Spring Reading and Nature Journaling

 With the season of Spring upon us, I'm reminded of all sorts of animals coming out of their winter hiding to once again explore the world around them. Recently I've spotted quite a few of them in our yard, along with lots of birds. I so enjoy waking to the sound of birds chirping outside and doves cooing their love songs. I've put out a variety of seeds in our numerous bird feeders to lure them in! A playful squirrel was spotted grooming his tail just yesterday, and a large family of deer, or possibly two families, made their way down the hillside to cross the creek a few days ago.
  Bunnies are some of my favorite little critters to watch at play in our yard. One book collection I couldn't live without is: http://www.amazon.com/Beatrix-Potter-Complete-Tales/dp/072325804X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301293164&sr=1-1. We have read these stories over and over again and never tire of them! Beautiful illustrations and rich text about all of these beloved critters! Any book by Jim Arnosky is good. James Herriot's Treasury for Children is another must have http://www.amazon.com/James-Herriots-Treasury-Children-Creatures/dp/0312085125/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301293341&sr=1-1.
    Raccoons are plentiful around here. I have pictures of a mama raccoon with her two young, climbing and eating from our bird feeders last late Spring.
Chipmunks visit our porch quite often. It's so sweet watching them stuff their cheeks full with as much seed as they can!
 I have journaled about all of these and more. Keeping a nature journal is something I enjoy tremendously. It's fun for the whole family. "Keeping a Nature Journal" by Clare Walker Leslie http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Nature-Journal-Discover-Seeing/dp/1580174930/ref=pd_sim_b_2, is a book I highly recommend. In it's description it says~ "You can experience a spirited yet tranquil exploration of the living world by creating your own nature journal. In any season, in any weather, and any place, nature journaling compels us to slow down, observe, reflect, and once again, embrace our connection to the living mosaic that is our environment."
 Another good book, http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Days-Creating-Discovery-Journals/dp/1576360733, is called "Wild Days: Creating Discovery Journals".
 Really, all you need is some paper, pencil or pen, crayons, or just whatever you choose, and the great outdoors!
 Have fun! Start a new adventure!
Happy journaling, discovering, and reading!!!!

Spring and renewal..

  I've not blogged in quite some time. I've been doing everything and nothing...if that makes any sense. It does to me.
 Life can get hectic at times. Some days are better than others. Or so it seems. It actually all comes down to one thing. Your attitude. 
 Spring has sprung. We've set the clocks forward. The days are getting longer. The temperatures are getting warmer, um, well not really, but they will soon enough. Disaster has and is taking place in many parts of our world.
  Life is ever-changing.
 It all happens for a reason. There really is no sense in questioning the unquestionable. I have decided there are many things in this life that I can't do anything about. Then again,  there are many things I can. 
 I do know this. Each day is a new day. A fresh start. For us all. Make the most of every minute you have. For it might be your last. Choose your words wisely.  Love your loved ones. Smile and mean it! Don't worry or over analyze things. Worry gets you nothing. Except for maybe a headache, and a sleepless night.
 Do something new today. Simplify. Accept. Cry if you need to. Tell him/her what you've been holding back. Write a letter, and then tear it up. 


Buy some fresh flowers. Journal. Sip some tea and read a good book. Write a poem. Take a walk. Take a drive out in the country. Light a scented candle. Meditate. Watch an old movie. Take deep breaths of fresh air. Enjoy the daffodils in bloom. The cherry blossoms will soon be bursting. The buds on the trees. The birdsong. Change your outlook on life. Don't give up. Someone, that someone, is out there. Trust me, if you're single and searching, be patient..they will come. 
If it's meant to be it will be.
 Acceptance is a big thing. Along with attitude. Those two combined can make you or break you.
 Life is only what we make of it. We may suffer from illness, lose a loved one, break-up with someone, or get dumped, lose a job, gain or lose weight, suffer financially, or whatever, but if we keep a positive attitude, and accept things, things we CAN'T change that is, then it's not so bad. AND it will get better.
 Spring is about newness. It's about change. It's about renewing ourselves. Our attitudes. Our insights. Renewal. Growth. 
 Even if your life is perfect...haha...those around you may be suffering in some way or another. Reach out to them. LOVE! 
 Oh...and one more thing, while I'm at it..."stuff" doesn't make you happy forever. People can't make you happy forever. YOU are the only one who can make YOU happy! You can share your happiness with others. Be content. Be happy, be yourself; love, smile, don't give up, make peace, simplify, and QUIT COMPLAINING AND WORRYING! 
  Peace and love to all! {{hugs}} ^_^ <3