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Home » Play Ideas » My Nature Journal

Life and Play

I turned 40 in December and I feel like I have a whole new perspective. I feel stronger. I have more conviction when I speak. I'm more confident in myself. I'm spending less time doing what I don't like and more time focused on what I love.  Weird. Because I don't really put a lot of weight into birthdays, even milestones. Sure, I love to celebrate them with my family -- but this time I feel like I'm celebrating myself and a life worth living to its fullest.

So here's my life and play on Instagram for the beginning of this year:

I'm walking more -- and noticing details when I'm on the move.

 

Spending time with friends in fun places is a big part of my year, so far. (Empress Pavilion in LA Chinatown is the place to go!)

 

More camping -- even when it's freezing out.

 

Continuing our Nature Play Club is a monthly highlight. I love it. The dads love it. The kids can't wait for the next one.

 

I'm volunteering in the school garden and getting pretty good at turning compost with a pitchfork!  I love watching the seasons change and this poor apple tree that doesn't realize its winter:

 

As the days get ever so incrementally longer, we are playing outside until dark:

 

We go to the beach a lot in the winter -- especially THIS winter with THIS weather.  The waves, the blue sky -- everything just makes sense there.  On this particular day, I caught this photo before we went back under the tunnel. The blue sky, the highway seemed to beckon and ask: Where should we go next?

 

I don't know, but I'll tell you when I find out!  Wishing you many happy adventures in life and play this weekend!

More My Nature Journal

  • Sharing My Mother's Mom-isms in Celebration of Mother's Day
  • Noguchi Gardens (California Scenario) in Costa Mesa
  • Practice 2 Simple Parenting Strategies and Never "Entertain" Your Young Kids Again
  • 10 Ways to Find New Places to Play

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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