally ... and thats not including Christmas or Birthdays!

I just love to give!

I think it really shows who you are and how special and heartless you are if you're the kind of person who likes to write letters, do a deed that makes someones day, give a gift for no reason, smile......

On the other hand I just love writing to people so I can get something back in the mail! Like in the old days - well I did do it as a kid - so not that long ago, but writing a letter, sending it and getting one back is just such an amazing sentiment!

I just wanted to give a little love for my passion towards the little things,

KK

Tuesday Ten: Top ten pets!

So I have decided it is pet week and I am going to base my weekday posts around these gorgeous light to our lives!

1. Dogs/cats - equal first! I grew up with dogs, I have always been a dog person and I probably would still pick a dog over a cat, (if it was a life or death situation...) but how funny are cats? I mean that just gives them a total top tier ranking regardless - just ask youtube!
2. Birds - I grew up with aviaries full of birds, I love the avian industry so I will always recommend certain birds for certain household, but I don't like the idea of (most) birds around cats... unless both trained to be around each other from birth. And yes, exotic birds are cool, but your canaries, budgies and cockatiels are just as sweet and easy to train. Birds are very delicate and can die of fright, but they can also outlive you (especially parrots) so tread carefully, but if you want a pet, you must care somewhat, so meh...
3. Hermit crabs - I know these guys are a little different, but god they are adorable! And so super easy to look after! 
4. Fish - especially fighting fish! Ask your local pet shop for help on what fish to put with what, water temperatures and all the necessities, but be careful! Fishkeeping can become an expensive pastime, no matter how cheap it seems to begin with! 
5. Reptiles... in general - I want to be a reptile vet, so of course i am going to mention them as pets. For your average household, I would recommend a turtle, large skink (blue tongue lizard) or water dragon.... Go for your pythons if you are serious and dedicated!
6. Ferrets - another animal that requires a lot of care and time and money. They are basically slinky puppies. Ferrets can be funny around other animals too, so do your research.
7. Frogs - delicate and sometimes loud, some also require a licence, but who doesn't love frogs and their enclosures with the trickle of water?!
8. stick insects - Great for young families, stick and leaf insects are way too easy to look after and the buggers are a lot stronger than they look. They are not delicate. The do breed like rabbits though and are fantastic escape artists, so be aware!
9. Rabbits and guinea pigs - do I need to say much? These guys are just adorable and they can be pretty hardy. Just for the love of animals do not keep them in a metal hutch in the sun. They will die...
10. Axolotyl - If you don't know what these guys are, look them up, it'll be fun.

Enjoy your pets, they love you and depend on you, and they will bite if you stuff up.

KK

Disclosure: this list is in no particular order regardless of what writer has written.

Motivation Monday: Being around pets!

I certainly needed some Monday Motivation today! Nothing in my life is going wrong as such, but I have been feeling very sad, due to personal reasons. I know what to do when I have lulls like this. These 'lulls' are often times in my life that I really need, to be kicked and shoved a little, to turn around, get up and achieve something great.... and you know what really helps with this? MY PETS!

I mean look at them! Animals in general clearly light up my life (they are a passion of mine after-all!) and having these guys around me 24/7 gives me hope and they just know, that when I'm down, I need cuddles, so what do they do? Leap into my lap!

 I have had a lot of pets in my lifetime of (almost) 24 years and although they all have their individual personalities, they are all just full of love!

I have had a hard time trusting and believing in people lately - especially where 'true' love, and partnership all comes together to form this generation's idea of 'love.' I could crap on for ages about that topic, and in a way it is relevant to this blog as I am passionate about love through my stories, so I'd like to ramble on about another kind of love...

Friendship - animal friendship in this case. (Yes there are multiple 'types' of other friendships...) Friendship between an animal and a human has to be one of the most beautiful things in life.

 I have had such close bonds with all of my animals and I love them all 100% equally. They really are my pals. What do friends do?

• Comfort me when I'm down
• Kiss me when I need to be loved
• Glare at me when I've done the wrong thing
• Always willing to hang out (play)
• Always up for a roadtrip
• Listen!
• Motivate me!

These guys are true blue friends for sure, not many humans go to that much trouble. Animal loyalty (and sometimes arrogance in the cat's case...) is just beautiful, a true testament to who they are and the classic saying of 'treat others how you want to be treated,' and in my animals case that's, with love, happiness and entertaining goofy-ness!

And they seem to love each other just as much! They know that when I am grumpy (yes I do get grumpy...) that if they muck around, play bite me, go off gallivanting with each other (the dogs in particular) talk to me, etc. - I can't help, but smile!

 These guys are just always so happy, busy or just satisfied with life. This really motivates me to be content with my own life too, so my pets are a huge deal of motivation monday - that start of the week drawl - they'll be there!

Always smiling while their eyes are shining!

KK