The state emblems and symbols are such a wonderful way to introduce state history to a young child. I'm going to be searching my files for the art my children produced when they were learning all of Colorado's emblems and symbols. My mother, a long-time square dancer, was especially proud of Colorado's state dance.
My grandparents were "birders" whose vacation slide shows were often full frames of leaves and grandpa having to point out the speck that was subject of the picture, a bird they would only see in the location they traveled to. If you haven't seen The Big Year (movie) it's quietly delightful.
I love it when folks leave their nature arrangements around. My neighborhood recently had a memorial put together with sticks, by kids, whose tree was having to be taken down. Another kid in the neighborhood created a rock "snake" on the curb in front of their house that became quite long with others adding to it. I also once came upon a gorgeously arranged floral arrangement of fallen blooms at the rhododendron garden.
Sometimes I see whole peanut shells in my neighborhood. Scattered in the walkway up to my house or along the sidewalk or in the landscaping. I have no idea where these whole peanut shells come from. A neighbor feeding the squirrels or the birds who then scatter them around? Someone who just really loves whole peanuts and snacks on them while out for their walk? Like you, it's one of those mysteries I don't ever really want to solve.
This is similar to a large tree stump (if I remember right) at the end of a forested path in a fairly small park in our town. Various flowers and arrangements. Then one day a tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (R.I.P.) appeared.
So fun. My kids love to do this. I let them pick up fun plants from the ground on walks but “outside stuff stays outside” so at the end we like to leave it all somewhere visible for the next person to see.
I love the serendipity of finding the rock. Being the artist-in-residence of your own space is empowering. And leaving beauty for others to find is awesome. I love finding a painted rock someone has left. The generosity of artists makes my heart whole.
It sounds like you're coming to NM when I'll be in Seattle, but I'm going to email you my dates, just in case you have time to meet up for coffee or lunch.
Hawai’i’s state bird is the nene, a native goose. In the mid 20th century, the population was in bad shape, and a wildfowl center in England, Slimbridge, offered to help, and received three breeding birds. The subtropical birds adapted well, and in 1962, 35 birds were sent back to help bolster the Hawaiian population. https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/hawaii-stories/hana-hou/nene
The state emblems and symbols are such a wonderful way to introduce state history to a young child. I'm going to be searching my files for the art my children produced when they were learning all of Colorado's emblems and symbols. My mother, a long-time square dancer, was especially proud of Colorado's state dance.
My grandparents were "birders" whose vacation slide shows were often full frames of leaves and grandpa having to point out the speck that was subject of the picture, a bird they would only see in the location they traveled to. If you haven't seen The Big Year (movie) it's quietly delightful.
I love it when folks leave their nature arrangements around. My neighborhood recently had a memorial put together with sticks, by kids, whose tree was having to be taken down. Another kid in the neighborhood created a rock "snake" on the curb in front of their house that became quite long with others adding to it. I also once came upon a gorgeously arranged floral arrangement of fallen blooms at the rhododendron garden.
Sometimes I see whole peanut shells in my neighborhood. Scattered in the walkway up to my house or along the sidewalk or in the landscaping. I have no idea where these whole peanut shells come from. A neighbor feeding the squirrels or the birds who then scatter them around? Someone who just really loves whole peanuts and snacks on them while out for their walk? Like you, it's one of those mysteries I don't ever really want to solve.
I think that's what it is, Robyn. I get peanut shells in my yard all the time, even though we don't feed them. The squirrels and some birds love them.
This is similar to a large tree stump (if I remember right) at the end of a forested path in a fairly small park in our town. Various flowers and arrangements. Then one day a tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (R.I.P.) appeared.
Whoever is creating the arrangements works hard to keep a connection alive and that is a lovely sentiment. Thanks for your story, Amy!
So fun. My kids love to do this. I let them pick up fun plants from the ground on walks but “outside stuff stays outside” so at the end we like to leave it all somewhere visible for the next person to see.
Love that secret rock pedestal installation-always-in-progress. How beautiful!
And the state bird project sounds great!
Now I wish that we had a big rock at the end of our dead end street. It would look better than the current permanent mud and puddle.
Find a big rock…? 😎
I love the beauty of the mystery. Small beauty making the world better.
Inspired by the anonymous artist-in-residence of that rock and agree that not knowing who creates the magic is part of the beauty.
I love the serendipity of finding the rock. Being the artist-in-residence of your own space is empowering. And leaving beauty for others to find is awesome. I love finding a painted rock someone has left. The generosity of artists makes my heart whole.
What a lovely little gift is your daily, mysterious nature arrangement, in this rough and mundane world! Thanks for sharing it!
It sounds like you're coming to NM when I'll be in Seattle, but I'm going to email you my dates, just in case you have time to meet up for coffee or lunch.
Oh the book on state birds sounds fascinating! Can’t wait!
I love that people are creating such spontaneous and pretty arrangements on that cool pedestal rock. Thanks for showing them to us.
My own state (MI) has also been flapping its wings in controversy over its State bird, the Robin. Here’s a link to a recent article that dives into the historical squawk-fest. https://www.interlochenpublicradio.org/ipr-news/2025-01-07/how-the-robin-became-the-state-bird-and-why-not-everyone-is-on-board
Oh yes, I'm interested in Michigan for sure!
Hawai’i’s state bird is the nene, a native goose. In the mid 20th century, the population was in bad shape, and a wildfowl center in England, Slimbridge, offered to help, and received three breeding birds. The subtropical birds adapted well, and in 1962, 35 birds were sent back to help bolster the Hawaiian population. https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/hawaii-stories/hana-hou/nene
yes this is a very interesting state bird story!