John Ruthven

I recently had the incredible opportunity to meet wildlife artist John Ruthven. He is often referred to as the 20th century Audubon, and if you've ever seen work by Audubon, you know what a compliment that is. Thanks to my wonderful mother, I accompanied the great teachers of Delta Kappa Gamma in touring his studio and gallery while talking to him personally.

Ruthven Audubon

As he spoke, I was mesmerized. I think we all were. He spoke with such eloquence and sincerity. We learned about his adventures as a young boy living in the country. How he developed his love of art and nature. How he went on great journeys for new species. How he was commissioned to paint works for the white house, three times. Here stood this 86 year-old man, so vibrant and filled with passion for life. It was impossible not to be completely captivated by his every word.

As an art teacher, this was a special experience for me. And I took full advantage it, soaking in all I could. First, I had to have a photograph with Mr. Ruthven in his studio.

Check. Next, I asked him about his process. He proceeded to sift

through books and photographs, and pull thumbnail sketches from

a beautiful antique chest to explain his methods in detail. He talked

about how much research he still does for every piece. (And he still

does 12 commissions a year) He studies the anatomy of the animal, the landscape, and photographs all before he begins.

I can't wait to get the opportunity to teach my students about John Ruthven; his beautiful work, his charming personality, and his passion for art and nature.

Young Wonders

There's nothing like the wonder of a child. The look in their eyes when they get to experience something for the first time; that moment of awe and innocence. I am lucky enough to get to share these tiny epiphanies every day as a camp counselor.

"Look what I caught! Look what I caught!" They carefully hold their tiny treasures in a yogurt cup, traveling from camper to camper, making sure everyone has the chance to share in their magnificent discovery. Everyone Ohs and Ahs. It could be anything from a snail to a salamander, they're always astounded. I never get sick of the amazing energy that radiates from a learning child.

The Smoky Mountains National Park

I love this time of year; when I can trade in my perfume for bug spray, when I can get back to what makes me who I am, when I can breathe again. I mean really breathe. That kind of breath you can only take on the top of a mountain, looking down at the forest and all you can feel throughout your being is peace... tranquility... a oneness with the life around you. And that is just what I felt on our recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A beautiful snapshot, a living memory of topography splayed out before me for the taking. This breath-taking scene was the reward for the 1,700 mile raise in elevation in a short two mile hike, but boy, was it worth it. The adrenaline, the apprehension, the attainment. Chimney Tops was a great hike to end our trip, but I'm getting ahead of myself...

Ever since I was a young girl, I have felt complete serenity in the Smokies. My love first manifested itself as plastic bags filled with quartz. Now, the only treasures I carry are the recollections; both the digital ones before you and those I hold even closer . Those that capture that something about hiking in the mountains that's different than anywhere else. It's the way the sunshine cuts through the trees and fills the morning fog with bold rays of light. It's the smell of the afternoon rain cleansing the mountain air as it falls. It's the waterfalls. Oh, the waterfalls...

The Ramsey Cascades. What a sight. The 105 foot falls made an immaculate display, it's waters glimmering in the sun as they skipped from rock to rock, making they're way down the mountainside. The breeze leapt from the cool waters, swirling around us as the sun shone to warm our faces.

Cades Cove rests in the valley of the mountains where wildlife thrives. I was most amazed by the relationship

between the bears and human life. They come and go as they please, crossing the road at their leisure. They didn't raise as much as an ear to the flutter of shutters and gasps of awe as they slowly sauntered by. The turkeys also roamed with little regard to our presence. We were in their kingdom, which is something we, as the human race, often forget.

I need this kind of trip once in a

while as a reminder. Sometimes we forget that life is bigger than us. Bigger than our problems, our stress, our hang-ups that keep us from growing. We get so caught up in what breaks us down, that we forget what makes us up in the first

place. This is what makes me.

Feeling Reminiscent

I found myself very reminiscent today. After leaving my parent's house this afternoon, I chose to travel some back roads that haven't felt my presence in years. Many things were different, but much was still the same. Some things were overgrown and abandoned, while others were new and foreign. One thing that still strongly resides there is the memories...

Memories of friends and sunshine, laying around at Stonelick while time blows by...

Memories of pawpaw picking and rock skipping in the still water that meanders through the sunlit valley...

Memories of friends who have come and gone and those who have stayed. I can't help but remind myself how much more important the present is than the past. Of course all of those things have contributed to my unique spirit of today, but the past cannot be dwelled upon. So many why's and what-ifs make it agonizing. So for now, I will remember these things with a happy heart, but they will continue to live in the confines of my foggy recollections where they will only be called upon on days that I feel reminiscent.

Because I couldn't wait until June

Every winter, I await spring's arrival so I can get out and reclaim my love of the outdoors. This spring is no different, so we headed out to one of my favorite nature destinations...

Long Branch Farm is such a treasure. Tucked away, back off the side roads of Goshen, lies 582 acres of beautiful earth waiting to be explored. So we did just that.

Sunny particularly enjoys Long Branch Farm. Just like the campers, the creek and clay wall are her favorite. She also says they have the very best sticks.

We enjoyed a wonderful hike. While Sunny romped through the grass, Aaron sampled the local delicacy. (Honeysuckle) What a great way to start off the spring season!

Sunshine

There's no love in the world like the love of a dog. Selfless, unwavering, eternal.

The second we saw her, we knew she was ours. The sweetest little pudge-ball with clear blue eyes. The day we met, we brought her home. The first addition to our little family, Sunshine.

Ever since then, every day is a new adventure. From running down the sidewalk, to playing fetch in the creek, she keeps me moving...

and always smiling. Boy, does that dog make me smile.

Now here we are, over a year later, and she still melts my heart.

She's overly excited just because I walk through the door. She forgives me when I snap at her. There's no foul mood, no broken heart, that a wet nose and a sloppy kiss can't cure. She is always there for me, every day.

Yeah, there's no love in the world like the love of a dog.

The Rain-Kissed Sunshine

I just love the way the earth breathes after it rains. There is a whole new freshness in the air and everyone and everything can sense it. While the sun was making it's first appearance of the day, casting golden beams over our house, this beautiful purple finch sang confidently from the maple tree in our neighbor's yard.

I love the way the sun illuminates his warm, crimson chest, accenting him upon the cool, blue sky. Sometimes it takes some rain to make us truly appreciate the sunshine.