cryptonature

[cryptonature]

Today, I saw a grackle,

smooth as a beech bough,

elegant as an evening gown.

She had no business with me,

but paused for a look

and left me feeling pleasantly

animal.

[cryptonature]

I saw a Baltimore oriole in central Ohio yesterday.

It makes me wonder if Baltimore is even trying to keep track of its birds.

[cryptonature]

Turn to the right, it's clockwise.

Turn to the left, it's counterclockwise.

Help Mr. Frodo get to Mordor, it's...

[cryptonature]

Ohio Woods: The Musical

🎶 🎵

Every little tickle is a tick.

Anytime the grass is kinda thick.

Anywhere the pricker bushes prick.

When an itch draws your fingers quick.

Every little tickle is a tick!

🎵 🎶

[cryptonature]

Happy independent bookstore day!

You can get a signed copy of my book (and support my local bookstore) through this link:

https://beanbagbooks.com/book/9781643262291s

[cryptonature]

There's a constellation of dandelions outside my window.

I'm going to lie on my back among them.

I will feel the tickle of an ant crossing my wrist.

I will feel the warmth of our sun, eyes shut tight.

Each part of it, from the scent of nectar to thoughts like this, all arising from the generosity of starlight.

All a gift made of the same mystery as me.

[cryptonature]

Visiting the creek and the skunk cabbage today.

[cryptonature]

Do you ever look at a sparrow and think, "that bird is really wasting her potential?"

No. That thought would clang against the simple dignity we sense in nature, the dignity of a living thing inhabiting a life.

You are that sparrow. You are the branch she rests upon.

You embody that same dignity.

[cryptonature]

Nurturing something is key to staying friends with life. There are worthy things in this world that need your power and attention. You can't give it to all of them. But you can listen when something in you whispers, "this one."

[cryptonature]

Maybe the most difficult part of writing is knowing a bunch of words and then putting them in a really interesting order.

[cryptonature]

I know it’s not the “cool” way to order coffee, but I just prefer my drinks boneless.

[cryptonature]

What we don’t control shouts.

What we do control whispers.

[cryptonature]

It's bitter cold this morning,

but I saw an easter bluebird

and a gray squirrel.

My nannyberry bushes,

toothy with coming leaves,

have lost their winter-smooth silhouettes.

I can feel the world moving on.

Just beneath the soil's surface

the dandelions are losing patience

with the dark.

[cryptonature]

Ah, mood disorders and I do have a rich history with one another...

Exciting to see my book in the number one spot today.

[cryptonature]

The idea that empathy is a weakness tends to come from people who aren't observant or self-reflective enough to realize how much they have relied on the kindness and forbearance of others in order to live and thrive.

[cryptonature]

I read plenty of mentions of opening a mystical third eye.

Yet, nobody is talking about awakening a second nose?

[cryptonature]

Pugs are what happens when a werewolf bites a potato.