Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington’s Post

Random Tangent of the week: Why the heck did we start building Snowmen? Funny you should ask! I built one on Tuesday. Which prompted a long dive into Google and some interesting takes. Snowmen have a large history involving religion, politics, Michelangelo, and now fun. But, I’ll give you a bit of an overview: Back in the 1200’s snowmen first appeared alongside religious and political stances. Many people believed that the heavens sent down snow for humans to make snowmen. It was seen as an offering of a blank slate that allowed people to express their needs and voice their opinions without having to expose themselves. In 1494, Michaelangelo was then commissioned to make Belgian royalty a snowman, which later turned into a yearly tradition for the townspeople. During battles in the late 1600s, soldiers would use snowmen dressed in proper attire to ‘guard’ gates, hoping any oncoming soldiers would be fooled. (Spoiler: It didn’t work) It wasn’t until the 1930s that snowmen started to shape into more of what we know today — commercialization around Christmas, children-oriented playfulness, and even the new sales for snowmen accessory kits. Please note the Snowman accessory kit market is at a market valuation of $1.3M in 2022 and an expected CAGR of 3.2% over 10 years — what happened to just using sticks!!!??? Anyways, this brings me here: I am currently in New York a bit north of NYC, at my parents, and we were slammed with snow. I went outside only to realize it was great packing snow. SO OBVIOUSLY, I ended up building a snowman and my mom (Mary Opfer MS, RD, CDN) caught me in action… My mom and I laughed about this for easily 30 minutes — It’s so nice to remember how happy such innocent actions can make many people. And even wilder to learn where such traditions came from. ______________________ Hey! I write about upcoming events, random thoughts and collect content that gets delivered to your inbox every Wednesday morning! If you want to join in on the fun, subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eh-FMJqs

As we bid adieu to the warmth of summer and welcome the crisp embrace of autumn, nature undergoes a mesmerizing transformation! 🦉 Nocturnal Serenades: As the nights grow longer and cooler, you might notice a symphony of hoots, chirps, and howls filling the air. Many creatures, like owls and coyotes, become more vocal during this time, as they establish territories and communicate with potential mates. 🦇 The Night Sky's Performers: Bats, often associated with Halloween, are crucial players in fall's ecological theater. These agile creatures are busy in the autumn months, fattening up for hibernation or migration. Their nighttime flights become a common sight, as they hunt insects that thrive in the cooler weather. 🐦 A Journey South: The skies become a canvas for incredible displays as numerous bird species commence their migratory journeys. Warblers, swallows, and raptors, among others, embark on epic journeys that span continents, guided by ancient instincts to seek warmer climates as the days grow shorter. 🐿️ Busy Squirrels: Those charming acrobats, squirrels, begin their preparations for the winter ahead. Their behavior takes on a more frantic pace as they gather and hoard nuts and seeds, creating hidden stashes that will sustain them through the colder months. #furbusters #mchenrycountyil #lakecountyil #southernwisconsin #wildliferemoval #animaldamagerepair

#Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of humanity 🤔. We share this trait with our primate friends, like monkeys, who are known for their playful and inquisitive nature 🐒. By embracing our curiosity, we can learn from each other and grow together 🌱. #Empathy is a powerful tool for building connections between humans and animals 🤗. When we take the time to understand and appreciate the emotions and needs of monkeys, we can create a more harmonious coexistence 🐒. By putting ourselves in their shoes (or should we say, fur?), we can become better friends and advocates for our primate companions 🐾. #Compassion is the foundation of humanity's relationship with animals ❤️. By showing kindness and care towards monkeys, we can make a positive impact on their lives and well-being 🌎. Let's strive to be gentle, respectful, and understanding towards our furry friends, and work together to create a world where everyone can thrive 🌈. fallow.#TanveerHassan #HumanityAndAnimals #MonkeyLove #CuriosityMatters #EmpathyInAction #CompassionInAction #PrimatePals #AnimalFriends #KindnessMatters #RespectForAllLivingBeings #CreateHarmony #GoGentle #MonkeyAppreciation #AnimalLover

Greetings, March! 🌼🌥 (and Of Course, a Happy St David's Day) 5 Fun Facts about March to anticipate brighter times on the horizon: 1. The first month of spring is March, which starts between the 19th and the 21st. 2. Daffodils have been designated as March’s birth flower. 3. The Vernal Equinox (March Equinox) marks the day when day and night are of equal length. 4. March is the time of year when animals start waking up from hibernation. 5. Daylight savings time begins in March. #march #stormgames #igaming

🌟🇺🇸 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day weekend is here! It's a time to honor our heroes, but it's also an opportunity to gather with family and friends and enjoy the start of summer. Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate this weekend: 🔥 Host a BBQ: Fire up the grill and invite friends and family over for a classic Memorial Day barbecue. Don't forget the red, white, and blue decorations! ☀️ Beach Day: Head to the beach for some sun, sand, and surf. Pack a picnic, bring some beach games, and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. 🥁 Attend a Parade: Many towns host Memorial Day parades featuring veterans, military bands, and floats. Check your local listings and join in the festivities. ⛺️ Camping Trip: Take advantage of the long weekend by going camping. Enjoy the great outdoors, roast marshmallows, and stargaze with loved ones. 🏃🏻♂️ Memorial Day Run/Walk: Participate in a local 5K run or walk to honor veterans and raise funds for veteran organizations. It's a great way to stay active and support a good cause. 🇺🇸 Visit a Historical Site: Explore a historical site or military museum to learn more about the history of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by our armed forces. 🍿 Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a projector in your backyard and watch a classic patriotic movie under the stars. Provide blankets, popcorn, and enjoy the show! 🧺 Picnic in the Park: Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and head to a local park for a relaxing picnic. Bring a frisbee or a soccer ball for some fun outdoor activities. 🧵 DIY Craft Projects: Get creative with patriotic-themed crafts. Make flags, wreaths, or decorations to display at home. It's a fun activity for kids and adults alike. 🧨 Fireworks Display: End the weekend with a bang by watching a local fireworks show. If there isn't one nearby, consider sparklers or small fireworks in your backyard (following safety guidelines, of course). 😊 Whatever you choose to do, take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend! 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #FunActivities #WeekendVibes #FamilyFun #CelebrateTogether

