Not long ago, during a gathering at Babulya’s house to celebrate cousin Stella’s birthday, our family was unexpectedly serenaded by the untamed voices of the Texas plains coyotes. As dusk settled over the grass and trees, a chorus of howls echoed across the land. It was not a frightening sound, but rather something deeply stirring—a…
Tag: nature
A Magical Birthday in the Forbidden Forest
When I was nine years old, my world shifted forever. My parents gave me a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and I devoured it in a single weekend, sprawled on my bedroom floor with a flashlight long after bedtime. Those pages weren’t just a story—they were a portal. Suddenly, my childhood imagination…
Firethorn (Pyracantha) Shrubs: Growing Tips and Wildlife Benefits
When I was a kid, there was a strange kind of fun plant in the backyard that only children could see. Among the usual grass, trees, and garden beds, there stood a bush full of bright red berries. They looked like tiny ornaments strung up by nature itself. We didn’t know what they were called…
The Black Grackle: Behavior, Diet, and Why They Thrive in Cities
This month, our family had more run-ins with grackles than ever before, and each one turned into a little adventure. The first happened at our neighborhood H-E-B. We were walking through the aisles when I heard the boys squealing and pointing upward. A shiny black bird was flying back and forth under the fluorescent lights,…
Celeste Fig Tree Care: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Figs
We were visiting Neil and Leon grandparents, lounging around lazily on the background swing, which so happened to be positioned in front of what could only be described as a fig tree worthy of story books.
White Mulberry Tree Guide: Edible Berries, Uses, and Growing Tips
When we moved into our home in Texas, we never expected to find a hidden gem in our backyard. It wasn’t until a sunny afternoon in April that we noticed the white mulberries starting to ripen and fall from a mature tree just a few steps away from our door.
Backyard Wildlife: How to Attract (or Deter) Grey Squirrels Safely
Have you ever fed squirrels at a park? Recently, my sons and I went to Springwood park and fed the grey squirrels. It reminded me of when I was a child… I was fascinated by the Eastern Grey Squirrels that frequented our backyard. Their playful antics and bushy tails captivated my imagination, and I dreamed…
Short-Eared Owls: Identification, Habitat, and How to Spot Them
It was one of those sticky July evenings when the air felt heavy enough to drink, and our family was just finishing dinner. The ceiling fan was doing its best, the iced tea glasses were sweating little puddles onto the table, and the kids were halfway through convincing us that dessert should come before dishes….
How to Grow and Care for Peach Trees in Texas (Beginner’s Guide)
Peach trees have long been a symbol of abundance and health, and their cultivation in Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early settlers. Growing peach trees in Central Texas can be a rewarding endeavor, yielding sweet, juicy fruit right in your backyard.
How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm for Tea, Salves, and Natural Remedies
A Day in the Wildflowers: On a warm July afternoon, Neil and Leon, my curious young sons, found themselves captivated by the enchanting beauty of a wildflower garden. Accompanied by their grandmother, Babuyla, they discovered the Melissa lemon balm, a herb with delicate pink flowers and a sweet, refreshing scent. They loved the stacked shape…
Moonprint Academy 