Storyteller's Journey

Walk in the Woods

Last week was the first time it finally felt like spring in my neck of the woods. The Salmon Creek runs through the common area of our neighborhood and is one of my favorite natural sites.

This historic covered horse bridge serves not only horses and hikers, but also acts as a meeting place for our neighborhood get togethers in the summer. 

While many of our neighbors are horse owners, we are not. However, since I grew up with horses as a child, being around the majestic creatures always gives me a sense of deja vu. These two stallions were quite curious by my presence at first, but soon realized I was just out for a walk.

I thought this view through the trees of the distant hills was just lovely. 

As I continued walking, I soon came upon one of several ponds in the area.

I've mentioned before how much Mother Nature inspires me. While I'm busy preparing for my middle grade novel's publication in the fall, I still need to get my nature fix as regularly as I can!

Storyteller's Journey

A Dream Come True!

For years my husband and I have dreamed of living in a place that is closer to nature, provides us with some acreage, and would give us more privacy than our lovely, but crowded, city neighborhood.

Well, it's happening!

We discovered a private, rural neighborhood just thirty minutes north of our current home. It boasts a covered bridge, a creek, two ponds, horse trails, walking trails, and a large picnic area, all for the exclusive use of its residents.

Here is our future home! It was built 25 years ago, and needs loads of work. We're postponing moving in until autumn, so we can fix the place up. We've already dubbed our new property "Fern Hill," due to numerous ferns everywhere.

Here are a few inhabitants of our new neighborhood! The first time we went to view the place, this doe and her two fawns welcomed us as we drove up the steep driveway to the house.

Needless to say, we're ecstatic with this upcoming new phase of our lives. Keeping up with my writing this summer, while fixing up this place, will be a challenge indeed. I'll be sure to post an update of our progress in September. (There's room for a new studio, too!) 

(Yes, I'm aware of the Dylan Thomas poem entitled, "Fern Hill." 😉)

Storyteller's Journey

Creatives' Love Affair with Nature

Over the years I've noticed that writers and artists draw not only inspiration from nature, but in many cases, nature is their subject matter. Such was the case for me when I penned The Tale of Willaby Creek in 2012. (Photo of author at Lake Quinault, near Willaby Creek.) 

One of my very favorite children's book author/illustrators is Beatrix Potter. As a child, she was inspired by her time in the English countryside while on holiday with her family. She later settled in the Lake District at Hill Top Farm where she kept writing.

Claude Monet was not only the Father of Impressionism, but an avid gardener. Many of his later paintings included his garden and pond. A great example of this is his series: Water Lilies, which is displayed in Paris. (Japanese footbridge over Monet's Lily Pond. 2014) 

The name of Ralph Waldo Emerson is in some ways synonymous with nature. In 1858, Emerson and nine of his fellow intellectuals set off on a trip to the Adirondacks. The journey was said to have been a landmark event: linking nature to literature and art for the first time. (Follensby Pond on left.) 

Last, but not least, is Emily Dickinson. She not only received inspiration from her garden, she wrote and journaled about her garden. In some ways, the birds and blossoms in her garden were her closest friends. (Shown on left, The Homestead - Emily Dickinson's home.)

This is one of my favorite poems penned by Emily Dickinson:

Hope is the thing with feathers 

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard,

And sore must be the storm,

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land

And on the strangest sea,

Yet never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

Emily Dickinson

There is a symbiotic element to the relationship creatives have with their surroundings. Are we receiving inspiration? Or a message to be written, drawn, or painted? Is the universe requesting we find the pen, the paintbrush, the parchment so it can "dictate" its thoughts to us?

When the veil of time is pulled back, I believe only then shall we know.

Storyteller's Journey

The Tonic of Trees

Maybe it's due to the fact that I've lived in the Pacific Northwest since I was a toddler, but for whatever the reason, I find comfort and inspiration from all of our trees.

As a writer, the variety of forests in our area create a sense of enchantment in my everyday life, and also inspire the magic & mystery in the children's stories that I pen. (Many local authors feel this way!)

In this time of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it's important that we all maintain a sense of normalcy, as best we can, even though this year has been anything but normal. For me, that means spending time amongst the beauty of trees (as well as writing and reading regularly).

