Jen's Nature Lens

 "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means a waste of time." ~John Lubbock, "Recreation," The Use of Life , 1894  Summer by H.P. Nichols This summer, I know by the blue of the sky; By the trees' deeper green, as beneath them I lie; And more that all these, by the lovely wildloop rose That now in the woodland its pink blossom shows.  Now ring the sharp scythes of the mowers all day, And they spread to the air the sweet-scented hay' They pile up the wagon ere daylight is done, And singing come home with the set of the sun. I feel the warm west wind fan gently my cheek As I sit on the grass, far too happy to speak; And then in the twilight I see the faint spark Of the fire-fly, flitting alone in the dark. Oh! long happy days, when 'tis full of delight to roam in the meadows from morning till night! Oh! sum...

"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world." ~John Muir  Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Assateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, MD and it was my first visit during the month of August. Usually, the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes this time of year discourage me from going. However, pleasant weather in the upper 70's with sunshine and a light breeze greeted me as I stepped out of the car at the Visitor Center to stretch my legs and pick up a map. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located at:  11800 Marsh View Ln,. Berlin, MD 21811.  There are restroom facilities, a large map, a lookout over Sinepuxent Bay, woodland walking trails, a nice gift shop, a pedestrian bridge, bicycle rentals, and an information center run by park rangers.  "Any day spent in a national park is a good day." ~Chris Nicholson Entrance to the National Seashore of Maryland is: 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 Plan Your Visit to Assateague Islan...

 "Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh and the greatness that does not bow before children." ~Khalil Gibran This evening, I drove to Sandy Point State Park to enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore and tree-lined paths. Occupied with my own thoughts, it didn't occur to me until I arrived at the park gate that it is Saturday, August 2nd, which is prime time for people to flock to the beach for fun and relaxation. The excessive heat and humidity of late have subsided for now, and the sweetness of summer invites us to come and bask in her sunshine and grace.   As I stepped out of my car, music filled the air, mingling with voices speaking languages unknown to me. One of the most remarkable aspects of living in Maryland is its rich representation of diverse cultures from around the world. In a moment of mindful reflection, I slowly walked along the rocky pebble path towards the restrooms feeling grateful to be here. Upon entering ...