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sparkinnature

Do you ever get a thought that pops into your awar

Do you ever get a thought that pops into your awareness? Like a nudge to do something?

While teaching my Befriending Trees courses I kept seeing this tree in my mind’s eye- and I responded in thought “oh, I should stop by to visit that Magnolia”

Well, today Magnolia was done waiting for me.
After teaching a class nearby I kept getting, “get grounded with a tree”, “take nature time for you” and then almost in an insistent tone “visit the Magnolia”
Okay, okay.
When I arrived there was a super convenient parking space (of course). I spent time with Magnolia- a big beautiful old old tree.

The image I remembered was different from the real tree- has it been that long?

I stood in front of it, taking in the whole tree visually, I could feel my breath slowing and feeling calmer.
Then, standing and leaning with my back to the trunk I looked out to see it’s view of the world.

I took some steps away to look at the leaves- and at first glance I didn’t see many seed cones or flowers.

But as I spent time combing the branches with my eyes- I began to see more! Colorful leaves and seed pods!
I don’t think I’ve ever paid attention to when it flowers and lo and behold- there were huge flower buds.

I nature journaled at the park- but didn’t get time to finish-

What I DID get is a message -

“Take your time—let your eyes adjust to the initial busy distraction of all the leaves and you will soon spot what was previously unseen and hidden in plain sight. Pay loving attention and open up to the discovery”

How much of our world do we miss by rushing around mindlessly trying to finish our to-dos?

Have you ever gotten a thought to do something in nature? And did you follow through? What did you discover?

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

I decided to go for a petal counting walk! There i

I decided to go for a petal counting walk! There is such variety in this neighborhood- and diversity of flower shapes!

Even if you don’t know the exact flower parts or name, you can still count petals. This develops your awareness and helpful in later identification.

Counting petals focuses our attention, and we develop awareness not only of flowers but of nature!

And, it’s fun to do- don’t worry about the names! The important part is enjoying seeing their colorful ans amazing little faces!

I could not journal on my walk this time- so came home with lots of photos- and did a sketch of each flower.

Try going for a walk and counting the petals on the flowers you see-

What do you notice? Is there a pattern between similar numbered petals? If you get curious, jot down you questions- would love to hear!

This was also the topic of our recent session for the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club .

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

Join me in-person in Marina California for Family

Join me in-person in Marina California for Family nature journaling!
RSVP with the Marina Library: 831-883-7507

Saturday, May 20- 10:30-12pm
Sponsored by the Friends of the Marina Library.

#naturejournaling #sparkinnature #natureconnection #naturejournals

Took a day trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument

Took a day trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument in Santa Margarita, California. It was amazing to see fields and fields of colorful patches.

A cool sight was a group of bison surrounded by golden goldfield and purple owl clover carpets. So many shapes and colors-- too many to draw- I was just in awe! I absorbed the wonderful fragrance and feast for my eyes. I sketched some but most are captured in my mind's eye-- and my heart.

What a show Nature puts on for the bees and pollinators-- and for us!

#mindfuldrawing #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling #aweofnature #naturewonders

Wildflower wonder: We explored Garland Ranch Regio

Wildflower wonder: We explored Garland Ranch Regional Park with our nature journals through a program for Let's Go Outdoors through the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District.

We spend time getting to know the prolific lupines and many folks discovered things they had never noticed before. The sweet aroma of the lupines wafted on the warm breeze while the flower head bobbed and danced around.

Get outdoors to see what jewels you can discover in your nearby nature!

If you want a short nature journaling class online with Melinda, check out:
Wild about Wildflowers: Link in Bio

#mindfuldrawing #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

A fun day nature journaling with other bird lovers

A fun day nature journaling with other bird lovers! Everyday is a different day. Even the same location visited over and over, you never see the same things!!

I love watching this offshore rock and how it changes with the season- right now the cormorants are just starting to pick their nest spots!

If you love birds and want to learn easy ways to add them to your journal, I still have room in my newest session of Spark your Bird Love course- it’s live online-

The first session was recorded and you can join me live for the rest!

See Link in bio.

#mindfuldrawing #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #natureconnection #naturejournaling #drawingbirds #birds #birdsketch

Before shearing and after shearing. @topknotsheari

Before shearing and after shearing. @topknotshearing did a fabulous job on our alpacas. They were professional, kind and had a smooth system. Our animals were treated with such good care- thank you so much!!!

I love seeing the new spring “leaf bursts”- wh

I love seeing the new spring “leaf bursts”- when a cluster of baby leaves burst out of the bud.

When you watch twigs come alive after a winter hibernation it’s pretty remarkable.

So much potential stored in a tiny bud!

