Finding Peace In Nature

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.  ~John Burroughs







My family and I have been through some of the most difficult trials of our lives over the past eighteen months. We were saddened to experience the loss of a great friend and neighbor, Steve, who had battled colon cancer and passed last February.  In April, my sister Carolyn would be diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.  She would battle this horrible disease for 7 months before it took her life on October 30th. Watching as she battled this horrible disease was excruciating. To have been there with the rest of my sisters and our families as she took her last breath was the most gut wrenching experience of my life. But I am glad we were all there for her and had that closure. In the midst of this, I was trying to keep my world from falling apart around me.  My husband would be hospitalized 3 times, once with a mild heart attack. My daughter Sara and her boyfriend were in a car accident, leaving Sara with a broken ankle, followed by the loss of her job.  My son broke his hand and required surgery to insert pins. My mother and her husband both became gravely ill and were hospitalized.  Mom endured several life and limb saving procedures and suffered many complications and set backs, spent two months in the hospital, followed by 6 weeks in a rehabilitation facility.  Her husband became fatally ill during this time and passed away on February 20th.  A few weeks later, we would be dealt another blow.  A very close friend, my husband's best friend of 25 years suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. Mom would continue to battle illness, but eventually became well enough to go home in April and things would finally settle down.

Grief, anger and frustration had become all too common during this past year and I have frequently wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. To say the least, I was almost completely physically and emotionally drained.  I feared at times I would fall into a deep depression.  But I managed to keep my mental well being in check by making time to escape to one of my favorite local nature preserves to take long walks and clear my head.

The best therapy I have found for me is what I like to call "nature therapy".  I am not what you would call a really religious person, but I do consider myself to be a spiritual person.  I feel closest to God and most at peace when I am outdoors. While I'm walking along a trail through a forest, I am meditating, praying, talking to God, sometimes even talking to myself. It is how I clear my head and calm my spirit. Sometimes I just stop and listen to the wind gently blowing through the trees, a woodpecker hammering away in the top of a tree, the ospreys and hawks screeching as they fly just over the tree tops and squirrels chattering to each other or scurrying around the forest floor in search of nuts. I can stop and sit on a bench by a stream and enjoy the sound of the water as it flows through the forest.

I am at peace in places like this and it is all I can do to pull myself away.  These walks have helped me to find some peace amid all the turmoil over these past months.  I can go back and face each situation with a clear head and a little more perspective.   

           Lose yourself in nature and find peace.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Anne Frank

Stewey

Stewey at about 5 weeks old

We nursed him with an eye dropper

Stewey now at about 1 1/2 yrs.

We never planned on keeping Stewey as a pet, but he adopted us anyway. Stewey was rescued from a downed tree in a friend's yard about a year and a half ago.  We figured we'd nurse him and prepare him for a life in the wild.  We slowly introduced him to the outdoors, watching as he ran around the back yard, climbing up the tree and then back down.  Then one day he discovered other squirrels and would spend hours at a time running with his new friends.  Eventually he disappeared for a week; we figured we had done our job and if we were lucky he would make an occasional appearance.  One afternoon my son Matt was sitting in the garage when he was startled by Stewey, who came running in and leaped into his lap.  From that point on he would only venture out for a little while and then come running back in.  My husband has become very attached to his little buddy.  Did you know that a squirrel in captivity can live up to 20 years?  Looks like he's going to be around for a while.

The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/

I've been following Gretchen Rubin since last year after reading her book, The Happiness Project.  Since we're getting close to another new year, most of us are thinking ahead to our new year's resolutions.  I personally have never really been one to make resolutions because like most of us, I usually fail to achieve them.  Today I read Gretchen's post looking at this from another perspective.  Instead of making new year's resolutions, think about a one word theme for the coming year.  Think about what one word would encompass what you want or need to accomplish. I gave it some thought and to be honest, I have not been able to nail down one word, but I have narrowed it down to 3.  My words are, GOALS, CHANGE AND THRIVE.  I'm leaning towards change because goals and thriving can fall under the category of change. I like the idea of THRIVE, because as another reader stated in her comment, she wants to "thrive instead of survive."  I like that idea a lot, because that's exactly how I feel, like I've just been surviving and not thriving and that needs to change.  There's that word again....CHANGE. 

