“Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.” From The Holly and the Ivy , a song by Andrew Peterson If conifers represent the peace and beauty of the winter season, then holly heralds as the protector. It is the sanctioned species of plant in the time of lesseningContinue reading “Holly”
Category Archives: People and Nature
Pondering the Plants of the Winter Solstice
The pine stays green in winter…wisdom in hardship. Norman Douglas The time between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice is my favorite time of the year. The days decrease in their duration of darkness until we celebrate the return of the Sun and the stretching of solar seconds, lengthening our lot of light. MyContinue reading “Pondering the Plants of the Winter Solstice”
Awaken
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames” Rumi Most of my career has been spent in science and outdoor education. As an educational consultant, teacher, curriculum specialist, and program developer, I have had many incredible opportunities to design and execute a multitude of creative, science-based, experiential programs for a range ofContinue reading “Awaken”
Hidden Life
“Three things cannot long be hidden: the Sun, the Moon, and the Truth” Buddha Since November 2021, I have felt hidden away. My life has unfolded in moments of overwhelming joy, undulating uncertainty, quiet solitude, and a significant shift in the path to fulfilling my purpose. Life has been so busy and my seclusion hasContinue reading “Hidden Life”
Sanctuary
“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees” John Muir In Latin, the word “solstice” mean “sun stands still.” On this longest night of the year, I pause to ponder the solemnity of the darkness and honor the sacredness of nature’s cycles. For as long as I can remember, nature has beenContinue reading “Sanctuary”
The White Oak
Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be. Robert Browning In my work, I have an activity in which I ask my students, if you could be a plant, what plant would you be and why? My students are often hesitant to answer, so I begin – I would be a tree –Continue reading “The White Oak”
Nomenclature
“The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” Confucius Carolus Linnaeus, the “father of modern taxonomy,” was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, taxonomist, and physician who detailed the binomial system of nomenclature. Nomenclature is a set, or system, of names used by a particular individual or group. This modern, two-name system classifiesContinue reading “Nomenclature”
Nature’s Rx
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir Cornered by grief and perhaps fenced in by ego, it can be hard to extricate ourselves from the heaviness of our thoughts. I began my week with my heart steeped in sorrow. By leaning into my feelings and Mother Nature, IContinue reading “Nature’s Rx”
Companion Planting
“Be with those who help your being.” Rumi In our garden of life, many people come and go. Our interactions with others can be beneficial or detrimental to our well-being, growth, and development. I have always carried a very romanticized view of love and relationships. Only in the last few years have I becomeContinue reading “Companion Planting”
Weeds
“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” A.A.Milne In lawns and other manicured green spaces, weedy species of plants are undesirable and burdensome, often a mark of disgrace, bringing judgement upon the gardener. These misplaced plants are denounced for their pervasive, prolific, and pushy presence in every plot of land that humansContinue reading “Weeds”