KATHLEEN SCAVONE | The Bloom

Rituals and Our Ancient Instincts

Kathleen ScavoneOctober 8, 20260153 views

As I awoke to puffy pink clouds and dark roasted espresso, I pondered my daily rituals of gratitude and connection. Psychology Today Magazine highlights how these intentional acts can decrease anxiety and strengthen relationships, adding meaning to our lives. Reflecting on childhood traditions like holiday celebrations and camping trips, I cherish the bonds they created. From indigenous ceremonies honoring nature to personal practices that evolve over time, rituals shape our experiences and mark significant life transitions.

Green

Kathleen ScavoneSeptember 24, 20260187 views

For still there are so many things that I have never seen: in every wood in every spring there is a different green. Since I spied the first lime-green acorn of the soon-to-be season, I knew the color green would have to be my Bloom topic. This verdant hue, associated with nature, life, and hope, evokes memories of lush landscapes and vibrant pottery. From the rolling hills of Green Spain to the eclectic crops of the Arizona desert, the color green tells a story of renewal and beauty. Join me as we explore the rich tapestry of green in our world.

Flight Control

Kathleen ScavoneSeptember 10, 20260333 views

She heard the distinctive rattle-clacking of the rattlesnake before she saw it. At first she’d paid no attention to the sound, blending as it did into the leaf-sway swish of the cornstalks. She’d disturbed the snake as it basked in the nourishment of morning sunlight that spread like golden butter over her garden, unseen while she was busy puttering about pulling out dandelions and crabgrass. The snake presented a new obstacle.

Go on a Bloomscrolling Safari!

Kathleen ScavoneAugust 27, 20260256 views

Go on a Bloomscrolling Safari! Discover the joy of intentionally seeking out stories of kindness and breathtaking natural beauty, a refreshing antidote to the often overwhelming doomscrolling that fills our feeds. As I navigate this new world of scrolling, I find myself captivated by the algorithm’s choices, even amidst the gloom. From serene forests to cute animal videos, it’s all about finding that perfect balance. Dive into the art of Bloomscrolling!

What is a Skink?

Kathleen ScavoneAugust 20, 20260429 views

Take even a short walk, and you’ll quickly find out how much there is to learn. A scientific WOW can be had at every footstep. For example, on a recent hike at Boggs Forest, we encountered a beautiful, bright blue species of western skink, or Plestiodon skiltonianus. These small, smooth-scaled lizards often resemble snakes at first glance! They bask in the sun and forage in leaf litter for beetles, spiders, and more. Discovering such a lovely surprise as a skink can truly make your day, igniting a sense of wonder and connection to the wild earth around us.

Slithery Snakes!

Kathleen ScavoneAugust 6, 20260304 views

Take a short walk, and you’ll discover much to learn. Snakes, complex creatures beyond mere legless reptiles, inhabit various habitats on Earth, including about fifty species in California. Many are harmless, but caution is important. Watch for rattlesnakes and remember the SNAKES safety acronym. From the striking ring-necked snake to the impressive Pacific gopher snake, California’s diverse snakes enhance our natural world.

Favorite Things

Kathleen ScavoneJuly 24, 20260325 views

Life is an exciting journey brimming with the vibrant colors of our treasured memories, and the adventures that await us in Lake County are boundless. As we embrace the stunning beauty around us, we can confidently uncover those unique gems that uplift our spirits and bring joy to our lives. Some of these include the enduring thrill of classic films, the invaluable resources of our local libraries, and the remarkable diversity of nature flourishing in Lake County. With engaging events like Movies in the Park and the lovely wildflowers enhancing our landscapes, there’s so much to celebrate. Let’s unite and discover the incredible wonders that make our community truly shine!

Screech Owl: A Lake County Cutie

Kathleen ScavoneJuly 9, 20260777 views

All across time, people have been captivated by owls. The screech owls I hear at night produce an enchanting sound. Their calls create a duet, with the male courting and the female responding. These small, 7- to 10-inch-long, gray-brown birds are a delight. Nesting in woodpecker holes, they work together to feed their young, swiftly catching insects. With their secretive natures and exceptional senses, owls have symbolized wisdom and mystery throughout history.

