Open spaces and 4 reasons it is good for our family

Maybe it is because we are older parents (both in our 40's)...Maybe it is because we both grew up in the countryside and miss having regular access to abundant open spaces to roam and play like we did in childhood...but from time to time, we simply need to get out of our neighborhood in the burbs, and get to some open spaces to simply be in nature, tall trees, bugs, unexpected sightings of wildlife....to simply breathe.... We are fortunate to have two three wildlife preserves within a few minutes of our home. One is privately operated, the other is maintained by our neighboring city. Both of which bring our family great joy and a sense of well being from simply walking the trails.

Being in nature important to us for the following reasons:

1. Our children learn to appreciate the world around them in spite of the over urbanization that is going on in our area. (something the rips at my soul)

2. Being in nature is good for the spirit. When the world just seems to weird...nothing is more centering that simply being in the presence of the peace and calm that open spaces, tall trees and all that dwell within it present.

3. Being in nature is good for my health. In dealing with my autoimmune condition, I find that grounding myself, being in the sun for at least 20 minutes, being away from the stress of normal life helps me to feel better.

4. Being in nature is inspiring. It never fails that a single trek into the woods can result in hundreds of photo ops for me. I am constantly amazed and dazzled by the intricacies that nature presents.

Inspiration Friday: East Texas

East Texas is where I grew up. I don't get to visit nearly enough. But, when I do, a walk in nature, or a drive down country roads, brings peace to my spirit.

My husband grew up in East Texas as well. (a few counties over) We both grew up walking the fields and woods and anytime we get a chance to visit, we enjoy this time in nature again. On our last visit, Hubs came upon the mimosa above and took me to see it. Mimosas remind me of my grandmother. She had a Mimosa tree in her yard that we kids claimed for our tree house and location for our tire swing.

Baby Pines are breaking through right now. The processes that take place for a tree to randomly decide to grow are nothing short of miracles. 

Barbwire...memories of crawling through fences, holding the wires apart with a foot and a hand...something every kid that grows up in the country understands...

This tree...all the changes it has weathered...

In the city this would be called compost....in the country, this is simply called life...leaves fall,things pile up, eventually, life happens again in its' own time...

My husband found one snake skeleton, and when we went on our walk together, I found another...neither had the skull...I love that my husband knows that I would not be freaked out by this...and that in fact, I would love this...

Daydreaming

I have been working on boosting my vitamin d. Today the sun came out for a few hours. I took full advantage of it. While I was soaking up some rays, I watched the clouds. I hadn't done this in ages. Not like this. I remember watching the clouds like this in childhood. I wish my camera could do it justice. When do we stop watching the clouds? We should make time for this more often.