positive thinking

The thirteenth of May 2020

goats

As far as goat breeds go, Nigerian Dwarfs have become one of the most popular – just look at that little smile from Della! People tend to like them because they don’t require as much space as other goats given their smaller size, plus they actually produce a bit of milk if cared for properly. In addition, they are known for having sweet personalities making them excellent companions for small-scale homesteaders. And of course, they are absolutely adorable.

Thank you again to The Haven Zoo for sharing these lovely photos of their newest residents this week. If you would like to support Della and her friends, please consider making a donation, or even sponsoring the herd!

The twelfth of May 2020

goats

Find joy wherever and whenever you can. Although you might be stir-crazy and tired of being cooped up, or anxious about new developments, there are always glimmers of hope and happiness. Sometimes you just have to seek them out.

If you need some help, check out Dover’s amazing smile, happy to have found a new home at The Haven Zoo.

The eleventh of May 2020

goats

I am pleased to announce some new additions to the menagerie at The Haven Zoo!

Della and Dover are 9 week old Nigerian dwarf twins who recently relocated to The Haven. Della is named after the state of Delaware, US and Dover is named after a town in Ohio, places that are special to the founders of The Haven. Della is dark brown with black spots and blue eyes and loves to climb. Dover is white with black and brown spots and is super bouncy. You can support Della, Dover and all the rest of the Haven Zoo by donating here.

The fifth of May 2020

goats

It is easy to get lost thinking about what the world will look like after the COVID crisis is over. Maybe stop and think what you will remember most about this time. What will stick out in your memory – the panic-buying of toilet paper? Busses circulating empty through the cities? Or maybe, the collective kindness that emerged throughout neighborhoods and communities to help those in isolation get what they need? Keep a journal, remember your thoughts, it will be therapeutic in the present and valuable in the future.

The fourth of May 2020

goats

May the fourth be with you! Do you like puns? Do you like Star Wars? Well then today is your day. Once upon a time, my mom brought home the entire trilogy (episodes IV-VI) and we watched it over an entire weekend. I was eight years old and already well on my way to becoming a misunderstood nerd, so Star Wars was the perfect indulgence. Although truth be told, I found the prequels to be very disappointing. Luckily, the Star Wars movies that have come out in the past few years have captured and built upon the original magic. To celebrate May the Fourth, here is a photograph of Adam Driver who you may recognise as Kyle Ren/Ben Solo and a caprine friend (possibly a sheep).

Please note, this photograph was sent to me by a friend and I did not take it and do not know the original source.

The third of May 2020

goats

Anyone else Zooming these days? Of course I don’t mean down the road and off to a destination, I am referring to digital meetings! I always freshen up, put on a nice (ish) top, set up my lighting just right so the top half of me looks like I would at the office. However, unlike at the office, I am usually in yoga pants or sweat pants on the bottom. Although meetings are exhausting, it is wonderful that there are so many ways we can stay in touch and carry on through this crisis.

The twenty ninth of April 2020

goats

In my family, social distancing is definitely hardest for my six year old son. He has always been very energetic and extroverted- so being cooped up with his parents all day everyday for SIX WEEKS is a huge challenge. We are doing our best at homeschooling and grateful to his teachers for sending him a variety of daily tasks. However, it’s easy to get frustrated – the best approach is to be kind and gentle. If something isn’t working, take a break and come back to it later. Sanity and kindness is what is most important in these strange times.

The twenty eighth of April 2020

goats

Sometimes staying inside with the same people can be really challenging. Make sure to find ways to get some time to yourself, especially if you are responsible for caring for others. It is not selfish – you able to better care for those who need it when you are coming from a stable foundation yourself.

The twenty sixth of April 2020

goats

Just a friendly reminder that you actually don’t have to learn a new skill or be mega-productive during lockdown. It is perfectly fine to ride it out your own way – if that means you learn a new language or discover a new law of science fantastic! If that means you watch a bunch of TikToks and take a lot of naps that’s fantastic too! The global situation is emotionally taxing for us all and we all have different ways of coping – and that is completely ok.