Dreamers and Doers

Kathleen ScavoneJune 24, 20260714 views

My dearest Huddy: Jack says I’m charmingly complex, displaying courage as I explore the trails of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Riding through the towering redwoods was other-worldly. These ancient giants leave a dream image with their immense stature and ever-changing hues from the coastal fog. Love, Charmian

Pilgrim at Bradford Creek

Kathleen ScavoneJune 11, 20260819 views

Mellifluous creek music merges with the distinctive call of a pileated woodpecker as I visit Bradford Creek in South Middletown. Willow and fern leaves drip with precipitation while a slow-moving newt and an even slower banana slug navigate the riparian zone. If you spend enough time on a creek, it whispers the storms it has undergone. Water striders, sculpin, crawdads, and beetles are the characters under the cottonwoods’ shadows. Here on the creek is a microcosm of life in Lake County, where each season and critter reveals the magic of nature’s intricate dance. Bradford Creek is a beautiful mystery waiting to be explored.

Dragonfly Watching

Kathleen ScavoneMay 28, 20260374 views

I’m enthralled by a dragonfly as it zig zags through the air nearby. Zap! It caught a gnat while predator and prey surfed the sky. Dragonflies are extraordinary creatures that can fly over 30 miles per hour, flying backward or forward. They can focus on their prey via huge compound eyes. Although intimidating in size to many, dragonflies are not a threat to humans as they do not bite or sting. Since dragonflies are often jewel-toned with lovely, lacey, transparent wings, they have played a part across time in stories and legends, representing healing and transformation in various cultures.

The Saga of the Steller’s Jay Nest

Kathleen ScavoneMay 14, 20260587 views

Spring brings a delightful spectacle as the Steller’s jays embark on their nesting journey. With their vibrant blue feathers and raucous calls, these clever birds have chosen an unconventional spot for their home, leading to a comical struggle with twigs tumbling to the ground. Despite the challenges, their determination shines through, and with a little help from my husband, Tom, they finally succeed in building a cozy nest as the wonders of nature that unfold right outside my window!

Dragonfly: NASA’s Future Mission to Titan

Kathleen ScavoneApril 30, 20260434 views

Have you ever wondered about life beyond Earth? NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, promises to explore this intriguing question. Slated for launch in July 2028, this ambitious rotorcraft will investigate Titan’s unique environment, where liquid methane and ethane flow across its surface. With a suite of advanced scientific instruments, Dragonfly aims to uncover the secrets of prebiotic chemistry and the potential for life in this alien world.

The Bald Eagle Show!

Kathleen ScavoneApril 16, 20260643 views

A bonanza of bird watching occurs at the sighting of any of the hundreds of bird species found around Lake County’s 50,000 acres. What’s not to love with the sheer variety of vitality found in and among our working watershed? But watching bald eagles has to be at the top of my list of favorites. I’ve been lucky enough to sight them in a number of locations across the county.

Formidable Bird Memory

Kathleen ScavoneApril 2, 20260383 views

Spring’s sweet trill of an abundance of bird species is increasing! As winter recedes, the community of life renews itself, with robins plucking insects and barn swallows returning. But how do these remarkable creatures remember their annual journeys and food caches? A fascinating study reveals that birds like jays and chickadees possess long-term memory that enhances their foraging skills and influences their peers. From the acorn woodpecker’s impressive caches to the tiny hummingbird’s migration, the intricacies of bird memory are a testament to nature’s wonders!

Dormancy and the Last of Winter’s Secrets Revealed

Kathleen ScavoneMarch 19, 20260359 views

Beneath the skeletal branches of valley oaks, a hidden world thrives, where leaves decompose, nourishing the soil for the promise of spring. Tiny buds, snug and waiting, hint at the vibrant life soon to burst forth. In this season of dormancy, we find a lesson in resilience and renewal, reminding us to embrace tranquility amidst the hustle of life, where nature’s intricate dance unfolds, revealing the beauty and strength of the trees around us.

