Trail Mix Tales: A Blogger’s Hike Through Nature

About Me:

My name is Leigh and I’m a Texas Master Naturalist. I live in the beautiful East Texas piney woods. I have a passion for learning about the local flora and fauna and all the amazing biodiversity that surrounds me.

Before embarking on my naturalist journey, I worked for the federal government. I was fortunate enough to be able to retire early to pursue my passions. Unfortunately, life had other plans and I immediately had to step up to care for my parents. My father had a heart attack and my mother battled dementia for several years, all while we were dealing with the effects of the COVID lockdown.

Life Changes:

In an effort to balance my caregiving duties and my own well-being, I made the decision to move from the city to a rural area in East Texas. While it was a challenging time, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have spent those precious moments with my mother before she passed.

Now that I’m able to breathe a bit, I’m enjoying spending time with my children and grandchildren, visiting good friends, and making new friends who share similar interests. And, of course, writing about things that I’m passionate about – like hiking, visiting state parks and natural areas, and exploring the many wonderful wineries Texas has to offer.

Writing:

I’ve toyed with the idea of writing a memoir, but have found that personal essays are more my speed. It’s a chance to take experiences from my life and compare them to larger themes, reflecting on what I’ve learned and how I can apply it to the world around me. Additionally, I’m developing the habit of jotting down thoughts whenever they occur (a formidable defense against forgetting them altogether) in blog posts. It’s a never-ending journey of self-reflection and growth, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and getting to know me a little better!

All photos on this site are the property of the author unless otherwise noted.