#I am privileged to be able to do this and I appreciate the opportunities

[galoogamelady]

What was it like first getting into freelance art as a career? Do you have any tips/tricks/advice for people who are looking to pursue this particular field in the near future (aka me...................)?

This might be depressing to hear but my personal and short advice is: don't expect to live off of it. Certainly not in the US. I moved to this country because my husband lived here and thankfully he is able to support both of us with his (not art related) full time job. If it wasn't for him, I don't think I could stay afloat in the US from my current freelancing. I could make due back in Hungary where I'm originally from, but I'm not quite sure how people over here do this all on their own without any sort of support or at least a 50-50 with a partner, friend or family. Again, I'm sorry if this is disappointing but I also don't want to lie and make it look like I'm some bigshot bringing in mad cashmoney by doing whatever I want. Most of the things we have are possible because my husband is a hard worker and we're fairly frugal and conservative with our spending.

I assume those who live off of freelance by themselves work way harder than I do and sacrifice a lot of their personal lives and health to being able to do so. I think it would be smart to ask people who have a more focused path, like animating for indie series, live off of their comic work or mainly illustrate books and covers. They probably have a much more solid advice and plan to follow.

[foragings]

i feel so aimless and full of despair like 89% of the time. and i need to just go to bed but i took a nap earlier and there is only so much time you can spend asleep

[johnnyslittleanimalblog]

OTIS

Like everyone else I have been patiently waiting for 480 Otis to return to Brooks falls this year and like everyone else I have had a difficult time processing the fact that he hasn't.

I have been watching the explore.org bear cams at Brooks Falls since its inception in 2012.

Otis was always the one constant for all those years until this summer and one I regret ever taking for granted.

I have written this post probably 10 or more times since the beginning of August and I have kept re writing it and editing it another ten times in my head. Now that it is autumn and soon all the bears will be leaving Brooks Falls I thought I should probably finally post it.

This is not an eulogy that I am writing however as I am not yet ready to give up on the old bear. Maybe next year if he does not show up I will face facts but I am not ready to do that yet. There are some reasonable theories as to why he didn't make it back this year and all of them plausible. My own optimistic theory is that Otis stumbled upon some stream so full of salmon this year that he never left it.

Katmai is a huge and wild remote place and there is much of it people never go or get to or see. Even the rangers. Brooks Falls is only about a mile and a half of a 4.2-million-acre park.

Otis has legions of fans from all over the world and the internet is full of information and videos of him.

And he has no idea of any of his own fame.

Amazingly along the way, thanks to the explore.org bear cams he has become a very famous bear world wide and a wonderful symbol of conservation.

When I started watching the explore.org bear cams at brooks falls in 2012 Otis was already 16 or 17 years old. He was a well established adult bear with a place in the hierarchy of Brooks Falls when I first saw him. Otis was a good sized bear but I never remember him having big battles or ongoing issues with the top bears at Brooks Falls. For over a decade 856 was the most dominant bear at Brooks Falls and replaced in his absences by 747. They both never seemed bothered by the presence of Otis and would fish side by side with him for years. In later years I can only describe their relationship as old friends, at least in an old bear kind of way. Otis obviously did get into some battles along the way and he wasn't born with that floppy right ear. It was curtesy of another bear.

I have regretted not being able to see Otis as a cub growing up the in same way I have been lucky enough and able to see some of the other bears born in Katmai since 2012 who return each year with their families to Brooks Falls.

And, it wasn't until after watching the bear cams for 2 or 3 years that I really started to appreciate Otis for a variety of reasons. His very peaceful nature and personality and Zen master method of fishing for salmon was amazing to see.

Otis would sit for hours in his office at the far end of the falls hardly every moving and every once in a while his big paw would come out of the water with a salmon in it. Lots of bears like to chase or pounce on the salmon as they go up the river or give up after awhile and move to another fishing spot.

Otis's philosophy was to let the salmon come to him and eventually they did. He was incredibly successful at it and I remember one time someone counted him catching over 40 salmon in one sitting. He won the fat bear contest four times including its first year. He was so successful people began to call him the king of Katmai. He taught us all patience and we all admired him for it. Watching Otis fish for salmon on the bear cams was a calming and relaxing experience.

I saw Otis struggle last year and although he put on a lot of weight by October it was hard to see.

The explore.org bear cams at Brooks Falls is an amazing opportunity to view the lives of wild brown bears and their families and learn their stories. It really is an incredible privilege.

And it has been such a privilege to witness part of the life of Otis.

And so maybe we will not get to see Otis one last summer. As much as we have all wanted it.

Maybe last year was it.

We don't know, but if that is the case Brooks Falls will seem to be a very different place without him.

I love you old bear and where ever you are I hope it is a beautiful sunny day and the salmon are jumping and you are patiently sitting in the shade catching them in your big paws as they swim right to you.

And if you are unable to give us all another summer next year, my very grateful wish for you is that you are somewhere on a river full of salmon and that the summer has become an endless one.

~johnny

[srbachchan]

DAY 5790

Jalsa, Mumbai Dec 24/25, 2023 Sun/Mon 12:11 AM

Birthday - EF Amit Nadkar .. Jalpesh Piyushbhai Desai .. Rani Sharda Monday, 25 December .. and the love and wishes for this auspicious day in your lives .. love from the family Ef ❤️

The opportunity to give to those that never got one in the ideal they wanted to pursue, is now being launched .. the ISPL .. Indian Street Premier League , in cricket ..

It is a famous and a viral habit among all the young that have played street cricket in their youth, to know and appreciate the hidden talent that emerges from this rather informal beginning .. but there are all of us that have at some point of time made up that impromptu pitch and cricket gear to play the game with a tennis ball ..

