animals

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It’s the Cheese out Here

Hail Brave Hearts

Who were these illustrious, hearty humans who came to conquer all?  Who were the brave hearts of the day who settled and prospered in these great lands?  The land of plenty?  The land to conquer.  The land that claimed so many lives, but eventually was farmed, colonized and a new world began.

From a land of serfs, of peasants who toiled, who carved an existence from hard work, collaboration and ingenuity.  These are the people of the new world.  Those who set themselves apart and braved the cold winters and basked in the radiance of the warm summers.  Hard work, but worthwhile, to till the land, harvest the crops and make room for themselves from the forest.  These industrious, hard working colonialists invented many things, and livestock breeding was one of their successes.  The interbreeding of animals to produce their own hardy, well adapted, heritage breeds, which come from a stunningly beautiful place, now a UNESCO site, the area of Charlevoix Quebec which is home to a cow.

Charlevoix – Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)

This is not just any cow, this is a beauty!  Canada’s only indigenous breed of cow, the Canadienne.  Small in stature, but mighty in  other areas, this rare bread of cow, is an early invention from farmers in the ‘1600’s in Quebec.  Known for the high quality of it’s milk, it has made cheese production in Charlevoix, and Isle de la Madeleine  superior and sought after.   This cow which was once the most common cow in Quebec, is now on the rare breads list and in need of protection.

The milk is high in butterfat and has it’s own unique flavour.  The cheeses from this cow are unique in taste and texture and the delicious flavour makes  them a specialty of the house.

Canadienne cattle – Wikipedia

So all of this about a cow.  But it is a worthwhile cow.  The richness of the milk produces some of the worlds finest cheese, which is a specialty item  and a souvenir in the tourist industry.

The importance of protecting Canadian livestock and heritage breeds is a responsibility for us.  This breed has nearly become extinct, except for a few places in Canada, one of which is also the tiny islands in the Gulf la of the St Lawrence, the Isles de la Madeleine.

Îles de la Madeleine | Magdalen Islands | Québec maritime

The trip of lifetime, to visit these small islands, full of unique heritage and unique tourism.  A place to sample fine cuisine, sought after specialties and fun filled tourism.  A place of cultural heritage.  All of this, just for a cow, but not just any cow, our own cow.  Dairy for ice cream, dairy for milk and cheese.  The rich goodness of good food, high quality ingredients and it’s ours.  Ours to protect and ours to enjoy.  And lucky for us, that these unique Canadian experiences are in far flung places, which are an adventure to reach and a joy to experience.  Places to put on our destination list, in order to enjoy the fine cheeses and delicious ice cream from a heritage breed who we need to know and save.

written by Dr. Louise E Hayes

February 21, 2026

 

Bunnies and Eggs
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Bunnies and Eggs

Good Day Brave Hearts

Happy Easter to all.

The Easter Bunny is hop, hop, hopping into our world again, to help us celebrate the Easter story, with a twist.  An animal twist that supports the rabbit as a part of the celebration of life.  The resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday and the traditional Easter Egg hunt.

Regardless of your faith, Easter is celebrated by most of us, in a manner of religion, or fun.  The furry animal, with eggs and candies kind of fun.  A bunny, or a rabbit, maybe a hare, of noteworthy cuteness, bringing Easter eggs in many colours and many candy forms.  Chocolate, for the chocoholics, who cherish the world of chocolate treats.  Chocolate bunnies and eggs, hollow or filled,  jelly beans and cream centred eggs, a dietary delight of candy.   Lovely candy, full of richness and sugar, the confectioners delight.  Easter is a booming business in the candy trade.

Of course, there’s also flowers, with the traditional flower of Easter being the  Calla Lily, which blooms at Easter time and gives us a  festive tradition to participate in, whether you believe in the Christian story of resurrection or not.

Spring is here, the wild crocuses are in bloom and the Easter bunny is hopping along, spreading Easter eggs in hiding places for us to find.  It’s a fun story, which capitalizes on an ancient story of death and resurrection.  The rise of Jesus of Nazareth from the tomb, which  coincides with the passing of winter into spring.  A symbolic passing from the dead of winter to the new life of spring, immortalized by the death of the Savior on the cross, to the revelation of a vacant tomb and new life.  The new life of rebirth, of being reborn, of the passing of death to life.  It’s a symbolic time, a holy time, a time to cherish the Lord and the representation that all life will live.

