“The world needs you just as you are.” - Jacob Collier

There are few things I admire more than musical harmonics. By harmonics I mean the magic that occurs when notes played by instruments and/or sung by voices mesh perfectly. By mesh I mean they are in exactly the right combination and relationship with one another - volume, pitch, rhythm, pace, and vibrato. When that happens boundaries dissolve and suddenly everyone and everything (air, instruments, the room, and yes all the cells in all the bodies involved) are in radical agreement - suspended in a moment that is both deeply satisfying and familiar. For as long as the harmony lasts all is right with the world, with ourselves, and with one another. I’ve had this extraordinary experience a few times while singing in a choir but rarely when listening to others and until recently only while attending live performances.

Imagine my surprise then to have experienced it twice while listening to Jacob Collier online. Collier is a multi award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and educator. None of the words in that last sentence begin to touch on what Collier does with musical harmonics. To understand, you have to listen. So buckle up:

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. I was captivated by the way Collier pulled notes for each of the instruments seemingly out of the air. And the addition of the voices had me a singing along. Can you imagine what it must have felt like to be in that concert hall or sitting in the orchestra?

I get the sense that Collier is reminding us of something essential about ourselves - both in relation to one another and the world at large. I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.

To be even more blown away, watch this video we I explaining snd chronicling Jacob’s life. Many thanks to for finding and sharing it:

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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Copyright 2023 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“There is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.” –Amanda Gorman

Wanting to support someone I like and admire who’s going through a messy divorce, I created the designs you see above and below and put them on t-shirts. To get your own click on the links below:

• Draw the Line: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4545729694/draw-the-line-womens-empowerment

• A Strong Woman: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4546407789/bad-ass-ninja-ii-t-shirt

• I’m a Bad Ass: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4546440842/im-a-bad-ass-tee

P.S. Apologies to those subscribed to both Buttons and Bows and Pass Along Songs. i wanted to reach as many folks as possible.

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“I chose love songs because I'm convinced they (animals) are very intuitive and they can sense what I am trying to say to them... I think what makes a difference is that I don't sing around them; I sing for them.” - Plumes

I’ve been listening to and watching Plumes (Loris Assadian), the French singer and songwriter for months now. Plumes is known for taking his pastel pink guitar into farm fields, wildlife preserves, aquatic centers, and zoos to sing for any and all kinds animals.

The reactions of the animals - everything from equines, big cats, giraffes, and elephants to rabbits, foxes, lemurs, and alligators - is priceless. Without exception they are curious, receptive, and responsive. But the thing I enjoy most about listening to him play and seeing the animals’ reactions is the love he shares with them. It fills the air - even the virtual air - and reminds me that we are all part of a larger family that’s fueled by love. Enjoy.

Plumes Links

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumesofficiel/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Plumesmusic

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumesofficiel/

• Interview on the Creative Process: https://www.creativeprocess.info/interviews-featured/plumes-animals

• Toujours Toi (Always You): Plumes’ latest release

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  Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

  

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To understand why the story I’m about to tell you tickled my funny bone, some background is needed.

Since I no longer have a car, I often have bulky and/or heavy groceries (cat litter, bird seed, bags of potatoes and onions, bottled water, etc.) delivered to my door. Most delivery folks are conscientious and hard working but every once in a while things go awry. I’ve had groceries delivered to the wrong apartment, left in the complex’s laundry room, down at the mail center, in the middle of a flight of stairs, on the pool deck, and once in the bushes that run around my building.

On one occasion my order simply failed to appear. Instead I received an email stating it couldn’t be delivered because no one was here to receive it. I’ll spare you that saga of how the delivery company mistook me for physical, 9-5 business offering karate classes for kids. My order was eventually delivered 28 hours later.

All of the above is to say that I was not particularly surprised when my July 8th grocery order failed to appear. Knowing the drill, I dutifully checked my neighbors’ front porches, the laundry and mail rooms, the pool deck, and the bushes. Nothing.

I then contacted the grocery provider and asked for a refund. I also asked that the tip I’d included for the delivery driver be refunded.

Fast forward 4 days and my refund came through but the tip was not included. Once again I contacted customer support and explained my issue. Although I was polite, I was succinct and to the point. No need for chit chat about the weather. I just wanted the error fixed so I could get on with my day. After the customer service rep confirmed that they understood my request and would process my refund, our conversation took a strange turn:

Customer Service: I appreciate you for having a good soul, Jena. I hope every customer is as kind as you.

Me: That is a rather strange thing to say. You don’t know anything about my soul.

Customer Service: I am sorry for the confusion. I meant that your heart is pure and you are kind.