That is now been formalised and a professional League has been formed to encourage these young to have an opportunity to impress the talent hunters in Cricket of the country, to be noticed and in time get chosen to play in time with the greats of the cricketing world and perhaps get matured enough to play for the Country one day ..

The registrations are starting to be chosen and soon one shall be able to take you further on this ..

A most noble initiative .. giving those that do not have the means or the directions of being noticed, to have a fulfilment of perhaps a dream that they all have dreamt ..

To be selected in teams, to play in a Stadium, to play with as before the Tennis Ball .. but now managed and conducted by the formal Authorities of the game .. inviting all from all over the country to register and join the process of selection ..

I feel privileged and greatly humbled to be a part of this enterprise, in support and in its furtherance ..

the ISPL .. from Street to Stadium .. ❤️🕺👏🇮🇳

And the festival of Christmas brings greetings and love for peace and calm and reverence .. and my greetings for all .. ❤️

And the love of the well wishers ever ..

Amitabh Bachchan

[headbangaelp]

Big Brother 2023: It's All Worth It

oh man, where to start. i just want to say thank you so much for the everlasting love and support for the past four or five months of big brother. it means the world to all of us. every day we would be in the house not knowing if people cared about us, so we took it upon ourselves to make people care. and that shows how citizens can make real change.

like i said last night, my unityverse journey hasn't been the easiest. i started off doing the most regrettable actions, had to pay the price for three years and finally got the chance to come back. of course it wasn't perfect - i was angry with this place for letting me leave so easily. but the truth was that i needed that. i need some sort of passion to fuel me and give me a purpose to show how i can be now. i spent the first few months of my unityverse journey recalling what i'd done, apologizing and owning up to it. i wanted to show unityverse that i am a changed person. and that just so happens to be seen in my wrestling career too.

i started appreciating the fans, and well... i started to appreciate unityverse more. there's so much to love about this place - it gives people the opportunity to be challenged but to also showcase their best qualities through those challenges. every time i went through an obstacle, i tried to keep this mindset, but it was pretty difficult since the feeling of loneliness consumed me.

big brother allowed me to put all of my worries and feelings aside and start fresh with a brand new group of people that were just as nervous as me. we were able to bond together and even though the journey wasn't perfect, we were like family. we fought, we supported each other and we believed in each other. even though this competition got a lot of criticism, we stayed true to our beliefs and knew that we were not being given the platform to make people care. and so we started to create that platform.

when alex and i walked out of the big brother house, that was the moment where things in big brother shifted. unityverse always wants to see something new, so that's what we did. it allowed people to build conversations and develop opinions, which is what unityverse is supposed to do. in one of my confessionals i said that win or lose i accomplished my goal - i got people to care again.

i said it in my acceptance speech but holy fuck i missed so much while competing - the entire g1, joining g.o.d., winning the strong openweight tag titles, half of world tag league - but winning this entire competition makes the struggle worth it. seeing all of you cheer for me and support me is something i never thought i'd see and i am so grateful for it every day.

i'm going to carry my big brother win with love. i want this to be a moment where people can see the potential in unityverse. there's still so much work left to be done. there's still so much emotion we have to convey. we all have the privilege on a daily basis to connect with each other and we should take advantage of that. no more holding grudges, but embracing each other with respect. after three years of fighting with hatred towards this place, i fought with heart and that is the reason why i'm here as your winner.

thank you to everyone that believed in me. thank you to the executive producers, interviewers and announcers. thank you to the garcia twins. thank you to the big brother 2023 roster.

Thank you UnityVerse. I LOVE YOU! 🫶

[panderghast]

I have maybe a pinch of hope left...

Cause like, I have sooooo much to give. And it seems like everyone wants a piece of it, but nobody wants to give anything back. They want me to be dirty, as long as I can wash myself clean again of course (my goodness). They love how quirky I am! Until I need to tone it down, oh my gosh it's mortifying. Why would I wear that in public, say that out loud? I'm going to walk away from you if you do that, I swear to god don't embarrass me. I have strong values and morals; unless we disagree. Then I become stubborn and unpleasant while I defend my opinion and you drown out my voice with your cynicism and ego. I can't even talk about what's bothering me, it's a personal attack on them exclusively. Lord have mercy it is actually about them, because suddenly they do nothing right and nothing is ever good enough for me and they just can't lose me, they can't!

Honestly, I'm also tired of playing into the thought of basic decency being my reward? I'm not your good girl. I'm not a dog. You aren't a dom, and I'm not a sub. I don't owe you that privilege just because you saw me naked and you put your hand on my throat while you fucked me. You don't know the first thing about BDSM, and you can't even tell me the definition of a kink. So why do you think this is a turn based game instead of a bonding exercise around consent? Don't touch me.

