Welcome, my dearest reader!
A little bit about me, what to expect in this space, and an ice breaker.
My dearest reader,
I hope you are well and enjoying what nature has to offer at the moment, wherever you are. I am very excited that you have decided to join me on my naturalist adventure!
My love for nature began when I was 4 years old during family camping trips. All through my childhood, we explored the coastal Redwood forests of the Western United States, the deserts of the Southwest, and the beautiful national parks from West to East. I was lucky enough to work summers during college at a local nature center. Now by weird circumstances, I find myself living in a national park nestled between forest and sea.
Nature, the way I see it, is romantic. It is symmetry, texture, and color. It’s harmonious. It is perfect, beautiful, and leaves a profound mark on my soul. I am changed when I spend time in nature.
And while I do have the inclination to romanticize nature, I respect its power and ability to defend itself. I am intensely curious as to how it all comes together and works without, and in many instances in spite of, our intervention.
I am an artist, not a scientist, but I’m able to keenly observe and record those observations in my nature journal. I observe, record, and ask questions. Then I seek answers to my questions and ask even more questions as they surface while making images in my journal.
Every other week, I open my journals to you and we ask questions. We marvel at the romance of natural history. We let the energy of nature enter and enrich our souls.
Curiosity is our project in the Naturalist’s Notebook, so now I’m going to ask you to let me know a little about you and what you love about nature in the comments.
Until next time,
Susannah
PS: Would any of your friends like a letter from The Naturalist’s Notebook, too?