My Wild

Feels like all I’ve been doing is sitting around paying bills and taking a local walk or hike here and there. I love a good campfire, but I’ve had too many inside a fenced-in area. I’m tired of sitting around daydreaming about adventures. At this point, I think I need a break. Walk away from the stress of discontent, put the phone down, get up from the computer, leave the mail, and take the dog. Pack some beans and a pot, bring a little bread, tie my bandana around my neck, and button up my jacket. A good book and my guitar provide endless inspiration. It’s simple and hard, scary and fun, certain and uncertain, lonely and free…it’s everything I need.

Relax. You’re on the Right Path           

Another lunch walk message from the natural world was received loud and clear. I was on my mid-morning walk a.k.a. “happy escape from the office,” down at the Shelby Bottoms greenway feeling good, watching the wind blow the leaves and tall grasses into gentle, friendly waving motions. There is so much to see when I pay attention, and I’m sure glad I did because right there standing before me were three eight-point bucks and two fawns. I counted every point.

Studying the Encounter

I do not own a fancy camera, but I would love to have one someday—something lightning-fast to capture these small birds and lizards candidly, showing their sincere expressions. I know they saw me and went on the defense; I don’t blame them. I don’t like having my picture taken, either. I get all awkward and […]

Elbow Tree Folklore        

The “elbow tree” or bent tree story goes that whenever a tree is bent at a 90-degree angle, it can signal the direction of a nearby water source. It can also serve as a trail marker, a landmark, or a medicinal site, among other possible meanings. Ultimately, it is a valuable tool for navigating the wilderness highways. A near and dear friend of mine was the one who told me about the elbow tree folklore, which I found to be fascinating because I believe it to be true.