Been very introspective lately, but I haven’t felt like writing on the blog. I’m working on centering myself, and immersing myself in Nature. I’ve been wrestling with a number of things lately, but I know that no matter how difficult my life gets, or how thick the tangle of troubled thoughts, getting out in Nature relieves my anxiety and helps to clear my head.
My two younger daughters had a playdate on Saturday, so my husband and I took our oldest to our local arboretum for a hike. It turned out that just as we arrived, we ran into my daughters BFF and her family.
It was really fun to share the woods with friends.
Hung out for a while at Heron Pond
Looking for frogs
Oh, look, there’s one!
I went to see what my husband was up to while the kids were looking for frogs and I was taking pictures. I found him playing on his iPod. So much for taking a break from the electronic distractions.
Majestic Monarch.
The children’s garden
Crazy gourds just hanging around.
I have wanted sunflower closeup pictures for a LONG time…and finally got some. I’m so delighted they turned out so well.
I love this one very much.
Wandering about in the wildflowers
While the kids were frolicking in the field above, I noticed this monarch nearby.
On the way home, I snapped this photo of this local farm. I love old red barns.
And later last night, I was resting in bed…thinking over the day.
I wrote this to a friend of mine
I’m basking in the afterglow I get when I consort with nature.
I’m happy.
I’m breathing deep.
I’m pleasantly tired.
I want to make some big changes in my life.
I want…and need…to move closer to nature.
The Sprightly Writer 
Oh Casey!!! These photos are stunningly beautiful. I’m so glad you shared them with us. What would we do without a good romp in the woods? I too look forward to spending more time outdoors, camping or hiking.
Thank you!!! 🙂
Aw, thank you, so much. I love Nature and wish I could just step outside my door and into the woods. As it is, I live in suburbia and have to drive a little ways to find the big woods.
🙂
great pics and happy you all were able to spend the day this way – i agree, it sometimes takes you getting back to simpler, natural things and places to replenish. take all the time you need –
The grand plan is to eventually move out to the country. Hopefully sooner than later. Thanks for enjoying the pictures. =)
The pictures are beautiful. I’m happy that you are taking some time to get back to nature. Your Grandma Frances (my mama) favorite flower was the sunflower. Thank you for sending me your love on my 17th sober birthday. That made the day even more special. I love you so much, my very special, beautiful daughter. Your dad is doing great! He Loves You to the moon & back, and more than that. I will call soon
Oh, I didn’t know that about your mom/Grandma Frances. How wonderful.
[And incidentally, when I was growing up, I hated my name. I always wanted to change it to Frances, but, I don’t know why. I thought it was a better name than mine.]
And apparently, my grandma Jean loved butterflies, and her 3rd anniversary of her passing was the same day I went out to this arboretum.
So happy about your sober birthday…and you’re welcome.
I love you and dad so much!
Immersing in the nature can be a greatly enriching experience. Take care.
Hug,
Niranjan
Thanks…it is.
You too, take care.
=)
Welcome back! I too took a break, so I relate, totally! And LOL at hubby. Classic. Like Debra, I agree: those pics are gorgeous, as that’s what You, Nature, are. Peace on Earth, Ik
Thanks, Ik.
I’ve decided to quiet my online presence a bit. I have a lot of downsizing I want to do in the next few years. I do want to make a move to a more rural setting to be closer to Myself.
Ditto everything said. Living in the very centre of nature is what we would all like to do, except the distractions of ‘earning a living’ prevent the vast majority of us doing so. We may yet learn to be as One with the trees, the bees, all of creation, and release ourselves from our cold iron shackles.
Love,joy,peace.
Actually, I don’t think “earning a living” prevents this from happening. I think there are standards of living people just don’t want to give up.
At any rate, I didn’t mean I was going to go pcack up and live in a cabin in the woods with an outhouse out back and go wash my clothes in the nearest stream. There are plenty of nice homes set further out in the ‘country’ near where I live. The only hardship they might endure is having to drive 45 minutes to the nearest big box store.