Me: No offense, but how could you possibly know that? I gave you an order number, a screenshot of the charge to my bank account, and asked for a refund.

Customer Service: I just know by talking to you here in the chat. I just based on our conversation. :))

Me: Wow you must be psychic. Thank you for your help and for being a kind soul as well.

I know I know I probably shouldn’t have said anything but the compliments were so effusive and over the top that I couldn’t resist. Do you suppose they are trained to say things like that - to kill the customer with kindness?

At any rate I got a good chuckle out of the exchange AND my tip was refunded. Anyone else have strange stories to tell about missing groceries or conversations with customer service reps? Inquiring minds and all that :-)

Jena

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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Click on the image above to be taken to the page with links to each of the six topics shown:

• The Three Amigos

• Earth Hymn with Yo-Yo Ma

• World Oceans Day 2026

• Hug Mugs

• Breadcrumbs for Grieving Souls

• Silent Thunder by Katy Payne - A review

See you there!

P.S. Do you have a favorite book you’d like to read, review, and talk about? Let me know in the comments.

Wild Dialogs

Wild Dialogs: Walkabout 3

No no, I haven’t forgotten about these Walkabout recaps. I’ve just been a tad bit busy with everything I’m working on. So here we go…

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a month ago · Jena Ball

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“Feel me now, walking the chambers of your heart, pressing my palms to the soft walls of your living.” - Andrea Gibson

Ever had one of those days that really makes you take stock of your life? This was one of them. Click the link below to read how started it all.

Wild Dialogs

Breadcrumbs for Grieving Souls

“Feel me now, walking the chambers of your heart, pressing my palms to the soft walls of your living.” - Andrea Gibson…

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a month ago · Jena Ball

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” - Maya Angelou

Did you know that the Three Amigos were performers before busting our of circus-jail with the help of elephants, a raven, and a two-legged friend?

Click HERE to read all about it in Chapter One of The Three Amigos saga, watch the video of their antics (click on the image above), and get access to the FREE creative activities for kids and adults. We can all use some “Brayful” fun, right?

P.S. Please do me a big favor and subscribe to Whales in My Backyard as well as Pass Along Songs. I will continue to share amazing music and the stories of those behind it here, but my stories about animals - full of love, laughter, and all kinds of shenanigans - will be posted to Whales. The more the merrier, and the more we can help those working to rescue and protect donkeys and other animals on our precious planet.

See you there!

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
What is essential is invisible to the eye." — The Fox from The Little Prince

The Three Amigos are on the lam! Thanks to their elephant compadres, an ingenious raven, and a two-legged sidekick, our three friends have busted out of circus-jail and are headed for parts unknown.

Read all about their great escape, get access to learning resources, and subscribe to be part of their daring, cross-country adventures. They’ll be visiting real-world sanctuaries, making new friends, and sharing the work being done to save and protect donkeys worldwide.

Each chapter of the Three Amigos story will also include learning materials designed to teach and/or update literacy skills, build emotional intelligence (EQ), and increase self-awareness through creative projects.

Click the link below to be taken to The Great Escape - the first chapter in the Three Amigos story. This first chapter and accompanying resources are free. See you there!

Whales in My Backyard

The Three Amigos: The Great Escape

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly…

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a month ago · Jena Ball

P.S. Don’t be fooled! The Three Amigos is for animal and nature lovers of all ages - adults as well as kids. Who doesn’t love a good story that does good too, right?

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All rights Reserved.

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WHO ARE THE THREE AMIGOS?

Hop on over to the latest Three Amigos post to learn how three donkeys are about to escape from the circus and embark on a wild, cross country adventure is about to start.

Full of donkey shenanigans, fun facts, and information on how donkey lovers of all kinds (parents, teachers, and rescue organizations) can take part, this is a tale you won’t want to miss. Click HERE to be taken to the post.

“Your life is nurtured from the body of Mother Earth.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer

I’ve been waiting to share this - waiting for a day when I felt we could all use some sustenance, some music that vibrates deep in our bones and can be felt tingling along the network of nerves that carry our feelings and add our singular vibrations to the collective resonance of the world.

Then I was came upon this quote from the neuroscientist Cheng Ruan, MD and knew it was time to post. Dr. Ruan says,

“We’ve been told that music moves us so we assume that the physical feeling of chills or goosebumps we get from it is just a strong emotional reaction. But that’s not the whole story. It’s actually much deeper than that. What’s actually happening is a process called resonant frequency in which your brain and nervous system literally sync up with the sound waves that you’re hearing and feeling.

