Quick Takes
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From ocean beaches to mountain meadows to scenic drives, these stops will not disappoint. Add to your travel itinerary or make it your destination.
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Start your own one-sentence nature journal at home
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Simple nature experiences can give you long moments of joy. And writing them down in a small nature journal can make them even more memorable. Just write one sentence about something you notice. It might not seem like much, but it’s powerful and builds over time.
Read MoreIn pursuit of the illusive owl
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I was going through my old files when I found this article about owl trekking with my partner who happens to be an extraordinary nature photographer. (No bias here.) I originally wrote it for Bird Watcher’s Digest, but the story was killed at the last moment. (Not uncommon in the freelance world.) I wrote it years ago, but it’s a timeless piece. Hoping you might enjoy some light reading this week about our owl adventures—my absolute favorite birds. I’ve included links to images of all the owls I mention in the Givenphoto.com Owl gallery. You’ll find a lot of other cool owl images in the gallery, as well. They are outstanding! Happy reading.
Read MoreSeven things to do at home with kids
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It’s spring and the natural world is awakening. It’s the perfect season for kids to explore outside. Even though we are sheltering at home, they need not go far to connect with nature. Their own backyard or around the block are wonderful places to explore. With their innate spontaneity and curiosity, they always seem to discover new things at every turn. I think this kind of fun exploration makes for happy and resilient kids. And what they learn on their own is invaluable. Here are seven nature-themed activities to help inspire kids this spring season to connect with nature in some small ways. You can easily adapt these for all ages. Also, I’ve included a couple for rainy May days and good use of screen time! If you’ve got some ideas of your own, please share in the comments.
Read MoreHAPPY EARTH DAY SLIDESHOW
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I hope you can celebrate our earth in some small way. And to get you inspired, please enjoy the Earth Day Slideshow at the end of this post featuring gorgeous images from Given Photography. It’s about two minutes and just a peek at our travels and all of the beauty we have experienced throughout the years.
Read MoreA calming backyard meditation
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I still remember the first time I meditated more than 10 years ago. It was Christmas time and I had picked up a how-to book at a used bookstore. I sat on the floor next to our Christmas tree, closed my eyes, focused on the in and out of my breath and immediately fell asleep. Not exactly what I was expecting.
Read MorePICTURE IT WELL: feather your nest
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The spring season is is all about creation, transformation, and expression of the new. Seeds sprouting, birds building nests, and budding vegetation everywhere. It’s a resurrection of sorts. The current global situation plays right into it. Something new is afoot. And it’s coming from us.
Read MoreNeed to get centered? Try an easy grounding activity
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During foreboding times like these, look to the earth’s healing power to help ward off your fears. Grounding or sometimes called earthing is a powerful technique that will help you harmonize your energy. The effects of this ancient practice, which can be traced back thousands of years in Chinese medicine, might seem mysterious, but there is science behind this technique, which connects your energy with the earth’s magnetic field.
Read MoreExplore a local park this spring
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I was hiking through Discovery park in Seattle last week with my daughter Tiffany and we were soooo delighted by the first signs of spring. Especially on the heels of our very long, wet January.
Read MoreWILDLIFE WATCH: Red Fox
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Our tent was staked out on Round Island just off the coast of Alaska in the Bering Sea. We had a special four-day permit that gave us access to this remote place with all of its amazing wildlife. I just left the cleanest and most charming outhouse (not kidding) and was headed down the trail to our tent when an animal jumped toward me from the tall grasses.
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