EDEN
February 2012 Volume 2 Issue 2
spreading compassion to all sentient beings and Living in healing and peaceful world Editor
Maryam Morrison
Front Cover Photography by Michele Billman ~ Back cover Photography by Gail Cullen Eden Magazine is an independent monthly online magazine. Our aim is to create a better environment where we live among other living being in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work match our criteria. If you would like to submit your artwork, article or/and your photography. For our future issues please contact Maryam Morrison at; edenmagazine@hotmail.com or www.theedenmagazine.com 2 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
Munir Mezyed
4
Za Choeje Rinpoche
8
River Dolphin
12
Why Crystal have healing
14
C O N T E N T S
Maple Tree
18
Earth Smile
22
Bioko Island
24
Farewell to Bebe
26
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Munir Mezyed
For Nobel prize in Literature 2012 4 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
“The sun will pierce through... No harm to wait for a while. The suckling buds Never get bored of waiting, Waiting for the milk of the sky...”
Munir Mezyed a Palestinian writer (poet and novelist) and translator who writes in both English and Arabic and whose work has been published worldwide in different cultural magazines and newspapers. He is nominated for Noble Prize in Literature 2012. Munir studied in England and the U.S.A, traveled all around the world and settled himself in Romania in 2005. His poetry books, novels and essays have been translated in Romanian, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish, Chinese and Filipino. Through his poem Munir express his passion for love and freedom. In “Dream” Munir describe his poem as; “Poem is a heavenly bird Chirping in a dream I dream it….!” He participated in many national and international cultural events. He is the founder of Odyssey International Festival of Poetry, Chairman of Art Gate Cultural Association, Romania and founder of House of Wisdom Org. To learn more about Munir work visit; http://munirmezyed.tripod.com/id41.html 5 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
I behold heaven A rose blossomed And clouds magic caves Delivering souls in likeness of green birds Flying in flocks, Nesting on a fabled tree, Singing... Surrounded by the stars I rest in the shade Weaving verses from the threads of magic... Nymphs are dancing in joy As the spirit cleansed from sins Ready to enter God’s supremacy....
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I stand on the balcony of the universe; The world is plunged into silence and tranquility. The sun slumbers in the palm of my hand, Dreaming.... I sail with the calm winds, Passing all the regions of heaven In the midst of the stars Those keep on twinkling, Neither slumber nor sleep seizes them. The boat of poetry moves ahead, Approaching where I stand. It takes me to the goddess of the moon; I grasp the threads of vision Weaving them odes So I may behold the disk of the sun Falling drops of dew in my palm And behold my beloved without interruption... For Lo, the sleeping god, the dreamer Who has been sleeping for millions of years Awakes to a new dream... Love is more adorable than sweet dreams! Love is more adorable than sweet dreams!
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Za Choeje Rinpoche Tenzin Lobsang Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Nyima. Dhamchoe was born in 1968. Graduating first of his class, he received the Geshe Lharampa degree in 1996, Rinpoche grew up on a small farm after completing the full monastic curricuwith his grandparents. The local village lum. Lama presented Him the birthname of “Choejor Dhondup (Accomplished In addition to Rinpoche’s monastic trainSpiritual Abundance)”. As a young ing, He received hundreds of empowerboy, Rinpoche discovered a love for ments and initiations in the Vajrayana Tibetan folk tales and spent many hours tradition from the great Masters Kyabje reading ancient stories to elders in Lochoe Rinpoche and Kirti Tsenshap the neighborhood. His enthusiasm of Rinpoche. He also received the enTibetan literature inspired him to join tire oral transmission of Kan-gyur and the Tibetan Institute of Higher Tibetan Ten-gyur scriptural texts from Master KyStudies in Sarnath, Varanasi, India in abje Pannang Rinpoche. 1982. In 1997, Rinpoche joined Gyumed Tantric A year into His studies, at the age of College to further his training of highest 16, His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama Yoga Tantra and its ritual practices. recognized Him as the 6th reincarnation of Hor Choeje Rinpoche of Eastern Rinpoche came to the United States Tibet. He was formally enthroned in for the first time in 1998 to lead the 1983 as the 6th Za Choeje Rinpoche at Mystical Arts of Tibet Tour sponsored Tehor Khamtsen in Sera Monastery. by Richard Gere Foundation. DurUnder the guidance of His Holiness and ing summer semester he taught TibetYongzin Ling Rinpoche, He received an Culture and Philosophy at Emory extensive training in the traditional University, in Atlanta. Rinpoche was Tibetan Buddhist method of listening, further invited to speak at many other contemplation and meditation. universities throughout the country. In 1985, Rinpoche joined Drepung Loseling Monastic University, in South India, and studied the “Five Major Buddhist Treatises” under the supervision of: Master Khensur Rinpoche Yeshe Thupten, Venerable Shakor Khen Rinpoche Gen Nyima, and Tehor
In 2001, Rinpoche, together with some well wishers and Dharma students, founded Emaho Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he currently resides. Emaho’s main mission is to assist with individuals’ spiritual development, and to support humanitarian projects.