The thing is, I want to let someone in. I want to express deep and passionate love. But I am constantly misguided. I am lead to believe these men tell the truth, and then once I get comfortable in their embrace and I feel safe they constrict me like a snake until I stop breathing. My heart is treated like a possession, not a delicate gift. I'm a conquest in some sick subjugation, not a prize to be displayed and discussed and proud of. I'm a very fun toy to have, but I'm like a sports car - but they can't use me everyday, that's why they have their family car and I'm in the garage; they can only take my out when its convenient or they're feeling nostalgic or frisky. All I was asking for is maybe some recognition? A little appreciation, some attention? Maybe give me half as much thought as you did to your Baldur's Gate 3 character. Or, I suddenly turn into their mother and I get to experience all the Freudian bullshit that they packed in their bags and dragged around with them from house to house. I must be able to teach them all the things their lacking, right? I mean, after all I'm raising 4 kids successfully on my own and maintaining a house and budget without help and I do all these wonderful things like cook and clean and make art and I can still love so freely. Wow! I'm a goddess. I'm so special, unique, incredible, astounding...So, that's something that I can share obviously. It must be a secret, a technique I've perfected through all the trauma and opportunities life has given me. If I could only support them a bit...emotionally, spiritually, financially, sexually, physically, mentally...teach them how to take care of themselves since they never bothered to learn. Then I could make them a good partner. For me, of course! ...But I have to make sure I share their interests because mine are a bit boring, they don't get it it's too much information to follow, this cartoon is kind of childish don't you think, what is this a romance, I don't really understand old horror movies they're so badly made...but hey, have you seen the entire Marvel collection? Don't worry, I'll make sure to ask you questions on everything you do like that coincides with my interests to make sure you're telling the truth. Oh wait, make sure that I don't go out without them too much, they'll feel lonely. Why is my phone going off so much? I'm so paranoid about shutting my laptop when I'm done, omg can I stop doing that why don't I leave it open. Hey, they're out of body wash and shampoo btw. Ah, shoot, can I help them clean up because they're just so tired. Can I cover this bill, order this food, get these drinks cause they ran out of money? We haven't gone out in a while...oh it's because I'm not paying or planning for it anymore and the last time you did anything was March? What the fuck do you mean you don't vote? What the fuck do you mean you think feminists are annoying? What the fuck do you mean I emasculate you, I wasn't even talking to you, I was talking to my son about doing his homework or else he would end up living in his friends apartment sleeping on a mattress on the floor with no sheets and his winter coat on cause they couldn't afford the gas bill working a dead end job at a fast food place cause he has no skills...but if the fucking shoe fits, my guy. 🙄

[empenvs3000f24]

Unit 3 Blog Post

Hi Everyone!

In my first blog post I touched on the fact that I am grateful for the experiences I have had in nature and how they continue to provide me with peace and comfort; however, I don’t think I fully grasped the depth of my ability to connect with nature and how my identity plays a role in that. By my name, I’m sure you can guess that I’m a white woman. This in and of itself gives me a leg up when it comes to my identity and how the public might perceive me. I am also writing this blog because I am enrolled in a university course, which many people do not have the opportunity to even think about doing. I am able to read and write, have full physical mobility, and access nature because I want to, not because I need to in order to survive. This whole class and myself, are lucky to be able to learn what nature interpretation is, because many people are wondering where their next meal is going to come from. I try my best to acknowledge my privilege and pure luck that I have ended up in the situation I am in and try to pay gratitude where I can. 

I grew up in Brampton, which is a big melting pot of culture and religion. In high school especially I noticed how certain students were treated by teachers and our school police, oftentimes being targeted for the way they looked. That’s not to say that I have just coasted through life with no adversity; yet I am not often a victim of my skin colour or religion. I think witnessing interactions like these ones have made me hyper aware of the way I interact with people of all identities and how I treat everyone with respect.

In my opinion, to have privilege is not having to think about the fact that you posses it. I feel like there is an element of ‘I deserve this’ and that can really turn sour when we don’t pay some respect to those who would do anything to be in our position. I’m sure plenty of us in this class have traveled, visited touristy areas, been to a cottage, experience(d) nature through skiing, golfing, boating, horseback riding, or hiking. Many people do not get to access these activities or places frequently, if at all. I think this is why nature interpretation roles are so important. If the opportunity arises, nature interpreters can provide someone with a very memorable and cherished moment. My working definition of privilege evolves as I experience new things and grow as a person. I will continue to appreciate my situation and strive to be a lifelong learner. 

Thanks for reading :) 

[girlvinland]

Something I have been thinking about is around age, and I feel that it does everyone a great disservice to have the mindset of “oh, how can you be x and not get it”, “how can you be x and still act like that”, etc. This is not meant as a defense of behavior that causes harm. I think what I’m trying to get at is that all of us have our own timelines on which we develop understandings or realizations. Sometimes there are blockers that make it more difficult (mentally/physically/financially/intersectionally), but there is always an opportunity to adapt new ways of thinking and behaving. People who are “set in their ways” don’t always have to be, and I genuinely believe in the ability of most people on earth to have stages where they reach new levels of open-mindedness or maturity if they are able to add a layer of objectivity to how they look at the world.

Maybe this is a big reason why so much vitriol exists rn, because we’re exposed to so many things that fuel our emotions and stoke the fires of our past experiences as they relate to privilege or trauma or ability. There is often a constant screaming match that sometimes feels impossible to tune out. I think in the end though, my point of this post is that sometimes I see comments like the ones above, and I don’t really understand them, or I don’t comprehend what age has to do in relation to things like emotional intelligence or growth. So much more goes into those things than just. Age.

I think what it actually comes down more to is the level of openness someone has already, if they’re willing (and able) enough to see how other people look at the world, and if they’ve had experiences that actually encourage that. Again, I am not attempting to excuse behavior where it’s like, someone is fighting for the oppression of other people. There are a lot of people out there who hold extremely harmful beliefs, and many of them will never change those. But then there are some who do come around, sometimes slowly, but I do find appreciation in that kind of growth regardless of their age. Does it excuse past harm they may have caused? No, of course not. I think most everyone would agree on that. But I do find it encouraging how mutable humans can be. I don’t think we should ever discount someone’s ability to change based on age or any other other superficial factor like that. It’s really more about reaching a level where growth is actually considered by them to be a choice that they want to actively move toward.

[literatureloverx]

Hello again,

I looked up the online store for Cider and Lichi. They have very classic and refined pieces, and you have a well-curated style indeed. Your lockscreen photo even suits your aesthetic with the dark background and pomegranates reminding me of Persephone.

