Today’s tangled drawing was not inspired by a special day of the week or month. Instead I was smitten by a recent scissors-shaped discovery. It began with a desire to create a nature-themed action piece, like birds in flight. As I mentally rabbit-trailed the many possibilities, it seemed important to think of a reason why my birds were flying in the first place. Maybe they were fleeing something, but what? Being momentarily distracted while addressing an envelope, my mind took an exit ramp while considering the name of our return address town of Tijeras. Excitedly recalling that “Tijeras” is Spanish for “Scissors,” I nearly decided my birds would be scissor-tailed flycatchers — gorgeously graceful birds — but a tad too obvious? Regardless, the notion of “scissors” stuck in my brain. So I returned to my main rabbit trail with thoughts of fanciful, yet desperate birds fleeing a pair of big scissors!
Those totally irrational thoughts focused my internet search for “flying birds and scissors.” As I wasn’t terribly optimistic about finding any interesting results, imagine my shock when after only a few short moments of scrolling I shouted ….. “Bazinga!”
There, before my eyes, had to be one of the wonders of the world (and the answer to my flying-fleeing birds) ….. Stork Scissors! I never knew such a thing existed, but right then and there I began mentally designing and composing a tangled illustration of birds with scissors!
Of course I had to learn the why’s and what-for’s behind Stork Scissors and the use of such clever scissors in the shape of a stork who’s long bill actually forms the scissors’ blades. Here’s what I learned:
“Stork Scissors” (sometimes called crane or bird scissors) are used today as a classic sewing tool shaped like a bird. Even though they look decorative, those long, precise bird beak blades are very efficient for snipping tiny threads in embroidery and crafts.
But there’s oh so much more to the story.
It’s believed that the first Stork Scissors were used in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by midwives as medical clamps to stop blood flow in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord after birth. The original 4 – 6 inch long clamps were designed with a stork motif because of the bird’s folklore association with childbirth, good luck and hope. The head of the stork was mounted at a 45 degree angle and had a beak that was blunt and heavy. The handles looped to form the wings and body of the bird. Some clamps had an inlay of a little baby hidden inside the beak that appeared when opened. Also, Stork Scissors usually came with a set of forceps to help the midwife deliver the baby.
Once disposable clamps replaced them in the 1960s, the design of Stork Scissors as umbilical clamps began to change in shape and size. The 45 degree angle of the bird head was straightened so it aligned with the handle and the bird beak was sharpened into blades making the Stork Scissors an elegant and precision tool for sewing and needlework projects.
Fast forward to today ….. Since the vintage design was never copyrighted, charming and whimsical Stork Scissors have continued to be made under various brand names.
After checking various on-line sites for antique clamps (mostly EBay and Etsy) and modern scissor designs (Amazon, art supply stores), I found a wide range of prices. For $700, you can own a circa 1800s “stork midwife umbilical cord clamp” made of 800 sterling silver. Another antique sterling silver “stork bird clamp scissors” with baby inlay costs $300. Today’s versions, some highly rated, are mostly gold or brass color coated and may cost as little as $8.99 for a 2-pack.
Have you ever heard of Stork Scissors? If so, do you own a pair of vintage Stork Scissors or even a newly manufactured pair? Maybe you’re even a collector of Stork Scissors. Seems that’s a thing! Do you think today should be designated as National Stork Scissors Day? Maybe not ….. but for me, this was a fun story to share and tangle!
Linnaeus named the genus Monarda to honor 16th century Spanish physician and botanist, NicolásBautista Monardes (1493-1588). Monardes never went to the Americas but was able to study medicinal plants in Spain, publishing the first systematic, in-depth book on medicinal plants and remedies brought to Europe from the Americas.
The species pectinata is derived from the Latin word pecten, meaning “comb.” The suffix -ata denotes possession or resemblance — so it translates loosely to “comb-like” or “having the form of a comb,” referring to the bristle-tipped bracts that sit below flower whorls.
Monarda pectinata is commonly called Plains Beebalm (or Pony Beebalm) because of its historically recorded uses by Indigenous peoples as an analgesic and antiseptic qualities.
Ethnobotanical and Culinary Uses
Indigenous peoples used a plant infusion to treat coughs, colds, fevers, and stomach complaints related to digestion. A flower infusion was used as a wash on insect bites and stings. The plant was rubbed on the head to bring relief from headache. In addition, historic records document that groups, such as the Kiowa, used Monarda pectinata leaves as a perfume due to its strong scent, and were chewed while traveling.
The strongly aromatic smell of crushed Plains Beebalm leaves smell both savory and citrusy, similar to oregano or lemon. Sometimes called “wild oregano,” they can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked to season in salads or other foods. In spring the leaves may be boiled to make herbal tea.
Plains Beebalm blooming in our yard, in bright sunshine and rocky soils.
