Presentation too is important .. let us add in Big Cats, Elephant, an inland Delta ... and those of you who know me a little – will realise I’m talking Africa and the Okavango Delta.Now you say – Content, Passion, Presentation ... I’d add here Humans, Spirituality, Planet Earth – how do they connect ... come on Hilary explain ... and so I will ...
Film Poster: Directed by Dereck Joubert; Narrated by Jeremy Irons; Released Palm Springs Film Festival – showing in the USA (NYC, LA & Washington DC) – I hope they bring it across to England and the rest of the world. I’ll ask the Eastbourne Film Society to have a showing.
Who has not been to Southern Africa, who has been and who is alive – these posts and the videos are for you .... for any number of reasons ...
Ever heard of Brain Pickings? It has some staggeringly interesting information .. and I love it. This particular post surpassed that ... because it’s about a part of Africa that I’ve been fortunate to visit five times ... and would dearly go again tomorrow - the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Map of Botswana - the Delta in the north west; the Zambezi in the north east; while the Limpopo forms the Botswana border with Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Brain Pickings is about curating interestingness — picking culture’s collective brain for tidbits of stuff that inspires, revolutionizes, or simply makes us think. It’s about innovation and authenticity and all those other things that have become fluff phrases but don’t have to be – and is Maria Popova’s brain child.
In this post Maria has highlighted something that’s essential knowledge to us as humans in the life of planet earth. The photos she shares from the Jouberts’ life and the short YouTube video gives you a taster of the critical elements that the Jouberts cover in their TED video.
The TED introduction: National Geographical photographers Beverly and Dereck Joubert live in the bush, filming and photographing lions and leopards in their natural habitat. With stunning footage (some never before seen), they discuss their personal relationships with these majestic animals — and their quest to save the big cats from human threats.
I couldn’t describe the video better than to share Maria Popova’s words from Brain Pickings:“Bittersweet and poignant, The Last Lions is a stride-stopping story of urgency and hope, reminding us of our duty to honour and protect these powerful yet surprisingly fragile beings of poetic pride and mythic magnificence.”
Okavango Delta: Has thorny acacia savannah, the terrain also includes winding waterways with banks of reeds, palm-covered islands, thick forest and lush, lily-covered lagoons where hippos bathe and sport.
So how can I justify the words in my title and opening paragraphs .. easy really – read the post, watch the two videos – you’ll be hooked as I was ... these ancient dramas of nature play themselves out to the eternal dance of Africa ...
... will they continue to do so – only if man realises compassion to the earth, respect and celebration of nature ... if we can’t protect them ... we’re going to have a job protecting ourselves ... we are all entwined together – nature, animals, plants and life as whole – we need to nurture everything before it is too late and the sands of time run away from humanity ...You will see content, Kings, presentation, sparkle, emotive language describing our spirituality and the passion of the Jouberts.
Enjoy ... it is riveting .. and if you’re better than me at spreading the word of the film – please, please do so ... if it is to be – it is up to us.
Let me know!!
Credits: (1) Maria Popova of Brain Pickings for the inspiration for this post;
And (2) the Jouberts for their incredible dedication to the African bush, one of our last wildernesses on earth.
BrainPickings.org - the post:
www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/02/22/the-last-lions/
TED Video: Life Lessons from the Big Cats by Beverly and Dereck Joubert
blog.ted.com/2010/12/20/life-lessons-from-big-cats-by-beverly-dereck-oubert-on-ted-com
This is the Amazon non-affiliate link for the book The Last Lions
Dear Mr Postman – life is interesting isn’t it! My mother had a good day and we talked about an interesting funeral I’d been too – a man who described himself as a ‘controversialist’; then I mentioned Kestrel is opening a Dementia Unit on the lower floor and I had a book with some case studies.
Immediately she said – that’s important - and would I read some of it to her! I duly did .. she does amaze me – still interested in learning ... so many elderly give up .. as you’ll see shown so clearly in nature in the film (with a twist).
For my other Okavango posts - Please use the search box
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
98 comments:
Hi Hilary - On our table for discussion is a proposed trip to a game farm near Pietersburg this fall. Everything seems to be pointing toward making a "yes" decision. Fascinating. Thank you.
Hi Betsy .. how wonderful!! Go, go, go ....!!
If you can get Pete to sit down and watch .. with a glass of vino, cup of tea or coffee .. you'll be going to Africa definitely. All the info just brought back so many memories ..
