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"It makes no sense to elevate economics above the biosphere." _David Suzuki ( Canadian Environmentalist) Pollinators as bees are essential for the health of the planet and people. They are vital for food supplies and there are around 20,000 known bee species worldwide, and over 4,000 are native to the United States. The bees populations have been declining globally over recent decades due to habitat loss, intensive farming practices, climate change and the excessive use of agrochemicals such as pesticides. This is a real threat to a variety of plants and critical to human well-being and livelihoods. Air pollution is also thought to be affecting bees. Preliminary research shows that air pollutants interact with scent molecules released by plants which bees need to locate food. The mixed signals interfere with the bees’ ability to forage efficiently, making them slower and less effective at pollination. If all bees died, it would cause significant disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture, potentially leading to food shortages and economic instability . While humans wouldn't disappear entirely, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would become scarce and expensive, and some animal species would face extinction. Bees are vital to making sure ecosystems and are essential for our food systems function. Would you like to be a bee-hero and support bees and other pollinators of our planet? Here are some actions you can take: Plant nectar-bearing flowers such as marigolds or sunflowers for decorative purposes on balconies, terraces, and gardens Buy honey and other hive products from your nearest local beekeeper Raise awareness among children and adolescents on the importance of bees and express your support for beekeepers Set up a pollinator farm on your balcony, terrace, or garden Preserve old meadows, which feature a more diverse array of flowers, and sow nectar-bearing plants Cut grass on meadows only after the nectar-bearing plants have finished blooming Use pesticides that do not harm bees, and spray them in windless weather, either early in the morning or late at night, when bees withdraw from blossoms  (Information: UN Environment Program, 2018) Click the following link and learn how the air pollution is affecting the bees populations around the world (created by UN Environmental Program): https://youtube/BONmJ7b0x74 Image Copyright UN environment The following link is a fantastic video to teach you how to plant a garden to attract pollinators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG7U_EL1ABU

I was born close to nature, I grew up with it, and from the very beginning I felt that I was part of it. Later, life led me to look for work in big cities, and I moved away from nature. That is why I am grateful to live in a city that offers many green areas where I can hug a tree, listen to the sound of birds and running water. This is very beneficial both for healing the emotions and for fostering balance between mind, body, and spirit. For this reason, I find the idea of Jobcenter Valby creating a garden wonderful—inviting unemployed people to reconnect with nature and learn something from it, even while being within the cold walls of a job search center. Last summer, I was fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries myself. In between sessions and while navigating the challenges of finding a job—especially as a foreigner over 50—I found comfort in that green space. Sometimes I would enjoy a smørrebrød , a traditional Nordic open-faced sandwich, prepared with fresh, aromatic herbs grown in the garden. Surrounded by newly planted trees bearing identification plaques, and accompanied by the occasional visit from a butterfly or a small bird, it became a quiet little sanctuary during a demanding time. It is so important to humanize cities with subtle spaces where we feel embraced by the natural elements to which we have always belonged. In Denmark , there is a concept called Hygge , which has a broad meaning but essentially is about intentional comfort and emotional balance  — creating small pockets of well-being in daily life. It reflects the Danish value of slowing down, appreciating simplicity, and nurturing a sense of belonging and inner peace. I believe that this small "Unemployed People’s Garden" in Copenhagen is an expression of Hygge , helping to ease the process of finding a job and the frustration to not find a place in the Danish job market despite our personal efforts. Photos: Silvana Lucolli (Jobcenter Valby)

