I woke up this morning to a bright sun that appeared to be rising out of Lake Michigan. I said out loud, “Good morning, sun!” I became immediately enraptured by its glow upon the lake, looking like diamond crystals from the sun’s rays. I thought to myself, “There is no better way to start the day than with nature.”

“Nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.” – Unknown

I la de da’d into the kitchen, turned on my favorite music on Google Nest Hub Max (one of my all-time favorite purchases!), made a pot of freshly brewed coffee, and took out a morning snack for my pooch, America, who I knew would be by my side shortly. I was not wrong. He walked in with his waggly tail and gave me tons of licks. I laughed, petted, and kissed him 100 fast kisses and gave him his treat.

I love to escape from the outer world into the inner world of awe, wonder, and amazement — the world of nature. I love the sea, forests, rocks and mountains, crystals, streams, wildlife and flowers, and everything that has not been touched by human hands. As I have expressed in my past musings, the four loves in my life are my Ultimate Concierge, my pooch America, my family, and nature.

Today I thought I would tell you why and how nature affects my life in such a grand way. And how she helps me through the rain; without a word of direction. Some books that I have loved on the topic of nature that inspired me to write this story, as a matter of fact, are The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, and a beautiful art book I have had for ages, One Hundred Sea Shells by Harold Feinstein. These books are not new, but neither is nature! I recommend them. They are ‘natural gems.’

Daydreaming Through Nature

We all need an escape. We become overtaxed. I become overtaxed. One of the ways I cope when I am overtaxed is to daydream. Daydreaming is not facing reality and is a great escape. Daydreaming is a series of pleasant thoughts that distract attention from the present. It is a healthy escape when you feel like packing it up and getting out of dodge.

In my daydreams, nature always seems to play a role. I see myself with my pooch, America, walking down an amazing beach somewhere. The sand under my feet feels like sifted flour, reminding me of the sandy beaches in Sarasota. I am on the sea somewhere, and thankfully, millions of miles away in my mind from my troubles.

The Sea is as calm as a sheet of glass. So calm I see the reflection of my Ultimate Concierge sitting on the beach with a Cuban Cigar in one hand, a paperback in the other. At no time does he take his eyes off of me. I smile. He is my lifeguard.

I Smile and Sigh as I Daydream…

Looking at the cloudless sky above in its’ stunning peaceful shade of blue herring, the soft sound of quiet waves touching the sand, and feeling the trade winds gently brush my skin puts me in a state of calm.

It is early morning, the sun in the east has lifted herself out of the sea, spreading light over the water that suddenly gives the illusion of sparkling diamonds. I don’t have a care in the world because I have escaped whatever is bothering me for the time being. I’ve got my man, my pooch, my family, and last but not least, the healing effects of nature in all her glory.

What more can I ask for as a woman over 50? Nothing.

The beauties in nature always play a leading role when I daydream; she calms the rough waters in my mind, and that serves my purpose for eventual and positive re-entry into the now.

Why Nature

The ultimate purpose of implementing nature into daydreams is to clear out cluttered thoughts so you can refocus with clarity. Nature restores and invigorates. Our wellness and creativity are boosted by nature. Nature has its way of taking us back to the basics.

Kankakee by the Sea and Honolulu Was Not a Dream

I will always be that small town girl from Kankakee by the Sea, with style!  The town taught me much, my mother taught me style. I see myself as a mix of the sun, the ever-changing sea, the wind, and the twinkling stars in the sky. I cannot help that I always have nature on my mind.

My life journey continued in Honolulu. It was the perfect setting to spend my entire adult life. I lived in the middle of a garden, the entire Island! I thrived on living a simple lifestyle. I needed very little and hardly shopped. Tee shirt, flip flops, and white pants or shorts. I was not enraptured with material possession. I was enraptured with filling our home with orchids, trees, and pets! I had banana trees and mango trees! They were my version of material possessions.

Friendship and Nature

How would you describe your friends? Do they co-exist with nature? Not all of mine do. But my close friends are nature at their best.

