@mainebogboy.bsky.social
Retired University Science Librarian, former director Orono Bog Boardwalk (2008-2024), birdwatcher,community volunteer, Democrat, lover of craft beer, proud UC Riverside graduate.
Pinned
Late Sunday evening in Kyiv.
No electricity – no drama, just a fact.
In my latest Sunday Letter,
I share the story behind this 🇺🇦 painting The Girl in the Red Hat.
www.patreon.com/posts/143170...
No electricity – no drama, just a fact.
In my latest Sunday Letter,
I share the story behind this 🇺🇦 painting The Girl in the Red Hat.
www.patreon.com/posts/143170...
Yaroslava has just posted her Sunday letter. It is wonderful. About a Ukrainian painter of great artistry and the stunning painting Portrait of the Girl in the Red Hat, among other things. Following and supporting Yaroslava will give you so much insight into Ukraine’s history and culture. Please do.
Yaroslava has just posted her Sunday letter. It is wonderful. About a Ukrainian painter of great artistry and the stunning painting Portrait of the Girl in the Red Hat, among other things. Following and supporting Yaroslava will give you so much insight into Ukraine’s history and culture. Please do.
Late Sunday evening in Kyiv.
No electricity – no drama, just a fact.
In my latest Sunday Letter,
I share the story behind this 🇺🇦 painting The Girl in the Red Hat.
www.patreon.com/posts/143170...
No electricity – no drama, just a fact.
In my latest Sunday Letter,
I share the story behind this 🇺🇦 painting The Girl in the Red Hat.
www.patreon.com/posts/143170...
November 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Yaroslava has just posted her Sunday letter. It is wonderful. About a Ukrainian painter of great artistry and the stunning painting Portrait of the Girl in the Red Hat, among other things. Following and supporting Yaroslava will give you so much insight into Ukraine’s history and culture. Please do.
Yaroslava has just posted today’s letter for all to read. It is beautiful. It shows us the beauty that is Ukraine. How we should celebrate beauty in all of our lives and places we live. A masterful letter. Please read and support Yaroslava if you are able.
‘Despite the shelling, nature keeps living.
Flowers still bloom.
Despite the war, life goes on…’
Read my latest Sunday Letter – a glimpse of life on the frontline:
www.patreon.com/posts/142596...
Read my latest Sunday Letter – a glimpse of life on the frontline:
www.patreon.com/posts/142596...
November 2, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Yaroslava has just posted today’s letter for all to read. It is beautiful. It shows us the beauty that is Ukraine. How we should celebrate beauty in all of our lives and places we live. A masterful letter. Please read and support Yaroslava if you are able.
As Yaroslava says life does go on in Kyiv. This post shows us. A beautiful moment captured. If you follow her you will see many such moments. Please follow and support Yaroslava. Such a wise voice for Ukrainian history and culture and beauty.
Life goes on,
I often say.
And this child, playing cheerfully with bubbles in Kyiv, proves it.
I often say.
And this child, playing cheerfully with bubbles in Kyiv, proves it.
November 2, 2025 at 8:24 PM
As Yaroslava says life does go on in Kyiv. This post shows us. A beautiful moment captured. If you follow her you will see many such moments. Please follow and support Yaroslava. Such a wise voice for Ukrainian history and culture and beauty.
Yaroslava has just posted yesterday’s letter and it is a wonderful read, especially before Halloween. Her research and scholarship are outstanding. If you don’t follow and support Yaroslava, you really should. You will learn so much about Ukraine’s history and culture. I have.
What is Sunday Letter from Ukraine?
I tell key news briefly
and this week, about Halloween here.
Ukraine has never had a tradition of celebrating it,
but we have something interesting instead.
Free to read:
www.patreon.com/posts/142080...
I tell key news briefly
and this week, about Halloween here.
Ukraine has never had a tradition of celebrating it,
but we have something interesting instead.
Free to read:
www.patreon.com/posts/142080...
October 27, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Yaroslava has just posted yesterday’s letter and it is a wonderful read, especially before Halloween. Her research and scholarship are outstanding. If you don’t follow and support Yaroslava, you really should. You will learn so much about Ukraine’s history and culture. I have.
Yaroslava posts wonderful brief videos and letters about Ukraine. Through her research and scholarship she lets us know Ukraine’s history and culture. Please follow and support her. You will learn so much and your life will be enriched. I know mine has.
Kyiv.
Dnipro River.
Fishermen.
I stood there
and lived that peaceful moment.
Dnipro River.
Fishermen.
I stood there
and lived that peaceful moment.
October 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Yaroslava posts wonderful brief videos and letters about Ukraine. Through her research and scholarship she lets us know Ukraine’s history and culture. Please follow and support her. You will learn so much and your life will be enriched. I know mine has.
