Spring is trying to break through here in mid-Michigan, although the weather is doing its best to provide the obligatory April showers. It brings out the critters, this happy cardinal...
...and this two-toned squirrel. David, Linda or some of my other naturalist buddies, is there an official name for this? Someone told me balayage, but the only reference I could find for that was hair color and highlights. Whatever, he's a cute little fellow who seems to like my yard!
Another sign of spring? I'm actually seeing my neighbors emerge as I emerge as well! Frank is checking out what needs to be done in the yard (if the rains ever stop and the ground dries out!)
In an earlier post I wrote about Sharon Emery's wonderful new book, "It's Hard Being You." Sharon had a book launch party and it was my first time out in a crowd in ages. In fact, the first time since I'd been in any spot apart from the grocery where there were more than four people since my cousin's wedding in October.
The event was wonderful -- well attended and beautifully done. Sharon spoke about the book and then signed copies.
After, some of us joined her at their home for an afterglow. It was such fun to be "out there" again, to have conversations and to simply enjoy and celebrate. (It also felt very weird and I'm not sure I want to get "out there" again until I get my second booster. But it was a wonderful and sorely needed time.)
I had an interesting observation when I was there. A lot of people weren't masked -- people I knew I knew and recognized -- and yet it had been so long I'd seen them, I didn't quite know who they were. All the stranger was that some were difficult to recognize because they had changed. Many of the women had gone gray or silver during the pandemic and I couldn't connect their hair and faces to what was in my mind. It was very disconcerting.
Like many of you, I have been watching a great deal of the coverage from Ukraine. The footage is horrifying. I have tremendous respect for the correspondents whom I hope get complimentary PTSD therapy after they get home and off the story because I don't see how one could report on this day after day and not be deeply affected. However, the reports I find the most fascinating are those of Igor Novikov, a former aide to President Zelensky who has stayed with his family in Kyiv. He speaks regularly -- two or three times a week -- with Nicolle Wallace and occasionally others on MSNBC.
His reports are sober but he always, always has something fun or positive to share with listeners, whether it is about his family or Stepan, the famous Ukranian tik tok cat. Wallace often asks him questions regarding what life is like for the family in Kyiv with bombs and air raids and he brings such a deeply human, personal view. I hope they make it through together as a family.
On another note, some of you may have heard of the Blog2Print books that transfer your blog into a bound book. Rita of Panoply and Marilyn of Delights of the Heart have both done B2P books and I decided I wanted to do one too. After talking with both of them and getting a few helpful hints, I did my first!
I decided I wanted to do the year 2020, the first Covid year, to accompany my Covid art journal. It arrived last week and I was impressed with the results.
I have to say, it was fascinating going through the posts of that first year. First of all, we were all so naive, not really getting the full grasp of what the Covid pandemic would mean to our lives.
And then, to revisit some of those times -- the things we did (sanitizing our groceries and mail, missing major events) was a powerful reminder to that first year. I can't say I've adapted a lot beyond that first year, to be honest. But that signing was a step ahead.
Back to the book. It's very thick -- probably about an inch. I had a lot of posts. In fact, I had so many posts, I ended up not using them all and editing them before I sent them to print (deleting hot links and videos, mostly). Even at that, and with a 35 percent discount, it came in at $116 with postage. YIKES!
But I'm glad I did it and I'm considering doing the same for my family history book. As you can see, the photos look crisp. (I did the medium size pictures; I would have preferred large but I couldn't afford it!)
I leave you with a look at some fading tulips.
I think they are still beautiful (and perhaps far more interesting than they were in full flower.)
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60 comments:
Your tulips look like they are dancing in the sunlight. Congratulations on your blog book!
I love your blog book, what a great idea.
What a great idea to get a book done! I just did a book for the kids for their last trip to Florida, over March Break.
The situation in Ukraine just breaks my heart. I am sure there is some PTSD.
I am not comfortable being out without a mask. I have some anxiety around groups now, as well. Oh dear.
I always like your wildlife photos. The squirrel is very interesting!
Watching the news is scary these days. I want to stop myself because it is horrifying (both Ukraine and what’s happening to the US) but it is like a magnet.
Your blog book is nice. It will be good to have in case something happens to blogger or even all of the internet. (Who knows was is going to happen next?) It looks very professional.
Tulips are so pretty as they age.
Congratulations on your book, sounds like a big project.
Adorable calico squirrel.
Lovely evening to you.
