Craving Vitamin D

What is it with the green lush forest that I crave? The pure scent of the wild.  The untouched part of the earth where no cars, no buildings and if we are lucky no pollution. I guess its the undiscovered that pulls me in.  The ability to go explore and not feel confined to my house or the hustle of the busy life we live by.

As a stay at home mom,  there are several times a week when the four walls I live in start caving in on me.  The gloomy days of winter get under my skin and make me crave vitamin D like I crave chocolate.

Dont get me wrong, I believe that winter is necessary for nature and for us.  A time to slow down and hibernate. To get that old crock pot going, start a fire and curl up on the couch and read a good book. But I can't tell you how much I miss seeing green and the smiling sun shining on me.  The walks to drop off the kids at school seem happier with less crying because they are cold and more time spent at the park playing before homework.   Right now, I'm writing a chapter in Wolf River that the setting is in the winter time with lots of snow and cold days.  So I shouldn't be complaining because right now those wolves  have it much harder than I do.

But the outdoors for me is my therapy, its my medication and my sanity.  All the doors and windows are open.  The sweet sound of the front screen door opening and closing brings me joy.  Not the monster heater that turns on, kills my plants and forces me to put extra socks on even when the thermostat reads 70.

I'm sending the above picture to my printer this week and having them print it at least 11 x 14.  It's going to be a reminder of the time soon to come.  But don't get all excited because you will laugh when I tell you that I'm putting it in my bathroom because its the only place in my house that doesnt have a window and I need a constant reminder of the outdoors.  A green bathroom yes!

I have a fun announcement next week, just need to work out the details, and I will post it here:) So be on the look out.

Listening to: Slow It Down by The Lumineers

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September On The Creek

"What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other travel. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature." -Pierre Elliott Trudeau

I've fallen in love with our canoe and its become a routine that I take her out on the weekends with some of my dearest friends.  It's been awesome and we've had memorable moments including flipping the canoe, losing my phone, and Kelly's keys. It was a moment I will never forget.

When we took her out last weekend the water was like glass and you could see the reflection of the sky when you looked down.  We made small talk at the beginning, we needed time to unwind from the madness of our lives and take in everything around us.  The air was crisp and we could feel the weather changing into fall.  We could smell fire burning from a distance and hear the subtle sounds of the creek.  It truly was magical.

We found our rhythm in our paddling and we became in sync.  Our arms and back were working muscles that have been dormant and only used to carry our little ones.  When we would start veering off the path we worked together to bring her back onto the right course.  It was team work.

Eventually we stopped in a nearby wooded area to chat and catch up on life, our dreams, plans for the future and of course the kids.  The sun started setting and reds, yellows, and oranges painted the sky.  It was a great way to reconnect, relax and be outside.  There will be a lot more canoeing in the near future

Inspired to canoe, here's what we have:

Canoe: Pelican 15.5
Life jackets: Speedo

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Wandering

The luscious green forest wraps her arms around us and welcomes us to her home. We wander down the dirt path with no destination in mind.  I extend my hands out so I can brush the plants with my fingers as I walk. Wanting to touch everything that she has.  

The smell of trees and the sight of small creatures let's us know that there is life in this magical place.   We are greeted by butterfly kisses and slimy worms.

I always remember to respect Mother Nature because, I've learned, she is almighty and powerful.  From her roaring rivers to her quiet forests.  And when I leave her home, I always thank her for letting us come wander.

Be free & wild

On A Summer Day

take a deep breath

close your eyes

hear the birds chirping

smell the salty air from the creek

listen to the boats drive by

embrace the tranquility 

swing on the hammock

feel the breeze on your face

hear the music of the wind chimes

stay present

and enjoy this summer day

Happy Fourth of July!

Joining in on #memoriesnature over at writing & stuff