Growing up, I was granted so many opportunities to enjoy and respect our environment. Exploring my grandparents’ ranch, interacting with animals, and playing outdoors were some of the highlights of my childhood. Granny taught me to notice birds and Papa demonstrated gentle and respectful treatment of all animals including pets, wildlife, and those who fed us. Grandparents Bud and Mo lived in town but grew fresh vegetables in their garden and loved taking me along on their fishing trips to the river. Mom, a kindergarten teacher and artist, taught me how to observe details in nature then to share with art. Dad, an Army veteran, gave me a toolkit to construct tree houses and forts from discarded building materials with my brother. My outdoor skills continued to develop when extended family, friends, and teachers blessed me with invitations to participate in swimming, horseback riding, camping, boating, gardening, and hiking.
As a young adult, my husband’s family introduced me to primitive camping and hiking in the Gunnison National Forest of Colorado. I remember feeling astounded at how small we humans are in the midst of such vast wilderness and how powerful weather truly is. I also began to marvel at how people expend so much effort acquiring and decorating little man made spaces to inhabit that we lose touch with the earth. My husband and I continued the tradition of camping with our own children and even included their friends to help them appreciate nature and strengthen their character.
As you can tell, my early outdoor experiences have had such a positive and lifelong impact in my life, from how I live today to my love for being a part of nature. And while not everyone is comfortable in the great outdoors, there are so many opportunities to create your own lasting memories even if you’re visiting a botanical garden in the midst of your big city.