Look, squirrel-sized binoculars!

Oh how I love a bit of mystery!

Thinking cap. Check. Child-like curiosity. Check. Desire to stump my readers. CHECK! Come on kids, let’s play Mystery Critter!

OK, my nature detectives — let’s hop to it! Good luck. And no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES

• I am tall
• I am shaggy
• I am surprisingly quick on my feet
• My pregnancy lasts as long as a humans
• I have a long history on the American landscape

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 soon!

Now, you probably won’t get a chance to see one of these this weekend, but rest assured, there is plenty to be seen. Just step outside with open eyes and a quest for adventure. Grab the kids, and see what you can find.

And let folks know about it! Join the Wildobs community, and report your wildlife observations.

Until next time, my nature detectives! Don’t forget to #playoutdoors.

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: steffy.

Howdy my favorite nature detectives! It’s time for the very first Mystery Critter of 2012. My how time flies!

Nature. Wildlife. Critters. Life just isn’t the same without them — especially childhood. That’s what inspired my Mystery Critter series oh so long ago.

So put on your best thinking caps and let’s get to it. And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess!

CRITTER CLUES:

1. You can see me or one of my cousins in most of North America.
2. I can make my home in a variety of habitats — meadows, forests, grasslands, swamps and prairies.
3. I am a favorite of children.
4. I am solitary.
5. I can run up to 15 miles per hour.

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Or here, for an even deeper look.

Did you get it right? 

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

For some extra fun for the kids, check out the great site Earth Rangers. Critters really are amazing!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie

New Year’s resolutions are often filled with Do Less Statements (eat less, drink less…). This year, turn 2012 on its ear with Do More Statements!

What should you Do More of in 2012?

1. Laugh (to the verge if incontinence)
2. Play (like your life depends on it)
3. Dance (whether there is music or not)
4. Hike
5. Skip
6. Hop
7. Jump (for joy)
8. Frolic
9. Make time for your friends
10. Garden
11. Walk barefoot
12. Sing
13. Soak in a bubble bath
14. Stargaze
15. Camp
16. Make s’mores
17. Bike
18. Cook
19. Be kind
20. Travel
21. Try new things
22. Trust yourself
23. Shoot for the stars
24. Be fearless
25. Dust yourself off and begin again

And always remember, Danny O’Dare wants to dance with you. And so do I.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Danny O’Dare by Shel Silverstein

Danny O’Dare, the dancin’ bear,
Ran away from the County Fair,
Ran right up to my back stair
And thought he’d do some dancin’ there.

He started jumpin’ and skippin’ and kickin’,
He did a dance called the Funky Chicken,
He did the Polka, he did the Twist,
He bent himself into a pretzel like this.

He did the Dog and the Jitterbug,
He did the Jerk and the Bunny Hug.
He did the Waltz and the Boogaloo,
He did the Hokey-Pokey too.

He did the Bop and the Mashed Potata,
He did the Split and the See Ya Later.

And now he’s down upon one knee,
Bowin’ oh so charmingly,
And winkin’ and smilin’–it’s easy to see
Danny O’Dare wants to dance with me.

 photo credit: Elaayna

photo credit: celine nadeau

This year, instead of vowing to go to the gym more or give up caffeine, make a resolution that will impact your physical and mental health and that of your children – PLAY MORE!

Make a resolution to:

1. Get down on the floor and play with your kids more often.
2. Pick up a new hobby or dust off an old one.
3. Laugh harder and dream bigger.
4. Start a garden in your yard, on a balcony or in window boxes.
5. Get in the kitchen and cook with your kids. Start a family recipe book together!
6. Unplug and connect with your family. Substitute game night for another night in front of the TV.
7. Spend more time in nature – hike, ride a bike, camp, fish – whatever you and your family enjoy.

Need a little inspiration? Check out this beautiful video that will have you ready to head outdoors and enjoy a beautiful day with the children in your world.

Happy, happy 2012, my friends! xoxo

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

TGSG Note: It’s time for my yearly “ask” from Santa. Fingers crossed! xoxo- Bethe

Dear Santa:

In light of the economy, I am keeping my list rather short this year. (Um, that is, unless the  Sir Ken Robinson action figure I have been dreaming about has finally become a reality. If so, please put that near at the top of my list. If you think about it, 11 really is a reasonable number.)

I promise I have been a good fairly well-behaved girl this year. Surely you cannot will not hold a little road rage spirited comment action in the direction of morons on the road other drivers against a nice girl like me.

