Friday August 6th Happiness post: Bobcats are Protected! And maybe friday5.

Friday Happiness Post.  Yay Yay Yay!!  This is such a beautiful Wildcat and now it's illegal to harm them for whatever reason.  And they really needed to be protected.  Now the law has some teeth of it's own!

friday5  wasn't up by 11pm.  So, I did a set of five bonus questions... just for fun.

But, here's the BIG NEWS:

No. 786, Aug. 6, 2015 Victory: California Bans All Bobcat Trapping -- Thank You A huge win in our work to save predators: The California Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday voted to ban commercial bobcat trapping throughout the state. A hard-fought bill sponsored by the Center for Biological Diversity and approved by the California legislature in 2013 stopped bobcat trapping on the borders of national and state parks and other protected areas, but this week's vote took the final step to end commercial trapping of these beloved cats. Over the past few years, a rising demand for bobcat pelts in China and Russia has driven up fur prices and caused a boom in bobcat trapping in California. The Center and allies have been working to stop this killing. The new ban was approved 3-2 by the commission. Thanks to the tens of thousands of you who raised your voice to the wildlife commission in support showing that you value bobcats alive rather than as commodities. Every letter and voice counted in this victory. Friday5 Bonus questions: 1. What kinds of craft-making do you particularly enjoy? I love jewelry making the most of all crafts. A lot of effort went into this craft.  I'm trained in Silversmithing, and have done a certified two year course in Gemology.  Also, I took courses in the local Gem and Mineral clubs for cabochon and free form semi precious stones, and lessons from a Master wirewrapper.  This is what I thought I'd do, that and ride my bicycle, until I was a very old lady. 2. What craft-making’s appeal baffles you? I don't know of one.  All craft, even if only for temporary use has an appeal and a worth.  Maybe not a lasting value, but an intrinsic worth. 3. What have you purchased from Etsy or similar websites? I've bought some silicone molds for casting wax forms from Etsy. 4. What crafty item in your house gets the most use? Lately, nothing. I'm trying to work out some problems with my hands and arms. Knitting needles and sewing machine are two things I'll probably keep using when/if these problems are solved. 5. What qualities really make someone a good crafter? Good or Excellent?  I'd say that these are the qualities for excellence: The willingness to improve one's skills so as to make ever higher quality of items, no matter what the materials used - in other words, seeking to master one's craft.   This is done by paying attention to every detail of manufacture, seeking out master teachers, and practicing skills diligently so as to raise one's work to the level of Fine Art.  Artisan level craft is an achievement that is worth the time and effort.  Such dedicated crafters can take real pride in the work of their hands.       Enjoy your weekend!