1,000 Subscriber!💖

I just noticed that my squirrel YouTube channel, @sublimesquirrel, has finally reached the 1,000-subscriber mark!😍😆

While I realize that for some, gaining 1,000 followers can happen in a day, or even a moment, for me, this is quite a significant milestone🥹💖

I started around 2018, and there were times when I was seriously hung up on the numbers, going from super motivated to feeling crushed. At some point, I decided to stop paying attention to the numbers entirely to keep my sanity.

As I moved on, I stopped freaking out about the numbers and started focusing on doing stuff because I loved it, and it made me happy - and I sort of stopped caring about the stats.

Then, out of nowhere, I happened to see my subscriber count and went, "Wait, what?!👀👀👀”Had to laugh.

Looking back, there were times when I was working like crazy, uploading every single day, and still not seeing much growth. But when I started just having fun and taking it easy, only posting at my pace (weekly at the moment), my channel somehow started growing so much faster. It made me realize once again that enjoying what you do is truly the most important thing.

Big shout-out to everyone who's subscribed - I really appreciate it, guys! 💖
And if you haven't checked out the channel yet, please do! My squirrels are genuinely adorable and soothing💖

To those who've been watching but haven't hit that subscribe button, please do so if you're so inclined💖

It's not about the numbers, but it is!

Thanks a lot for your ongoing support!💜💜💜

I'm super grateful for the friends who've been subscribed from the very beginning and those who've been hitting that like button and leaving comments. I've absolutely loved our chats and I couldn't have gotten this far without your support! Truly, it's because of all of you that I'm here today🥹💖💞✨

Chelsea

Please consider subscribing to the newsletter. I might start sending it once I have 10 subscribers!😉

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"Cherish the present and live by believing in yourself" Chelsea Interview by BaySpo

💜Chelsea Heart💜

Note: This interview was originally published in BaySpo in December 2022. It was initially available only in Japanese, so I've translated it into English for this blog post.

Profile

A squirrel charming anime singer and photographer. Driven by her ambitious aspiration of someday being chosen to sing for an anime theme song, she propels herself forward, despite her own bewilderment. She loves animals (especially squirrels) and nature, and through her own activities (such as singing, photography, and videos), she wants to convey the beauty of nature and coexistence with animals and plants. She shares her work on various social media platforms under the account @sublimesquirrel.

Q: Why did you move to the Bay Area and what were your first impressions?

When I was living in Australia, my husband won a Green Card in the Diversity Lottery, which led us to move to the United States. Until then, I had no interest in America, so I don't think I would have immigrated if it wasn't for this opportunity. We moved to the US in 2009 and lived in Sunnyvale.

Q: What were your first impressions of the Bay Area and how do you feel about it now?

For the first few years, I lived in Sunnyvale and I couldn't drive, so I honestly wondered why everyone admired America and what was so great about it. Now that I live in the East Bay, I can interact with cute squirrels, other animals, and nature, and there are delicious restaurants and a lively atmosphere, making it convenient and wonderful in my opinion.

The cover of my first original song, 'Rain Then Sunshine'

Q: What is your area of expertise?

For me, my expertise is what I love to do, and I think it's okay for it to change over time. My interests are diverse and change with the times, but ever since I was little, I have loved art and creating things with my own hands. I still love creating, both physical like crafts and non physical like digital art and currently, my focus is on art forms like singing and photography. Recently, I was able to release my first original song, and I am now working on my second one. Although I stopped taking photos professionally in 2017, I plan to resume next year with my own unique approach.

Q: What led you to pursue this path?

