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!
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.
5 Must-Knows for Hiking First Aid
Whether you’re a master climber or taking your first tentative steps on a trail, things can go from wonderful to horrible in a minute. But you can avoid many common hiking injuries and setbacks with a little knowledge and planning. See “5 Must-Knows for Hiking First Aid” for any outdoor adventure, large or small.
10 Ways to Avoid Road Trip Boredom & Battles
Planning a family road trip? Take it from me, as beautiful as scenery might be, long hours of driving can make anyone cranky. Luckily, we had few outbursts on our 7,000-miles adventure to 20 national parks. What was our secret? How did we alleviate all-out rebellion? See my 10 top tips.
Natural Rx: the Healing Power of Being Outdoors
What’s your favorite way to tap into what the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen calls "outdoorphins?" It’s old news that a walk in the woods is great exercise and can improve your heart health and weight. But did you know exposure to nature might also help fight a cold? Reduce stress? Help kids with ADHD? And maybe even prevent certain kinds of cancer? Read more for the latest findings.
What Does YOUR Flower Say?
Who needs texts, tweets or even telephones, when you have a vase of tulips? From early Chinese dynasties to the Victorian age, flowers spoke volumes and even delivered secret codes for clandestine communication. We may no longer rely on floriography, as it was called, but our botanical friends still hold lots of meaning. Check out your special flower!
Do National Parks Beckon? 10 Tips to Plan Your Trip
We learned many things the hard way when planning the 7,000 mile adventure to 20 national parks in Eye Rolls & Awe: A National Park Road Trip with Teens. Don’t miss our top 10 tips!