Mountaintop Dreamin'

Hello everyone. It is hard for me to believe that it is nearly the middle of October already! So much has been happening that I haven't been able to update here very frequently, and I apologize for that.

Next week I lead my first trail ride at the ranch and I am quite excited about it. I am more and more comfortable around the horses, and I am thrilled that I will continue to learn about them throughout this year.

I just got a second job working as a newsletter editor for the association for environmental and outdoor educators here in California. I will edit and format their newsletters for them. I am happy to help them out (the pay is very minimal). Working as a writer for a non-profit will also strengthen my resume, which is a great benefit to have.

I am off this week (we didn't book a school) so I am spending it doing many things. Most of my time is dedicated to planning my workshop for the fall gathering of environmental educators here in southern California. I will be presenting on avoiding gender bias in the outdoor classroom. The workshop will not only include me speaking...but also artwork and skits! I am really excited about it.

 Some of the naturalists and me after our water seminar!

 One of the nature journals my students made in my Nature Observation Elective.

 6 of the other staff and myself took a moonlight hike for 7mi through the mountains to camp at Live Oak Springs. This is the sunrise I awoke to!

One day of harvesting from our wonderful garden! Tomatoes, squash, sweet peas, hot peppers, a tomatillo, herbs, and bell peppers!

 Above are some of the herbs I am drying in my room!

I have spent a lot of time in the garden as of late. We are just finishing out the fruiting time for our summer plants. The seedlings for our winter garden (kale, chard, radishes, carrots, onions, etc.) just poked their way through the soil two days ago. It is a time of transitions here on the mountain.

Until next time, take care!