What new trees or shrubs are bursting with new leave in your nearby nature?

Try sketching the branch.
How many leaves?-1 or a cluster in each bud?
Do they alternate along the stem? Or are they opposite?
Do flowers come first or leaves?
What color are the new leaves— (hint- they are not always green!)

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

We had a fun time outdoor nature journaling in San

We had a fun time outdoor nature journaling in Santa Cruz, CA
The garden is lush with new spring growth and flowers! We explored the various types of flowers and practiced how to sketch and take notes on what we see.

Join me on the second Wednesdays of the month for Nature Journal Studio.

Register with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Link in bio

Listening to the morning bird chorus from my back

Listening to the morning bird chorus from my back deck. I love sitting out here watching the dark turn to light as we inch toward sunrise.

This day instead of doing my Dawn Chorus chart, I decided to just draw the bird songs and map them out. It felt like less pressure this way.

It’s freeing to let my pen squiggly across the page in response to their song….

🎶🕊️If you want to learn how I draw bird songs, you can see my most recent class Drawing Bird Song- link in bio.

#calmingnature #mindfuldrawing #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #drawingnature #drawingnature #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

Seasonal changes- I enjoy walks with my dog around

Seasonal changes- I enjoy walks with my dog around my neighborhood. I don’t usually have my journal for these outings so I can track the changes in my mind- and record some highlights when I get home. (I also take photos for reference- and I’m thoughtful not to get hung up on too many details).

There is always something new to see, even if I’ve walked this road a hundred times.

My joy is in noticing nature, and saving these highlights in my journal.

Interesting that both birth (new lambs) and death (dead daffodils) show up here.

It makes me think about the things we usually overlook- dead and dying flowers don’t usually get attention. But here, it may not be a pretty yellow flower, but it’s transforming to its next stage at a seedpods!

This reminds me that nothing is permanent - we are all changing constantly- just at different rates.

What do you see in your nearby nature? If you walk you dog, notice what’s going on around you- what has changes since your last walk?
#NatureForAll #mindfuldrawing #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #wonderinnature #internationalnaturejournalingweek #gratitidefornature #gardenjournaling #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #naturejournaling

This Sunday, join us online to learn how to simpli

This Sunday, join us online to learn how to simplify adding flowers to your nature journal. You'll get several easy ways to capture what you see in nature.

April 16- 9:30am Pacific
Flowers made simple: Nature journaling with Melinda
Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club

Suggested Donation: $20

Registration ink in Bio
Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club

Drawing bird songs? ✍🏻 🕊 🎶 🎶--Have

Drawing bird songs? ✍🏻 🕊 🎶

🎶--Have you ever heard wonderful bird songs and discovered it was hard to put them in your nature journal?
🎶--How do we turn audio into visual?
🎶--How can we draw sounds???

Well, I'd like to share some easy ways to do so!

Come to Virtual session: *****Drawing Bird Songs for your nature journal****
April 7, 4pm Pacific
$30 to register, see link in bio

I’ve been watching birds for decades and have found some simple and fun ways to incorporate birdsongs and notes onto paper.

We will explore different ways you can visually place bird songs in your journal, to enrich your sensory experience and enhance your memory of your time.
#mindfulinnature #gratitidefornature #naturesitspot #drawingnature #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

An impromptu nature journaling event by the Restle

An impromptu nature journaling event by the Restless Sea!

I was in my way to a special patch of old cypress trees when the ocean scene grabbed my attention. I took in the fresh sea air and felt the warm sun on my skin.

Then I noticed the wild and tumultuous waves colliding! It’s a spot in Pebble Beach, California called the Restless Sea.

You can pull over on the drive and watch in awe. Waves from the sea are channeled to this spot I’m a way that makes they come to shore angled in such way that they crash off shore.

Beautiful. Exhilaration. Awe inspiring….
So I had to grab my journal! 😂

I spent about 10-15 minutes sketching what I saw, experienced and thoughts that it inspired. I also did the color on-site.

When I journal in person with nature, I’m the moment- I am LIVING in the moment and the messy scribbles capture the essence of my experience.

I was feeling so filled with great energy— uplifted, and joyful (even though some things loomed in my head before I got there).

I want more of THIS! I said out loud. Now I want to block out time in my schedule where I can just BE in nature- fully present- with or without journal— because I know it’s what gives me replenishment and feeds my soul.

Later I felt less irritated, and had more patience with things that came up.

Sometimes I journal when I get home- from memory and photos to remind me— but these live, in-person moments with the fullness of nature are the BEST!!

Do you like nature journaling outside LIVE like this?

Please let me know!

If not, would you tell me why you don’t?

May you have more moments meeting with Nature!

You can join me online monthly for a free (donation) nature journaling workshop!

