Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall blessed Pittsburgh with her wisdom last Wednesday, March 25. And I, lucky, lucky me, was thrilled to be given a ticket to the sold out lecture! You can imagine my excitement to receive the additional gift of a ticket to a reception with Dr. Goodall. I was near levitation!

I could feel the electricity when I walked into the Mozart Room at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall for the reception. Then, there she was! At the opposite end of the long, narrow room sat Jane Goodall at a tall table. She was surrounded by bright, umbrella lamps for a photo shoot. With perfect posture and a calm smile she greeted each admirer, signed a book, shared a few comments and posed for a photo. Then I had a revelation - everyone was able to have a photo taken with Dr. Goodall courtesy of Robert Morris University. The evening kept getting better and better!

I stood in line and inched my way across the room toward the patient gentlewoman. I passed on the drinks and hors d’oeuvers offered by waiters in cummerbunds. The only things I could think about were the articles I read and the stories of Jane Goodall and the chimpanzees of Gombe. Soon, this amazing woman, friend of David Greybeard, was in front of me. I had goose bumps. I was next!

I was in the presence of a spiritual powerhouse. She was very proper - very English - but this wisp of a woman radiates!

She signed my copy of Reason to Hope, something she has done countless times, but I bet not many fans commented on the use of the word "glorious" within the chapters. It was a short, sweet encounter. Yes! I had my photo taken with Jane Goodall. GRIN!

I will treasure the memory of her inspiring lecture and of meeting this woman who has dedicated her life to conservation and education. Is there any better calling?

Please visit The Jane Goodall Institute to learn more about her work, the chimpanzees, the Roots & Shoots program, and you can leave Jane a birthday greeting. She will be 75 April 3! Happy Birthday Jane!

http://www.janegoodall.org/

Spring Renewal

It was necessary for me to be disconnected from cyberspace for awhile. I've done no blogging or even reading of blogs - and painful, little photography for a few weeks. There is a long and very boring list of reasons. Don't worry. I will spare you the elaboration.

This morning, it finally feels like spring. At last it is raining. The grass has brightened up and tree buds are beginning to burst. I feel like I'm bursting too. I'm ready to jump into spring! I'm also eager to catch up with my favoirite blogs. I have missed you!

Since I have no current photos to share, let's spend one more day in the sand and sun of The Gulf Coast. Breathe in the ocean air, feel the breeze kiss your cheek, listen to the gulls...
















As we leave the beach behind to begin a new season at Allhaven there is a lot to share. First though, let me tease you with tomorrow's topic. I was blessed to meet an amazing woman last week. She is a spiritual being who radiates hope. Tomorrow - Jane Goodall.

Color on the Beach

Look at this face! A yellow eye with an orange orbital ring and an orange bill - stunning! Oh! I do need to mention the pink legs! The American Oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus, is easy to spot moseying along the beach.


Ummm... Where's my lunch? There's gotta be a a tasy mussel around just under the surface. Ah... maybe even a juicey, tasty oyster just for me.

Slurp!

Back to Normal = The Good Kind of Busy

Life is back to normal. To clarify, I am just busy with school and home. I am no longer in fast-forward and supercharged busy. I do not plan a return to the supercharged state for sometime. Exhaustion is not where I like to live.

Saturday was marvelous! I presented two sessions at the Washington County Spring Gardening Seminar. I had a great time!!! There really is something special about getting a group of gardeners together to learn and share. The day could not have gone more smoothly and my sessions got great reviews – that is always a nice bonus. Some of the comments touched my heart and I am so very grateful to have had the experience. I am also grateful that the information I shared about habitat gardening was so well received. It was a very good day. I want to send a HUMONGOUS “Thank You!” to everyone who was there!

Tomorrow, as many on the east cost continue to shovel snow, I’ll share more Florida photos of birds on the beach.