In Harmony with Nature...

...or, what to do if you're easily bored while camping.

Just wanted to check in with you on our/my "camping" progress. We've had a couple of weekend trips; one to the river,(Southern Missouri trout fishing river) the other to a lake (NW Arkansas in the mountains). Both were good, relaxing, and I really enjoyed my time with Hubbs. We grilled steaks and pork chops and had smores (which I thought he'd complain about, but actually he was a trooper. And even though we forgot the long fork, we improvised with small kitchen forks, and it ended up being one of the more memorable moments of the trip)

(we didn't actually go to Lake of the Ozarks, but I love these vintage fold out postcards, 

so I thought I'd share that bit of vintage lake goodness)

We've had tons of rain earlier in the summer, so water was way over it's banks and actually flooding the lakeside and riverside hookups. We donned our "lake shoes" and walked the water's edge at sunset, which on the lake, is really beautiful. Standing on the dock we could see house lights and boats lights coming on all around the lakeside. And gee, it was even a little romantic. I would have loved to do some swimming or canoeing these trips; something more than wading knee deep, but that's for next year. We need to know what we're doing and then can come prepared for some water fun.

One thing I've realized, actually I knew it all along, but didn't want to burst Hubbs' camping bubble, was that I just get a teensy bit bored. I don't like saying the "B" word 'cause it makes me sound spoiled and unappreciative. But I just like to have planned activities, and sitting in a lawn chair for more than 30 minutes (no matter how wonderful the setting) makes me antsy. I won't go into more detail, but let's just say that Hubbs and I have have had a lengthy (as Oprah used to say) "come to Jesus meeting" and it's squarely landed on me that I need to find ways to amuse myself. I need to let him rest, nap, sit, relax, etc, without me twiddling my thumbs and/or sighing loudly.

I have my IPad with Kindle and that keeps me busy for awhile. I've thought about cross-stitch, and I may start that up again, but since we're outdoors, I feel like I need to be doing something "outdoor related". We did take a hike on a hilly trail in the woods to see some Indian Cliffs, but hiking with a heart condition can prove to be exhausting. He didn't like my idea of "piggyback".

The last place we camped, there were birds chattering non-stop. They had up Martin houses, so birds of all kinds were in attendance. I had fun watching a few varieties fly down when campers were away, enjoying left over snacks and crumbs. Since I love birdies so much I thought I might try to do some amateur bird watching and identification. Hubbs bought me some binoculars, and I need to see about a telephoto lens, but I've decided that I need some "nature inspired" things to give me something to do and out of his hair.

We found these laminated pamphlets at one of the State Park Stores. 

They had a wildflower garden filled with Zinnias 

which attracted a pack of gorgeous butterflies. 

Honestly, I think I could have watched them for hours.

Look closely, below.

I grabbed this Peterson Guide in another spot.

I have a few vintage Bird books that I love to decorate with.This one is from 1956. Even though they're old, they still have great information and quaint illustrations.

I've always admired simple watercolor illustrations, so I think I'll get a new paint set and sketch pad and do some playing. Maybe collect a few wildflowers and use a press to dry them. That may be on my list for our longer trip this Fall. This has been a little rambly of a post. Some of you have asked how the camping is going, and if I'm enjoying it. So yes, it's been great to have some quality time with my guy. But then, I could also really enjoy an afternoon outing to Nordstroms.

joining in on these parties:

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Share Your Style at Common Ground

xoxo,