Summer Is . . . June 14, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Nature, Poetry, Writing & Writers.comments closed
SUMMER IS . . . by Joanne Dagonese Fruin, Guest Blogger
Wide-eyed morning sun,
reflecting mirrored dew drops
on slim, green blades of grass.
Climbing ladders of clouds,
reaching for noon’s position,
sun rests in blue warmth.
Sticky afternoons,
lemonade-trickling lazy,
and icey-cold showers.
Relaxing night breezes
in blue-velvet skies with
sprinkled specks of spark
Blared-out melodies
from rainbowic ferris-wheels
surrounded by joy.
Fourth of July rockets,
color-splashed nights and
when I’m with you.
Joanne Dagonese, 10/4/72
Joanne Dagonese Fruin is an artist, teacher, musician, writer, entrepreneur, free thinker, and all-round creative spirit.
To learn more about Joanne:
Joanne Fruin: Multi-dimensional Muse
If you’re in the shopping mode . . . swing by Joanne’s latest endeavor to “green” the economy.
Her Etsy shop, JEANETIC TRAITS, is full of DNA (Design ‘N’ Artitude) of the jeanetic kind.
In time, Joanne’s stock will go beyond re-purposed clothing and into unique home accents.
Related posts: More Trash To Treasure * A Wild Ride * Nobody’s Fools
Artwork by Marlane Wurzbach ~ available at Marlane Wurzbach.com.
Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family June 14, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness.comments closed
Connect kids with the outdoors when they’re young and they’ll have a greater sense of adventure and respect for nature the rest of their lives.
Family friendly activities, such as swimming, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, birding, kayaking, camping, diving, fishing, horseback riding, and photography allow adults and kids to get out and enjoy our diverse natural resources.
A few inexpensive ideas:
* Grab binoculars and go birdwatching around the neighborhood.
* See how many species of plants and animals exist in your own backyard.
* Pack a picnic lunch and head to a local park for a walk.
* Hold a scavenger hunt using digital cameras to capture nature’s wonders.
* Visit a local playground and swing from the monkey bars.
If you’re ready to hit the trail for a more extensive hike, consider the ages, abilities, interests, and personalities of your kids as you plan the trip.
Before setting off on your family’s first hike, check out the hiking tips found in The Wilderness Society blog post: Take your kids hiking: 10 tips to make the adventure fun for the whole family
My favorite: Create games that you and your children can play out on the trail. Have them look for signs of wildlife (scat, bird holes in trees, fur) or count wildflower species. Organize a scavenger hunt and have them find things are bumpy, smelly, small, big, living, wet…the list goes on!
Don’t forget the basics: energizing snacks, plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes, suitable clothing, protective sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, binoculars, nature guides, bug spray, and . . . time to stop along the way.
If you need help locating a suitable place to hike, bike, or walk on the wild side, call your state park system, or visit Sierra Club Trails:
With more than 1,000 trails listed in the Sierra Club Trails community, there’s probably one that’s just right for you.
Another great place to find information on local trails is on the Helpful Links page of the American Hiking Society (AHS) website ~ National Parks, Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, and a guide to State Parks and National Forests listed state by state.
The AHS also offers Hiking Resources on a variety of helpful safety topics (safety, skills, gear, clothing, preparation, and family fun).
Quote: Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do. ~ Gerry Sikorski
Related posts: Walk Off Some Weight * A Walk in the Waves * Explore the Great Outdoors * Wildlife Gardening * The Portable Classroom
Spirit Lights The Way 