Cheers Hilary
Thanks for the most interesting information as always.
I love watching animal programs on TV. I've only seen them at the zoo and I will probably never get to visit them in the wild before I die. I guess I'll always just be a couch potato animal watcher.
Take care Hilary and have a nice day :-)
~Ron
*******
Hi Ron .. lovely seeing you here - you old couch potato you!! I hope you can get Mrs G to sit down with you and watch the videos .. well, well worth it -
You too look after yourselves and enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary
Hello Hilary,
Thank you for your post. It is intriguing and interesting to learn about Africa and its nature. I would love to share the information you gave to me.
Thanks again!
Shaw Funami
Fill the Missing Link
Hilary,
I couldn't watch the video. It had timed out? Still, as always, I enjoyed your discussion. What struck me is what you said about how we are all connected. Each time we lose an animal; we lose a part of ourselves.
I'll come back and see if I can watch the video later.
Cheers!
Hi Shaw .. how lovely to see you. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you and your wife can watch the videos .. and thanks for sharing with your friends - so more people see the way we're driving nature to the brink of extinction.
All the best - Hilary
Hi Sara .. not sure what happened ... I just tried both links and they went through to YouTube and to the TED one .. please try again!
If you or anyone else has challenges with the videos let me know ..
Many thanks .. and you're right about each time we lose something .. that connective web spreads and we lose other aspects and things ... frightening.
Hope to see you later - cheers Hilary!
I will definitely check this out. I love all things Africa, and especially South Africa. Never been there, however, unfortunately.
H Karen .. oh good! They are definitely worth watching .. brilliant filming of the Okavango and the cats, wildlife .. beautifully done.
One day .. something to look forward to? I hope you'll get there - cheers Hilary
My late father-in-law would have loved this, having spent some time in Africa after the war.
Thanks for popping by my blog today. I will be posting a follow-up to the comment question tomorrow!
Hi Ellie .. good memories to talk about though .. and perhaps the kids would like to watch - where Grandpa spent some of his time.
Pleasure and I return the compliment here! See you tomorrow .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
It was nice stopping by your blog.
By the way, I'm your new follower. I hope you'll follow back. :-)
www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com
I didn't see the video, but I love to watch animal programmes on tv. I found your post most absorbing, Thanks Hilary,
Yvonne,
Hi Hilary, I love this post, and love the great links. Interestingly I too have been to an interesting funeral, just yesterday. The lady was an artist who exhibited in my gallery. She spent a number of years teaching in Kenya and I was enthralled with the stories related afterwards by people who had worked and lived there with her. She had a huge gathering of friends, many of whom had been in Kenya all those years ago. We were talking about how very different the world is now and how these places have changed almost beyond recognition, well, for them it is beyond recognition.
Glad your mum is well.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mayra .. thank you .. and thanks for following .. I followed you earlier on today .. Hope to see you here again .. cheers Hilary
Hi Yvonne .. thanks for that - I've redone them and now put the actual web details up - so I hope they work for everyone.
I haven't had a problem with the links .. but noted your 2nd comment - didn't publish it ..
Hope this works?! Good to see you - cheers Hilary
Hi Mandy .. good - hope you like the links - I've changed them and put the actual website details up in case .. so I hope they work now?!
Funerals - where we find out more about some retiring people. Your lady sounds talented .. and the stories must have been fun to listen to. The world has changed so much in the past 90 years .. completely - as you mention.
Yes - Mum seems to be sleeping on - waking for her dose of enthusiasm and inspiration .. which we enjoy.
Have a good week .. Hilary
It's wonderful how you never fail to surprise me. What a delightful post. I've never been off the North American continent. Our son has traveled. I'm checking out the film. It's one my entire family will appreciate.
Hi Joylene .. I aim to please!! Delighted to hear though.
I know you'll all enjoy the film - probably more than once .. the trailer (Youtube) is excellent - but the TED one surpasses that ..
Hopefully you can drop a comment back when you've seen it - that'd be great .. cheers Hilary
Interesting collection of videos..thanks.
Oh, and it would be remiss of me not to say Happy Presidents Pets Day - the day after Presidents Day, as I like to call it. In the US, we love our presidents..... pets. See my blog if you’re in the mood for a good ol' irreverent howl.
