Margaret Lawrence (Feathers in Hair)

n/a (unless you count religiousforums.org, where I am a 'super-moderator'.)

Today's Date: Feb. 1, 2007

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

On this plane of 'existence', interaction with the fox is probably the most important. At a certain point in my life, I was sitting in the back of a carpool to elementary school and glanced out the window just in time to see a fox running alongside the car. I had just enough time to marvel over its beauty and grace before it seemed to purposefully head under the wheels of the car. (Yes, that took a good many weeks for me to get over.) As time progressed, I began to realize that the fox had chosen to sacrifice itself in order for me to gain some of its wisdom and strength, especially since was at a point where I needed tips on survival. (In your line of work, I imagine that you're familiar with 'spirit animals' and their attributes, and the one I associate most with Fox is the ability to survive.)

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I grew up in South Carolina, both in the rural north and the heavily populated capitol of Columbia. In the 'boondocks', it was pretty much limited to my own and my churches backyard. In Columbia, there was usually access to a forest behind the apartments we were living in at the time. I would spend hours simply exploring the area.

Now? Pretty much anywhere near running water. There's an old quarry that is in a town nearby, and they've built a rough walking trail around it.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

(Zookeeper would be one of the positions I would love to be able to be trained to do!) Of the beings seen at the zoo, it would probably be the tiger. My favorite animal would be the unicorn, or its Chinese counterpart, the kylin. Its attributes as a compassionate being who seeks to heal are ones I admire and associate with what I hope to aspire to.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The pollution of the waters. I imagine global warming might be a more immediate threat, but both are dangerous in my mind.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Treat the earth as you would your mate, for She will help you raise your children.