“Chills are the physical sign that your body has achieved a state of coherence with the sound. That’s why certain musical structures are found in almost every culture throughout history. The pentatonic scale, for example, is built on mathematical ratios that are inherently pleasing to our nervous systems. It’s built into our biology. So the next time you get chills from a song, recognize them for what they are - a powerful alignment between your brain, your body, your spirit, and universal sound.” - Cheng Ruan, MD

I hope your body resonates as mine did with this music and that it brings you a sense of peace and awareness that you not only belong but are literally part of Earth as well.

The music Yo-Yo Ma is playing is “Earth Hymn” by Viktor Orri Árnason. It was filmed live in the shadow of the Snæfellsnes glacier, and is a plea to the world from the edge of a changing planet. To learn more about the larger project, “Our Common Nature,” visit: https://www.yo-yoma.com/our-common-nature/

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

“The cure for anything is salt water: Sweat, tears or the sea.” - Isak Dinesen

You all know that the oceans (especially the waters around Hawaii) hold a special place in my heart. So I wanted to create something special this year for World Oceans Day. The result is a video that features quotes I love and artwork I’ve created related to the ocean. Enjoy.

Below is also a moving message delivered by David Attenborough at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference.

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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What’s it like to be a miniature donkey in search of a better life - a life free of bridles, bits, and costumes - no need to dance on your hind legs or carry little humans on your back? Beauford, Benjamin, and Brown Sugar Betty (Bet for short) - three miniature donkeys - aim to find out. They’ve escaped from the circus (the only life they’ve known) and are hoofing it across the country creating hilarious havoc wherever they land.

Subscribe to read all about their daring escape, the dangers and challenges they face, and the lessons they learn as they meet and make new friends, become discerning connoisseurs of grass, and spend time teaching the “two-leggeds” kindness.

How It Works
This little story has been noodling around in my imagination for awhile, so I decided to just get started. In addition to recounting Beauford, Benedict, and Brown Sugar Betty’s adventures, I’ll be contacting and collaborating with donkey sanctuaries, rescue and therapy organizations, as well as individuals committed to improving the lives of equines everywhere by sharing stories about their donkeys and other equines (mules, burros, horses, etc.). The goal of this series is to foster kindness, increase awareness of animal welfare in general, and support the invaluable work being done by individuals and organizations.

Each story will have a link at the end to an organization that could use your help to fund their rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts.

To be clear, your paid subscription to Whales In My Backyard supports me and my work. Your contributions to the organizations posted at the end of each piece support the work being done to care for and educate others about donkey rescue and animal welfare in general.

Subscribe to Whales HERE:

Whales in My Backyard

"Whales in My Backyard" chronicles my adventures with animals and the natural world with a special focus on the 9 years I spent living less than two blocks from the ocean in Hawaii. Humpback whales were literally in my backyard.

By Jena Ball

Got an Organization to Recommend or Questions?
DM me or email Jena @ CritterKin dot com

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” - William Shakespeare

Click the image above or HERE to be taken to the latest Wild Dialogs Walkabout and learn all about what we’ve been up to for the past few weeks.

Jena

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“In old Finnish folklore, not every fox was made of fur and bone. Some were made of flame. They called it the Tulikettu, the Fire Fox, a spirit creature said to roam the frozen forests of the far north. Its fur glowed like embers, and its tail burned with a light so bright that every step left sparks trailing through the air. As it ran across the snowy tundra, the sparks from its tail were said to rise into the heavens, painting the dark winter sky with color. These glowing streaks became what we now know as the Northern Lights.” - Echoes of Myths

To read about my encounter and exchange with a North Carolina Gray Fox, visit:

Whales in My Backyard

Some Were Made of Flame

“In old Finnish folklore, not every fox was made of fur and bone. Some were made of flame. They called it the Tulikettu, the Fire Fox, a spirit creature said to roam the frozen forests of the far nor…

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3 months ago · Jena Ball

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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Come listen to a magical Mary Oliver poem hear about the night my eight-year-old self spent sleeping in the wilds ;-)

Wild Dialogs

Sleeping in a Forest

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3 months ago · Jena Ball

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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Something there is about a song…

From the moment I watched this video and saw thousands of people singing in harmony I knew that “Fix You” (and songs like it) have the power to heal the dissonance currently dividing us. Its message reaches past individual differences to “ignite” universal emotions - loss, longing, depression, grief - and offers the promise that hope, when infused with love, can fix anything. It was eight minutes of pure harmony.

Listen. Listen again whenever the mad monkey of anger and despair tug at your heart. Then share with others so they can be reminded as well. We can fix this.

