Heartspoken’s View from the Bench series I began this series of posts in late June, 2014, with a goal of teaching myself how to be more observant by exploring a small piece of the world right outside my door at different times of the year. This post was first published in early June 2019, but I […]
Nature (Connect with the natural world)
Meet My Nature Neighbor: The Catalpa Tree
I’d like you to meet one of my favorite trees, the Northern Catalpa Tree. Its rich history and botanical legacy are unique and fascinating. This article was originally posted in 2014 and has been updated. I’m getting to know my backyard neighbors! As hard as I try, I can’t figure out any way to become […]
Pine woods give up their winter secrets
Go to the winter woods: listen there, look, watch, and ‘the dead months’ will give you a subtler secret than any you have yet found in the forest. ~ William Sharp (writing as Fiona Macleod), Where the Forest Murmurs The freezing temperature takes my breath away as I step outside for a winter walk up […]
Fourth of July Reflections on America
Adapted and updated: In 2011, my husband and I made an incredible drive up the coast of California between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with a side trip to Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco and Muir Woods. We enjoyed breathtaking vistas of rugged coastline and walked a trail gazing up at immense […]
Late March at Riverwood
Dr. John and I often take pictures when we’re out on our walks. Here are a few sights we captured this week. He has a serious camera. I just use my iPhone. Pin this:
Changing Seasons Can Be Messy
Changing seasons can be messy in nature and in life. Here’s what I observed and reflected on in September 2015. Little did I know that just five years later, that messiness would take on a whole new meaning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Morning walk, early September As I walk this morning in early September, I notice lots […]
Is Your Compass Pointing To True North?
Note from Elizabeth: My guest author today is Laura Fogle, a personal friend and faithful reader. After reading my April Compass Points newsletter (“Life and Death in the Pandemic”), she graciously shared this experience and its spiritual lessons. I was so moved by it and am grateful to her for allowing me to share it […]
The Shenandoah
Encouraged by our writing group leader, Sarah Kohrs, to try different writing genres, I entered this into a Mountain Courier poetry contest. It was selected to be included in their April 2020 issue for National Poetry Month. The contest theme was “Uniquely Shenandoah.” The Shenandoah Listen to River’s voice from murky depths and restless […]