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Peaceful afternoon trip to the river. Wading throu

Peaceful afternoon trip to the river. Wading through the cool water, painting with river water, contour drawings of willow roots, leaves and catkins….

I was actively focusing on being present in nature, playing in the river with my family, and allowing the busy mind chatter to subside. I was noticing my automatic actions to record everything I see and hear— and chose to be more in flow with nature- allowing the creativity to flow from the river to me and onto the page.

In fact, I could have filled a bunch of pages with loose contour sketches of nature- but hinger hit us ans we had to leave!

I’ll be returning though….. to connect with this place- the willows, poplars, birds and river for rest and replenishment.

What have you done today to give yourself some rest? Take a walk? Listen to birds? Gaze at the night sky? Take deep breaths outdoors?

The more we take care of our inner needs, the better we are for those who need us.

Share with us some ideas that you do to replenish!

#mindfuldrawing #NatureForAll #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

A young western skink- I thought it was a blue pie

A young western skink- I thought it was a blue piece of plastic and was going to collect it- until I got closer and saw it had a body and head!

This was in on the riverbank in Carmel valley.

When I’ve seen them before they scamper away quickly but this one let me take a few photographs and hung out on the willow roots for some time. Other people walked by and didn’t notice.

Such an amazing creature. Makes me wonder why a vibrant blue?

Happy summer solstice in the northern hemisphere— and winter solstice for our Southern Hemisphere friends!

It’s an unusually scorching hot day for us on the coast in California.

I sat on our deck and greeted the rising sun this morning. Watched and listened to the birds and plants (yes listened my plants- my ceanothus bush’s seed pods were popping).

Feeling gratitude for the long days, and more time outdoors. I often feel a sadness for the season we are leaving but this time I’m focusing on the joy of this moment.

A morning walk with pretty seed heads- and various shades of green, orange ans red….

What’s one thing you can do to celebrate this day?
Stop to look out the window? Smell the fresh air? Nature journal what you experience?

#mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #sparkinnature #natureconnection #naturejournaling

I’m enjoying the the cedar and pine first this w

I’m enjoying the the cedar and pine first this week. I’m teaching nature journaling to a group of science teachers and we get to be immersed in this gorgeous place in the planet!

I’m nature journaling pinecones, and they are teaching me so much.

I’m also being mindful of how much time I spend journaling- and to balance that with just BE-ing and soaking in nature with all my senses.

Your turn- get out to soak in nature today!

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

Reminder- today 11am Pacific Time- Sketch and Shar

Reminder- today 11am Pacific Time- Sketch and Share Café!

Spark Circles members meet on zoom monthly. You can check out our session and the entire community for free trial with link below- or link in bio.

https://community.sparkinnature.com/checkout/spark-circles-ocean-tier

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #gratitidefornature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #naturesitspot #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

We had our first meeting of the Japanese-English n

We had our first meeting of the Japanese-English nature Journal cafe- where English learners came to expand their vocabulary and practice speaking while nature journaling!

Eriko Kobayashi hosted tonight and shared with us a local gem of a flower in nee neighborhood in Japan. I shared the Matilija poppy that’s in bloom in California. It was so much fun to learn about the spiral orchid and to brush up on my Japanese vocabulary!

Any other Japanese speakers out there want to brush up on their English?

Or, maybe you speak another language and want to start a small group to practice? French? Spanish? German?

#mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #natureconnection #naturejournaling

INJW Day 7: Celebration It just so happens that t

INJW Day 7: Celebration

It just so happens that today is Celebration day and our wedding anniversary!

This morning, I was surprised with a bouquet of lovely roses- a perfect subject for nature journaling.

I typically have a hard time drawing roses so I immediately went for contour drawings to capture the flowers- and was inspired to reflect on gratitude for the past 25 years with my partner.

What are you celebrating today? Is there an accomplishment or something you tried this week?

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

INJW Day 5 Care: I’ve never paid attention to ho

INJW Day 5 Care:
I’ve never paid attention to how to care for rose bushes- and decided I would journal something I learned the other day from a volunteer caring for roses at a local rose garden.

I can use my nature journal to help me remember and implant this process into my memory better. By drawing it out on paper I commit to memory in a way that just watching someone or reading about it cannot do. I did this all through college and it helped me immensely to learn topics topics from biology, biochem, oceanography and ornithology.

What do you care for? And how can you use your journal for it?

Ps- if you missed my session last night for International Nature Journaling week on the theme Of Care- you can watch it on naturejournalingweek.com under Program, Care.

