Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations
Last year I was given the incredible honor of writing a series of five nonfiction picture books for Nomad Press about animal adaptations (they will be published in August 2020). I knew right away that I wanted to go beyond … Continue reading
Exploring
On a Colorado-clear-blue-sky day, on one of those magical mornings blanketed in new snow, I go exploring, high in the mountains. At first the forest seems quiet when there’s snow – it’s still. Almost like everything has stopped to sleep … Continue reading
It’s a Magical World
We’ve already had a lot of snow this season – it started just before Halloween and seems to keep coming. After every new snowfall I find myself staring at a framed copy of Bill Watterson’s last Calvin and Hobbes comic, … Continue reading
Reindeer
Given the season, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about reindeer. Or is it caribou? The answer is, it’s both! Reindeer and caribou are, in fact, the same animal. What we call them depends on location. In Europe … Continue reading
Animal Conservationists
Happy book birthday! Animal Conservationists makes its way into the world this month, celebrating the ongoing work of scientists to save species at risk in the face of climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species. The work of these … Continue reading
Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko
If you look like the leaf you’re sitting on, you are a lot less likely to be singled out as a meal by a predator. And, if you don’t get eaten, you are also more likely to live long enough … Continue reading
MacGregor’s Bowerbird
In my lifetime I’ve watched many, many documentaries, but none have made me laugh out loud like Dancing with the Birds. I also think I set a new record for the number of times I said, “WHOA!” All the birds … Continue reading
Paint Mines
I am constantly reminded that the earth is an amazing place. For me, the awe usually has to do with some kind of living creature. This past weekend it was rocks. Paint Mines in El Paso County, Colorado is a … Continue reading
Squirrels
As I walked across campus this week, I came across a squirrel hastily covering a nut or acorn it had just buried. When it saw me it froze. Caught in the act. We had a staring contest for many seconds. … Continue reading
Today
Remember each day The power of being present. Of not speaking but holding a hand giving a hug offering a smile. Listening. Take time. Make time. Cherish the bonds of family of friendship life, love, and laughter. Because today is … Continue reading