About

“He surprised himself with this sudden burst of emotion after almost forty years.” (Stieg Larsson, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo)

Me and Mom in Central Florida — Vintage Instagram!

A Native Floridian (we exist!), I was raised an Army Brat — an upbringing on a 3.5-mile island, part of a sunken volcano in Micronesia (smack in the middle of the South Pacific), provided a unique perspective of the world. I returned to Florida after a life of travels, and I remain ever-fascinated with world cultures and societies, and the realization that we’re all in it together. Embracing uninhibited creativity, I am thoroughly convinced that it, as well as intrinsic goodness, blossoms in every one of us on this beautiful blue sphere.

After devoting a decade-and-a-half to a career in educational publishing, I now seek creative outlets for my passions. I was inspired to begin this blog, my first and only, as an outlet for my countless photographs taken among the unique landscapes I’ve explored and hiked. I’m always researching local natural areas; the more first-hand information on such locations, the better. Florida contains more than 2,000 natural spaces and national parks — everyone needs to see these amazing places, support, and protect them — just love them by visiting and enjoying their beauty.

Untouched Cypress Swamp on the Florida Trail near Jonathan Dickinson State Park — Off-trail

The Everglades is the only ecosystem of its kind in the entire world, and yet we’ve nearly destroyed it. There are moves to restore some of the lost portions, and to continue to preserve other areas, but through these words and images, I hope to show the special beauty of the region’s flora and fauna. And to highlight the interconnectivity of ALL species,  revealing the worthiness and oneness of the tiniest creature, the most ancient tree…to the most universal — and so celebrate the divinity of all life. We are the caretakers of this most amazing place — it’s time to appreciate this role and love every critter, leaf, and mountain, and do what we can to protect them for their sakes, as well as for our own.