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #gardenjournaling #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

INJW Day 5: Confidence Today I decided to choose

INJW Day 5: Confidence

Today I decided to choose one thing I’m not so good at doing- drawing cats. I have cats and would love to be able to draw them in a way that doesn’t make them look scary! 😂

One way to overcome my apprehension and exasperation with drawing cats is to practice with blind and modified contours.

This is an exercise I do with my students-

I chose a bunch of photographs and did continuous line drawings, spending about 20-40 seconds each, depending on the size.

The first couple always feel the worst. Then I get into a rhythm- ans it flows better- somehow I’m unplugging my critical mind from the process.

My mind calms, my hand feels looser, and my cattery develops in the page!

This process is helping my eye-brain-hand coordination so that when I draw cat next time it will be easier to draw what I see!

I’m sharing the process here- two pages of contours with my fountain pen, then added color for fun.

What’s something that you’d like to improve drawing? Bears, birds, trees, pineapples?

Can you do a page of quick countours? Let me know how it goes!

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

INJW Day 4: Inspiration! Today I went for a walk

INJW Day 4: Inspiration!

Today I went for a walk on the beach and was inspired by all the beach treasures! So I went for a wander and collected some pieces that inspired me- to make ephemeral (temporary) art.

I loved all the colors, shapes and textures, and the piece came together organically as I placed things down.

I’m so glad I had my nature journal bad with me on this walk!!

But my waterbrush was 1/3 filled! Yikes- I was hoping I would have enough!

Fortunately, I did. I took about 20 minutes to sketch in pen then add words and watercolor.

I enjoyed the surf and seagulls singing peaceful songs, and the oceany aroma wafting over on each fresh seabreeze.

I never know what will inspired me to fill a nature journal page. I just keep my journal with me, and my senses open.

My dog Macy was even meditatively watching the ocean while I journaled.

Grateful today for the theme, and for nature journaling!

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournals #naturejournal #naturejournalingweek #naturejournaling

Sharing nature journaling time together with a gro

Sharing nature journaling time together with a group at the Marina Library!

We had 12 people join us for a morning of nature journaling who came to learn that it’s not about the finished page but about the process of observing and being present with nature.

I shared useful ways to simplifying drawing process to make it easier and fun!

Thank you Marina Library for hosting this!

I was so engrossed in it this is the only photo I took! 😂

Come join me in person or online.
Start seeing your nearby nature in a new light!

Sparkinnature.com/events

#mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

INJW- Day 3- Creativity- capture nature in differe

INJW- Day 3- Creativity- capture nature in different ways!

There are many ways you can document what you observe in nature. And it doesn’t have to be only perfectly drawn pictures with exacting detail.

I approach nature journaling with the goal of experiencing nature, being present ans aware and taking it all in. Sometimes a gesture sketch or scribble with words and color swatches is enough!

And that is what I did when I visited a rose garden-I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty, variety and expansiveness of this place.

SO I decided to focus on colors for this day.

Creatively capturing nature in different way- go through other posts to Harvest ideas for your journaling!!

What creative ways do you capture nature??

#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #naturejournalingweek #natureconnection #naturejournaling #drawingflowers

INJW Day 2- SHARING DAY: Today I sat out at the be

INJW Day 2- SHARING DAY: Today I sat out at the beach nature journaling Bird Rock, in Pebble Beach, California. I wasn't really thinking of the topic of Sharing at first, but as I observed all the animals on the rock I realized....

***They are SHARING the rock!***

The cormorants (at the top), Pelicans (mid-level, far edges), and sealions (lower, near the waterline)-were occupying distinct areas of the rock. (also, otters in the ocean)

By separating out across the rock, like cake layers, they were all able to use this place together.

The Cormorants on the top were sitting on their nests. The pelicans were hanging out mostly preening (cleaning) their feathers, and the sealions were laying on top of each other at the lower areas near the water, snoozing or barking.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Process: I drew a small landscape (ended up being bigger) with zoom-in bubbles showing detail to show which animal species were using parts of the rock.

Below, a section of words describing the groups and where they were located.

On the right I did a cross-section view to show the layers, and color-coded them for ease of seeing across the page.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now I SHARE this page with you! Do you notice animals sharing space? I'd love to hear!

#NatureForAll #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection

Appreciation- Day 1 theme for International Nature

Appreciation- Day 1 theme for International Nature Journaling Week

One of my favorites nature appreciations is the sky! You can always look up above you to soak in nature-

These were quick sketches while I was a passenger in a car. I did all the pen work and color while the scenery went by.

My journal is a sensory scrapbook- and scratch paper for my nature encounters!! So I’m not fussy with crooked lines, imperfect paint application, inexact sketches.