Pollinators
According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, all Monarda species attract a number of native pollinators such as specialist bees, bumble bees, predatory wasps, hummingbirds, and hawk moths.
A Few Fun Facts
Desert Survivor: Although many Monarda species are moisture-loving, such as Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) found the along cool trails of Sandia Mountain, Plains Beebalm prefers hot, harsh, dry environments like desert washes, rocky slopes, and sandy pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Wild Bergamot and a little skipper pollinator. Tecolote Trail, Sandia Mountain, NM. This Monarda species prefers living in moist soils under the shady canopy of white fir and ponderosa pine.
Mammal Resistant: While pollinators adore Plains Beebalm, its strong, minty-citrusy-oregano essential oils act as a natural deterrent, making the plant resistant to browsing deer and rabbits.
Pollinator Magnet: The tubular pale pink flowers of Plains Beebalm are an excellent nectar source for long-tongued native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, especially during the hot summer months.
Soothing Relief: Plants in the Monarda genus are commonly called “Beebalm” due to the soothing nature a wash application of the plant, especially the flowers, has on insect bites and stings — particularly bee stings. Turns out plants in the genus contain the active ingredient thymol, a natural antiseptic found in modern mouthwashes.
The Tale of the Tangled Pot: Recognizing our Deeply Rooted and Inseparable Connection with the Natural World Through the Practice of Nature Journaling
June 14, 2026
Zentangle patterns: Mogo, Sage, Roadrunner, Agave, Lazy Leaf, Monsoon, Zona, Voyage, Hokam (patterns created by Angie Gittles). Also added Hahna and Tentoculus. All patterns found on tanglepatterns.com
Living in the desert Southwest, inspiration for many of my Zentangle work comes from the representative art created by the indigenous peoples of New Mexico and the Four Corners region. Their deep connection with nature was often expressed in ancient rock art and on handcrafted pottery in ways that amaze. It takes me back to a different time and place; where their way of life was deeply rooted and inseparable from the natural world; where survival required an understanding and appreciation of the countless interdependent components required for the productive function and evolution of complex ecosystems.
Fast forward to today. Our fast-paced, stress-filled, consumer-centric lifestyles, full of techno-gadgets (demanding so much of our attention), and instant gratification, offers people a cushy arm-chair view of the world. Why put down those phones or turn off the TV, when we can safely and comfortably “witness” nature from our homes? Better yet, why not?
While pondering that question, many compelling reasons came so easily. Just being present in nature can be calming; relaxing; stress-reducing — we slow down, taking time to observe our natural surroundings. By really “seeing” local ecosystem(s) with all of our senses, we experience awe and wonder and make meaningful memories. Our once dormant skills in curiosity and critical thinking come alive as we learn about the integral connectedness of nature’s many and diverse components. By understanding and valuing how our connectedness to nature always has been and always will be critical not only to our very survival, but to the survival of all species, we realize the ability of all living things to thrive benefits from natural ecosystem services that provide things like clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, food to eat, and a habitable climate. These vital services are priceless. All nature asks is that we keep it healthy. First-hand personal exposure to the natural world fosters appreciation, love, and a desire to nurture and protect nature; an investment in the future of all life on Earth.
Observing the Natural World through the Practice of Nature Journaling
People have been observing, learning, and recording nature around the world for millennia. The oldest known cave art (pictographs) with paintings of wildlife, primitive humans, and human-bird hybrids hunting pigs, was discovered on an Indonesian island, and dates back almost 70,000 years. The oldest known rock carvings (petroglyphs), created by the Aborigines of Western Australia 40,000 – 50,000 years ago, depict wildlife and hunting parties. The oldest known petroglyphs found in North America were carved into boulders by still-unidentified humans that lived in the Winnemucca, NV area (east of Reno) between 10,000 and 14,800 years ago; their rock art represents leaves and trees. The oldest pictographs and petroglyphs found in New Mexico were made by Ancestral Puebloans and other Indigenous groups between 3,000 to 4,000 years ago in the Guadalupe Mountains/Carlsbad Region (southern NM) and depict hunting parties, wildlife and other natural elements.
The travelers, explorers and settlers that arrived in North America significantly influenced nature recording. They kept journals, field notes, and artistic renderings tracing a rich history of scientific inquiry and ecological changes spanning early colonial times to the formal natural history expeditions of the American West. For example, John Lawson (1709) and Mark Catesby (1731-1743), each published a book with their observations of the flora and fauna of the eastern colonial colonies (Catesby) and the southeast (Lawson). Extensive and diverse nature observations were recorded by all members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), and by John James Audubon (1827-1838) with a focus on birds in their natural habitats. These and many more examples of “journaling nature” provided an understanding of the complex ecosystems that existed between two oceans, and was indispensable to the successful settling of North America.