On the surface, you do not perceive me to be a small town girl. But, trust me, I am. I know who I am. I am not complicated and I don’t like living in a complicated world. Nor do I like spending my time with women who have complicated agendas. Though I must admit I have friends who are complicated. Most women are.

My few complicated friends stay on my radar because they bring something to the table that makes me happy. I cannot compare them to nature. They do not bring tranquility to my table. Too complicated. I don’t like to have to figure out a woman’s agenda.

My best friends are like the sun, the sea, the sky, and the morning dew. They are grounded like nature. They are ageless. They are true blue. I can be spiritually naked with my true friends. How lucky is that to be a woman over 50 with friendships that remind me of nature at her best?

Life in Elsewhere

We are living our life as women over 50 in a complex and unkind world. Staying in touch with nature is very helpful. It oozes tranquility, and if you allow yourself to indulge, nature can purify your thoughts and heal your mind.

I fill my world with flora, fauna, landscape, and scenery in daydreams and in real time. I suggest you consider bringing the natural world not only into your daydreams but also into your home. Trust me, you will feel more clarity.

In Real-Time Nature

1. I have orchid plants and other plants and flowers in every room of our home.

2.  I have a small indoor herb and spice garden sitting on a window sill. I am growing cilantro, lavender, mint, lemon verbena, etc., that spread lovely natural aromas throughout the room.

3. Our windows are uncovered. No drapes. No shades. The sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, and Lake Michigan fill our home.  I have brought Nature inside our 4 walls.

4. Our bedroom colors are white and nature’s green.

5. Each week during the summer, I bring home freshly cut flowers from our neighborhood florist or market across the street.

6. I always have a project with nature!

My Amaryllis Project

This year, I decided to grow seedlings and bulbs inside my home! Kankakee by the Sea and Honolulu never leave my soul.

I grew an Amaryllis bulb this year! OMG, the joy it brought. It was sent to me as a gift from a new friend, Dawn, at White Flower Farm. I suggest shopping at White Flower Farm. When the last bloom fell, I cut back the leaves. Over the next several months, the leaves grew back, and the last photo (see above), shows my Amaryllis in its final stage of replenishing its depleted food reserves through its leaves. How special is that!

In the middle of September, I’ll put my Amaryllis in a dark cool space. The leaves turned brown, and my beautiful Amaryllis will be ready for the new season. Fingers crossed!

Back to My “In Real-Time” List

7. Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm. It is made with 100% natural products. The original balm has a hint of peppermint oil.

8. I intermittently use green olive oil and coconut oil on my skin from the market.

9. A hemp and wool rug by Forest Home (a new favorite company of mine).

10. Floral wallpaper that looks just like real-life blooms!

11. Preserved plant wall art! Yes, it’s real plants and flowers!

12. I always have Orchid plants around my home. You can get many flower arrangements and plants from ProFlowers.

13. Start a rock and crystal collection.

Nature Surrounds You: It’s Time To Appreciate It

I am always struck by Mother Nature’s color palette. Nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. When I am fixed on nature, I see whatever I am involved in with clarity and lucidity. My mind is as clear and precise as the colored bands of a rainbow. When you live in a state of nature, you are not influenced by civilization or social constraints. Elsewhere and other problems can’t touch you. You sigh, you see clearly, you listen to your heart, and with clarity…you smile

Use Nature To Calm Yourself Through a Dilemma

There will always be the daily in-and-out dilemmas that knock on our doors. These problems are frustrating, aggravating, maddening, and usually unexpected. Fortunately, most are solvable.

When a whammy hits, you naturally fall apart. Suddenly you are filled with fear. Your tolerance of the unexpected is no longer tolerable, your anger level rises. Sadness becomes your negative companion. You feel there is little or no hope.

Coping is a skill. You may or may not be great at coping when the unexpected arrives. So darling, in my mind, mother nature is your greatest tool.  She would not be called mother without a very good reason. Amen.

How do you incorporate nature into your daily life? Please share with me in the comments at the bottom of this page. I would love to hear your thoughts! 

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