I am glad that your affinity for “Carmen” is not for the more depressing reasons I had assumed. My personal favourite is “Salvatore” (which you noted as well) after a dear Internet friend of mine said the song reminded them of me. That was one of the highest compliments of my life. As an aside, I don’t know if the other anon after my ask was referring to this specifically, but you do have a habit of downplaying your struggles and frequently reassuring others on here that you are alright. Your struggles are not an inconvenience, imposition, or burden to those who wish to ease them. As with what the other anon said, “we want to care for you.” By concealing your struggles, you prevent your supporters and loved ones from having the opportunity and privilege of caring for you. Of course, you are under no obligation to bare your heart and soul for the masses to see online, but I do hope that you allow yourself to lean on your systems of support more outside of this space if that is the case.

I am pretty familiar with Star Wars, and the prequels are a favourite of mine. I actually was Anakin for Halloween, but I’m not very knowledgeable about the locations in the films. I do hope you will be able to travel there in the future! The coast looks gorgeously picturesque in photos, as does the architecture in the area.

On the subject of love languages, the reason why it is typically labeled “receiving gifts” rather than “gift giving” (although I have seen the latter on occasion) is that it’s usually in the perspective of which love language one feels the most cared for by receiving and less so about how one prefers to express their appreciation for others. Incidentally, one’s preferences for giving and receiving love languages can oftentimes be different. 

Also, I am not exactly sure why you felt the need to ask, but yes, you may use whatever emojis you want on my asks.

— 🫀 Cœur anon

(I am curious about why you think I chose this emoji.) 

Hello and welcome back! ♥️

Thank you for the kind compliments—you really have an eye for detail. When I chose this wallpaper, I did think of Persephone because of the pomegranate, though I didn’t dive too deep into it. Now that you’ve pointed it out, I can see the connection more clearly. She’s actually one of the less problematic goddesses in Greek mythology… Honestly, I’ve never really thought about which Greek goddess might fit me. I tend to observe characters from a distance without projecting too much of my own identity onto them, but I can see how the duality of light and dark that Persephone represents would be fitting, especially aesthetically. (I had an unhealthy obsession with Greek mythology as a child, which is where some of that background knowledge comes from.) You didn’t even draw a direct association between me and the goddess, but I’m rambling anyway, hahaha. (I told you I can get carried away, haven’t I?)

As for “Salvatore,” that makes a lot of sense. Your online friend must be very introspective to have come up with that. I think the second verse of the song fits especially well.

I have a habit of downplaying my struggles, though it’s not something I do intentionally. It’s just always been this way, and I guess I’m afraid of bothering others. Objectively, I completely understand if someone feels it’s not their concern—honestly, I probably wouldn’t have brought any of this up if you hadn’t initiated the topic. I also tend to think that I’m the only one who can fix my problems; I don’t like making them someone else’s.

That said, I don’t want to sound contradictory, but I also don’t think my struggles are anything earth-shattering. I know it could always be worse, and I’m grateful for everything I have. Please don’t worry about me though (I’m aware I’m doing it again, haha). If I ever need practical advice, I can turn to my brother, and if I need emotional support, I turn to my mom. The challenge is that I don’t really have someone who can offer both at the same time. My mom tends to get too emotional, and my brother can be a bit too practical. My friends, in their own way, need help from me too. So, over time, I’ve become more self-sufficient.

Thank you very much for being so considerate and kind; I really appreciate it.

Another show we both adore? It’s fascinating. The prequels are my favorites as well, with The Revenge of the Sith being at the peak. Do you relate to Anakin? He’s a character I’ve always found incredibly dimensional and real.

Thank you for the clarification about love languages. I had been wondering about it for a few days now, haha.

Also—not to sound like a creep here—but I saw you mention that you have an anatomical heart as your wallpaper. I assumed that you either like it aesthetically, or it likely has a profound meaning for you.

I’ll be looking forward to when we interact next, 🫀 cœr anon! ♥️

[smenvs3000f24]

Unit 3 Blog #1

To begin my post, I wanted to include the definition of privilege I am considering for this discussion. I would define privilege as an advantage or set of advantages given only to individuals in a particular group, especially in which this advantage is not due to the individual or group’s own actions or merits.

Nature interpretation is not a subject that I would immediately think to bring discussion of privilege into, and that in and of itself reflects the privilege that I have to feel like I automatically “fit in” in these discussions. For this reason, I appreciate this unit topic as an opportunity to reflect on the ways that privilege does play a role in nature interpretation, in its accessibility, opportunity, and encouragement.

During these posts I have commented on many experiences in which field trips formed my relationship with nature, but I realize many people may not have been in a financial position to attend trips like these. I was fortunate enough that my family was in a position to afford these events, and my elementary school had a system in place for ensuring that the cost of students who could not afford it was covered so they would still be able to attend, but I am aware that this is far from a universal experience. Expanding further from this, larger trips with family to experience nature is another privilege of both financial situation and time. Many families will not be able to afford travel or won’t be able to take off time from work to schedule these trips. Growing up in a family in which money is not tight is a massive privilege for all areas of life, and access to nature and interpretive experiences within it is no exception.

The other subject of privilege that I mentioned briefly is the encouragement to pursue these types of activities. As mentioned in the textbook, there are many misconceptions and stereotypes about immigrants and a disinterest in nature. Throughout my life, I have always been encouraged to engage with nature and outdoor experiences, however this was not something offered to some of my peers. These misconceptions can act as self-fulfilling prophecies, as never offering these opportunities in nature to certain groups because of assumptions they wouldn’t want to be involved creates an environment in which these groups are no longer interested due to a feeling of exclusion and unwelcomeness. This privilege is also present in advertising in all areas of life, including nature interpretation. I have grown up seeing people who look like me on advertisements for nature experiences, and thus have been subconsciously encouraged to pursue these areas in a way that many minority groups have not. These advertisements and interpretive experiences existing primarily or solely in English and French is also an often-unnoticed privilege of English speakers to be the default audience for nature experiences.

