cartoon cow writing at a desk

“Mud Puddle” Wonderful (10.14.16)

The New Lorax has spoken. Loblolly, Loblolly, You’re So Tall is finally published after 6+ years. For my friends in South Carolina – Loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda) co-exist in your state along with Long Leaf pine (Pinus palustris) trees. When I first began this business, I tried to donate proceeds from this book to the Long Leaf Learning Center associated with the University of South Carolina. The decision makers of the organization turned me down, because Loblollies are not the same as Long Leaf pines. Silly me. I thought the center was advocating learning about all long leaf pine trees. Furthermore, the woman who delivered the news to me over the telephone began our conversation with, “So. I understand you’re a homeschooling mother.” she stated as if I was pond scum. “Yes,” I replied. She continued, “What made you write this book?” I told her that my mission statement was to “connect people with people, people with nature, and people with the earth.” “Hmph. That sounds like an elevator speech,” she stated. Then she began spouting off that Long Leaf pines were far superior to Loblolly pine trees. She asked, “Do you know what ‘Loblolly’ means?” I proudly responded with a smile, “Yes. It means ‘mud puddle.’” “Ex-actly,” she emphasized with disdain. She began rattling off the superior qualities of the Long Leafs including that they live longer than Loblollies, yada, yada, yada. One of my all time favorite expressions by E.E. Cummings is, “The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.” Well, the “Mud Puddle” Wonderfuls are speaking up and want to be recognized for what they bring to the table and the environment. So here’s to you Pinus Taeda – Selah!