Think about it, what would your word be?

Memories of A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Every year at Christmas time I can't help but remember a very sweet memory.  It was seventeen years ago; we were broke and in the process of moving back to Jacksonville from Georgia.  I was depressed about our situation and stressed beyond belief.  We would be making the move on Christmas Eve, so I definitely had no plans of putting up a Christmas tree, let alone even doing Christmas.  My kids were young, Sara 3 and Matt was 8 months, I figured it really wouldn't matter.  I was frantically packing and cleaning while trying to look after the kids.  Matthew, as always, was crying.  He cried all the time, hour after hour, it never seemed to stop and I was frazzled to say the least. Amid all the craziness, Sara wanted to put up a Christmas tree.  All I could think about was how I didn't have time for this, we're moving, we're not going to be here for Christmas and I didn't even know where any Christmas decorations were among all the boxes. The next thing I remember was Richard taking Sara out to the woods behind the house to look for a Christmas tree. I was standing at the kitchen sink and looked up in time to see Sara and dad coming around the back of the house dragging a pitiful little pine tree.  She was beaming, she was so excited about her little Christmas tree.  The first thing I thought about was that sad little tree in the classic Charlie Brown Christmas.  It wasn't quite that bad, but it was close.  So, we decorated our little tree with some odds and ends from around the house and made an aluminum foil star for the top.  We didn't have any presents to put under it, but I had a memory that would last me a lifetime. 

Well, life as we know it has it's ups and downs.  It's a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns and occasionally we get thrown for a loop and things get turned upside down.  This year has been one of those years for us and I'm just happy we're all in one piece and healthy. This year I lost a good friend and a sister to cancer.  These huge losses have certainly put things in perspective and have caused me to think a lot about priorities.  There have been broken bones, illnesses and financial struggles this year due to reduced hours at work and pay cuts due to the economy. We're in the same boat with many, many others across the country.  So, this year may be another "Charlie Brown Christmas", not just for my family, but for many others as well.  We'll get through it though, we always do. I will just pray that the coming year will bring much more joy than heartache for all of us.

Currently Reading

Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

I was intrigued when I browsed through this book in the book store several months ago. Eric Weiner travels the world in search of the happiest places on earth.  I read an excerpt from it online and decided I had to go back and get it.  A witty combination of geography, psychology and philosophy.  I am finding it to be a very interesting read so far, I'll keep you posted.

Ways to Celebrate National Book Month

Ways to Celebrate National Book Month     
Click on the link above

I just thought I'd share this.  It's good that we take time to promote reading, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a year round event.

October

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October. - Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I love October!"  "What is your favorite thing about October?"

Those were the comments from a friend on Facebook recently.  The temperatures have finally cooled and we have been experiencing the most beautiful weather of the year the last couple of weeks.  October is probably the best month of the year in Florida as far as I am concerned.  After a long hot summer, there is no sweeter relief than October's pleasant weather, especially the cool crisp nights. October means that I can open my windows and let the fresh air flow through the house. I spend more time sitting in my back yard reading, or just watching the squirrels and birds that visit the feeder in my yard.  I look forward to the more frequent day trips to state parks and preserves where we can enjoy all that nature has to offer this time of year, walking trails, observing the wildlife, and enjoying a picnic. One of the best things about this time of year is the food.  As soon as we have our first cool snap, it's time for homemade vegetable or chicken soup, chicken and dumplings, chili, beef stew and biscuits.  Cooler weather means camping,  and we always enjoy a camping trip in late October.  It's so relaxing to disconnect from the world, no phones, no tv, just the sights and sounds of nature. I guess in response to my friends question, "What's your favorite thing about October?"  I would have to say, "just about everything."