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Rinpoche has taught in the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and many other countries. His style of conversing, with laughter and openness, generates a comfortable environment for all people. One of most simple yet profound pieces of advice he often gives is “stop struggling against the struggles in life.” His unique skill of teaching, and his ability to apply these teachings into daily lives, has helped many spiritual practitioners throughout the world. Together with co-author Ashley Nebelsieck, he wrote the book “The Backdoor to Enlightenment”, which is available in multiple countries and several different languages. In 2006, Rinpoche made a historical visit to Tehor Region in Eastern Tibet. Thousands of people with 400 horsemen greeted him with a traditional welcome ceremony. The whole village filled with joy as they celebrated his homecoming with several days of picnic and dances. Although his main activity is teaching Dharma, Rinpoche also supports the Monastic and Lay community of the Zakhog region in Eastern Tibet. He travels extensively, teaching throughout the world doing humanitarian projects and supporting individual spiritual growth.
Retrieved from; http://www.emahofoundation.org/rinpoche.html
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The 6th ZaChoeje Rinpoche: “Since I hold the title of ZaChoeje Rinpoche, it is my responsibility to look after the people of Tehor and give them guidance for their future and their children’s future. Some of the monasteries in the Tehor region, that were founded by my previous, are rebuilt from the outside, but are still in need of much more work to make them complete. Healthcare in that region is severely outdated with common illnesses resulting in death or permanent damage. Educational facilities are sparse and many families are unable to afford to send their children to school. It is my goal to continue, as my predecessors have, to provide assistance to the people of Tibet, especially now in these difficult times when the future of Tibetan culture and heritage is on the verge of collapsing.”
www.kathmanduboutique.com
I meditate for peace, and awaken today
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River Dolphin the superfamily Platanistoidae
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There are only four species of river dolphin still existing in river, lakes in certain parts of the tropical Southern Hemisphere. The Amazon river dolphin (Boto or Pink river dolphin) is found in the Amazon river, The Ganges river dolphin (Indus River Dolphin) is found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, and The Chinese river dolphin (Baiji) was once found only in the Yangtze River in China but sadly said to have become extinct in 2006. River dolphins are mainly found in darker, slow-moving waters but are known to venture into grasslands and underwater forests during the flood seasons. It is now, when the water is at the highest level with the people of the Amazon and its that the baby river dolphins are born un- tributaries for centuries, now face derwater. extinction in some tributaries. What was considered to be one of the least River dolphins are only very distantly threatened species of dolphins 20 years related to oceanic dolphins. Most of them ago, has now become one of the most live in some of the world’s largest and most endangered species due to the accelcomplex river systems erated and commercialized rape of the Amazon basin and the destruction of the Of the five freshwater species of South American tropical rainforest. dolphins in the world, the pink Amazon River dolphin, Inia geoffrensis, or “bufeo Ecological factors strongly influence colorado” as they are known in Peru and social behavior. Because Amazon River “botos” as they known in Brazil, are con- dolphins do not have any known natural sidered to be the most intelligent. predators -- other than humans -- they do not need to live in large groups, or “pods,” These friendly, sensitive, mammals with protection as many dolphin species. a brain capacity 40% larger than that of humans, who have lived in harmony http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-dolphin-extinct.html http://library.thinkquest.org/17963/superfamily-Platanistoidae.html
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Why Crystals Have Healing By; Hibiscus Moon
Artwork by Maryam Morrison
and Ascension Properties 14 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