As for singing, I grew up with a karaoke set at home and often sang with my beloved grandparents, so I've always lived with music in my life. When I grew up, I was known for being the go-to person for karaoke among friends, bosses, juniors, and clients, and I often received CDs with requests to learn specific songs. People started telling me that my singing was healing and moving, and I began to think it would be nice to make a career out of it. But I had convinced myself that there was no way someone like me could make a living from singing, so I would tell myself that I'd be happy as long as I could sing in the bath or car. Around that time, I saw the behind-the-scenes of the production of Akihiro Nishino's "Poupelle of Chimney Town," which he completed by believing in himself and moving forward despite being laughed at and criticized. I was moved by the song Mr. Nishino created and gained courage from him. I suddenly thought it would be nice to be responsible for the theme song of a movie made by Mr. Nishino, who also supports people pursuing their dreams, and that became a significant motivation for me to resume my music making activities.

Volunteer photography in Japan

As for photography, I still receive requests from people who love my photos and want me to take pictures for them. They say it would be a waste to stop altogether. Additionally, I was deeply moved by the heartfelt messages I received in response to some photos I took as a volunteer, and this inspired me to continue in photography.

Q: Please share a success story and a failure story about speaking English if you have any.

I believe that as long as my English is understood, no matter how many mistakes I make, it's a success. And if I receive a "thank you," it's a great success. More than 10 years ago, when I still couldn't speak English very well, I remember being very happy when I was able to guide someone who didn't know where the airport security check was, and they said, "Thank you! Nobody could speak English, and I was in trouble. You really saved me!" It was a double joy, both the delight of having my English understood and being able to help someone (in English, no less).

Q: What is the significance of creative activities for you?

I believe it is the greatest form of self-expression and the greatest contribution to society. It also provides opportunities to meet people with shared values and connect them with each other. Doing what I love, first and foremost, is enjoyable for me, and being able to make others happy by doing something fun and useful is the ultimate happiness. I want everyone involved to be happy and enriched, and I want to embody the idea that even a regular person like me can achieve that, so I am dedicated to my creative activities.

With Summer The Squirrel who has been visiting me almost every day since July 2018

Q: Currently, what kind of house do you live in?

I live in a lovely home in an environment where squirrels come to visit and play.

Q: How do you spend your days off?

I spend my days off driving with my husband, going to delicious restaurants, and playing with my beloved squirrels, depending on my mood and the weather at the time.

Q: What are your favorite places in the Bay Area and its surrounding areas?

I love the University of California, Berkeley, which is close by and has a lively atmosphere with many cute squirrels. I also love magnificent and nature-rich places like Yosemite and Mount Shasta.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant?

"Kiraku" and "Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen."

During my band days, performing live at Anime Expo in LA

Q: If you won a million dollars, how would you use it?

I would love to rent out the Nippon Budokan and perform a live show there! I'd like to give it a try, even if the seats are empty!

Q: What were your thoughts and feelings when you recently returned to Japan?

I thought that Japanese convenience stores are the best and that the quality of Japanese prepared dishes is very high! Also, I truly appreciated the detailed and excellent service. On the other hand, I felt that many people were working overtime and putting on a smile while feeling stressed and unhappy inside. I felt sad that many shops were gone, but at the same time, I was moved by the courage and passion of the owners of delicious restaurants that have become popular after opening during the pandemic.

My first official solo performance at the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in April 2023

Q: What do you expect from yourself in 5 years?

I hope to be the lead singer of an anime theme song, conveying my thoughts through music, healing people with my singing, and having people share in the emotions and empathy. Also, through my activities and experiences, I want to be a source of hope for those who have given up on their dreams due to age, skill, connections, or money, making them think, "If Chelsea could do it, I can too!"

Q: What are some movies that have influenced you or left an impression on you?

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" is one of them. The movie beautifully expressed, through stunning visuals, music, story, and characters, that death is indeed sad, but it is the presence of death that makes the present precious, and that the existence of death deepens our learning. The driving force of people lies in their hearts, and human thoughts cannot be severed even by death. I love the emphasis on believing and cherishing things that are invisible to the eye, such as the heart, love, and thoughts. I think it's a wonderful work that allows us to experience a range of emotions while reflecting on "now" and "death."

