Category Archives: Nature
Flourish like Fireweed
This summer I noticed a pretty flower along the shore of Lake Superior near Munising. Soon I started noticing it in other places: in fields and roadside ditches here and there. I learned it was called Fireweed which surprised me—it’s … Continue reading
Sweet Pea Serenity
During a recent visit to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I experienced the awesome sights, smells and sounds of nature every day: The colorful sandstone cliffs and Caribbean-blue waters at Pictured Rocks, the Lake Superior shoreline at Grand Marais making its way … Continue reading
Beauty in My Own Backyard
When confusion or pain seems to tighten what is possible, when sadness or frustration shrinks your sense of well-being, when worry or fear agitates the peace right out of you, try lending your attention to the nearest thing . . … Continue reading
In the Beginning: The Nature Journal
Inspired by nature itself as well as the book, Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie—who, by the way, makes sketching nature look deceivingly easy—I started a nature journal of my own the summer of 2007 during our family’s … Continue reading
How to Treat a Tree
Trees do so much for us: Provide shade and fruit, purify the air, produce phytoncides, reduce erosion, offer branches for climbing and swinging . . . and much more. In return, it’s important to treat trees right. One particular practice–using … Continue reading
Fish Tale
Looking out at the snow today, I’m experiencing a bit of cabin fever—feeling cooped up in the house and also pining for the little lakeside cabin my husband and I rented the past several summers. Just looking at the photos … Continue reading
Come On, Come Out
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 Come On, Come Out While spending nearly every day outdoors during a two-week vacation, kayaking, hiking and fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I was struck by the stark contrast of living in nature compared … Continue reading
The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Excursions
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Excursions My husband and I hiked the Little Carp River Trail in the Porcupine Mountains on three separate occasions, trekking 11-14 miles during the course of the day. Each … Continue reading
Be Prepared To Be Surprised
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010 Be Prepared To Be Surprised “Am I no longer young, and still not half perfect? Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work, which is mostly standing still and learning … Continue reading
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2010 Take a Walk on the Wild Side I’ve been thinking a lot lately about rivers, lakes and woods. They’re not just idle daydreams: My musings are meaningful. In the woods and by the water … Continue reading