Another Great POST Hilary - Thank you and yes hearing that your mum wants to keep learning - that is wonderful..
I am too fatigued tonight to watch the videos or link around, but will come back. Are not Alexander Smith's books about the #1 Ladies Detective Agency about this area of the country? I have seen some of this area on Planet Earth...such amazing country.
For some reason my Gmail is down and I am not getting any comments so I have to come back to see what you replied and see the videos
Hi Nick .. thanks for coming by - hope you watched the videos and saw Nature in a different light.
Thanks for the tip across to your blog - I had glanced through .. good for a laugh as you say .. Hilary
Hi Patricia .. how right you are yes - Alexander McCall Smith books are set in Gaberone (the capital) away from the Okavango.
I know you'll enjoy the videos - they are eye opening ..
Mum too staggers me .. something of interest is so important for her.
Hope you get the comment gmail thing fixed - that's quite frustrating. I sometimes forget to tick the box when I need to - to get the comments through ..
Enjoy today .. lovely early spring day here .. bids cooing and singing .. chilly still! Cheers Hilary
I am from South Africa and have seen the animals in the wild.
Still, I am still trying to convince my family to go to the delta.
:-)
Hi Misha .. I spotted that .. and hope to see some posts on SA - occasionally?!
If you show them the films .. I'm sure they'll be hooked - as you know it is beautiful & would make a fantastic holiday together. Hope you get there..
Thanks for coming by .. see you soon .. Hilary
There definitely is much content and passion in the TED video. It's really a sad tale they relate, and I hope their efforts work well on the big cats' behalf.
Hi Hillary -
What shots and what an interesting post. I have to admit that this area is on my list of places I would like to visit... but then again, I think that most of the world is now on that list.
As always, I love your posts... and may you and your mum enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Dear Hilary, been thinking about you a lot lately and wondering how you are doing. I showed your video clip with the mandolin and dress to my husband he was in total awe of you and just deeply moved that you did that. He said, "Just stunning."
As to this post, you KNOW I love it. I can hardly wait to watch the videos and look into this more. I love things like this. I could easily go live with the wild creatures and hope to again at some point. It can't be soon enough for me. I often get impatient with wanting to be full-time in the wild again.
But then I read about your Mom still wanting to learn, which I can sooooooo relate to, and I know that I WILL live my dream. She and you both are SO amazing in your vitality and keen minds and keen interests.
For me, learning is about hungrily, eagerly, soaking in as much Life as I can in every moment, and for as long as we can. I will be doing it right up to my last breath. Even if I die outdoors, which is where I want to, I will be looking up and the sky and asking, what kind of clouds are those, I wonder why that tree grew like that, what does that bird eat, how far away is Venus? And so on. So MUCH LIFE, so much to explore, learn and understand. So much to give thanks for in every moment.
I know you understand. You live it. I have missed being here. My blog was hacked and have been sorting it out over the last month. At least I didn't lose it, but had to do a lot "reconstructing". But it wasn't so bad, if forced me to slow down, which desperately needed.
I love you and am always deeply humbled by your grace, your goodness, and you deep appreciation of Life. You are so beautiful.
Love,
Robin
PS I also LOVED your "Spring - the season of new growth, abundant change..." So deliciously RICH. We are hearing Robins here in New Mexico. So uplifting after an exceptionally cold winter, worst in 50 years. There was a natural gas shortage, which is how people heat their homes here.
Hi Joanne - thanks .. so glad you agree with me & the link must work - thank goodness.
Me too - if we, as humans, save them and they'll be there along with all the related ecosystems and other animals etc then we'll save ourselves in the process .. for the grandchildren & on ...
Thanks for watching and coming by - always good to see you .. cheers Hilary
Hi TE .. thanks .. I do hope you and your daughter will be able to watch the video together .. she will love it.
I know .. so much to see around the world - but this area is definitely special - lets hope we both get to see a few of those 'wishes' in the coming years?!
Thanks - delighted to see you and I know you've written a special letter for Lori on your blog - someone did that for me right at the beginning of my blogging career and I was shocked, shattered and honoured ... a real mix of emotions!! Just never thought ..
I'll definitely be over to read your letter to Lori - so well deserved ..
Thank you .. I hope we do .. cheers Hilary
absolutely gorgeous! My daughters and I have started the tradition of seeing one of those Earth movies every year on Earth Day--we can't wait for the one about the lions this year. My youngest has already started reminding me... :o) <3
Hi Robin .. me too & I got your book out today to answer your email and 'help' request to your blogging friends. Thought about this post - or the video ...
