WriterByNature.com

November 8, 2009 8:12 am

Finding the right light-weight gear to make long-distance backpacking more comfortable has been more of a challenge than I anticipated.

From the moment I learned about tarps and hammocks, I was hooked. My latest challenge has been finding the right backpack.

My gear quest involves spending both woods time and computer time. It’s great to see what’s being marketed online. Some sites even include instructional videos. But unless a merchant has a decent return policy, tread carefully. You have to test the gear in the field. (more…)

March 27, 2009 6:44 am

The robin’s whinny woke me up this morning and it occurred to me that I’ve been twittering and tweeting – or at least present while others twitter and tweet – for years.

I’m headed outdoors to spend the day with the robins, blue jays, cardinals and the rest of the original twitterers.

August 25, 2008 6:29 pm

Thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s nestcam project, I’ve been able to watch time-lapse images of this cardinal on her clutch of three eggs.

The camera is within 20 miles of where I live. I’m surprised to see the cardinals laying eggs so late in the season. According to the accompanying discussion, the baby cardinals will fledge by October.

Sometimes I love the Internet. There’s no way I could get this close to a nest without disturbing the cardinal.

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November 28, 2007 6:02 am

As the opportunities to access the Internet grow, so do the options for communicating for business and pleasure.

I prefer to spend my time in the woods, so that makes me one of the few people I know who limit computer time. My goal is to find the most productive online communities. Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed. I signed up for a lot of these groups. I’m still in the lurking stage. (more…)

November 16, 2007 5:57 pm

Besides the very clever play on words of her name, writer Janet Riehl’s site, Riehl Life, is filled with art and music rich in cultural heritage. I’m crazy about her 92-year-old dad, who is still making music.

Janet and I participated in a recent blog chain. I had no clue how to make the best use of a blog chain or guest blogging, so I turned to my marketing maven, Angela Parker of Wicked WordCraft, who answered my questions.

Janet has posted my article Exploring Inwood Hill Park – An Old Growth Forest in New York City. So, please visit Riehl Life for a rich helping of Janet’s Village Wisdom for the 21st Century.

November 12, 2007 8:54 pm

I’ve just discovered the world of guest blogging. That’s where you post an article on someone else’s site. Why would you do that?

One good reason is to provide readers with broader access to interesting and relevant content. Another is to build both business and social relationships.

I am truly honored that fellow writer and remote professional, Katie Baird at Loose Ends, invited me to guest blog on her site.

It’s always exciting to find people who share my sensibilities. Loose Ends posted my article on my locavore harvest; I did not need to define locavore.

Continuing education is a vital part of business survival. Sharing what I’ve learned enriches everyone. Loose Ends has excellent food for thought. Enjoy your visit.

August 28, 2007 5:23 pm

When I started this business almost two years ago, my goal was to be able to be out in the woods while writing and working. My budget does not include finances for a hard-wired computer, like those used by our military.

My woods time is spent writing with pen or pencil and paper and transcribing my written work to the computer. I do work at my computer, but need to swim the butterfly strokes in order to be able to move my arms and shoulders freely.

So, when I heard about Nicholas Negroponte and his One Laptop Per Child program, I was inspired by his dream to ensure every child in remote third world countries has access to a computer. (more…)

June 12, 2007 10:20 am

The eMail never stops.

I hate the feeling of unfinished business. It reminds me of how in third grade Mrs. Cavanaugh would give us sheets of arithmetic problems to add, subtract, multiply and divide from the time we entered her room until the school day officially started.

Eventually we caught on that these papers were never graded. It was busy work. Even the obedient kids stopped doing them and joined the others in running around the room.

eMail feels like that.

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February 4, 2007 5:49 am

It’s bitter cold and a list of wild animals frequent the feeders.

They include a pair of cardinals, six blue jays, several white-throated sparrows, juncos, chickadees, titmouse and seven squirrels. I’ve probably missed a few species. Apparently the birds of prey – a juvenile hawk and an owl – are no where near this small yard at the moment. I’ve seen both hawk and owl right outside my window.

I’m at my computer waiting for the day to warm up, before setting out on a hike. I’m struggling, as I do every few months, trying to find a way to fit my outdoor life and my writing life together.I’m sure that I want to bear witness to the vanishing open space. I know that global warming, corporate greed, and a misguided spirituality dominate the culture around me. I just cannot buy into it. I don’t want more, bigger, newer, improved – I want peace, fresh air, clear creeks and healthy forests. (more…)

December 25, 2006 5:27 am

The Internet is like having a giant library at my disposal. Bad weather days are not quite the same when I can ask:

I wonder if . . . and get answers to questions or browse sites that motivate me to write.

Here are a few sites that feed my eyes, brains and fingers: (more…)