mom's carousel and thoughts to share

Hello dearies! Hope you had a nice weekend with even nicer weather. It was almost Summer-like here a few days ago but we are back to real Spring temps again this week. Most of the trees are leafy and green once more and before you know it we'll be back up in the 90's and 100's. Eeeuww...

I had another lovely visit with my mom this weekend. Just relaxed and helped her with errands and things. I was up early yesterday morning enjoying my buttered toast and hot cocoa while taking in the morning light. Now I have a habit of walking around while sipping my drink and chewing on a mouthful of toast. So while doing my breakfast tour around my mom's house I finally remembered that I've always wanted to take pictures of her music box carousel.

The carousel (or merry-go-round as we always called it) was actually one of the rides my stomach didn't mind too much. Although some of them would go fast enough that I was more than ready to get off during the last few spins.

But just like the rest of the carnival it's the colors and sounds that I like. If you're lucky enough to find a real vintage carousel you can see how beautifully the animals and carriages are crafted. Many are true works of art.

I admit that this is the only way I like to see animals involved in a carnival or circus. When they are not real. As much as I love the romance and nostalgia of the vintage circus I'm not a fan of seeing any live animals perform.

Sadly the circus has a history of mistreating animals and although it's getting better I still won't go to a traditional circus like Ringling Bros. I went as a child and have fond memories but the only one I will go to now is Cirque Du Soleil, where all the performers are human. I have been to several shows and they are absolutely amazing.

I am proud to say however, that my city is one of the ones committed to protecting the welfare of animal performers. A law was passed here last year requiring the inspection and monitoring of animals in shows such as Ringling Bros. A step in the right direction at least.

Not sure if the US will join other countries in banning the use of wild animals in circuses all together. China and Bolivia have done so, among others, and most recently the UK has taken steps to do the same in light of reports of animal cruelty. It's a touchy subject as performing animals have always been part of the allure of the circus. But times change so we shall see.

Speaking of circuses...

Water For Elephants opens in a few weeks and a fascinating indie documentary called Circo just opened this weekend in very few small indie theaters. Crossing my fingers that it comes here too.

And back to the Artful Bag Challenge ATC swap...

I'm so excited to see how many people have signed up to do our first ATC swap. Yay!! So far we have 19 swappers so if anyone else would like to play, I would love to have one more to make it even. I'll post the partners list tomorrow so please check back.

Off to do more PT for my shoulder again.

Hope everyone is already having a lovely Monday.