We’ve been out “smelling the roses” and appreciating nature even more than usual this week. I’ve been focusing my camera on color as all the blooms inspire me.
On a photography note, I take all my photographs on a little point-and-shoot digital camera. It’s nothing fancy – and I rarely use Photoshop or any other program to do touch-ups. I kinda like to see the raw photo. I took this one because I loved the softness of the daisies and the arches paired with the spiky plant underneath:
Since I’m a volunteer Nature Rocks Ambassador, I also wanted to keep you updated on some upcoming events! April and September are big months in the nature and play world:
National Park Week is April 16th-24th
All national parks are free that week! Click here to go to the nps.gov site which lists all the parks in California and across the nation.
Picnic for the Planet 2011
The Nature Conservancy website tells you all you need to know. Start planning a picnic with a few friends or your whole social group. “Picnic for the Planet is a celebration of the planet we live on, the food it provides and the people we share it with. In short it, the planet does a lot for us, we should take it out for lunch. On and around Earth Day 2011 (April 22) people all around the world will be stepping outside and heading to their favorite outdoor spot to enjoy good food in the company of great people.” -The Nature Conservancy
Nature Rocks Spring Activity Guide is out with lots of great ideas broken down into manageable time frames. You can download it for FREE at NatureRocks.org. This one is extra special because WE contributed some activities to the guide, so we’re officially published there!
Last, but not least, April is Let’s G.O. (Get Outdoors) Month from the Children and Nature Network. Anyone can register an event or sign up to participate in an existing event at http://www.childrenandnature.org/LETSGO_REG. We’re going to Play, Serve, and Celebrate by sharing our Nature Play Club experiences at a local park. Our club would love to mentor and inspire other families to start their own nature club! It’s so much fun. So set aside lunchtime on April 9th. I’ll release more info later about where we’ll meet to play and picnic. Don’t be shy. Come out and meet us!
This is my contribution to Suz Lipman’s Photo Friday on SlowFamilyOnline.com (just for fun!).
Suz @Slow Family
Friday 25th of March 2011
Wow! Michele, these are just gorgeous. You really did capture wonderful colors and textures. I hope your Let's G.O.! event goes well, too. How could it not, with all your enthusiasm? Happy first full weekend of Spring!