Snapped a selfie while working on a bench, joined by a friendly mother squirrel who happened to drop by

Q: If you were to compare yourself to an animal, which one would it be and why?

I would compare myself to a squirrel. They are tiny yet mighty, and somewhat fleeting. I like being on my own and am a bit shy, but I also have courage. I love nuts, and I tend to stash food that I can't finish, to eat later or sometimes forget about it. I'm a little bit clumsy but also have a playful side, which is why I see myself as a squirrel.

Q: What is your motto?

My motto is “心燃えたら猪突猛進/Kokoro moetara chototsumoushin" which roughly translates to “If your heart is inspired, charge forward with determination." I used to be easily influenced by the opinions of those who are famous or have a track record, rather than my own thoughts. So, I decided that when I want to do something, I should believe in myself and move forward without being swayed by what others say. I chose this motto because of my love for "Demon Slayer" and the strong determination it represents.

A Squirrel Love Story♡

On July 3rd, 2018, right before Independence Day, Summer The Squirrel first visited my balcony. It's been 4 years!!! It's just been AMAZING!!! However, I couldn't celebrate it with her since I've been visiting Japan for the first time in 3 years, so I decided to write a letter for her :)

My Baby Summer & Me Chelsea🐿️💗🥰

Here is the letter:

Dear Summer,

It's been 4 years since you first visited me. 4 years, buddy! I couldn't believe it when I saw a squirrel on my balcony. I had wanted to have squirrels here but no one had visited me even though there are sooo many squirrels in the area! You are my very first balcony squirrel. I will never forget the excitement.

Since then, you visited me pretty much every single day. One time, you didn't show up for 3 days, which was the longest ever, and I was worried, but you must have been busy preparing for your babies' arrival. 

You've taught me so much and you've shown me how much squirrels can love me. The day you first let me touch you, the day you first let me pet you, the day you took a peanut from my mouth for the first time...so many amazing experiences. One of the most memorable moments is when you brought your babies for the first time and you made it happen on my birthday. How did you know about my birthday? And you showed me how to discipline your babies by licking your babies' bodies and spanking one of your baby's faces. It was a priceless gift for me.

Anyway, there are so many great memories with you that I can't recount them all here. And I'm sorry that I can't celebrate the 4-year anniversary with you. But I wanted to tell you that I love you so much and I really appreciate every single visit. Especially after watching Perri on Disney plus, surviving for 4 years in the wild is incredible, and moreover, visiting me for 4 years continuously has just been amazing. I hope you continue to visit for as long as possible. Stay safe and healthy and I'm looking forward to seeing you in a few months.

Love,

Your human mom Chelsea

Here are the related videos:

My baby Summer looking after her babies

Why Is This Mama Squirrel's Cheek Swollen?

Just sharing what I learned recently. I ran into this beautiful spotty mama squirrel the other day. But I was a little shocked when I first saw her because I hadn’t seen such a squirrel before. Her left chin was swollen and sagging. Otherwise, she looked healthy. By the way, the spots are expected: UC Berkeley marks them as part of a study they do. I loved her spots as a polka dot lover. It reminded me of a puffa fish and I love them too.

Since I don’t carry a “squirrel rescue kit” the only thing I can help them with is feeding (I always carry a “squirrel feeding kit” ;)). So I fed her lots of seeds and peanuts.

After hanging out with her, I asked my rehabber friend about her cheek and this is what I learned:

• It looks like she possibly has a pretty bad abscess under her cheek.

• She needs her immune system boosted to fight that infection. Giving her lots of walnuts and almonds would help.

They said that she would benefit from antibiotics they have at their place but pulling her will orphan her babies.

They offered me the antibiotics to feed her which require twice a day feeding. I would love to do that if she was one of my balcony squirrels. But she lives at UC Berkeley so it’ll be hard for me to do that. I hope she’ll recover by herself.

The squirrels’ immune system is incredible. I’ve met an unbalanced squirrel and watched him manage to recover by himself at UC Berkeley so I have high hopes for this one too.