 

Big Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State

The temperatures in North Florida are finally cooling off a bit, signaling the arrival of fall. This is my favorite time of year because it means it's time to get back out and enjoy some of my favorite places around Jacksonville.  When I'm in need of an escape, my favorite thing to do is hit the road and head to one of Florida's many state parks or nature preserves.  Big Talbot Island is one of few undeveloped barrier islands along the Atlantic coastline, which makes it a great place for a nature enthusiast to enjoy wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery.  Enjoy a picnic in a very shaded picnic area overlooking the ocean. After you eat, take a short walk through the forest along the trail down to the beach. You're likely to see plenty of osprey, pelicans and other sea birds, and if you're really lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle. You won't find people sunbathing or swimming along the beaches of Big Talbot.  The only thing you'll see laying on the beaches here are the remains of live oak and cedar trees that used to grow along this barrier island.  They have been white washed and weathered from years of exposure to the elements.  The shoreline has suffered severe beach erosion in the past several years, which has created bluffs, exposing clay like soil and extensive root systems.  Take your time walking along the beach, but use caution as you may have to make your away over or around some of the trees, but that's half the fun. On your way out of the park, look up into the trees; you may see a raccoon keeping a watchful eye to make sure you don't take any souvenirs with you when you go.

Victoria Gaines » Blog Archive » Quote Attic: When I’m Not Up to Par -

Victoria Gaines » Blog Archive » Quote Attic: When I’m Not Up to Par

Words To Help in A Dry Spell

I can always count on Victoria Gaines to lift me up.  She always has beautiful devotionals, wonderful stories, great quotes and more that inspire me. I have needed inspiration lately, I've been in a dry spell and I've  missed writing on my blog, I just haven't been able to concentrate on any of my writing projects lately. My daughter Sara and her boyfriend were in a car accident recently and Sara suffered a broken ankle. I have been a little busier with trying to help her out.  Since she has been unable to drive and go out to see her friends, there have been more frequent visitors here. A friend's daughter that is attending college here stayed for several days after moving out of her dorm for the summer. During and after the spring break we've had company off and on and I feel as if I've been running a hostel for young travelers. I have enjoyed it, but needless to say, it's been a little crazy around here. We did have our annual spring camping trip, but that's another story.  Now, my family is faced with a major crisis as one of my sister's has just recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and is in the battle for her life.  We are all coming together to help her and her family in every way we can, we are sending out requests for prayer for Carolyn as she faces this extremely difficult time in her life.  We took a very spontaneous trip to my sister Dieonna's place in Orlando this weekend to spend some time together just having fun.  Carolyn wanted to take a couple of days to enjoy herself before beginning treatment this week.  We had a great time playing in the pool, playing the new dice game "Farkel", enjoying good food, a few good glasses of wine and a lot of good conversation. I could see that Carolyn was not looking forward to returning home Sunday, knowing what she had to face.  We are all doing our best to be strong for her.



Meanwhile, I have been getting in my reading, it's my escape from all the craziness.  I did finish two books, and am reading two more and absolutely enjoying both of them.


Books I Read:   Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart                                                   Thirty True Things You Need to Know Now                             by Gordon Livingston, M.D.
    
                           Layers, by Sandi Patty, Uncovering and                                 Celebrating God's Original Idea of You                                     

Books I am Reading: 

God Never Blinks - 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours by Regina Brett
I picked this up and started reading it in the store, had to get it, I am loving it.


                                                  

   The Journal Keeper, A Memoir by Phyllis Theroux
                                    I wish I could write as beautifully in my own journal.  This is a
                                    wonderful book.  I'm almost finished, will share more about
                                    this one soon.
                               



