Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, I would love looking at the wide-open sky and fields. Something about it was so peaceful about the ability to look at out and see a sea of land for many miles. I think the beauty of this land helped develop my love of nature.
In the past year since I have started to paint and draw, I have learned nature is way more beautiful than I thought. One great thing is that I have learned that when recreating nature, you do not have to worry if it is perfect because it is not. This thought has been so freeing for me because it has helped me realize that I do not need to be perfect in everything that I do as well.
As a mom, I want to teach my children this lesson. I feel like I can do this by teaching nature journaling. Nature journaling is where you take a sketchpad and draw whatever interests you in nature. Also, I figure I could learn from learning more from nature journaling as well.
From our first lesson last week I am learning that we will be learning more than that nature has imperfections and it is still beautiful. We learned to ask questions such as “I wonder,” “I notice,” and “It reminds me of…” Through nature journaling we are going to develop our curiosity, wonder, and attention.
Rock formations at an open space here in Colorado. 
Free drawing of what I see
According to Amy Tan’s forward in How to Teach Nature Journaling, “In fact, scientific research proves that active learning through nature journaling can change the brain and boost intelligence. It makes sense.
“If kids are free to wonder aloud without feeling dumb or tested, they remail engages. If they are happy in what they are doing, their attention span grows. By noticing how they feel when they experience something new, they absorb ideas more quickly.
“By being excited with what they’ve created, their memory expands and becomes the wellspring for future learning. Imagine it: Whether we are six or sixty, we can forge a new brain that goes beyond former dead ends.”
Another joy with nature journaling is that it gets outside and adventuring around.
Cannot wait to share more of our journey into nature journaling.
Have a blessed day! Remember … you are loved!
Ruthanne Waltz 