Origin Story

Upstate New York Circa 1990

I grew up surrounded by nature.  With nothing but my imagination and over 80 acres to explore I created fictional lands and made myself royalty. I spent my summer days overseeing and protecting the mythical creatures inhabiting the fields my treehouse overlooked. I would pack saddle bags with fruit and head into the woods by horseback on make believe cross country excursions. I explored every inch of the woods near our house and brought home many "pets" to my parents' dismay.  We skated on ponds every winter and enjoyed camping trips by canoe in the summer.  Every nature walk was a chance

My first Newfoundland

to provide some knowledge (my sister still does this to me) and while my plant identification skills may have faded, many of these lessons have stuck with me. I was spoiled by homemade bread, fresh fruits and vegetables and unstructured learning. My mother always refers to my idyllic childhood and I have to admit she is right; however, somewhere between work and real life, this connection with nature started to dwindle. I'm hopeful that this next year can be a chance to get back to those roots of wandering and learning.  Through a conscious effort to explore my surroundings and a commitment to document these experiences, I hope to find new escapes close to home, find some balance in self-sustainability, be mindful of my impact on the planet and mostly post pictures of my dog.  I've been in love with Newfoundlands since I could walk and our poodle/newfoundland mutt has been the best investment yet.  As an adult in a chaotic world I'm hoping to find solace in the things I used to love and have passion for and find joy in the world around me.