A thank you note to my nature-loving audience

As the holidays approach I’m feeling full of gratitude; for my life, health, and for you, my loyal readers and students. You’re the bee’s knees, the petunia’s petals and the solitaire’s song.

Your enthusiasm for the nature and travel stories I share and the sketching tutorials I create keeps my spirits up, even when I’m tired, sweaty and muddy from a day in the field.

Your comments on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as your heartfelt responses to my newsletters,  keep me going, keep me searching over hill and dale for a good internet connection by which to share my nature treasures.

Whether I’m in the jungles of Central America or the high desert of Oregon, just knowing you’re looking forward to hearing from me, makes me want to continue bringing you along, virtually, as I travel the globe and share what I’ve learned about the natural world. It lights me up like a firefly lights up the night.

You are the flower to my hummingbird, the honey hive to my bee, the brush to my watercolor. You might say that when we met – even if just online – it was like when Alice Alga met Freddie Fungi and they took a ‘Lichen’ to each other (thank my college biology professor for that one!)

I’m not gonna lie, this year’s been the toughest one in over a decade for me on the personal front. I’ve been in a car accident, witnessed tragedies, lost acquaintances to horrific diseases, and lost the love of my life after seven years together. But your support has kept me going through both good times and bad.

Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart. I’m so honored you’re here.