I find the refreshing gifts of nature so helpful. Going to the porch and sitting out there in the sunshine, looking into the trees – especially the arborvitae now and in any season, and gazing at blooming trees and seeing their contrasts. Listening to the birds, appreciating the ever-changing sky, taking time to daydream, stretch, […]
Note from Linda: This essay is written by Rachel White, a board member of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (FOMR) – Malheur is in eastern Oregon. Paul and Carol from Pennsylvania sent it to me writing that they had visited Malheur, enjoyed the refuge, signed up for their newsletter, and look forward to reading […]
Note from Linda: What about keeping a journal? A diary? A notebook? Is this something you want to do? Explore your connections to nature? Record your feelings, your emotions? Susan from central Illinois is sharing her latest journal page with all of us and giving us something to think about. There are several things I […]
The following poem is from the book Ten Second Rainshowers: Poems by Young People. The poems were compiled by Sanford Lyne and the book is illustrated by Virginia Halstead. Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing – 1996. Carol from Pennsylvania sent this to me and also recommends this book to everyone. Sometimes children have […]
Stress hooks its claws into the brain creating false truths and unreal realities to confuse, to assault, to breaking point There’s no refuge in the past or future The only answer? Breathe. When thoughts spiral out of control like a jet plane on a fatal collision course there’s no respite and no saving grace. When […]
This 12-minute film was sent to me by Trish R. from California. I have placed it in Essays and Poems because it is both. A beautiful essay with poetic elegance about one man in nature. Observing birds. This is a quote: “Immersed in the songs of blue jays, yellow-throated warblers, and red-shouldered hawks on his […]
I wondered if she was even alive, The little bird perched inches from my face. I almost missed her as I walked past the towering, tangled rose bush That separates our yard from the farm next door. But my eyes caught her, nestled in the briars, A fresh young robin, short and plump. Speckles on […]
I flee my house so I can breathe in the night and listen to the leaves rattle. Walking thru the whispering streets I find myself atop a hill overlooking the lights of the city. I stand there, a solitary pillar, gazing out and letting my mind go numb. Intruding lights threaten me as I […]
Late in August a frequent customer came in to the Native Plant Center. I was all set to commiserate with her about what a rough summer it had been for gardeners and gardens alike – too hot and humid, no rain – when she exclaimed, “My garden was so alive this summer!” I was confused […]