A Tiger by The Tail

Hello Everyone!!!!

It feels good to be blogging once again. I've been very excited to share this adventure with you. First off, I really didn't have a tiger by the tail...but, at one point, we could have easily touched noses. Seriously!!

It all started at Christmas. We had finished opening up our gifts and as usual we like to save a "BIG" gift to open last.  I had no idea just how big this was going to be.  I opened up my package to find a Manila envelope.  I felt around a little but for the life of me I had no idea what was inside.

I peeled open the flap and reached in. I pulled out something akin to a brochure of the Columbus Zoo. I thought 'Oh my goodness! A membership to the zoo!' Wrong.

Those eyes!

I looked a little closer. My hands started to shake so bad. Tears filled my eyes and quickly spilled over.

"Is this what it says it is?"      "Yep."

I was in total disbelief. See, everyone who knows me, knows that I am an animal lover.  If you know me really well, then you know I especially love Big Cats. My favorite being the Siberian Tiger, also known as the Amur Tiger.

So, as my hands shook and just before my vision blurred from all the tears, I was able to realize I was being gifted a Private Tour and Tiger Training Session at the Columbus Zoo. Oh, and not just any tiger....you guessed it....an Amur Tiger! I really thought I would hyperventilate.

It would be February 7th before we would go. I counted down the minutes and every night I dreamt of tigers and what the day would hold for us. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Finally, it rolled around. I was so nervous I chose not to drive the 45 minutes it takes to get to the zoo. I love to drive but I was in no shape to be behind the wheel on this day. I had to get ready to train a tiger.

As we parked and made our way to the entrance gate, it was all I could do not to cry. This was a dream come true for me. A real 'bucket list' dream. Coming true with every step. We checked in and were escorted to the guest services area. Then came our tour guide. Wayland!

He was super sweet. He drove us all through the North American exhibit and told us all about the wonderful conservation programs in which the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are involved. The list is amazing.

We received a little gift bag that was hand made from ladies in Sudan. The money they raise helps pay for education and food for a year.

She was a beauty. Even rolled over for a treat.

Finally, after what felt like forever and not long enough we rolled over to the Zoo Keeper's office.  It was at the Tiger exhibit that we met the trainer and Zoo Keeper.  There were four female tigers in the yard entertaining the bystanders.

We began chit chatting and they were telling me tons of facts about the Siberian Tiger. Most I knew...some I didn't. After we stood by the glass for a while watching them we walked over to where another female tiger was housed by herself. She was the oldest.  And she was beautiful.

They said she likes to stalk all the keepers as they come to feed her and do her daily training. She was so gorgeous and I stood about 5 feet from her. I wanted to reach out and touch her so bad... BUT, I resisted.

We stayed there a good 30 minutes and then went inside to see Foley!  Foley is the only male and if I thought the females were huge, well...he put them to shame. He could easily stand 9ft on his back legs. He knew all his commands and I watched in awe as our trainer worked with him. My heart was pounding.

Smiling she looked at me said, "Are you ready for a treat?"

She motioned me closer to his cage. I was now inches from this gorgeous creature. This Tiger that I never thought I would be this close to. If I would have just leaned forward, we could have touched noses. No joke!!!

Time for a little cat nap in the sun.

There I stood in the most surreal moment.  I almost felt like I was outside myself. I wanted desperately to burn every detail into my brain. Much, much too soon we had to leave. But I have memories, feelings and pictures that will stay with me forever.

Thank you P. for giving me a dream come true.


God bless~

Snow Birds and Maine Coons

Good Sunday morning to ya,


I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow.  It really made all the little snow birds pop with color. There were Cardinals, BlueJays, Nuthatches, Wrens and so many others. I know I'm gonna have to stock up on my bird seed.

My trusty companion, Harper, was running all over the place this morning.  Harper is my Maine Coon. She stays inside and tries her very best to charm the birds right through the glass. As I type this, she's on "point", looking out the window. It really is true that Maine Coons are very dog-like!!  I would not be surprised to hear her bark!!

Animals can be such a blessing!

I pray that everyone has a wonderful Sunday. The temperature is dropping. So, don't forget to take a little extra care for your outside pets. Fresh water, warm bedding, delicious chow and bring em in on those super cold nights!!  Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, Harper says "meow."

God Bless~

Black Bears and Safaris

So, I just got back from vacationing in Pigeon Forge, TN.  I love it down there. I honestly think I could retire and move to the mountains and become a hermit.  Maybe my posts would become more regular...lol

It was a fantastic trip. We took our time getting there. Of course, I had to snap a gazillion pictures. Once we arrived at our cabin we found ourselves facing 35 steps to get to the porch. Yes, it was a climb, but the view was gorgeous once you huffed and puffed your way to the top. The Lord gave us gorgeous weather the entire way there and back.

Our first excursion was a trip to a place called Circle G Ranch. If you ever get the chance to visit, do it. It's a drive through Safari and the animals come right up to your window. We bought some pellets to feed them and away we went. 120 acres of Water Buffalos, Red Deer, Donkeys, Camels, Goats, tons of exotic animals that I can't name. All of the animals were unique and had tons of personality. However, I fell in love with the Alpacas. Who Knew?!

