Earth Day, each year it takes on more meaning. Each year that passes when nothing is done to save our planet some of us realize what is at stake. Everything that is raw nature deserves to be taken care of, loved and in the end, if we do that, we get to enjoy all that nature promises us. We get to save the planet for our children and grandchildren. How sad it would be if they didn’t get to share the earth as we have had the privilege to do. I love being outside in Mother Nature. On good days it feeds my soul, on days that are difficult for whatever reason, I find myself being lifted up to some degree by nature. It’s where my family goes to find beauty and amazement. It’s where we go for healing and joy. It’s also where we go for the signing of birds and the call of the wild but then we go there for the sound of silence also. I didn’t get this draft ready in time for the original Earth Day but I wanted to continue on it just to mark the day. I’m hoping when I look back on this post some good will have come from new awareness for what is so precious to our lives and well-being. I thought for today that I would share with you some photos that I have taken over the years of my time with Mother Nature…sometimes we don’t know what we will miss if we don’t what we had and pay attention.

Above is the Bow River. It runs through a good part of the Canadian Rockies. We followed it from Alberta Canada almost into Banff. The Canadian Rockies are beyond amazing. There are areas where you are driving and you are surrounded 360 by huge mountains. You will see sunshine and snow equally lovely in the same area. The river winds and flows with gentle movement and a bit further down it could be ragging. Trees of all types and sizes. You have lush land and miles of rocky ground area, especially along the river. You can smell the earth. Keep your eyes open for wildlife. It’s where I got my best bear shot. He and I, on the side of the road…he was having a lunch of berries and I was having heart palpitations and a feeling of wonderful euphoria. Mother Nature happening in front of my eyes….seeping into my soul.

The Grand Tetons…magical. The mountain range rambles on in spikes and sloops. We were fortunate to spend a week here. The sky most always was bright blue with puffy clouds. Gentle rivers for reflections and reflecting. The mind clears as you gently follow the rivers bends. The views are strong and they just sweep you away. How I would love to take the boys here one day…can we save it?

In Maine we live on the lake…what fun our family has there. The boys love it so much. I hope that they will be able to enjoy it well into the future. It where our family meets.

The ocean salt marsh…Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. ... They are marshy because the soil may be composed of deep mud and peat. Peat is made of decomposing plant matter that is often several feet thick. Peat is waterlogged, root-filled, and very spongy. These intertidal habitats are essential for healthy fisheries, coastlines, and communities—and they are an integral part of our economy and culture. They also provide essential food, refuge, or nursery habitat for more than 75 percent of fisheries species, including shrimp, blue crab, and many finfish. Not only are they essential for our fish and plants they are really very beautiful all year long. The marsh grass takes on beautiful deep hues each season. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in every season. Unlike the beaches which draw a crowd, the marsh is much quieter and I love seeing the egrets and other water birds.

So, this is just a tiny glimpse of our planet. I do believe it is enough of a reminder though to get a sense of what will be lost if we don’t pay attention and all of us must do our part. Wherever you live, whatever you enjoy outside in your area try to protect it. Start now. Use less paper and save a tree. Less water so that all of us can continue to enjoy it. Every little bit helps. I’m hoping next year we will see progress beginning to happen. As for me, I want my boys to enjoy all that we have enjoyed so for as long as I can I will be grateful to Mother Nature and I’ll help her to retain her purpose and beauty. Perhaps when I look back on this post some day the change for good will have begun, providing new awareness for what is so precious to our lives and wellbeing.