Discussing privilege in this way is often an uncomfortable experience for those of us who do benefit from these privileges, but it is crucial for progressing towards a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. In nature interpretation, we should be striving to create a space for people of all experiences to participate and learn.

[emrenvs3000f24]

UNIT 10 BLOG POST

As I develop as a nature interpreter, I am driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to access and appreciate nature, regardless of where they live or the resources available to them. I find profound beauty not only in vast, untouched landscapes but also in the pockets of green in urban spaces, like city parks and community gardens. To me, nature exists wherever there is life, growth, and connection. I believe that helping people see this, showing them that nature is not just a remote wilderness but something within reach, can foster a more inclusive and widespread love for the natural world.

https://wwf.ca/stories/nature-based-cities

I recognize that privilege often dictates who has access to vast natural areas, shaping whose experiences are enriched by nature’s presence. Many people may never see a national park or wilderness reserve, but this doesn’t mean they should miss out on the lessons and joys nature can offer. For those living in cities, for example, urban parks and gardens are opportunities for connection with the outdoors, and it’s my mission to help people see these spaces as valuable, accessible natural areas.

My goal as an interpreter is to bridge this gap, making nature both accessible and relatable. Breaking down barriers means meeting people where they are, whether that’s through guided walks in a city park or providing virtual content like videos and podcasts that bring nature to them. It’s about reshaping the idea of what nature can be and expanding the places where people feel connected to it.

Another pillar of my ethic is the responsibility to protect and restore natural areas. I believe our relationship with nature impacts us deeply, not only for the ecosystem services that sustain human life (like clean air and water) but also for the emotional and spiritual benefits we gain. Nature has a unique power to ground us, to remind us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

https://runwildmychild.com/sit-spotting-nature-meditation

I see it as my duty to help others understand this, especially the role that conservation plays in preserving these spaces for future generations. Teaching people about the benefits of clean air, water, and biodiversity, and helping them see how protecting nature is a form of self-care, can inspire actions that support both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

I feel a deep responsibility to convey the importance of nature and conservation in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. This isn’t about simply telling people what they should feel or believe, but rather about opening doors for them to develop their own relationships with nature. Whether it’s taking people on guided hikes, leading them in reflective activities, or creating accessible content, I strive to be a resource and a guide.

For those who may be less able to explore natural spaces on their own, perhaps due to physical limitations or other barriers, I’m committed to finding alternative ways for them to experience nature. This might involve creating content that’s accessible to all, like podcasts, social media stories, or even documentary-style videos that showcase the beauty and resilience of nature. By bringing nature to people in these ways, I hope to inspire them to seek their own outdoor experiences when possible.

I am passionate about getting out into nature as often as I can, fishing, camping and hiking are all big parts of my life. I find that  physically interfacing with nature is one of the best ways to manage the stress of university life. There’s something about being in the woods, away from deadlines and to-do lists, that allows me to reset. The rhythm of nature, with its slower pace and its reminders of resilience, teaches me to be patient and trust in life’s cycles. This personal experience gives me a sense of responsibility to share this source of calm and balance with others.

Whether it’s taking a quick study break in my backyard or spending an entire day fishing on a remote lake, nature has a way of bringing clarity and peace that I think everyone deserves to experience. And as an interpreter, I’m in a unique position to make this possible for people from all backgrounds.

From my personal experience I believe that hands on, immersive experiences are the most effective way for me to connect with people. I feel as though guiding individuals and groups in natural settings would be most suited to my abilities. In these face-to-face settings, there’s an energy that comes from shared discovery, from spotting an unexpected animal or seeing the beauty of a plant up close.

https://www.skilouise.com/explore-summer/guided-hikes

However, I also know that not everyone can join these in-person experiences. For these audiences, creating digital content is essential, and easier than ever before. I am drawn to developing social media posts, podcasts, and videos that can spark curiosity and encourage people to explore on their own. I want to help them feel connected to nature, even if that connection is happening from a screen.

As I continue to grow in this field, I’m committed to being adaptable in my approach. Everyone comes to nature with different perspectives, experiences, and needs. For some, a short walk in a city park might be enough to find peace, while others may need the challenge of a backcountry trail. As a nature interpreter, it’s my job to honor these differences, provide multiple ways of connecting, and celebrate nature in all its forms and locations.

Through every method I use, whether it’s guiding hikes, sharing stories online, or simply helping others see nature as an essential part of life, I hope to foster a love for nature that feels personal and possible for everyone. And ultimately, I believe that by making nature accessible and meaningful to people of all backgrounds, I’m contributing to a future where more people will care about protecting the world around them.

[cocofawn]

xiva !! hope ur doing well and that logan and yūta is taking care of ya ! so uhm uhm, is it okay if i ask u on how i can widen my vocabulary? (⁠｡⁠ﾉ⁠ω⁠＼⁠｡⁠) i love love love ur writing so much and i get inspired everytime i read them but when i try to write, the words in my mind get all scrambled and messy ... (·•᷄∩•᷅ )

hallo, precious miroooo (◜ᵕ ◝ ྀི ) .ᐟ .ᐟ do take a seat 'n allow mi tew provide chu wif a potful of tea 'n a few pastries 🫖 fwom m’ pantry whilst we chat 🩷 i wld b sho honoured tew aid u wif ur dilemma .ᐟ .ᐟ

fwirst of all, i wld liek tew gib chu a biiig thanku fwor da praise .ᐟ .ᐟ 🥺 hearing dat da vrrie hobby i find solace in is able tew inspire such a creative soul such as urself 'n leave an imprint on ur craft is a privilege 'n an honour .ᐟ inspiring others wif m’  own work is indeed an unforeseen yet incredible outcome . . 'nd i am eternally grateful tew b able tew contribute dis littl bit tew chu 🩷

regarding ur question, well, i fink da key tew expanding ur vocabulary is simply immersing urself in a wide range of mediums. reading is indeed an excellent source fwor improving vocabulary, but there are many more forms of art 'n expression out there dat will help chu develop a rich lexicon, such as poetry, film, music, theatre, 'n video games. 