Since I first watched Out of Africa , directed by Sydney Pollack, I have admired the Danish novelist Karen Blixen (1885–1962). Writing under the pen name Isak Dinesen, she holds a distinctive place in twentieth-century literature as a master storyteller deeply shaped by the landscapes she called home. The epic, award-winning film adaptation of her memoir, Out of Africa, has now marked its 40th anniversary. For me — and for millions around the world — the performances of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford brought romance and grace to her extraordinary life story. One of the film’s most memorable scenes unfolds when Denis ( Robert Redford ) takes Karen ( Meryl Streep ) on her first flight in a small monoplane over the sweeping landscapes of Kenya. As they glide above a lake near Nairobi, thousands of flamingos rise at once, stirred by the sound of the engine, forming a radiant pink cloud around them. The moment is majestic and poetic — a rare harmony between nature and human feeling. Overcome by beauty, Karen reaches for Denis, and for a few suspended seconds, amid wind and endless sky, they hold hands in silent, unspoken love. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford brought romance and grace to Karen Blixen´s life story. Karen Blixen as an Environmental Thinker Although Blixen did not employ the modern vocabulary of environmental activism, her writings reveal an ecological sensibility that was far ahead of her time. During the years she managed a coffee plantation in British East Africa (now Kenya), near the Ngong Hills outside Nairobi, she developed an intimate relationship with the land, its wildlife, and the local communities. In Out of Africa , nature is never a mere backdrop to human drama; it is a living presence. She writes of lions, antelopes, storms, and vast plains with reverence and humility. Her perspective resists domination and exploitation. Instead, she emphasizes coexistence, balance, and respect for ecological rhythms. Blixen was acutely aware of how colonial agriculture altered landscapes. Though she participated in plantation life, her reflections often reveal ambivalence about imposing European systems upon African ecosystems. Her later writings express nostalgia and sorrow for environmental loss, suggesting a profound awareness of fragility—both cultural and ecological. She is also widely admired as a visionary for her profound understanding of the long-terms impacts of colonialism. Karen Blixen as a Literary Ecologist As a novelist and short-story writer, Blixen is renowned for her lyrical prose and mythic imagination. Her style blends realism with the fantastical. In her fiction, landscapes are never incidental; they shape character and destiny. Storms mirror emotional moods, vast plains echo existential solitude, and changing seasons reflect cycles of loss and renewal. Nature frequently functions as a moral and symbolic force. She often frames stories within stories, evoking oral traditions and emphasizing humanity’s long-standing relationship with myth and environment. Her Strong Connection with the Natural World Blixen’s years in Kenya were transformative. She described Africa as a place where she felt profoundly aligned with existence itself. The African landscape—its light, altitude, wildlife, and vast silence—became central to her identity. In Out of Africa , the Ngong Hills are not merely scenery but also her companions. She famously wrote of loving Africa for “the grass and the air,” transporting a sense of belonging that transcended ownership. Animals are treated as sovereign beings; even predators are described with admiration and respect. After illness forced her return to Denmark, her longing for Africa never faded. The natural world became a site of memory and spiritual continuity. At her family home, Rungstedlund—now a museum, which I had the honor to visit—she cultivated her garden, maintaining a tactile and emotional connection to the land. Seven Lessons About Nature from Karen Blixen 1. The Aptitude of Stillness Blixen observed that “civilized people” have lost the ability to be truly quiet. She believed humans must take lessons in silence from the wild in order to be accepted by it, noting that no domestic animal can match the profound, alert stillness of a wild creature. 2. Acceptance of Life and Death She found beauty in the Kikuyu custom of leaving the dead above ground for nature to reclaim. This shaped her view that becoming “one with Nature” at the end of life was not tragic but natural—a return to the greater order of existence. 3. The Rhythm of Africa Blixen believed that to live fully in nature, one must attune oneself to its rhythm. Immersed in the scents and sounds of the wilderness, she felt her heartbeat slow and her entire nervous system relax, leading to a primal joy and a deep sense of belonging—of being exactly where she ought to be. 4. Nobility in Untamed Spaces She perceived an innate nobility in the wild that she felt was lacking in modern European civilization. Living close to nature, she believed, allowed human beings to rediscover ancient truths that urban life often obscures. 5. Animals Possess Dignity Her portrayals of lions, antelopes, and birds were never sentimental. They were sovereign beings with their own purpose. Respect wildlife as fellow participants in existence, not as background scenery. 6. We Belong to the Land — We Do Not Own It Living on her coffee farm in colonial Kenya, she came to see that ownership is an illusion. The land ultimately shapes us more than we shape it. Stewardship is wiser than control. 7. Stories Grow from the Land Blixen believed that landscape shapes narrative. The rhythms of Africa deeply influenced her storytelling voice.Our environment influences our imagination more profoundly than we realize. Legacy Karen Blixen’s legacy is not that of a political environmentalist but of a literary ecologist. Through sensitivity and moral reflection, she articulated an ethic of attentiveness—of listening to the wind, observing animal life, and respecting the autonomy of place. Her stories invites readers to reconsider humanity’s position within, rather than above, the natural world. In doing so, she remains a powerful voice for ecological awareness expressed through art rather than activism. Karen Blixen passed away on 7 th  September, 1962 , in her bed at Rungstedlund, surrounded by close family member. She was buried under the spreading branches of a large, old beech tree at the foot of Ewald's Hill in the bird sanctuary at Rungstedlund. Photos: Silvana Lucolli ( Blixen's House in Denmark)