Last night in Kyiv. This is what the russian terrorists have done. Please follow and support Yaroslava so she can continue to tell us through her research and scholarship, about the immense beauty of Kyiv. Her words through her posts, letters, and videos, truly have meaning.
Greetings from Kyiv.
At night, russian drones attacked the capital,
hitting residential buildings.
As of now,
three people have been killed and 29 injured.
I had a warcoffee.
A power outage is coming soon.
At night, russian drones attacked the capital,
hitting residential buildings.
As of now,
three people have been killed and 29 injured.
I had a warcoffee.
A power outage is coming soon.
October 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Last night in Kyiv. This is what the russian terrorists have done. Please follow and support Yaroslava so she can continue to tell us through her research and scholarship, about the immense beauty of Kyiv. Her words through her posts, letters, and videos, truly have meaning.
Wise words from Yaroslava! Please follow and support her if you can.
On Saturdays, I sometimes visit a history club,
where they hold good lessons on history.
I was there today.
The night attack didn’t stop it from happening.
Knowledge is power.
Please study history, read books, discover your land’s culture.
where they hold good lessons on history.
I was there today.
The night attack didn’t stop it from happening.
Knowledge is power.
Please study history, read books, discover your land’s culture.
October 25, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Wise words from Yaroslava! Please follow and support her if you can.
Yaroslava’s Sunday letter just came out a couple of hours ago. Excellent summary of this week’s Ukraine news, beautiful illustrations, and information on an extraordinary Ukrainian who described China’s flora. Excellent writing, research & scholarship. Please follow & support her.
New Sunday Letter is out –
key news from Ukraine
and the story of a Ukrainian from Lviv,
the first European to describe China’s flora
in the 17th century.
Free to read:
www.patreon.com/posts/141556...
key news from Ukraine
and the story of a Ukrainian from Lviv,
the first European to describe China’s flora
in the 17th century.
Free to read:
www.patreon.com/posts/141556...
October 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Yaroslava’s Sunday letter just came out a couple of hours ago. Excellent summary of this week’s Ukraine news, beautiful illustrations, and information on an extraordinary Ukrainian who described China’s flora. Excellent writing, research & scholarship. Please follow & support her.
Yaroslava’s letter today was so well done. The video was beautiful. Notice how the paintings are hung. The Liszt love story! Please, read, watch, and enjoy. Please support Yaroslava if you are able.
This week’s Sunday Letter:
Key updates from Ukraine,
and the forgotten Ukrainian chapter of Franz Liszt’s life –
a love story between the composer and a woman from Podillia.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
Key updates from Ukraine,
and the forgotten Ukrainian chapter of Franz Liszt’s life –
a love story between the composer and a woman from Podillia.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
October 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Yaroslava’s letter today was so well done. The video was beautiful. Notice how the paintings are hung. The Liszt love story! Please, read, watch, and enjoy. Please support Yaroslava if you are able.
Yaroslava just posted her newest letter on Ukraine. It is so well done. Her writing is beautiful and her research and scholarship are outstanding. I urge you to read it and watch her video that is included. She shows us all so much about wonderful Ukraine.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supports my mission
to show Ukraine to the world.
This week’s gratitude for you –
my travel diary from the palaces of Vinnytsia region,
little-known, non-touristic places
in the heart of Ukraine:
www.patreon.com/posts/travel...
to show Ukraine to the world.
This week’s gratitude for you –
my travel diary from the palaces of Vinnytsia region,
little-known, non-touristic places
in the heart of Ukraine:
www.patreon.com/posts/travel...
October 8, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Yaroslava just posted her newest letter on Ukraine. It is so well done. Her writing is beautiful and her research and scholarship are outstanding. I urge you to read it and watch her video that is included. She shows us all so much about wonderful Ukraine.
Yaroslava just posted something beautiful I thought you all should read.
Sometimes I think
that maybe my posts and letters about Ukraine
could make you not only fall in love
with this wounded land,
but also look closer at
the country you live in,
the treasures you have,
the beauty your eyes can reach.
Oh, silly thoughts.
But good to have them anyway.
that maybe my posts and letters about Ukraine
could make you not only fall in love
with this wounded land,
but also look closer at
the country you live in,
the treasures you have,
the beauty your eyes can reach.
Oh, silly thoughts.
But good to have them anyway.
October 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Yaroslava just posted something beautiful I thought you all should read.
This is a letter from Yaroslava that she posted today. It is simply wonderful. Yaroslava posts about Ukrainian history and culture. Her writing and scholarship are excellent. Please follow and support her.
It seems Bluesky doesn’t let me post again.
Maybe someday you’ll read this.
I wrote a letter about a fantastic Ukrainian woman,
who worked with Salvador Dalí,
invented the Powder Puff Tutu…
Here (when you see this):
www.patreon.com/posts/from-k...