The next day we went to Cade's Cove. It wasn't until after we left the park that we saw our first and only black bear.  She was a beauty. People had stopped on both sides of the rode and were taking pictures and video. It was amazing.  For me, it made the trip perfect. Black Bears and a Safari all in one trip.







Needless to say, I had a blast. The mountains were on fire with color...just another reminder of God's love for us. The animals were so sweet and friendly. I would definitely go back to Circle G Ranch.

Quite honestly, sitting by the river on those giant rocks was amazing. Just finding that moment of stillness inside yourself and letting God speak through all creation....that's what it's all about.

If I get a chance I'll post some more vacation pics.

Until next time...have a wonderful day.

God Bless~

New Pics in The Shop

Hello everyone!

Hope you all have been enjoying this gorgeous Fall weather. I have added some new pics in my Etsy shop. Hope you can check em out.


Here is the first pic

Here is the second pic!



Thanks so much!

Beyond The Veil

What do we do when a loved one passes beyond the veil of this life? What can we do? Mourn, remember, celebrate. Life on Earth passes so quickly. Sometimes that can be a blessing. If we see our loved ones suffering and fading away. Still, even when we know the parting is coming soon, there is nothing we can do to prepare.

Oh, we can make arrangements and get papers in order. We can divvy up the keepsakes and heirlooms. But emotionally, what do we do? We are left hurting and empty. Hoping we said all we needed to say. Or maybe, wishing we would have said "I love You" one more time. We start second guessing everything we did, telling ourselves we could have done more, said more, been around more. It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with the could haves and should haves.

However, in the midst of our hurting and grieving there is a silent listener to our crying. A strong and steady anchor holding us together. An ever-present comforter waiting for us to call on Him. Just whisper his name. Jesus. And He will take you in His arms so fast. You will experience peace like you have never known. 

Truly, I have no words that can describe the peace and comfort that I experienced when my mamaw and papaw passed. Nothing in this world can give you that. Not your spouse, your children, your pets, alcohol, drugs...you name it. There is nothing or no one but Jesus that can give you that peace.

I pray that you find that peace. I pray that your heart be lifted from the burden of unanswered questions and second guesses. Be gentle with yourself and remember This Too Shall Pass!!

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor  powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8 38-39

Feeling Like a Kid

Isn't it funny how a pile of leaves can turn any adult into a 6 year old?!  I was heading out my driveway this morning and the whole lane was covered in bright, yellow leaves. I just couldn't resist. I floored the car and split those leaves wide open.  Yes. I was giggling the whole time and no I didn't mess up anyone's hard work. These leaves were hot off the branch!

I was feeling like a kid all over again. It made my heart light. I think as  an adult we have to relish those moments when we find them.  We get so weighed down with work, family, our health, bills, trying to decide if we can get through one more winter before replacing all four tires. It's nice to find a moment where all those worries disappear and a twinge of childhood innocence sneaks in, taps us on the shoulder and says, "tag! You're it!"

All that worry. And worry is such a waste of good energy but we all do it.  I read a sign once that said, "worry ends where faith begins." Boy, ain't that the truth!!  I try my best to surrender daily to Jesus all my cares, worries, plans...everything!  Seems like worrying is the first thing to raise its ugly head.  Still, when the going gets tough, I know Jesus is there and will get me through anything.

Matthew 6:25-34

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 

Always Count Your Blessings!

I'm gonna try to not worry this weekend!  And should I start to feel the pull of anxiety...I'll remember to count my blessings!  That should put things in perspective!

Thanks for stopping in and taking time to read my ramblings.  I pray you have a wonderful day today!  

Laugh. Smile. Sing a song!

~ God bless

Ramblings of a Tired Mind

Ahhhh, I'm sitting in the recliner drinking a fantastic cup of coffee from McDonalds. Sometimes they get it right....sometimes they're not even close. However, tonight they are baby bear soup!! Aka...Just right!!

And so the day closes with my cat, Harper, curled up on her bed looking out the window. I hear the crickets and every now and then see a bird flutter by, which drives Harper crazy!! I love the crickets!

I close my eyes and can picture myself as a youngster. Playing until the edge of dark, chasing lightening bugs and any other critter that would give chase. Well, except for grasshoppers!! But that's another story!

~ ~ ~

We picked up some apples at a local shop that is "famous" in these parts for its cider and apple butter.  Oh how I love fresh picked apples.  In fact, I would love to try my hand at making an apple crisp. If you know any good recipes let me know.  Me making my way around the kitchen is like a scuba diver trying on a parka....yeah...it's that bad!





I have so much I would like to get done but I'm having a hard time getting in gear. Ever have those days? At any rate, I'm feeling so very blessed. I pray you are too.


So, I shall leave you with this scripture.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Most of us are familiar with this Psalm. However, I challenge you to really think about this one line. Understand the depths of what it means. I welcome all comments!

Thanks for stopping in. Have a great night.

God bless,
Rachel