Design

Mocha waiting during a photo session We don't have children, but we have had great dogs.  (Not to mention our contributions to teaching lots of children and students, in any case). Mocha, our second, is an old boy now, pushing eleven years old.  His predecessor, Chessie, another Golden, was a wonderful guy -- Mocha's spirit brother. Mocha has been with Tim through the entire book process , waiting patiently during photo shoots, lying in the study during long book writing sessions and edits, and providing diversion by wanting to have his ball thrown NOW, or wanting to drink from the magic faucet (from the tub). He'll stand there waiting for one of us to turn on the tap. But, it's reminded me to say that all of the proceeds of Tim's Wildflowers and Plant Communities book will be going to plant conservation initiatives in the regions that his book covers.

Woo, hoo!  Advance copies of my gardening companion's book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachians and Piedmont arrived unexpectedly today.  Totally amazing.  We knew that the availability date had been pushed up to mid-March, thanks to Amazon and UNC Press, but didn't expect receiving hardback and paperback copies today. It's so remarkable to see an idea transformed into a wonderful book through many (almost 10) years of hard work.  Tim's created something that's a significant contribution to encouraging folks to learn more about plants and plant communities in our part of the world.  It's something to be proud of, and I'm so proud of him.  It's not easy to write a book - I've done two relatively small ones, the second with a team, and they're a LOT of work.  It takes discipline and a willingness to work long hours, not to mention honing the narrative, taking better photos, proofing the ms, etc. etc. On this book (it...