CODE NAME HELENE by Ariel Lawhon was the right book at the right time for me – the story of a tough-as-nails woman whose struggles and bravery make our shelter-in-place woes seem trivial. (Yes, the fictional story is – remarkably … Read more...
Backyard Engineering: Bike Experiments In Speed
Most of us like to try new things, especially if they are relatively safe and easy to do. But, would we be willing to endure hardship in order to explore a new idea? Probably not. Yet, most of us will … Read more...
Words: ” A Bright Future For Man …”
If only there were “Here Thanks To Nature” tags attached to everything everywhere as a reminder that our very lives are utterly and completely dependent on nature — not technology…
… Read more...I would feel more optimistic
about a bright future for
Rescue Journey of Piglet and Calf Buddies
A ride to an animal sanctuary was all the bonding time needed for this piglet and calf to become bffs. These two are not only adorable and heartwarming, but living proof that animals — regardless of whether they are domesticated … Read more...
The Lost Era Of Electric “Flying Trains”
Over 119 years old and still in operation today, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn in Germany is the world’s oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars. Developed as the first to transport people instead of goods, this electric “flying train” is an … Read more...
Book Review: THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy
I received THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy as a birthday present earlier this week and likely would never have picked it up on my own. What a little gem I’d have been missing. … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Seal Holds A Diver’s Hand
It is pure joy to watch the emotionally powerful and extraordinarily moving interactions between diver Ben Burville and his diving buddies. What a wonderful celebration of life and human/animal connection as a wild grey seal holds a diver’s hand!
At … Read more...
Book Review: WORDS by Jessica McCann
In the introduction to WORDS: Essays on Writing, Reading, and Life, Jessica McCann shares with the reader a core belief that is as intricately a part of her personal journey as it is her writer’s journey and forms the basis … Read more...
Canceled Vacation Plans? Consider Mindcations Not Just Staycations
The research is clear. Vacations are good for our health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. According to David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, vacations are good for your heart,
… Read more...“we are actually seeing a reduction
Book Review: FAMILY OF ORIGIN by C.J. Hauser
What first drew me to FAMILY OF ORIGIN by C.J. Hauser? When I saw it at an indie bookstore, the jacket was face-out, displaying the frilly butt of a diving duck. Score. This could be right up my science- and … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Blissfully Splashing Dog
We tend to think — if there are limitations in our lives, then there are limitations in our happiness. But is that true? Or do we just make it so?
Maybe finding our bliss, the things that makes us happiest, … Read more...
Book Review: BOOST YOUR BRAIN by M. Fotuhi & C. B. Antoniades
I often don’t review the nonfiction books I read, but I felt this one was important to share. BOOST YOUR BRAIN is an older book (published 2013) I downloaded on my iPad years ago when it was on sale. It’s … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Animal Acts of Compassion
Compassion is not just a human trait. It is a universal “being” trait and animal acts of compassion are all around us if we look.
The meaning of “Compassion” comes from Latin root “passio”, which means to suffer, and … Read more...
Book Review: THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete
THE SPEED OF LIFE by Anne Pete is a compelling debut novel and a must read for anyone who loves the Arizona desert, strong but vulnerable female characters, and moving personal journeys.
The biggest fear most of us have is … Read more...
For The Joy Of Animals: Ninja Squirrels
We humans tend to think our intelligence makes us superior, but we still have a lot to learn from the animal world, especially when it comes to patience, persistence, and adaptability…
Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, entrepreneur and science … Read more...
Music: NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata
Songs resonate when they speak to us personally and capture a moment in time. While binge watching ONE SPRING NIGHT on Netflix, I became entranced by a song — NO DIRECTION by Rachael Yamagata — that played in the background. … Read more...
For The Joy Of Animals: Wildlife Bridge Cam
Wildlife cams are always fascinating to watch. As a nature lover it is sad to admit I was both surprised and amazed to see the diversity of foot traffic over this 23 year old bridge.
It is heartening that so … Read more...
Book Review: FREE MEN by Katy Simpson Smith
Katy Simpson Smith, once again, beautifully weaves nature alongside the lives of her characters in her second novel – FREE MEN is based on actual figures in history – about a disparate group: runaway slave, white man, Creek Indian (and, … Read more...
xkcd comic: Weird Hill
Is a deep attachment to hills weirdly universal? Or are all hills inherently weird?… Read more...
Music: CELESTE & BLONDE by Roger & Brian Eno
Cue the classic movie scene of contemplation and it is almost always a ride through the countryside. The passenger in a car or a train, deep in thought, watching the panoramic scenery passing by. The background music is wistful and … Read more...
Words: “We Seek An Enlargement Of Our Being” — CS Lewis
In AN EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM, C.S. Lewis answers the question of Why We Read and also provides the answers to why all forms of storytelling are so important:
… Read more...“We seek an enlargement of our being. We want to be more
Beyond PARASITE, The Heart & Humor Of South Korean TV Series
Okay, I’ll confess, I haven’t seen the movie PARASITE yet. But, I am among the growing number of viewers eagerly devouring the slew of Asian — mostly, South Korean tv series on Netflix and Amazon Prime. So I wasn’t at … Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: Bison Cam
There is just something compelling and magical about animals and water.
GRASSLANDS NATIONAL PARK – Val Marie, Saskatchewan Canada
Established 1981
###… Read more...
For The Joy of Animals: The Coyote And The Badger
We are taught that competing for resources is natures way. That life is about survival of the fittest. That to the victor goes all the spoils.
And then we see a playful moment between two predator species — a badger … Read more...