jadegirl | And now, a moment for biology.

Just got back from the dentist. I have a major project to do today, and am *really* hoping to get my latest shawl done by Friday, but I thought I'd take a moment to write while waiting for my mouth to return to normal. Cleanings every 3 months are a major drag.:(

First, LJ is being odd in regards to comments, I'm getting email about them, but they don't show up in the entries, nor can I respond. So, to

gothwalk I think you've got a good point, and Sir has stated quite clearly that he feels that by taking me on as a responsibility, he takes on my responsibilities by extension - he pays my student loans, for example. I just...well, I just have trouble with it, internally. Part of it, I think, is that in some small way I feel burdened by the weight of the expectations my family has put upon me, all without ever consulting me. They don't spare a moments thought to who will take care of them should they become ill, or should the money run out. On some level, it seems that they simply expect that I will, partly because they know my honor won't allow me to do otherwise. I think they're right to believe so, but I also don't think it's wrong for me to feel burdened by it. And since I see it as a burden, why would Sir see it otherwise? Add that to my sense that my family is a part of me, and in some bit of mental gymnastics, I feel like I become a burden to him by extension. Odd, I know, but that's the knot I seem to have tied myself into. Oh, and Sir's name is Dan. He's over at

holzman, where he mostly rants about US politics, but sometimes waxes lyrical about cooking. :)

To

docstrange Indeed, but it's a quiet sort of anarchy, with frequent stops for tea.:)

And now, for biology. Recently I saw a comment on a list about zoos, and the person said that they knew many animals would be extinct if such things did not exist, but perhaps it 'should' be that way. I do not understand such a view. Of course I'm a bit biased, having worked with animals for many years, from a vets office to the Live Animal Unit of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, which has a close relationship with the Philadelphia Zoo. First, a disclaimer - Yes, I expect there are some awful zoos. I have no experience with any, but simply knowing how the world works I expect there are some that should not exist. However, in a world where humanity is the number one threat to biodiversity, zoos play a vital role in protecting against severe alterations in the very fabric of our planet. Yes, in the wild natural selection does work, culling species that are not able to thrive. However, in this modern world, *unnatural* selection is king. Zoos spend a great deal of time, money, and energy on trying to stem the tide of unnatural selection by doing research on conservation methods, reintroduction of endangered species, and public education. I shudder to think of what the world would look like without these things, and without that tiny bit of public awareness zoos provide into the rampant problems caused by industrial development, logging, and suburban habitat destruction. I could ramble on about this for pages, but you get the point.

And now, for something different.

earthsister suggested something I hadn't really thought of, and I thought I'd ask for some general opinions. Most of you are aware that I make a lot of natural bath and body products, and she suggested selling them. It seems like a good idea, but I'm torn. You see, 99% of the stuff that I make is dead easy to do. I may have an easier time getting some of the more esoteric supplies, because I have a very good herbal supplier not far from here, but there's honestly not much I make that calls for anything too exotic. On the other hand, people are busy creatures, and may prefer to give me the money to do the work...Or would they? It seems that most of the people who are interested in the type of things I make are also interested in learning to make them themselves.

Here's what I currently make: Salt and sugar based body scrubs, facial washes and scrubs, cold cream, massage, bath and body oils, moisturizers, hand and nail creams, bath salts. Soon I'll be finalizing compounds for lip/cheek/eye color, too. I can customize any of the above to suit preferences in scent, skin type, etc.

So do you think it might be a good idea to offer my wares for sale? If so, how would you go about it? A webpage seems like a chancy thing, for one thing, webspace is a problem - I don't want to do a site with pop-ups. Besides that, there are a zillion hits if you do a search for natural beauty products. Hmmm...