Stones and crystals are known to heal us, align our chakras or allow us to vibrate at a various rates. In order to achieve these results, you need to know what stones resonate at the correct frequency for what you are trying to achieve. One method of learning which stones resonate at that correct frequency is to turn to the ancients and their recorded information. Thankfully, much experimentation has already been done for thousands of years by the many ancient civilizations (ancient India, China, Egypt, Native American, Australian Aborigines, etc.) with the art of ‘laying on of stones’. These civilizations have already figured out through much meditation and experimentation. They recorded what stones help with what needs or ailments. To go along with this, there are a multitude of highly recommended books written by respected authors on the subject that are usually primarily based on what the ancients have determined for us. A second way to work with crystals is to meditate with them. Since I feel that one’s intention and intuition are the most powerful factor in whether crystals and stones will work for you, one can meditate with a stone or crystal first and see what they pick up and relate with. Often times, people will receive information or specific types of energy when meditating with their stones. Some of this information may come over very powerfully. If this happens, cross reference the acquired messages with a highly recommended crystal/ stone reference books. You will find that it usually matches up. If, however the messages are different, go with the information you received in your meditation. Messages are usually more accurate for personal use and work more powerfully than anything found in a book. But you will only learn this through experimentation. 15 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
A third way to work with crystals is to determine their elemental content. Often times, if you research the mineral and elemental content of the stone or crystal you will notice that it completely harmonizes with the messages you received during your crystal meditation. For instance, let’s look at lepidolite (very pretty pinkish lavender mica stone; a potassium lithium aluminum silicate, please bare with me here). Let’s just choose two of these elements to discuss. Potassium helps control the release of chemical messages to your brain while lithium, in small doses, helps to prevent episodes of frenzied moods. Lo and behold, we find that lepidolite is found to be important in balancing the emotional body and soothing the mind. What is happening here scientifically? Well, you are bringing the lepidolite into your electromagnetic field (EMF), which is strongest within a torus field (a 3D donut shape) of 4 feet around your body, but extends outward to about 12 feet. In metaphysics, this torus of energy is often referred to as your aura (I get so excited when we see the connections between science and metaphysics!!). So whenever you bring a crystal or stone into your EMF, the crystal or stone acts as an oscillator, in other words, a frequency stabilizer. The lepidolite has its own energy torus as well, which will entrain your more easily influenced EMF to resonate with it, vibrating certain frequencies within you that resonate with that stone. In the case of lepidolite, the potassium in it will resonate with the potassium within you. So your body will perceive that it has more potassium and will biochemically respond to that. The other elements present with lepidolite will do the same. In fact, there is a famous cellular biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton who stated in his book The Biology of Belief that our own DNA has the ability to examine the surroundings for relevant frequencies and then reshapes itself accordingly. These effects will be multiplied if you are consciously directing your atoms, DNA 16 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
and frequencies with purpose to move into resonance with lepidolite’s atoms and frequencies. The resonating frequencies may actually remove obstructions in your aura (or EMF) or chakras by actually vibrating them free! If you place the lepidolite directly on your third eye chakra, that specific chakra vortex will seek to find resonance with the lepidolite. This vibrational resonance will make emotional and physical biochemical changes within your body as well as your EMF. Confirming this, Western medical researchers have discovered that the precise arrangement of matter (crystals, atmosphere, bacteria, other people, etc.) that is within your body’s immediate environment (in your EMF torus) are interconnected with and influence the feelings and emotions you are experiencing. Another way we can determine resonant frequencies of stones is to match up their color with their corresponding chakra colors. Ensuring you use crystals or stones whose colors correspond with the chakra colors allows harmonizing photons of light to generate light color healing or therapy. This type of healing is achieved by introducing light of specific frequencies (colors) into someone’s EMF which will in turn entrain their emotional and biochemical state. Again, many cultures knew and practiced this therapy and science has only recently begun to catch up. Let’s use lepidolite for our example again. Lepidolite is our lavender, light purple or pinkish stone. It is often used for either the heart or third eye chakra. I would determine which chakra I used it for by looking at the specific color of the stone; if more pinkish, I would use it for the heart chakra and more purple, would be used on the third eye chakra. The heart chakra involves emotional issues and the third eye deals with releasing one’s ego and acceptance of the soul so it only makes sense that lepidolite resonating with either the purple or pink frequency is known to help in balancing emotional extremes and to teach the mind to live in the “now”. You may also choose to infuse a specific color into a person’s entire EMF and not just focus on one chakra. Color therapy (chromotherapy) also works by permeating a particular light frequency (in the case of lepidolite, let’s say pink light, fabric and surrounding one with pink colored lepidolite’s) into one’s EMF and surrounding environment. By doing this, you can change one’s emotional and biochemical state in a powerful way. In next issue we will learn the final way to meditate with Crystal 17 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