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 10 million people worldwide. Currently, patients can at best hope for therapies that slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms. Scientists have long suspected that communication between the gut and the brain may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Recently, a new study identified specific gut microbes that appear to play a role in the disease and linked them to reduced levels of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7). The Parkinson’s Foundation has also pointed to environmental factors, noting that exposure to toxic substances and agricultural pesticides may be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers continue to work toward a better understanding of the wide range of environmental exposures linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) . Most experts agree that PD results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals, toxins, and head trauma. These interactions can be difficult to unravel: some environmental exposures may lower the risk of PD, while others may increase it. Likewise, certain genetic profiles may make individuals more vulnerable to the effects of toxic substances. Researchers believe that a combination of these factors can trigger biological changes that ultimately lead to Parkinson’s disease. Environmental Risk Factors for Parkinson`s Disease Head Injury: Traumatic brain injury—defined as an injury that alters the level of consciousness—has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson years later, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Area of Residence: Geographic differences in Parkinson prevalence have been observed. These variations may reflect differences in environmental exposures as well as genetic risk factors. Occupation: Certain occupations or job categories have been linked to a higher incidence of PD, though findings across studies have been inconsistent. Exposure to Metals: Occupational exposure to various metals has been suggested as a potential risk factor for PD. However, long-term exposure is difficult to measure, and study results linking specific metals to Parkinson risk have been mixed. Solvents and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent widely used in industry and a common groundwater contaminant, has been associated with PD among workers with long-term occupational exposure. PCBs have been found at relatively high concentrations in the brains of individuals with PD. Occupational exposure to PCBs has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in women, but not in men. For more information, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation website: https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/causes/environmental-factors

Here I'm sharing personal stories where Nature is the protagonist, tips on how to create a garden, learn more about bees and pollinators, recycling and reducing plastic to ideas for saving energy and cutting down on waste. I’ll explore how small changes can lead to big results and also share articles about inspirational people, biodiversity, innovative solutions, and the latest news about our environment and climate change—because staying informed is a key part of living green. Together, we can protect our air, water, forests, and future. Let’s build a healthier world—one thoughtful step at a time.

One of the most enchanting moments I experienced in my grandmother's garden was the revelation of the hidden presence of the Fibonacci sequence in the intricate patterns of flowers, leaves, pine cones, and trees. This discovery unfolded during my high school years at Colégio Estadual do Paraná when my mathematics teacher selected four of us to represent our school at the FEMUCI Municipal Science Fair and the II Exponaci - National Science Exhibition in Curitiba, Brazil. Among the various themes proposed for exploration, one particularly captured our imagination: uncovering and demonstrating the Fibonacci sequence woven throughout a garden's tapestry. It was a transformative realization that mathematics wasn't confined to textbooks but thrived in the living world around us. Take a moment to observe your garden closely. You'll notice that the leaves of plants rarely align perfectly vertically. Instead, they tend to spiral around the stem. Consider a leaf at the stem's base as the starting point, labeled as zero. Count the number of leaves until you return to the zero leaf, and you'll often find this count falls within the Fibonacci sequence. Similarly, counting the number of turns before leaf overlap reveals Fibonacci numbers again and again. Why does nature exhibit this pattern repeatedly, even in the growth of plants? The answer lies in efficiency. Nature optimizes space utilization, much like packing objects to minimize waste. If