ANIMAL STORIES

It’s a long time since I posted animals stories, or mentioned them in any shape or form. Today, I’d like to air some of what I think and feel, which I have not voiced before.

From day to day we find out more about the animals that share our world, and I often wondered, why we humans think we are the top of creation; shying away from recognising animals’ abilities we do not understand.

More surprising is the fact that we equate and judge other species by our own criteria and our own abilities, which do not include that which we do not see, feel, hear, or acknowledge.
Even more surprising is the belief some of us have, that it is our god given right to do, or use, other species in any way we please;
We human, enslave them, hurt them, and experiment on them for a so called “our own good” - How disgusting!

Many animals I came across do amazing adjustments to live and survive in our midst:
We never learn to adjust to the language our dogs speak - they adjust to us.
We put animals in circuses to entertain us - teaching them tricks that are out of their natural range of movements, and they do – even when it hurts them.
AND we take away their freedom, by putting them in zoos; for us to watch every single movement they do,
We deny them the right to live the way nature intended, AND we put them in laboratory cages to cut them, maim them, induce illness in them, genetically change them; under the rotten excuse of ‘Scientific Research”, just because they cannot object, or if and when they do - we shoot them!

I have said my piece here and I hope many of you are enrage just as I am.

Having said that, I’d like to show you some of the amazing things animals do and how they interact with us, and at times, form friendships across the species divide, by their own want and volition. So here I go:

Our son and family had a cockatiel in a cage, to which, as you already know I strongly object. However, they were going for holiday and gave us the bird to look after while they were gone.
It came in a large cage that same evening; with clothe to cover the cage for the night, a packet full of food; and a string of instructions to follow.
Come morning I take the clothe off the cage as instructed, said hello and good morning to the bird, refresh the water, put some food in the dish , and go back to my morning chores.
The phone rings. The tone is not the usual one our phones have, but it is constant.
I lift the receiver - there is no one at the other end.
I shrug my shoulder, put the receiver down, and return to my chores.
The phone rings again and it is the same story.
After a couple of more calls, I decide to follow its root, and end at the bird’s cage.
Getting there, the ring stops, and the Cockatiel is talking to me.
I say hi and return to my tasks.
The phone rings again.
I come to the cage and the bird is talking to me again.

I try this couple of more times, and realise the bird want to converse with me;
it has learned people come when the phone rings!
I decide to try and communicate.

Gerry and I have a whistle we used to use, before the days of the mobile phone. It was a fairly long and some what complicated segment of a song. I wanted to see how the bird will react.
I told her all about it and then whistled it. She listened intensely, with her head bend to one side and to the other. As I stopped, she said some thing to me that I understood her asking me to repeat it. As I finished, she started to repeat it.
Each time she asked for a repeat, I obliged, and she continued to learn.
She got the first and last parts correctly, but had difficulties getting the middle, which was somewhat more complicated.

We continued to communicate that way for the 10 days she was with us, and it was beautiful. I am sure that if we would have been together permanently, we would have had a large vocabulary between us.

My daughter in law, Lynne, had a Goldfish that we suspect of not being a goldfish at all. It continued to grow and grow and was still alive seven years later.
As it continued growing, it got a bigger aquarium, even though he was on his own. He did not like company and used to eat those that were brought in to keep him company.

To make sure he will not be bored, Lynne put him on the kitchen bench, so that he can be a part of the activities around.
He had a silvery golden colour and two large protruding eyes that followed every move around him.
Every evening, at 5pm on the dot, he will nock on the glass and remind Lynne that it is time for him to get his meal!

I have received the following from EllieBlue on Stumble upon. She was replying to my post about Crows:

Renate,
I too have a high regard for crows. We had one as a pet. She was knocked out of her nest during a storm. She was very affectionate but naughty. She would sneak visitors’ biros etc from their pockets and my mother's pegs from the clothesline. She loved it when we set up a dish for her to bath in.

~Hugs~
Sandra

To finish off, here is a link to a clip of an elephant painting

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LHoyB81LnE

Enjoy.
Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country
To see more of my book click on this link
http://www.promisedland-renate.com
To look inside my book Click here

LIVING WITH SNOW

While many in the northern hemisphere are still living in snowy condition, we in Australia left our summer, which was no summer, behind; and have officially entered autumn.

