Thumbing Through Nature

I’m back from Alaska and, as I hoped, after several glorious days in the great outdoors I am recommitted to finding ways to bring nature into our everyday life and entertaining.

Since returning, I’ve spent hours playing with the photos and videos we took (go to www.thismoment.com and search on my name.) I can almost smell the scent of a pine tree or the salt air when I look at photos of places we've traveled. (For more of our travel photos, see Jim's Webshots.)

So, my new trick is to strategically place a few books on nature like the book pictured here which follows the Lewis and Clark Trail. Put one or two on the living room end table or by your bedside. Not only are the covers visually pleasing, but taking a few minutes at the end of a stressful day to thumb through the pictures is very relaxing.

Naturetaining Revival

It's been two years since my husband I went to Alaska and the concept for Naturetainment was born. This week, we return to our new favorite vacation spot and I plan to use the ocassion to inject new life in this old blog.

My other inspiration is a new shipment of wine from the Wall Street Journal Wine Club. We broke open our first bottle this weekend - a 2008 Pinot Grigio from Italy. The Vina Baccana was a nice pairing for the spicy tuna Jim grilled. Easy on the palette. Not incredibly memorable, but refreshing.

Yes, urban apartment living has made naturetaining a bit of a challenge. But I look forwaad to sharing our vino and some new naturtaining ideas with friends when we return.