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Across the Fence:  I am gonna do my best, so you all  |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 2:51:48 PM
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can understand my way of thinking when it comes to the wild things...I will start long ago, way before I was born. My Great Grandmother (my Mommas G/ma), she was a Lakota Medicine Women, told her oldest daughter, that she would give birth to a girl first, and a gift would be natural to her; a women who could speak to the wild things, she also said her granddaughter (my Momma), the youngest born girl would pass this gift to her oldest born daughter (me).My Great Grandmother also gave me a Lakota name in the beginning, even thou my Mother and I were not even conceived yet, translated it is "wolf rider". Ever since I was old enough to feel my gift and be able to sooth frightened, injured and orphan wild animals, I would bring them home to nurse and hopefully return them to their land, the ones that were permently injured (crippled)stayed and lived out their lives in peace. My Daddy was forever building pens and cages for my critters, and even built me a small barn to house them in. There were fawns and skunks and racoons, a hawk who lost a wing, snakes with broken tails, lizards with broken legs. Bobcat kitten whose mama was shot, coyote pups, a badger, and of course alot of domesticated animals too, who were abandoned and abused. I still did my chores everyday along with school (I was born and raised on a family farm in So. Missouri). It hurts my heart and soul to the core when I hear of an animal being killed just "because" it scared me, it might hurt me or my livestock even thou no threat was ever made. Where I live, we have coyotes, bobcats, badger, kit foxes,an occasional cougar and black bear, lots of snakes (poisenous and non-poisenous) lizards, scorpians(which we fondly call: desert lobster). Don't get me wrong, if any of these animals EVER posed a threat to my family or livestock, I would not hestitate to shoot, but I will NEVER kill anything that is passing thru or drinks water from one of the many spots on my 170 acres that I have set up just for them. I am more than 2/3rds Lakota, with a wee bit of Bohemian thrown in for the Gyspy attitude on my Daddys side. I wish it was possible to teach every child (and adult who wanted to learn)about the wild things, and how they are a very importent part of the very fragil eco-system in this country, and my hope is there are still enough wild areas left, so that everyone will be able to see the beauty that I see in nature being allowed, just to be...I am a huge advocate for the wolves, I had the wonderful oppurtunity of being in the Sawtooth mountains when the original wolf pack was released to start the reintroduction program. It was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever had. I went to Arizona and saw the Mexican Red Wolf pack (there are fewer than 30 left in the world of these wolves in captivity and the wild) that they are trying despertly to save and reinto also. I have taught my neighbors (whom many are die hard rancher/farmers) how to live side by side with the many animals here, with no conflict. Wether you are new to living in the country, or your family has been there for many generations, it is POSSIBLE to live side by side with the wild, with little or no conflict with some simple education and safe guards, its mainly just plain old comman sense. Anyway, sorry to be so long winded, its a major passion of mine, and always will be...
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 4:10:23 PM
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Teresa, what a wonderful gift you have. Hopefully all your wishes come true. I am doing a little part by being in a no-kill all breed rescue group. We have saved 47 animals in the last 6 months. Education is truely the most important part. Keep on doing what you are doing, Bless you.
Age only matters if you are wine or cheese.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 5:15:19 PM
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Teresa, thanks for explaining. I am very sympathetic to animals more so than humans I think. Because animals can't defend themselves like we can. On the way to town there is a little lake. There were 2 sets of Canada geeese that both hatched nests of eggs a few months back. Every time we'd go to town we could see them and see the growth on the little goslings. It was so fun to watch. And being so close to the road I always worried they's get hit. But they were always right there. Until a few days ago. My hubby and I were going to town and I noticed a big pile of feathers in the middle of the road. Then up a few hundred feet there were 2 more. They were the older geese. Dead. It looks like maybe someone had chased them out into the road and they were run over. But 2 of them were together. I have not seen the rest of them since this happened. I think it was during the weekend this happened. It had to have been done deliberately. It is so sad to think someone could have done this on purpose. But some people just don't care about any life.
That is a wonderful legacy, Teresa. Not many people have that.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 5:19:12 PM
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Hey Teresa, I wholeheartedly agree with you. (((hugs))) I am one of these people who is terrified of snakes and mice. Love any kind of bugs though. But anyway, I can kind of see the way people panic. I grew up in a family where my granny would pass out at the sight of a snake and I think that really affected me. In my mind I know how valuable these hated animals are. But toads, bats and others eat lots of flying bugs, and snakes help keep the rodent population down. Its all part of a complex tapestry which we are destroying, and so destroying ourselves.
Oh no, I do not kill them, dont get me wrong, I made my husband take him out into the woods and let him go... I dont kill anything, I am a vegetarian. :)
fat people are harder to kidnap.
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com
www.whimsyscents.com
www.etsy.com/shop/daltonfabrics |
Edited by - Sarahpauline on Jul 07 2010 8:24:30 PM |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 5:41:07 PM
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one of my oldest and dearest friends is absolutly terrified of snakes, shes driving down the road and theres one that has been run over, she closes her eyes and picks up her feet (and remember, shes driving,lol), but, she will not kill one, or let anyone kill one on her property, because she beleives in my words, thank you Faye...so see girls, you are not the only ones with fears, but you don't have to kill, just because you are afraid...