                    

Spring Reading Thing 2010

This is my first year participating in the Spring Reading Thing. I'm excited about it and I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone in the group is reading.  I have a couple of books that I recently started; I'm really bad about starting a book and then something new comes out that grabs my attention and the other is set aside. So, now I have a stack of books I have yet to finish reading.  So, first I'd like to concentrate on finishing two particular books and then on to something new.

• Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart - Thirty True Things You Need To Know Now                                  by Gordon Livingston, M.D.
• Layers, by Sandy Patti
• The Dead Guy Interviews, by Michael A. Stusser
• The Journal Keeper, by Phyllis Theroux
• The Art of Choosing, by Sheena Iyengar   
• The Last Time I Saw You, by Elizabeth Berg                            

With my schedule, I think I'll be doing good to get all of those in. But, if time allows,  I'd also like to read another book by Gordon Livingston  And Never Stop Dancing, Thirty More True Things You Need To Know

Others that I am very intrigued with that I'd like to get to as soon as I can are:

Making Toast, by Roger Rosenblatt
So Much For That, by Lionel Shriver
This Year I Will, by M.J. Ryan (Although by the time I get to it, I might be thinking about Next Year I Will)

There are just so many great books out there and just not enough hours in the day.  In fact, I read a book once called, So Many Books, So Little Time, A Year of Passionate Reading, by Sara Nelson.  I really enjoyed the book; her goal was 52 books in 52 weeks.  She actually surpassed her goal and what I want to know is, what did her house look like at the end of that year.  How do you accomplish that much reading and keep up with everything else?

Well, I'll have to stick with a more realistic goal and just do what I can do.  I'm looking forward to many hours on the back porch with a good book.  If you'd like to join in on the fun, you can find more details at Callapidder Days at http:www.callapidderdays.com.

**Note: The Last Time I Saw You, by Elizabeth Berg will be available on April 6, 2010
I'm looking forward to it as she is my favorite author.

Stop Saying “Impossible” and Start Saying “I’m Possible!”

Stop Saying “Impossible” and Start Saying “I’m Possible!”
Do you remember the song High Hopes sung by Frank Sinatra? Okay, maybe some of you don't, if you're not a member of the baby boom generation.

Just what makes that little ant
think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
move a rubber tree plant.

But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes......

That is of course the song that came to mind when I read the above post in Simple Truths today. This is a great little story that inspired me today and I wanted to pass it on.
Just click on the link above.

*Words to High Hopes by Sammy Cohn and Jimmy Van Heusen

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

The Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park, situated on the Suwannee River was built in honor of composer Stephen Foster. He is of course the author of the famous folk song, "Old Folks At Home", which is also the state song of Florida. The park includes the Stephen Foster Carillon Tower Museum, where you can view beautiful dioramas of Foster's songs, antique pianos and other instruments he used for writing and composing his music. The carillon tower houses the largest tubular bell instrument ever constructed, from which you will hear Foster's most famous tunes played in concerts throughout the day.

We enjoyed visiting the different craft shops in Craft Square, watching as pottery, beaded jewelry and quilts were being made. There was also the blacksmith's shop and an aroma therapist selling her home made candles and and scented oils. They all smelled so delicious and there were so many to choose from, floral scents, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, sandalwood, and more. There was an older gentleman selling canes he had carved from tree branches, they were beautiful. My favorite craft shop was the pottery shop, I love pottery. We spent quite a while talking with the owner as she created a quirky sculpture of a rooster, which as it turns out, I am a collector of quirky roosters. She invited us to come back some
time for a class and I would love to take her up on the offer, but it's a long way to drive for a pottery class. There is of course the gift shop which sells the work of these local artists in addition to t-shirts, hats, pictures, candies and preserves and many other items, and of course plenty of Stephen Foster memorabilia.

This is a great place to picnic; there are picnic areas throughout the park. These are some of the nicest we have seen in any of the parks we have visited. After lunch, we of course had to take a hike down one of several trails in the park and eventually made our way around to the river. One of the things you will notice about the Suwannee River is the really dark water; you may think it is polluted, but it is actually what is known as a black water river. The dark water is caused by organic acids which stain the water, thereby making it appear black.

