Life is so Precious!!

Hello All,
  I know it seems like this blog is less about the life of the Holmsteads and more about the rants that are going on in Jamilee's head. I just had to put this one out there because it is fresh on my mind. Please forgive the spelling mistakes or grammar errors that are sure to abound in this little rant of mine.

Some background on this article: A fellow classmate of mine e-mailed all the graduate students urging us to find compassion in our hearts for the Box Elder bugs that are running rampant in our offices. He wanted us to realize that they are only looking for a warm place to stay and do no harm to us. As I read this and though about it my mind ran a million miles an hour as I thought about how little respect we as a society have to life in general and even less respect we have to the simple life of a bug. This was my reply to my dear classmate.

Hey Friend,

  So what you wrote has been making me think and I just wanted to get my thoughts out there other wise I might explode. You have such a kind concern for the life of a small bug. Honestly I truly think it is wonderful that you care so much, but I often wonder to myself, “ How can a world that cares so little for the lives of its own species learn to care about the lives of a small insect?”  As I look at our world I see that we have trained our societies to think that it is perfectly acceptable to disregard and disrespect life as long as it falls with in the laws of the country. As we see, through time, laws change and are amended so we can further open the way for greater disregard and disrespect for that sacred thing called life, and this is done on a small scale such as insect and animals and on a large scale like human life.

            However, disregard and disrespect for life is nothing new to our worlds history. Each continent is riddled with stories of wars, genocides, murders, and discriminations, all of it done under some reason or another.  We kill because someone or something inconveniences us, is a nuisance, doesn’t quite fit in,  doesn’t conform to the way the world sees things,  brings no benefit to society, or simple doesn’t belong.

            In some cases killing is necessary for reasons such as food, self-defense, mercy, and in some cases as punishment.  Because there are these acceptations, mankind has used them as a reason to unjustly take control over life and in turn has become cold, callus, and detached from feeling. I know many may think that since it doesn’t interfere with their own lives then it doesn’t matter what people choose to do. People have the right to choose for themselves, but we know that is not true and hypocritical. Because if societies truly believed then we would not have laws restricting acts such murder, rape, stealing, drugs, and a number of other things people choose to do.

             There is nothing wrong with feeling compassion for life.

            I have often admired the ways of Native Americans and their respect for nature and life. A member from the Yakama tribe once told me about how their tribe used to hunt. He said that when they went hunting for deer they didn’t try to find the deer with the biggest antlers they took the first deer that came across their path because, as they saw it, this deer was offering itself as a sacrifice for the sustainment of the members  in the Yakama tribe. They took the deer and gave thanks for its willingness to gives its life for them.  Do we give thanks for the cow that gave its life so we could have its beef? Do we give thanks to the chicken that gave its life so we could have its legs, thighs, wings, and breasts?

            I think it is time for our world to reprioritizes where it puts its time and effort. How can we save a dying world if we have no respect for those around us and ourselves? How can we save the lives of little bugs that cause no harm if we don’t care about human life?

            I did not write this to be confrontational or to offend. I only did it to help people think and look at the bigger picture. Adrian I admire you for trying to make a difference in the lives of small Box Elder bugs everywhere. I hope we can all take your fire and use it to stand up for what is right!

                                         

Life is so precious and short. We don't have any claim on tomorrow or even today. I ask you to take the time to find within yourself compassion for all the things that are around you. No one is perfect, I know I am not! We make mistakes daily, but I ask that we learn from them and find within ourselves the time to care and feel.

Jamilee : )               

Ode to a Good Boy

As many of you may know a few weeks ago a dear member of our family passed away. He was full of life and always happy to see you. Some may think it is silly to feel so emotional over the loss of a pet and to those people I give my pity because a pet, if you let it, will change the way you look at life. They soften your heart, they teach you how to love, and they give you loyalty. They are a testament that God does exist because each one has a personality so different and special. 

 
I have lost many pets since my childhood. Its not easy to let go of something you love so much, but as time goes on loss gets a little easier to handle and soon those memories that once were so hard to think about are ones you can smile and laugh over later. I honestly believe that our animals will be with us again and we will be able to enjoy their sweet personalities once more.

 It was always a rear moment when you were able to take a good picture of Fynn because he was so full of energy. I always called him our ADHD child because he couldn't sit still for longer then two seconds. Below are a few of those special moments when we were able to get Fynn to smile for the camera.

                                    Fynn was my husband's sidekick and he loved him so much. Peder would always say Fynn was his dream dog. They were thick as thieves.  

 Here is Fynn and Peder on our raft out on Oneida Reservoir. Fynn was so happy to be out with Peder.

This was just after the dogs had played at the park. All so happy to get out and play now ready to go home. We will miss this little handsome man, but what a blessing we were able to have him in our life the short time we did. We will never forget him and we will see him soon. Sleep well buddy!!!

Our Country

 I think that my husband would wish that I was a little less opinionated, but sometimes I feel if I don't write down my thoughts or tell someone what I am thinking I will explode!! So here is my rant for the day.

    I am a little outraged by our countries blatant disrespect for the people of the United States of America. It may seem a little irrational to others, but I believe that congress should be restricting the powers of the president of the USA and not the power of the states. Did you know that the president of the USA has the ability to designate land as National Monuments without consulting anyone? He is completely above the NEPA process.Which means we, as the people, have no say in what land is taken away from public use!! He also has the ability to bargain with terrorists and do triads for people without discussing it with congress and he can pardon anyone from any crime they may have committed. I feel as though our president has been placed in a position that makes him above the law. Sounds something like communism or dictatorship....
   Also, correct me if I am wrong but each state is a souvenir state and has, well had, the right to choose what the laws of that state were and how it was to be run. The will of those individuals in the state were supposed to mean something and it seems that now, it does not matter what the people in the state want. I believe in checks and balances, but I feel like our national scale has been tipped over and one side is ruling everything. There is no balance left in this nation. The will of the people is not being heard.

Sorry.......just a little mad right now.