What activities are important for you to maintain right now?

Storyteller's Journey

Salmon River - Wildwood Recreational Area - Brightwood, OR 

Writing Retreats

The photo on the left was taken in the summer of 2014 while I was on a writing retreat with a critique partner. I'm so excited to be going back to that area in July with my critique group!

The benefits from a writing retreat, especially one that is near a natural setting, are endless. They not only inspire your creativity, they refresh and invigorate your soul. Since I always include natural settings in my stories, spending time in the out of doors is invaluable. (It's perfect when I can do it near my story's actual setting for inspiration and accuracy.) Without exception, the personal summer writing retreats I've been on have been the most productive creative time I've ever spent.

There is no shortage of spectacular places in the Northwest to plan a retreat. (We'll be in one of the lovely rental cabins available on Mt. Hood in Oregon.) However, you can plan a retreat anywhere. 

My two critique partners - Kriston & Deb - in my backyard last summer

Since summer is on the way, now is the time to plan a retreat with your writer friends. Whether it's out in the woods, in a park, or in your own backyard, the benefits are well worth the time it takes to coordinate your retreat. Best of all, you'll no doubt have a blast, like we always do.

Storyteller's Journey

The Olympic National Forest

Nature's Wisdom & Strength

There are numerous blog posts, articles, and even books devoted to the subject of a writer's muse: Whether there is validity to a muse or not, and if so, where and how to find it. I've always known who my muse is, and where my inspiration primarily comes from: NATURE. However, I not only find inspiration to write from the great outdoors, I find wisdom and strength, to deal with all of life's challenges, there, too.

I first learned this personal truth while attending a camp for Campfire Girls in the Columbia River Gorge when I was about ten-years-old. The swimming lessons, artsy crafts, and songs around the campfire were all great, but it was my own personal walks in the woods that touched me in a way I'd never known. The gentle breeze through the tall evergreen branches, the enchanting call of a colorful loon from the lake, or even a rascally raccoon racing across my path, were all gifts from Mother Nature. They reminded me that I was not really alone in the dense, coniferous forest. They were all my friends, each one.

To this day, when I need to clear my mind, or search for wisdom, it is to the forest that I go. Thankfully, I leave near a wooded area that is home to many little critters below its broad cathedral-like canopy. I've always felt small, even protected below the giant guardians, so it's no wonder that I feel closest to God in the woods as well. Time seems to stop while I meditate on my blessings, my life, and also my problems.

It is because of my bond to trees, and the critters that live near them, that every tale I've ever written includes the hidden hinterlands we call forests & the community of creatures that mystically reside in them.

I've yet to meet a human being who is as wise as a towering evergreen or as loving as a mother bear.

HAPPY EARTH DAY !

Storyteller's Journey

Kneeling next to one of my favorite trees in the Olympic National Forest.

Happy Earth Day!

In the Pacific Northwest we take Earth Day very seriously. In addition to the vast and beautiful environment all around us, the coordinator of Earth Day - Denis Hayes - grew up along the Columbia River in Camas, Washington. He graduated from Clark College in Vancouver, WA (my alma mater) and then went on to attend Stanford University, and ultimately graduated from Harvard.

While I am a nature buff myself, today it's also important to ponder what each of us can do to promote the protection of our environment. As writers, we can contribute to the cause in numerous ways:

1- Include the importance of our natural environment in the books we write for children.

2- For traditionally published authors, Authors for Earth Day is a wonderful coalition that contributes a portion of their authors' school visits to a non-profit conservation organization.

3- Be a good steward of the natural resources in your own local area. Volunteer with a conservation organization in your town or region.

4- Make a donation to a conservation organization that you feel particularly drawn to - I'm a supporter of Polar Bears International as well as the National Park Service, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. However, there are numerous organizations to check out.

5- Obviously we're in a presidential election year. If you have the time, expertise, and motivation to volunteer for your favorite candidate, by all means do so. (Hopefully he or she is a strong advocate for conserving our natural resources!)

Whatever you decide to do this Earth Day, know that your contribution will make a positive impact not only on your life, but the lives of others!

