Category Archives: animals

Celebrating National Photography Day

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📾 Capturing Magic: Celebrating National Photography Day

Next to my cats, photography is probably my greatest love. I admit I haven’t been indulging that hobby lately but maybe today is a good day to start again. 

Every August 19th, lenses click and shutters flutter in celebration of National Photography Day—a tribute to the art, science, and soul of capturing life in a frame. Whether you’re chasing golden light through a forest canopy or composing a portrait that whispers a thousand words, photography invites us to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels.

Portrait of a Cat at rest- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌍 A Snapshot of History

National Photography Day honors the date in 1839 when the French government officially gifted the world the Daguerreotype—the first publicly available photographic process. Invented by Louis Daguerre, this method used silver-plated copper and mercury vapor to create hauntingly detailed images. It was slow, dangerous, and magical.

But Daguerre wasn’t alone. Innovators like:

  • Joseph NicĂ©phore NiĂ©pce (who captured the first permanent photo in 1826),
  • George Eastman (who made photography accessible with Kodak’s roll film),
  • and Ansel Adams (whose black-and-white landscapes redefined nature photography)


all helped shape photography into the expressive, everyday art form we know today.

Puffin- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

đŸŠđŸ“· Types of Photography That Steal the Spotlight

Photography is as diverse as the subjects it captures. Here are a few beloved genres:

  • Wildlife Photography: Patience meets adrenaline. Think of crouching in dewy grass as a fox pads into view, or waiting for a hummingbird to hover just right.

    Red fox baby on Monday

    Shy Fox- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Portrait Photography: More than faces—it’s emotion, story, and soul. A good portrait reveals not just who someone is, but how they are.

  • Hula dance

    Hula Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Landscape Photography: From misty mountains to sunlit deserts, this genre celebrates Earth’s grandeur.

  • Quechee Gorge VT- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Street Photography: Candid, raw, and poetic—capturing life as it unfolds in alleys, cafĂ©s, and crosswalks.
  • Macro Photography: A world in miniature. Dewdrops become galaxies, and insect wings shimmer like stained glass.
  • Astrophotography: Shooting stars, lunar landscapes, and the Milky Way—where science meets wonder.

Everyone loves a hot dog (Nat Geo honorable mention)- Photo credit Deb Neumann

đŸŽžïž Quirky Facts That Make Photography Irresistible

Wind Surfing 2020 Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • The first photo of a person was accidental—captured by Louis Daguerre in 1838. A man getting his shoes shined stood still long enough to appear in the long exposure.
  • The term “bokeh” (that dreamy blur in backgrounds) comes from the Japanese word boke, meaning “blur” or “haze.”
  • Some photographers use infrared or ultraviolet light to reveal hidden patterns in nature—like floral markings only visible to bees.
  • The longest exposure ever taken lasted eight years. Artist Michael Wesely used custom cameras to capture the slow transformation of urban landscapes.

  • Breaching Whale

    Breaching Humpback, Stellwagon Banks – photo credit Deb Neumann

🌿 Why Photography Is More Than a Hobby

Photography is storytelling with light. It’s a way to preserve fleeting moments, explore new perspectives, and connect with nature, people, and memory. Whether you’re snapping a squirrel mid-leap or composing a still life of moss and moonlight, each photo is a whisper of wonder.

Montezuma’s Castle Arizona – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

So this National Photography Day, grab your camera—or even your phone—and chase the light. Frame the ordinary until it becomes extraordinary. And remember: every photo is a love letter to the moment.

 

Fish for You – Key Largo FL – photo credit Deb Neumann

🌑 The Black Cat Paradox

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đŸŸ Whiskers of Legend: Cats in Folklore and Myth

They slink through shadows, curl into sunbeams, and stare into souls with eyes that seem to remember something ancient. Cats have long held a place not just in our homes, but in our stories—woven into the myths and mysteries of cultures across the world. From divine protectors to spectral companions, here are some of the most enchanting legends surrounding our feline friends.

Balboa – Photo credit Deb Neumann

☘ Nine Lives and Irish Luck

The idea that cats have nine lives is more than just a comforting cliché—it’s a whisper from the past. In Irish folklore, cats were believed to possess supernatural resilience. Some tales speak of the Cat SĂ­dhe, a spectral black feline said to haunt the Scottish Highlands and Irish moors. It was no ordinary cat—it could steal souls before they passed to the otherworld, unless distracted by music or riddles.

The CAT NIGHTS begin! đŸ± A rather obscure old Irish legend said that a witch could turn herself into a cat eight times, but on the ninth time (August 17), she couldn’t regain her human form.

Perhaps this eerie ability to dance between worlds gave rise to the notion of nine lives: a creature too clever, too slippery, to be claimed by death just once.

đŸ± Bastet: Egypt’s Divine Guardian

In ancient Egypt, cats weren’t just pets—they were sacred. Bastet, the feline goddess of home, fertility, and protection, was often depicted with the head of a lioness or domestic cat. Bastet guarded  households from evil spirits and disease, and her presence was so revered that harming a cat—even accidentally—was punishable by death. Egyptians believed cats had a spiritual connection to the divine, and their graceful movements were seen as echoes of Bastet’s own celestial dance.

