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So: I've made it another time around the sun! I'm 34 on this lovely Samhain, and glad to be here.

Unfortunately, I am a very busy Lupa, and so I don't have a big, awesome picture post for you guys this year. (I did, however, add more to the free writing that's always available over at Therioshamanism--this time a post on Skin Spirits and Sacred Remains on Samhain. I hope it makes up for not being a bunch of pictures of me being silly.)

I've already gotten a bunch of wonderful birthday wishes, which I very much appreciate--thank you! If you'd like to make my birthday even happier, here are a few possibilities:

--Donate some money (even a few dollars) to a nonprofit that benefits wildlife and their habitats, animal rescue, or really any other good cause. I would ask that you avoid PETA and the Humane Society (the big, national organization, not the individual Humane Society shelters in your area) since I have a lot of ethical disagreements with them and their tactics. However, some of my favorite organizations are: The Defenders of Wildlife, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Wolf Haven International, the Xerces Society, the Scottish Wildcat Association, Project Coyote, Willamette Riverkeeper, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Oregon Wild, and BARK. Also, not critter-related but still good causes are Witchvox and the Wild Hunt, two of my favorite pagan resources. And, just to round things out, I also support Doctors Without Borders.

--If you can't donate money, consider donating time through volunteering. Trash pickup and native plant restoration are both hands-on activities that do make a big difference in a local ecosystem, as well as beyond (for those in the Portland/Oregon area I highly recommend SOLV). You can also donate blood through the Red Cross--there's always a need for blood, but it's even greater in the wake of Sandy.

--More self-focused, I always appreciate positive promotion of my artwork, books, and other endeavors. As you may know, I'm entirely self-employed and I'm the primary breadwinner in my household. Word of mouth goes a long way, and I know a good number of you have supported me through buying books and artwork and have been happy with the results. Even if you haven't purchased anything (hey, window shopping works online, too!), you can still help me out by telling other people about my website, my Etsy, and my Therioshamanism blog. It really does make a difference. (Oh, and hey, if you want to buy something I certainly won't complain!)

--Finally, make today "Do something awesome that'll make someone else smile" day. A good, genuine smile, not something at the expense of another person. Pay for someone's coffee. Listen to somebody who's been having a tough time of it lately. If you're up for it, give a hug to someone who really needs it. Look for opportunities to create a good day for another person. (And don't forget to take care of yourself, too--as long as you're making smiles happen, give yourself a few while you're at it!)