poetry, especially, can provide a plethora of words, phrases, 'n idioms dat will help build a foundation. a simple google search 'n a few moments spent exploring will lead chu down a rabbit hole filled wif endless opportunities tew learn 'n discover. 'tis also important tew keep an open mind 'n take in a wide range of works, from modern poets, tew ancient writers, 'n even foreign language writers ! i wld recommend dat chu choose pieces chu show interest or haff a connection wif, bcos da experience will be much more enjoyable 'n engaging .ᐟ da last thing chu want is tew feel liek ur doing a chore instead of a passion project .ᐟ .ᐟ

film can offer a variety of new phrases, expressions, 'n colloquialisms, which can be helpful fwor da creative aspect of writing. i would also suggest looking fwor films made by directors who share similar interests 'n values, since dat way, their work will reflect the same mindset 'n ideas dat chu are interested in .ᐟ .ᐟ 'tis important tew note dat not all films are created equal, sho 'tis imperative tew keep an open mind 'n haff discerning taste.

similarly, theatre can offer a wide range of vocabulary, particularly regarding the nuances 'n dialects used in different plays. 'tis an excellent form of expression, but one dat may require some practice 'n adjustment. exploring theatre will not only provide a large array of vocabulary, but will also expand ur knowledge on how language, tone, 'n body language can be used in various ways to communicate a multitude of feelings 'n ideas— which, in turn, can improve writing tenfold.

music is an undisputedly beautiful form of art. listening 'n appreciating it will help broaden ur horizons 'n enrich ur senses. da phrases, 'n words used in music are scrupulously crafted 'n arranged. they are woven together in a delicate balance, creating a unique, complex, 'n multidimensional experience. not only can music influence emotions 'n create vivid imagery, but it can also offer an entirely new world.

lastly, video games are another excellent outlet, particularly if chu are interested in storytelling. da characters, dialogue, 'n environments are carefully created, 'n every detail has a purpose 'n place. video games can provide inspiration 'n fresh material 'n can even help with the creative process itself.

moving away fwom media though, implementing eloquent speech into ur everyday life is another way dat will help chunprogress. using flowery language is 'n indeed a very pleasant 'n enjoyable experience, but if chu are interested in creating an extensive, rich vocabulary, chu will have tew explore different avenues.

using metaphors, similes, 'n allusions in daily conversations 'n texts is an excellent start. 

'n of course, if possible, reading aloud is a phenomenal exercise. practicing pronunciation 'n inflection is a valuable skill, 'n due tew u speaking out loud, da words will become much more familiar— embedding themselves in ur memory 'n providing an anchor fwor reference .ᐟ

when introducing urself tew new stocks of words, ur writing may become awkward, choppy, or even discombobulated. a tip tew avoid dis is tew not add tew many elements at once. instead, take small steps 'n integrate a few things at a time. da words may initially feel strange, foreign, or unnatural, but da more chu practise, da easier it will become ! chu should also keep in mind dat progress takes time.

i hope all of dis helps somewhat 'n provides an adequate solution fwor chu 🥺 if not, feel free tew message mi at anytime .ᐟ a fwend is wat i am here tew be 'n a shoulder is wat i am here tew offer 🩷

[bowokshop]

Growing Up Queer in Australia - edited Benjamin Law

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘No amount of YouTube videos and queer think pieces prepared me for this moment.’ ‘The mantle of “queer migrant” compelled me to keep going – to go further.’ ‘I never “came out” to my parents. I felt I owed them no explanation.’ ‘All I heard from the pulpit were grim hints.’ ‘I became acutely aware of the parts of myself that were unpalatable to queers who grew up in the city.’ ‘My queerness was born in a hot dry land that was never ceded.’ ‘Even now, I sometimes think that I don’t know my own desire.’ Compiled by celebrated author and journalist Benjamin Law, Growing Up Queer in Australia assembles voices from across the spectrum of LGBTIQA+ identity. Spanning diverse places, eras, ethnicities and experiences, these are the stories of growing up queer in Australia.

‘For better or worse, sooner or later, life conspires to reveal you to yourself, and this is growing up.’

With contributions from David Marr, Fiona Wright, Nayuka Gorrie, Steve Dow, Holly Throsby, Sally Rugg, Tony Ayres, Nic Holas, Rebecca Shaw and many more.

I am privileged enough to have grown up with the internet, with information about queer people and queer identities so difficult to hide, such that even at a christian school, I was able to find the words to describe myself almost as soon as I recognised those parts of myself.

Even so, hearing first-person accounts of Australian queer people, like me, dealing with Australia's culture and biases, made me felt seen in a way I don't think any other medium could have.

Growing Up Queer in Australia portrayed all different aspects of queerness, from celebration and pride to rejection and heartbreak. It was a wonderful reflection of thoughts and feelings I've had, as well as those I would never have considered to be part of the queer experience.

I really appreciated the range of queer identities represented in the book; from lesbian and gay to queer, every letter of LGBTQ+ was represented. I do wish we got more stories from the '+' part of the queer community, but I am glad that Growing Up Queer does make an effort to include more than just gay and lesbian authors. I especially appreciated the range in gender identities and presentation of the authors, including both masc- and femme-presenting lesbians and their struggles, trans people who realised both early and late in life, people who had strong gendered feelings that didn't neatly fit into these boxes.

