thank you, steve irwin.

i've never been a huge fan of the gregarious australian, but something about his death really touched me. maybe i relate to his extreme love for animals and have always wished to do all the things he's done or travel to all the places he's been. or maybe i recognize the impact he's made on conservation efforts and appreciate all that he's done for animals and inquisitive kids alike. whatever the reason, i'm very sad that he's gone, and am glad that, at least, he died doing something he loved.

i know that animal planet (one of my favorites) will seem much emptier now that he's gone.

once upon a time...

there lived a little princess. she liked to prance around the forest and all the furry animals loved her. she would pick fresh flowers and splash around in the bewitchingly beautiful waterfall. she was sassy, strong, and determined.

one day she met a handsome prince who proposed to take her off to his mighty castle in the clouds. would she acquiesce? "no!" she declared. "but you're welcome to stay here with me if you'd like." he shrugged his rugged shoulder and said, "sure, why not." and they lived happily ever after.

she chose to be true to herself. she wanted to live life her way.