Coming up with ideas for blogs- and the time to write them- can be difficult.
You may have noticed that we have been sharing simple, abbreviated blogs on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the past few weeks. As Chad and Anna have mentioned, we’ve been attending virtual lectures and discussions aimed at improving our behavioral management of the chimpanzees. These sessions just happen to fall on their “blog days,” leaving minimal time for extravagance and embellishment.
Selfishly, I don’t have to worry about these constraints on Sundays (when I am usually responsible for the blog). Typically, we all finish cleaning chimpanzee enclosures around midday and then Chad and Katelyn expertly take care of the afternoon chores. This routine leaves a block of time, enabling me to get a head-start on dissertation-length blog posts with peculiar themes. (If you have a few hours to spare, the Super Bowl piece was my personal Infinite Jest.)
These wordy compositions- and my evenings spent in the foyer eagerly typing away- don’t go unnoticed. Last week, after reading my science-fiction parody of the day’s chimp drama, J.B. sarcastically told me I’d have to “stop phoning in the blog.”
It’s a fair jab. My verbosity is infamous around here, and I’ve given up trying to deny it. (J.B. and Jessica were both on the committee of unfortunate professors who had to read my graduate thesis. 100-something pages about spider monkey fission-fusion dynamics, anyone?)
For the sake of working on some other projects and shaking things up, I’m phoning in the blog today.
No unique themes. No epic sagas. No facts about bananas.
Short and sweet.
I’m even literally posting it from my phone.
Without further ado, here’s today’s blog post: a few random photos from the past couple of weeks, phoned in for your pleasure.
Gosh Anthony, when you have beautiful photographs like these to share, “phoning in the blog” is more than enough !!!
The one with the rainbow took my breath away. All just so lovely.
Hope you and everyone at CSNW (primate, bovine and wild!) have a beautiful rest of your weekend!
I’m sure you all know this but I’m saying it anyway…The incredible beauty of the way CSNW blogs are done is that we out here get to relish the variety of styles in the blogs .. and we get great insight from each style of blog. Not to mention we feel like we get to know the humans through their words and choice of photos. Today is grand Anthony… but you’ve spoiled me for Sunday blogs… your creativity is thoroughly enjoyable and the best part is that I know the other six days will bring character unique to each humans’ focus and the days’ activities. Each blogger is valued immensely as each painter interprets a scene with their own gifts. Your phone in is dandy as well – lovely photos. Thank you all!!!! and J.B for the giggle
I understand why the blogging is done, transparency (especially whats going on with other sanctuaries) and endearing people to the chimps is vital. I love the blogging because I get to hear and see the chimpers, it brightens my day for real. However you’ve spoiled us! Honestly I get busy and don’t read them everyday. You don’t have to blog everyday! For myself, my love and commitment to the sanctuary would not end if there were zero blogs.
Oh!! I strongly have to disagree Jo; I DO NEED THE BLOG EVERY DAY PLEASE……..
short, as was the dissertation on fleas—–“ADAM HADDUM”…………..
Anthony, for what it’s worth I really enjoyed the football themed post! My family are fans, and it allowed me to understand what players do with the added bonus of the chimp assignments! Keep doing what you’re doing, I thoroughly enjoy each bloggers unique perspective.
When you began your blog today with “Coming up with ideas for blogs – and the time to write them – can be difficult.”, my first thought was really?! The way you regularly bang out your publication worthy short stories I assumed creativity flowed from your heart to your mind to your keypad with ease. I even began a habit of preparing popcorn and settling into a comfy chair to enjoy your Sunday updates. ; )
No matter what you deliver, I enjoy it with heartfelt gratitude for the time and energy spent in producing it. Judy’s comment nails it. Thank you everyone for keeping us in the CSNW family everyday. I never take your time for granted. And a post of just photos, like today, a-l-w-a-y-s welcomed.
I agree with Jo. As much as we love the blogs, “phoned in”, all photos, short, long with and without heavy duty science, fun, serious . . . (Actually part of the attraction is the variety.) we do not need or expect or want the blog to interfere with care of CSNW residents or welfare of their caregivers. The amazing thing these blogs accomplish is magical. I have heard about Chimpanzees being used in medical research for years and hated the idea. Now much stronger is the revulsion when I think of Negie alone and without night bags or blankets, Jamie bored and alone, Missy in a cage with literally, nowhere to run, Annie terrified and unsure of herself, Foxie missing her babies and unable to do a flip (or even being joyful enough to feel like doing one) and caregiver Jody not able to Super-forage or build remarkable AND amazing, lovable play-guy Burrito being
used and abused. Stud Muffin, Willie B, On-the-Roll Honey B, and Super Groomer / peacemaker Mave are less well known to us but already dear. You guys have put faces, personalities, quirks, and charm on these beautiful, clever beings. You’ve righted a HUGE WRONG and introduced us to fabulous cousins and let us have a small part in this wonderful new life they have now. If you need to skip a blog every now and then, there’s always the previous ones that are always great to revisit.
Hear! Hear! Exceptionally well said.
Very nicely said, Laura!
Anthony, your posts are always wonderful, as are the photos you post. They really make my day! Is that Meredith’s photo in this post? Thanks for the great writing.
Your blogs are always unique and much appreciated. Thanks for giving us a special insight to our much loved Chimp and Bovine residents.