Sunday morning, after the snow melted and before the rain started, I saw a mink run down the hill (fast) and disappear into the creek.
Which got me to thinking about critters that live in our woods and water. Black bears, which everyone but me has seen, foxes, wild turkeys, deer, beavers, porcupines... And the smaller creatures who burrow in nature's nooks and crannies, such as the hole in that tree root.
Small caves and cracks in the slabs of bluestone make a good den.
There is even life in the crevices of the stone wall. Spiders, insects, snakes...
I keep an ample supply of used field guides and natural history books in the store.
Business was slow again this weekend, but I saw some of my favorite people and had good conversations with a few who are feeling optimistic about the recovery of our little village.
I put together book bundles--vintage paperbacks organized by theme and wrapped in twine.
Arranging books, as well as reading them, is soothing and even mood-elevating.
More and more of them are making their way into the store, and people seem to like that.
Hello Jen:
ReplyDeleteWe are, of course, most intrigued by your books and the book bundles, arranged around a theme, and tied with twine, look so very attractive and interesting and would make, or so we feel, highly original and very unusual gifts. And speaking of books, we are constantly reminded of you and your store with our copy of 'Seashells of the World' which has now come here from Brighton and sits on a small desk in the Morning Room to complement some pictures of sea and related items.
We are so pleased that you had an enjoyable weekend and envy you the proximity you have to the natural world. It all looks so very pretty at this wonderful time of year.
I hope some spiders live appropriately among your used field guides, Jen. Your shop sounds as though it is a happy part of the community.
ReplyDeleteHaving a spider pop out of a book in the store would probably not be considered good customer service! I have seen signs of mice in the storage room, and wish I could have a store cat.
DeleteWe just had one of those heavy duty thunderstorms that we're famous for in this part of the country, and now it seems a lot of the little guys are coming out. I just saw a rabbit in my front yard and some birds I've never seen before. I've yet to see a bear though.
ReplyDeleteSince my dog died last year I am seeing a lot more wildlife close to the house. I like the image of the animals popping out after a thunderstorm.
Deletehow i love the idea of your themed book bundles. very nice.
ReplyDeleteyou have so many wonderful creatures around you. we have snakes, scorpions, wild boar, foxes....
Scorpions! There are wild boar in some of the counties near us, but none in my area (yet). I would not want to encounter one of those when I was walking in the woods.
DeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to get to experiance life in the "woods" with everything that comes with it! Growing up my Aunt had a cabin it the moutains where we would spend a lot of time, it was magical! Love the theme books wrapped with twine, books are one of my favorite things to look for!
Rebecca
I would have loved to have seen the mink. We have bear here in the autumn that fill up on apples and plums from the many volunteer trees on the place. We once saw a bear cub climbing a tree near us and figured the mom bear was filling up nearby in a small orchard, so we turned and hightailed it out of the area.
ReplyDeleteLiked your photos of creature homes.
I had to look it up to make sure it wasn't a weasel or opossum. It was very long and sleek and fast. I didn't even know that they are swimmers.
DeleteI love your books and book bundles. Such a lovely way to sell paper backs! I like to spend time looking at your pictures and trying to read all the titles.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteYes I do love to spy a forest creature...so exciting to see deer and fox and of course all the birds. We have no bear around here but I was told there are bobcats in the woods. I know you would love my friend Kelly's nature blog she is also a very good artist and does birds a lot . she has a get love of nature. She lives in the same town as I do here is her blog address. Take a peek when you have time. http://redandthepeanut.blogspot.com/
I love the cave picture!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI hope business will get better for you! To have all those animals living close to you. For a city girl like me it sounds really special.
I wish you and your family a Happy Easter.
Madelief x
Hello Jen, what wonderful thoughts about the creatures living among us we see and don't see. I love forests and the pictures you took will make me more alert when taking a walk next time. I am crossing my fingers for your shop! I hope the weather gets warm so more people will go out and discover your lovely place! I would anyway... Christa
ReplyDeleteit sounds like a wonderful weekend. i love your book bundles. what a great idea. it makes me want to re-read james herriot. how i loved him as a child. my grandmother and i read all his books.
ReplyDelete