242 Cat Goddess Bastet Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free ...

đŸ§™â€â™€ïž Witches and Familiars

During Europe’s witch trials, cats—especially black ones—were cast in a darker light. They were said to be witches’ familiars, magical companions that aided in spellwork and mischief. Some believed witches could even transform into cats to roam unnoticed. This fear led to centuries of superstition, where a black cat crossing your path was considered a bad omen. Yet in other cultures, black cats were symbols of prosperity and protection. In Japan, they’re thought to bring good luck, especially to single women seeking love.

Black Cat Stare photo credit Deb Neumann

🌑 The Black Cat Paradox

Is the black cat a harbinger of doom or a guardian of fortune? It depends on where you ask. In Celtic lore, black cats were often seen as guardians of hidden treasure. In Scottish tradition, a strange black cat arriving at your doorstep was a sign of prosperity. But in medieval Europe, they were feared as agents of the devil. Today, black cats still straddle the line between superstition and affection—misunderstood, mysterious, and utterly magnetic.

 

 

 

Whether lounging in sunbeams or prowling through moonlight, cats remain creatures of contradiction—both wild and domestic, feared and adored. Their legends remind us that magic often wears whiskers and walks softly on velvet paws.

Have you ever had a cat that felt just a little too wise? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear about the feline folklore in your life. đŸŸâœš

 

 

Your Cat is proof that you are loved by forces beyond your understanding… (Edgar Cayce)

 

Blep- photo credit Deb Neumann

đŸŸ Happy 117th Birthday, Cartoons!

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đŸŸ Happy 117th Birthday, Cartoons! A Wild Tribute to Our Animated Ancestors

Today marks 117 years since the first cartoon blinked its way onto the screen—and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a world without animated animals teaching us life lessons, falling off cliffs, and bouncing back with nothing but a band-aid and a witty comeback.

Let’s rewind to 1908, when Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie danced into existence. It was a surreal, scribbly spectacle—like watching a doodle come to life after too much coffee and not enough sleep. No color, no sound, just pure chaotic charm. And thus, the cartoon was born.

File:Fantasmagorie (Cohl).GIF - Wikipedia

🩝 Nature’s Original Animators

Before cartoons, nature had its own animation studio. Ever watched a squirrel try to carry a baguette twice its size? Or a raccoon dramatically rinse its food like it’s prepping for a Michelin-starred meal? These are the original slapstick comedians. Cartoons just gave them a voice—and occasionally, pants.

Chipmunk with stuffed cheeks

August 2017 – photo credit Deb Neumann

In fact, if you squint at a hummingbird long enough, you’ll swear it’s animated. The flurry of wings, the impossible hover, the dramatic zoom-ins on nectar—it’s basically Looney Tunes with feathers.

2017 – phots credit Deb Neumann

 

🎹 From Flipbooks to Streaming Binge-fests

Looney Tunes - Wile E. Coyote' Cardboard Cutouts ...

Wile E, Coyote

Cartoons have evolved from jittery line drawings to full-blown cinematic universes. But the heart of it remains the same: exaggerated expressions, improbable physics, and a deep commitment to making us laugh, cry, and question the laws of gravity.

Whether it’s a wisecracking meerkat, a lovesick skunk, or a sponge who lives in a pineapple (under the sea, no less), cartoons remind us that storytelling doesn’t need realism—it needs rhythm, heart, and a dash of absurdity.

 

Cape Cod Seal- August 2013 photo credit Deb Neumann

🌿 Why Cartoons Still Matter on Around Dusty Roads

Here at Around Dusty Roads, we celebrate the whimsical, the wild, and the wonderfully weird. Cartoons are kindred spirits—bold, expressive, and unafraid to leap off cliffs in pursuit of a punchline. They teach us that imagination is a survival skill, and that sometimes, the best way to understand the world is through a talking animal with impeccable comedic timing.

So today, raise a toast (or a carrot, Bugs-style) to 117 years of animated antics. May your day be filled with laughter, loony logic, and maybe a raccoon reenacting Fantasmagorie in your backyard.

 

15,300+ Cartoon Raccoon Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

World Lizard Day & Balboa’s Birthday Bash

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🩎 World Lizard Day & Balboa’s Birthday Bash

Today is Balboa’s 5th Birthday! 🎉

Balboa – photo credit Deb Neumann

Happy Birthday, sweet boy—love you bunches. You’re sharing your special day with World Lizard Day, which might not be your idea of a party theme, but I couldn’t resist celebrating these scaly wonders.

Florida Iguana – photo credit Deb Neumann

I might be a little weird, but I genuinely like lizards. They fascinate me. I especially adore those tiny lizards I see everywhere when I visit Florida. I believe they’re called Anoles—there are brown ones and green ones, and I think they’re seriously cute. They dart around like little garden ninjas.