The mandolin and dress - that was a day - & Susie (as it was her dress!) will be so pleased to have some news of our escapade!!
I can feel you want to be out there .. totally away from it all .. bare feet feeling mother earth between your toes with your eyes tossed skywards towards the neverendingness.
Mum did amaze me - and she listens avidly .. perhaps there's not much interaction .. but she wants me to go on - might as well go on now while we're at it ..! She will ask me about it again later on .. or remember some aspect .. as she did about Washington's teeth?!
I can honestly say I'm so honoured by this comment - in fact so chuffed I'm overwhelmed .. thank you seems so minimal .. a huge hug across the airwaves seems more appropriate .. and preferably a real one sometime.
I never used to be like this .. but I must say I absorbed now with everything .. way too much information and notes floating around .. just love the interconnectedness of it all .. and the pinball effect of things on life.
I thought you'd been having major problems and feeling for you - that's so malicious and so unnecessary .. I hope it's all fixed or nearly so .. techie things scare me a little, as I have so little time ..
Delighted to hear you'll be viewing the videos .. you will love them and they will draw you in ..
Spring is coming slowly .. the birdsong is definitely louder and more defined - gorgeous to hear. Glad to hear your Robins are singing too .. your winter sounds as bad as ours .. except we've got lucky (down here) this year (2011) .. our snow came before Christmas.
Robin - I cannot express myself how I feel about your comment - I had some sad news today re my mother's best friend, who suddenly died .. so I was feeling down - I won't tell Mum she gets too upset and emotionally is something her stroke doesn't allow her to deal with. So this post has give me a lift .. tomorrow we go to hospital - I hope for an in out visit: it should be. I am sure all will be fine - Mum is pretty resilient .. to put it mildly. She had a wonderful healing massage from Janice today .. and was sound asleep when I went up.
I am totally in awe of you .. and your experiences .. and am so appreciative that you understand this late passion for knowledge in my life that's suddenly come about, which I can share with others who are interested.
My love to you and your husband - let your light shine through everywhere into the world .. you are so extraordinarily generous with your words and thoughts and I do so appreciate them .. with a huge hug across the airwaves .. and lots of love and thoughts .. Hilary
Hi Leigh .. how great! Your daughters will love the videos .. I do hope you can watch these two too?!
The story is what is so important to be heard and the Jouberts do it exceptionally well ...
Yay .. when's earth day .. soon - early March I think .. ? Enjoy the watch then .. cheers Hilary
I remember as a kid reading BORN FREE, and then when the movie came out, what a treat! The story opened my eyes and heart to another part of the world I knew little about. Let's hope this film will have a similar effect on young people today.
Hi W2W .. that came out when I was older and somewhat less interested - another area .. another place.
But having lived in Africa and being older and dare I say it wiser! .. now I totally appreciate that side of life.
Life is much more precarious now - and wildlife never more so - then that goes down to the ecosystems each species support ..
I hope you can show your kids .. enjoy the films and story ..as you say I hope they will have a similar effect for others of this generation .. thanks W2W .. look after yourselves ... Hilary
Hi Hilary -- I am so glad they are allowing big cats in circuses, less and less. I always feel so bad from them confined and such. Many her are being put on big enclosed farms.
And I do NOT like zoos,not really.
Oh, I bet the movie is just brill!!
As to Brain Pickings, I imagine there must be a Texas town of that name, somewhere. Wouldn't surprise me!
A dementia unit on the lower floor -- not THAT is interesting, as I know a certain Kestral House in the U.K.
Wonderful she wants to still learn -- yes. Just wonderful!1
xoxo
Another wonderful post, Hilary. :) Sorry about your Mum's friend. I love that she is still interested and wants to learn. My grandparents are in their 90's and they got their first computer a few years ago. I was so proud of them.
Do you live near Little Hampton?
Hi Jannie .. that I can't agree more - we have cats in open parks here - well fenced in. Zoos are changing .. and becoming much more aware .. but if zoos hadn't been "invented" - then we'd know so little about our natural world and wouldn't have 'saved' some species.
The movie is fantastic .. so enjoy if you can grab a brief break between songwriting and climbing trees with your hubby ...
