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A bit of fog. A bit of sun. Monday morning ramble in Annadel State Park. Feeling thankful for moments of peace amid unsettled times.

Just in the past hour, I crossed paths with 12 turkeys, one doe, one buck, two fawns, and one small fox. Earth is their home too. Please take care of it.

My evening view. I hope you can find a splash of nature before you retire tonight.

Nothing beats a hike through three adjoining preserved spaces. Past two lakes, 43 geese, a wild band of squirrels, and a lot of happy people enjoying nature. Spring Lake, Howarth Park, Annadel State Park. Sonoma County, CA.

Who would expect to stroll through an Asian inspired botanical garden smack in the middle of wine country and oak woodlands? Feeling grateful for all of the wonderful people who create access to natural spaces.

I choose joy. Even when our nation feels like it’s falling apart. Hiking is my favorite therapy, my best exercise, and the secret to a calm soul. Today, Annadel State Park. #hiking #nature #peace #mindfulness

What do you do when your husband doesn’t know what a closed door means? Sew a very obvious sign with scraps from your fabric bin and a stick from the forest. #sewing

Critters, blossoms, swoon-worthy green spaces. Group hike day with dear friends who adore nature, and aren’t afraid to tackle current event discussions along the way. #sonomacounty #hiking #nature

Three days of hiking on the Pacific coast. Pt. Lobos, Asilomar to Pacific Grove, and a historic walking tour. #hiking #nature stunning weather makes up for being attacked by warriors squirrels and kamakazi seagulls.

Waves, wildflowers, the rush of wind off of rocky peaks, the twitter of birds in the brush. With every step, a layer of softness pads my world. When I return home, memories of my wild spaces draws peace into my home. Kortum Trail, Sonoma Coast. #SonomaCounty #hiking #peace #mindfulness

Two days of hiking in my neck of the woods. Day 1- “Steve S.” And North Burma trails in Annadel State Park. Day 2- Grove of Old Trees in Occidental. I’m so grateful for a state and a county that places a high priority on public spaces in nature. #nature #sonomacounty #hiking

Big downpour on Saturday, but we found a bright shiny Sunday of hiking on the Mendocino coast. Nature is my best reminder of the good in our world. A gift of calm in an oft divided world.

Daily news is unsettling. I hope you are able to find a few moments of peace. For me, there will always be joy in nature. Estero Americano. #nature #peace #sonomacounty

If you’re ever in Monterey, CA, take a little side trip to Moss Landing. The Elkhorn Slough Safari will delight and surprise any nature lover. We saw an adorable sea otter munching a cormorant like he was at Buffalo Wild Wings. #nature #birds #monterey #elkhornslough

A coastal day inn Monterey, CA. #JoinMeOnMyWalk

It’s always a good day when you can talk with a turkey around every corner of the trail. I’m soaking up the last of my wintergreen views in Sonoma County. The heat is upon us, so things will turn to gold very soon.

I grew up loving Jack London’s stories. I’m lucky to live close to his home in Glen Ellen, CA…to walk fern lined paths he rambled….to touch the very stones he chose for his home….to visit his gravesite serenaded by the song of an orange-crowned warbler. So cool. #jacklondon #glenellen #sonomacounty

I’ll admit that I sometimes catch up on podcasts while I hike…but I always keep at least half the hike free of digital input. And open to reflection. Time to hear baby’s laughing, birds chirping, and the chatter of locals enjoying politics-free moments. #sonoma #hiking #peace

Go ahead and pull the plug on technology. See you on the trail. #nature #technologybreak

A little ramble in the oak woodlands helps ease the worries of the day. #nature #oak #peace

Do you have a favorite cozy coffee house: a place to chat with friends, and observe the neighborhood panorama. Mine is Pillowfight Coffee in Kenwood, CA. Named after the Guinness winner for the longest running pillow fight contest (1966-2006). Tell me about yours.

In case you didn’t get to walk by a waterfall today, I’m sharing my moment of peace in nature with you. Pause, breathe, take heart. #sugarloafridge #nature #peace #sonomacounty

A walk in the woods eases my disconnect. Do you feel more at ease with trees than people? Me too.

Loving this winter’s fungi in Trione-Annadel State Park. #mushroom #fungi #nature

Call me crazy. I waited in line behind 80 people to pick up the best long fermented sourdough in Sonoma county. Goguette. #boulangerie #SonomaCounty #bread

A lovely rainy day hike in Annadel State Park. #nature #sonomacounty #hiking. Don’t let the weather stop you. There is magic in moisture.

I found this beauty today in Sonoma Valley Regional park. At least 14” wide! I live for nature’s surprises. #fungi #nature

A solo walk in the woods does much to restore my soul. #stillness #nature #peace

Another calming Pacific Coast weekend. This time at the top of the world on a newly designated open space, Wright Hill Regional Park. I love how Sonoma County still preserves open space for the good of the people. #Sonoma #hiking #peace.

A cleansing weekend without media always includes nature. What government shutdown?Autumn on the California coast is the Best. #nature #peace #FrBragg

My view from the top of North Sonoma Mountain today. A lovely way to soften this era of unrest. How did you find respite today?

A few days on the Northern California coast was just the restoration we needed. I hope you find your own bit of nature today. I’d love to hear about it.

When I’m on news overload, wondering how our nation became so dysfunctional, I step into nature. Here, I remember there is another reality. Beauty exists. Take a moment.

I found a secret pathway…and three swans collaborating. There must be a nest nearby…they swam straight towards me as a gentle warning.

Waterfalls, wildflowers, winding trails, warblers, wrens, and wise watchers. Beautiful day at Bouverie Preserve. #SonomaCounty #nature

Heads up, Sonoma County. app.sosha.ai/s/vc9YAenh

Good morning from Sonoma County. Here in my quiet space, I’m cheering for “keep science”protesters all over the world. #staysane

No matter how dismal, I won't step away from daily US news. We the people, must stay informed. But that doesn’t mean current events control me. I take time in nature to renew my hope, cheer my soul, and provide the energy I need to take action. How do you cope? #nature #hope

Amid shaky times, I take moments to appreciate nature in Sonoma County. I’m celebrating that salmon are flowing in our creeks once again after decades of serious decline. And a mama bear with twin cubs has taken up residence at Hood Mountain...the first bears in nine years. Pretty cool.

Find a peaceful spot. Sit and offer peace to all who pass. Talk to the birds. Breathe into the stillness that is always at your center. Take this moment of respite with you as you continue your day.

How to survive the insanity? A walk in nature always frees me from the daily drama. I spotted 15 deer, a huge flock of wild turkeys, and a number of seasonal streams in Annadel State Park, California. Stay sane, everyone.