Today’s Practice of Nature Journaling — paying attention, recording observations, asking questions, noticing changes, and reflecting on the natural world — is nearly identical to historical journaling practices, with some healthy advantages for mind and body. For example, Nature Journaling offers much needed mental, cognitive, and emotional relief, particularly important in today’s world. It also provides a screen-free way to reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and sharpen observational and critical thinking skills. By intentionally immersing ourselves in nature — by being fully present — we can experience these benefits, and more. We find our place in nature by making connections and understanding how we are an integral and inseparable part of the environment around us.
“Walking” thoughtfully and gently in nature inspires us to nurture and protect what we are all part of, instilling in us a deep appreciation for the natural resources essential for the survival of our ancestors, as well as for our survival today and for future generations.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Zentangle patterns: Mogo, Sage, Roadrunner, Agave, Lazy Leaf, Monsoon, Zona, Voyage, Hokam (patterns created by Angie Gittles). Also added Hahna and Tentoculus. All patterns found on tanglepatterns.com
Many thanks to Angie Gittles, a Certified Zentangle Teacher, for developing the step-outs to an abundance of patterns inspired by Indigenous Peoples of the Southwest. Her inspiration inspired me to weave 10 of her different designs into a stylized pot to honor and encourage such an important way of life. In doing so, I took my time, taking many deep breaths during the process, and thought about the days when appreciating and expressing nature was a natural way of living.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Resources and a Few Important Tips
Whether you consider yourself a “Nature Journaler” and would like to learn more, or are interested in how to begin, there are countless resources and examples to refresh your skills or to get you started. Borrow a library book, such as Nature Drawing by Claire Walker Leslie, Keeping a Nature Journal by Leslie Roth, or Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws.
To get started in journal sketching or to improve your skills, check out the following: Discovering the Art of Field Sketching by Kristin Link, Botanical Drawing using Graphite and Colored Pencil by Sue Vize, or The Artist’s Guide to Sketching by James Gurney and Thomas Kinkade.
Of course there hundreds of thousands of on-line resources and social media sites about Nature Journaling and related topics. But beware the pit trap ….. lest you get caught up in doom of perpetual scrolling, never to get a breath of fresh air in the light of day!
If you’re unsure about becoming a “Nature Journaler,” know that anyone can head to the woods, the backyard, or sit by a window. You don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to visit a National Park ….. nature is everywhere! All you need is a pencil and piece of paper, the curiosity to see what’s around you, and the desire to slow down and observe with all your senses. There’s no right or wrong way to journal in nature, but when you do, be fully present; take the time to really “see” your surroundings. Just committing to turning off your screens to nature journal for 5 minutes a day will be perfect for you!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Black-tailed jack rabbit on the move!
Hope you enjoyed my Tangled Pot. As I always do while nature journaling, when creating these kinds of Zentangle-inspired works, my automatic slow-down mode becomes engaged, allowing me to think about possible directions I can take to complete a page. Sometimes the path is direct, but more often a world of rabbit trails leading to deep holes opens up before me, and I gotta take the plunge. That’s exactly what happened while tangling the Pot. And that’s what got me thinking about— how our ancestors used to live in nature, how art represents nature— how nature is endlessly tangled up in life— how today’s values take a back seat to our crucial connections with nature—how nature journaling can be used as a tool to restore gratitude and appreciation for nature—how, without nature, life as we know it would not exist.
I’m going to turn off my computer now and go enjoy a walk in nature with my journal. Are you inspired to do the same?
White Milkwort (Senega alba (Nutt.) J.F.B. Pastore & J.R. Abbott)
(synonymous with Polygala alba Nutt.)
A Light Touch
It was a beautiful morning for a walk along one of the neighborhood’s 2-track dirt roads. I was searching for late blooming Spring wildflowers when something lightly brushed against my leg, bringing me to a full stop. There, at my feet, gently swaying in the quiet breeze were a dozen+ foot tall, nearly naked, skinny green stems topped with lavender and white cones. Not wishing to crush these delicate stalks, I noticed there were five other groupings nearby, all growing in the road’s old tire depressions. Upon closer inspection, I recalled having seen this plant before in the yard of our previous home, but they had fewer and shorter stems, and larger (?) flower cones. Still, this was the white milkwort species (back then known as Polygala alba; today called Senega alba) I identified four years ago. It was the larger size and delicate nature of these plants at my feet – that puzzled me.
Here’s what I learned:
The stems, which are ridged, can grow to 18” tall. They branch from a basal caudex (a root-like thickened stem, often found underground, from which branching/stems grow …… and the more extensive the caudex, the more above ground stems form.
You can roughly age this perennial milkwort by counting the number of vertical stems. Typically there’s one stem on seedlings and one-year old plants; as many as 30 stems have been counted on much older (many, many years old) plants.
Even though the official flowering period ends late summer, if mid-summer/early fall rains (our monsoon season) are plentiful, another bloom period peaks and can continue into November. It’s been reported that when old flowers are removed from these milkworts (deadheaded), the plants will bloom continuously for up to four years! Obviously, those plants are not impacted by winter frosts.
