Jump Into Summer! Life at Little Pond & NEWS!

Exciting events are happening at Little Pond! A quiet spring prepared us for a busy summer of new stories and adventures.

Turtles, beavers, hawks, and our road being paved! What a way to begin our summer here at Little Pond. After over a year of unpredictability and uncertainty, one thing is for sure- we were so ready for summer to begin.

Each year, we travel to the coast for some relaxation and fun after a hard school year. And we can ALL agree- this was a hard school year. But when I arrive, I do not jump into the waves or run out for fried clams (though I dream of it). I settle in to do what boring mothers do, observe!

I watch and learn and listen. I see how birds interact with one another in such a rich environment as a salt pond. There are ospreys and gulls, swans and herons, and so many other birds I cannot pretend to name, but I will certainly study up on.

But one bird in particular needs no introduction from me- my mockingbird friend pictured above.

This awesome crooner has been living at our vacation spot for at least the last 2 years, and what I have learned from his time at the salt pond is how happy he is to sit and look out just like me.

Does he have friends? I’m not sure, but I haven’t seen him hanging out with many other birds. Sure, there’s the flashy cardinal who sings all day on the wire, and he is certainly cute. And of course, the robins and singing sparrows make a great show.

But as all true artists know, a spirit that finds passion in life does not need to be center stage to be heard or seen. In fact, it took days for me to capture a picture. My husband has an even better on his phone! Our resident bird flew from the chimney, to the outdoor shower, to the the peak of the house, to a small hedgerow, all day long.

I admire him for his routine and commitment to his craft, and I imagine how my writing, as a work in progress, does not need to take center stage, but can exist in the corners, like the chimney, or the treetop, or the peak of a house, only because it’s the story I want heard, nothing more. I thank my mockingbird friend for the reminder. And I thank all of you for your support.

My newest book is set to release by the end of July! It’s called A Little Pond Adventure. It’s a nonfiction piece about the importance of understanding how beavers help build our world and how important they are for the survival of many, many animals.

This picture book is set for readers of any age, but is probably best enjoyed from grades K-3. For home readers, it’s an awesome way to get your child involved in nature! What better way to connect with our spirits and each other than through a walk in the woods or a meadow, a stroll to the pond or taking a seat by a brook. Looking up, down, and all around gives us clues as to how animals live, and who knows, you may just find a new story sitting on the chimney top!