Anyway, so back to my list — there’s one more thing: I would like to share these gifts with all my readers and all the kids in the world, too. (Well, except the Sir Ken Robinson action figure, should it become available. I suspect that might cause some head-scratching and quizzical looks across the globe.)

Hope this is  not too much to ask, but I think you will agree — they are all really MUST haves. (And BIG thanks for the extra space in the sleigh this year!)

All I want for Christmas is:

1. The perfect stick for roasting marshmallows
2. A rainbow in the sky over a glorious rain puddle
3. Cool moss under my feet
4. Sand between my toes
5. The perfect red maple leaf to press in a book
6. Berries, ripe for the picking
7. Good kite-flying weather this spring
8. Lots of earthworms in the garden soil
9. A jar with holes punched in the lid for catching (and releasing) critters
10. A shiny new nature journal

xoxo – The Grass Stain Guru

PS: Love to Mrs. Claus and the reindeer. (Especially Vixen, who let’s face it, gets a bit of a bad wrap.)

PPS: The home-baked cookies should not be seen as a bribe. But, did you notice I carefully I coordinated their little outfits? Just sayin’.

 photo credit: GlynisArt

Dear beloved readers and friends:

Thanks for spending this play-filled year with me. For every tree you climbed, fort you built, trail you hiked. For everything that required crayons, glue and glitter. For every Mystery Critter case you cracked. For every belly laugh and gasp of awe-struck wonder you uttered. For every minute of playful spirit you modeled for those around you, I thank you. Gold stars and grass stains to you all! 

Here’s a little fun I’ve cooked up for you this holiday season. xoxo Bethe

On the 12th day of Christmas TGSG gave to me:

12 perfect snowflakes
11 stones a skipping 

10 stars a twinkling

9 children giggling
8 frogs a croaking
7 kites a flying
6 rainbows gleaming
5 forts to build
4 scampering squirrels
3 trees to climb
2 box turtles

And a grass stain on each knee!

No matter what you believe, or don’t, the holiday season is truly special.

May yours be filled with much love and laughter, and warmest wishes for a happy, healthy 2012!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

<— Little GSG with her trusty stick. (In case you are wondering, I finally grew into that chin.)

 photo credit: seelensturm

Howdy my favorite nature detectives! The Mystery Critter and I have been on a bit of a hiatus, but we’re back and ready to get down to some critter action.

So, let’s get down to business, y’all. Put on those thinking caps and remember — no cheating! 

CRITTER CLUES:

• I am quite widespread (and even more handsome, in my own estimation)
• I make my home in meadows, forests and grasslands
• I am a vegetarian
• I have a few different names
• You have surely seen me before (and no doubt thought me adorable)

So, what am I?! 

Make your guess then go here for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right? 

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Fall is the perfect time to explore the natural world. Ablaze with color and a nip in the air, Mother Nature is at her finest.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: downing.amanda

Here’s what is going on inside of my head… 

You: Man, where is that lazy ass blogger anyway?

Me: Gawd, I am so lame that I can’t even manage a post. I write about work-life balance ALL the time, yet I can barely tread water this week. #fail

You: No seriously, I remember when she used to post all the time. I think I just saw a tumbleweed blow by. I FEEL NEGLECTED. #fail

Me: I suck. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Drool. ACK!

You: Hmmmmm, maybe I should break up with her and find a lovely new blog to love and cherish? Hmmmmm.

Me: OMG, they are going to break up with me. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Drool. ACK!

Me: Pie. Pie would help. Pie always help. It’s pie. It’s medicinal, right?

You: Sound pie advice. Just sayin’.

Me: Kind of you to agree about the pie, especially since I have been such a lame ass blogger.

You: Don’t get carried away, I still feel neglected.

Me: <Hangs head in shame. >

And scene. 

See ya outside my head soon! ~ The Grass Stain Guru 

 photo credit: GAPHIKER

Hello, my favorite nature detectives!

After a bit of a summer vacation, it’s back — the Mystery Critter game.  Hey, sometimes even critters need a rest!

So, make a Guru happy and get your play in nature on!  It’s time to get outside and see what wild wonders you can find.  So put on your thinking caps and let’s get to it! And remember — no cheating.

CRITTER CLUES:

• Late summer is a good time to see me in action
• While I love open woodlands, I often stray into different habitats
• My name sounds a bit slangish
• You can find me throughout most of the southern states in North America, and my cousins in others

Make your guess then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right?

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Let your hair down and go play in nature this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: downing.amanda