I've long had a passion for nature. I have to stop and listen when I hear or see a bird I don't recognize. I have to smell the ocean. I have to dig my feet into sand or slip off my shoes when I see a fabulous patch of moss. I've been known to pull my car off the road for pictures of clouds and sunsets. Every road trip has me calling out "hawk" from my seat. I giddily clicked away a million images on my camera when a hawk was in my backyard. I hang bird feeders and talk to 'my' birds. I collect seeds and have converted a small flowerbed into natives only. I hug trees. I pet bees. My kids still bring me their nature finds for my shelves! I can't get enough of the beauty of creation!
I'm also a homeschooler for a few more months until I graduate my youngest. But, the heart of a teacher never stops teaching and sharing. Over the years I've been told that I should share this passion with others. And, I know the fun of learning from someone passionate about a subject. I'm also inspired when I see homeschool parents who don't know where to begin with nature study and I want to help them in a practical way. There are a lot of books out there with facts and information but I want to offer an actual 'let's go do it' approach. Those other references are great to have around for inspiring interest or researching a topic. I'll share a few of my favorites along the way.
For the moment, my plan is to bring you along on weekly trips into the world around me and help you begin to experience the world as I do. I want you to see that Nature Study is as easy as breathing.
For reference, I live in the suburbs outside of Columbus, Ohio. I have access to the city, to the country, and to my little suburban neighborhood. But, since we are developing your observation skills, you can do this from anywhere. Nature is all around you!
Blessings for the coming New Year! I hope you'll join me on this adventure!
-Angi
