Should we wear masks when in public? Yes! I will continually trust science even when it is inconvenient for me. I don't want to skip the brownies after dinner, but I know that it is important for my health. I trust science and allow it to inform my reactions to scientific decisions. I do it for my health and for the health of others. I am willing to run back in the house and risk being late after I have forgotten my mask if it means I am helping someone else stay healthy.

Other than anything overly aggressive, I love music. All music. The free expression and open interpretation that comes with each artist's contribution draw me in. However, my most loved music is anything written by the artists themselves. And if they can play their own instruments I am dually impressed. Here are some of my top singers and musicians. Keep in mind that there is no way that this can be exhaustive: Dolly Parton. Kenny Rogers, The Lumineers, Mumford & Suns, Taylor Swift, BeeGees, Pink, Adele, Eddie Rabbit, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, and Dave Grohl.

A not-so-well-kept secret in Atlanta is the Bridge to Nowhere, half of a bridge that abruptly ends mid-air. I'm not sure what the appeal is for others, but I love the grit, the remnants of history that keep an eye on the present. The location also serves as a fantastic backdrop for photoshoots. Either the unique view of the skyline or the metal beams, there is a perfect shot for everyone. Please keep in mind that people do live on the bridge and deserve to be treated respectfully. A food donation to each of them is always appreciated by them and me.

This is such a personal topic, but I will keep it simple. Learn a language. Know a language that is not your native language. With that, you also learn a culture and thereby a new way of thinking. There are many ways humans communicate, but our use of language is unique compared to all of God's other creatures. And, lastly, be patient with hose still learning. The process is long and difficult, regardless how rewarding. Language will open doors, minds, and hearts--it is central Embrace it. Language opens doors, minds, and hearts.

Coffee is one of the best beans on the planet. Brewed coffee serves an incredible purpose in keeping adults moving forward each and every day. However, give me an espresso drink with frothy or steamed milk and I am a very happy person. In Atlanta, go to Grant Park Coffeehouse to get the best coffee, savory breakfast bites, pastries, and customer service!

If I could spread this information to each and every animal rescue in the country, I would. Maybe I will. After years of involvement in animal rescue, particularly in Indiana, I learned so much-- about animals, about people, about myself. I also learned a marketing strategy that works: transparency. If a dog is difficult, say it; someone will want to tackle the issue. If a dog is amazing, say it as loud as possible; adopters will line up. And most importantly, EVERY post for EVERY animal should always contain information about getting along with kids, cats, and dogs. Let me say this again. Adopters want to know the animal's willingness to get along with kids, cats, and dogs more than anything else. As I am currently looking to adopt a canine buddy for my sweet kitty, I find myself reading post after post omitting this information. As a result, instead of stopping the scroll, emailing the organization, and waiting for a response to find out if said dog is cat friendly, I move on to the next animal trying to find the right fit. This has become annoying, laborious, and demotivating. Please, for the love of God, if you truly want to save the animals, include this simple information in every post. /rant

If the title was enough for you to continue reading, I probably like you. Want to know what else I like? Walruses. Since I was 12 years old I have been obsessing over walruses. Olga the Warus was an adorable and hilarious character at the Brookfield Zoo outside of Chicago. I saw her as a child and fell in love with her larger-than-life personality. Years later, by chance, my family ended up at the zoo for her birthday and watched Olga entertain the crowd all day. Unprompted she blew kisses to and spat water on the adoring crowd. Her BFF Amy the Harbor Seal sat close by or swam around Olga and enjoyed the attention too.  When Olga died at 27 in 1988 I wondered if I would ever have the chance again to see a walrus with such charisma. Not that Olga wasn't the legend that she became, but I have had the privilege to meet (read: pet) many walruses in Indianapolis, Florida, and even Germany. All of whom had charm for days. A walrus is kind of a St. Bernard for the pinnipeds--entertaining, loving, intelligent, but looks a little dopey.

I have a new exciting venture: I am becoming a certified docent for the local non-profit Trees Atlanta. The decision was a little spontaneous, but the interest had long been swirling in the back of my mind: Geez, it would be great if I actually knew the names of trees in my own yard. Well, now I will know the trees in my backyard and in your backyard as well. I will also have a platform to discuss the preservation of Atlanta's tree canopy. I am currently planning a fantastic tour on the Southside BeltLine trail that will include some forest/community comparisons that might make us better people. Keep an eye out for news about when my tours will take place so that you can join me!  Stay tuned for a review of a great tree book.