The 90% of the pollinators visiting white milkwort are small to medium solitary or semi-solitary bees. Where we live (desert southwest), many of these ground-nesting bees are floral specialists, and based on research dating back to the early 70s, green metallic bees highly favor this native plant’s flowers for nectar and pollen. And with extended bloom times prompted by monsoons, this helps benefit these and other bee species. Unfortunately, the timing and intensity of our monsoons is no longer predictable and is likely causing unfavorable conditions for extended flower bloom and the bees.
Always be prepared to encounter a plant that tickles!
Classification and an Etymological Quandary
To learn the story about the old and new scientific names for white milkwort, and why being a botanist way back when and today is so challenging, read the next section on Etymology. It really is quite fascinating!
Etymology
Way back in the day (say, the early 1800s), when Thomas Nuttall, a English botanist, ornithologist, geologist and explorer, needed an unforgettably descriptive binomial name for a new species he’d discovered, “Polygala alba Nutt.” was his choice. The genus “Polygala,” which was originally assigned by Linnaeus to a group of plants with similar-looking flowers, is Greek for milkwort — meaning “much milk; ” the species name “alba” is Latin for “white, bright or clear.”
Thomas, logically picked “alba” as the species name for his new discovery, because the plant had white flowers. However, he apparently chose the “Polygala” genus based on an ancient belief that nursing mothers (and cows) that ate the milkwort plant experienced increased lactation. However, Polygala alba doesn’t have either milky sap or any plant parts with milk! After diving deeper into the Polygala genus as a whole, I couldn’t find any that ooze a milky substance.
The changing nature of botanical classification: It wasn’t until recently (2023 to be exact) that the official report announcing the transfer of 18 Polygala species to Senega, including Polygala alba to Senega alba, was published by botanists J.F.B. Pastore & J.R. Abbott. This change was based on a number of scientifically-researched plant characteristics, which addressed deviations in seed, fruit, and floral anatomy between Senega and true Polygala species. Now I know I need a bigger microscope!
In case you’re curious (I certainly was) there are no Senega milkworts (today referred to as American milkworts, formerly classified under Polygala) with a milky sap. So, despite their family (Polygalaceae) and originally assigned genus name (Polygala), these plants exude a clear, watery sap when their stems are broken.
Why “Senega” was selected as the genus name for all American milkworts: The genus name “Senega” comes from the Seneca Native American tribe. The first use of the name in the English language was in the 1730s; the Seneca snakeroot plant was given the scientific name Polygala senega, to honor the tribe’s traditional use of the root as a remedy for snakebites and respiratory issues.
Lithospermum, the genus named by Linnaeus in 1753, is Greek for stone (“Lithos”) and seed (“sperma”), referring to the hard nutlets. And “incisum,” theLatin species name referring to the incised, fringed edges of the trumpet flowers, was named by Lehman (a German botanist) in 1818 from a specimen collected “near the rapids of theOhio” by Andre Michaux (a French botanist and explorer) in 1802.
Puccoon evolved from “poughkone,” a word the Virginia Algonquian language used for plants whose roots yield a red or yellow pigment. The roots of Narrowleaf Puccoon were historically used as dyes ranging from purple to red to yellow.
A Two-Flower Strategy
Very showy and quite lovely, the sunshine yellow trumpet-shaped flowers of Narrowleaf Puccoon are hard to miss. They often cluster at the ends of 12-20” long stems where the floral tube is ringed by five frilly petal lobes. The flowers depend on pollinators like butterflies for cross-pollination which adds genetic diversity to the few seeds they produce. Botanically speaking, these traditional, open flowers with exposed reproductive parts are referred to as Chasmogamous.
Then later in the season, the Narrowleaf Puccoon produces small, petal-less flowers that remain tightly closed. These highly fertile, self-pollinating flowers account for almost all of the plant’s seed production. Botanists refer to this type of closed, often inconspicuous flower as Cleistogamous.
An immature nutlet
The“Stone Seed” Fruit
BecauseNarrowleaf Puccoon only produces the occasional fruit from its showy flowers, it takes a bit of searching around the plant’s lower leaf axils to locate a tiny group of up to four hard “stone seed” nutlets. Beginning growth inside the self-fertile, closed (Cleistogamous) flowers that are present late in the season, each egg-shaped nutlet, pitted across the surface, ripens to a shiny white.
Plant Propagation
Seed Germination – To grow Narrowleaf Puccoon from seed, nutlets should be collected in late summer. Soak them overnight in hot water then plant immediately. Because seed germination is sporadic and often disappointing, selecting a desirable location for planting is important. The plant grows best in very sandy, well drained soils found in the dry/open areas within our pinyon/juniper woodlands (though they do grow in soils with some loam or clay).
