My love of nature and animals began when I was very, very young. I give some of the credit to my Dad, who was the gardener in the family, and who was always so kind and considerate to all creatures, including the bumblebees and wasps that occasionally got in the house.
People were often surprised that I knew the names of so many flowers and plants at such an early age. Generally, it was because my Dad had planted them somewhere around the house or in the yard, and I followed him with endless questions. At other times, it was because our family visited places like the Bronx Botanical Gardens, or the Bronx Zoo (now the Bronx Zoological Park). I consider myself very lucky to have had my innate love of animals and nature nurtured as I did.
For many of us, it’s not really all that far to walk someplace to appreciate the beauty of nature. Being in nature is so healing, so restorative, to mind and spirit. I am reminding myself – and you, too, if you’d like a reminder – to take a little time among the trees, flowers, and greening earth.
The day goes quickly and we can miss the chance. Life goes quickly, and we can miss the chance.
Photo credit of me: William Spohn (my Dad)
Still A Dreamer 
What a beautiful post, from beginning to end, Jeanne! Thank you. ♥️
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Always you are welcome, Kitty. And always happy we are resonating! :-)
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We should always take time to smell the roses. A little reminder is always appreciated.
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I’ll look for you out there, enjoying the flowers and trees. :-)
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Such wise words, Jeanne! And I love seeing this childhood photo of you. My dad was also an avid gardener, and I learned a lot from him about growing things.
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Thank you, Becky. Thanks to my Dad, I have many, many photos not just of me, but the family, and all the places we went. He was an inspiration.
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Lovely photos, I’m always grateful for my lifelong love of animals and nature.
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It makes a life so much richer. Life would be a blank piece of white paper without them in it. :-)
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I’ve read your post a few times now, and it does bring back many memories of Dad and the beautiful flowers we had in the garden (ants and all in the peonies). Really wonderful post. Thank you. Love you ❤️,
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Yes! The ants on the peonies! I remember that – and the peonies, if you recall, where next to some of the bleeding hearts. Glad you enjoyed the post. Love you back. ❤️
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