My neighbor, naturalist Patrice Gribble-Fetter, was on TV this week, sharing about the Monarch research and support going on at Old Maryland Farm. The farm grows milkweed expressly for the Monarchs. See how they tag the butterflies, and also film clips of the huge migrations to Mexico. https://youtu.be/-Jc028u-uSY I also learned about the Baltimore …
The Monarch’s Incredible Journey
The iconic Monarch butterfly certainly made an impression on my young self. Late in August we'd be out floating on the pristine marsh rivers of Ontario, picnicking after a swim, and in the balmy afternoon breeze a flutter of orange would catch my eye, brilliant against the teal green water. In those days I didn't realize the Monarchs traveled …
The Wildflower Calendar
Chicory blue and creamy Queen Anne's lace give way to the hot happy yellows: first the Mullein, then state flower Tickseed Sunflower. But it's the first young tendrils of Goldenrod that cause my heart to pause- September and back-to-school is nigh. It's bitter-sweet, this moment, every year.
The Rocket’s Red Glare
"... in the frightened months after Sept. 11, the myth of violence was more powerful than the truth of war."
To Stand Under
How do we learn to live with people who aren't like us? Mahzarin Benaji researches unconscious bias at Harvard. She discussed her fascinating and important research this week on the podcast On Being. Dr. Benaji uses the word "implicit" instead of “unconscious,” because of "the implication that the unconscious is this incredibly motivated, smart process that is constantly trying to do things …
defy reality: be an artist
This recent post from Chuck Wendig's blog Terrible Minds got to me: Nobody wants you to be an artist. It’s for a lot of reasons. Some come from a good place — they think, hey, we want better for you. The life of an artist is hard. Be a bricklayer, a doctor, a ROCKET LAWYER, something, anything. …
Music and the Divine Feminine
In honor of Mother's Day, I want to share the music and work of Jennifer Berezan with you. Berezan is appearing in concert May 27th in Washington DC for the first time, and I am thrilled to get to hear her. Jennifer is a unique blend of singer/songwriter and activist. She has recorded over ten albums, …
Cherry Blossom Joy!
I try to get out and paint plein-aire from the Yoshino cherries during their brief and glorious blooming. It's always unpredictable! This year it seemed imminent, then a cold front delayed their progress, then BAM! an explosion of flowers. When I first came to Washington, I expected something gaudier. I was amazed by the subtle …
Even the Desert Blooms
The March Equinox Arrives At this moment of Equinox (latin 'equal night'), the Northern Hemisphere crosses out of winter. Preparations for Passover and Easter are underway. Dormant buds are preparing, or indeed bursting, into bloom. I'm poised for my annual cherry blossom painting frenzy. The ospreys returned last Thursday, immediately busying themselves with nest-building. All living …
How to “Not-go” to that Dark Place
“You have to not-turn to anger, not-turn to resentment.” That advice comes from a man who spent 26 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, to kids who find themselves entangled in the juvenile justice system. He's helping them know themselves through writing, and to learn to manage their chaotic lives and hopefully survive the system. Stay I was …
