I TOOK A WALK TODAY - WILD! flowers

Trout Lily

All along the little spring-fed creek at Prairie Pond Woods and the larger Hickman Run that it flows into, wildflower ephemerals are announcing the season of spring is here. First came the Trout Lilies and Bloodroot. Now the Rue Anemone, Purple Cress and Jacob's Ladder are in bloom. Next, Wild Columbine and Hepatica will cover the rock outcrop that shades the spring creek.

Pennywort

I know there are nature preserves or even private properties where large patches of these wildflowers dazzle the beholder, and I'm glad they exist and are protected.  But I get as excited about my little patches dotting the land here and there, as I do the spectacular ones.  I brim with joy at the first Moneywort (especially since I rescued several from an ATV trail) or the first Cut-leaved Toothwort, even if it is standing solo among the other vegetation. 

Rue Anemone

I'm thrilled because these are WILDflowers...and each holds potential for the spectacular. They are feral. No one planted them. Who knows how old some of these individual perennials may be? These, or their offspring, are the ones that survived logging of the forests. These are the ones that have been quietly cloaking the forest floors for decades and centuries.  

They need nothing from us. No cultivation. No fertilizing. No pampering (except for removing alien species on occasion). They are right where they are supposed to be, needing nothing but the soil, the light, the rain and insects for pollination. When their petaled performances are finished, they will release their seeds or spread out their roots, and the show begins again next spring.

Wild Columbine

My only mission at Prairie Pond Woods is to let them flourish. Let them perform their encores year after year. Let them fill as much space as the space will hold. To simply just let them be.

MORE JULY PHOTOS

July is a beautiful time to visit prairies...especially the one at Prairie Pond Woods!  The summer has been mild, so Cyon and I have been enjoying our morning and evening walks. Below are a few of the wonderful things we encountered along the way...like this box turtle (she leaves them be).

 You are always invited to book a Heart by Nature retreat and take your own Discovery Walks at Prairie Pond Woods.

The Prairie

OSWEGO TEA OR MONARDA
(its actually around the deck)

TALL LARKSPUR

EASTERN TAILED BLUE

WORLED MILKWEED

BUMBLEBEE ON BELLFLOWER

SPIDERS, BEES AND FLIES ON WILD BERGAMOT

WILD BERGAMOT

MILKWEED BUG ON COMMON MILKWEED

SCALY BLAZING STAR.
(for years I had just one plant...now there are eight!)

PARTRIDGE PEA

SPOTTED ST. JOHN'S WORT

The Pond

CALICO PENNANT

BALDFACE HORNET
(not sure why he seemed to be hanging on for dear life at the pond)

SILVER SPOTTED SKIPPER

The Woods

SOME KIND OF STINKHORN?

MUSHROOMS ON FIRST DAY I SAW IT

CLOSE UP

SAME MUSHROOMS ONE TWO DAYS LATER

FIRST WEEK IN JUNE - 2014

As the description states, this blog is a nature journal of when, where and what is happening at the retreat.  In nature, something is always happening!  Just three weeks ago I could see through the woods and last years brown growth on the ground.  Now the trees have leafed out and the ironweed, wingstem, grasses and other herbaceous plants are towering over and filling in any bare spots.  

I've been taking a morning and an evening walk with binocs and my camera each day.  Here are some of the things I encountered this first week in June...captured with the limited camera skills I possess.  One of the exciting things for me was to ID two new plant species for the property.  Again...something is always happening...a seed that has been dormant finally germinates. The wind carries a seed through the air and plants itself in the readied soil.  A bird poops.  However it happens, I'm glad it does.  Enjoy!  And come visit sometime!  

PS...if you received this via email...scroll down to bottom and click on link.)

THE PRAIRIE

Venus's Looking Glass...a first!

Common Milkweed starting to bloom

Long-leaved Bluets Houstonia longifolia (I think)

Sneezeweed...another first for Prairie Pond Woods

Box Turtles were on the move this week!  They lay eggs in June in Ohio.
Had to dodge 3 while mowing the Refresher Course

Blue-winged Warbler sings all day here

Yellow-breasted Chat (annoyingly) sings all day here too!

Prairie Warbler

 THE POND

Painted Skimmer

Comet Darner...I honestly don't know how I got this photo.  I have been trying for years to photograph one.  They are so quick and they NEVER stop flying.  At one point I think I just took a shot out of frustration and was shocked when I scrolled through and saw it.  Not the clearest but considering the challenge I'm happy with it.