Close Encounter With A Maple Tree
Article & Artwork By; Michele Billman
In 2009 I made a Reiki connection with a tree while on a two day family camping trip that changed my life forever. 18 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
While setting up our camping chairs around the fire pit, I took pity on a maple tree that was badly scarred from previous campers. The tree was about four feet away from the fire pit and you could tell that previous campers would pick at this poor tree’s bark out of boredom while staring at the fire. I felt bad for the maple tree knowing that the exposed areas on it’s trunk could open it up to diseases and bug infestations. I silently apologized to the maple tree on the behalf of human kind while setting up the last camping chair closet to him. I always loved trees but I never felt compelled to talk to one until that day. Later that night while my family and I were relaxing around the fire I gazed upon my new maple friend. In the dim fire light glow I could see facial features of an old man staring back at me in the bark of the scarred up tree. I blinked my eyes thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me. I told my family about the old man’s face in the tree and how it looked like an old fashioned wood carving of a gnome. I figured they would tell me that I was just imagining it, but they both could see it too! I promptly got my trusty camera out of the car and started taking photos of the scarred tree. When I used my flash on the camera the maple tree look like any other tree with a scar. When I turned my flash off on my camera his photo came out blurry due to the slow shutter speed. The maple tree’s glowing face wasn’t being properly captured and I was desperate to take his portrait. I tried for about an hour on different camera settings and still my camera wasn’t focusing right even on night vision.
Each time the old man’s face in the maple tree was blurry. The relaxing mood of staring at the fire was broken by me constantly moving around to get the shot, so everyone decided to go to bed. I volunteered to stay up and watch the fire go out since I wasn’t tired. After my family settled down inside their tents I silently asked the maple tree if I could take his photo. My intuition told me to try again. My camera finally decided to function properly and I got the photo of an old man in the tree. I was glad I captured his portrait once and for all. As I was sitting there meditating by the fire when I heard the maple tree say, “my name is Meryll.” I could finally relax and enjoy the still night with my new found friend, Meryll, the maple tree. The next day was foggy and rainy most of the afternoon. My family and I were amazed when sitting under the small maple tree by the fire pit we hardly got wet from the rain drops. The tree kept us warm and dry despite the all day drizzle. My family decided to go to bed as soon as it got dark since it had been a long day trying to keep busy and entertained in the rain. I stayed up and watched the fire go out again so I could have some alone time with Meryll. I felt sad that I would be leaving my new tree friend in just a few hours. He made such an impression on me, I felt compelled to give him something in return. I decided to give Meryll a Reiki healing session as a farewell gift. I placed my hands about three inches away from his tree trunk since I wanted to massage his aura to help heal his physical scars. 19 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
My hands were on either side his trunk at waist level, I could feel his energy merging with mine. My hands felt locked into place as the scarred maple tree hungrily drunk in all my Reiki energy that I was projecting. My hands and body started swaying left and right of his trunk, as if Meryll and I were slow dancing. I closed my eyes and just went with his flow of energy. Thank goodness all the other campers in our area had gone to bed early due to the poor weather, otherwise someone would have thought I was nuts dancing with a tree. The raindrops were getting bigger but the leaves of this maple tree were protecting me, keeping me perfectly dry during his Reiki healing session. Steam was rising from the fire pit as the rain cooled the hot coals down. The steam and the low glow of the fire going out made me feel sad that our camping adventure was almost over. I wanted to stay there in his “arms” all night but I had to go to bed soon since my family and I were getting up early in the morning to go home. I felt the Reiki energy from my hands wane and release from his aura, I brushed my hands down his trunk to even out his aura energy field and said goodnight. I apologized for the Reiki healing session not lasting longer but I knew Meryll appreciated the Reiki energy I shared with him no matter how long the session lasted.
