October at the Purrfumery

Greetings my dear Purrfumery friends!

I just returned from the most amazing conservationist safari to Africa!  I am still basking in the glow—we were guests in the home of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and many other animals who live along the Kenyan savannas. We met the Masai Mara and spent a day in their village. It was the most invigorating, exciting and peaceful experience of my life and I brought home many new ideas for how I can make a difference for animals and the environment in my own community and in the Purrfumery.

Snapshots from Africa

Here are my top three life-changing experiences from my safari in Africa.

Ambroseli National Park and Amboseli Trust for Elephants
This is where Cynthia Moss researched elephants for her book, Elephant Memories. Over the years, she has documented the lives of almost 3,000 elephants in the longest running study of elephants ever undertaken. From her book I learned about elephants’ understanding of death, the way they mourn, celebrate birth, and how they live in matriarchal societies. Grandmothers, mothers, sisters and aunts raise their babies and stick together—when I read this book 30 years ago it changed my life! My love for these animals deepened and I knew we needed to help them—elephants could become extinct very soon if people do not stop killing them.

In the park we watched in awe as 102 family members marched by us on their way to the river. The elephants remember Cynthia—she doesn’t live at the trust all the time anymore, but when she visits, the elephants know and stop by the research center to greet her.

Lewa White Rhino

Lewa Conservancy
We visited the Lewa Conservancy and immediately understood why Anthony Bourdain was so inspired by his experience there. The Lewa Conservancy has become a model for conservation in Kenya and Africa. They are so effective because they go beyond protecting and managing species—they also get involved in the community and educate people about how important wildlife is to our world. The Lewa Conservancy showed us how they are building schools and health clinics, and how they are training people from neighboring tribes to be rangers and help with anti-poaching efforts. Their work has been a huge success in Kenya! There has been no poaching there in almost 5 years! Good news for animals!

Masai Warriors

Meeting the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara tribe was extraordinary! We visited a Masai village and learned about their ancient culture and how they are adapting to the modern world. We went on healing plant walks, with baboons close behind! My husband Gary walked for miles through lion country with his new Masai friend.

My visit to the Masai Mara village assured me that when there are enough resources for everyone, especially wild animals, we can live together. There are so many folks working to help people and animals, so I am hopeful.

I’d like to recommend Lori Robinson, who planned and guided us on this trip. Her books will inspire you and give you hope in this dire time for animals. Her books and blog continually inspire me! She can plan trips or lead you one!

Now that we are home, Gary is working on getting his Masai friends cell phones so they can do their banking, deal with emergencies, and so they can talk with their family in other villages.

Home Sweet Home
My dad remembers a visit we all made to the zoo when I was little. He remembers me standing at the lion enclosure and when someone made a comment that the lions were scary, I told them, “If you don’t hurt them, they won’t hurt you.” That doesn’t mean I don’t have the utmost respect for them and their wildness. But I have always believed that humans must see animals in a different way. Not as a possession or something to be conquered, but as fellow beings who are put on this earth to live in peace. This is one of the most profound lessons that Africa has to teach us all.

Love a Black Cat and Donate 10% to Non-Toxic Revolution

I recently learned about a website called Non-Toxic Revolution—it’s a great source for information about eliminating toxic chemicals in the environment and our food sources. I want to do something to help them, and I invite you to join me! In the spirit of Halloween and this wonderful month of October, I am donating 10% of all sales on my Black Cat Kittylicious and Black Cat Velvet Collection to Non-Toxic Revolution. This is a purrrrrfect opportunity to experience one of my most popular scents and help promote Non-Toxic Revolution’s mission.

California Blazes a Trail to Eliminating Animal Testing
Our hard work is paying off! In September, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation that will prohibit the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Once the law goes into effect on January 1, 2020, California stores will no longer be able to sell cosmetics that contain ingredients that are newly tested on animals. There are a few exceptions, but overall, it’s an excellent step toward protecting animals! The Humane Society of the United States has more info here.

Get Ready for the Holidays—Visit the Purrfumery!
I’m available for private appointments, so give me a call at 510-334-8824 or drop me an email at laurie@purrfumery.com and let’s get together for a cup of tea at the Purrfumery! You can sniff and sample to your heart’s content, get a jump start on your holiday shopping, or stock up on your favorites.

Until next time. . .

Peace, love, purrfume and kitty cats,