Thank you for reading! Have a squirreltastic day!

-Chelsea

Are Female Squirrels More Reliable Than Male Ones?

I have 3 female and 2 male squirrels at my balcony at the moment.

They are:
Summer The Squirrel
Sally The Squirrel
Marina The Mama Squirrel
Simon The Squirrel
Sam The Squirrel

Simon the squirrel

I’ve had about the same percentages of male and female squirrels in the past too. And I just realized that female squirrels tend to visit me every day whereas males don’t. Male squirrels visit me frequently but randomly like they visit me every day for a week then disappear for 3 days and come back or something.

Female squirrels sometimes don’t visit for a day but no more than that. Summer The Squirrel has been visiting me almost for 3 years every day. There was a time I didn’t see her for 3 days and it made me so worried but she came back and started visiting me every day again.

Simon the squirrel

Summer, Sally, and Marina, those 3 girls visit me every day, Simon visits randomly but frequently, and Sam visits randomly and infrequently. I sometimes see all those 5 and sometimes just those girls. I wonder if it’s a trait of gender or just a coincidence. I wonder if humans are the same. I always compare squirrels’ behaviors with humans because they are often similar in my opinion. How are your squirrels?

Thank you for reading. Have a squirreltastic day!

-Chelsea

More Sublime Squirrel Videos on YouTube, Instagram and blog!

It has been over 3 years since I started Sublime Squirrel on Twitter and until recently, I had been posting a video every day.

I’ve met sweet squirrel lovers, have learned about squirrels, and have had a lot of fun. That made me start thinking that I want to post more videos on YouTube (currently weekly), resume Instagram (My last post is on 8/21/2018), and write more blog posts.

I make squirrel videos with love and it takes a lot of time regardless of the length. Time is my life. I don’t have kids but squirrels/animals and my artistic creations are my kids. I enjoy Twitter. Really. I enjoy reading comments from sweet squirrel lovers and sharing my feelings and experiences and learning about squirrels. But Twitter posts last only for a day or two. I mean, they still exist as long as I don't delete them, but Twitter is more like for “now” things. And my posts aren’t fresh. I usually make videos from my past footage. And I realized that it’s a shame. Since I make videos anyway, I want them to continue to be watched forever.

I don't check numbers like followers, views etc often including my weight because it's just a distraction rather than encouragement for me. But one day I accidentally saw them😆 and I realized that some of the YouTube videos I made a few years ago, still get watched and the views keep increasing! I don't think they are especially great or anything. In fact, they’re worse than the current ones (they’re cute though). I wish I could edit them and make them better because my editing skills have improved a lot. But I was so surprised that even those old videos get lots of views, and that motivated me to make videos that everyone loves and that last forever!

Also, each social media platform has different features. If I want to say something quickly, I would use Twitter, if I want to explain something, I might use a blog and/or YouTube. So I want to use different social media platforms for different purposes. My mission is to spread smiles to the world. People use different social media platforms so I thought I should use a variety of them to reach all over the world.

To sum up, I wanted to say that as much as I enjoy making videos, it’s so time-consuming. So if I make them anyway, I want them to get watched again and again. And it’s possible on YouTube, Instagram, and my blog. I hope I’m not being immodest but I love my videos!😂 I love squirrels so I put my love and time into my videos. I want to focus on making great videos. 

There are many great videos in the world. I’m not a professional video maker so the quality of my videos might not be as great but I believe that I am super lucky and have the power to attract cute squirrels, to encounter cute & funny, interesting, rare squirrel behaviors, and to be able to film them. All of which makes my videos unique and original. Even if you had great gear and skills to film them if no squirrels appeared in front of you, what could you do?😋

Please check out my social media and follow them if you like them:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sublimesquirrel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SublimeSquirrel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sublimesquirrel/

*I’ll resume Instagram real soon!

I’ll aim to post something somewhere every day!

