What's on your wish list? How about a little self-care all wrapped up in nature

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What's on your wish list? How about a little self-care all wrapped up in nature

Earlier this fall as I wandered through the gorgeous Washington Park arboretum in Seattle, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. It was an early Saturday morning, the skies were dry, the park still quiet, and I was with my daughter, her husband and their sweet dog. This year the fall foliage was absolutely stunning. Every turn revealed another burst of color. Brilliant leaves of Japanese maples, sumacs, and sourwood lit the wooded and wide open spaces. Not only was I grateful for all of the fall beauty and my companions, my outlook was expanded—excited about things to come, even though I didn’t have a clue as to what that might be.

There is a science behind the way I felt,

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Winter wonder—martens, monkeys, and ladybugs

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Winter wonder—martens, monkeys, and ladybugs

It’s winter here in the northern hemisphere. Landscapes are starkly beautiful. Plants are dormant. Some animals are hibernating. And we humans are cocooning indoors for more reasons than the cold weather.

Amazingly, there is still a world of activity outside in the animal kingdom, which includes insects.

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Explore an urban wetland this fall or winter

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Explore an urban wetland this fall or winter

As I was considering the topic of my blog post for this week, I couldn’t help but think it’s such a small thing compared to all of the BIGNESS that is happening in our world these days—Covid, elections, social justice, and violence to name a few. But then I thought, maybe small is what we each need right now. Because no matter how out of control and unnerving the world seems today

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Berries for birds

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Berries for birds

With the fall season here, many people might think it’s time to clean up the garden and put away the tools. But according to nursery professionals you can save the clean-up until mid to late November. Now is an excellent time to plant. The soil is still warm giving plants plenty of time to establish roots before winter.

So here is a suggestion…

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Seven ways to keep walking in cold weather months

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Seven ways to keep walking in cold weather months

English author Alfred Wainwright, said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” In his book “Coast-to-Coast Walk,” he writes of a 192-mile long-distance footpath across England that is still popular today.

I’m not talking about a trek like that here,

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Got Cabin Fever? Check out this rustic lodge on the Washington Coast in Olympic National Park

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Got Cabin Fever? Check out this rustic lodge on the Washington Coast in Olympic National Park

It was a rainy, windy afternoon when I stepped into our cabin. I was greeted by a queen bed with comforter and pillows, a comfy looking couch, a wood stove just waiting to be lit, and big windows with expansive views of the ocean. I sighed. It was the perfect refuge for us after a wet drive up the Washington coast from Grays harbor.

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Nature your spirit for the holiday season

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Nature your spirit for the holiday season

The razzle-dazzle of a lit up city with throngs of people during the holiday season always makes me feel all...well...sparkly. 

But put me in the woods or along a beach during the midst of the merriness and I'm instantly in a state of appreciation. And beauty. And joy. And serenity.

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Seven things to do outside this winter

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Seven things to do outside this winter

If you are like me, you probably like to stay active throughout the winter months. A 30-minute brisk walk usually works, but if you want a little more fun and variety this winter, try some of these options.


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