I also welcome the intersectionality present in Growing Up. As someone who is white and able-bodied, it was eye-opening to read how deep the authors' queerness was related to other marginalised parts of their identity such as disability and race. I appreciated the variety in Australian class and location represented in the book, including rural, small towns, suburban and city perspectives. It made me really happy in one story to notice where they were from and say "Hey, that's near me! That's my community!"

As Benjamin Law addresses in the wonderfully written foreword, I am very glad that the title chosen is 'Growing Up Queer in Australia.' The use of 'queer' feels very inclusive and tells me Law is not shying away from the tougher parts of queer identities in an effort to make the book more marketable.

For me personally though, trying to digest the a-spec parts of my identity has been a big part of my personal discovery, and for this reason I would loved to have seen asexual and aromantic representation. It seems from personal anecdote to make up a surprisingly large section of the lgbtq+ community, so it was a bit disappointing that with dozens of authors involved, there was not a single a-spec author.

In general, I was a little disappointed there weren't many authors from the '+' part of lgbtq+, such as a-spec, non-binary and genderfluid. There are some identities that feel marginalised even within the queer community and this book could have been a good opportunity to bring light to them. I would have especially loved to see 'contradictory' identities such as he/him lesbians.

I am still giving 5 stars because I understand when compiling and publishing a book like this, there will always be people who felt left out by it, and I can see and appreciate the effort that has gone into diversity and intersectionality in Growing Up Queer.

Growing Up Queer, through its diverse collection of stories, reaches out and says, You are not alone. There are others who have been in the same situation.

[alenvs3000f24]

Blog Prompt 4

Who are you to interpret nature through art? How do you interpret “the gift of beauty”?

To begin to answer this question I believe it is important to touch on what was learned in Unit 4 of ENVS*3000 about the concept of art. Art comes in many different forms including a song or a photograph. Pieces of art are able to, for example, capture something from the past and bring it into the future. This allows someone to witness its beauty over and over again without having to be there first hand. Allowing for someone to interpret nature in itself without having to view it in real life, giving them an opportunity to digest the beauty of it. Art can also allow us to interpret nature from the perspective of someone else which is another insightful point of view during the interpretation processes. When thinking of who I am as an individual, to interpret nature through art there are many aspects that need to be considered. Every person has their own experiences and opinions, no two people are the same. Each person can have a different interpretation of the art they are a witness to. This can lead back to last week's discussion surrounding privilege. The privileges that I have, which has allowed me to see and experience nature shapes how I would interpret nature through art. My personal connection with nature affects how I interpret nature through art. While everyone else may interpret the art in a different way due to their own personal experiences. This in itself is another interesting factor that can be considered when interpreting nature through art. Each person's experience with nature are unique therefore how each person will interpret nature through art will be unique. Overall, everyone has the right to interpret nature through art, the connections formed with nature are personal and are dependent on the individual interpreting the art. 

Nature interpretation offers so many “gifts” to its audience. In chapter 5 of the Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World textbook it lists 15 gifts which are affiliated to the Principles of Interpretation (page 84 in the textbook). One of these is the gift of beauty. The principle in association states “Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings—to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation”. After analyzing this principle I interpret the gift of beauty as the feelings that experiencing nature invoke within me. Whenever I am faced with hard times or sad feelings my mood can be uplifted by simply going on a walk and embracing nature. This is because when I am outside I admire the beauty of nature and the value that it holds in my day to day life. Seeing and appreciating the beauty that nature holds makes me for example place intrinsic value on all parts of an ecosystem. I am able to see not only the beauty that nature holds, but also recognize the importance of it. The gift of beauty is therefore the privilege and emotional attachment that is formed when immersed in nature's beauty. This beauty allows us to form a connection with nature and instills the need to foster protection of the environment.

[msdenvs3000f24]

Unit 3

What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.

I would consider privilege to be centred primarily in one’s upbringing and the experiences they were afforded in their early years due to the socioeconomic standing of their family. More and more I have come to realise that I have been privileged in my ability to access nature from an early age, I have benefitted greatly from what my family could offer because of the area we lived in, finances, and the ability for them to take time off work to connect with nature as a family. Also, the fact that my parents recognised that connecting with nature as a child is important is another point of privilege, in my opinion. As a personal example, it’s the travel experiences that stick in my mind as a clear cut example of near-textbook privilege. I think of my time spent in the French Alps, specifically, where I had the opportunity to feel small in nature among the vast peaks. I would consider these trips truly formative, as they taught me to appreciate the unpredictability and immense power of nature. Lightning storms are common in the Alps in summer, and it came as quite a shock to see lightning repeatedly strike a summit that my family and I had been stood at just half an hour earlier. The experiences I was fortunate to have throughout my childhood through travel, access to books and media, and simply our proximity to nature in my hometown afforded me tools to nurture my connection with nature. So, even though I would like to think that I would have found my way to this point on my own, without these experiences, I am not certain that I would feel as strongly about nature as I now do.

 A cloudless sky near the summit just an hour before the storm rolled in (Chamonix, France. 2020)

To understand the true sway of privilege in the environmental sector, one must only look at statistics around race, gender, nationality and many more characteristics determined as ‘birth rights’ that apply to top policymakers, publishers, and famed interpreters. Above that, privilege has strong influence on the most heard voices when discussing protecting nature and other environmental issues.

