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...
Fresh Strawberries Signal Spring
It is strawberry season in my area and their beauty is hard to resist. You can make some wonderful dishes with them but nothing is more pleasing than Strawberry Shortcake. Here is a healthy version that will help you celebrate … 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...
For The Joy of Animals: Bison Cam
There is just something compelling and magical about animals and water.… Read more...
Book Review: AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND by Kathleen Alcott
How timely was AMERICA WAS HARD TO FIND? It was published on May 14, 2019 and the 50TH anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission was July 20, 1969. One of the main characters is a fictitious NASA astronaut who took … 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...
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!
###… Read more...
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...
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...
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...
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
For The Joy of Animals: Bison Calf Reunion
As a nature lover, watching wildlife in action can be enthralling, relaxing, educational, compelling, exhilarating, and magical… right up to the point you realize that life or death may be playing out before your eyes. In that moment you face … 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...
Lost & Found News: A Horror of Ticks (Part 1)
A “horror of ticks” may not be the “correct” collective noun for ticks (and who knows what is?), but it does seem appropriate given the recent surge in horror tales of tick in the news. Long the bane of outdoor … 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...
Downed Power Line PSA — This Might Shock You
We never know what situations we are going to encounter in life. So, just in case you find yourself around downed power lines that are live — this downed power line PSA from Puget Sound Energy shares some key information … Read more...
Book Review: ELMET by Fiona Mozley
This little book took me by surprise in a big way. A debut with a long list of well-deserved literary honors.
Tis The Season…
Tis the season -- to share love and laughter among friends, family and furcritters...