Still totally with it and so much better than sitting stuck watching tv all day! Her imagination wanders all over the world .. when she's awake ..
Cheers Jannie - good to see you .. Hilary xoxxo
Hi Sharon .. thank you - yes Elizabeth going is a bolt out of the blue - expected, but not so suddenly.
My Mum has been using computers for ten years or so .. and wanted hers at Kestrel .. but as she has left-sided neglect and can't see a whole page - it would have made it difficult. What she can see - she sees perfectly .. strokes are 'funny things'.
So good for your grandparents and I hope they communicate with you and get some pleasure from the grandchildren and family?
If you mean Littlehampton, West Sussex - then I'm about an hour away ... and I think you do.
If not - can you give me the name of the county .. as there a few Hamptons (scattered in England) .. and the Little may be attached to one of those -
but without knowing the beginning of the post (zip) code - just the first four digits (don't give me the rest - for security)- I'm not sure where in England they might be.
You can email me .. full name (no hyphen) at g mail dot com if you'd like to ..
Thanks for your comment and it'd be lovely to meet up if we can organise it .. cheers Hilary
I wonder what the world will look like when I'm old. What we will save as treasures and what we will destroy. Will our world become desertified? Ravaged by constant storms? Flooded? I fear the most beautiful places are also the most vulnerable to destruction.
Stunning photos, as always.
I've seen the Last Lions. Such a sucker for cats - it made me want to cry.
Hi Theresa .. me too - or 500 years time, 1,000 years or as far away as we are now from the Romans ... 2,000 years .. lots of life will have happened, some major disasters - mini ice ages perhaps .. who knows - as you say ..
What destructs allows other aspects to flourish .. perhaps we won't 'see' things the same way then, as we do now .. so beauty in different arenas will abound ..
Evolution will on .. thanks for the photos - wish they were mine .. I just match the words or content to the photos I can find via Wikipedia (usually) .. enjoy the weekend .. Hilary
Hi Diane .. excellent - I haven't seen the movie .. I hope we can get it here .. but the TED talk, video footage, and photos - were so amazing .. I do hope people remember.
I too - crying is good for us women .. so pleased & I hope many more will watch The Last Lions film ..
Have a good weekend .. Hilary
Content is king only when it is written with passion. Loved this post!
Hi Vered .. so right! Hope you and the girls and your hubby!! can spend a few minutes together watching the TED photos, video etc .. well worth it ..
Enjoy the weekend .. and great to see you .. Hilary
Great post as always, Hilary. Thank you for sharing with us. Is really nice hearing that your mum wants to keep learning :) :)
Hugs
Marinela
Hi Marinela .. thank you - glad you enjoyed it.
Considering my mother isn't watching tv or listening to the radio - it shows how powerful the brain is - her retentive abilities after 4 years are unbelievable. Thanks for noticing ..
Have a good weekend .. Hilary
So many places in the world I'd like to go. This would definitely be one. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with videos.
Your mother sounds wonderful.
Hi Helen .. it should be and the videos will definitely endorse that thought!! I hope you enjoy them - the TED talk is riveting ..
Mum - she amazes me more every day -
Thanks for coming by - Hilary
Hi H
"Content is King – is it not? How about Passion ... "
Content versus presentation - just what my last post was about.
Which is the more important?
For a blogger - content.
For a Public Speaker - presentation / passion.
Ideally a blog post and a speech should have both.
If you don't have passion for your subject, how can you pass that passion on to your readers / audience?
Keith
I tune into TED from time to time. Even watch clips on YouTube. I tend to lean toward the science and physics stuff myself.
I would like to take the family on an African safari sometime. It'd be fascinating to see these amazing creatures in their habitat. We do have the San Diego Wild Animal park close by and its fun to take the tram around this expansive park (almost like a small preserve) and see herds of wild animals.
Hi Keith .. you're right - both .. can't have one without the other in all seriousness.
I have 'scanned' your post & want to get back to it .. because it deserved my attention .. so I'll be over soon.
Have a look at the TED video .. it contains both .. as we all should give our best wherever we are .. and you'll love the Okavango?!
Passion for life .. cheers Hilary
Hi Stephen .. have a change - this The Last of the Lions video is amazing and the kids would love it ..
You'd be hooked to the Okavango .. it's a magical place - completely different from 'safari' as such .. the waterways, the islands, the papyrus reeds, the mokoro (canoes) ... away from society completely ..
