Saturday, November 27, 2010

Three Things I think I think....

“Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.”

by Wendell Phillips.

I don’t often dole out my opinions as a result of another fitting quote ‘Opinions are like ass-holes, everyone has them!’ ...while I am NOT a fan of that quote, it serves its purpose and typically if no one really cares to hear my opinions enough to ask, I don’t by and large serve them. So to share these things I think, is an opportunity for individuals to either agree, disagree, or sustain; take your pick~

1.) I was bid ‘good morning’ with the following AOL headline, German Zoo Forces Gay Vultures to Mate with Females. Really? Are we as humans so hungry for authority and control that we can’t allow two birds who have a strong desire to co-habitat alone to honor their natural instincts? Needless to say, I am irritated! Karen Carpenter said it best through her song of the 70’s, Bless the Beasts and the Children, for in this world they have no choice, they have no voice…

Not only are humans discriminating against these specific birds, but isn’t it enough that we abuse animals by forcing them to participate in wretched and vicious behaviors such as dog-fighting and puppy mills? We mistreat them by not taking responsibility to spay and neuter our animals then proceed to cast the puppies and kitties road-side as if they’re garbage. Many mishandle their animals by leaving them alone in the extreme elements to fend for themselves, beat them and starve them. I don’t know about you but whenever I see those SPCA commercials on television, I can’t dive to the remote fast enough to turn off the sadness. Have supremacy craving individuals grown so weary of bullying community members who are different that they’ve now become focused on innocent animals? Well, it infuriates me!

2.) I teach in a year round school and have been ‘tracked out’ for the last two weeks with one more week remaining including two workdays. I’ve developed a suitable routine of checking e-mail while I sip my coffee, then go to my blog and check comments; get my husband off to work. I take my walk and give thought to my writing and settle into the actual writing, then post.

I have had a superlative time meeting new people through the blogging community who possess incredibly innovative and talented skills. These people take astonishing photographs that tell stories of vast complexities, as well as people who eloquently write with their heart. I will truly be sad to return to work where my time and focus will be less than desired to cultivate these new relationships. So to all of my new followers, I welcome you into my blogging world; a humanity that allows me to share reflections of who I am as an individual. While there are too many to name specifically, if you'd like to escape in their wonderful talents please go to the plethora of blogs on my blog site; you'll be glad you did!

3.) Although Thanksgiving has passed, I never did make that list of things I am grateful for. Perhaps it is because I don’t need a specific day to declare my gratitude toward people or things; I hope my daily actions prove my thankfulness. However, I am truly thankful for the social network Facebook. Where else can every distinctive individual who has invested in me and comprised my life show up in one place reading quips of daily happenings, looking at photos of today’s loved ones and partaking in heartfelt emotions? I have facebook to thank which has connected me with all some childhood friends, previous teachers, college buddies, and connections from my world travels. From the help of Facebook, I have co-workers, past students and their families and my own personal family. All these people have felt the pulse of my life, and I have had the opportunity to keep track of the heartbeat of folks who have truly enriched my life!

And these, my friends are not things I think I think, but three things I know I think!

18 comments:

The Words Crafter said...

Wow, this post went from one end of the spectrum to the other, fun!

Really, can there be such a thing as a gay animal? Isn't it possible that they're just happy where they are and don't feel like being parents? And even if they are gay, so what? And how can you 'force' them to mate?!!!! To me, that's like a form or rape...isn't it?

I love the Karen Carpenter quote. Just so you know, I'm stealing it!

Thanks for the provocative post!

Tracy said...

Word Crafter, and sometimes I feel exactly like that; one end of the spectrum to the other and ALL in one day ! It's exhausting...anyway, I don't know if an animal can be gay, but like you said, 'what does it matter?' ..breaks my heart!
I love the Carpenters and I don't think of it as stealing; just recycling :) I look forward to reading your words if you are doing a blog entry, if not, I'll just have to wonder...
I hope you are having a great day!

Catherine said...

That makes me sad that humans can not leave nature alone. We tamper with everything don't we? And then wonder why the natural order of things get messed up. I had read about two male penguins that were mates and they took in an abandoned egg and raised the little penguin as their own. Now THAT is a beautiful thing.

And don't even get me started on abandoned pets and puppy/kitty mills! sigh....

Excellent post Tracy!
xo Catherine

Wanda's Wings said...

I volunteer at the SPCA, so I see all kinds of abuse. It is so sad. Thank you for dropping by my blog and your kind words.

Jim said...

I am new to your blog. My name is Jim and I know I think I will enjoy your outlook on life. And yeah, I also noticed you are a 'special ed' teacher.....I was one for 25 plus years and really liked that ride!
So you are a 'thrifter' too! This will be fun.

Tracy said...

Catherine, I will have to go find the article on the penguins..nature IS a thing of beauty if we'd just leave well enough alone, huh? Yeah, I'm with you on the abaondoned pets...open that gasket and I may never stop...

