A bright time at the zoo

by RobinsFlight

Our family visited Cincinnati over the Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a fun time.  On Saturday, we took advantage of the relatively warm weather- the highs were near 50*F- to go to the Cincinnati Zoo.


Each year, like many zoos around the country, the Cincinnati Zoo sets up light displays throughout the grounds.  This year, the displays included nearly 2 million lights, including 20,000 on just the large tree at the entrance!

 


We arrived at the zoo mid-afternoon, with time to see some of the animals before it got dark.  While some of the exhibits were empty, with the animals tucked away in their winter homes, there were still plenty of creatures to see.

My mother even surprised me by facing her fears and accompanying us into the reptile house!  (And those are the alligators we saw there, not my mother!)

I must admit, I was not as brave as she, and did not go with them into the insect exhibit.  Instead, I sat outside and watched as dust settled and the lights came on.

Soon, it was completely dark, and the lights became the main attraction, lining the paths and covering the trees.

 




The highlight was the "Wild Lights" show, located around a pond at the center of the zoo and featuring lights that changed to music.

Lots of other people thought it would be a fun thing to do also.  By the time we left, cars were lined up at the entrance in both directions, waiting to get in!  It's definitely a good thing we got there early.

All in all, it was quite a fun time! 

Happiness is Asheville

by our return guest blogger, KPTography

Anyone who knows me, or knows of me, knows that Asheville, North Carolina is my happy place. Even my students can tell you that I live and breathe the Biltmore Estate. I make no bones about it. I love the Biltmore. I love how it looks, I love what it was and what it is. I love the family history. I love the estate!

This summer I got to go on a daddy/daughter trip to Asheville. This trip I actually spent more time off the estate then I have in all of my time visiting Asheville. I now have proof (besides my own opinion) that Asheville is a very happy place to be.

I love animals. I can even love a snake as long as its behind glass with a very secure lid. This trip I visited the Western North Carolina Nature Center. I was totally excited because I was going to see my very first bear and wolves (yes the non-Twilight type). Dad and I went through the reptile house (a bit quickly I might add). We wandered over to the River Otters. They turned out to be camera hogs. That’s when I heard the snuffing. I followed my ears until I reached a very large fenced in area and there he was. A big black bear that was not playing so nicely with his enclosure mate (I think the bear was an only child and I could relate to that!)

This ranked right up there with finding Pez world with my mom. I followed this bear that didn’t want his picture taken attempting to get the perfect shot. I had just about given up when it happened. He plopped himself down against a tree, started scratching his butt and then grinned like nobodies business. I wasn’t sure if I had seen this correctly but he did it several times. I decided the bear was happy because he was in Asheville. I know I got so excited about the grinning bear I completely forgot about the wolves!
 
Dad and I also spent one morning in downtown. I love the stores in downtown but this was the first time I had experienced downtown without a crowd. As I walked around I noticed that all of the merchants had water bowls for the dogs outside their stores. Even if they weren’t a pet store there was a fresh bowl of water for a pooch in need. Its no wonder all the pups in Asheville are friendly and happy. They know that they are welcome to come in for a visit.

The other day I was reading the news online and came across the article called The Happiest States In America In One Map (www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/02/happiest-states-_n_3696160.html) in the Huffington Post. The only town listed on the eastern seaboard was Asheville! Something I already knew but was very happy to see that I had been correct.

I will always love Asheville because of the Biltmore Estate but it’s so nice to know that the animals are happy there too!

AN AFFINITY FOR ANIMALS

Practically all humans have an affinity for a certain animal. I refer not only to mammals, but reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects and any other non-human creatures. People adorn themselves with animal jewelry and images of animals on clothing. Houses are decorated with animal-themed objects and art. What is it that causes people to gravitate to a certain type of animal and attempt to make it part of their identity?

In ancient times, (and even in some cultures today), animals were revered for their special attributes. The Zuni Indians of North America, for example, have a rich cultural and spiritual tradition regarding animals. Their belief is that animals, according to their abilities, were appointed Guardians of the six Directions. Mountain Lion, because of his hunting ability and stout heart, was assigned as Guardian of the North. Badger, with his single-mindedness, became Guardian of the South. White Wolf became Guardian of the East, the origin of the new day; and Black Bear was appointed Guardian of the West. Bald Eagle, with his ability to fly, became Guardian of Above; and Mole, because of his skill at burrowing, was a natural for Guardian of Below. The Zuni carve fetishes or talismans in the forms of the Six Guardians and other animals. The fetishes express values and beliefs that are used to guide decisions in pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Some people might align themselves with a particular animal because it is their zodiac sign. The Western zodiac includes only some animals, whereas the Chinese and Japanese zodiac consists of twelve cycles, each marked by an animal. The animals are: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar. As with the Western zodiac, people are believed to possess aspects of the characteristics of the animal in whose year they were born.

There are numerous ways in which animals resonate within the human mind. Animals can evoke awe, fear, hatred, and compassion. They possess traits and abilities we often wish were our own. Perhaps by identifying with a certain creature, humans empower themselves; and at the same time, hopefully gain some perspective on our own humanity.