A week ago, I put out a call for entries to a new challenge, asking people to get outside, see the things that are growing and changing around them, and start (or continue) keeping some sort of nature journal to help them build more of a relationship with their surrounding land.
We didn't get any participants this first round, but there still seemed to be some interest, so I'll try for a few more weeks ;). If you like the sound of this idea and would love to contribute to a weekly newsletter (and the chance to win some SBD!), read the intro post for the rules and post an image to your journal in the comments below! After post payout on this post, I 'll put together the next newsletter (and hopefully get to feature a winner!).
In the meantime, here's a part of my own phenology journal from the past week. It's so interesting to see how these observations create patterns over the long-term, or to see cause and effect with the benefit of hindsight (like my note here about noticing some sort of predator stalking my rabbits. Sadly, it seems the predator won later that week. )
So, anyone notice anything new, interesting, or seasonally-changing this past week or so? I found new green sprouts, and I was pretty jazzed about that for a few days! As much as I appreciate winter, I also appreciate when it is OVER, haha.
Thanks for reading! And if you want to get the word out about starting a nature journal and getting to know your land better, don't forget to resteem!
Here is my entry post!
https://steemit.com/homesteadersonline/@hethur240/real-things-i-ve-seen-challenge-by-slhomestead-my-entry
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YAAAY! I loved it. :) Thanks!
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Great Idea. I will take a closer look around outside today and see what I can find.
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Great! Even if you don't make a post or entry, I'm happy if you got to get outside and see something!
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That is absolutely beautiful! Put a bunch of those together for the year and you've a really fascinating journal. Wow.
I bet my kids would enjoy a project like this, especially the one with an affinity for drawing.
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I've been making entries like this in my nature journal sporadically. I'm hoping to get much more consistent, though! And I hope your kids could enjoy it. :) Mine are a bit too small to understand a journal yet (even though I do appreciate the oldest's scribbled contributions from time to time).
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Yes, mine are pretty small yet too - this is something I'm thinking about for maybe about two years from now when the oldest should be able to reliably write and focus on something like this.
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I'll help you find a participant. Resteemed.
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Thanks!
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I love your drawings! Sorry I didn't submit anything! I thought about it and watched for signs. Is it okay if I don't write a journal, but make a post about specific things I see?
For instance, I noticed certain birds coming around more (and tried to get some photos of them- too bad they flew away as I came toward them as that would've been cool!) and wanted to relate it to changes in temps, sap rising, etc. I'm not up for journaling long term per say, but I do want to keep record of events like that. Does that count?
I love your idea!
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Haha, there's no obligation, so no need to apologize! My secret agenda is just to get folks outside, enjoying the little beautiful things that you only notice if you take the time to look.
My hope for the challenge was for participants to have a physical journal--one that can be enjoyed and used for reference in real life, not just on Steemit. That way, you can have the proof photo, too! But there's no "requirement" to have a journal. The only request I would have is, like I said in the intro post, some sort of physical representation of your observations with the date. You can even write with a stick in the mud, and take a photo of that!
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I’d say you are a gifted artist! We are also in MO! Following you!
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That's so kind of you to say. Thanks!
Also, I noticed that, and I was happy about it! It seems that there's quite a few of us homesteading in the Ozarks with a desire to obey the Father's good commandments. :) How interesting and wonderful. Also, hope you're enjoying the gorgeous weather we're having today!
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I am, my son and I actually went out for a little hick today the weather was so nice. Yes there are a lot of believers in in this area. What a blessing it is.
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Sadly, I've been stuck mostly inside, only venturing out for work due to the weather. Forecasts say we're fixin' to get a heavy snowfall starting tonight and lasting off & on til Sunday.
I do have a to-do list for the next couple day, though, and doing my planting calendar plan is on there. I'll add a reminder to incorporate this challenge. Thanks for the reminder!
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I totally understand! We moved to Missouri from the chilly, snow-blasted northeast of Ohio, and I really don't miss those winters, haha.
Join if you can, and no worries if you can't. Stay warm!
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You inspired my starting a journal. I guess I forgot to make an entry post! I'll get right on that!
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That makes me so happy to hear!
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This is so lovely. I am delighted with the drawings and creativity. As you know, though, I can't draw...
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Thanks so much for your kind comment. And no worries about that, haha! You don't need to be able to draw to appreciate and enjoy what's growing and fluttering around outside. :)
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