The contents will be sometimes the same or similar, sometimes different depending on the contents. I would post to all social media platforms every day if there were unlimited time but unfortunately, there are 24 hours in a day so I have to be wise how to maximize my time.

Thank you for reading!

Have a squirreltastic day!

-Chelsea

3 Year Anniversary for Sublime Squirrel and Announcing the Squirrel Podcast!

It’s been just 3 years since Sublime Squirrel was born on Twitter.

I’m very happy and thankful for having been able to get to this point. It’s been a short but intense 3 years.

Last year, I spent a lot of time thinking about myself: what I love, what I want to do, who I am. The things I'm doing really are what I love and really are the things I want to do. I truly love squirrels but that’s not all: I love all animals, especially fluffy ones.

I love to interact with them not just watch them. I love singing, dancing, conversation, fashion, walking, eating, traveling, and creating including video making, crafting, cooking etc. I really enjoy all sorts of creating.

And I thought, what are the things that I haven't been able to do because I haven’t prioritized them? When can I do those things I love? Never! If I didn't try to change my routine. So I decided to take action! Make it happen! I'm aware that there are only 24 hours in a day. But I'll find a way and to start with, I’m starting a squirrel podcast! I’ll post episodes on my current YouTube channel for now. I have some kind of experience with squirrels every day and there is always a story I want to share. But making videos takes a lot of time so I always end up just accumulating the raw videos of squirrels and the squirrel stories. Time goes by, and the memories and emotions I had with the squirrels fade away.

Making a podcast is much simpler than making videos. Plus you can listen to it while driving, cleaning, having a shower, or even working! Furthermore, once I post it, I can’t edit it so it’ll be a great record. I still have hesitation in speaking English. I know I'll make mistakes, there might be misunderstandings because of my funny English, but I can't be like a native speaker instantly. But I’ve decided to go-ahead anyway. After 3 years, my English should improve, and we will be able to see the progress :) I thought it would be fun.

I could die anytime, especially in this stay-at-home situation, I don't want to regret not having done the things I wanted. Honestly, I mainly want to do this for my self-growth as a human being and to improve my English and speaking skills, but I hope you will enjoy it too. I hope I make you laugh with my broken English. And I hope I can encourage you, give you hope and energy with my podcast.

Incidentally, the Disney squirrel movie: Flora & Ulysses will be out tomorrow on February 19. I’m so happy that Disney finally decided to use a squirrel as the main character! I don’t mind if the movie’s fun, although it’s great if it is. Just the fact that they’ve made the movie made me excited! The squirrels’ era is finally coming!

Lastly, thank you for your love for me and my squirrels! I haven't met most of you guys in person, but it doesn't matter to me. The feeling is more important for me and I feel connected with you. Physical and/or virtual, having like-minded friends is priceless.

I want to keep trying new things. I might continue them or I might not. But please be patient with me and give your love. I'll do my best. And I really appreciate your support.

Today I'm reading a script I wrote but I want to be able to do unscripted speeches soon. Because I want to be genuine and that's the best way to express my true feelings.

Here is the video of it :)

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Thank you for reading. Have a squirreltastic day!

-Chelsea

Squirrels Enjoy Seasonal Vegetables

Spring has come!

This tree in my backyard suddenly started having new sprouts and flowers this month. And my squirrels have been busy eating them! LOL! Although the spring overslept for a few days this year compared to last year. The very first flower came out on February 1st last year and it happened on February 3rd this year.

This squirrel is one of the new faces at my balcony cafe :) He’s very shy. I tried to feed him but he ran away onto this tree and hugged the branch as if he was saying

“I need a hug!!”

After having enough cuddle time, he started eating those new sprouts.

Here is the video:

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Watching squirrels is very relaxing for me. I love hand feeding them but also love to watch them in their natural habitat.

Thank you for reading!

-Chelsea

What's Nancy Rose’s Dream?