hip replacement surgery. My friend asked me to do a distant Reiki healing for her hip pain and to help her deal mentally with the surgery. I quickly agreed to assist my friend with her hip pain. As I prepared for my friends distant Reiki session I was amazed by how quickly and how hot my hands felt. The Reiki energy not only flowed out like lava, but I could feel the Reiki energy circulating through my whole body stronger than ever. I smiled during the whole distant healing session knowing that my encounter with, Meryll, the maple tree had renewed and strengthened my energy! My tree friend drank in my healing energy, filtered the Reiki thru his being and gave the healing energy back to me more purified. The same way trees take our carbon dioxide and give us back oxygen on a physical plane. Meryll and I exchanged healing energy on a spiritual plane that benefited the both of us. To this day when I feel my energy getting low I imagine Meryll’s glowing face and reconnect with him spiritually. He is always ready to give me a hug and a slow dance to recharge my Reiki energy. The experience of giving Reiki energy to a scarred up maple tree has forever changed my perception and perspective of trees.
The next day we quickly packed up now view trees as spiritual beings capable before more rain could dampen our of protecting and enriching our lives here camping supplies. on Earth. We just need to slow down and take time to listen to their spirit. know my After my family and I got home I received healing for Meryll also healed me as a a message that one of my friends was in human being trying to make sense of my a lot of pain and was being scheduled for life. 20 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
I know my healing for Meryll also healed me as a human being trying to make sense of my life. By me seeking out a pitiful maple tree, I truly discovered the magical power of nature and how it can help us recharge our being. To re-empower ourselves we just need to take the time out of our busy life’s to make the initial connection. Nature will do the rest.
Michele Billman Michele is a Reiki Master Teacher, writer of children short stories, intuitive artist and photographer. Reiki healing energy has enriched her personal and professional life. Michele allows her Reiki energy to be an inspirational tool for all her creative activities. By entrusting the Reiki energy during the creative process she has produced stunning images with her trusty digital camera. Trees and flowers are Michele’s main focus of her digital manipulated artwork. June of 2011, she debuted her “Magical Flower Garden” series in Chicago at the historic Fine Arts Building located on Michigan Avenue. Those same images of her flowers will be published soon in a coffee table book featuring unique flower art. Michele is currently working on a new series showcasing her beloved trees, it’s called “Enchanted Trees”. To see her unique fine art of nature, go to her website: www.guidedseekscapes.com she can be reached by email: seekscapes@hotmail.com 21 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
How can we help th They say smiles are contagious right? Well I finally found out this year’s big goal of mine is going to be!! Well, what do you think it is? Is it more money? Is it a sexier body? A bigger and better job? A Bigger House or Bigger Car? Not really. I would rather just be happy! So... You wonder what my deepest wish is?
