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
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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...
For The Joy of Animals: Baby Skunks
Who knew baby skunks were such cute little stin… um, stompers…… Read more...
Bean Magic In 25 Days
A 25 day time lapse video captures the magic in watching a bean grow. Enjoy.
Roots are amazing!
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Words: ” We Deny The Existence Of Hazard”
… Read more...“If the Bill of Rights contains no guarantee that a citizen shall be secure against lethal poisons distributed either by private individuals or by public officials, it is surely only because our forefathers, despite their considerable wisdom and foresight, could
For The Joy of Animals: Bear Bathtub
At the end of a long day, there is nothing like a good soak in the local watering hole.… Read more...
Making And Creating — The Connective Tissue of Generations of Humans
Making and creating are the connective tissue of generations of humans…
Whether through fine art that is revered for generations or a roughly formed sand castle that gets washed away before anyone else can see it, anyone who has ever … Read more...
The Restorative Habit of Gardening
Harriet Gross is professor of psychology, as well as acting pro vice chancellor and head of the College of Arts, at the University of Lincoln in the UK. Her latest book is The Psychology of Gardening (2018).
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How pottering
… Read more...Book Review: AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins
I am SO fortunate to have gotten my hands on AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins in advance of publication (thanks to my book angel). It was THE way to wind down the reading year: to be totally absorbed in a … Read more...
Words: Research Your Own Experience
When ever we seek to make changes for the better, it is helpful to remember there is never only one path, one chance, or one solution. Better is a process. It can only be found as we evaluate and understand … Read more...
Book Review: THE WILDLANDS by Abby Geni
Timely. Terrifying. Heartbreaking. Yes, THE WILDLANDS by Abby Geni with its examination of human impact on the natural world is timely. The wildlife and environmental realities it highlights are terrifying. And the characters – a family of orphans – suffer … Read more...
Book Review: THE WOLF IN THE WHALE by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Novels featuring Gods and Goddesses and mythology aren’t generally my go-to. But THE WOLF IN THE WHALE by Jordanna Max Brodsky, admittedly, attracted me based on the native Inuit character, Omat. I have been long fascinated by North American … Read more...
Book Review: THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler
THE BOOK OF SPECULATION by Erika Swyler has been on my shelf for far too many years, and it seems to have spoken to me at just the right time. It may not be my typical go-to genre, but it … Read more...
Words: “Never Alone Or Weary Of Life”
Earth sustains us not only in body, but in spirit:
… Read more...“Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal
Happy Labor Day’s 125th Anniversary
As a national holiday, Labor Day turns 125 years old in the US this year.
There was already a legal holiday in September commemorating Labor day in 23 states when President Grover Cleveland signed the national Labor Day legislation into … Read more...
Book Review: DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips
When I read the jacket copy for DISAPPEARING EARTH by Julia Phillips, I assumed it was a “who done it,” as the description talked about an ongoing police investigation. I don’t generally gravitate toward missing persons/abduction-type stories; but this … Read more...
Video Escape: Banff National Park Alberta Canada
Banff National Park is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and is Canada’s first national park. It’s destiny was set with the discovery of a natural hot springs by railway workers in 1883. The highest peak, Mount Forbes is … Read more...
Opossums — Super Cool, Super Heros, Super Neighbors
Opossums (uh-possums) have gotten a bad rap and it’s all because of their looks. They are neither cuddly cute enough nor frighteningly creepy enough to generate the right emoji responses. So you won’t see any “aw” inspired glam shots of … Read more...
Review: THE BULLET JOURNAL METHOD by Ryder Carroll
THE BULLET JOURNAL METHOD: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
by Ryder Carroll is a handy book about not only how to bullet journal, but how to set and meet goals that lead to a more fulfilling … Read more...
Music: Brad Paisley’s TICKS
It’s tick season — time for Brad Paisley’s TICKS song.
He claims it was about “having fun and the Country culture of courting.” Well, romance is in the eye of the beholder. Still, it is hard to imagine … Read more...
Book Review: THE OVERSTORY by Richard Powers
Mind blown. When books connect on a personal level, they can transcend beyond words on the page. That was THE OVERSTORY for me. I couldn’t help but think Richard Powers wrote this book for me.
It was an immediate connection … Read more...
Words: “The Practical Value of Psychology…”
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“The practical value of psychology… It is well recognized that the teacher must understand the working of the mind in order best to impart his information in that way that will enable the student to grasp it most readily. It