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring    

Storyteller's Journey

Walking into 2014

On New Year's Day my husband drove down our country road to do some plein air painting. After I finished my morning chores I picked up my camera and padded down the road to see him.

I thought I'd share with you a photo tour of my New Year's Day walk. This little creek is about three blocks down the road from our house. It's amazing how much beauty is all around me when I take the time to notice.

As if on cue to say hello, this flock of geese honked as they passed overhead. With so much water near our home, the birds offer a common sight and sound in our neighborhood - they are welcome guests that I cherish seeing and hearing.

Mimsi Marsh is a wildlife refuge for a variety of animal and bird species - I've mentioned it on this blog before. It's also a favorite subject for my husband to paint. (I stopped and took this photo when he was just ahead on the road.)

As I came upon Michael, I could see that he was focused on his work, so I walked in back of him and snapped this shot. He was painting the east end of the marsh...and would want me to mention that this painting is far from finished!

After visiting with Michael for a few minutes, I said good bye and turned around to head back for the return walk. These withered winter berries looked so lovely, that when my husband saw this photo he vowed to paint them.

Heading west from the marsh, I took a chance at standing directly on this lonely stretch of railroad tracks. The distant fog seemed to bring to mind a poem, or maybe even a novel of mystery and intrigue. (The road is on the right.)

These photos I've shared with you represent some of the lovely locations that are within two miles of our house. One of my New Year's resolutions is to take this walk more often. (I snapped this shot of the Columbia River near our home.)

As a writer, it is important that I not only experience life, but that I enjoy it. Allowing the wonders that are all around to inspire me, is just as important as the word counts I accomplish or the workshops I attend. I hope this photo tour has provided each of you with some inspiration as you proceed on your own storyteller's journey this year.

           Here's wishing you an awesome year of writing in 2014!

Writer in the Woods

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of Lake Quinault and its rain forest valley; this completes the tour. The old dilapidated dock actually found its way onto the pages of my novel, The Tale of Willaby Creek! I hope you have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend - and thanks for visiting my blog!

This last plant is probably familiar to everyone: the hydrangea. Although it is not native to the Olympic National Forest you see these beautiful blue blossoms everywhere this time of year. The story goes, that they were brought over by visiting Europeans long ago, and have flourished. Whether or not that story is true, I'm not sure, but I love hydrangeas.

Writer in the Woods

With the unofficial end of summer rapidly approaching, visitors are desperately trying to fit in one last warm weekend visit to Lake Quinault - I know we are. Memories of Yogi and Boo-Boo discussing "pic -a - nic baskets" come to mind! Maybe a pie made from this week's featured plant...

The huckleberry bush has a pink-colored flower in the spring that develops into either a red or blue colored berry. Unless you're a botanist you have to wait for them to bloom to know for sure which is which. Whether red or blue these little berries make delicious pies and jams.

Writer in the Woods

Lake Quinault has roads on both its north shore and its south shore; these are connected by a bridge across the river in the upper valley.
This allows the sightseer to enjoy a beautiful drive around the entire lake. Be aware - the eastern portion of the loop is frequently closed during the winter months.

With only two remaining weeks on this "tour" of the Olympic National Forest, the Lady Fern is our last featured fern. It can grow to five or six feet high, and like all rain forest ferns, prefers a moist shady spot to grow. This delicate specimen has lacy green leaves that are easily bruised or broken; because of its fragile beauty it is a popular subject in poetry.

Writer in the Woods

This time of year the Olympic National Forest is inundated with visitors from around the world. Its vast network of hiking trails extends many miles into the surrounding mountains. Whether you are an experienced hiker - or a nature lover desiring a brisk walk - there are trails suitable for everyone.

Skunk Cabbage is this week's featured plant. It loves low lying wetland areas; its large broad leaves are a familiar sight not only in the Olympic National Forest, but throughout the Pacific Northwest. It derives its name from the distinctive "skunky" odor it omits.

Writer in the Woods

Lake Quinault is fed by the Quinault River from the east, this river continues from the lake west, to the Pacific Ocean. Many visitors from around the world come to this paradise every summer - not only for the beauty - but for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. However, no loud motorized watercraft are allowed - thank goodness!

