shenanigans

The third of April 2020

goats

Many years ago, while I was trolling the depths of the internet, before our family ever knew it would eventually relocate to the UK, I discovered something wonderful. It was the Oxford-Cambridge Goat Race, hosted by Spitalfields City Farm in London. Every year, one goat representing Cambridge faces off against one goat representing Oxford race across the farm to a crowd of delighted caprid enthusiasts. It was an instant addition to my bucket list.

About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend, and we were lucky enough to enjoy the 2018 and 2019 races as well. The 2020 race has been postponed in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, and we hope to see the goats again!

The second of April 2020

goats

Sometimes you just need to seize the opportunity and find some joy in the world. That is what a herd of mountain goats in Wales did a few days ago. Although humans across the UK are in lockdown, the Prime Minister did not extend the new rules to combat the spread of SARS-COV-2 to goats. Thus, the gang of goats saw their opportunity to descend upon the town of Llandudno. Locals (who I assume were following social distancing protocols and noticed the goats on essential errands or the one hour of outside exercise time per day) found the goats roaming the streets and hanging out as though they were meant to be there all along. And perhaps they were.

I would most of all like to thank the many people who shared this amazing story with me over the past few days. This story brought me great joy, as does the fact that people reach out with goat related shenanigans. Please note that I did not take any of these photographs.

The fifth of March 2020

goats, pigs

Meet Avery, the official spokespig of the Haven Zoo. She is a friendly, miniature pot-bellied pig who enjoys a few special privileges such as spending time in doors. She helped promote the Haven before they acquired the land that the goat herd, pigs, llamas, donkey, horses and a few primates now enjoy. When she is not promoting the Haven, she enjoys sleeping, eating, hanging out with her puppy friends, and getting into shenanigans like opening cabinets and rifling through the trash. To be fair, I also enjoy sleeping, eating, hanging out with puppies and shenanigans too. Avery is such a character that even her parrot friend has learned to yell “Avery!”

The thirty first of October 2019

goats

Happy Halloween! Halloween is always one of my favorite holidays – there is something magical about putting on a costume and tromping around the neighborhood. I hope your Halloween rituals and festivities are amazing!

No matter what you wear have a fantastic Halloween

The fifth of October 2019

goats

Every now and then, challenge yourself to be vulnerable. You never know, it could be the start of an amazing relationship.

Make eye contact and make a new friend

The fifteenth of September 2019

goats

Let whatever light shines inside you shine bright for everyone to see. There is beauty and bravery in doing your own thing without regard for what anyone else thinks.

Sometimes we all need the reminder to just be you

The eleventh of September 2019

goats

Next time your plans don’t work out, don’t consider yourself a failure. Just consider yourself a scientist who is conducting experiments to see what works. Keep experimenting, and eventually you will get the right formula.

Reframe your response when things don’t work out as a necessary part of your journey.

The eleventh of August 2019

goats

I urge you all to relax and rest up a lot – it goes well with the “good vibes” theme of this blog. However, sometimes, finding that relaxation and rest can actually take some work. The travel before the holiday or the preparation before you can switch off, but don’t worry and stress too much. Doing the leg work to get ready to relax is well worth it.

All the hassle is well worth the holiday