Wanderings & Ponderings
Many of us are searching these days. No matter our age, background, or beliefs, we just want to be happy! How can we do this in a constantly-connected yet lonely-and-divided world, where depression and anxiety are at an all-time high and where our planet is bearing the brunt of our humanity? My life, writing, art, and adventures are all an exploration of this question. So far, I’ve found it all starts with inner peace and outer connection. Simple, but definitely not easy. I hope you enjoy the tips, tools, and ideas I’m learning along the way. I’d love to hear some of yours!
How to Plant “Peace Seeds” This Earth Day
As the world whirs around us with conflict, climate change, and seemingly endless crises, every day brings temptations to share negative energy. But on this Earth Day 2022, let’s plant seeds of inner peace and love to counteract the invasive spread of hate, violence, and apathy. Here’s how.
Turn Food Scraps into Garden Gold
Want to grow your best garden ever, save money, and help the environment at the same time? Start backyard composting. Though not exactly magic, it sure seems like it when your carrot peels, old leaves and avocado pits turn into the richest soil you’ve ever seen! Learn the simple do’s and don’ts.
The Splendor (and Importance) of Dark Skies!
Who doesn’t love a sunset? Watching the center of our solar system descend in a blaze of color certainly stirs our senses. But this display is only half of our galaxy’s remarkable show. Do yourself a favor and find a dark night sky to fill your soul! Beyond intangible feelings of wonder and peace, dark skies offer relief from the bombardment of artificial light that scientists now know disrupts sleep, increases stress, and adds to chronic disease.
Spring’s Early Gift: Ephemeral Wildflowers!
Ephemeral may mean fleeting or short-lived, but when it comes to woodland wildflowers, it really should mean magical! By the time the tree canopy above fills with leaves, these native perennials have already produced their gorgeous flowers, dropped their seeds, then died back to spend the rest of their life cycles underground. Learn what to look for as these wondrous Spring treasures start to appear.
It’s Time to Plan National Park Trips!
As we roll into spring and thoughts turn to warm-weather vacations, I’m thrilled to share my passion for the National Parks! Get a front row seat to humor and wide-eyed wonder!
10 Less Crowded National Parks as Road Trip Fever Heats Up
As spring fever heats up, you can bet that the National Parks will be a magnet for millions wanting to shed the COVID-and-weather-intense winter. But you can enjoy magnificent natural treasures without feeling like you are at Times Square on a pre-pandemic New Year’s Eve. Here are 10 destinations to fill your wanderlust without crowds.
My Merrymorphosis
It’s funny having a name like “Merry” because sometimes I’m not – even when I always am. And it’s the not times that finally made me an author.