WriterByNature.com

November 16, 2007 7:22 am

Years ago I lived at warp speed. I was in the middle of New York City, there were opportunities all around. It made sense.

But since I could walk, I’ve always sought the wild places. I’m not surprised to find myself in a position to choose what work I accept and how I spend my time.

In today’s value system, anyone looking at me would wonder if I have both oars in the water. I choose to use something until I no longer works. I don’t need a newer car, a newer computer or a newer pair of shoes.

Yes, I’m a fashion victim, but I’m a stress-free fashion victim. Those cares went away with anorexia.

When I was a homeowner, I devoted valuable marketing time to securing 4.5 acres of tax delinquent property into a town park. I met resistance, mostly from the drug dealers who thought all open space, including my woods, were for their use.

I put up with getting shot at, having the police tell me that swastikas painted on rocks was not a crime, and town board members tell me the land was the county’s responsibility.

In the end, God sent an angel in the form of a neighbor with connections to the community. We got the town and the county to work out a deal to turn the spot into a town park and even a bit of money from a county legislator. I carried petitions for the town board representatives who supported me. I even registered five neighbors to vote.

But, I could have been spending that time building my business and making money. I just didn’t. Somehow I always end up with what I need. I am deeply grateful.

Sometimes it would be nice to measure my successes by the size of my client list or my billing hours. But then I ride by that town park and think about how there are no drug dealers. A bit of grass is growing and no garbage has been dumped. That’s major.

It may qualify for a DEC tree planting. That would be exciting.

I can’t exactly explain why the park is a measure of success in my mind. Maybe because I’m such a poor business woman.

November 1, 2007 7:09 am

I cannot move at a 21st Century pace. I was happier in the 20th Century when I could process the information presented to me.

This year’s shriveled, dull-colored leaves and lack of mushrooms makes it a challenge for me to revel in autumnal joy. Add the pressure of reorganizing my seasonal schedule in the face of laptop and Toyota computer resistance - and I end up in a catatonic shutdown.

The tap on my car window and the concerned look on a fellow hiker’s face was a clue. I’d fallen asleep at the wheel after a hike. If I had started the engine, the check engine light would have prevented my momentary repose.

Comedy, especially word play, helps when nature’s glory fails to soothe me. So I was delighted to receive an email from my friend Iris sharing the winning entries from the Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational. Here are a few that me laugh out loud: (more…)

October 17, 2007 7:55 am

I like this time of year. I want to feel good about the beauty around me. But I cannot ignore the impact of the extreme drought conditions on my favorite trails.

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September 11, 2007 6:06 pm

In the past two weeks, my ceiling collapsed and my refrigerator died, taking all my frozen wild edibles with it. I feel blessed. I’m alive. And these problems have solutions.

Having lived in NYC for 20 years and worked in the twin towers, it’s hard not to think about what happened on this day six years ago.

On September 11, 2001, I owned a home outside of NYC and had been running my Virtual Assistant business for a little over one year.

In the ensuing six years I don’t feel spiritually, emotionally or financially better off. We have lost many of our civil rights and we have made life so much worse for people in other parts of the world.

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September 2, 2007 4:37 pm

I don’t know what made the rhododendron outside my apartment window bloom.

But it’s nice to see.

It has been a sunny, but cool and low-humidity day, making it perfect for a hike.

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August 29, 2007 5:52 pm

As we remember the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, I’m cleaning up from the results of a flood in my apartment.

From the moment I noticed the stain on the ceiling, to the 10 minutes it took the landlord to shut of the water to the building while I covered everything with tarps, enough water broke through the Sheetrock to damage the carpeting beyond repair. (more…)

August 23, 2007 6:19 am

The weather in my neck of the woods has been unseasonably cold. Too cold for the black trumpet mushrooms, but apparently not for this giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea).

I was out early, but not early enough to keep a few insects from taking a bite or two. This thing weighs at least 3 pounds.

What’s really neat is that I’m on my way to my first Clark Rogerson Foray, held annually by COMA. I’m going to bring this along.

July 26, 2007 2:33 pm

Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity. (more…)

July 18, 2007 4:27 am

The workshops I attended at this event gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from dedicated naturalists.

Beyond the workshops, there were hands-on opportunities to learn trail-building skills, hikes, excursions to area events, vendors, book signings, and the most patient and helpful support staff anywhere.

I got pointers on nature photography, hanging my hammock, carrying less weight in my pack and fitting my hiking boots. I got a taste of fly fishing, archaeology, and political advocacy.

I really enjoyed spending a few days surrounded by like-minded people wearing cargo pants and hiking boots. The fact that people are willing to travel from Ohio, Indiana, Florida and every state on the AT, gives me hope that we can keep the planet from becoming entirely paved over.

It takes a great deal of cooperation - and just the right combination of vision and attention to detail - to host an event like this. The New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Ramapo College and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are amazing. (more…)

June 21, 2007 9:48 am

My early morning nature hikes make me feel like I am in a holy place. With images like this, what other way is there to see the natural world? (more…)