Jennifer Christiansen
Bio
Animal advocate, traveler, and bibliophile. Lover of all things dark and romantic.
Stories (72)
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A Mutt Discovering her "Je Ne Sais Quoi"
“A mutt is couture-it’s the only one like it in the world, made especially for you.” Isaac Mizrahi Growing up in the seventies and eighties, my friends frequently discussed the origins of their ancestry. My next-door neighbor and childhood friend always talked about being Italian. It was part of her identity.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Humans
A Grand Mentor
Far away in the forest, where the sun was warm and the air was fresh, grew a pretty little fir tree. Everything was perfect there, and yet the tree was not happy. ... So unhappy was the tree that it did not enjoy the warm sunshine, the birds, or the fluffy clouds that floated over it morning and evening. Hans Christian Andersen
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Families
A Profound Ability to Love and Be Loved
"Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind." Brandon Lee This open letter of appreciation is to John Netzel. In 2013, he founded Peaceful Fields Sanctuary in Winchester, Virginia with the goal of "blending Jewish ideals of repairing the world and avoiding animal cruelty with the vegan concern for the rights of farmed animals." He has helped save 125 animals and is often called in after local and state law enforcement officials have conducted raids. Many of the animals experienced emotional or physical trauma, especially the kapparot survivors – the chickens used in this ritual are swung over their heads to symbolically transfer sins, often injuring the animal in the process. Netzel has a degree in microbiology and worked as a facilities manager for office buildings before he became an animal rescuer.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Humans
Influence in Action
Today’s influencers epitomize a sea of change. They are, in a sense, our present role models – both good and bad. With the last two years being even more reliant on technology as we distanced ourselves from face-to-face relationships, this trend is even truer.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Humans
Feeling Ducky in North Carolina
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” Ralph Waldo Emerson My husband, my dogs, and the ocean – a perfect day. While miniature schnauzers are generally not swimmers, my two pups love their days in the sand. Heidi is not afraid of getting her toes wet, but her favorite activity is the thrill of the chase – namely seabirds and crabs. Ruffles is more about digging holes in the sand and laying down in them.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Wander
The Golden Circle of Iceland
The only thing wrong with our December trip to Iceland - besides the stress of the covid tests - was that it was too short. Our journey through the Golden Circle of Iceland could have lasted much longer than our brief day. But my husband and I have stories and memories of our time that will always live in our hearts and minds.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Wander
Golden Isles of Georgia. Top Story - January 2022.
Travel and dogs. These two passions of mine don’t always intersect, but when they do, magical memories are formed. Sometimes my two miniature schnauzers, both brazen barkers, are left with a pet and house sitter while we travel to far off destinations. Not only am I uncomfortable with having them on an airplane, but I sometimes believe that Heidi and Ruffles prefer to stay in the security of their own house. Leaving them is hard (for me), and I sometimes think that they are the only reasons I come home from some locations - well, that and my wallet.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Petlife
Christmas Magic in the Land of Fire and Ice
A Christmas trip to Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is crammed with magic of all kinds from viewing the mysterious Aurora Borealis to listening to folkloric tales of creatures that roam the country during the month of December. Although my journey was rather brief this time, I was charmed by the country, its people, and of course the traditional stories told during my holiday travels.
By Jennifer Christiansen4 years ago in Wander