Shiny white nutlets with Penny for size Photo edited from a post by A Wandering Botanist
Root Cutting – A more successful method may be to take a 2-inch cutting of the taproot in the fall. Dip the cutting in a root stimulant and plant in a desirable location.
Suggestions for root stimulants
Powdered Hormones: Highly cost-effective, have a long shelf life and easy to use. After you moisten the root cutting, just dip it directly into the powder (e.g., Garden Safe TakeRoot) and plant.
Natural/DIY Options: Raw aloe vera gel and crushed, uncoated aspirin both contain natural growth-promoting enzymes. You can also use diluted willow bark extract, which is naturally rich in rooting hormones.
Plant Care – Narrowleaf Puccoon requires full sun and very little water, making it a good plant for xeric gardens or included with other native plants to establish a wildflower meadow.
Photo taken early May 2026 along the Entranosa access road
Medicinal Properties and a Cautionary Note
The Navajo chewed the root of Narrowleaf Puccoon for coughs and colds. They, and the Zuni rubbed the plant’s finely powdered leaves, root and stem on the body to treat paralyzed limbs. An infusion of the root was used for stomach aches and kidney problems. The plant was eaten as an oral contraceptive, and a cold infusion of the pulverized root and seed was used as an eyewash.
Although Narrowleaf Puccoon does have medicinal properties, it contains potentially toxic alkaloids. Self-treatment involving this plant is strongly discouraged.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
If you’ve seen Narrowleaf Puccoon, did you find their highly fertile, tightly closed flowers and/or the shiny white nutlets? Have you tried growing the plant from seed or root cuttings, and were you successful?
All the benefits of being adopted by an immeasurably lovable canine is celebrated annually on May 20th ….. National Rescue Dog Day!
Officially designated as a National Day on May 20, 2018, to honor the inspiring ways rescue dogs become a part of the human family, the Day also increases awareness about the number of dogs in shelters. Given a chance, rescue dogs fill their forever homes with unconditional love and unabandoned joy with every belly rub.
#NationalRescueDogDay
According to the ASPCA1, approximately 3.3 million abandoned and abused dogs enter shelters every year, each one needing a forever home. They are Rescue Dogs and their potential is limitless.
Always able to nuzzle, fetch, kiss or beg their way into your heart, rescue dogs provide comfort, security, and friendship as family pets. And with training, they can:
restore independence of people with disabilities as service animals;
provide comfort as a best friend to the elderly and infirmed;
make excellent teachers by showing children about caring and kindness;
provide a variety of therapeutic benefits to people with autism, mental illness, PTSD, anxiety, and depression;
rescue us from dangerous situations, help us investigate the cause of a fire, search for missing persons.
When it comes to our four-legged friends, they improve the human condition by leaps and bounds, barks and yips. It is hard to imagine a more helpful, worthy companion. Bring out the treats!
How to Observe National Rescue Dog Day
Get involved in the lives of rescue dogs. Here’s a few ways to share your puppy love.
Volunteer at your local shelter by taking dogs for walks, grooming, and giving them plenty of affection.
Make donations, from financial to providing things like blankets, toys, food, treats, and leashes.
Consider fostering. Many dogs abandoned in shelters require some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place.
If there’s room in your life for a rescue dog, consider adoption and giving one a forever home.
Is there a rescue dog in your life? If so, share your story. Here’s mine!
Luna – from Felon to Forever Furbaby!
Luna on her first hike – January 2018
The year was 2017… we’d moved cross-country 2,000 miles to New Mexico, bought a home, felt settled in by December, then realized things were too quiet. We had somehow lived two full years without a dog in our lives and decided to begin our search for a furry companion. By mid-January 2018, we had visited several local animal shelters, but there were no puppies or even young dogs available for adoption. But when we toured the Los Lunas shelter an hour south of us, our luck changed. In a very small cage, separated from the big dog kennels, was a small puppy hugging the back wall of her cell and looking very scared. We asked the attendant why the pup seemed to be isolated from the general kennel population, and he replied, “she’s being held for 30 days for the owner to claim her.” We asked if he knew when the puppy would be released for adoption, and then left to check on the date. Meanwhile, we had some time to get a better look at this little pup! She appeared to be a pitbull cross, all jet black except for a few white paws and a bright white blaze under her chin down to her chest. As she greeted us with kisses and butt wiggles, we decided this girl was as cute as could be! We were in love! No matter how much longer her incarceration might be, we would wait.
The attendant returned with a big smile on his face and said this was the pup’s lucky day because “today is her release day; she can be adopted!”
Of course we wanted to take her for a test drive, so as she was being removed from the cage and leashed up, we asked, “but really, why the 30 day sentence? What’s her back story?” He smiled then chuckled a bit before saying, “it all began in Albuquerque.”