Easter Symbols and Traditions – Easter Bunny, Eggs & Lilies | HISTORY

Julius Caesar noticed that in old England, no one would eat hares.  Hares had been connected to the Virgin Mary, Jesus and the Holy family.  The prolific rabbit, sends a message of fertility to us, with large families.  So does the egg.  Painting eggs is part of the Easter past time and egg painting is a celebrated art in some countries. The tradition of painting eggs in bright colours, so that we can find them under pillows, in the yard, hiding in trees and in plants, is a joyous part of Easter celebrations, but it also sends a message.  Eggs are fertility  It’s spring and rebirth is all around us.

The fabulous Savior, who survives death and is resurrected into this world, only to ascend to Heaven, is a story of awesome wonder at the miraculous life of Jesus.  The miracle of death and resurrection, life and death, rebirth.   It is also a time of family holiday and a celebration of the impossible.  Rising from the dead, speaking to people, walking streets.  It’s a mystery still unsolved.  It’s a mystery of faith.

The easy way to resolve Easter, is to paint Easter eggs and adore the bunny, who comes hop, hop, hopping along.

Written by Dr. Louise Hayes

March 30, 2024

 

International Polar Bear Day, February 27
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International Polar Bear Day, February 27

Hail Brave Hearts

International Polar Bear Day!  February 27.

This iconic species deserves the day.  A bear, but not just any bear.  it’s the polar bear of the high Arctic.  The huge, white furball from the great white  north, has achieved a special acclaim.  Long being the hunted trophy of Inuit and northern Aboriginals, this massive predator occupies the icy, northern climates, as a specialist in winter hunting skills and survival.  Although not yet endangered, this species is listed as vulnerable and is an indicator species of environmental health.  Canada has a population of 16,000 polar bears, and the world population is 26,000, polar bears.

So why is this animal so special?  It’s at the top of the food chain in the Arctic.  This bear lives mainly above the Artic Circle and Canada has 2/3 of the world’s polar bear population.  The other countries are Russia, Alaska, Norway and Denmark.  A polar bear can travel up to 5000 km in one year, in search of food, shelter and a mate.   Polar bears have webbed feet, making them a maritime mammal.   The front paws act as paddles and the back paws act as a rudder, while they are swimming.   One polar bear was recorded as swimming for more than nine days and covering a distance of 687 km. Their feet have no skid treads for travelling on ice.  These big paws are the size of dinner plates and keep them on top of snow and ice.  They mainly eat seals and can consume as much as 100 pounds of blubber in one meal.  Their hunting method is to find seal blowholes and wait for them to emerge, then attack.  The success rate of the hunt is only about 2%, so they spend about 50% of their time, hunting.  They hunt, mainly out on the sea ice, looking for seals.

Their fur is translucent and reflects sunlight to appear white to our eyes.

Polar bears mate in the spring, but can deter the implantation of the egg until the fall, when the female has had enough nutrient and is healthy enough to support the pregnancy.  The cubs will stay with the mother for up to 3 years, after which, they might roam as far as 2000 km, to find a territory away from their mothers.

These bears evolved 150,000 years ago as a variation of the brown bear, which it is still able to mate with.  The cubs are then raised as polar bears and learn these hunting  tactics and survival skills

Wapusk National Park (canada.ca)

But the other aspect of International Polar Bear day is not only about this fine species of Arctic bear.  It’s about the polar bear habitat and climate change.  The winter of 2024 has been recorded as the warmest winter on record.  The Arctic ice is thinner, melting more quickly in the spring and forming more slowly in the fall.  This severe climactic change, could see the polar bear extinct within a decade, as habitat loss is a key factor in reducing the numbers of polar bears.   This is a huge cry out for environmental preservation and a call for social change.

Some of the ways to do your part in polar bear survival is to reduce your carbon footprint, by reducing energy consumption and changing your energy usage, cutting down on plastics and responsibly disposing of trash and waste.  The three R’s of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, help to support environmental initiatives.

Polar Bear Dip 2020 (youtube.com)

And then there’s us, you awesome human.  Where will we be without snow and ice?

Written by Dr. Louise Hayes

March 17, 2024

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The Time is Near

Hail Brave Hearts

Tis the season for joy and merriment.  Tis the season of love and goodwill.  Tis the season for kindness and hope, peace on  Earth.  Joy to all of you, during  this blessed Christmas time.

Soon the journey begins, long and tiresome, weary and weighty.  A child must be born.  Take us to shelter, to a hospital or an inn.  Take us to a safe place, a place where this life can begin.  Take us to a warm place, a secure place, a restful place.  Take us to the inn, where we can finally relax and end this weary journey.  But no, not an inn, just a stable, that is all that there is left for you.

