I first read this book seven years ago. I don’t remember the frogs, but as they appear on the cover of this edition, I expect they feature in the story. Looking forward to jumping in (see what I did there?)
Cannery Row
Author: Hashi
Grace
Gouache, watercolour, crayon and ink on toned paper. Inspired by Study of a head: self-portrait (1916) by Grace Cossington Smith.
Trichechus manatus
It’s Manatee Awareness Month.
I’ve never seen a manatee (or a dugong, the Australian member of the Sirenia order), but I would love to. Sirenia are the only extant herbivorous marine mammals and the only group of herbivorous mammals to have become completely aquatic. These large, slow, gentle creatures are more closely related to elephants than to other marine mammals.
Humans are the main cause of death for manatees—no longer hunting, but still habitat destruction, propellers, flood gates, fishing nets. Additionally, with the warming of the oceans, their behaviour patterns change, food sources are disrupted, and bacteria and parasites spread more quickly. All three species of manatees (West Indian, Amazonian and West African) have been listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since the 1980s. Another gentle giant could well disappear from the planet in our lifetimes.
lost and found
My Ántonia
For our November book group meeting, we read a classic American novel written in 1918. My Ántonia by Willa Cather has been both widely praised and strongly criticised; we found justifications for both points of view.
Keeping it loose
Scribble and splash.
nature journaling at the tide pools
We had our third SMMNJC meetup today, and I’m still a-glow, hours later. Fourteen of us met at low tide at Malibu Lagoon State Beach to share a picnic, then marvel at sea hares, anemones, limpets, shrimp, crabs, octopuses, patterns in the sand, seabirds, and so much more. Near the end of our time together, I quoted the immortal words of Kurt Vonnegut, “Well if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” My heart is full.
Chamaea fasciata
swiss chard
Growing veggies—planting, tending, harvesting, cooking, then eating them—brings me so much joy. And Swiss chard, with its bright crimson veins and generous ruffles, is one of the most joy-sparking of them all.
champions tunic, done!
Custom label, sewn in. There was a bit of a learning curve on the stencilling, but I’m really happy with the end result. I pretty sure Felix will be too.
hashiworks 