Seeing on the news the heavy snowstorms some of you went through, reminded me of our snow experiences when we arrived in Davenport Iowa to study chiropractic. You see, we never lived with snow before.

I thought you’d get a kick out of reading about some of the ‘living with snow’ adjustments we went through. I have therefore copied a small section out of my book – “from the promised Land to the lucky Country,” that illustrates, in a small way, the many surprises we got. I hope you get a giggle or two out of it.

“Living with snow is new to us, and deep winters of below freezing point are something we have never encountered. Of black ice or sleet, we did not even hear. From what we have seen in films and on TV, snow is white and beautiful. We know that people wear heavy winter clothing at snow time, but it never occurs to us how cold it really is, or what being that cold feels like. The coldest we have ever experienced is the occasional 5°C, and that at night, while tucked nicely in our warm beds. And here we are - completely unprepared for what’s coming.

Early on a sunny morning, with not a cloud to be seen and with the house nice and warm, I decide to empty the rubbish. Walking out of the kitchen door, I have the shock of my life when I find myself hitting the footpath with a heavy thump. Sitting there on a very sore, cold and wet behind, I cannot for the life of me figure out what made me fall. Ignoring it, I step off the path and go to the bin next to the drive. There, I slip down the black-ice-covered ramp, and cannot get up again. Lying sprawled on my tummy in full daylight, trying to crawl up the lawn, all I can see is frozen water droplets and nothing to grab hold of. Finally, I give up and walk very slowly along the public footpath and around the corner to the front steps. At the steps, matters aren’t getting any easier. The steps are as slippery as the car ramp is, and sloped as well. In desperation, I hang on to the single pipe side-rail that is just as frozen. With all the might and determination I can muster, and with hands burning as if I have just been cooked alive, I succeed in getting to the front door exhausted. “

Renate
Artist, poet & the Author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country  

To read reviews and testaments go to http://www.promisedland-renate.com

To look into the book Click here

NEW REVIEW AND ACCOLADE

Hope you who celebrate Easter had a happy time and enjoyed the gathering family and friends.

To those of you, who celebrate the Pesach to come – Happy Pesach.

Few days ago I got a lovely accolade about my book as well as a 4 ½ star view, and I am proud to share them with you,

17.3.08
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country' - Renate

Renate writes the engrossing story of her life from the pre-Hitler good times in Germany through great traumas and adventures in different parts of the world to a satisfying retirement in Australia.

"I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth that was snatched from me before I had time to get used to it, and therefore I did not really miss it."

She writes in an open, honest way of the changes in Israel/Palestine where she grew up and experienced the War of Independence, to adjusting to a new life in Australia. She embraces the changes and the challenges of running a private hospital while caring for a young family. We share in her joys and adventures, which take her round the world.

Interspersed throughout the book are some of her poems, which express deep emotions. This book "From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country" gives a fascinating insight into a remarkable life.

All the best
Elga Kenins (Gold Coast Australia)

20.3.08
Hi Renate,
I'd like to give the book a rating of 4 and a half stars. I thought it was a fabulous book and deserves to do brilliantly.
Elga Kenins (Gold coast, Australia)

To see more about my book click on this link
http://www.promisedland-renate.com

To look inside my book Click here

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country

My 77th Birthday.

I have arrived at the age of 77 and it hit me,

In three years time you’ll be 80! Wow! Sounds awful!

Then I thought again,

In reality, it is not awful at all - it is an achievement:

I look at the mirror and there are signs of wear, tear, and marks of experience, as well as some extra kilos I can do without. But there are no ailments, no medicine to take; and a blood pressure of 120/80 is nothing to complain about.

I go for walks, body surf and dance –turning and twirling with delight – which is pretty good, and very enjoyable –
I know, I should do more of that…
BUT the computer does not let me, it seems to demand more and more of my time. This is bad, isn’t it?
I hear a voice whisper,

‘Don’t think you are only one who does that,’

Yes. You are right, but that does not change the fact. It only says that you should not do it either, doesn’t it?
It’s true. I should move away from the computer and leave some things for tomorrow…
But… can I? ….

This dialogue is getting me nowhere. I’d better turn my attention to the box I carry on my shoulder,

Well, I decided to keep it. The grey matter within it seems to do a good job, so why change it? As a matter of fact, it seems to be working overtime and is getting better each day.
Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. You know the saying,

‘Use it - or lose it?,’

I decided:

Better to use it, than to lose it.

