A Solitary Companion One of the best things about spending time in the mountains is the variety of birdsong that accompanies you on your hikes. The Smoky Mountains are noted for the sheer number of birds, wildflowers, trees and lichens. I’m sure it… Read more
Abundance and Majesty For the past week, I’ve been living and hiking in wilderness forest and mountains. Sure I’ve met people on the trails, but much of the time it’s been only me, the trail, the birds and the wildflowers. Every trail I… Read more
The Understory Do you ever wonder about the origin of a word? I’m fascinated by the word understory. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer and I see life composed of stories, including the activity in the woods and marshes where I walk.… Read more
A Soft Nudge God rarely speaks in a loud voice. This morning as we headed out for our walk, I had what I would call a soft nudge to take the path that runs in the opposite direction from where I usually walk.… Read more
The Extraordinary Pink Tulip Sitting in my garden on a spring day, I’ve become enthralled with a pink tulip that has emerged from its winter nap. Early morning dew still adorns its petals like a scattering of diamonds. What is it that makes such… Read more
An Abundance of Discoveries There were only a few brave souls out walking today. The temperature had dropped significantly, and the wind was chilly. I needed my nature fix and wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. But as usual I was rewarded bountifully.… Read more