The squirrel is a cutie.
I do love faded tulips.
I am so happy you like your blog book. It looks like it turned out great.
I am also amazed each day when I watch the news from Ukraine at the bravery of the newscasters. I must check out MSNBC, I haven't come across Igor Novikov's reports.
Of course I love the red cardinal. Well that squirrel is cute too.
That squirrel might be a chimera. A chimera happens when 2 sets of genes show up and the organism gets traits from both sets. He is very interesting looking. And it sounds like you've been busy. Glad the book meeting went well, and also I'm liking your blog book. I've thought about making one of those, but have never tried one. What a good idea for 2020. I hope you're having a good start to the new week. hugs-Erika
Your squirrel is really unique! The book signing looks fun and interesting. Your thoughts on re-entering society are very relatable. Not recognizing people is something I've experienced, too. What strange times we are living through. The war is so horrifying that I have been having nightmares and have to limit my news watching, which is something, because I am such a news junkie. I like your blog book and have heard of the blog to book company but wasn't sure they were still in business. Such a good way to document that life-changing year. We are still wearing masks amid the maskless, but I have to think of my grandchildren at this point. Who knows what the statistics really are-seems like that doesn't matter anymore. Your tulips look like a painting. Hope you get some sunshine this week. x K
your blog book is a wonderful thing, at any price- it is a bargain! Google search tells me that your little critter is a fox squirrel, they can be very versatile- no two alike. So says, Mr. Google know it all.
Beautiful and the Peanuts sure look on in amazement! A perfect cousin in more than one way.
Yay for life going back to (a new?) normal! and wow, it must be a proud moment to sign your own book for other people.
Masks slowly go down here, too.
Yes. My teamleader is right there, too, in Kiev. Traveling back and forth, no idea where he gets the mental power from.
WOW, BIG WOW on your book!!! It must be a proud moment every time you hold it in your hands.
I have three with baby-pics of my first Niece - books are special.
And the tulips sure deserve their place, too :-)
I too am loving your strange squirrel ❤️
I will look up the Ukraine commenter. So courageous. I felt compelled to draw Stepan (on IG).
Latest news he will be feted in Venice in May at a charity ball!
Your blog book is fab.
Hello Jeanie,
Our days and weather are flipping back and forth, between Spring and Winter.
I have watched Nicole Wallace speaking with Igor Novikov, I have seen his daughter on her show too, I pray the family stays safe. The war scenes are horrifying, I hope they find a way to end this invasion. The tow toned squirrel is pretty, love the Cardinal and your tulips. Your blog book looks great. Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
I have never seen a squirrel like that, Jeanie. I would expect a recessive allele or some other genetic mutation to be at play here. It is probably a one-off situation and not a distinct form. I can no longer watch the coverage from Ukraine, I find it so disturbing. I just read the summaries of the daily atrocities without looking at the horrible details. I don't need to watch the bodies on the street any more than I need to watch the animal being slaughtered to put meat on my plate. I am sure that our Canadian reporters are doing a great job in Ukraine, but as I say I have stopped watching them. I have no idea how they can look at this carnage every day and not go off the deep end.
Jeanie,
I still have not ventured out where I am in a small enclosed place where there is a group of people...A few weeks ago, I said it was a bad idea to lift the mask mandate and now here wee are again with CoVid cases on the rise, several notable people testing positive and Phila. is now going back to a mask mandate in all indoor places...I called it...I do not understand what is so hard for people to realize that viruses do not go away...we just learn to deal with them and right now, Americans refuse to learn....Glad you enjoyed your time out...Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
There's a colony of white squirrels in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. When I was there, I never saw a pure white one, but I have some photos of a gray squirrel with a pure white tail that I saw. I'm not sure what it's called, but I'm sure it's just a genetic quirk, like the white and pink bluebonnets I found this weekend.
Your book looks great. I can't afford to do such a thing just now, but I have decided to go ahead and make hard copies of my blog entries on The Task at Hand. That way, if I decide to do something else in the future, or if WordPress takes a dive, I'll still have them.
Jeanie, your book turned out great! I've since seen 40% off discounts, and hope you're now receiving those emails as well. Spring is trying its best to be here now, but Mother Nature is still trying to bring up the old subject of winter even here in our region. It has landscapers very much behind schedule with the unpredictability. Still, each day of longer daylight and plant surprises in the neighborhood delight, don't they?