“There was a group of kids looking for a joy ride through town. Not having their own car, they stole one and began racing around neighborhoods at break-neck speeds. It wasn’t long before the driver wrapped the car around a light pole. Not wanting their fun to end, they stole a second car and resumed their fast touring of another neighborhood. By this time the cops had caught wind of the speeding car and began their pursuit. The young driver, seeing two fast approaching cop cars, headed for the nearest I-25 on-ramp and punched it. Knowing they’d be in deep do-do if caught, and still with a sizable lead, they flew off the next exit and entered another neighborhood, coming to an abrupt stop in someone’s front yard but not before taking down their fence! Car #2 wrecked. Without blinking twice, the kids stole the closest car they saw, fired it up and raced away, getting back on the interstate and headed south, out of town. In about 5 minutes, the cops (now there were 5 cars in pursuit) were back on course, finding themselves in a high speed chase, determined to stop the kids before anyone got hurt.”
“It’s 20 miles from the south end of Albuquerque to Los Lunas, and those kids drove that stolen car almost the entire distance at speeds exceeding 110 mph. Then something happened ….. either the driver lost control or a tire blew, but just before the exit the car careened off the highway, hitting a ditch and rolled and rolled, coming to rest upside down. Car #3 totaled! Well, the cops were instantly on the scene and able to not only pull those four kids safely from the vehicle but retrieved a pretty shook-up puppy too!”
“Everyone involved, including the puppy, was charged and sent to jail … the kids for reckless endangerment and grand theft auto, and the pup for aiding and abetting. And because the kids wouldn’t admit to the puppy being theirs or to stealing her, the cops brought her to us (the shelter) and made us lock her up for 30 days without bail. So you see, the puppy could’ve been with them from the very beginning of the escapade or just happened to be in one of the stolen cars, a victim of dognapping.”
We adopted that little girl on the spot, and forgave her if she was, in fact, a member of the gang of felons. But we prefer to think we rescued and rehabilitated her from a life of crime. After a quick stop at the Los Lunas PetSmart to buy now-urgent supplies (like puppy food), we headed home with that adorable bundle of fur sitting on my lap looking at us with big brown eyes. I said, “what should we call her?” Verbally tossing about a few silly names, the perfect one came to us both simultaneously ….. “Let’s call her Luna!” It all made sense …. we rescued her in the city of Los Lunas on January 16, which happened to be the day/night of a new moon – the darkest phase facing earth, and our little girl is the darkest black we’ve ever seen. To close the loop of coincidences, in Latin “Luna” means “the moon.” Besides, she perked right up when we called her by name!
Luna today …. A most excellent trail dog! Always looking out for sneaky snakes on her her daily hikes
And the rest is history. Veterinarians have agreed she must be a pity/lab mix, and was probably about 4 months old when joined our family. Today Luna is about 9 years old, still acts like a puppy, sits on the couch, chases squirrels away from the bird feeder, hikes a trail every day with us and alerts us to snakes, loves everybody (including her two cats), always gives us the best kisses, and is the sweetest best friend we’ve ever known!
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please remember to spay and neuter your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
1 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
“I have been careless, and so have been thwarted by luck and chance, those wreckers of all but the best laid plans.” ~ J. K. Rowling
Have you ever set foot in a place of business and the first thing you laid eyes on became yours?
That’s exactly what happened to me on April 13th ….
Adoption
Upon entering a local grocery store, I immediately fell in love with a beautiful display of tulips growing in glass vases, their rooted bulbs producing bright spring green leaves surrounding fledgling flower buds and blossoms! Without hesitation (or consulting my shopping list), two healthy looking plants landed in my buggy! Like a proud parent, I proudly carted these treasures about while finding the actual items on my list, all the while justifying such a frivolous selection (the lovely tulip nearly in full bloom would be a gift for a dear friend; the other with a wee whisper of a bud would be mine to ‘nature journal’).
Nature Journaling
In a few days, my friend was enjoying her new tulip, and I was busy charting the growth of mine in my nature journal. It was amazing how quickly that little bud grew. When it broke free of the vase’s rim the petals and sepals (tepals) began to open, and the yellow became more intense while their centers grew more orange. It was very exciting to see these changes.
Disaster
Then on April 24th, something changed. Tiny white dots appeared on the bulb’s papery cover (the tunic) and the tepals drooped. Over the next few days, the white dot population steadily expanded over the bottom of the bulb, along with soft white threads that seemed to reach out from the dots. Mold! A fungus was aggressively devouring the poor defenseless tulip bulb! Why and could it be saved?
Although I’d been careful not to submerge the bottom of the bulb in water, the occasional slip-up had occurred. That, combined with the poor ventilation in the vase and the presence of fungal spores that float naturally in the air made for the perfect mold-loving environment. Even the use of filtered water wasn’t precaution enough to prevent this disaster. Even after gently rinsing the bulb, cleaning the vase and replacing the water with fresh, wasn’t remedy soon enough to save the bulb. The brief life of my adopted tulip had come to an end.