Wanda's Wings, I really don't know how your heart makes the journey of seeing all the abuse as a volunteer. I 'think' it would be a great idea, but just couldn't do it...I applaud you!Thanks for visiting and I love the pciture on your site; beautiful!

Hey Jim, so glad you stopped by! you 'were' a spec. ed. teacher? what do you do now? ...this is my 29th year and although I love my kids, the demands and expectations are wearing me out! It's more about other things than the kids...anyway, thanks for stopping by! I look forward to following what you are up to.

Jim said...

I am kinda retired....on disability for a bit due to a couple of 'health' issues. I know what you mean about the demands in education. 29 years!? That's great but I know things have changed a lot since you started in this crazy business. I worked 1 to 1 with LD kids from grades 4 to 12 for the 12 years. It was great....very sane and could see results with them. I miss it as I have been off now for almost 3 years.
Good to touch base with you Tracy.
Jim

Dianne said...

I saw that headline too and got an instant headache
the world really gets on my last nerve sometimes

I love the way you think :)

Tracy said...

Jim,
Yeah, I know I would miss it also. I teach 3-5 kids and just love my kids...I hope if getting back is your desire then may you progress toward that dream.

Dianne,
..seeing the article instantly struck a chord; GRRRRR!

Arkansas Patti said...

I ran an animal shelter for 15 years and while I am no longer surprised at what humans feel free and entitled to do to animals, the pain and disgust I feel never lessens.
Thoughtful post.

Julie Musil said...

It's so nice to find your blog! I'm with you about giving thanks. Why wait for one day a year to do it? I actually keep a thankful journal, which is a good way for me to list my thanks, even on the most rotten days.

Joanna said...

Thank YOU for dropping by my blog, becoming a follower, and your kind comments! Firstly, I too work 1:1 with a child with severe special needs, and have worked in that area for over 10 years. I think this has made me even more aware of how lucky I am. Secondly, I too cannot bear the abuse of animals by humans. This is why there are some countries I will not consider visiting, because of their animal abuse. In my own little way I try and redress the balance, and we only ever have rescued animals as pets - in my opinion they are the best anyway. Thirdly, I LOVE your blog - what a stunning photo you've got as your background. Lastly, how about you join in with our 'Rocking Your World Friday'? Every Friday (or usually Saturday because I'm usually late) we simply post a list of things for which we're grateful. It's all very informal, but I find it helps me to focus on all the things that are positive in life. Pop over again and have a look if you want to see what I'm talking about.

x

Bossy Betty said...

Loved the spirit of this post! I, too, love the people I have met through blogging!

Unknown said...

Tracy you hit the nail on the head girl. Animals need our voices to speak out for them. My husband and I just recently began to help foster dogs and have happily placed those we've taken in. They all hold a special place in my heart.

I hope your Monday workday is a great one. It's back to the grind for me tomorrow too. These holiday wknds off are exactly what we need this time of yr. in the school system.

Out on the prairie said...

The sharing and caring found on blogging is fun for me. I have an entire community I revolve around. You have a fun outlook on life, I like the visits when you come by.

Tracy said...

Jim, I would miss the kids but not all the demands that go with teaching. I love my 3-5 kids; such a fun age!

Thank you Arkansas Patti, I really don't know how you ran a shelter for that long...my heart would break daily!

Julie, good idea about the thankful journal...thanks for stopping by :)

Joanna, when I first started teaching I taught in a residential facility for children with severe and profound needs. What a challenge but so rewarding! I love the idea of 'Rocking Your World' on a certain night...give me the details and while I may not join you every time, it would be lovely! Thank you!

Betty, it is amazing the wonderful people I have met; a great part of my life! So glad you are home and getting settled in!

Kimmy, good for you for taking in foster dogs...I have another friend who does that and I applaud her AND you!!! I'm a fairly easy going person but crimes against animals and children get my hackles up! Thanks for visiting and I hope I see you again!

Out on the prairie, it is a great community! I think I'll stay :) thanks for your kind words... I try to have a positive outlook on life; beats the alternative of being grumpy! ...doesn't quite suit me~

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Tracy, I am so glad that I found you too---since I love your state so much!!!! I had to look up Holly Springs in my atlas --and found you not far from Raleigh.

Sad that we humans can't just leave nature alone. Those birds cannot speak for themselves... My advice: Leave them ALONE.

I decided some time ago that as long as I was blogging, I wouldn't even start Facebook. I have stuck by that decision even though I have gotten TONS of invitations to go on Facebook... I just don't have time for both --and couldn't do either justice if I tried to do both...

Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy------who is following you now

Tracy said...

Betsy,
Yes, our state is a sight to behold; the mountains AND the ocean make it a lovely place to visit; a dash of most everything!

I'm am so with you on Facebook AND blogging...however, with blogging I don't get the flavor of what others are doing if they themselves don't keep a blog so that's why I do both. It is fine since I'm currently on vacation but it will be more intensive when I start back to school...

Thanks for becoming a follower! I love your visits as well as going to your home!