This was a good month
- Feb 3, 2017
- 3 min read
Okay, for many reasons that is not at all true. No, nope, nada, no way, la'a, not a good month at all .
This post is in loving memory of Isha, adored companion of Rod for many years and a central member of the Stanford/Waller Garwick Farm clan. Her passing was a big blow to them all. I can't be there to give the love and hugs I want them to feel. I want to do something though so I'm going to make a donation to the UK Japanese Akita Welfare Trust. For every person that 'hearts' this post, I will add more to the donation. You can 'heart' this post by clicking on the heart at the end of the post.
With all the badness around us right now are all the more reasons to take a deep breath, reach out and find the love, says I. So, here's why I think this month was a good month:
Alain du Botton explains how dark days in our history are normal and do not end in a permanent step backwards because human progress is not linear. I have actually found this perspective very comforting. I'm sure I'll be returning to it throughout the coming years.
These Indian villagers knitted giant jumpers for rescue elephants to keep them from the cold winter nights. This mall in Instanbul opened its doors to the stray dogs to offer them shelter for the night.
2017 will be the Year of Giving in the UAE. OECD record that, as a percentage of gross income, the UAE and Sweden are consistently the world's largest doners of aid. This year, Sheikh Mohamed is looking to get us out into our communities. In his own words "Giving is easy and abundant… it is feeding a bird, smiling at your neighbors, or going above and beyond at your job. If you are a person with power and responsibility, ‘giving’ is making your people happy, and being kind to them when you implement laws."
This teenage girl won a Young Scientist competition in America for her sustainable energy invention designed to empower third world countries.
Costco launched a live goods policy to protect pollinator health.
Finland launched its basic income scheme. This is so innovative, I truly hope it works.
My hairdresser did this lovely thing, even though it was uncomfortable for her.
After struggling to find work because she was 'not a good fit' at interview, this lady with Down syndrome opened her own bakery. She was featured on CBS Local Boston news and now her story's gone global. Collette plans to expand her business into other cities where she will be employing people with different abilities. If you want to support her, see her GoFundMe page.
Solar power is becoming the cheapest form of energy and this article suggests that the global transition to renewable energy is moving FAST. Dubai is keen not to be left behind and is building the world's largest solar farm – obviously.
These people in Felixstowe started a community nature reserve in their back gardens. How cool is that!
Husky imports are now banned from the UAE because the climate is too hot for them.
For some reason, I find this article about a woman who has a mushroom farm, really beautiful.
On elephants again, here's a baby elephant chasing swallows.
And....any post from me wouldn't be complete without a link to a Ted Talk! So from now on I'm going to share an inspiring talk as part of my monthly good news round up. In fact, I like the idea so much that I'm going to throw in a podcast and a song too!
This month's Ted Talk
How not to be ignorant about the world. The comical duo, Hans and Ola Rosling, demonstrate how misguided we are in our understanding of the world. You may be surprised to learn just how good things actually are!
This month's pod cast
How to rise above pain and loss with Alissa Parker. A truly touching interview on how we can still be happy, even after the most terrible things happen to us.
This month's song
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