Lessons Learned
Following the demise of my tulip, I scoured the internet for diagnostic clues of a fungal attack and effective first aid. Apparently moldy fungus growth on tulip bulbs is very common, and I learned quite a bit about identifying and treating it in my post-bulb moments. Most importantly, never having grown a bulb of any kind in water (hydroponically), had I begun my aquaculture experiment by searching for helpful tips, my tulip bulb may still be alive. That’s my hindsight lesson.
However, knowing full well my passion for research into any and all things, had I 1) paused just a ‘sec’ and admitted to my lack of knowledge and experience in hydroponic tulip rearing, and 2) gone home to conducti my research in a careful and thorough manner, and 3) returned the next day to buy the two tulips, well ….. they might’ve been sold! (In fact I did return the following day and noticed the tulip display was gone.)
There’s something to be said for spontaneity!
“It’s good to be prepared, but spontaneity is very important — just to let yourself go and let it be whatever it is.” ~ Aron Eisenberg
If you’ve successfully raised a bulbed plant in water, what precautions did you take? If you’ve had an encounter with bulb mold, if you were able to stop it’s rapid spread, what measures did you take to save the bulb?
Hope you enjoyed journal pages I created to chart the life and death of my tulip bulb. Because I was conducting an experiment in hydroponics, I decided to experiment with various watercolor techniques, including trying out something new in adding backgrounds. Please let me know if and which compositions and/or colors you liked. I found experimenting with different watercolor materials and color mixing added valuable lessons for future journal pages. (On my pages I provided a brief description of what was used to color each stage of growth.)
As always, thanks for coming along on my nature journaling journey!
When the last Spring snow melts and the runoff soaks into the nooks and crannies of dehydrated soils, there’s a thirsty little shrub that eagerly drinks its fill. The leafy stems of this tiny shrub, so easily overlooked in the winter, rapidly grows on bare ground, around the drip line of pinyon and juniper trees, in the negative spaces between rocks and broken branches, and through beds of dried grasses. Then in a day or two a very small flower bud forms on the top of each stem, and in half a week the buds open simultaneously. What a spectacular display of brilliant white daisies ….. bouquets of light!
Barely ankle high, each flowerhead can have up to 24 white ray florets surrounding a rich buttery yellow center of 12-25 disc florets. And don’t fret if you notice the ray florets have curled downward in the evening. They magically unfurl to their full length by mid-morning the following day.
This annual Spring show, which takes place all across the U.S. west and western Great Plains, is brought to you by the “petite” perennial called Rose Heath (Chaetopappa eriocoides). (Widespread and common in New Mexico, Rose Heath is adaptable to a variety of soils, elevation, and drought.)
The show typically begins in late March and continues into early May. And for those craving more, flowering resumes in August and can run until November; no charge. You just have to get out there and see for yourself!
Origin and Etymology – What’s in a Name?
Origin of the Scientific Name, Chaetopappa ericoides
Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, a Swiss botanist, named this genus Inula in the early 1800s. But in 1827, it was the American botanist John Torrey, who named the species Inula ericoides, from a specimen collected by botanist Edwin James along the Canadian River during Major Stephen Long’s Expedition of 1819-1820. Since that time, the species has undergone more than a dozen name changes including Leucelene ericoides (Edward Greene in 1896) and finally Chaetopappa ericoides (Guy Nesom in 1988).
Etymology of the Scientific Name, Chaetopappa ericoides
The genus “Chaetopappa” is Greek for ‘bristly pappus’ (pappus refers to the score of tiny white bristles surrounding the disc florets; the same bristles, one per seed, that helps carry Rose Heath’s mature seeds up, up and away. The species “Ericoides,” also Greek, means ‘similar (“oides“) to Heath’ (“eric”); i.e., the plant’s tiny, overlapping leaves are similar to those of some Heaths (Ericaceae is the scientific name of the Heath Family.)
Common Name, Rose Heath
From the previous paragraph, it’s obvious where the name ‘Heath’ comes from, as Rose Heath does have stems and leaves very similar to a heath plant. But why ‘Rose?’ What I found is ‘Rose’ is Latin in origin, derived from “rosa,” referring to the flower. Because the daisy-like flowers of Rose Heath don’t resemble a rose flower, deeper diving was needed. I discovered that throughout history ‘Rosa’ and ‘Rose’ have represented love, passion, innocence, and beauty. So perhaps ……. ? If you’re familiar with Rose Heath or have seen photos of the plant in bloom, do you love or could you love its beautiful floral bouquets? I think whoever thought to call this plant by the common name ‘Rose Heath,’ must’ve loved its stunning display!
When male meadowlarks return to the grassy meadow north of the old rusty water tank and begin singing, you know it’s Spring!
