​Check out this video about the history of bear management in the national parks: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/grizzlybear.htm

To my knowledge there is only one recorded instance of an animal killing a human inside of Yosemite National Park.

Can you guess what animal it is?

Nope, not a bear, keep guessing... not a mountain lion either... think more on the dainty, herbivore side... that's right, a mule dear. Most people would be shocked by this fact, but it is true. The deer around here are pretty "tame" in the sense that they aren't easily spooked by people, and go about their day while people are near. However, these animals are still wild animals, and for their sake and ours it is important to "keep them wild," by not feeding or getting too near them. It is important for wild animals to retain their wild instincts for survival.

Yosemite is a magical place and the "tame" deer make it feel even more like a Disney movie, but it is not. Please, please be respectful of the space and its residents. Follow the rules about food storage and not feeding wild animals. What seems like a magical moment for you can turn into a deadly situation for you or the animal. Don't be selfish, enjoy the animals from an appropriate distance, don't go traipsing through the meadows (they are protected), store your food properly, throw away your trash, and remember that approximately 4 million people visit this park yearly. If what you are wanting to do were multiplied by 4 million (or even several thousand), would it negatively impact the environment? If yes, then don't do it. 

This weekend I had the opportunity to display my work during Artober at the Oakhurst Fall Festival in the Yosemite Sierra Artist booth. I wasn't sure about participating-- it was a little last minute and I was out of town when the opportunity arose. The week was already wildly busy, and I just wasn't sure how well it would work.

Luckily, I recently read ​SELL OUT: The Definitive Guide To Selling Your Art Online Without Losing Your Damn Mind by Rachel Wilkins. In one chapter she discusses taking opportunities and making the most of them. So I decided to stop worrying and just make it happen.

I am so glad I did. I met some truly lovely people and made some great connections and new friends. The weather was absolutely beautiful, there was a great turn out, and I even got to meet a duck in a stroller... in my book that is pretty fantastic. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is easy to make excuses, to worry about how things will go, and to just decide to skip something. It is certainly more work to put yourself out there and do things that you aren't quite sure will work out, but the reward can be really great in the end. I think when we shift our goals and mindset a bit to base them on the specific opportunity the outcome can be wonderful. 

How about you, do you struggle with taking a leap like this? Do you struggle with trying new things, or feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks required for events? Maybe you have a great tip or trick that you can share. Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.