Through my interpretation experience so far (yet another experience the privilege of being able to move to a new continent to attend university has afforded me), I have become mindful of making these spaces and scenarios as welcoming as possible to as many people as possible. This sent me down path of intense learning, and has led me to seriously consider how I can recognise my privilege and reduce the way it may warp my view of nature, and the wider world. Beyond the personal benefits I have gained from this, I would consider this to be an example of the power of interpretation; where not only the audiences are learning, but the interpreters are too. I think that through mindful and equitable nature interpretation we can start to bridge the gap that privilege creates, and hopefully reach a point where everyone is afforded distinct opportunities to develop their own relationship with nature.

[jamiebamberdaily]

TV Times Interview - Issue 12 [18-24 March 2023]

Tap/click ‘Keep Reading’ to view the transcript.

Jamie Bamber is no stranger to crime dramas, having played detectives in gritty ITV1 series Law & Order: UK, Marcella and DI Ray. But for his current role in BBC1’s sun-dappled whodunnit show Beyond Paradise, the actor is enjoying a rather different beat as dashing vineyard owner Archie Hughes, who is far more interested in sampling fine wines that solving complex cases! As the Death In Paradise spin-off continues this week, Archie and his business partner - and ex-fiancée! - Martha Lloyd (played by Sally Bretton) welcome a food critic into their cafe, hoping it could boost the fledging enterprise’s fortunes. All the while, it’s clear that Archie is harbouring feelings for his former flame, who is now happily engaged to DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall). Here, in an exclusive interview, Jamie, 49, tells TV Times why he’s relishing causing a stir in the (fictional) Devon town of Shipton Abbott...

The fourth episode feels like a turning point for Archie and Martha’s business, but he seems very distracted by his feelings for her, doesn’t he?

Yes, Archie is someone who’s living with regret. Martha is the one that got away, and it has taken him a fair few years to realise that that was the opportunity of his life. He’s a very successful guy with a lot of options; he’s been privileged from birth and he’s made the most of that. But I think the one thing he feels he maybe didn’t appreciate when he had it was Martha. And lo and behold, there she is!

When Archie originally offered to invest in Martha’s new cafe, was he genuinely trying to help or was there an ulterior motive?

A lot of times in life, we’re not entirely clear what our motivations are for different things that we do - they don't necessarily have to be one thing or the other. I think Archie enjoys the fact that she’s come back to Shipton Abbot, and he likes her and is attracted to her, he he likes Humphrey, too. When he met Humphrey, he was pleasantly surprised! Archie wants to be part of Martha’s new life, but whether he's planning to somehow come between the two of them, I don’t think it’s as cut and dry as that.

Are you worried about how viewers might react if Archie does cause probelms for much-loved couple Martha and Humphrey?

Obviously, the character is treading a fine line, but I am very secure in the knowledge that Beyond Paradise is an extremely well-put-together, accomplished piece of television writing. It’s still a ‘will they, won’t they?’ story in some regards, and Archie is a part of that dynamic. It depends on who you side with as to who you root for!

We hear there’s a big storyline for Archie in next week’s penultimate episode. Can you share any teasers with us?

It’s really fun! Like most of these multi-arc TV formats, each episode stands alone but there are various intrigues that last the series, so the nearer you get to the end, the more there is at stake. Episode five is great, because Archie is involved in the case of the week - and he is a suspect...’

Intriguing! Did you enjoy working with the other cast members on the series?

Yes, it was an absolute pleasure. And Sally and I got on very well from the first moment we met, which is important. Barbara Flynn [who plays Martha’s mum, Anne Lloyd] is a legend - she’s cheeky and has a glint in her eye that’s great fun to bounce off! It’s the same with Sally and Kris, too. They’re all accomplished comedic actors, and that was a real boon for me.

The show was filmed on location in Devon and Cornwall. Were you able to fit in any sightseeing?

Yes, I fell in love with Looe, in Cornwall, in particular,which is the main stand-in for Shipton Abbot; I thought it was beguiling in every way. My wife [Bad Girls star Kerry Norton] happened to e shooting a thing on the north coast of Cornwall, so she came down to Looe and we were able to do some walks along the coast and go out for meals. I played quite a bit of golf, too, because I was put up in the lovely [village of] St Merryn, which has some great courses!

Talking of filming in beautiful places... Would you like to see Archie pop up in Caribbean-set sister series Death In Paradise for a crossover one day?

That would be fantastic! I’m not overly familiar with Death In Paradise, having lived abroad for the bulk of it’s run, but I’ve seen enough to know that it’s a global success, and it’s super-fun to be part of its little baby sister show here. I couldn’t be prouder to be involved, and if that involvement continued in any way, I would be delighted for a crossover. And on a ‘Jamie and family’ level, a trip to Guadeloupe [Where Death in Paradise is filmed] would be great!

Last year, you played DCI Martyn Hunter in police procedural DI Ray, and before that Sam Wright in ITV1’s 2021 drama Innocent - both characters who seemed lovely but were later found to be harbouring dark secrets. Do you like taking on roles that shock viewers?

I really enjoyed both of those shows, and, yes, I spotted the same pattern - and it goes back even further to Marcella [Jamie played DI Tim Williamson in the first two seasons of the drama, from 2016 to 2018]. There’s clearly a thing going on with me and telly! I don’t know how much of that is move systemic in terms of casting and tropes, but any time you get to play ambiguity and wrong-foot an audience is always fun! But I’m not going to give anything away about where Archie ends up...

What are your next projects?

I’ve got two things that haven’t come out yet. One is Netflix thriller Who Is Erin Carter?, which I’m really excited about, and the other is Cannes Confidential, a kind of screwball cop show in the mould of [1970s action comedy] The Persuaders! That’s coming out on Acorn TV, and on French TV. It’s English-language, but we’re currently dubbing it into French, so that’s what I’m doing most weekends - getting on a train to Paris and putting my performance from English into French. I’m a pretty fluent French speaker, but it’s still a real challenge!