Check sparkinnature.com/events
Or link in bio

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

Comparing two similar subjects in your nature jour

Comparing two similar subjects in your nature journal is a great way to see the differences more easily, and help you to remember! And, it can be a handy reference page.

Cape ivy and wild cucumber are very similar and can be tricky to tell apart. I’m this day I found them both growing together so it was perfect time to study them.

By studying then side by side- you can easily compare parts- for example the leaf shape, color, stem, flowers, vines, etc. and you get to know them a little better.

One neat thing I noticed this time- that I had not noticed in the years I’ve been seeing these guys is the way the vines grow.

Wild cucumber puts out special tendrils that reach out and grab and twist onto structures — like peas plants. But cape ivy just winds it’s whole stem around structures— like a snake! (Constrictors)-

Wild cucumbers are native but cape ivy is introduced, very invasive and hard to get rid of.

This way, you’ll know which ones you need to remove from your garden- or at least manage the growth so they don’t take over!

What is something you can compare in your nature journal?

Two leaves? Two flowers? Two citruses? Two kinds of apples?

Let us know!!

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

Peaceful wander in an old cypress grove in coastal

Peaceful wander in an old cypress grove in coastal California, and time to appreciate the shapes of these ancient trees. It filled me with calming, grounding goodness.

I sat on a mossy log, facing a beautiful Monterey cypress to nature journal this one. The huge y-shaped trunk captured my attention. The bark was streaked in patterns similar to a flowing river.

I wondered how long it’s been growing here, and what it must have seen during its life!

So many uniquely shaped trees that lean and reach out in all directions. It makes me wonder what makes them look like the are dancing in very slow motion.

The forest flowers in bloom - scattered drops of purples from the Douglas Irises. Seaside Daisy also beginning to bloom, milk maids, hedge nettles and sour grass.

Mushrooms, snails and weeds too.

Have you taken a wander in a nearby natural spot? Look by your feet and see what you can find!

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

Spend a otterly fun nature journaling afternoon wi

Spend a otterly fun nature journaling afternoon with Melinda Nakagawa.
You'll learn easy ways to nature journal the wildlife and landscapes of Elkhorn Slough, then sketch live on the slough boat private charter on Elkhorn Slough Safari.

Sunday April 2, 11am-4:00pm, Moss Landing, California
**Seats are limited** to ensure plenty of space for nature journaling.

More details and registration- see link in bio.

Melinda Nakagawa, M.Sc is a marine biologist, naturalist, and nature journaling educator. In the past she's worked with marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles as a researcher and as wildlife rehabilitator.

She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club, as well as offers nature journaling classes and workshops online and in person. Melinda will guide you in cultivating a deeper relationship with the natural world, slowing down to nature’s pace, and enjoy the wonder and awe in nature.
#mindfulinnature #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturejournalingweek #naturesketch #natureconnection #seaotters #seals #sketchwildlife

Wandering through nature, paying attention to what

Wandering through nature, paying attention to what catches my attention, and capturing them in my nature journal is Nature journaling.

It’s fun to see the small things that would normally go unnoticed. Each of these observations deepen my understanding of and connection to this place.

What are you seeing in your nearby nature? What signs of changing seasons do you notice?

New buds? Flowers? Changing temperature? Weeds emerging? Birds singing?

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

Curious to get to know you local trees in winter?

Curious to get to know you local trees in winter?
Learn to easily sketch and nature journal trees.
Develop skills to see what's often overlooked, get to know them and begin reading their stories.

This is more than an identification course- but a way to befriend trees and reconnect to them. Time with trees nourish the mind, body and spirit.

Join me on this journey to Befriend Trees this winter

New online course: Befriending Trees Begins March 2

March 2, 9, and 16 at 4-5:30pm Pacific
Online class community for sharing. Recordings available.

For more info and to register see link in bio.

#NatureForAll #calmingnature #mindfulinnature #gratitidefornature #lovetrees #drawingnature #naturejournalclub #naturejournals #naturejournal #sparkinnature #naturesketch #natureconnection #naturejournaling

This morning I noticed a dusting of frost on the b

This morning I noticed a dusting of frost on the backs of our alpacas. When I went out in the cold, I noticed that their breath was highlighted in the morning sun.

You might think they are feeling cold when you see the frost. But actually, they have a coat of insulation- meaning that their body heat stays close to their body. If their body heat came to the surface of the fur, then frost would not settle.

Dot (white) and Rhody (brown). You can see the frost on Rhody's back more easily.

Now, I'm wondering how I might add this to my nature journal....Perhaps on toned paper, and show the breath and frost with white pencil? What would you do?

#alpacalove #frostyalpaca #sparkinnature

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