Maybe someday you’ll read this.
I wrote a letter about a fantastic Ukrainian woman,
who worked with Salvador Dalí,
invented the Powder Puff Tutu…
Here (when you see this):
www.patreon.com/posts/from-k...
October 3, 2025 at 12:08 AM
This is a letter from Yaroslava that she posted today. It is simply wonderful. Yaroslava posts about Ukrainian history and culture. Her writing and scholarship are excellent. Please follow and support her.
When you’re scrolling through posts this day, don’t let this one from Yaroslava this morning pass by without an acknowledgement.
I want to post this here too –
as a reminder that
Crimea is still under russian occupation.
Rustem Skybin, The Way Home:
plates with Crimean Tatar floral ornaments form a path,
blocked by a net –
a metaphor for the home from which people were expelled.
as a reminder that
Crimea is still under russian occupation.
Rustem Skybin, The Way Home:
plates with Crimean Tatar floral ornaments form a path,
blocked by a net –
a metaphor for the home from which people were expelled.
September 29, 2025 at 5:43 PM
When you’re scrolling through posts this day, don’t let this one from Yaroslava this morning pass by without an acknowledgement.
A wonderful letter from Yaroslava today. Her research and scholarship are evident throughout. Please consider supporting her. I have for several months and I’ve learned so much about Ukrainian history and culture.
I scream (in vain?).
Look, here is Ukraine.
I brought you the key news
if your media doesn’t care anymore.
I brought you a story
of what russians did after occupying Crimea.
Just read.
I brought you the truth
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
Look, here is Ukraine.
I brought you the key news
if your media doesn’t care anymore.
I brought you a story
of what russians did after occupying Crimea.
Just read.
I brought you the truth
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
September 28, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A wonderful letter from Yaroslava today. Her research and scholarship are evident throughout. Please consider supporting her. I have for several months and I’ve learned so much about Ukrainian history and culture.
Last night in Ukraine! Please read and think about this.
I want the world to read
these numbers about the night attack
Ukrainian Air Force downed or jammed 611 russian drones and missiles out of 643:
• 566 drones out of 593
• 2 jet-propelled drones
• 35 Kh-101 missiles out of 38
• 8 Kalibr missiles
• 0 Kinzhal missiles out of 2
The main target was Kyiv
these numbers about the night attack
Ukrainian Air Force downed or jammed 611 russian drones and missiles out of 643:
• 566 drones out of 593
• 2 jet-propelled drones
• 35 Kh-101 missiles out of 38
• 8 Kalibr missiles
• 0 Kinzhal missiles out of 2
The main target was Kyiv
September 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Last night in Ukraine! Please read and think about this.
This a beautiful and powerful essay by Yaroslava that she wrote this week. It is well worth reading. Please do!
This week
I wrote an essay
to my supporters
about the power of seeing beauty
during the war and in simple things.
If you missed it,
or if you are not my supporter yet
but feel ready to join,
it’s here: www.patreon.com/posts/139542...
I wrote an essay
to my supporters
about the power of seeing beauty
during the war and in simple things.
If you missed it,
or if you are not my supporter yet
but feel ready to join,
it’s here: www.patreon.com/posts/139542...
September 26, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This a beautiful and powerful essay by Yaroslava that she wrote this week. It is well worth reading. Please do!
Just take a look at this wonderful art exhibit that Yaroslava went to this afternoon in Kyiv! So beautiful!
Just take a look!
At the exhibition Ukraine WOW
the paintings of Kateryna Bilokur have blossomed.
Kateryna Bilokur (1900–1961) –
a Ukrainian self-taught artist,
celebrated for her detailed paintings of flowers.
At the exhibition Ukraine WOW
the paintings of Kateryna Bilokur have blossomed.
Kateryna Bilokur (1900–1961) –
a Ukrainian self-taught artist,
celebrated for her detailed paintings of flowers.
September 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Just take a look at this wonderful art exhibit that Yaroslava went to this afternoon in Kyiv! So beautiful!
If you don’t follow and support Yaroslava, you really should. Using her vast research abilities and wonderful writing, she informs us about Ukrainian history and culture.
One more Kyiv bookstore for you.
I showed it a while ago –
today I visited it again.
A nation that reads can think.
Please, read books.
I showed it a while ago –
today I visited it again.
A nation that reads can think.
Please, read books.
September 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
If you don’t follow and support Yaroslava, you really should. Using her vast research abilities and wonderful writing, she informs us about Ukrainian history and culture.
This is an important share. You might remember Florence from a few weeks ago delivering, with her organization, much needed trucks to Ukraine. She also visited her good friend Yaroslava. Please support her if you’re able.
🔥 It’s Day 1,305 of Ukraine’s fight for survival. With blood, sweat, and too many damn tears.