Can't be bettered .. have a change from San Diego Zoo???? Cheers Hilary
Hilary, you amazing woman. We are the stewards of this planet and this is the sort of responsibility that we cannot ignore.
Thank you for this essential post!
Was in So. Africa in October, 2009. Simply life changing. Something happens to us when we open our souls to that continent.
Happy transformation to one and all.
Hi Amy .. fantastic to see you here and thank you. You're right "stewards of this planet" is an excellent phrase ..
... and it needs to be applied all the time - at home, in our neighbourhood, in our country, in others' countries and to all the flora and fauna of this world.
Wonderful you've seen Africa .. and opened your heart to it ..
The TED talk says and shows it all .. essential transformation we need .. somehow these things must get into our heart and everyone's heart ..
Spread the word .. Happy Sunday and week ahead .. Hilary
oh I do so love that poster, and I love big cats . . . nature programs . . . all
will check this out.
Hi Kat .. videos & presentation are brilliant .. enjoy the viewing ..
You'll get the lot here .. the TED program is excellent ..
I'm sure the film will be inspiring too when it comes out - hope it gets here to England .. hope you had a good weekend .. Hilary
Captivatting post, as always, Hilary! My son has been to South Africa several times, but I never have. I should share this with him. It's so true that we're entwined together with all parts of nature and need to nurture everything!
Hi Connie - good to see you. I'm sure your son would totally relate to this information - the TED talks are always so informative and interesting & visually beautiful - these are National Geographic photographers.
We are totally of this earth as is the highest King of the Jungle (what jungle?!) and the lowliest insect .. except their systems are probably better than ours!
I'd love to hear what you think of the film and hear your son's comments. Enjoy the week .. Hilary
I like these TED talks.
Combined with my interest in these amazing animals.
Thanks for pointing me that way Hilary
Hi Richard .. thanks for being here .. and as you say the TED talks are amazing .. great diversity, which I love.
So I was completely taken with this talk as I know you will be when you have a chance to view .. incredible pictures and storyline.
Great - it's a pleasure as I know everyone will enjoy the view & I hope take into their hearts the content. Have a fun week .. Hilary
> curating interestingnes
I like that.
Yes, passion definitely is up there ... maybe it's content's queen.
Hi JD .. glad you picked those two words up - their combination - certainly hooked me. Maria comes up with some wonderful posts ..
Yes - passion is there .. and you're right content is probably Queen! Love what you said over on Keith's Easy Public Speaking blog ..
.."stage actors really know how to use their voices.
So true. I've noticed that great speakers, choose their words, say their words, and lift with their words.
I've noticed the key behind it is how they use their breath. A deflated speaker deflates the crowd."
Appropriate words for this blog too ..
Cheers, great seeing you and have a good week .. Hilary
Hi Hilary!
Off to check out the links. My parents are on safari right now in South Africa and I'm so jealous, so this can be a way to virtually experience a similar thing!
Hi Talli .. how amazing - I bet they're having a wonderful time .. and I'm sure you're jealous, so am I!!
The virtual experience will make your eyes and heart leap ..
Am sure you'll enjoy the links and be able to share things with your parents .. lucky lucky them!
Have a wonderful wonderful week .. cheers Hilary .. fun times ahead ..
Hi Hilary.
You having been to this place 5 times is proof of the attraction it has for you. I can sense your admiration in this post -- a love affair, if you will :)
I have a healthy respect for Africa, appreciating it's habitat, from what I've read about and seen on television. However, it is one of those places that I'm not attracted to visiting.
Hi Davina .. you're right .. and obviously if the call of Africa doesn't call you - there's no point in going. Also you have wonderful scenery and lands and peoples in Canada ..
Pity I thought we were going to meet sometime and tour the Cape area .. Kirstenbosch and the winelands!?!
Never mind .. the point of the post is that we need to look after each piece of nature, as we are all interlinked - and damage to one, will be damage to all. That I know you understand ..
Glad you came by .. enjoy the week .. Hilary
This post makes me want to go to Botswana even MORE now!
Hi Marvin .. if you watch the TED video .. you'll be off to buy your air ticket?!