Mating Damselflies

THE WOODS

The Creek at the entrance to the property...and Cyon's swimming hole

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Cyon waiting while I try to (unsuccessfully) photograph a Worm-eating Warbler

APRIL FOOL

Yesterday afternoon I drove down to Prairie Pond Woods to resume the "businistry" of  Heart by Nature Retreats. Upon arrival, I heard several phoebes calling and before I went to bed a barred owl hooted from the woods.  In between, I took a walk and a friend from down the road invited me to dinner at their cabin.  It was a lovely way to begin this next season of writing and hosting retreats for women.

Walking the paths in the afternoon sunlight with Cyon, the beginning of a blog post I wrote in 2005 came to mind: 

"As I approached the wooded trail-head at Spring Valley Wildlife Area, I noticed something about myself. For whatever reason, I was not focused outwardly at that moment, but inwardly, and sensed a slight physical change, a minor elevation of heart rate perhaps, the tiniest release of adrenaline maybe...the kind of change you might experience seeing a good friend approaching unexpectedly. The moment I stepped over the chain separating woods from parking lot and on to the path, I was aware of the great expectation of discovery and a settling calm inside."

This is how I feel being here again; looking forward to whatever the days bring forth.  Like a trail head I have never been down before, I am unaware of what is before me.  Is it a straight path? A winding trail? Is it steep or wet, and are there interesting things to see?  Each time someone ventures down any trail, old or new, mysteries await. 

The trails in my life have always been a little rocky, winding and less traveled.  They were built by the pain of inner wounds, friendship, beauty, God, more pain, nature and healing.  They have been maintained by solitude in the wild, wrestling prayer and love.


So every April I open my heart, the retreat house, and our nature trails so that other women can come to find their hearts in nature.  It isn't the most popular activity to do in our culture. I know that. It may be scary for some and others may find it a foolish waste of time.  But I am an April fool...so when the creatures begin to stir and the earth magically greens-up in small bursts...I just want to share it with all the other fools out there!  

BIRD WATCHING AS MEDITATION

MAY 2-4, 201

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 18

SPACES ARE LIMITED

TO REGISTER ONLINE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

CLICK HERE

YES, WE WE DO!

Sometimes people ask me why I don't offer different types of group retreats.  I assume they mean the latest "trending" kinds of women's retreats...crafting, health-focused, beauty-focused, fun-focused, etc.  I say it's because others are already doing those retreats, but few are offering what Heart by Nature has to share.  

Heart by Nature's goal is to give women the opportunity to create a ritual, a tradition, a way to annually check-in with themselves and evaluate their spiritual, personal or creative growth.  Whether it's learning about and understanding the natural world better (several women return each year to the annual Bird Watching as Meditation retreat), or broadening creative skills, or planning a more Spirit-centered year, that is the calling I try to fulfill for others.

Do we engage in creativity?  YES we do!  And all our creative activities reinforce the theme of each retreat.  We've painted bluebird houses, made bird nesting balls, prayer cards, collages from the soul, and more!  This year for the ECOntemplation retreat in June, we'll be making HYPERTUFAS...earthy, messy, and oh, so cool!

Are we health-focused?  YES we are!  Taking a walk in the country air for over an hour several times during the weekend is good for the body & brain.  And the sacred act of eating healthy, organic food in community is good for the soul. 

Are the retreats fun?  Well, what do you think...a bunch of women away from their

responsibilities, talking, finding common ground, laughing, resting and reveling?  Will you be entertained or amused?  No...probably not...except maybe by butterflies, dragonflies, deer, skunks...or Cyon (our prairie dog).   

Are we beauty-focused?  YES, we are!  But these retreats focus on the beauty of the wildflowers, the metallic gold dots on a Monarch chrysalis, the clouds passing over the hills. This kind of deep appreciation becomes part of the true beauty of each woman as it is cultivated from within. 

You can find a list of all the upcoming 2014 retreats HERE.  I hope you'll join us.  Start a Ritual this year.

TOP TEN

The 
Top  Ten

 things to do at
Prairie Pond Woods
April - October

When planning a personal retreat this year, the beauty of these seasonal events might help you choose the perfect month!

 1. During Full Moons, strap on headlamps (if you even need them) and take a walk on the Refresher Course, the path that winds through Prairie Pond Woods' 27-acres.