Native Plants and Garden Thoughts

Kathleen ScavoneMarch 5, 20260417 views

Winter is typically the time of year gardeners drool over seed catalogs. I know, I used to dog-ear, bookmark, and highlight plant after plant, page after page of every kind of veggie that I’d planned to grow. Squash, radish, green beans, corn, you name it, I planned to grow it. Alas, as the time neared to order seeds, I had narrowed my list to a few favorites.

A Walk in Beauty and History

Kathleen ScavoneFebruary 19, 20260318 views

Discover the enchanting trails of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, where history and nature intertwine. As you step into the park, the charming Anderson Ranch House welcomes you, echoing tales from the 1850s. Marvel at the majestic great blue herons and graceful white-tailed kites soaring above, while the vibrant landscape reveals the rich cultural heritage of the Southeastern Pomo people. From the fascinating galls on oak leaves to the diverse wildlife that calls this paradise home, every visit offers a new adventure.

Murmuration Musings

Kathleen ScavoneFebruary 5, 20260253 views

Nature’s beauty is found nearly everywhere if we but look. Take, for example, a murmuration—a mesmerizing display of starlings creating intricate patterns in flight. These medium-sized passerines, with their shiny black-to-metallic feathers, are officially designated as an invasive species, yet their breathtaking aerial dances captivate our hearts. Did you know that murmurations serve as a defense against predators? As these birds flock together, they form a formidable cluster, showcasing the wonders of nature.

Science of the Positive

Kathleen ScavoneJanuary 22, 20260333 views

I recently had the pleasure of attending a meeting with the Lake County Office of Education, where I discovered the incredible programs supporting our local children. From partnerships with native tribes to the Science of the Positive framework developed by The Montana Institute, there’s a wealth of knowledge being shared. I also found fascinating insights in a Prevention Magazine article about happiness, highlighting the power of positive self-talk and gratitude. It’s inspiring to see how we can cultivate positivity in our lives, even amidst challenges.

A Bird Walk with Redbud Audubon to Upper Lake’s Reclamation Area

Kathleen ScavoneJanuary 7, 20260405 views

A field trip with Lake County’s chapter of Audubon, our very own Redbud Audubon, is always a walking classroom. Knowledgeable members, such as President Donna Mackiewicz and others, are always on hand to identify birds both seen and heard. A recent outing was to Upper Lake’s Reclamation Area, adjacent to the Lake County Land Trust’s Rodman Preserve, where 39 bird species were identified on a lovely autumn morning.

Caring For Clear Lake New Environmental Education for Lake County’s Students

Kathleen ScavoneDecember 24, 20250230 views

Discover the exciting new “Caring for Clear Lake” curriculum designed for Lake County’s 3rd-5th graders! This innovative program intertwines community, environment, and responsibility, empowering young minds to engage in scientific efforts to restore the beauty of Clear Lake. Developed by a dedicated team of local educators and tribal representatives, the curriculum features four enriching modules: Our Environment, Our Community, Our Responsibilities, and Our Future. With hands-on activities, field trips, and creative projects, students will explore the vital connections between nature and culture.

Grounding or Vitamin G

Kathleen ScavoneDecember 11, 20250246 views

I’m in my yard, surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn, feeling the winter green grass beneath my feet. This is Grounding, or Vitamin G, a practice that connects us directly to the Earth. Could this simple act improve our sleep, boost vitality, and alleviate pain? With research emerging from places like the Mayo Clinic, the potential benefits of Earthing are gaining attention. What if reconnecting with nature could unlock a new level of well-being?

Fun to Encounter Fungi

Kathleen ScavoneNovember 26, 20250212 views

Fall brings a vibrant tapestry of colors and cozy comforts, but one of the season’s most enchanting wonders is the explosion of fungi! As we stroll through nature, we encounter a delightful array of mushrooms, each with its own unique charm. From mini-umbrellas inviting Hobbits to tea to velvety angel-wing blooms, these whimsical fungi play a crucial role in our ecosystem, the magic beneath our feet, and the life that thrives in the shadows!

Hiddenness : A Tool for Nature’s Survival

Kathleen ScavoneNovember 12, 20250238 views

Countless creatures employ remarkable mimicry techniques to evade danger. Spiders mimic animal scat and Pacific tree frogs alter their colors to blend seamlessly into their surroundings where camouflage is the superpowers of nature’s masters of disguise!