As a matter of fact, there are many things I can do today I could not do when I was younger. I have the tools years of accumulating knowledge bring. I can weave together, unknowingly, new understandings, plane new ventures and set new goals without the demands of a growing family and job obligations.

I can achieve all I’ve never dreamed of before - I have reached the golden age. I arrived, and plan to stay here for another fifty years or so, to be able to fulfil all I have put in front of me.

Having come to this conclusion, I look back into my past, and think, Lucky you, you have, in spite of all the difficulties, which are really just challenges, chosen the best period in history to come into this world, and to experience life in places and times your ship docked you in.

Why is that?

It’s because I have been lucky, fortunate or whatever you care to call it, to pick out of the barrel parents who taught me how make hard decisions; How to face adversities without running away; and never complain when the going is tough. They did this by example, by their own actions - not by words.
Not only that, but above all,

They gave me a second change at life by choosing to leave Germany the year Hitler came into power.

By doing so they did not only save my life, but they also gave me one full of purpose and aim to aspire to. They brought me into a society bursting with camaraderie that worked very hard to re-establish Jewish life in the Land of Israel; make the desert bloom, and resurrect the State of Israel – a once in many life-times chance not many get.

I also was fortunate to get out of this barrel a wonderful partner: my life long friend, lover, and the father of our children, who is still with me doting over me.
He taught me how to fly an aircraft instead of flying off the handle at every little thing.
He also taught me to put all the cards on the table and discuss matters sensibly, which made our marriage work.
With him, I had the honour of understanding Chiropractic, which changed my health fortune and my way of looking at life and at the universe at large.

And how lucky am I to witness the first Radio that came into our lives, the first phone connected in our area; the first T.V show when many countries did not have it as yet. Fly in propeller driven aircraft, be a part of every development since, and be able to sit here and write to you from afar though the net.

Now, at 77, I do all that I had no time for when I was working and had the family to attend to.

Since retirement, I wrote a book, which I am trying to promote; as well as about 45 to 50 poems; and painted about the same number of paintings, that I have started to put into a gift book of poems, painting and Life (or thoughts – not so sure about which word I should use here – inputs are invited).

I made my own website and blog, where I write as regularly as I can. I learn all I can on subjects I like, socialize regularly, and travel every so often.

At times I am lost not knowing what to do first, as I would like to do it all at the same time. But I know that is not possible.
I find the days not long enough, neither the weeks nor the years, and think that about another fifty years will do it for me.

So, did I choose the right and places I lived? I think I did.

Now, I'd like to wish a

‘ Happy birthday’>
To all who are having their 77th this month.
I do sincerely hope that you are getting frustrated from over doing rather than under doing

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country
To look inside my book Click here

A thank you note to an insurance company

You would not believe it, but we have a wonderful insurance company. It restored our trust in an industry, which unfortunately, dished out to us throughout the years, more ill will then good.

Do you remember the water that rained down our family room ceiling, in my post about homecoming?

Well, our insurer – The Australian Pensioners Insurance (APIA), who caters for people over 50 on part time work or retired, was amazing.

The minute we informed them of our problem, they sent their assessor out. The following day, we got reimbursed for money expended on a plumber we engaged first off, and a couple of visitors; who set up four huge fans in strategic positions; to dry the wet ceiling, carpet and walls; and who immediately took one of our rugs for cleaning.

Three days later, when all dried out, the rug came back, and the fans where taken away.

Being around Christmas time, the company was unable to find tradesmen to finish the job before the holiday; and they were beside themselves.

Soon after, a woman plasterer arrived to close the cuts Gerry cut into the ceiling and one of the walls while looking for the source of the water. She was followed by a painter and a carpet cleaner. All we had to do throughout all this process; was to answer phone calls to arrange suitable dates and times, be home to open the door for tradesmen, and confirm the quality of their work, which was superb.

And I must stress - all tradesmen, bar none, were professional to a tee, friendly and obliging. A real pleasure. What more would one want, and how refreshing! What a company -
Thank you APIA.

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country

To look inside my book Click here

Marriage 4th Posting - The family unite and children

This is my forth posting on the subject of marriage.
When I started, I thought I could encompass all I have to say in one or two posts, but it seems I was wrong, so here I am again, looking at 'children within the family unit.'

We waited five years before having our first child.