Wow wow wow!! I got so excited when I saw this comment from Nancy Rose!!😆😍😂

Just in case, for those who don’t know who Nancy Rose is, she is the author of The Secret Life of Squirrels. She takes amazing photographs of squirrels with her fantastic hand made dioramas. I truly admire her work. I also love photography and crafting but I don’t have the patience she does😂

Last year, luckily, I got an opportunity to meet her in person (on Zoom though!) I sincerely wanted to have a fun squirrel chat with a squirrel lover, but not just a squirrel lover, someone who’s as crazy about them as me. So I contacted her and asked if we could have a squirrel chat. Not an interview but just a casual chat. And she kindly said “Yes!”

“Yesssss!!!”

It made me so happy!

Check out our conversation!

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Since then, Nancy and I keep in touch on Twitter, Facebook and Email.

This was just a dream but maybe she subconsciously wants to visit me?😆 I would love to meet her in person some day. Anyway, I felt joy from hearing that she dreamt about meeting me and my squirrels and that's everything for me😌

And here is my reply to her :)

Thank you for reading!

-Chelsea

Does Giving Too Many Nuts to Wild Squirrels Make Them Sick?

I'm just a squirrel addict, not a specialist. But my answer is no. I don't think there is such a thing as ”too many nuts” for wild squirrels.

The main reason is that I believe that they know what they are doing. Their great teachers — their moms — teach their kids everything they need to survive in this tough world, including how to attract humans to get food. 😉

Here are the experiences that led me to believe this:

1. They start stashing food when they have enough.

2. They don't eat food when they don't want to, which means that either they don't like it, they don't need it, or they don't want it at the moment. 

3. They eat veggies like leaves, grass, tree, tree bark, tree branches, flowers. And fruit too!

4. They run around a lot.

More squirrel videos are here:

https://www.youtube.com/sublimesquirrel
https://www.sublimesquirrel.com/

So in my opinion,

Squirrels eating = they need, like, or want the food.

That being said, I wouldn't give them food that is clearly unhealthy, like processed snacks full of salt.

Feeding squirrels food is fun and it's extremely relaxing to me. It's a win win, so I care about their health and happiness. I want them to stay healthy, happy, and have long lives. You don't have to be overprotective about them, but just be kind to them. 😊 

Thank you for reading!

♡◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌♡◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌

⭐️You can see cute squirrels everyday + 30-sec smile charge & stress release on my Twitter⭐️
🔻
https://twitter.com/SublimeSquirrel

If you feel like more squirrels, check out my squirrel YouTube channel:
🔻
https://www.youtube.com/sublimesquirrel

⭐️Inquiries, feedback, questions etc
Contact me at:
nuts@sublimesquirrel.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

⭐️Mailing Address:
Sublime Squirrel
PMB 218
2425 Channing Way Ste B
Berkeley, CA 94704

♡Your happiness is my happiness :) ♡
367 smiles with squirrels

Chelsea

Artist / Squirrel Charmer / 福りすのおねえさんチェルシー

♡◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌୨୧◌♡◌୨୧◌⑅⃝◌◌

Why Do Squirrels Grind Their Teeth? It's called bruxing (from bruxism) Are they angry?

Just like us humans, squirrels have facial expressions. They smile when they eat and they have look serious when they hear warnings.

One day, I saw this face. One of my balcony squirrels, Summer, did this when she looked relaxed. 

Summer is grinding her teeth.

Here is the video of her lazy day:

She looked more angry than happy and relaxed, so I asked my fellow squirrel admirers why this might be:

Does anybody know why squirrels do this?😅😂 This is Summer, but I've seen other squirrels do this a few times🐿 I hope she's not mad at me! Have a relaxing weekend my friends!♥️🤗 pic.twitter.com/BNBM684bM0

— 🐿Sublime Squirrel Charmer Chelsea (@SublimeSquirrel) February 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/SublimeSquirrel/status/1233512723268489221

Here are the answers:
1. Squirrels do this when they're relaxed.

