Tag Archives: dignity

Since my return to Alberta for the season I am pleased and happy to once again be living in natures backyard. In the midst of all the chaos in this world I have found happiness and sanity surrounded by nature and the wildlife that live in these forests and mountains.

Big Horn Sheep

Athabaska Falls

Mama Grizzly and Cubs

My Girl Dakota-Born To Be Wild

Kootenay River

Coyote Kananaskis Country

Elk Spring Kananaskis Country

Athabaska Falls

Baby Rocky Mountain Goat

I love the experiences I have grounded in nature’s reality. I love the wildlife I encounter and photograph. I also love talking with them, it feels like they understand what I say because I say it out of love and respect. It has been said that in order to understand someone you have to love them. I think that is probably why I can understand the wildlife I photograph a little, because I love them. For me it’s not just about seeing them through my lens, but seeing the world through their eyes and getting to know them.

The popular portrait of a lot of our misunderstood wildlife has had huge consequences for them and for us. This misinterpretation is the foundation for policy and practice, with the result that wildlife numbers are now a fraction of their former population not only in Canada but worldwide.

If for example a bear should wander their territory and meander into a designated picnic area or campground, they are at risk of being darted, drugged, dragged away in a sling under a helicopter and deposited far from their home in unknown territory.

Having witnessed the disrespect of these amazing beings over the years, it always amazes me that they are so restrained. Most bears and other wildlife are still open and willing to be friendly with humans. We too need to be more open, understanding and compassionate for the wildlife in our coexistence. Because life is so much better lived with compassion and love.

We are all children of nature and we are all Born to be Wild.

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

Stay safe and take care.

xo

We need a world where all lives matter, not theoretically, but actually. The idea that some lives matter less is all that is wrong with the world.

At this time on Earth, it seems there is no escape, no exit from global antagonism. Nor is there any escape from the ramifications of treating one another poorly. Without mutual respect, kindness, diversity, inclusion, equality and equity, we will continue running around our collective sink hole with no way to climb out. It is this “opposite direction” that holds my heart and that I am personally deeply committed to.

Global human rights embody core values. Among them are the dignity of all human beings, their equality of fundamental worth, and their need to live in world with respect and empathy for others, but also with some measure of individual liberty.

I don’t understand why it has been labeled offensive to say “all lives matter” because they should and they do. All lives matter and should be equal because we are all one. I think our perceptions about human rights consciousness, sentience and awareness needs to change and together we can make that happen. Together, we can be the change.

This is just one example of human rights consciousness that I have personal reference to; growing up in Los Angeles in the 60’s I experienced firsthand the Watts Riots. The riots were about inequality and a protest against poverty and the hopelessness of life in the inner city. They were about diversity, inclusion, respect and equity. They described the challenges of joblessness and the lack of basic services in South-Central Los Angeles. We need to be the change because sadly, half a century later, the gap in perceptions of the riots and racism remains shockingly huge.

From the time I was very young I never saw people differently as much as being the same. And I never saw people as being coloured black, white, yellow, brown, red; in my eyes everyone looked the same. And this is something that has never changed for me. Every person has their unique and different personalities but the core essence is the same, we are all connected as conscious beings.

ALL LIVES MATTER. ALL CRITTERS GREAT AND SMALL. YOU MATTER SO DO I. ♥

What about the critters? It is a fact that humans are not the only conscious beings and that non-human animals, including all mammals, birds and other creatures possess consciousness. All lives matter, their life force, their essence is the same. It is interesting to note on a carnal level that the pigmentation, skin colour in animals just like humans has a range from black to red.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT. YOU ARE HERE FOR A REASON. YOUR STORY MATTERS.

Uplifting words from some inspiring people.

Although we may come from vastly different stories and very different walks of life, we are one people who possess common values and common ideals; who celebrate individual excellence but also share a recognition that together, we can accomplish great and wonderful things we can’t accomplish alone.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.

Together we can help create a peaceful, just, sustainable and healthy world.

The greatest danger to our future is apathy.

Each of us has the ability to act powerfully for change; together we can restore that ancient and sustaining harmony.

I believe in change. I believe in the power it has to unite us and ignite us.

Together, we can bring our planet’s heartbeat back.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

Your story matters.

Wherever you stand in this world, in life at this moment, always remember that your presence here on earth matters as much as everyone else’s.

xo Angie

Peace out. ♡✌