asked how to best pack objects, you'd consider their shapes. Square objects fit snugly in square structures, while round ones nestle better in hexagons. But what about arranging leaves or seeds as they continue to grow? Remarkably, nature employs the same pattern for organizing seeds, petals, and leaves. This pattern, determined by an angle of rotation from a central point, ensures effective arrangements as the plant expands. Botanists have observed this pattern emerging from meristems—small groups of cells at the growth tips of branches, buds, and petals. These cells spiral outwards, each maintaining a consistent angle relative to the center. The remarkable aspect is that a single angle suffices, regardless of the plant's size. Leaves receive optimal sunlight without excessive overlap, thanks to this angle, which corresponds to a fractional value of the golden ratio: 0.618034. The spirals visible in flowers and fruits often align with Fibonacci numbers. Sunflowers boast 55 and 89 spirals, daisies exhibit 21 and 34, and pineapples typically feature 8 and 13 or 5 and 8 spirals. These arrangements aren't encoded in genetic blueprints but are the outcomes of practical evolution. By efficiently packing seeds, plants maximize resource use, earning evolutionary advantages over less efficient counterparts. With fervor and excitement, we set up our exhibit, adorned with an array of vibrant plants, eager to share our newfound fascination with the public attending the event. Using long strips of cardboard, we meticulously crafted circles around the stems of plants, showcasing the elegant spiral arrangement of leaves—a hallmark of the Fibonacci sequence. Participating in the exhibition was an honor, and we poured our hearts into the presentation. The culmination of our efforts was met with the ultimate reward: first prize. It was a testament not only to our dedication but also to the universal appeal and relevance of mathematics, bridging the gap between theory and the natural world in a way that captivated both our minds and those of our audience. Fibonacci numbers' prevalence in nature stems from their association with the golden ratio, admired by the Greeks for its natural and pleasing proportions. Thus, the Fibonacci sequence emerges as a testament to nature's elegant efficiency and the beauty of mathematical principles embedded in the fabric of life. Are you motivated to discover the beauty of mathematic in your garden? Info about Fibonacci: Leonardo Pisano Fibonacci (1170–1240 or 1250) was an Italian number theorist . Fibonacci played a pivotal role in introducing the Hindu–Arabic numeral system to the Western world, notably through his influential work "Liber Abaci" (Book of Calculation) published in 1202. Within this text, he not only elucidated the principles of this numeral system but also introduced Europe to the sequence of numbers that now bear his name, known as the Fibonacci sequence. The Fibonacci sequence is the series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. For example, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, … Mathematically we can describe this as: xn= xn-1 + xn-2 My memories : 1. Draft showing the leaves distribution and the Fibonacci sequence. 2. Feira Municipal de Ciências, Exposição Nacional de Cięncias, Curitiba, Brazil. Certification: "As matemáticas e suas com...sequências". 3. Colégio Estadual do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.

Have you ever marveled at the shape of a flower, the iridescent colors of seashells, the delicate pattern of a bird’s feather, or the quiet geometry of grains of sand? Have you ever sculpted something from stones or wood, guided simply by curiosity and touch? Since humans first pressed their handprints onto cave walls, we have found ways to express ourselves—it is part of who we are. Nature has always fueled our creativity, inspiring us throughout the year: in the vibrant blooms of spring, the snow-covered trees of winter, and the shimmering stars scattered across the night sky. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.”  And indeed, every child begins life as a natural creator. Yet as adults, many of us set aside our artistic impulses, often out of fear of judgment or criticism. Still, the truth remains: we are part of nature, and nature is part of us. Nature’s treasures surround us—waiting quietly in gardens, parks, beaches, forests, and even in the heart of our cities. An extraordinary world of materials lies right at our feet, ready to awaken our imagination. All we need to do is slow down and look. Are you ready to rediscover your nature-inspired creativity? The idea is simple: to connect with the beauty of natural materials—fallen autumn leaves, pine cones, seeds, weathered branches, smooth stones—and to create in harmony with these gifts of the earth, allowing them to guide our hands and touch our hearts. you ever marveled at the shape of flowers, the beautiful colors of seashells, the delicate design of a bird’s feather or the geometry of sand grains? Have you sculpted something from stones and wood? Since the time humans made their first handprints on cave walls, we have always found ways to express ourselves—it’s in our essence. Moreover, nature fuels our creativity, inspiring us year-round: from the vibrant blooms of spring to the trees covered with the white