I hope you enjoy a wonderful Easter week. It looks that way with you already having the boys over for their egg hunt. ♥
Second booster tomorrow..I’ve not yet been in a crowd apart from family.I have a small blog book from many years ago I won it.
They are lovely!
Jeanie, I loved your pictures. The blog book seems so nice I really like that idea. I may have to check that out also. Blessings to you. xoxo, Susie
One of the blogs I follow has done that since the start of her blog. I like the idea of it but very pricy.
I love your tulips, spring has not quite sprung here yet but I see bits of green coming through the earth.
The book sounds interesting glad you got out. We are going out bit by bit. The numbers are going up again in our area so I am careful
Cathy
Jeanie, I agree, how the journalist do what they do and witness first hand atrocities has to be so disturbing. I have never seen a squirrel with coloring like this one, he's quite striking! I think your blog book looks really nice. I would love to do that and will look into it. I have made a couple of books, one of my grandson, the first year and one on my mother-in-law's gardening and quilting. I was very pleased with the results, thanks for sharing yours. Wishing you and Rick a wonderful and happy Easter......
It’s spring here today (and likely gone tomorrow) with it being 11 now at 11am and going up to 17. We actually had breakfast on our little enclosed porch.
I have been meaning for years to print a section of blogs, but I have never finished the project. I am very good at that.
Your book turned out great and I know how special it feels to hold something like that in your hand, having done the same thing several times over. If you do a family history one I really, really hope you'll check out MyCanvas. They are are geared for printing family history books and have all kinds of bells and whistles---charts and trees to use, bigger pages---in addition to all the editing fonts, colors, flourishes, etc you found at Blogs2Print. I have made two family history books, turned 4 blogs years into their books and made 3 special topic books with them and love their great quality and service. Last time I compared they were cheaper than blg2Print, too. If you ever get to G.R. stop by and I'll show them to you.
I've never seen a squirrel like that, though my experience is limited. Gray squirrels are mostly what we see here.
The yellow tulips are stunners. They don't last long, but they're a joy while they do.
How interesting that you turned your posts from the first year of the pandemic into a book. It came out great!
I also found it intriguing that you didn't really recognize some of the people you know. I wonder if that will also be my experience when I get back out.
Your blog book looks good, but it's not something I would have done as I have nobody who woud appraciate it when I kick the bucket. Oh well, it saves money! Glad you ejoyed the book launch, it's good to get out again. Hugs, Valerie
What an adorable squirrel!
I've heard other bloggers talk about having those kind of books made. They really do look amazing!
I hope Igor and his family and cat will be safe! :)
So nice that you were able to go out and have a great night and meet a talented lady. Sounds perfect.
The blog book idea sounds cool. It turned out nice.
I have experienced that startling feel to not recognize people or noticing how much a person has changed in 2 years. That has happened to me a lot at work. I've mostly noticed it with men - they've gone gray, grown a beard, shaved their head or grew long hair! It's crazy how much a person can change in 2 years!
I have never seen a squirrel like that! What a 'do!
That book to blog sounds really interesting. I know of another friend who did that with her posts on a trip to the NE last summer. Such a great way to memorialize something you've written about!
Congratulations! What a wonderful thing to do. Exciting too! They look terrific and glad you decided to do this.
You are so gifted in so many ways. Yes, 2020 was a scary year with so much misinformation and outrageous lies.
I can imagine how wonderful the art book is.
So glad you decided to do this. Sending love. Hope you are doing well. Glad you went to the signing.
What a fascinating-looking squirrel, Jeanie.
I'm glad you were able to attend the book talk and signing. I know it's hard to be out and about during this covid lull after so much worry about getting ill, especially since we are at the more vulnerable age, but it seems covid will never fully go away and we have to adjust our thinking to take the risks we most want to indulge in and hope the current treatments will help us if we do get ill. I have tried to get the second booster twice so far and no one has it locally. I'm going to try again this week at Costco.
I've heard of Blog to Book but I know it is expensive to make one. Yours looks great and I'm sure you are happy to have it.
We have been crazy busy trying to upload thousands of family photos digitally to the cloud --it is time-consuming work taking them out of albums and then replacing them in better more archival albums, but as we go along it is satisfying to have it done.
I need to do a Blog 2Print Book, Rita had recommended it to me a while back.I have never seen a squirrel with that coloring. I am so glad you were able to attend the book signing. I continue to pray for Ukraine.
Your posts always make me smile.
