Perspective

Thanks, June Foray!

What do Rocky J. Squirrel, Cindy Lou Who, Granny from the Tweety cartoons, Witch Hazel, and Natasha Fatale all have in common? They and countless other cartoon classics were given aural life by legendary voice actress June Foray. June Foray brought a ton of fun whenever she met a microphone. Thanks, June, for speaking up!

It’s Fried Chicken Day

Does fried chicken need a day of observance? Apparently so, because TODAY IS IT.

According to Wikipedia, it’s unclear how this day originated and who or what entity started it. But it is the official date to celebrate this classic American dish.

Now just be careful you don’t eat a puppy instead!

Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks are essential for celebrating Independence Day. But the bangs rattle some people’s heads. And the stinging smoke makes some noses get runny. And all the dogs in town yearn for a cave to hide in. Luckily, there are fireworks in nature. Quiet and good-smelling.

Agapanthus. A purple pow!

A blaze of asters.

A dazzling dahlia.

Whistling thistles.

Memorable Michelmas Daisies.

Spectacular spider lilies.

And aerial allium.

Stay safe and sane, and have a fabulous floral Fourth, everyone!

It’s Go Skateboarding Day!

Some surfers weren’t content with riding the waves. They wanted to surf city streets, too. And there was only one way to do it. June 21 is Go Skateboarding Day, an official annual holiday conceived by the International Association of Skateboard Companies to promote the joys of cruising along the pavement on a short narrow board with two small wheels fixed to the bottom of either end. How fun is that? Just look at the joy on longtime pro Peggy Oki’s face as she zooms along the asphalt.

Peggy Oki – © Kevin Steele / kevsteele.com

Don’t have a skateboard? I bet someone you know does. Beg them to borrow it today. And learn more about Peggy Oki’s groundbreaking skateboarding history here.

Happy Father’s Day!

Today we give thanks for great dads everywhere. Love you, Da! You’re the best.

Compliments are delicious

Compliment story found at Letters of Note.

Powerpuff T!

Yes, it’s me! Fighting for fun and fairness, the Powerpuff way. Powerpuff yourself here!

For the birds

No one was a bigger fan of feathered friends than American ornithologist, painter, and naturalist John James Audubon, who traveled deep into the woods, glens, and marshes to capture bird life in illustrated glory. Now, Audubon.org is making available prints from Audubon’s major work, The Birds of America, to download for free. Here are some of my favorites.

The Raven. Obviously croaking a warning.

American Robin. A harbinger of Spring.

Barn Owl. Silent night stalker.

Barn Swallow. The picture of grace in flight, just as beautiful in repose.

Red-Throated Diver. Awkward on land, unbeatable in water.

Common American Gull. The reliable guardian of the ocean shores.

Many more of Audubon’s amazing illustrations can be found at Audubon.org. Pay a visit and find your own faves!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today all loving moms deserve breakfast in bed. Brought to them quietly, without any fuss. And then taken away just as quietly, so they can be left to SLEEP IN. Thanks, moms, for all that you do!