snow in winter or to the shimmering stars in a dark night sky. As Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist.” And indeed, every child is a natural artist! Unfortunately, many of us set aside our artistic talents as adults, often due to fear of criticism. But the truth remains: we are all part of nature, and nature is part of us. Nature’s treasures are all around us—in your garden, at your local park, on the beach, in the forest, and even within the city! A world of fantastic materials lies right under your nose, waiting to spark your imagination. It’s time to reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us. Are you ready to show your nature-artistic talent? The main idea is to connect with the beautiful materials we find in nature—fallen leaves in autumn, pine cones, seeds, broken tree branches, rocks—always working in harmony with these natural treasures that touch our hearts.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” _ Audrey Hepburn “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” _ Mahatma Gandhi “A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” _ Liberty Hyde Bailey “May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.” – _ Native American Proverb “Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature.” _ Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free “The garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature.” _ Jeff Cox “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people to love the trees.” _ Confucius

It is spring again and last week, I purchased a delightful little illustrated book featuring the most common birds, both residents and visitors, found in the gardens and parks of Denmark, titled "På Folderbrætted" by Hermod Karsen (2021). A garden holds significant value for birds as well. If you reside in a city with urban parks and well-treed streets, you might be surprised by the variety of bird species that could grace your garden. During my childhood, my grandparents' house was situated in a rural area where birds played a vital role in my grandmother Jacy's garden. Not a spring went by without my cousins and me discovering bird nests among the bushes and trees, observing chicks chirping for food behind their parents as they fledged. My grandmother often sat on a bench at sunset, enjoying the symphony of birds. I still vividly recall how she taught me to recognize the extensive repertoire of the thrush Turdus rufiventris , a bird that was a constant presence in her garden. Following a year spent in the United States participating in bird biomonitoring programs, I returned to Brazil captivated by the abundance and quality of illustrated materials available for bird identification in USA. The United States boasts a rich tradition of Birdwatchers Clubs, and I was keen on looking for similar interest in my hometown. Hence, I endeavored to enable people in my city to identify and appreciate the diverse birdlife residing in the urban parks of Curitiba, also known as the Ecological Capital of Brazil. Collaborating with the Brazilian nature photographer Zig Koch, we embarked on a project to create a concise bird identification guide. Our efforts received a boost when we secured sponsorship from the "Fundação O Boticário de Proteção à Natureza." The guide, crafted entirely from recycled paper except for a central page that folds out four times, features 62 color photographs aimed at encouraging Curitiba residents to acquaint themselves with the city's birds residents. At the time of its publication, the comprehensive list included 116 species. The Foundation "O Boticário" distributed this guide free of charge to 30,000 Curitiba residents. Additionally, in "Observing Birds in Curitiba" - a practical itinerary, we provided insights on bird recognition, observer conduct, recommended equipment, and methods to attract birds to homes, gardens, and even apartment terraces. Among the motivations for birdwatching, I emphasized: "Disregarding birds means forsaking a kind of sixth sense. They offer insights into the time of day, seasons, weather conditions, and most importantly, environmental changes. In the last century, English miners employed canaries to monitor air quality within mines. These miners carried caged canaries and observed their behavior; cessation of singing, convulsions, or death signaled an immediate need to evacuate the mine." Gardens, parks and streets reforestation are also an important part of climate change strategy, the planted trees and the other vegetation will not just absorb carbon, reduce the local temperature but also provide a vital ecosystem services to local communities. Birds and mammals, insects, reptiles among a serie of wildlife beings will enjoy the improvement of habitats and landscapes. My Memories: Silvana (red hair fashion) Birdwatching in Curitiba, Brazil (1991). Southern lapwing Vanellus chilensis, a common sight at urban parks, Curitiba, Brazil. The Rufous bellied Thrush Turdus rufiventris, one of our favourite vocal repertoires. "Observando Aves em Curitiba", authors: Silvana Lucolli & Zig Koch. A little field guide printed in recycled paper for identifying birds in Curitiba. ( 1991 the 1st. edition and 1993 the 2nd ed.). Featuring colorful photographs by Zig Koch in central pages. Here, my Italian grandfather enjoying the garden of my grandmother Jacy.

