All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)

And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)

I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)

On a winter's day (on a winter's day)

I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)

If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)

California dreamin' (California dreamin')

On such a winter's day

I've been California dreaming for as long as this little hippie soul has been hugging trees! The diversity of environments/cultures/climates/political thought/food etc, the abundance of opportunities in my eco/animal career field, some of closest friends & mentors, & the excitement for adventure into new territory has fascinated & captivated me for years to explore California! And now seems to be the perfect opportunity to chase & achieve that dream!

I've recently applied & interviewed for several facilities in Southern California & have received multiple offers for positions as naturalists at different preserves & as Adventure guides/Conservation educator for children in conservation focused schools/camps! While I've been focused on animal work, I do have a strong passion for educating the public on conservation efforts & what better way than by introducing kids & adults to them first hand through physical exploration in nature?! The perfect opportunity to be the Ms. Frizzle of California! To make it even better, my volunteer work truly paid off by finding Ms. Pattie with the STAT sanctuary in Winchester in some of my first visits in 2020. Ms. Pattie & I have become very close over time & she has been trying to convince/help me back to California ever since! Not only does she provide excellent job references for me throughout my search, she is offering me housing on the farm to help her take care of the beautiful retired horses & farm animals that the sanctuary homes! It's like the best of both worlds for me with these opportunities & I don't want to waste any of that potential!

So I'm coming to you guys to help me achieve this dream! The main financial dilemma is solely getting me & the babies relocated from our current homes in Shreveport/Lafayette to Winchester. With our shit economy, sky rocketing gas prices & constant inflation on the cost of living, the move is guaranteed to be costly. I'd appreciate any & all help that I could get whether that's financial, emotional encouragement, tips/hacks, extra snacks, Buddha sweaters/hats, hugs & kisses, you name it! I'll take it! I truly do get by with a little help from my friends in everything I do! I am eternally grateful for all the support that I receive daily from you guys & I hope you'll support me in this next wacky adventure!

Here's to starting a new chapter in this beautifully chaotic story of my life!

Thanks you guys. I love you❤

PS I promise I'll come back to visit often & bring back all the crazy Kimmi stories, knick knacks & lovings