A good practice to quiet inner critic- try journaling on the road!! 🚙 I do it often-

I’m prone to carsickness - but somehow it doesn’t happen if I’m nature journaling!! 😃

What do you appreciate today?? #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #naturedialogue #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #naturejournaling #skydrawings #skydrawing #NatureForAll

The other day my daughter and I visited the rocky

The other day my daughter and I visited the rocky shore. We were delighted that it was low tide! I came across a lovely pool full of seaweed.

I gazed down in a tidepool at the frilly fronds, swaying back and forth oscillating In long cycles. The slow rhythm reminded me of breathing.

Inhale…..swaying in to shore …. Exhale- swaying back out to sea….inhale……. Exhale.

I found myself slowing my breath to match. It was so calming.

There is much research evidence that supports time I’m nature to to be therapeutic- although I don’t need to see the data- because I can FEEL it from my own experience.

Is there some movement in nature that soothes you? If not Ocean, how about clouds drifting by, or wind flowing through a grassy hillside?

Take time out today to slow your breath and match natures rhythm. Journal your experience. Share with us!

#calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #naturedialogue #naturesitspot #drawingnature #sparkinnature #natureconnection #naturejournaling

Making toned paper!! Stumbled across a bag of waln

Making toned paper!! Stumbled across a bag of walnuts that I harvested in the fall- waiting to be turned into dye. So today I’ve been testing process to dye toned paper….

Made a concentrated walnut dye- and testing various methods to see what I like before dyeing larger sheets.

My goal is to dye 10x14 paper to put in my hand bound journals (finished size 7x10)….

The weather has been sunny so things dry quickly although the wind is blowing the papers around.

I’m used to dyeing fiber (yarn, wool, fabric) for my knitting and spinning projects but haven’t experimented much with paper.

Trying mordanted, non-mordanted, dip dyed versus painted, various times, rinsed versus non rinsed. It’s a pretty color- less yellow that the store bought toned tan strathmore.

I started to do coffee but didn’t want to use our good beans for this project! 😂need to get Folgers crystals or something to try out. ☕️

The nice thing- if I don’t like it for my nature journal, it will make a base for art projects! 😃
Have you made toned paper? What worked for you? I’d love to hear!

#drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling #paperdyeing #makingtonedpaper

Too stuck in details? Simplify with changing your

Too stuck in details? Simplify with changing your tools- I used crayon instead of fountain pen to help me focus less on tiny details and concentrate on the gesture or the feel of the subject.

I did a Weed Walk in my front yard- I counted at least 6 kinds from the seed heads. Crayon helped to keep me on the task of capturing diversity - this page was quick- about 10 min from start to finish.

Try using broader tools like crayon or marker or a fat brush. What do you think? Does it help you quiet the inner critical voice a bit?

#mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling #plantsketching

How do you use your nature journal to express cari

How do you use your nature journal to express caring?

For International Nature Journaling week, I’ll be opening a session on Care.

I’d like to show diversity and use a few examples of nature journal pages if you would like to share with me:

1-Documenting seasonal changes of a place or subject. (Spring to summer to winter, dry to rainy, etc)

2- Growth over time- a plant progression from bud to fruit/seed. Or decay.

3-Changes through recovery of a place - (recovery from a flood or fire or regrowth of a damaged tree)

4- Restoration - replanting, documenting - maps, changes, process, etc.

5- Self care- how is nature journaling supportive to your wellbeing? How do you use your nature journal for this?

You can send them to my by DM or post here as a comment.

How do you approach viewing a page with incredibly

How do you approach viewing a page with incredibly skilled drawings?

Are you comparing yourself --or-- are you staying curious and allowing yourself to be inspired?

Recently one of NJ club members, Jan Ruby-Crystal posted this very cool page. She is an art professor who's been working really hard to incorporate words and numbers on her pages.

When I saw I stopped the first words that came to mind, and began reflecting on my reaction.

I thought you might relate and appreciate this take how to view these kinds of pages.

Read the full post below:

https://community.sparkinnature.com/c/from-melinda/are-you-comparing-or-being-curious-14c07263-d375-4af0-aae4-85b58479cb9a

You can see this and more- got to Spark Circles link in bio for your free trial membership to our community.

#wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection

Unexpected journaling moments! I found an avocado

Unexpected journaling moments! I found an avocado that fell off a tree and brought it home to journal. It was so fascinating- the more I looked the more questions I had.

It had so many marks on it- a story was carved into the skin- and for about 20 minutes I got to know this humble avocado intimately.

I played around with noting all the colors, different angles, adding questions and possible answers.

Next time you are out, collect a nature treasure! Bring it home ans let it tell you it’s story, and record it in your journal.

Let me know what you find! #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #naturedialogue #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

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