ADVENTURE THERAPY

My husband and I took a slow journey through Montana and Wyoming.  It was 100% adventure.  Mountains and geysers, steaming vents and mud pots.  Bison everywhere.  The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We hiked in the snow.  We rafted on the Snake River in Montana and the Flathead in Wyoming.  For a short time, we lived in this other world, the world of the adventurous. 

Rafting on the Snake River

 Geysers in Yellowstone

Although our National Park adventures were years in the planning, adventures don't have to be far from home or cost a lot of money.  Once we got a taste for rafting we located the Nantahala Outdoor Center (noc.com) just a few hours from home.  In summer you can go whitewater rafting on the French Broad and cool off with backwards flops into the water.  So much fun.

Our granddaughter's Scout leader took the troop to a local ropes course for a day of adventure.  The girls were fearless.  They put so much effort into their climbing.

Even closer to home we spend many Saturdays enjoying the alpaca and farm animals at our local Museum of Life and Science.  And the rescue bears and wolves, all well-provided for with large natural habitats. (lifeandscience.org) Doesn't the alpaca look majestic (and just a little silly with that mop of hair on top)?

There's not so much exercise involved in these "watching adventures" but they are still good for the mind and heart.  And in that way these animals are providing both inspiration and therapy.  I know there are controversies surrounding wildlife watching, balancing what is good for the planet, the animal and us humans.  

So many people today seem dedicated to making things better.  One example is the Duke Lemur Center, an 85-acre sanctuary for these rare and endangered prosimian primates (lemur.duke.edu). Doesn't this lemur look totally engaged?  The Lemur Center rotates cage-free time among the animals, giving them the run of the acreage and trees.

Finally, a good old-fashioned treehouse provides adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.  A place to read, hide out, imagine, play games, draw, daydream and line with sleeping bags for a starry night in the woods.   

What adventures are you in the mood for this weekend?  What are your personal favorites? I am so grateful when we can make time for some. 

                                                                                 Nina Naomi

MR. WIGGLES

Mr. Wiggles has a big heart.  He is an 11 lb. Malti-poo who loves people first, other little dogs second, and big dogs third.  You can tell how small he is when you compare him to the fallen leaves in the foreground of the picture.  For his size he is very brave.  He is not afraid of deer.  He will chase them when they come too near the house.  When he meets a large dog on a walk he barks anxiously.  When he meets a dog his size he runs up to sniff.  When he meets a friendly person he flops on his back for a tummy-rub.  In fact, a back flop is Mr. Wiggles' default position.  When in doubt, he seems to think, try for a tummy-rub.

Mr. Wiggles is not too picky or spoiled.  Like cows, sheep and other mammals (but not our old cat), he is willing to eat the same food every day.  A little gravy on top is welcome but not required.  If he was wishing for gravy, he will carry a piece or two of the dry food into the breakfast room and drop it on the rug and study it.  Then he eats it.  Then he goes back to his dish and chows down.

Mr. Wiggles will play hide-and-seek.  He also loves a playground.  He likes to pick our granddaughter up from school and stop there.  He will swing on his own and go down the slide too, if he is held tightly.

Mr. Wiggles at the Playground

His favorite chew toys are his pink bear and his yellow ducky.

Mr. Wiggles and Pink Bear

Mr. Wiggles has a warm red plaid jacket for cold weather.  He has no bad qualities at all.  I have read about therapy dogs and emotional support dogs, how they provide affection and comfort.  Mr. Wiggles definitely fills that role.

I am hoping everyone has such a lovely pet.