There’s something wonderful about his song ……. At first he stutters a few practice notes; rough and rusty like the old water tank. But as daylight lengthens and temperatures warm, his song grows long, strong and melodic. Having perfected that signature song, he sings intently from sunrise to sunset, defending his territorial boundaries against all invaders. And he sings lovingly to announce his breeding readiness, enticing not just one, but two female meadowlarks to mate with him.
While walking the perimeter of the meadow in mid-April, it was easy to hear a male singing at the top of his lungs about 1/4 mile away. After a few moments scanning the tops of the widely scattered juniper trees with binoculars, I spotted him. (Males seem to favor these trees as perches, perhaps because they get a great view of their territory, and their voices really carry!) Able to get only 50 yards closer, I managed to take a few telephoto pics before he flew to the top of another juniper. Western meadowlarks are very skittish around people, so I held my ground and just watched and listened. It was a wonderful encounter.
Below are a few more fun facts about Western Meadowlarks, in addition to those on my illustrated page ….
If you’re lucky to see a Western Meadowlark, you’ll notice they’re a robin-sized bird but chunkier and with a shorter tail. Their flat head and long, slender bill are visible above a round-shouldered posture that nearly conceals its neck. They have short rounded wings, and a short, stiff, and spiky tail.
When flushed, Western Meadowlarks fly low, wings below the horizontal, gliding and flapping with short, stiff, quail-like wingbeats.
Other than perching on tall trees, don’t be surprised to find males singing from atop fence posts, bushes, power lines, and anything higher than their surrounding habitat.
John James Audubon gave the Western Meadowlark its scientific name, Sturnellaneglecta; Sturnella meaning “starling-like,” and neglecta becausehe felt most explorers (after Lewis and Clark) and settlers who traveled west of the Mississippi overlooked this common bird.
The oldest recorded Western Meadowlark was at least 6 years, 6 months old when it was found in Colorado in 1965.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
When was the last time you went Birding? Meadowlarks are calling!
Perky Sue has to be the happiest little sunflower on planet Earth!
“Is it because Perky Sue is an early spring bloomer, it’s smiling face opening in mid- to late March? Maybe it’s how those brilliant yellow flowers climb above fields of drab, dry grasses to brighten the landscape? Perhaps it’s those tall, soft and silky flower stems that dance with wild abandon to the music of our spring breezes?”
No matter why Perky Sue always brings smiles, you can’t deny that encountering a blooming bunch makes you instantly happy!
Look for these stunning sunflowers in the open areas scattered throughout and adjacent to the subdivision. Separate the dried grass and discover the soft sage-colored, spatula-shaped leaves densely clustered at ground level. Remember this spot and return every Spring to watch our grassy meadows awaken with dazzling yellow sunshine.
Did You Know ………………. ?
When you encounter Perky Sue (or most any other sunflower) take a close-up look at one of it’s flowers. What you’re actually seeing is a collection of tiny flowers (florets). The most numerous type of floret lies within the face or center of the flower head (these are the disc florets). But you may be surprised to learn there’s a second type of floret often thought of as the sunflower’s petals (called the ray florets).
The Sunflower Face
The face or central part of the flower head is called a disc; the individual flowers, the disc florets, are arranged in clockwise and counterclockwise spirals. Look close and notice each floret has five distinctly flared petal lobes attached to a fused floral tube (which together form the corolla). Each floret is fertile, having both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) organs, able to produce pollen and seeds.
The Sunflower “Petals”
Radiating out from the disc like the rays of the Sun is a showy ring (or multiple rings) of what looks like flower “petals.” However, each “petal” is a single ray floret consisting of a single strap-shaped flower (ligule) of five fused petals (corolla) that form a tube at the base. In Perky Sue and some other sunflowers, the ray florets are pistillate. But in the majority of species the ray florets are sterile.
The Sunflower “Landing Pad”
Sunflowers have one of the most highly evolved “flowers” in the plant kingdom. To maximize their visual attraction to pollinators, the ray florets became large showy structures that act as a “landing pad” for bees and other pollinators. When they “touch down” they are immediately drawn along the ligule to the bountiful pollen supply of the disc florets. Large pollinators also use the ligules of ray florets as a supporting platform to balance and feed from the disc florets’ floral tubes. So, ray florets evolved to increase the pollination success of the fertile disc florets at the center of the sunflower. And in the case of Perky Sue, insects carrying pollen as they fl to other “landing pads” increase the pollination of the pistillate ray florets.
Want to Learn More?
The biology of sunflowers is a fascinating subject, and I’ve spent many hours researching and illustrating their intricate parts and pieces, and how they work. If you’d like to learn more, check out these detailed posts I put together in the summer of 2023:
Have you ever taken a close look at its flower head or inspected the florets of another sunflower species?
What did you see?
Hope you enjoyed this page of my field guide. I’d love to know if you found the information new and/or inspired you to check out the details of your local sunflowers.
a curious nature 