We have a few of those squirrels here too. I just thought a red one and a black one mated and out came a combo. LOL Congrats on your journal. Janice
Unfortunately I can't help you with the squirrel since I've never seen a two-toned one and had no idea they existed. It's a cute little guy, no matter what s/he would be called. I love your blog book, it looks wonderful. I did know that you can turn your blog posts into a book, but I never looked into it, and after I saw the price I probably never will. But it does look well worth the price and is certainly a good way to remember that first COVID year.
What a good idea those books are! Good you got out for the book signing. I am cautiously getting out some, but still a little worried about what cones next.
Congratulations on the blog book -- it looks fantastic! And, yes, this looks like a terrific option for any family history.
Also, so glad you got out for the book signing... we've been going out (cautiously) for early morning trips to the grocery store, but now, with cases starting to inch up, I'm feeling a bit more hesitant to risk the exposure.
It is nice, though, to see some signs of spring. No two-toned squirrels around here, but buds are forming on the lilacs, and we may have forsythia in bloom by Easter. I'll take it!
Hope you're enjoying a great week!
Your new squirrel is adorable, but only touched his/her roots!
On a serious note, that is ONE expensive, but well worth the price, book. You will be so glad you got it, especially in a few years.
I'm definitely not ready to get out there, either. You are doing far mpre than I, that's for sure.
I know what you mean about it feeling weird in a way when you get out and do something. We're doing a lot more lately and in some ways it feels wonderful and in some ways there's the lingering "am I being really stupid or selfish right now" questions. I hope that will go away, but I'm not sure. And it is weird how much some people have changed. I have to admit that I was really worried about seeing people again because I gained so much weight during the pandemic. So far no one has said anything, but I worry about it. I also grew my hair out, so at least that gives people something else to focus on.
I didn't know about the blog to book thing, but it's a neat idea, especially for those of you who are more consistent bloggers. It has been several years since I've blogged consistently enough for it to be a good record of anything. And I don't think I'd pick 2020! I'm glad I blogged some; I think normal, every day people's experiences may be at least interesting for history in 100 years. But it's not something I want to re-visit. I've noticed that even when the Facebook memories pop up and it's something about COVID or making masks or anything pandemic related, I get really anxious. I never thought I handled it well, but now that we're (hopefully!!!) starting to come out of it a little bit, I'm realizing just how badly I handled it and how negatively it impacted my viewpoint on so many things.
I haven't seen any of Novikov's interviews, but I'm going to look for them. I think the rest of the world's leaders can already learn so much from Zolensky. I guess it makes sense that his aides would also be amazing people.
I hope my comment came through Jeanie. This is a new phone and I'm not comfortable with it yet! It was about your book and fading tulips!
That’s a very interesting color combination in your squirrel. Loved the cardinal photo! The book signing sounded like fun. I have noticed a lot of people who have gone back to their natural hair coloring. A lot of people here are no longer wearing masks. I don’t feel comfortable being in a crowd and not wearing one. What I have noticed is that since wearing a mask I haven’t had any of the regular colds and respiratory infections that I am prone to in the winter. It always took me a very long time getting over them, even with the trips to the doctor. Gives me a lot of food for thought. I have a great deal of respect for the reporters who cover the news in situations like the one in the Ukraine. It is a very dangerous job. I recognized Igor Novikov, and he is a very interesting. Your book looks wonderful, what a great idea! More food for thought :) Another very interesting post Jeanie, thank you.
Wow, that's a lot of money for ONE book! But, it is a major accomplishment, and you are right to be proud of it. Excellent job!
Oh my gosh. I had no idea you could have your blog made into a book. How cool is that.
I love that squirrel. Looks like a mix of two species doesn't it?
Take good care.
Jeanie, Your blog book is wonderful and really does look like a professional book. My sister has always said to me that I should do one, but I would like to do the whole thing to keep as a diary for the kids but I never thought I could afford it. If I was still working I would do it in a heartbeat. Every night when watching MSNBC (so glad Rachel is back) I just can't help from crying a little. The Ukrainians are so brave and are fighting so hard. I even heard a report today that they are winning. I think Putin is in for trouble when Sweden and Finland join NATO. It seems that he wouldn't keep up when he wasn't the bully! That squirrel is just wonderful. Looks like he was dipped in tar or ink. Really a pretty little thing. It will be a long time before I can trust anyone to be concerned for my health except me. Our counts are going higher again..Happy Easter and enjoy the littles..xxoJudy
I'm glad you've been able to get out more Jeanie! I feel like Covid has turned us all into introverts sometimes, and just when things are seeming normal, a variant will cause mask mandates again, so tired of it all! Thanks for mentioning the Blog2Book, I remember reading about that on Rita's blog, your book looks great, I am going to check into it, thanks~
Jenna
Love blog books...wish I could afford yours! My blog's available as souvenir books for supporters, too.