This is a very popular area for those who enjoy canoeing and kayaking. There is a lot of beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to enjoy while you paddle along the river. There is plenty to do and see at the Stephen Foster Culture Center. There are festivals, craft fairs, concerts and other events here throughout the year. You can see a schedule of events by going to the Florida State Parks website at www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster.

Heal Foundation - Heal Walk at Jacksonville Zoo

Help Raise Funds for a very worthy cause and help my buddy Jayson!

Heal Foundation Inc - online fundraising made easy for any nonprofit organization - Jill Carter's Fu

www.firstgiving.com

As many of you know, the HEAL Foundation is very near and dear to my heart. They are the only organization that I have found that actualy helps enrich the lives of children with autism in our community ...

If you're in Jax, follow the link and come out to support a great cause. Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

This is one of the most recent nature preserves opened in Jacksonville and it's a real gem. It has become one of my favorite places to walk. You can enjoy walking one of the nature trails and view plenty of wildlife. There is the Ravine Trail which loops around a large ravine and intersects with the Jones Creek Trail (my favorite), which runs along a creek that winds its way through the woods. You can stop along the way and sit on one of the benches placed near the creek and enjoy the view and listen to the sounds of the flowing stream. You can take the Lake Loop around Lake Ray, named for Councilman (now Representative) Lake Ray, who pushed for funding for the preserve. If you enjoy bird watching, there is plenty to see. During several different visits, I've spotted a great blue heron, egrets, cormorants, ducks, an anhinga, and a barred owl. There are of course many other varieties of birds such as robins, wrens, chickadees, grackles, blue jays and cardinals. If you get there early enough you could have a close encounter with opossums or maybe a raccoon; I don't know who was more startled one morning as I came upon a raccoon who quickly darted across the creek and off into the woods. There is also the Live Oak Trail, appropriately named for all the large, stately live oak trees draped in spanish moss. With spring approaching, the red buds are blooming, wild azaleas, beauty berries, atamaso lily and other types of flora will soon provide for beautiful color throughout the arboretum.

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens can only get better as the city and volunteers continue to work towards making this a first class nature preserve, recreational and educational facility. There are plans for a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a picnic area, visitor center, amphitheater and more. You can visit their website for events and activities and check out their
master plan at www.jacksonvillearboretum.org.

10 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn From Albert Einstein - by Dumb Little Man

10 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn From Albert Einstein - by Dumb Little Man

Posted using ShareThis
I love this site and thought I'd share this article.

Speaking of Winter

After finishing my last post, I found this on my facebook. So, all of my thin blooded Florida friends, let's be happy we don't have this to deal with.

Battling Winter Blues

The winter of 2010 was a very hard winter for Floridians, especially in North Florida and the panhandle area. We've had weeks of frigid temperatures, seemingly endless periods of cold, wet, gray days that have left many of us with a case of winter time blues. I myself had to fight that "funk" frequently over the past few months. For some people, it's more than just a case of the winter time blues or cabin fever; they have a more serious condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. People suffering from this disorder often fall into a deep depression during the winter months. They may even need to seek medical attention to find a way to deal with their situation. For most of us though, we muddle through and there are things we can do to keep those winter blues at bay. It may be a bit late but here are some of the things I do to try to make those gray days more bearable, I'm sure we're not quite finished with winter just yet.

• Open up the blinds or curtains and let in as much natural light as possible.
  
• Keep candles burning with pleasant scents, my favorites are apple cinnamon or vanilla
  
• If you have a fireplace, use it, light a fire, there's nothing like sitting around a warm fire
  
• Winter is a good time to enjoy fresh homemade soups
  
• Make hot chocolate and curl up under a warm blanket with a good book
  
• Get together with friends, get out of the house
  
• Put on some Jimmy Buffet and dream about being in the Florida Keys where it's always warm.
  
