Africa is being raped mainly by Asia, but the second largest market for dead endangered animals is the US. Most don't know this is happening. I didn't, but once I found out, I had to try and help.

That evidence of the spirit of life is what makes me get out of bed in the morning.

Art and the triumph of the human spirit - the two combined thrill me.

If you wear clothing, and put out trash you are using up resources that others also need BUT I can pay attention and I can do better. That I know for sure about me, my soul needs to try or I can't lay my head down on my pillow at night and even hope to sleep.

My best source of grounding are animals and nature. Animals live more in the moment and don't worry so much! And nature is proof of a greater power than myself. Both put things in perspective, or at least gently move us forward.

One lesson I got from Gandhi, 'Be the change you want to see,' haunts me. I just feel like I can't keep stomping around pointing the finger at BP when I am supporting the oil industry with my very own dollars and actions by buying their products, helping to pay their mortgage - plastic is from oil... polyester, shower curtains.

I am no longer able to be anonymous.