The Grass Stain Guru

Mystery Critter #83

Thinking cap. Check. Child-like curiosity. Check. Desire to stump my readers. CHECK! Come on, kids. Let’s play Mystery Critter!

OK, my nature detectives — let’s hop to it! Good luck. And no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES:

• I am primarily nocturnal;
• I am brown;
• I can be found in most of Canada and the US;
• I breed once a year; and
• My predators include the Gray Wolf and Bobcats.

So, what am I? 

Make your guess, and then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

Now, you might not get a chance to see one of these in the wild this weekend, but rest assured, there is plenty to be seen. Just step outside with open eyes and a quest for adventure. Grab the kids, and see what you can find. And let folks know about it! Join the Wildobs community, and report your wildlife observations.

And, just because he is the cutest critter I have seen in ages. I had to share this little fellow.

 

Until next week, my sluething friends!

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: lupinoduck

By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged Activities, children, education, family fun, Mystery Critter, nature, outdoors, parenting, play, wildlife, wildobs | Comments (12)

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Grass Stain Guru

Life is short.
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Love truly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you smile.

- Mark Twain

 

xoxo – The Grass Stain Guru

 

 

Top photo credit: Tariqweb, Public Domain

By Bethe | Posted in Blogger's Note | Tagged fun, play, valentine's day | Comments (29)

How is Your Balance, Joy & Play Meter?

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Last month, I wrote a different type of New Year’s Resolution post — one that focused on more balance, joy and play rather than deprivation, which is the usual theme. 

What I’ve discovered over the years is that if I don’t check back in on what I wrote down, then the process of writing down goals or resolutions — new year’s or otherwise — doesn’t do a bit of good.

So, let’s have a check in, shall we? How are you doing in your quest for more balance, joy and play?

To refresh your memories, here is the list of items to pursue with abandon in this glorious year, 2012.

What should you Do More of in 2012:

1. Laugh (to the verge if incontinence)
2. Play (like your life depends on it)
3. Dance (whether there is music or not)
4. Hike
5. Skip
6. Hop
7. Jump (for joy)
8. Frolic
9. Make time for your friends
10. Garden
11. Walk barefoot
12. Sing
13. Soak in a bubble bath
14. Stargaze
15. Camp
16. Make s’mores
17. Bike
18. Cook
19. Be kind
20. Travel
21. Try new things
22. Trust yourself
23. Shoot for the stars
24. Be fearless
25. Dust yourself off and begin again

What have you been doing to make sure you put some LIFE into living?! Please share.

I took a break from blogging for a few weeks to regain some balance. It was really important to give myself that time to have some fun and make time for friends and play. Definitely recharged my batteries.

Play on, my dear friends. Your life, as it turns out, depends on it.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: wolleydog

By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives, play | Tagged Activities, education, family fun, health, lifestyle, play, play outdoors, recreation, society | Comments (21)