Where There’s Smoke (Creature Thoughts, July/August 2026)

The wildfires devastating much of Canada right now are sending their smoke south, and many areas have been badly affected. The more vulnerable among us must be very careful. Though today is relatively clear, for the past several days, I’ve had windows closed, the air conditioner in the bedroom running, and fans circulating inside air. The skies were yellow, air thick with smoky haze, and even though the fires themselves were hundreds of miles away, it smelled like they were right in my backyard.

Whistle Bird (Creature Thoughts Mar/Apr ’26)

I miss you, my Whistle Bird. You made a hard choice all those years ago, and although it wasn’t the option I’d selected for you at the time, I’m so glad you stayed.

And will stay, forever in my heart.

A Visit from the Past; Sept/Oct ’25 Creature Thoughts

I was searching in my old Blogger archives this morning, looking for inspiration for this month’s newsletter. I actually was searching for something totally different, but happened across the issue I’m quoting below.

As I looked at the date, saw the opening lines, my heart nearly stopped.

The day after I wrote this … my mother died.