I Find My Courage In Each Small Step Forward; My Motivation Grows With Every Challenge I Embrace, Turning

Obviously I don't own this picture so credit goes to the creators of the show but I HAD to share because ...... hahahaha I've often enjoyed torturing people with the song but I had NO IDEA they also had a cartoon. Yes... I'm that weird adult that has been letting this play in the background while I do chores since realizing it exists. hahahaha And should you be another weird adult... or just someone seeking fun options for a kiddo, I found the show on the Roku kids and family streaming option. You're welcome. hahahahaha

hehehe I like it. Not exactly a museum shot but a fun one just the same. I should definitely do more in the reflections direction.

Your creativity is your strength, fuel it with confidence. Embrace self-improvement, you'll sculpt your future masterpiece.

One shot.

There are things in life that you get one chance at. Whether you miss that shot, mess it up, remember it differently with time, or look back and smile, some things.... only offer themselves... ONCE. That first kiss, a first impression, a final we love you, or a visit to let someone know in person that the moment matters. Sometimes, that once in a lifetime moment is especially impactful because of the challenges that come with it. Thing is, when you look back at those moments, and have to face that you missed them, because it was ... difficult... will you be okay with the changes that came with that choice? If you take the chance and it doesn't go quite as hoped, will you at least find comfort in knowing you tried? Whatever your thoughts, just remember, not all once in a lifetime shots, come with a full color brochure. Sometimes, those moments head your way with a subtle smile, a twisted conversation, and even silent heartache. Pay attention, and notice the little things because well... they might be the only sign you get before one of those life changing "one shot" moments.

Art is fun. You don't have to like my art. My art doesn't need to be considered great. I'm not hurting anyone with my art and it makes me feel good so to me.. it's just fine. I don't NEED to get better at it. I don't NEED to do it a certain way. I simply need to enjoy it, and in my mind.. not cause any damage to anyone else. It took me a long time to allow myself that freedom and now that I understand it, I refuse to go back to trying to fit someone else's box. Enjoy art... your own way.

DONKEY DAY!!!

Well, I did not realize a day had been created to celebrate the sturdy donkey but... now that I am aware of it, I MUST say.....

- - - HAPPY WORLD DONKEY DAY!!!

I'm not one that agrees with creating a day for everything so that humans will acknowledge the ... contribution... that people, places, creatures, or things have in what humans call progress BUT... if that is something that is needed... I will GLADLY support the recognition of the hard work animals do as slaves to the ... humans.

Ants!

I can look at pictures online of bugs, insects, creepy crawlies, and the like.. and be completely mesmerized by the beauty and capabilities. I will also say though that, when I do something in my home and find something crawling ... my first and only panic attack thought line is DIE DIE DIE! Ants are on the top of that list for me. They come in, they go everywhere, and it never feels like they are gone for good. I understand all of the ... they serve a purpose, it's more there territory than ours, blah blah blah... but when they enter my house and are spotted.... I simply can not help the desire to burn the house down and run. They MUST DIE. hahahahha I know I am not alone. LOL

The many faces of loss

I always get so grumbly with humans that think loss is a simple thing. A death, job change, relationship end, and many other forms of loss can have lasting, and often hidden (even to the one dealing with it) effects. So many people focus on the short term handling of the loss, or the lingering obvious issues and seem to think they know how the person should or shouldn't be acting. It's complete ridiculousness. NOBODY has ANY right to tell ANYONE how they should feel, or how the loss impacts them in their own realities. EVERY SINGLE CREATURE deals with each loss in their own ways. Some of the effects can be dealt with quickly and easily, some make permanent changes and will never be fully understood. NEVER.... EVER... let ANYONE tell you that you are somehow broken, or messed up, for how a loss impacts your own thoughts. Those who are trying to help will usually offer support, reassurance, patience, and space. If the person you think is there to help is pressuring you, making you feel like something is wrong with you, or is irritated by how things are effecting you... they are clearly NOT as helpful as they want to believe they are. If someone doesn't understand and is a bit inconvenienced because of your handling of a loss, that... is completely understandable... BUT... if they allow that to become an attitude towards you... THEY are the ones with a problem... NOT YOU! This human experience does not come with complete and foolproof instructions. We each have to figure things out in our own ways, no matter how many others try to tell us they have all the answers. So, if you're out there, and you're dealing with something, and you're feeling a bit beaten.... just remember.... you got this. There are those of us out there that understand it's complicated, it takes time, and USUALLY it's a lot more messy than anyone cares to admit. Just keep picking at it. You'll get where you need to be with it, if you really want to. Believe. ... Much love.

This... is part of why I get so uncomfortable sometimes. I have always tried, painfully so, to be a positive person. But, I am finding it harder and harder with time to be... positive. Why? The poor behavior that can be found close, out and about, and pretty much EVERYWHERE online, that's why. I mean seriously, the fact that signs like this are even needed is a display of the kind of behavior that makes it hard some days to brush it off and smile. I know it has become the norm to allow your electronics to think for you but dang folks... seriously? From where I'm sitting, we're all doomed but, I still do try... to be a positive person and at least not abundantly feed the ugly, nasty, YUCK that seems to be EVERYWHERE at this point. -sigh-- Okay, I'm done now.

Cutie… patootie... agouti? You might know the capybara, but what about its distant cousin the red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)? This wide-ranging mammal can be found in forests throughout northern South America including Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela. Though smaller than its more famous relative, this hefty rodent can weigh up to 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It dines on a diet of fruit, nuts, and seeds. Like a squirrel, the agouti will bury surplus food to save for a later date. But sometimes this critter forgets to come back for its stash, spreading seeds throughout its habitat as a result. 

Photo: Robin Gwen Agarwal, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist