Author Archives: Gabrielle

Who would have known that these two rabbits could magically escape into the Hoop House from their “bunny hutch”? Were they, perhaps, looking for the Dream Catcher to spin?  Were they just learning to become adventurers who were exploring every nook and cranny of the Hoop House? Who knows…they wouldn’t tell me one word about their adventure.  All I can say is that they were very, very, very sleepy the next morning since they were out all night climbing, jumping, hopping, nibbling, cavorting, rolling, tumbling, scratching, digging, exploring and on and on… They did leave clues behind in the Hoop House so being curious, I played detective. The middle bed where the lettuce, spinach, blueberries and grapes are planted had been freshly dug near the trellises.  The holes seemed to disappear below where the twigs, small logs, and straw had been intertwined to build the permaculture bed for planting all the seed this coming spring. Had the Adventuress, Princess Water Lily  and the Adventurer…Chief Thumper found another world below the middle garden bed of lettuce above?  If they did explore below the lettuce bed, what do you think they found there…worms?…mushrooms?…or even more…a small…small world of nature? When I found … Continue reading →

In the last G.A.B. I told you about the Hoop House having much in common with a Dream Catcher. Before we talk about why the Hoop House and the Dream Catcher have a lot in common, I must tell you how much Princess Water Lily and Chief Thumper love their new “bunny hutch” in the Hoop House.  Their “bunny hutch” arrived and we put it together then placed it in the Hoop House near the waterfall and pond. The “bunny hutch” has two levels with a ramp between so there is lots of space and room for the bunnies to travel back and forth.  They are so happy to be together again.  One day I saw Princess Water Lily stretched out over the top of Chief Thumper’s back as if to say…you can never leave me again.  You are staying put!!!!!!! Soon they will begin their adventures in the Hoop House with the Dream Catcher. First, I want to tell you a true story about the Dream Catcher in case you don’t know what a Dream Catcher is. Dream Catchers originated with a people called Ojibwe.  These people were important in connecting the Dream Catcher with other Indian nations and cultures. … Continue reading →

Water Lily arrived at the Anipal Sanctuary to reunite with her good friend, Thumper.  I told you she was white with blue eyes…it is true…she is delicate, sweet, and tiny.  She does have a big appetite for such a small little Princess.  She has a “big” secret that no one knows for now. I decided since Thumper and Water Lily would live now in a Hoop House, they should have the honor of being christened…Chief Thumper and Princess Water Lily…Adventurer and Adventuress. Princess Water Lily and Chief Thumper are now going to begin a great adventure that they can share with you whenever you come to “All Things Adventure”.    Through their adventure, you can learn about the Native American way of life.  A life that was rich with growing food, learning how to survive in all kinds of weather, and making goods to barter. So, before I tell you what happened when Princess Water Lily arrived, I want to share my thoughts with you on a Hoop House…that is where Princess Water Lily and Chief Thumper will live very soon.  We are currently building their new  “house” which arrived yesterday.  Their new house will be placed in the Hoop House. … Continue reading →

I will start here with another saying …  “What’s Good Today is Bad Tomorrow” and “What’s Bad today is Good Tomorrow”  Tomorrow is here … and, Yes, I know … Thumper was not supposed to come to the Anipal Sanctuary … but miracles happen … and  Thumper is here … and  What a great, little guy he is:) I guess you know what this means…?  Thumper will join the “All Things Adventure” in a series of stories so you can read about him and his adventures in the Hoop House.   What is a Hoop House?  Some of you may already know … If not, you will find out because that is where Thumper lives now … Thumper already has something to share with all those who would like to follow his adventures and that is … Water Lily is coming at the end of next week …   Who is Water Lily?   Well, I can’t say at the moment but you will definitely want to know more about Water Lily … She is very special, too …   She is Polish and has blue eyes … Yes, it is true and that is all I am going to … Continue reading →

“Do You Have Time to Be My Friend” is the first of four musicals born out of the Dreamland Carousel of Seasons. Winter White’s musical was first performed on stage with 100 children in ballet several years ago. A large portion of the proceeds were donated to a Women and Children’s Shelter in Ludington, Michigan. The story was born from a true-life tragedy of suicide in my family, but came alive again as hope through a dream. The Winter Musical tells the story of a Snowman who longs to express what is really inside him before he melts away. The story is about looking deeper than the surface, capturing the present moment, taking time to be someone’s friend and learning to express the joy and love that is sometimes hidden inside us. Even though it is difficult for the Snowman to speak…he struggles against his own nature of being unable to talk and catches the children’s attention just before they turn away to go and play. Snowman shows that even though he melts away in Mr. Sun’s warm sunshine, he will return again in more snowflakes in another place and time to dance and sing with the children once more. … Continue reading →