Since childhood, I have found joy and peace in a garden. My mother would place me in a wooden rocking chair in the middle of our garden, with flowers in my hand that I observed with curiosity. A garden is not only a source of artistic inspiration but also an excellent space for cultivating mental, emotional, and spiritual health. How many of us are weary of words and seek a place for reflection and silence? A garden offers also a creative space for both children and adults. Do you dare to paint the flowers with your unique touch? A great painter and a true garden enthusiast, the iconic Claude Monet explained where he found his genius: The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration. I must have flowers always and always. My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.

More and more people are committed to go as far as possible in the way to heal themselves and their environmental impact during travels.  The slow traveler understands the “luxury" of being sustainable and they lower their demands in quantity and prioritize instead the quality of their experiences. In essence, slow tourism is primarily characterized by travelers prioritizing fewer, more meaningful experiences and focusing their activities in the local area instead of on commercial activities. They also won’t be particularly keen on following detailed schedules and strict itineraries. For many, it makes sense as we are living uneasy times with climate change, extinction of species, the degradation of the earth's natural ecosystems, the exploitation of resources… Well, the list is very long, catastrophic and completely related with our lifestyle. In order to reduce our impact in the planet we will need much more than political sustainable initiatives; we will need to rethink and change our lifestyle. In this way, slow travel is modifying the priorities in the destination and remarking emphasis in local people, food, nature and in new ways to connect with a diverse cultural environment. In fact, slow travel has also to do with your mindset and you can do it anywhere.  Sharing photos of some slow days with my daughter and son at the remote ridges of Los Alayos de Dilar, Spain. This place was just 2 hours by car far from our home.

A garden is an opportunity to engage children with the natural world. Introducing children to gardening provides them with a unique opportunity to engage with and rediscover the natural world, to appreciate the cyclical rhythms of the seasons, and to understand their responsibility in nurturing and preserving the Earth. Insects, reptiles, birds and mammals among a serie of wildlife beings will enjoy the improvement of habitats and landscapes. Here is one of my great learning experiences at my grandmother garden when I was just 8 years old. My grandmother, Jacy, possessed a profound love for plants, a passion she imparted to me along with invaluable lessons in ecology. In the Brazil of the 1970s, ecology was seldom discussed, but my grandmother grasped its significance with remarkable depth. I recall a particular Mother's Day when I found myself without money to buy a gift for my mother. Sensing my dilemma, my grandmother suggested I gather flowers from her garden. On that sunny May morning, she instructed me to select blooms with long stems for a tall vase. As I eagerly searched for the most vibrant ones of her garden, a serendipitous encounter occurred. A little green garden snake coiled around my hand prompting me to shout out , dropping the flowers and running in a panic. My grandmother, alarmed by my reaction, quickly approached. Upon learning of the snake description, she calmly assessed the situation. She said: _Whether you like the snakes or not, whether they scare you or not, snakes are indeed a crucial part of the nature. This one that you saw repels and control pests, such as mices, grasshoppers, cockroaches and other insects in the home garden. She also shared her own similar encounter and explained that the little snake was harmless to her but, I should keep myself away from the snakes and respect their space. I calmed down and together, we retrieved the fallen flowers and fashioned a beautiful bouquet. The surprise delighted my mother. Later, when tasked with writing about Mother's Day for my school homework, I recounted my encounter with the little snake and my grandmother's sage advice. My teacher, Maria Nelci was astonished by my narrative, prompting her to inquire if I had written it alone. With a nod, I affirmed her question, earning her praise and the honor of having my essay shared with the entire class on the blackboard. Then my teacher turned to me and asked, _ Are you still afraid of snakes, Silvana? And I paled and nodded again, making all the classroom laugh. MY MEMORIES: Silvana 7 years-old. The little snake "Cobra-cipó verde". Primary School "Grupo Escolar Tiradentes" in Curitiba, (Brazil)