Ever think about making a change? I think we all should. Great and small.

Ever feel like making a change in life?

Something big, something small? Anything? Feel like you would be so much happier in another job? Feel like you should really try that evening class? Feel like you'd like to try that new pudding they've got?

This weekend made me think about two changes. One possible, one necessary, but both require your help.

Both changes were brought to the forefront by some beings I met at the weekend. In a moment I will introduce you, but first let me set the scene for these pesky questions.

I've always had something of a thirst for photography, especially of skyscapes and animals. Anyone who has been on an adventure with me will tell you that. And anyone who's on my facebook, for that matter.

But this year is the first that I've had my weapon of choice. A DSLR. A Nikon D3200 to be exact. Now, it's an entry level camera to some extent, but then I'm a little entry level myself, and its always best to start to walk before you can run.

Now I would never consider myself a pro, nor would I blow my own trumpet too hard, but I have always had a good eye, and a good appreciation for beauty. And now that I finally have the kit to produce the images I have found in their proper quality, I am honestly beginning to wonder about making a change, and selling some of my photos. Not as my full livelihood, but as a side-line.

The trouble is that one can never be the true judge of one's own talents, and I need your help, dear reader, to tell me if I am simply blowing smoke out of my ass. To that end I will be showing some of my wares this week on this blog, and I will bring about the former introduction that I mentioned.

So. Quickly onto the greater, more necessary change. Here I give you an extended family member whom my Beloved wonderfully adopted for me as an anniversary gift; Mileena (Click on the picture to enlarge).

Mileena is an Amur Leopard in Colchester Zoo. And as part of their excellent work, they are introducing her to a prospective mate; Sayan.

Amazing, aren't they? Here comes the rub. Due to our destructive habits, due to our recklessness and the way we tirelessly exploit the environment there are only 40 of them left in the wild.

40.

We, as a species, must change. We must change for the sake of the animals like Mileena and Sayan who are so very close to the abyss, and we must change so that we ourselves aren't wiped out by the growing environmental and ecological crisis that we are causing. We cannot keep going destrying the world this way for the sake of our convenience. We must change. I will change. I'm not asking to be followed, I'm asking that you follow your hearts.

Sigh, I sense a lack of listening here. Do we need something else to help get your attention back? Fine. It's time for a Red Panda.