• Winter is a good time to catch up on indoor projects, cleaning out closets and drawers are biggies for me; use those dreary days to accomplish something inside so when the weather is nice, you can enjoy doing those outdoor activities.

• Try to keep in mind, we live in Florida, our winters are shorter and we'll be enjoying spring weather very soon; we haven't had it half as bad as those who live up north trying to dig their way out of several feet of snow.
  

Hang in there friends, spring is coming and before you know it, summer will be here and we'll all be complaining about the heat and wishing for cooler weather.

So Many Books to Choose From

I'm really beginning to think I may need an intervention. I need to join Bookaholics Anonymous; I've developed a serious addiction and I fear I am losing control. It's not as if I don't have enough books sitting around my house that I have yet to read. I can't help myself, I love to read. One of my favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to sit out on my back porch with a good glass of iced tea and a good book. And that time of year is right around the corner. And there's the matter of that annual spring camping trip coming up in a few weeks. I'm going to need a good book to read while I'm basking in the sun by the springs. Some people are out shopping for their spring wardrobe, I'm out shopping for spring reading. I was just browsing the latest Book Page Magazine and there are several that sounded very intriguing to me. I narrowed it down to four that I feel like I just have to read.

The Journal Keeper, by Phyllis Theroux
Making Toast, by Roger Rosenblatt
So Much For That, by Lional Shriver
The Art of Choosing, by Sheena Iyengar

Of course The Great Jacksonville Book Sale is this weekend and I'll be there when the doors open.
Is there a 12 step program for me?

Thoughts on Reading

I was at a bit of a loss tonight as to what today's post would be. I'm currently reading a good book on which I will be sharing my thoughts at a later date. I read a few interesting articles last night which gave me an idea or two. But, nothing really inspired me today. So, I was chatting with a friend on facebook and eventually as it often does, the topic of books came up. I of course had seen another book I want to read, my list grows ever longer. Then I remembered that this week is the 2010 NEA Read Across America. So, I hope everyone has found something good to read and for those with young children, please spend time every night reading with them.

I was browsing through a book of quotes and found some quotes on reading that I'd thought I'd share.


"If we encountered a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he read."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There is hardly any grief that an hour's reading will not dissipate." L. de Montesquieu

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body" - Richard Steele

"You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be -
I had a mother who read to me. - Strickland Gillilan

"When we read we may not only be kings and live in palaces, but, what is far better,
we may transport ourselves to the mountains or the seashore, and visit the most beautiful parts of the earth, without fatigue, inconvenience, or expense. " -John Lubbock

"To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting" - Edmund Burke

"He that loves reading has everything within his reach." -William Godwin

Quotes found in Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts, Funny Sayings, Bob Philips 1993
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.


"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss

The first books I ever learned to read were by Dr. Seuss. When I was a little girl, I lived right across the street from the public library. Every summer I would participate in the summer reading contest. The winner got their picture in the local newspaper.. One summer I won; I remember getting a free book and a big bag of tootsie pops! I still love tootsie pops, and I got my picture in the paper; I still have that paper today. Some days I would spend hours sitting at a table, or on the floor by the bookshelves reading. I remember when I wanted to check out a book about Hiroshima, the librarian thought it might be just a little advanced for me and encouraged me to make another choice, but no, I wanted that book and I read it all the way through. I've always had a love for books, my favorite subject in high school was English Literature and Composition. Maybe it was the teachers I had, who were so passionate about what they taught. We read some great books, Camelot, Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, Flowers for Algernon, Pride and Prejudice and more, I still have some of those books. By the way, The Great Gatsby is when I discovered Robert Redford! When I go to a book store, I can be there for hours. I have to browse through books in nearly every genre and I have to have great self control, because I always spend more than I set out to. It's a joke in my house that if you're invited to go to the bookstore with mom you had better pack a lunch, you may be there all day.