Our marriage started on a rocky economical base with an income one could barely survive on, which resulted in immigration to a new country two years later.

Our life in the new country was fraught with language difficulties, professional re- examination to comply with the then Australian government laws, and unemployment. To top it all up, we fell into an environment that was emotionally as well as economically foreign to us. We had to grasp a completely new way of thinking and adjust to a completely different social structure and behaviour. AND, naturally, we lost the standing and support of the society we left behind. We were all alone at the bottom of everything, searching for answers. This delayed our family building by five years.
Most couples do not have to make the adjustments we have had to make. Therefore, a couple of years or so should suffice to adjust to each other and create a financial base on which to build a family.

Once a child comes to the world, it joins an existing, functional family unit. And I must stress - joins an existing functional unit. It comes into this unit as a participant, with all the requirements, privileges and responsibilities it entails, and according to its abilities and needs.
He/she does not, nor should ever; assume a centre position like that of a king or queen, which enslaves its parents.
This was the premise with which most of my generation grew up; and with this premise - all fell in to place.

Why did this premise work?
It worked because the parents’ duty is to prepare their offspring to become decent, responsible human being who fit into their society with no difficulties. The society will accept the grown child as a participant, under the terms I have mentioned before, and the home is its the training ground. It is where the child learns how to behave and interact with others; and children with siblings, receive an extra bonus, and fare much better.

Children try their parents day in and day out. With these trials, which try and tire parents to ends degree, they learn what works and what doesn’t; what is accepted and what is not. It teaches them the parameters of right and wrong and moulds their behaviour and character for life.

I often hear, ‘But he is so little’, ‘but she is so sweet’ and so on. Yes that may be so. But they do not stay small and sweet; and if one does not deal with them correctly from the first cry, they may turn out to become ‘the monsters from hell’ - a phenomenon that is, unfortunately, already with us.

Does that mean we should not love our children? No. It does not. On the contrary, it means that if we love them, we should do the right thing by them.

The first and most important thing they need is a home where the parents’ love makes them feel secure. Then, and only then, comes the job of preparing them for life outside the home. This job, as I see it, covers more or less the following, and may be much more:
First and foremost –
We should never suffocate them with over indulgent or over indulgence - we should not let them have everything they want.
We need to guide them to self-sufficiency and encourage them to fulfil the goal they have chosen
Help them, in around about way, to find a far-away star to aim for – a reason for living.
Do not deny them the satisfaction of achievement…
Guide them on how to overcome adversaries, but at the same time also to acknowledge the existence of others who have their rights, wishes and wants as well.
Teach them to be charitable…
In short – mould them into becoming good productive and happy adults.

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country
To see more of my book click on this link
http://www.promisedland-renate.com

A year service in the RAAF

We are every excited.Our youngest grandson is continuing family tradition.
He was accepted, after fierce competition, for a year in the RAAF, under a new trial program the Australian armed forces have instituted for high school graduates.
What the national statistics are I do not know, but here in Qld one in every twenty-three appliances passed the tests.

The chosen youngsters are already in camp undergoing a 5 weeks basic military training.
By the end of this training they will be stationed, few months at a time, in a couple of other camps where they will be introduced to some aspects of their chosen force, and will undertake courses leading to officer ranking.
At the end of the year they will be able to choose if they want to stay in the forces or return to civil life.

The importance of this program, from our family point of view, cannot be underestimated. We feel that most of today’s youngsters are missing out on the normal difficulties, adversities and challenges, which bring to self-fulfilment and self-worthiness.

It is true that there are those who look for and find challenges, but these are in a minority.
We see the disturbing growing phenomenon of needless vandalism, over indulgence in alcohol, and even worse, the use of drug as well as suicide, which comes, in many cases, out of boredom.
We see young and beautiful human specimens who lack a good reason for living; and it hurts.

I do not by any stretch of the imagination think that the armed forces are the answer to every ill in society, but it is a step in the right direction. The feedbacks we are receiving are very positive; our grandson loves the challenges he is facing and the friendships he has already made.

I am well aware that a lot depends on the individual, and that may be, not all of them will make it. BUT, and it is a BIG BUT - these youngsters are getting the chance, and a jumping-board that will kick start them into self awareness and realization that life has something to offer, something to look forwards to.

I cannot but applaud the Australian government and its Forces for instituting this wonderful program.

Renate
http://www.promisedland-renate.com