Lions in The Kruger

Kurt and I have been discussing how we’re currently both in “Kruger withdrawal.” It’s been several months since our last visit, and I’m not quite sure how we’re coping. Some recent lion activity on one of the sightings websites we follow had me thinking about the lions we saw there on our last trip. We … More Lions in The Kruger

Shipwreck With Tiger

In the Maldives I saw ocean bioluminescence for the first time “in real life.” It was nothing like the swirling ocean of blue that the character experiences in Life of Pi. It was nothing like the endless sandy shores of blue-green illumination, bright enough to read by. We stayed awake into the wee hours of … More Shipwreck With Tiger

When a Tree is Not a Tree

Today I’ve been writing a little about the names we give to things, and to places, and was reminded of a trip we took to this American national park. This photo is of a type of yucca plant, but is best known as a “tree.” Can you name the park (and the “tree?”) Love, MarLa

Paper Dolls at Victoria Falls

Once upon a time, a writer held a contest, and there were many winners. The writer carefully created a Flat Stanley version of each winner, and took them on a journey to Victoria Falls. Today is the journey of one of those winners.  Flat Harry, from West Virginia, USA, enjoys fishing, so Traveling MarLa created … More Paper Dolls at Victoria Falls

The Tiniest Giraffe in the Whole Wide World?

We came across this baby giraffe with its mother in Pilanesberg last year. One of the youngest we’ve seen yet.

Dune Dancers

Today, my dad would have turned 73. This year I want to share with you one of my favorite poems of his. He died at the age of 45, and this poem was published posthumously.

Hyena in a Puddle

January in South Africa is summertime, and this past January during a trip to Kruger, we came across a hyena enjoying a midday soak in a cool puddle among rocks beside the S114 in the southern part of the park.

Squabs and the Strange Poets Who Write About Them

WTF is a “squab?” Who even knows such a thing, and worse…who writes about it? Do YOU know? A “squab” is: a) Traveling Marla b) a baby bird c) a cushiony place for your butt d) All of the above Did you guess (d) All of the above? Ding ding ding! You’re correct. A “squab” … More Squabs and the Strange Poets Who Write About Them

Christmas Birds

My December column has posted over at Expat Focus. Please take a moment to follow this link to read it, share it, and support my work there: Christmas Birds in South Africa And as always, a few more photos for my readers here, to accompany the column… In other news on this Manuscript Monday, I’ve … More Christmas Birds