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 6:20:56 PM
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Teresa, heartfelt thanks for sharing your story. My daughter, who is 13, has a similar insight and is passionate beyond words for the animals and our beloved earth that is so sick. Since she was a toddler, she has had a mystical connection with animals and it has only become more "fine tuned" as she grows. She has minimal connection with her peers, but is deeply connected to our wildlife and domesticated animals. Her goal is to go to college to become an Animal Ecologist. I have helped her connect with Zoologists and keepers at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and we go whenever we can so she can work with them and the animals. She isn't fond of zoos, but understands that sometimes they're needed to protect the species. It's a start........she begs me to move to the country, but I'm a single mom, so that's not a possibility right now. I will share your story with her this evening and I will see the "connection" in her eyes. She often says to me that "my instincts are telling me this" and 99% of the time she's right. She also often tells me that she is positive that she has Native American blood in her (I need to do more research in our geneology........she may be right!!!) It is horrifying to know how some people are towards our beloved animals. Thank you for sharing- we need more people on this earth like you! Bless you! Hugs, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
Edited by - Lin on Jul 07 2010 6:25:37 PM |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 6:47:18 PM
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Teresa--my best friend when I was young was my dog, and I can still remember all the dogs of my childhood. I pay a lot of attention to my animal encounters and have done some research on what certain animals mean to Native Americans. I've had some mystical experiences with animals and believe the reason is because I'm open to such experiences. I'm currently working on certification as a Master Naturalist (just found out tonight that my proposed project has been approved!). I believe we are a part of nature; we came from nature and it is in us. Animals have a lot to teach us so I know where you're coming from. I wish more people were tuned into what the animals are trying to tell us: don't kill us, don't kill the Earth. What we do to the Earth we do to ourselves. OK, that's all.
Cindy
"There is more to life than increasing its speed". Mahatma Gandhi
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 7:06:12 PM
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Teresa - thanks for sharing that. I so agree with you about the need to keep the wild things safe - it's so important for the eco-system/food chain balance etc. People don't realize how far reaching it is when just one species disappears from an area - everything gets out of whack. What a wonderful heritage you have and bless you for honoring that.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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Karrieann
True Blue Farmgirl
1900 Posts
Karrieann
Northeast
Georgia
USA
1900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 7:33:45 PM
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Teresa,
Thank you for sharing something very personal... I too have gifts and can understand when it is part of you, you cannot change from it.. nor would you want to. Someday, I'll share mine. I am a descendant of the Turtle Clan of the Senecas, one of the 5 Nations of the Iroquois.
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus
...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 8:17:07 PM
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Now I understand more about your name and the quote at the end of each post! I rcognized that as an Indian concept. Thanks for sharing your story. I envy your connection with past generations and your gift.
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 9:36:37 PM
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I agree completely, Teresa. We are but a drop in an endless ocean....we are not the only species on the planet. I have always had a special 'way' with animals...always dragging home injured lizards, birds, cats, dogs. I am 32, and I still do it, lol. They are a part of us and we are a part of them. I wish more people saw things that way.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 05:31:52 AM
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Teresa: I was adopted and when I found my natural family at age 54. I found I am cherokee on my mothers side. Cherokee are raised to respect and accept every animal. If we use animals for food or fur, they are blessed a they give their life to take care of us. I am privledged to work on an island in the middle of a lake teaching nature art in an environmental school for kids 3rd through 8th grades. I can do my part to work with kids. I respect you for your topic. Bonnie
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Ga Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2355 Posts
Karen
Meansville
Ga.
USA
2355 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 05:46:44 AM
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Keep up the good work we need more people like you! Blessings,Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
Farmgirl sister #1156
www.KKJD1.etsy.com
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Bart
True Blue Farmgirl
115 Posts
115 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 07:38:53 AM
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Teresa, your story kept me glued! What a wonderful gift and you've embraced it with your whole heart.
I feel priviliged to "know" you through this forum and look forward to hearing more about your adventures. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 12:48:29 PM
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please, all you girls that raise livestock for meat, wether you butcher , or you have someone else do it for you, make sure it is done as humanely as possible and that you always thank the spirit of each animal for the nourishment he/she will provide to you and your family.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2010 : 2:48:07 PM
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Thank you to all of you who now understand me a little better...
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2010 : 3:34:24 PM
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You're an amazing person, Teresa and I thank you for all you have shared with us! My daughter and I will be in touch! Hugs, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2010 : 12:00:00 PM
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Teresa:
As I have said many time, you do have a way with words. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us all.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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nana5
True Blue Farmgirl
312 Posts
Rebecca
Jackson
MI
USA
312 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2010 : 10:53:17 PM
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Thank you Teresa for sharing your beautiful story and thoughts. I live in a mid-sized town next to a heavily wooded park. As people have build around the park the deer and other animals have been forced to come into yards for food. WE have cause this problem by not being good stewarts of the land and now people are complaining the deer are ruining their landscaping! I don't know what the answer is, but sorry the deer were here first!
Rebecca
Everyday is a new beginning. |
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KathleenL
True Blue Farmgirl
84 Posts
Kathleen
Littleton
Colorado
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2010 : 11:23:07 AM
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The world needs more people like you. Thanks for sharing your gift.
Kathy |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 11:30:32 AM
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I want to thank all you Girls that took the time to read my post, and to understand why I am, the way I am about all of God's creatures. I know its hard to ignor a creature that you are afraid of, for what ever reason, but I ask you please, try and let them be, if at all possible...
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Across the Fence: I am gonna do my best, so you all |
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I am gonna do my best, so you all