This week another fern is featured - the Deer Fern. This beautiful fern is actually my favorite; it is pictured here in the front yard at our cabin. These ferns can also be used as house plants, when kept well-watered. The dried center shoots of the fern are said to resemble deer antlers, hence the name. This fern is a tough little specimen; it survives year round, although it is most vibrant in the spring and summer.

Writer in the Woods

The average rainfall in the Olympic National Rain Forest is between 110 and 160 inches annually - the greatest in the United States. Unlike the equatorial rain forests, our summers can have long periods of no rain at all. If the weather does choose to be wet while I visit our cabin, reading a good book is my favorite thing to do!

Our fourth featured plant is the prickly Devil's Club. It is usually found in moist places like creek bottoms, swamps, and ditches. It grows in groups of stalks between 5-10 in number, developing from a spreading root system. Although this plant is known to grow between three and five feet tall - in the Olympic National Rain Forest it can be seen as tall as sixteen feet!

Writer in the Woods

The temperature range of the Olympic Rain Forest is usually 40 degrees to 70 degrees year around, however it dips to freezing or colder in the winter months; in the summer, daytime temperatures can be a pleasant 80 or 85 degrees day after day. (My own experience has been that whether it's summer or winter, you better have your rain coat handy in the Rain Forest!)

Salal is our plant of focus this week. It can grow singly or in masses, and reaches heights of 3-4 feet, sometimes as high as 7 feet. In areas that are exposed to the sunlight (like here in the backyard at our cabin), they remain short and scrubby, covering the ground or stumps. In the spring, pink, urn-shaped blossoms appear; turning to a dark purple berry that has a pleasant flavor, but is rather dry.

Writer in the Woods

The western foothills and valleys of the Olympic Mountains are home to the Rain Forest of the Olympic Peninsula. A wide variety of animals, birds, and insects make their home here - it is the inspiration for the animal fantasy middle grade novel I'm trying to finish!

This week's featured plant is the Sword Fern. Although this fern is prevalent throughout Washington State - it grows like a carpet across the floor of the Rain Forest; in some places it literally covers acres!
The stems of the Sword Fern are often six feet long, and the tips are a favorite food for elk and deer.

Writer in the Woods

Yes, that is me. As you can see my hair does not like the moisture in my beloved Olympic National Forest! (Does Rosanna, Rosanna, Danna ring a bell?) Since I haven't posted on Thursdays for awhile, I thought I would share a few nature photos of the vegetation near our cabin. Each week, for the rest of the summer, I will share a new plant.

Our first example of indigenous vegetation in the rain forest is the Salmonberry, blooming in early summer. It is a favorite food not only of birds and bears, but of my husband, Michael, too! He enjoys having his hot oatmeal with a scattering of salmonberries on top. Since this berry is rarely used commercially, it is that much more enjoyed by the local folks.

Writer in the Woods

Recently, we visited our cabin after a long winter absence. The Olympic National Forest never fails to inspire me. When I returned home I had a whole new perspective on the MG novel I'm writing. Can't you just imagine a wood elf peeking around the trunk of this old knobby tree? Maybe even a leprechaun, it is St. Patrick's Day!

(Although I have read The Twilight series, own the books, and have seen the movies, I've never even caught a glimpse of Edward Cullen, Isabella Swan, or Jacob Black in this rain forest just south of Forks, Washington!)

Writer in the Woods

This photo shows me in a setting very near and dear to me - The Olympic National Forest. Finding one's passion, and writing from that place, is what the literature experts say an aspiring author must do to be successful. Hopefully, my love of nature will inspire my writing, and interest those who read it!

Storyteller's Journey

Welcome to the first posting of my blog! The saying goes: "Every journey begins with a single step" - so this is mine in blogging. However, I have been writing imaginatively since childhood. Read more in About Me.

Writer in the Woods

Creativity comes to me most often while I'm enjoying nature, maybe that's why animal fantasy is one of my favorite genres. In addition to that, I have loved whimsical words my entire life. Hence, the title of my blog, "Writ of Whimsy".

My last thought for today answers the question: "Why do I feel the need to begin my own blog?" I have discovered that befriending fellow writers, readers and all lovers of the written word, has given me courage, strength, growth and a lot of fun. May this blog pass some of that on to you. Enjoy!