Articles written by Beth Burns

What is Helium

About me - Beth Burns

I am just a girl in the woods trying to figure stuff out. I have just recently been given an opportunity to write a monthly column in my local newspaper, I am pleased with the response to those articles.

I am the executive director of Northwoods Wildlife Center,

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: My first car: 2 of 50

My father pulled his newly acquired vehicle into the driveway. He was beaming as he got out of the driver's door, saying, "Here's your new car, Beth!" I was absolutely horrified! It was a giant 1985 silver Chrysler 5th Ave, the epitome of the old fart car and I was 17. All I could envision was the huge amount of pointing and ... More..
Relationships & Family > Domestic Violence & Abuse Why do women tolerate abuse from their men?: 4 of 71

I don't know that "tolerate" is the best word to use in this situation. It certainly isn't a word that came to mind when I was in similar relationships.First to understand is that any man who abuses, be it physical, emotional, or simply controlling...is weak. This man needs a strong woman in his life. That strong woman needs ... More..
Pets & Animals > Birds Why people are so fascinated by owls: 1 of 17

I work with owls everyday and I am still fascinated by them, every one of them. Their eyes are haunting, soulful, wise. They are truly created to be successful killing machines and yet they can come across as almost cuddly!At the Northwoods Wildlife Center where I work, we have several owls that are "permanent residents." Thi... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Spiritual Life Reflections: What is true love: 1 of 15

True love is simply unconditional love. Unconditional love is love without conditions, without rules, without expectations, without judgment, without ego. We are humans and we complicate things. We have been through difficult times and difficult relationships. Sometimes we are hurt and, as long as we can learn from our mistak... More..
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama Drama and spirituality: The inspirational aspect of the acting experience: 1 of 11

I found acting to be very spiritual, but I also found a lot of laughter when I discussed my belief that it was. There are three main reasons that I believe acting and spirituality to be connected. Acting is one of the best tools I had in my life to bring me to understand the concepts of Compassion and Being Present. Acting al... More..
Pets & Animals > Birds How the American bald eagle came off the endangered species list: 1 of 8

Having my life linked to a non profit wildlife rehabilitation hospital for the last twenty years, the news of the American Bald Eagle coming off the endangered species list was thoroughly exciting to me!For years, great people have been working to help the Bald Eagle recover its population by restricting how close people can ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: My father: 18 of 143

In my early years, my father was this guy who went to work before I woke up and came home after I had gone to sleep, but on weekends he was this crazy goofy guy who washed the cars in the driveway and did fix up jobs around the house and still had time to grill dinner and play in the yard with his three daughters. He was a ba... More..
Other Human imperfection: 18 of 142

Human imperfection is the most beautiful thing in creation!I truly would not have it any other way. Humans are imperfect, it is what makes us human. Is there anything that IS perfect? I do not actually believe so. I really do think that perfection is a concept which is completely false in nature. There are great things, but p... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Pagan & Earth-Based Religions What does it take to become a Shaman: 1 of 6

The path to becoming a Shaman is a life journey. You must feel a pull to help people, a connection to the universe and Spirit, and a profound compassion for all living beings. It is not an easy path to walk, yet we are all capable of the walk. One who chooses to continue the path of shamanism has taken on a responsibility to ... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Form letter in response to criticism: 23 of 121

Dear Sir,Please help me understand why you chose to critique my personal life in such a rude and childish way. Surely, it must be a tactic to prove a point as I am certain you would not wish to come across so immature if it were not a ploy. I especially enjoyed the added touch of misspelling 80% of the words in your two page ... More..