2. Squirrels do this when they're in pain.

I know that these are contradictory emotions, so you need to figure out which one it is from their posture and context clues.

 3. Squirrels are constantly grinding their teeth when they eat, and they even grind their teeth in their sleep because of growing pains.

The third reason makes sense, but I still can't associate the face Summer made with a feeling of relaxation! Anyway, I'm so happy I found out that she wasn't angry at me.  I guess this is one of the squirrels' relaxed facial expressions and I’ll just have to get used to it! :)

Thank you for reading! Have a squirreltastic day!

600,000 Views!

I just received an email from Google Local Guide that this photo has been seen over 600.000 times. I love taking photos of food. I’m very happy to be able to help people with things I love!

A Gift from Google Guide

I'm level 6 of Google Local Guide and the total views of the food photos I continued went over 7,000,000. As a reward, I received those colorful socks! Yay :)

Special Google Local Guide socks I received as a reward

Received a Squirrel Calendar!

One of my followers sent me one of the original squirrel calendars! I want to see it!! But I haven't opened it yet since I might shoot an unboxing video. This made me happy!😊

A squirrel calendar I received today.

How to Play Catch with a Squirrel

I met a very talented squirrel! :D

The Worst New Year's Resolution

The worst New year's resolution is to say do something “every day" in my experience. I totally underestimated how hard it is to do it every day. So I don't say "every day" but decided to resume my blog to record what I did for myself and also for updates for my squirrel friends all over the world.

Sully the boss -Sublime Squirrel

One of my excuses for pausing blog posts was my English. I'm not a native English speaker so I was embarrassed to publish my blog with my broken grammar because one letter difference could mean completely different. But so what?!! This is me!! :D I decided to express myself authentically. I apologize in advance for my terrible English. I hope you understand what I want to say :)

So what’s the best way to make a new year’s resolution? I think

1. Don’t stop

2. find your own pace and keep doing

3. Don’t try to get it done perfectly

I learned the difference between 1 and 0 is huge! I resumed my squirrel YouTube channel last year. I wanted to post every day but couldn’t. I’d come to want to stop again but didn’t. I’ll stop here because I don’t push myself too hard and get sick of blogging ;)

Happy New Year 2020!!!

Wishing you all the best and happiness! Let’s make it a squirreltastic year!

Sublime Squirrel Smile :)

Amazing Disabled Squirrel Rabina

It's already been for a few years since I saw Rabina for the first time. I don't know what happened to her but her front paw and tail are missing. I remember it was shocking because it was also my first time to see such squirrels.

Since then, I see her once in a while. She is very cautious so usually she runs away, but occasionally she comes to me and takes snacks from me :)

Every time I see her, I feel relieved and happy. It can be really tough in the wild, but she's been surviving and she is amazingly energetic! I've seen her fighting -- she's ferocious :), being a mama -- I saw her mama teats, but also when she's running around & climbing trees.

Mama Rabina

Mama Rabina

Every time I see her, she shows me that life is not too bad. She makes me think that I want to be strong like her. And she reminds me that I'm lucky to have both my legs. Like many women, I sometimes complain about how my legs look, but no matter how they look, I am grateful that they are healthy.

You can watch her here:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs2ExlI5nrw

Why Squirrels?!

In Japan, where I'm from, squirrels were kind of rare animals to see in my everyday life. Since I moved to Berkeley, California in 2011, I see them every day everywhere! I remember I was so thrilled to see such cute creatures running around in my neighborhood when I first saw them. They instantly became one of my favorite subjects as I ended up starting an Instagram account about squirrels in 2016.

As I have taken more photos of them, and got to know them, I realized that they are not only cute but also so funny. They have a lot of cute and funny facial expressions and behaviors.

Seeing them every day brings me so much happiness. I really feel like I understand them and that they understand me! People call me "the squirrel charmer" :)

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This is my first post on Instagram.