Support the ones who defend freedom and democracy. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬!
Special Forces unit 'Spartan' needs a truck. Let’s fix that.
🙏 www.help99.co/patches/belg... 🎯
Support the ones who defend freedom and democracy. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬!
Special Forces unit 'Spartan' needs a truck. Let’s fix that.
🙏 www.help99.co/patches/belg... 🎯
September 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
This is an important share. You might remember Florence from a few weeks ago delivering, with her organization, much needed trucks to Ukraine. She also visited her good friend Yaroslava. Please support her if you’re able.
If you are not following and supporting Yaroslava, you should be. With her beautiful writing informed by her research and scholarship, she teaches us about Ukrainian history and culture. I have followed and supported her for months and have learned so much.
The world saves those
whose culture it knows,
said Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
I want to introduce you to
Ivan Marchuk – a genius artist.
Maybe someday, the world will decide we are worth saving.
Please read:
www.patreon.com/posts/ivan-m...
whose culture it knows,
said Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
I want to introduce you to
Ivan Marchuk – a genius artist.
Maybe someday, the world will decide we are worth saving.
Please read:
www.patreon.com/posts/ivan-m...
September 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
If you are not following and supporting Yaroslava, you should be. With her beautiful writing informed by her research and scholarship, she teaches us about Ukrainian history and culture. I have followed and supported her for months and have learned so much.
Yaroslava usually ends the day posting about the beauty of Ukraine and saying Ukraine is more than war. It is. Please follow and support her. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture.
I just love this drawing.
Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Chervatiuk,
Morning, 1977
paper, pastel
Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Chervatiuk,
Morning, 1977
paper, pastel
September 16, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Yaroslava usually ends the day posting about the beauty of Ukraine and saying Ukraine is more than war. It is. Please follow and support her. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture.
University of Toronto Professor Timothy Snyder is a wonderful writer and supporter of Ukraine. If you haven’t read “On Tyranny”, “On Freedom”, and many other books, you should.
💙💛 @timothysnyder.bsky.social has been awarded the Vasyl Stus Prize — for outstanding contribution to Ukrainian culture and civil resilience.
Presenting the award, Volodymyr Yermolenko, President of PEN Ukraine, said that Snyder is one of the world's most powerful voices in support of Ukraine.
Presenting the award, Volodymyr Yermolenko, President of PEN Ukraine, said that Snyder is one of the world's most powerful voices in support of Ukraine.
September 15, 2025 at 9:48 AM
University of Toronto Professor Timothy Snyder is a wonderful writer and supporter of Ukraine. If you haven’t read “On Tyranny”, “On Freedom”, and many other books, you should.
I’m very sad about what’s happening to our country. A friend I follow suggested to think of something positive. I do now. I think of Yaroslava and the beauty of Ukraine she shows us every day. Please follow and support her. You will be glad you did.
This is Spivoche Pole (Singing Field) in Kyiv.
Actually, it’s a park.
I visited it today.
They hold flower exhibitions several times a year.
I’ll show you the current one later.
Actually, it’s a park.
I visited it today.
They hold flower exhibitions several times a year.
I’ll show you the current one later.
September 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I’m very sad about what’s happening to our country. A friend I follow suggested to think of something positive. I do now. I think of Yaroslava and the beauty of Ukraine she shows us every day. Please follow and support her. You will be glad you did.
If you’re not following and supporting Yaroslava, you really should be. You will learn so much about Ukrainian history and culture. This is her letter today. Please read and support her!
The world saves those
whose culture it knows,
said Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
I want to introduce you to
Ivan Marchuk – a genius artist.
Maybe someday, the world will decide we are worth saving.
Please read:
www.patreon.com/posts/ivan-m...
whose culture it knows,
said Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
I want to introduce you to
Ivan Marchuk – a genius artist.
Maybe someday, the world will decide we are worth saving.
Please read:
www.patreon.com/posts/ivan-m...
September 13, 2025 at 7:53 PM
If you’re not following and supporting Yaroslava, you really should be. You will learn so much about Ukrainian history and culture. This is her letter today. Please read and support her!
I was talking with a friend recently about Yaroslava, her wonderful letters and posts. He asked me what she did for a living. I explained a little about Patreon. And then said she lives life through teaching us about Ukrainian history and culture. That’s more than enough.
I saw it today
and decided to share with you.
There is a piano at the Kyiv railway station.
Anyone can play.
This girl did it.
and decided to share with you.
There is a piano at the Kyiv railway station.
Anyone can play.
This girl did it.
September 12, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I was talking with a friend recently about Yaroslava, her wonderful letters and posts. He asked me what she did for a living. I explained a little about Patreon. And then said she lives life through teaching us about Ukrainian history and culture. That’s more than enough.