Enjoy the prospect .. sometime to come true ... cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary, We had a week in South Africa a few years ago but we were near Cape Town and there was not time to do everything we wanted, certainly no time for a Safari. I shall go back one day. Right now I am awaiting the return of my husband from the Galapagos Islands - I am sure he will have a few stories to tell and I hope, some interesting photogrpahs :-)
Hi Deborah .. I can imagine that - a week in Cape Town really is insufficient .. but it is a wonderful city. I can understand the no time for Safari .. glad to hear you'll go back one day.
Gosh - has he gone for a look - or to work .. sounds wonderful, either way. I'm sure he'll have some wonderful tales to tell - and perhaps some photos for us to see?
I always remember seeing a programme on how species in the Caribbean were similarly linked to those on the Galapagos .. so they were ancient 'lines'! connections over eons before the continents became as they are now .. I'd love to see it again .. one day I'll catch it ..
Cheers and thanks for coming by .. Hilary
Hilary,
Just a quite note to say thanks for stopping by my site and helping me select the photographs. You're very kind, my friend:~)
Hi Sara .. hope my choices were your choices? Suspect not though .. but I did love the photos - cats are stunning at the best of times ..
Enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Every time I hear "South Africa", I think of you. Last night on "The Bachelor" they were in South Africa. The scenery and the animals were AMAZING. I wondered if you, too, had seen the same places.
When time permits I'll come back to want the video. In the meantime, ((hugs)) to you and your Mum.
Blessings,
Barbara
Hi Barbara .. I did go to quite a few places .. I was lucky to be able to do some travelling around - with friends, with my Mama, or with other visitors .. both camping and enjoying the high life (not very often) ..
Enjoy the video - you will as this video is exceptional .. their words amazing ..
Thanks Barbara .. Mum will be so pleased to hear .. cheers and love Hilary
Love wildlife as you know.
I have been to SA once and that was in 1967 (I was fairly young)
But I do remember driving up and around Table Mountain and baboons everywhere.
The rest of it is pretty much a mystery to me
Hi Al .. yes I do .. I can see it in your photos and stories of your visits around your home in Australia.
It always amazes me that one can drive round Table Mountain .. and completely befuddled me re NSEW .. mind you being on the half of the world - I was muddled anyway .. the baboons are still there!
We went to Italy when I was youngish .. and I remember parts Lake Como, playing bezique, and Florence at fiesta time and the Leaning Tower of Pisa .. but as you say not a lot in between!
Good to see you though .. cheers Hilary
We do need passion--for every good thing on this earth! A passion to preserve nature, not to destroy it. And oh, it makes me so sad to see the wildernesses destroyed. I'm from Utah (USA) where I once hiked with two of my children into the Uintah Wilderness. Fortunately, happily, it's still there!
What an inspirational and informative post, Hilary, as always!
Ann Best @ Long Journey Home
Hi Ann .. you're so right we do need pass for all good things. The Uintah Wilderness sounds a wonderful place - I must look it up ..
Glad you enjoyed it .. perhaps Jen would like the TED video - the pictures anyway ..
Thanks for coming over .. Hilary
OOh fabulous pictures.
Passion is very important it's what keeps us going in all sorts of ways.
I enjoyed your comments about my cold hands :O)
Hi Madeleine .. aren't they just .. but the videos are excellent .. do hope you get a chance to look.
You're so right having that belief .. and passion for our life .. essential.
Ah.. Mum would love them .. and you could get them warm sometimes! Cheers good to see you - Hilary
All the cats don't die, do they? Because that's just so depressing.
Hi Hilary -
Although I've never been to Africa, I know many people who have visited and/or lived there. My cousin spent a year in South Africa and was captivated by the beauty of nature.
Thanks for an excellent post.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Alex .. you'd be pleased, but also horrified at the trade .. we simply need to realise what's going on and the tiny bits we can do .. even being in America or England ..
Somehow we need everyone around the world to wake up ... so it is a very cautionary tale ..
After that .. hope you can have a good week .. Hilary
Hi Susan .. it does as you say get under your skin .. and it is beautiful in many many ways .. delighted you've had some personal stories told to you.
Glad you enjoyed the post -- the word needs to get out ..
Thanks so much for the comment - lovely having you here .. Hilary
I saw a part of this great film and would want to watch the whole thing. If I will watch tv I'd rather watch wild animal documentaries than people acting up like wild animals.:)
Hi RS .. good to see you & hear that you've seen a trailer of the film - I just hope they bring it over here .. I must remember to ask our Film Society if they'll put it on for us.