Together W Auria
www.playitforw 22 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
he earth to smile? MY WISH THIS YEAR IS..... DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! TO BRING AS MANY SMILES TO THE WORLD AS POSSIBLE, SORT OF LIKE A WORLD BEING TAKEN OVER BY SMILES, JOY AND LAUGHTER!! (inspired by Yoko Ono) Send a smile to your friend so he/she can smile, too. Think of a way to do it. You could send a photo that says ‘smile’, or a picture, a story, or a piece of pie, but specify that it’s a smile you’re passing on.
WE CAN! Light
Ask him/her to do the same: to pass on the ‘smile’ in his/her own way. Please pass it on, who are you going to smile to today?
wardyoga.com 23 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2012
Bioko Island
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The island of Bioko is a mass of earth of volcanic origin with a surface area of just over 2000 km2. It is located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Cameroon and Gabon.
and Central Africa, has developed an unsustainable commercial bushmeat trade, forest animals are hunted to be sold as a delicacy in city markets. On Bioko Island, sells all seven of the island’s monkey species --- is strictly a luxury There are two seasons: a dry season food item. It costs more than fresh beef, (November to March) and a rainy season the most expensive domestic source of (April to October). The average annual protein. temperature is 25 0C. Rainfall varies from 1930 mm in the north to 10990 mm in Since 1990, Dr. Gail Hearn of Beaver the south. About 40% of the island is College/Arcadia University (located near inaccessible by land due to the dense Philadelphia in the United States) has tropical forest. been monitoring the monkey populations in the most remote part of the island, the Bioko Island is one of the most biologically Gran Caldera de Luba, a volcanic crasignificant places in all of the Africa, Most ter on the southwestern coast. All seven of island is virgin rainforest and his unique species of monkeys are found in the mountain landscaping crestes an array Gran Caldera. In 1996, to encourage of distinct habitats where native animals conservation of the monkeys, Beaver can thrive. Bioko Island has a surprising College established the Bioko Biodiversity variety of native monkeys: four species of Protection Program, which is dedicated guenons (“cercopithecine monkeys”), two to studying and protecting the wildlife species of colobus, and the drill, a large in the two legally protected areas of the baboon-like monkey that is now consid- island: Gran Caldera/Southern Highlands ered to be the most endangered primate and Pico Basile. These two areas make in all of Africa. up more than 45% of the island, and remain, except for the bushmeat hunting, Sadly, in the last fifteen years, Bioko almost undisturbed by human activities. Island, like much of the rest of West http://www.who.int/apoc/vector/bioko/en/index.html ~ http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/bioko.htm
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Farewell to Bebe By Frances Figart
I am a full time caregiver for my 81-yearold mother, who has Hospice. We are living together in our shared home, which is lovely and very accommodating for this process. During the past 2 weeks, mom has had two very critical episodes of congestive heart failure. These crises were on Tuesday and Saturday nights last week, and then Sunday night, when I was up with her in the night, I noticed our older dog Bebe (14) was acting weird. I helped get her comfortable and then, for the next 3 hours, she went through her dying process and I was the doggie Hospice worker. What an experience.
at how efficiently nature provided for this dog’s passing. Just wild to see it. She had a good death. And I am so glad she is on the other side, tail wagging and romping joyously through the fields with Mom in their hours of active life.
I was so numb from seeing Mom’s difficulties, that I was watching this death in a form of meditative compassionate detachment that I’d never experienced before. I wasn’t trying to save her and wasn’t even terribly emotional, but I was cleaning up after her and helping her reach some level of comfort. I am still amazed
She will be missed, but remain in our heart and memory for ever.
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She was a good old farm dog who lived a tough farm life until about age 7, and then a cushy, comfortable second half of her 14 years. She died a good old farm dog’s noble death, at home, during the night, running through all her favorite fields as she took her last breaths.
“Nothing real is ever threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Therein lies the peace of God.” from the Book of Miracles
Vafa Shelter needs your help Many beautiful animals needs a loving home.
For adoption please contact:
http://www.cal.ir/ ~ http://cal.ir/main/fa/contact ~ http://cal.ir/main/en/contact
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Ricky