Coming out of Hibernation!

“Nothing is so dangerous to the progress of the human mind than to assume that our views of science are ultimate, that there are no mysteries in nature, that our triumphs are complete and that there are no new worlds to conquer.” - Humphry Davy

Hi! 

Well! What happened to my weekly blog after packing up and moving from Texas to Colorado, you may ask? LIFE. Life just snuck right up on me, and before I even knew what happened... It's now been 7, (WHAT- SEVEN?!), months since I wrote a blog post!!! Let me just start by setting an intention to not go that long between writing again!! Whether or not I choose to publish what I journal about on my blog is a different story, but I am much happier with myself when I am able to show self expression in written form, and I hadn't written much lately.

One thing that all of us have to get over, but especially me, is sensitivity. Every person in your life isn't going to agree with every opinion you have or choice you make. In fact, I can't think of one scenario where all individuals are completely consistent in their beliefs. And if there was, how boring and mundane would that make life? I'm here to learn and grow! I want to be exposed to as many different experiences and opinions as possible in this human form! How could I make decisions otherwise? I don't want to have be held to preconceived notions about what one should or shouldn't be believing or doing with their lives! I won't shun another person for having different ideals that stem from different perspectives. I know in my heart of hearts that there is not one correct path or way, there are MANY! Well, I had absolutely no intention of delving that deep into that topic, but as I decided to explain why I have't blogged, it seemed natural to at least mention that as well.

We are all self conscious and it takes a lot to put yourself (myself) out there and share experiences and personal thoughts. I won't let anyone's nasty remarks affect me in such a way moving forward!

Grow Tall, Strong and Confident!

Sooooo I guess I'll catch you up a little on what's been happening since last fall before I tell you what's next:  Our Maternal Grandmother, Omi, passed away in November. Out of that sorrowful event, we were able to take a trip to Houston and spend Thanksgiving with our family there as we celebrated our late Omi's life. I turned 30. Took my first Ski Lesson in the Grand Tetons. That was really cool and super pretty! Started rock climbing back in January, participated in their bouldering league for a few months, have started succeeding on 5.10 indoor routes, and bouldered outdoors at the traverses in Boulder. Made it through my first Colorado Winter- which was extremely mild from what everyone said....hmmmm we'll see what next winter does to me! And here we are, enjoying spring in Colorado: warm sunny days, rain, hail and snow showers, and pretty, clear blue skys!

Last day of Internship. June 2016

If you've followed my blog previously, you know that a year ago to-date, I was interning in South East Ohio at United Plant Saver's Goldenseal Sanctuary.  There is no way one could ever be the same person after going through such an incredible experience. However, although it took me a few months to get re-adjusted to suburban life, I rather quickly fell back into some not so healthy habits I had let go previously, of even years before my internship! I'm realizing that no one is perfect, and there has to be a balance. Can't be so hard on myself, but I also have to be conscious and make the effort to see the changes I want to see and have the kind of experiences I want to have! I knew I needed to get back to working with the plants and plant lovers alike. A few weeks ago Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) hosted a plant walk pointing out some everyday edibles and medicinals used in landscaping and found locally. While there I was reminded that enrollment to their summer Rocky Mountain Field Botany program is open and will be filling up soon. After much contemplation I requested the specific dates off from my job and when those were approved I immediately completed the application and submitted all of the enrollment materials! I'm so grateful to work for a company who want's to nurture their employee's passions and support their growth in both personal and professional ways. I would have never been able to apply to this program if I would have not been able to get these days off and I am so thankful!

I'm excited to say I was accepted and will be attending Rocky Mountain Field Botany classes with CSCH this summer beginning next week! This is such an exciting course for me, especially being new to the Rocky Mountains! I'm so eager to learn all about botany, our native flora, conservation, sustainable harvesting and medicinal making techniques and spend some much needed quality time outdoors in the mountains!

Harvesting juvenile Cattails! Mmmm

Not only do I enjoy sharing these experiences with those who are interested in hearing about them on this platform, I mostly enjoy having this blog as a personal log of my experiences. Although I haven't written in a while, I HAVE looked back upon my previous posts simply for the enjoyment of reliving those awesome experiences! Those of you who follow along, thanks for putting a little pep in my step. Knowing there are people who support and are interested is pretty cool, it adds that needed little bit of pressure, even if you are all just my mom's friends (haha just kidding, kind of 😉).

Stay tuned for a journal of Rocky Mountain Field Botany experiences! I hope to have lots of pictures and a summary of the day much like my previous posts during UpS Internship. 

Until then, here are some pictures from the last couple of months:

Royal Arch Hike - Boulder, CO:

We made it!!

So worth it!

Omi's Service: 

Our Family Celebrating our Omi's life! 

Cousins!

Thanksgiving Sunrise from the air

Holidays 2016:

Spiffed up!

Family Photo!

30th Birthday!

She birthed me 30 years ago. Who would know!? 😍

The beautiful resin wood ring my mom got me!!!

Bestie Sissies on a B-day!

These Hot Springs Were Ahhhhmazing.

Downstream from the hot springs. So Gorgeous.

My Ski Instructor, John!  

Tetons from the back side. (not my pic!)

Tetons!

Spring in Colorado,  Denver Botanic Gardens: 

Redbud! Mmmm Tasty! 

Bouldering in Boulder:

 More Spring in Colorado:

Mom's May Visit. Happy Mothers Day!

Perfect view from the Climbing Gym!  

Sunday Wine Flight with my Sissy!

May Snow!

May Snow!

Happy 28th B-day, Bro!

Rainbow!

Thank you for reading, stay tuned! 

-Linds