The lone fox walked across Eighty Acres and left his footprints in the snow. I don't know from where he came or where he went, but he left his mark upon the land. Likewise my own steps speak to my journey across Eighty Acres. At times I ran. At times I danced. At times I fell. Soon the snow will melt, new grass will grow and my footprints and paths will slowly disappear. There will be no remorse or sadness as my footprints fade away. In the days ahead others will walk the la

Please forgive me my love for my silence. Forgive me for my distance. Forgive me for being lost in thought. Even though we are standing so close, you know I am a thousand miles away from you. But tonight I have two lovers, as the Earth Mother kisses my eyes, she softly whispers a sweet good night and promises to return tomorrow. #DunnCounty #NaturePhotography #Discoverwisconsin #Eightyacresphotography #TravelWI #EarthMother #Midwest #Mindfukness #photography #SeasonsonEightyA

The story of the crab apple tree began this spring when it awoke with an explosion of red and pink blossoms. Bees and butterflies were frequent visitors to the blossoms as they sipped the sweet nectar. Its branches provided a nesting place for the birds and shade for the hostas below. In the fall, finches and chickadees feasted on the sour and bitter tasting tiny apples. But now it is time for the tree to go sleep for many months. In April, the Earth Mother will gently nudge

To those of you who ponder whether your glass is half full, and find beauty only in a full moon. I simply say...be mindful and thankful that you have a glass to drink from, and that the Earth Mother has given you a moon to guide your steps in the night. #Mindfukness #SeasonsonEightyAcres #EarthMother #TravelWI #MenomonieWisconsin #Discoverwisconsin #EightyAcresPhotography #Naturephotography #Midwest #DunnCounty #photography #Thankfulness #Wisconsin

Today I will sit quietly in the sunflower garden. Mindful of my deep breathing, I will bring sunshine into my lungs and soon my heart will be calm. It will be a magical day and I will wear a bright yellow scarf and softly sway as the wind moves the the flowers above my head. Under the yellow canopy I will listen to the sunflower's songs and stories and I will be at peace as I whisper a thank you prayer to the Earth Mother. Today will be a special day. #Mindfukness #travelwisc

A recent Eighty Acres sunset got me thinking about what heaven might be like. Just speculating whether there will always be an awesome internet connection. Just wondering. #Mindfukness #Menomonie #sunsets #Discoverwisconsin #EightyAcresPhotography #Naturephotography #MenomonieWisconsin #photography #Midwest #wisconsin

Over the past week I have spent a considerable amount of time attempting to identify the swallowtail pictured above. To me the world of swallowtails is quite confusing. There are hundreds of swallowtail species and when I attempt to navigate the subtle differences in their appearances I become confused. So I decided I would just be mindful of the butterfly's beauty and enjoy the moment as it rested upon a coneflower in my garden. But, if I had to take a guess, I would say i

The house wren sang it's last song this week. This tiny bird with a gigantic song only sings during the nesting season. Here you see the mother calling to her young, encouraging them to launch themselves from the nesting box, and trust that their tiny wings will carry them to a safe landing spot. How quickly the summer is passing and the wrens will soon depart Eighty Acres to begin their journey south. After they are gone I will remember their songs. I wonder when we are gone

I often lose track of time as I walk the trails of Eighty Acres. Each day's trek is a new adventure as I listen and learn the stories from the Earth Mother and her land. As I exited the dark woods last evening, I see the house lights have been turned on for me. Like the north star, the lights are a beacon pointing me home. I quicken my pace knowing she will welcome me with a smile and as always ask, "see anything?" I must hurry home. Someone there loves me. #Mindfukness #

Over the past several years, the birds of Eighty Acres have gifted me their feathers. I kept many of them in a paper bag not really sure why I was even saving them. While cleaning my garage this week I discovered the bag of feathers and decided to create a feather bouquet. Pictured above is the colorful feather bouquet that now sits on my kitchen table. There are two big benefits of a feather bouquet. The first is simply the beautiful colors. The second is no watering req

When the sun says goodbye to you at the end of the day, it is not the time for loud voices or idle chatter, Rather let us enjoy the wonder and peace of the moment, simply be mindful of the beauty and softly whisper "oh my." #Mindfukness #Discoverwisconsin #EightyAcresPhotography #MenomonieWisconsin #Naturephotography #Midwest #DunnCounty #EarthMother #sunsets #TravelWI

Finding beauty in the ordinary requires us to be constantly aware and mindful of our surroundings. Such is the challenge with the Painted Lady, the most common butterfly in the world. They are frequent visitors to Eighty Acres and are often found on cone flowers and thistles. But even though they are common, my hope is that each day I will see the painted lady through the eyes of a child. In wonder of its graceful flight. Delighted in its many colors. Mindful that the ordinar