Monthly Archives: September 2009

Mystery Critter #22

September 19, 2009

I see you!

Greetings, wildlife detectives! By all accounts, some of you are getting really good at this game. Kudos to you! Let’s see how you do this week.

Put on those thinking caps and let’s play Mystery Critter.

CRITTER CLUES:

  • I am quite large;
  • I make rivers, marshes, and lakes my home;
  • I am quite adaptable;
  • I range throughout most of North America; and
  • If you have a even a small pond, you might find me in your backyard.

What am I? Make your guess, and then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

Even if you don’t see this Mystery Critter in your own backyard or at the park down the street, there are plenty of wonderful creatures that you can see every day in your neighborhood.  Get out there and see what Mother Nature has to offer.

And don’t forget to let everyone know what you see! Join the Wildobs community and report your wildlife observations. It’s a great way to keep track of your wild adventures and share info with others.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: miles_lane

By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (21)

Frolic Friday: Seasonal Change Edition

September 18, 2009

down by the creek

Yesterday at the grocery store, I saw my first pumpkin of the season. It’s official — fall is nipping at summer’s sluggish heels. Depending on where you live, this change is more or less obvious. It’s easy to forget that people in other part’s of the country or world are steeped in a different weather reality than you are. Where I live, it is still quite green, but the light has changed, the temperatures are cooler, and even the fall scents are starting to fill the air.

On this Frolic Friday, why not make plans to head outside and notice the subtle changes of the season? It may even be time to start some of your fall rituals, whatever those might be.

Why not…

  • Go to a favorite park or hit the trail and take a hike. Look for leaves changing colors, acorns on the ground, and other telltale signs. Take pictures or make note in your nature journal, documenting this magic transformation.
  • Look for Pick-Your-Own orchards and go apple picking. If apples aren’t quite in season where you are, something else will be! Test out some great new recipes or teach the kids how to make some old family favorites. Find a Pick-Your-Own farm here.
  • Start planning your Halloween Costume! Seriously — talk about a day dedicated to play. Challenge family and friends to make green,  recycled costumes this year. Check out some great ideas here.

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside and have some fun. Go see what Mother Nature is up to. Walk, run, hike, or stroll. Notice how calm you feel the further you get from your To Do List and electrical outlets. Don’t worry — you can always go back to them.

Now if you will excuse me, I have some old family recipes to dig up. My mama did make some fierce apple butter.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: bertdennisonphotography

By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (17)

10 Wishes for Today’s Kids

September 16, 2009

“Childhood is the fiery furnace in which we are melted down to essentials and that essential shaped for good.”

~ Katherine Anne Porter

As a writer, and I hope, a thought-leader on childhood issues, I spend a lot of time speaking to parents, educators, and other grown-ups. Today, I want to speak to the kids. Hopefully, some of their grown-ups listen in.

10 things I wish:

1. That the media stops scaring the crap out of your parents 24-7, so that they think the only place you are safe is tucked away in the house;

2. That the decision-makers get down to business with true education reform so that you have the opportunity to learn to LOVE to learn, and not just learn (um, maybe) what will be on a test;

3. That we “grown-ups” stop being so lawsuit happy, so that liability is not the first thing on the minds of educators, parks and recreation professionals, community associations, and other parents. I hope with all my might that you are actually allowed to play and have fun in this life;

4. That you realize that you have choices, and the right to make mistakes — and the world will not stop spinning when you do;

5. That your parents set a limit on screen time. I know, you don’t want to hear this, but trust me on this one — it’s a must;

6. That you learn to LOVE to read. Even if they do make a movie about it, you can bet the book is better. Learn to get lost in a story and try your hand at writing your own;

7. That you spend every moment you can outside. Check out the woods, the beach, the mountains, and everything else in between. Let nature awe you;

8.  That you learn to be fearless, bold, and let your freak flag wave. I don’t mean live dangerously — but I do mean have the guts and gumption to really live and don’t be afraid to be yourself;

9. That you don’t get everything you want, that things don’t always come easily to you, that sometimes you fall flat on your face, and that you figure out (um, eventually) that these are all good things; and

10. That you get the freedom to breathe and the space to explore the world and figure out who you are in it.

So, that’s it. I have a lot of hopes and wishes for you guys, but what I want most of all is for you to grow up knowing how to appreciate life as the rich and fascinating ride that it is, and to know how to dust yourselves off and pick yourselves up when things get tough, because they will. Oh that, and to really know how to laugh — deep, from the belly, bone-stirring laughter. It’s one of the greatest skills you can ever learn.

Enjoy the ride and great good luck, kiddos. I will be rooting for you.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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By Bethe | Posted in parenting, Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (33)