It's not easy being a green anole | | islandernews.com

Photo- Internet

 

Then there are the Iguanas. Bigger, bolder, and a bit intimidating. They come in vibrant shades of green and orange, lounging like royalty on sidewalks and rooftops.

So in honor of World Lizard Day (and Balboa’s birthday, of course), here are some fun and fascinating facts about lizards that might just make you see them in a whole new light. I may find them interesting, but don’t worry—I’m not about to bring one home as a pet.

Jurassic World Evolution Dilophosaurus Compatibility | Jurassic 2025 World Evolution Dinosaur Skins

 

🌿 12 Lizard Facts to Make You Smile (or Squirm)

  1. Tail Tricks
    Many lizards can detach their tails to escape predators. The tail keeps twitching while the lizard makes a clean getaway—like a magic act with a dramatic exit.
  2. Color-Changing Cuties
    Green Anoles can shift from green to brown depending on mood, temperature, or stress. They’re like tiny, scaly mood rings.
  3. Built-In Motion Sensor
    Iguanas have a “third eye” on top of their heads called a parietal eye. It doesn’t see images but detects light and movement—perfect for spotting sneaky predators.
  4. Push-Up Power Moves
    Lizards often do push-ups or head bobs to show dominance or attract mates. It’s like their version of flexing at the gym.
  5. Water Walkers
    The Basilisk lizard can run across water using its speed and wide feet. It’s nicknamed the “Jesus Lizard” for this miraculous feat.
  6. Tongue-Tasting the Air
    Like snakes, lizards use their tongues to “taste” the air and detect scents. It’s their way of sniffing out dinner or danger.
  7. Sun Worshippers
    Being cold-blooded, lizards bask in the sun to warm up and energize. You’ll often find them stretched out on rocks like tiny solar panels.
  8. Natural Pest Control
    Lizards love munching on insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. They’re nature’s pest patrol—no chemicals required.
  9. Miniature Dragons
    Draco lizards can glide between trees using wing-like ribs. They’re real-life dragonlets soaring through the forest canopy.
  10. Ancient Survivors
    Lizards have been around for over 200 million years. They’ve outlived dinosaurs and still strut their stuff across the globe.
  11. Venomous but Chill
    The Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard are venomous, but they’re slow-moving and rarely aggressive. Just don’t poke them.
  12. All-Female Wonder Lizards
    Some whiptail lizard species reproduce without males through parthenogenesis. No dates, no drama—just cloning themselves like pros.

So here’s to Balboa,

Balboa’s Stare – photo credit Deb Neumann

to lizards, and to the wild, wonderful world we share with creatures great and small. Whether they’re sunbathing on a Florida fence or gliding through jungle trees, lizards remind us that nature is endlessly inventive—and occasionally adorable.

green iguana- photo credit Deb Neumann

 

The Majesty of Elk

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🩌 The Majesty of Elk: A Wildlife Dream Fulfilled

For those who’ve followed my adventures for a while, you know that wildlife photography is one of my greatest joys. There’s something magical about spotting animals in their natural habitat—no fences, no enclosures, just raw, untamed beauty. And among the creatures I’ve longed to see, elk have always held a special place in my heart.

lunch of yummy berries

cinnamon colored black bear- but not Elk Wyoming 2017= photo credit Deb Neumann

đŸŒŸ The Elusive Elk

My quest to find elk in the wild has taken me across the country. In South Dakota, I encountered prairie dogs, wild horses, and sweeping landscapes that felt like scenes from a nature documentary. Locals assured me elk were nearby, but they always seemed to be just out of reach—like shadows slipping through the trees.

prairie dog with flower- Photo credit Deb Neumann

In 2014, I ventured into the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. There, I finally spotted some elk, but the experience was bittersweet. The herds were tagged and monitored, their movements restricted. They looked subdued, almost domesticated. I had imagined proud, wild creatures echoing their haunting bugle calls through the valleys—but the silence was deafening.

North Carolina 2014- photo credit Deb Neumann

🍁 A Journey to Jackson Hole

I began to think I’d need to travel all the way to Banff National Park in Canada to find the elk I’d dreamed of. But in October 2017, I made my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming—just in time for the great elk migration.

Elk Migration

Elk Herd Outside Jackson Hole 2017- Photo credit Deb Neumann

Although I missed the rut and the iconic bugling calls, I was in the right place at the right time. The elk were moving south from Yellowstone to the National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole. And that’s when it happened.

👑 A Vision Realized

I finally saw them—my majestic elk. Towering bulls with massive antlers escorted graceful females across golden meadows. The herds were vast, the energy palpable. These elk were everything I had imagined: wild, proud, and breathtakingly beautiful.

A pair of Bull elk

Elk Bulls Oversee the Herd Wyoming 2017 – photo credit Deb Neumann

It was a moment years in the making, and one I’ll never forget.

Antler Arch in Town Sq. Jackson WY

Elk Horn Arch Jackson Hole- photo credit Deb Neumann