WriterByNature.com

June 17, 2010 3:16 am

I’m really proud to be included with people I respect and even more delighted to have these last words in Wayne Hall’s Times Herald Record column:

“The fact that the animals make it this far is a testament because the odds are very daunting,” says Highland Mills wildlife expert JJ Murphy of www.writerbynature.com. Still, she adds, spring is “a lovely time of birth and renewal.”

It feels good to be affirmed.

Living in the 21st Century, it’s easy to forget that, when dealing with the essential issue of survival, so much depends on luck and skill.

The days are still getting longer and at least I do not need a car to embrace woods time. That’s a good thing, since the $2000 I spent to fix up my now dead car is more than what the insurance company thinks the car is worth.  As for the injuries I sustained, at least I have access to health care. In a survival situation, I’d be in very big trouble.

I am truly blessed as baby animals, having no idea what kind of critter I am, get closer than they should. Sometimes I get a great photo. Sometimes I just focus on the moment.  I am deeply grateful to live in an area yet undevastated by human greed and incompetence.

I have a place to pray and meditate. I hope my prayers are heard.

March 13, 2009 9:00 am

I began to see a pattern to my reading and have now organized my eclectic list into the following categories:

• Nonfiction Nature
• Wild Food Cookbooks
• Sustainability Issues
• Writing Technique
• General Nonfiction
• Fiction
• Horses

I will continue add titles as I discover new favorites and rediscover childhood favorites.

Every title on this list is a book I love it every time I read it. That makes it worth sharing.

Happy Reading.

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December 31, 2008 6:26 am

It’s hard to believe that last New Year’s Eve I was sleeping in a quinzee. There was snow last year at this time.

Despite the temptation to fret about climate change, as I reflect on the past year, I am pleased at the steps I have taken to live an even more ecologically sustainable life. I’m really delighted that I’m not the only individual making small but powerful lifestyle changes. Yes, one person can make a difference. Yes we can live more eco-friendly lives.

Even if gasoline prices plummet to the 29-cents of my college days, I know I’ll drive fewer miles than I did even a year ago. Many of us have modified our driving habits. Individually and collectively we are helping preserve the planet – and sending a message.

Here are a few more lifestyle tips that don’t require major inconvenience for the payoff of a lighter carbon footprint. (more…)

November 21, 2008 8:01 am

This is one of a series of articles designed to equip any naturalist with words that enhance learning and make field observation easier. Whether you’re a forager or a gardener, it’s useful to have a common vocabulary when talking about how plants grow. Here is a list of the more commonly used words for:

Flower Parts (more…)

November 5, 2008 1:53 pm

The voting machine at my polling place was not working, so I voted by paper ballot before heading off to work my Tuesday CSA shift.

Yesterday was an amazing day. My fellow Americans embraced faith over fear to elect President Barack Obama, who clearly possesses superior leadership skills. The last eight years have been rough; now we have a chance at repairing much of the damage.

After the mayhem at the polls, I really needed to spend time in the garden. This garden has been nourishing my body and my spirit since the first day of April. When the snow finally falls, I’ll miss my work shift.

I had no idea cultivated parsnips take nine months to mature. Kale, collards, radishes, rutabagas and romaine are also thriving – and they all taste better at this time of year. As I helped Sister Carol mulch the young blueberries, I felt a part of something life-affirming.

Harmony Farms is nothing short of magical. My faith deepens with each visit, no matter what obstacle or challenge gardeners face.

Our determined group of CSA volunteers were lucky to get a boost from real farmers, who work like a Nascar pit crew – Raimundo is the Barry Keegan of the garden world.

It’s an ending time and a beginning time in nature and in politics. I am grateful for the promise of hope.

October 16, 2008 6:43 am

Once the acorns fall, it’s easy to gather large quantities. But it’s worth the time to select only the good acorns. Thanks to Sam Thayer, here are a few things to look for when gathering acorns for your pantry.

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September 29, 2008 6:58 am

Each of the five tiny petals on the umbel of a wild carrot flower is larger (or smaller) than the one next to it. I never noticed, until Sam Thayer pointed out that remarkable detail.

If you look closely at the tiny white flower petals on the top right, you can see for yourself.

Even if I were the best forager in the world, I’d continue to attend classes taught by well-respected foragers. Luckily, Sam found his way to Hawk Circle, where he expanded my writerbynature abilities in more ways than one.

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September 22, 2008 6:44 am

This year, I’m following my own advice, celebrating equinox by taking a class at Hawk Circle.

I’m always looking for ways to improve the way I walk my naturalist writer talk. In order to improve my skills, I have to fine-tune my thinking. (more…)

March 9, 2007 3:21 am

You know blogging is an effective way to build customer loyalty and increase sales, but you have no time and you’d rather endure root canal than write.

You know that just one blog post per week would reach more of your ideal clients than any advertising you could purchase, but the task seems daunting.

Give yourself a break. Partner with a Blogger. (more…)

February 9, 2007 4:19 am

This was originally written as a magazine submission. It was not published, but I believe this information is important. This is not something you can practice. I visualize this situation in order to imprint it. I hope I never fall through ice, but if I did, I’d be more likely to survive. (more…)