A fantastic way to connect with nature is to observe my surroundings and note my discoveries and thoughts in my journal.

I’ve been keeping nature and travel journals for many years. One of my favorite times of the year is International Nature Journaling Week.

I enjoy the daily themes, prompts and free video lessons with people around the world. I am grateful for the generous sharing of ideas and information on the website and social media pages.

The first night I was pondering the prompt, “Describe the indescribable” when a strong thunderstorm moved through my neighborhood. I was working in a 4″X 4″ watercolor journal, and so I didn’t have much space to note my reactions. I think the small page captured my feelings. It also reminded me of many awesome thunderstorms that I have experienced in the mountains around the world.

On the second day of the week, I hiked through fields of wildflowers at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The prompt “Playing with Words” sparked me to think about the names of some of the flowers. I came across a list of the “most beautiful words about nature” and added some of them to my page.

My ArtToolkit pocket palette, a water brush, a few water soluble pencils, and a permanent pen are the perfect are materials to take hiking.

I took Day Three’s theme of “Exploring Nature Through Poetry” loosely. Emilie Lygren suggested making lists and thinking about associations, while looking closely at one object. I chose a small parsley leaf from my pot of herbs. I was surprised where the leaf took my thoughts.

The next day I flew from Colorado to California, with my journal and watercolors colors on the tray table in front of me. I looked down at the ever-changing landscapes and noted the colors. I kept thinking about the native people who had lived in harmony with nature for centuries. I find the current administration’s focus on expelling immigrants appalling, especially since European immigrants caused so much devastation to native people and habitats.

I was looking forward to spending time with the Yurok Indians on this trip. They have some successes in restoring their culture and Klamath river habitat.

Sensory awareness is my favorite way to connect with nature. I was inspired by the redwood stump next to my Air BnB. The old growth tree was cut down a century ago by nonnative people. But it is resilient. New trees have sprouted from its roots and the stump is a plant nursery. Then, I walked above the coast at McKinleyville, filling up my senses with bird and ocean sounds and vistas of harbor seals.

I have so much more to write and paint about each daily prompt. I have so much more to learn about the plants and animals I encountered during the week.

I was prepping to guide an adventure trip; ten women from across the US coming to the Redwood Coast in CA to hike and kayak and canoe, to practice mindfulness and learn about the Yurok people.

Despite my limited time, I made the commitment to spend some time every day with my nature journal. Thanks to the team at International Nature Journaling Week!

I hope that you try Nature Journaling too.