2.    During the Waning, Waxing or New Moon phase view billions of stars in the dark sky free of light pollution!  Take binoculars to see star clusters and bright planets better.

3.    In early April a half-hour before dusk, sit outside to listen to the mating call of the Woodcock in the fields.  Also watch for his winding, whistling aerial display.

4.    In late April, walk to the pond before dusk to listen to high-decibel Spring Peepers and other amphibians calling. See how long you can sit there! 

5.    In early May, before leaves begin to dress the trees, hike to the Woodland Cathedral. Listen and watch for warblers, tanagers, vireos and more! 

6.    In June, see millions of fireflies flicker in the fields, woods or prairie. It’s a light show!

7.    In July take a favorite book and meander the Refresher Course with dazzling displays of butterflies and butterfly weed. End at the Pine Sanctuary swing and read to your heart’s content in the coolness!

8.    In August, dragonflies at the pond offer hours of entertainment and tranquility.

9. September brings out the photogenic complimentary colors of purple ironweed and yellow goldenrods and sunflowers.  Bring your camera!

9. October is a great month to hike all the property and end at the pond to see the fall colors reflected in the water.  Hiking at The Edge or Shawnee State Park is also recommended during the fall.

THE ART OF SITTING...IN THE WOODS

We call this spot, The Woodland Cathedral because, well, it just feels holy when you sit there. You will undoubtedly hear the crescendo of the Ovenbird song in the spring. Up on the ridge in the tangles of underbrush, a Hooded Warbler faithfully sings his "witcha-witcha-wee-oh" each summer.  A Pileated Woodpecker may also startle the silence with its loud, staccato call, as it swoops through the colored canopy in autumn.

This is a good place to contemplate whether your own voice is being heard in the world...




"Don't try to figure out what other people want from you; figure out what you have to say.  It's the one and only thing you have to offer.  
                       

 -Barbara Kingsolver

 If you prefer not to trek up the hill, another spot at the bottom of the trail awaits. This Adirondack chair sits across from a small patch of newly planted woodland flowers, anchored by one Mountain Laurel bush that I planted several years ago. This summer I planted Virgiania bluebells, Jacob's ladder and wild geraniums. If all goes well, next spring these will flourish alongside Giant Solomon's Seal, Bellwort, Mayapples and Two-flowered Cynthias.  

This is the third and final spot in the woods for reflection, should you come for a Personal Retreat.  There is nothing more relaxing...more quieting...more comforting than being surrounded by such beautiful gifts of creation.  

To find out more about taking a Personal Retreat visit the 
Heart by Nature Retreats Website

THE ART OF SITTING...AROUND THE HOUSE

Sometimes sentences just come to me.  From where?  I do not know....

The other day I was sweeping the deck off, the last chore after a few hours of outdoor puttering, when this thought popped into my head:

" I love working my butt off at Prairie Pond Woods 

so that you can come and sit on yours."

That thought led to another:

"Why don't you show all the places where people can sit on the property...to reflect or take in the beauty?"

So imagine yourself sitting back and relaxing in them, as we take a tour of the first in a series of the many chairs where you can plant Le derrière and experience the "art of sitting in one place."

The Front Porch is one of the guest's favorite places to wake up with a morning cup of Birds and Beans coffee.  It is in shade until about 1 pm and dark enough until then to use a laptop.  A breeze always blows through it, keeping it very comfortable.  At night, with the candles lit, you can listen to peepers and toads at the pond or look out over the fields filled with a zillion fireflies!  While swaying on the porch swing, you can ponder areas in your life that might need to awaken or come alive...

Just off the front porch is another great place to sit and watch fireflies at night or the sun cast its warm light on the hills in the morning.  The field in front bursts with twinkling lights around 9 pm and if the stars are visible, the whole darkness glitters from the ground to the heavens!  This is a wonderful place to ask yourself if you are letting your light shine or hiding it for some reason...

We refer to this place as the Sunset View.  In the summer, this is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the prairie.  In spring you can hear the woodcocks and watch their erratic, spiral flight right from these Adirondacks.  With a cold drink, a cup of hot chocolate, a good friend, a soul-mate or all by yourself...this is a wonderful place to just let your thoughts meander... 

Lastly, there is always the back deck...and always a-flutter with butterflies, hummingbirds and other feathered friends at the feeder.  A great spot if you need a surface for writing or WIFI for communicating...and doing research for that novel you're working on... 

As my father used to say, "Come.  Sit a spell."