So in this lowly stable, where quiet animals lay, comes the gift that the world is waiting for, on this blessed Christmas day.  A  joy heralded by trumpets, by angels song from on high, by gifts of riches from the Maji, follow the star.  Follow the star, from wherever you are, it will lead you to the destiny.  A destiny of wonder, of peace on Earth and love.  Follow the star to the holy place, to life of joy and peace. To the fulfillment of a prophecy where love will never cease.

Joy to you, almighty human, for this magnificent birth. For now the hours of darkness, will change to peace on Earth.  For Gods good will is with us, on these holy days. Throughout the year send praises and this lord will guide your way.  Through scriptures and prophecy and an ever changing world, this light still shines among us, prevailing in compassion and good will.

This child is born in a stable, a low and meager place.  Free us from oppression, oh great king of kings.  Free us from slavery.  Anyone can come from here, to the greatness of the almighty ones, if they strive and work and persevere, just like you, oh gracious child.  Just like you, to work so hard, to overcome that birth, to bring the message of this God, goodwill to all, Peace on Earth.

The animals lay quietly, they too have a place, in this great scheme of wonder, Gods eternal place.  All of creation are cared for, with a place for each of them.  This is the land of the Almighty, this great planet Earth.

Peace to you at Christmas time, peace throughout the year.  Bring an end to hardship, celebrate your gifts with good cheer.

The hour is upon us, soon the star will shine.  Light your life forever, darkness dims behind.

Written by Dr. Louise Hayes

December 18, 2018

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For All of Us

Hail Brave Hearts

The winter is upon us, glistening.  White snow falls softly, with blessings.  Good cheer awaits those joyful hearts, as the spirit moves us in generous ways.  A joyful time.

The quiet of wintertime soothes our souls.  The merriment of song fills the world.  Hopeful and happy, like squirrels gathering nuts, we hurry and scurry to gather our collections.  Hoarding our gifts to bring delight to those most dear to us, oh Holy Night.  Soon will be a gift of finery so rare, song and praises, fill the air.  Copy the moment, all of the delight, majesty, wonder, goodwill to us all.

Hopeful are we, of an expectation already granted, enchanting, adoring, love.

We decorate and adorn ourselves, to express the riches of earthly gratitude and acceptance.   The skies are sparkling with brightness and fill the world with glittering light.  Wish upon these wondrous stars, the heavens bring glory to us.

Soon, in the quiet moments of the night, will a life of great joy, enter our world.  Inspiration, love, happiness and cheer. Soon the gift of great joy fill our world with love.  A child.  A baby.  Born of the delight of a prophecy, which will fill the world with a special guidance, a special leadership, a special light to guide the footsteps of the devoted.

Follow this light, for this leadership is for us all.

Animals, softly speaking, reminding us, this is for all life.  All of the Earths creatures are adored and witness this special life.   Why such a lowly birth?  Surrounded by beasts who witness this life, humanity touches all of them.  Humanely treat these affectionate creatures, they too are part of the glorious host, invited to share as witnesses.

Not just angels, not just maji, not just shepherds and humans, but sheep, camels, donkeys and cows.  The Earth has so many creatures to care about.  They celebrate with us, oh mighty human, they belong to us, for us to care for all throughout our lives.  This is the message as well.  Be kind.

Love each other all of your lives.

The animals were invited as well.  This is not an accident that the birth is so lowly, but divine intervention to show us the way.  How to treat the eternal wonder of the world.  The heavenly hosts sing in praises, the Earthly creatures welcome with gladness.  Song and joy fill the air. Humanity for us all.   All of creation is important and must be protected.  All welcome to this glorious birth.  All are welcome to the joy and gladness, to share in the celebration of a gift of life to all life forms.  Precious and compassionate, humane and loving, all of the Earth sing with joy.

Joy to this Earth, to the great planet of creation.  Joy to the creatures who dwell upon it.  This is the holy time of sharing and caring.  This is the time of prayer and blessings.  Sing joyously all of you people.  A wonderful event is nearly here.  Dress up your fine table, pull out Christmas cheer, with delicacies reserved only for this time of year.  This is the coveted event that we wait for, to celebrate our Earthly delights gifted to us from the most high.

Joy to you, during this great holiday season.  Joy to you, all of your life.

Written by Dr.  Louise Hayes

November 23, 2018

Something New
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Something New

Hail Braveheats!

Fabulous and new, I reach out to you.  Look outside and see.  A breath of wonder awaits all of you, as the world turns into it’s new reality.  A fresh, new form of creation is there, a surprising change of life.  A mutation of some sort, but still, a whole new entity is formed.