This simple act does wonders in building trust. Horses are highly sensitive beings; they can read your energy and intentions. When you hold space for them, you’re basically saying, “I’m a safe place for you.” And safety, for any being but especially for a prey animal like a horse, is the foundation of trust. This is something I do before every Finding Peace in the Paddock™️ I make a promise to be a safe space for these sentient beings. In a world of heightened emotions, my intentional presence tells each horse, ‘You can count on me to be steady.’ This isn’t just prep work—it’s the cornerstone of a sacred space where trust, healing, and connection come alive. I’m so grateful for these amazing animals. How do you hold space for the equines in your life? Share 👇🏼 Below. I would love to learn what you do. Peace & Love Melissa & Beanie #findingpeaceinthepaddock #horsegirl #horseassistededucation #studentofthehorse #horselover #dressage #dressagehorse #hunterjumper #pleasureriding #throughbred #quarterhorse #equine #equinelife #energy #energyhealing #mindset #mindsetmatters #healing #horsegirlenergy #equineassistedtherapy #equineassistedmindfulness #equineassistedmentalhealth #holdingspace #rescuehorses #rescuehorsesofinstagram #ottb #quarterhorse #quarterhorsesofinstagram #trust #relationshipgoals #relationshipadvice

A Cindy Moment - Everyone has the gift! Love is the most potent currency in the world. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you wield the power to transform the world for the better, it doesn’t cost a thing. Each of us holds the capacity for kindness towards ourselves, our fellow humans, the environment, and animals. This month let’s set objectives to foster positive change in these areas. Consider the following: • For Yourself: What nurturing and restorative actions will you take for your own well-being? • For Others: What kind and considerate deeds will you perform to uplift those around you? • For the Environment: What initiatives will you undertake to contribute to the health of our planet? • For Animals: What compassionate acts will you do to improve the lives of the animals we share our world with? Here are a few ideas to get you started: • Self-Care Read More Click https://lnkd.in/eAJA_tvQ

Redefining Value: Reflecting on Lions, Dogs, and Legacy Amidst the realm of idioms and proverbs, the saying "A living dog is better than a dead lion" invites us to contemplate the essence of life's worth. This adage, while urging us to cherish the present, subtly contrasts the vitality of a living dog with the memory of a once-majestic lion. Throughout history, lions have stood as icons of courage and strength, embodying the very essence of heroism. Yet, this comparison suggests a hierarchy of significance based on vitality alone. Lions, with their undeniable bravery etched in cultural narratives, encourage us to confront challenges and demonstrate resilience. However, this saying's preoccupation with survival often obscures the profound impact of past valor and the enduring legacy it leaves behind. Each species contributes uniquely to the intricate fabric of existence; dogs offer companionship while lions maintain essential roles within ecosystems. Rather than assessing life's value through a narrow lens of endurance, we should celebrate the boundless diversity of existence. By acknowledging the inadvertent bias within this saying, we reshape our perspectives. It's essential to understand that value extends beyond the constraints of time, embracing the timeless influence of beings like lions who've left an indelible imprint on history. By embracing the lion's inherent courage, we pay homage to their legacy and reimagine the adage's sentiment. "I'd rather be remembered as a dead lion than to live like a dog" encapsulates the very spirit of bravery and honor that the lion embodies. It inspires us to live authentically and purposefully, regardless of life's circumstances. 🦁🐕

What is your dharma? Your purpose in life? Over the holidays, I took a roadtrip that led me from San Francisco to southern California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and back. But there was a moment that stood out: a dog, hit by a car, needed my help. At that moment, I was willing to cancel the trip. I felt a singular focus: save this dog any way that I could. That is dharma at work. When we live rightly, in alignment with the forces of nature and the universe, we find ourselves uniquely positioned to bring forth the greatest, most noble version of ourselves. The dog is safe, recuperating, and in need of a loving home! For further details, please see my Substack post. #substack #dharma #purpose #rescuedogs #roadtrip

This simple act does wonders in building trust. Horses are highly sensitive beings; they can read your energy and intentions. When you hold space for them, you’re basically saying, “I’m a safe place for you.” And safety, for any being but especially for a prey animal like a horse, is the foundation of trust. This is something I do before every Finding Peace in the Paddock TM I make a promise to be a safe space for these sentient beings. In a world of heightened emotions, my intentional presence tells each horse, ‘You can count on me to be steady. This isn’t just prep work-it’s the cornerstone of a sacred space where trust, healing, and connection come alive. I’m so grateful for these amazing animals. How do you hold space for the equines in your life? Share 👇🏼 I would love to know. Peace & Love Melissa & Beanie #findingpeaceinthepaddock #horsegirl #horseassistededucation #studentofthehorse #horselover #dressage #dressagehorse #quarterhorse #equine #equinelife #energy #energyhealing #mindset #mindsetmatters #healing #horsegirlenergy #equineassistedtherapy #equineassistedmindfulness #equineassistedmentalhealth #holdingspace #rescuehorses #rescuehorsesofinstagram #ottb #quarterhorse #quarterhorsesofinstagram #trust #relationshipgoals