4.14.2008

Nature Journaling

There's often talk of Nature Journaling in the homeschooling world, but it's something that we have not looked into.

Until last week.

It was a fairly nice day, so the boys & I headed over to Hobby Lobby and purchased sketch journals and a nice set of pencils. Fortunately, all drawing pencils, pens, charcoals, and pastels were 30% off. We were able to get a very nice set of assorted lead pencils, complete with an eraser, a sharpener, in a handy, zippered case for each of the boys.

Next stop? Chipotle. I mean, really, you can't go off into nature without a good meal.


It was a short drive to Garden of the Gods. I have to say that I just love this place. It's a stunning witness to the creativity of God (I once heard it called "God's Garden" which I find quite fitting). There are amazing red rocks jutting out of the ground in a variety of angles. In the midst of all the red, you'll also find some very chalky, white rocks.

It was a bit breezy that day, but we found a calm place to hunker down in a rock formation for some solitude, pondering, and sketching (I never even turned on my cell phone).

We were in between the slanted rocks on the right side


Once we found a comfy (as comfortable as rocks can be underneath one's derrierre) place to sit, we reviewed some information from a library book on nature journaling. Then the boys each found a spot to hang out and sketch.

The Comedian found some egg sacs


Sketching the landscape


Close-up shot


Clay Guy finds his spot and contemplates the view


He gets busy drawing


Clay Guy found a tunnel. I thought the rocks were calling my name.


Checking out the landscape


Evidence of a self-portrait in my lens


On the drive through the park, we stopped at Balanced Rock


With Clay Guy


A shot from the road


It's that time of year - lots of deer (one's hiding behing the trees)


Ever famous Kissing Camels


Can YOU see the camels kissing? I have a silly story about this, but haven't been able to come up with a good visual on it, so I haven't posted it.

It's absolutely gorgeous today, so we may head out for some more nature fun and scenery.


2 comments:

Robert said...

What a cool field trip! You're making a strong case for the homeschooling thing. We're thinking more and more about it. I love all the pictures too. Hope their journaling and sketches came out well. Thanks for sharing this.

Anonymous said...

Another thing I find amazing about Garden of the Gods is that it's a CITY park! In the not quite middle of town, but only 5 minutes from our westside house...no admission...just drive on in! There's also a cool gift shop.
Mom

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