Praises again to the almighty planet, a world of energy and change.  When you know it all, think again, a life form springs into your world.  Interesting and challenging, the world spins something new.  A delightful curiosity for the brave at heart, to test the strength of that fine aptitude.  Explore and adventure, question and pursue, what in the world is the Earth up to?   Too much of something, that needs to be reduced, a predator of excess set on the loose.

It’s marvelous how we can know it all, then up springs something,  to teach us to learn again.

It’s strange and marvelous at the same time.  Wonder and curiosity springs to mind.  Delve into the unknown, look and see, the world is still changing and amazing to me.  A life form, so unusual, protect it, keep it safe.  How does it harm you, in it’s own special place?  The adventure of living on a planet so great.  The thrill of discovery tempts us to our fate.  Lovely to look at, interesting and rare.  Creatures so unusual, they delights us, entice us, tempt us and amuse us.  How do they do that?  Why is it like that? Where does it come from?  How does it survive?  Questions needing answers, evolutionary interest.  So many differences, so many species!  It’s astounding the number of life forms.

A new something emerges, that we’ve never seen before.  Something unusual waiting to be explored.  Surfaces and landmasses, oceans and lakes, the curious will uncover what the earth makes.  Fill up the land, fill up the sky, fill up the waters, with living and creation.   The earth has it’s mission and creation it is.  Fun, funny, wonderful things, that capture our attention.

Saving a species, an ecosystem, a world, becomes the mantra of a human aptitude.  Environmentalist, biologist, botanist, and the like, all gravitate to earth sciences, to fill their delight.  Bugs and pond study, amphibians and birds, all in one small space, in a jam packed world.  The wonder of inter connecting, of small pond dwelling, the masses of species sharing a tiny space. Predator and prey, living together.

Come out of your houses, enjoy the view.  It’s an awe inspiring world that’s been created for you.  Come see the wonder of the great planet Earth.  A gem in the galaxy waiting to be discovered.  Feast your lives on the palette of something so rare.  Color and spectacles, blooms and fresh air.

Dust and star dust, life and creation.  A world like no other.  This great planet Earth, with it’s life and creation, is as unusual in the universe as it’s  inhabitants are on this planet.  Care and be cared for, we are all at stake here.  We have to save all of us, in this painfully small, speck of celestially dust called Earth.

written by Dr. Louise Hayes

March 26, 2017

Environment Week
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Environment Week

http://www.ec.gc.ca/sce-cew/

Listen to the Earth song.  The rapture, the glory.  The song from the mighty planet, it fills our lives.  Hear the sounds of the planet, with joy, with gladness.  Great, bountiful Earth with songs of praises, songs of joy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCJ5DwPWIIw

The brilliant, beautiful displays of colour.  All the hues of the forest, all the vibrance of the meadows,  all the showy flowers and the cascading waters.  The Earth.  So magnificent, so powerful.  All life comes  to us from this mighty planet.

Here, you awesome planet, the oasis for us.  We live our lives with gratitude, with compassion. For the world presents itself with boundless  discovery!  Each day gives us the opportunity for more knowledge, more sport, more information, more aptitude.  The mighty Earth with its seasons and  changes.  The great, good Earth, how to praise it.

This week, this short space in time, we contemplate the protection of the planet. How to save it, how to save ourselves.  One short week of sharing ideas, information and knowledge.  Too little.  To take a week out of our year to concentrate on environmental protection, is  not enough time.  In the lifespan of the mighty planet,  the needs for protection of the planet is constant.

Constant striving for zero pollution, constant striving for human population control, constant striving to reduce the impacts of development.

Environment week praises the planet for all of life.

http://www.edmonton.ca/environmental/programs/environment-week.aspx

Thank  you, sighs the great planet, Earth, for the protection of that ecosystem. for unpolluted waters, unpolluted skies, unpolluted soil.  Thank you for no plunder, all life survives.  Thank you, almighty human, for compassion, nurturing, reforestration.  Without the forest, the planet will suffocate, it will die.  Without oxygen in the mighty ocean, it will die.

The mighty planet sighs, with the burden of pollution.  Too much for its natural abilities to recover.  Too much waste, too much plunder.  Too much hardship for the great planet.  It’s immense variety of animal life is being destroyed, it’s wonderful  forests, for air to breathe are vanishing,  it’s mighty oceans are dying.

Brilliant mankind, sighs the great planet.  Thank you for your efforts.  Each ecosystem is fragile, each is needed, each is a creation of its own divinity.  Each is a refuge to a world of it’s own.

Brilliant mankind, sight the great planet.  Thank you for environment week, even this small gesture, is worthy of praises.

written by: Dr Louise Hayes

June 4, 2013