"My father was an adamant
proponent of John Donne's 'No Man Is An Island' philosophy, and that is
the way I was raised. One of the most life-altering lessons that I
learned from both my mother and father is that it's possible to attain
higher levels of happiness, feelings of self-worth, and a genuine sense
of accomplishment if we take the focus off ourselves. Whatever we
choose to be passionate about, we need to remember that in one form or
another, we are either taking from or giving back to the world around
us. No man is an island. Perhaps when we consciously try to conduct our
lives in the spirit of giving back to the world, the gift of happiness,
a feeling of self-worth, and a sense of accomplishment are simply there
.
. . We do not have to seek them." Melanie Sue Bowles The above is a,
slightly edited for length, excerpt from the introduction of The
Horses of Proud Spirit. I have chosen to share this book and this
person on this site because Melanie is a rare gem among us, the Human
species. She is one that doesn't just tout a philosophy, she lives
it. Proud Spirit started on fifty acres in Myacca City, Florida and now
spans 300 plus acres in Mena, Arkansas. All the horses were moved in
special tractor/trailer rigs when the larger facility was procured. It is the living
proof of the heart and soul of a gentle woman, passionate about giving
back to the Earth a small portion of what we all take from it. What it
has given her.
I've witnessed with my own eyes, these glorious
creatures that without her, would have met with yet more abuse or death.
I've seen her work with them, care for them, and most gratifying
of all, I've seen the love and trust in their incredible eyes when she
enters a pasture and they come loping up to greet her. A trust she gave
of her all to earn against nearly insurmountable odds. In addition to their tireless work with the horses, Melanie and her husband Jim, both retired with full service from the Sarasota County Fire Department where Jim was a Battalion Chief. In this world fraught with trial and tribulation, Man's inhumanity to man and beast, such a soul as Melanie deserves acknowledgment. I am humbled to know her, and honored to have a platform in which to introduce her to you.The purpose of this site is simply food for
thought, an effort toward spreading awareness of the connectedness of
the World around us. Possibly an outstretched hand offering hope
or inspiration to one alone and hurting. I shun any tendencies
toward commercialism. In this instance, however, I urge all who
may read this page to acquire this book. Your Spirit will thank
you. So will the horses. Sucarha |