That squirrel! I wonder whether contact with some sort of chemicals was involved? Do you usually see black squirrels?
I'm glad you enjoyed the book signing. I've been to no large gathering. I still wear my mask although most people here in my area don't. I'm listening to Dr Fauci who believes this next year will be bad since Americans are no longer wearing masks or keeping a distance. Enjoy spring - that cardinal is outstanding!
Hello Jeanie, The Cardinal is beautiful, and the squirrel has the new look, which is very interesting in a squirrel. Jeanie, did you mean, that the Sparrow Hawks are smaller where you live, than the one in my photos? I'm sorry, but I didn't quite understand your comment. Getting back to your entertaining post,...Your book looks brilliant, and it was a great idea to write about the pandemic. I still wear a mask, and disinfect my hands when I'm shopping or in a public place. I have stopped watching the news about the Ukraine war, as it is just too disturbing, but I read the summaries. Lovely picture of the yellow flowers, and it was a cheerful note to end on.
All the best.
The two tone squirrel is adorable. I have not seen one of these before! How wonderful you were able to get out again. Taking the proper precautions, you will stay healthy. The footage from Ukraine is so sad. The stories are incredible. Many people will be damaged for the rest of their lives. I love your blog to book! $116 seems like an excellent deal for its size. I had a tiny book make years ago for $65. Flowers are still beautiful when wilting. The tulips are lovely.
Jeanie, so exciting about your blog book. It will be a great treasure for your family. The news from Ukraine is so sad and my heart breaks for the people.
Love your squirrel - I have never seen one like him before. Wishing you, Rick and family a lovely Easter weekend.
That first photo is picture postcard purrfect:)
I'm happy you're getting back out there, Jeanie! I enjoy book talks and signings. Your blog book looks fantastic! I would love to make one myself! How did you choose the service you went with? The pages are beautiful!
I've not seen a squirrel like that before ...
I do think your blog book looks very nice.
Happy Easter Wishes.
All the best Jan
Jeanie, I am so happy you published your blog book. It looks great! Blog2print. What a great idea. Your Cardinal is so beautiful, and I just love this squirrel. I have never seen one this color before. You should paint him. Yes?
I forgot to thank you for wandering over for a visit. So happy you enjoyed the roses.
Congratulations on your Blog2Print book, you can look back on it in years to come and compare how things have hopefully gotten better. Thanks for sharing the photo of the squire, I've never seen one like it before.
It is difficult to watch the news from Ukraine, but I feel it is our responsibility to be aware of what's happening. I also listen to Novikov for his deeply personal insights. I am fascinated by that blog book, and I'm going to look into it. I don't know how I'd choose which to print! If you've got any hints, I'd love to know. Enjoy those early spring days! Happily, I am back in NJ and elated to see things blooming!
Jeanie, what a fun idea to create your own book! I love the yellow faded tulips, too... Please say hello to Mr. Squirrel for me! He is cute in his two-tone look. I wonder what kind of squirrel he is?? Beautiful post!!!
Happy to feature your post at Share Your Style #342 this evening,
Hugs,
Barb
p.s. Glad spring is finally beginning to bloom out your way!
Jeanie, I know I didn't finish commenting... It is terrible what is happening to Ukraine. I know Mercy Projects/Eastern European Outreach is still helping get people out as they can. I love your watercolor paintings!!! What fun to turn blobs into cats and more! I need to do some painting this summer to refresh from this year. I have to say moving into working in the library has made a HUGE difference in my happiness and being able to think after work. :)
Again, Happy Wednesday and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Hope you get out to Lake Oswego soon, too.
Hugs,
Barb :)
Glad you're seeing signs of Spring, and were able to get out and about a bit. Stay safe though, won't you?
I'd heard about the blog book, but am reluctant to pay for it, especially considering if I did part of mine I'd want to do it all (though probably across several books due to having been blogging for so long now) and it would be incredibly expensive. If it wasn't for the photos, I'd just do it myself like I do my poems and stories.
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