The TED video is excellent though - I just love the passion the Jouberts exude about their work and understanding of wildlife ..
I love animal documentaries .. and actually anything historical and educational .. interesting to learn about ..
People - can be people .. as you say!
Cheers - have a good weekend .. Hilary
Excellent post on raising awareness of these lovely animals. The video was informative and they captured some great shots. I couldn't watch the elephant scene, though.
Hi Linda .. thank you - so pleased you came by and took time to watch the video - amazing shots aren't they.
I can understand the elephant scene .. but it is nature at its best or worst? .. best I think, though sad.
I hope many will note the importance of our natural life .. remaining fully diverse .. thanks - Hilary
Wow, Karen said to visit your blog when I had time.
So you sent me to the African bush as a little trip before beddy-bye.
And I just watched Faith Like Potatoes from South Africa...
Hi Patti .. how lovely to see you and thank you so much for the "wow"!
Well .. just a little trip to the Okavango .. and a reminder to protect all of God's species .. the film is extraordinary if you get time - 18 minutes of incredible filming .. but more the content.
I'd never heard of Faith Like Potatoes .. having glanced at the Wiki entry .. it is a moving film, with the red earth hardship of Africa thrown in ..
Wonderful to have you here .. enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary
Hilary,
This is such a powerful post. I watched the video, and it really touched me. I didn't know all those facts re: endangered big cats. Wonderful people like Beverly and Dereck are helping to raise awareness in this respect. What a noble project.
The scene of the elephant made me teary eyed, but then... when he gained the strength to fight back and escape, I felt so inspired :-)
The baby baboon scene was so tender and sad. Yet amazing.
Your note about your mother is so heart-warming.
Doris
Hi Doris .. so pleased that you watched the video .. amazing watch wasn't it! The Jouberts are quite extraordinary .. and if you've picked up that the big cats are endangered - I hope a few others will too.
Yes - the elephant and the lions .. quite extraordinary footage - we're so lucky to have seen it ..
The baby baboon was exactly as you say tender, and sad - but truly amazing.
Thanks re my Mama - these posts/letters were/are for her .. we'd feed off the information for fun conversation and interaction.
Enjoy the week ahead .. Hilary
Dearest Hillary,
Read about your Mama; quite a tough time but a very noble way of setting her free.
From friend Doris I got the link to this remarkable blog. Being a human parent to seven felines, some very svelte asian cats, this is of utmost interest. They are such mystical animals and the video did reveal stunning facts about them. It is sad that for some bones and hides they kill... When will humans EVER learn enough from the animal kingdom in order to better behave?
Wishing you strenght and best regards,
Mariette
Hi Mariette .. how generous of Doris to send you here - great to meet you and to see some of your garden and beautiful felines over at your place.
Many thanks re your thoughts for my Mama .. she has been amazing through the whole process .. and continues to be so.
Ah - feline creatures all .. yours sound delightful and I'll see more as I come over to your blog - met two of them.
The video is extraordinary isn't it - sadly I suspect the colonising peoples set the example, so the desire for hide, and the reading of the bones became easier for both east and west - leading to the potential devastation (extinction) now.
I hope humans will learn before it is too late .. many thanks we all need strength and great thoughts - have a wonderful week .. Hilary
Dearest Hilary,
Why don't you just post the comments on a comment on the person's blog? I figured out you did this a lot and came back and yes, here I read your reply. But sadly most people will not come back to read it... You might consider putting it on their blogs instead. That's why I leave my URL so with just one click you're on mine instead of looking at a Profile...
Lots of love and thanks for your always indepth thoughts... in your postings and your comments. Wish your Mama well!
Mariette
Hi Mariete (or is it Mariette) .. I hope your comment is relevant to this post - hence I comment back here .. as I do when I post on others' blogs - I make the comment relevant to them.
So cross commenting about the Okavango would be a bit odd .. if I'd posted the comment above on your violets post - at least that's the way I look at it?
I go to visit other blogs and enjoy their posts and add my relevant comment ..
My blog is very eclectic .. perhaps my perspective is wrong - but no-one's ever suggested otherwise ..
Sorry - but if there's a similarity in posts - then I probably would .. but with mine it's going to be rare.
Look after yourself .. and thanks for your thoughts re my Mama - just got back from spending some time with her .. she loves everyones' thoughts and hugs! Cheers Hilary
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