New Year Resolutions
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you enjoyed the celebrations. This time of year is always so full of optimism and new beginnings. I'm not one for resolutions, I can never keep them. I know I won't be able to stay out of the biscuit tin. This year I'm setting myself different goals.
Just before Christmas Amelie and I went shopping to our local mall. I love online shopping so it had been a while since I'd braved the shops. Even taking into account the pre-Christmas shopping fever, I was struck by how packed the shops were with stuff, plastic junk that kids don't need, badly made, throwaway clothes and insatiable customers armed with bag after bag. I can't criticise the consumerism, I'm as bad as the next person. Without sounding righteous I'll try to need and want less this year.
I didn't have anything on my Christmas list this year so as a family we bought a membership to our local Wildlife Trust. They work to safeguard habitat for wildlife in the area both in and out of reserves. We're really keen to encourage Amelie's love of nature and this seemed a good way to do that. I'm looking forward to lots of adventures in the wild this year.
http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
OK, so resolutions so far: no buying throwaway tat and stuff I don't need, supporting local wildlife and getting out into our lovely local countryside more, and...
doing our bit to help animals in need.
We are thrilled to welcome two new friends. Tinker and Taylor were abandoned as tiny kittens in a cardboard box. They were rescued by the RSPCA and cared for at the shelter by a lovely lady called Yvonne. Sadly their first rehoming didn't work out and they had to go back to the shelter. They're now just over 5 months old, full of energy and delighted to have space to run around the house. We've had them just over 24 hours, but it feels like they've been here forever.
Just before Christmas Amelie and I went shopping to our local mall. I love online shopping so it had been a while since I'd braved the shops. Even taking into account the pre-Christmas shopping fever, I was struck by how packed the shops were with stuff, plastic junk that kids don't need, badly made, throwaway clothes and insatiable customers armed with bag after bag. I can't criticise the consumerism, I'm as bad as the next person. Without sounding righteous I'll try to need and want less this year.
http://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
OK, so resolutions so far: no buying throwaway tat and stuff I don't need, supporting local wildlife and getting out into our lovely local countryside more, and...
doing our bit to help animals in need.
We are thrilled to welcome two new friends. Tinker and Taylor were abandoned as tiny kittens in a cardboard box. They were rescued by the RSPCA and cared for at the shelter by a lovely lady called Yvonne. Sadly their first rehoming didn't work out and they had to go back to the shelter. They're now just over 5 months old, full of energy and delighted to have space to run around the house. We've had them just over 24 hours, but it feels like they've been here forever.
OK, enough cat pictures.
Shropshire RSPCA rehomed over 120 cats in 2015. I know it's not always possible to take on an animal, but they are always looking for foster homes and of course welcome donations to help cover the many costs of looking after the animals. Ours each came home with a knitted blanket made by an elderly lady who knits one for every cat. I'm sure these two are going to be such fun to have around and it's most definitely a better resolution than dieting.
Bye for now,
Laura
x
Happy New Year! I applaud your choices for gifts. As an animal lover, I worry that we are eliminating the natural spaces for our animal friends. Tinker & Taylor seem to be quite content and pleased that they were chosen to join your family. I have also added to our menagerie, but I was chosen not the other way around. During the Depression of the 30's and into WWll, hobos used to mark farmhouses with "happy cat" symbols. This meant that the farmer or his wife would offer a place in the barn to sleep and/or a hot meal. The train tracks ran along my Grandparents back pasture and their fence posts were marked. I still remember seeing the cat faces as we walked along the tracks looking for coal to make coal gardens. I think I have a similar mark on our retaining wall. Only cats know this mark, for every stray or feral cat ends up visiting for a bit. Currently we have 3 black kittens that are feral. One will allow me to pet him. His brother rubs my legs and the third watches. The three cats inside howl and hiss, but they all arrived here the same way. I like to think that I am carrying on my Gram's tradition of feeding and housing those less fortunate. :) Wishing you and your's a beautiful 2016, filled with love, hope, laughter, and much creativity.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeannie, I love the story of the painted cat faces. I have a soft spot for all waifs and strays. Linda had to come with me to the shelter to be the voice of reason, without her I would have brought them all home! Happy New Year to you and all your feline friends too x
DeleteSo happy you have adopted!!! It's a win/win for everyone!!! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! And welcome to the two little sweeties! Here's to more cat pics in 2016!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your creativity and inspiration!
I'm more of a dog person myself, not least because I'm a bit allergic to cats but so glad you rescued! All the best animals are rescues!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, but they look just like my two when we got them 9+ years ago!! Mine are half Bengal and half British Shorthair so the heads are a bit broader but the colouring looks just like, along with the slightly startled expressions!
ReplyDeleteJust want to say that I'm a new subscriber to DMTV and am enjoying it enormously so far.
I didn't have anything much on my Christmas list either, then inspiration struck and some of the family bought me a year's subscription. Can't wait to learn more and it feels like a gift that keeps giving throughout the year. Already have a head full of vessels made with craft vilene painted with thickened dyes!! Am currently working on how to add LEDs using conductive thread - just haven't been quite brave enough to try it yet. Happy New Year!!
I'm starting to think ours might have touch of Bengal too. While we put the decorations back in the loft one sprinted up the ladder and had a mad few minutes racing round before we could tempt him back down with some biscuits! So pleased you've been enjoying DMTV so far. We have lots of fun things planned for this year so I hope you'll continue to find the videos inspirational.
DeleteI'm not a cat person, preferring dogs, but these 2 are quite beautiful. I'm sure you're going to have fun with them.
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely Laura, and such great names too! I gave a home to two tabby girls from the Cats Protection League, they were just three months old and are now six year old beauties. I am sure you will all have lots of fun with them! Happy New Year x
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