Resources
Jacob Collier: https://www.jacobcollier.com/#/

• YouTube

Chris Martin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Martin

Cold Play: https://www.coldplay.com/tour/

• YouTube

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than Black people were made for whites or women for men.” — Alice Walker

I am being chastised for saying I don’t believe that Cherie DeVaux deserves to be celebrated for becoming the first female thoroughbred trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. I’ve been told I’m being a kill joy, “Don’t we have enough to be depressed about without you bringing up horse racing abuse?” Another was indignant because I ruined the fun they associated with events that surround the Derby - people watching, quirky hats, elegant outfits, fine food, betting, and hobnobbing with the rich and famous. Another said I shouldn’t call a well-known blogger out in public. My response? Why not? The blogger’s post was public. And why can’t human beings have fun without exploiting animals? I know it’s a big question and I know a lot has to change, but why not start here? Why not start now? My response to the blogger (no names mentioned) and resources for those who want to know more, is below.

THE GLASS CEILING WOMEN SHOULDN’T BREAK

I am all for celebrating glass ceilings being broken by women, but becoming the first female thoroughbred trainer to win the Kentucky Derby is not one of them.

Horse racing is a fundamentally inhumane sport rooted in the assumption that animals are on this planet to feed, entertain, and allow human beings to acquire fame and fortune by using and abusing them. How do I know? I used to be a HUGE fan of thoroughbred racing until I became a hot walker at a race track in my late teens.

There I saw horses confined to stalls (horses are herd animals who require the company of other horses to be mentally and emotionally healthy), routinely injected with drugs, trained and raced before their bones were fully formed (full maturity, including the closure of all growth plates in the spine, neck, and limbs isn’t reached until around age 6), and punished for the behavior issues they developed as a result of their confinement, isolation, and training.

A short google search will show you how many thoroughbreds (including Kentucky Derby winners like Barbaro) have broken their legs and had to be destroyed. Here is a good piece: https://horseracingwrongs.org/2017/05/05/how-one-snapped-dangling-leg-changed-a-heart-forever/

Even more disturbing is the way many horses are simply discarded at the end of their careers and often end up in slaughter pipelines to be killed for meat. This includes broodmares who spent their lives being bred and having foals that go on to perpetuate the cycle.

I am a follower and supporter of many rescue orgs (including those that rescue mustangs, Standardbreds destroyed by soring, and Amish work horses) so I know that horse racing is not the only industry that abuses horses for fun and profit. But I will never be okay with horse racing, and will never celebrate a woman who has learned the trade of “training” and racing babies before they are fully developed just so she can say she trained a Kentucky Derby winner.

Yes, I know it is exciting and glamorous and is touted as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” but I don’t think Cherie DeVaux succeeded in breaking a glass ceiling. I think she succeeded in joining a good old boys club that was built on the exploitation of a extraordinarily beautiful and exceptionally willing animal that deserves better.

Resources

PBS: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/alarming-spate-of-racehorse-deaths-draws-scrutiny-of-industry-safety-practices

CBS: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/race-horse-deaths-kentucky-derby-churchill-downs-breeders-cup/

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/28/racehorse-deaths-australia-racing-training-injuries

CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/06/sport/horse-deaths-kentucky-derby-spt

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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Please stop by Wild Dialogs to hear this lovely poem by Letizia Stagno an Italian poet, biologist who studies free roaming horses and spreads a culture of peace through an ethical approach to horses. Her poem is beautiful (read in both English and Italian) and her story is fascinating. Here’s the link:

Wild Dialogs

The Last Tree

This lovely poem comes to us from Rocco Priora, Italy…

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4 months ago · Jena Ball

I hope you not only enjoy, but considering sharing some of your own nature related poetry and stories with us. You know where to find me :-)

Jena

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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“Songs that sound like an old Polaroid .” - Dylan and the Moon describing his work

There is a young man I’d like you to get to know. His name is Dylan Holloway - a singer, songwriter, children’s book author and self-professed goofball whose talent is eclipsed only by his willingness to dive headfirst into the sometimes frustrating, often blooper-filled, but always joyous process of creating music. This includes (as you can from the images below) a willingness to laugh at his mistakes but more importantly turn them into new ideas for songs. If you want to see this entertaining process unfold for yourself, go to Dylan’s Facebook or Instagram page and simply scroll through his reels. I guarantee you’ll come away laughing and gobsmacked by the raw talent.

To read our full conversation with Dylan, hear his latest song, “City + Stars” and join in the fun, visit Wild Dialogs: Looking to the Stars.

Copyright 2026 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.