Bless the Beasts and the Children

Yesterday seemed to be a day designed around the beautiful Karen Carpenter rendition of "Bless the Beasts and the Children."  Our community and county celebrated Earth Day with a time of exploration, education and appreciation for the Earth at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County.  The event blessed the beasts and all other life forms through more than 50 exhibitors, workshops, music and an exhibition of art made from recycled materials.  Larry and I always enjoy this event, where we tend to linger longer than planned because we are among kindred spirits. The afternoon also included a run out to The Kids' Ranch, a local not-for-profit organization created as a blessing to children by helping them to learn compassion, non-violence and literacy. It was there that a retirement party was held for our special friend Judy who has devoted years of volunteer leadership and support to Kids' Ranch, among other causes. Throughout the afternoon, I was reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a beautiful place in which every day seems to be Earth Day and how the good people of our community foster a healthy and healing environment for our children. From Earth Day to a good friend's retirement, the day was indeed a blessing and a celebration.