On Kids and Nature

Child and Wave

I recently saw Nature's Valley commercial about kids being out of touch now with nature, having a different childhood experience from their parents. That was sad to watch and listen to, but at the same time, I believe kids do what are being offered to them. If the adults around them only expose them to technology, then kids would be like those kids in the Nature Valley Commercial, describing 13 hours of their day into playing computer games or into social media/texting communication. Then, there are parents who bring their kids outside, let them explore, let them learn from their experience of their surroundings.

Father and Child Tidepooling, could you see the happiness expressed in the little girl's smile?

My childhood days was totally different from these days. Back then, it was so much easier for the kids to enjoy nature without the constant presence of our parents. Our playground was nature, our treasure hunt was finding wild vegetables to bring home such as amaranth, watercress, mushroom, and many more. When my nieces and nephew were growing, they already had a different childhood than us, there's technology, and then, there's nature. Did we choose one or the other? No, we combined both.

Contentment

Have I reached a certain plateau? Somehow, there is just nothing I really want. I am not saying I have everything. I am not rich, and very far from being rich. However, I simply have stopped from wishing to have this, to have that.....and I have stopped wanting since way back when. Somehow, I am just happy and contented with whatever I have. I love work....I love home.....I love everyday.....I love life....life that is simple, but one that is simply good!!!!

Life's beautiful experiences happen when our mind mind is not focused on what we do not have and others have, when it is able to see clearly the boundless opportunities and simple joys in simple life.

Rainbow After The Storm

Yesterday's Rainbow, After the Storm 

I was busy Facebooking yesterday, when all of a sudden, I heard some excited sound, calling out to me. :)

"DEAR, DEAR, DEAR!" 

I went out of the room, to find hubby smiling so happily. 

"DEAR, THERE'S A BIG RAINBOW AT THE BACK OF OUR HOUSE!"

Oh, he just knows exactly what is a perfect surprise gift for me! I gave him a hug, kissed his cheeks, took the camera out, and had a good time with the rainbow. :)

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
- Dolly Parton -

Finding Refuge and Healing In Nature

Though it is heartbreaking to see the wrath and unforgiving forces of nature, but....nature has and will continue to be my haven, my source of rejuvenation, a place where I find healing....calming me down in the midst of turbulent winds and seas.

These may be same old, same places I frequent here in San Diego to take refuge....to get healing from everyday's toll....but nevertheless, they never fail to bring me a sense of peacefulness, and thankfulness.

My weekend is a routine I know, a routine of finding strength and energy in nature. We planned to hike to a canyon between Gliderport and Scripps Coastal Reserve from La Jolla Shores, but the tide was so high we could not walk on some areas for the waves were crashing right next to the cliffs that we ended up retreading and took a relaxing walk instead on top of the cliffs.

Torrey Pines Gliderport (top) and La Jolla Shores (bottom)

Then, we took a relaxing hike at Lake Poway. 

Lake Poway from the hiking trails

A little boy I met at the trails asked me, " did you catch a lot of fish?" I told him, "no, I am simply hiking." Then, a few yards after passing him, hubby pointed out to me a school of fish swimming.

Catching Up With Some Photo Apps Happiness

Hmmmm, I may really be behind when it comes to using mobile apps technology. I just installed the FREE Instaframe apps in my iPad and so far, I only had practiced with two pictures which I took recently using Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS 25, which is a point and shoot underwater camera. Here are some results of using Instaframe, which maybe a lot of you already know about. Haha, we'll, I just mentioned I am behind in using technology, didn't I?

Underwater sea plants, Without instaframe

With Instaframe

A Mom's Love

Wonder what she might be thinking?

Was she listening to the chirping of the birds nearby?

 Or was she in deep contemplation as she watched this flower sway in the breeze?

Or was she watching someone very special to her heart?

Ahhh, there he is! The apple of her eyes! She was happy enough watching her baby play and learn more about life from a distance.

Mom....she cares enough but not too much so her baby learns life's survival skills. She painfully watches her child make mistakes yet she patiently and lovingly teach them strength and courage to recover from life's mistakes. At anytime, she is there to lend a hand.......

Moms, you are and will always be special.

I love you mom, though you may no longer be around, but your thoughts and your teachings will live in my heart, forever!

The unconditional love of a mom to her child lasts forever, a priceless gift we all were blessed enough to receive! 

* all pictures were taken from the Gorilla Exhibit in San Diego Zoo Safari Park.* 

Sealed With a Kiss

How joyful it is

To feel your loving presence

How blessed I am 

Receiving your healing touch

Your gentle whisper

Assures me of your great love

You give me strength

To grow, and be on my own

Mom, I promise you this

Though time and fate may separate us 

But your greatest love

In my heart is forever sealed with a kiss!

~ Betchai~

* all pictures in this post were taken from La Jolla Children's Pool*