Imagine this. You are outdoors on a late summer night, well past twelve. For the first time all season, the breeze is crisp, offering the first indication of autumn’s steady […]
Her Life’s Work
A young woman kneels by the riverbank, brush in hand, putting the finishing touches on a small wooden boat. She has been working on this project for years, spending time […]
The River Girl
Looking downstream from the rope swing tree at Fox Hill Shipyard in Norwell. I spent ten days this July house-sitting in Norwell, not far from the North River. The house […]
A Shift in Perspective
The North River mouth, as viewed from above. In Walden, Thoreau asked “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” […]
Some Thoughts on Summer Safety
The South River canoe/kayak launch at the Francis Keville Bridge in Marshfield. As a kayaker, I’m feeling heavy-hearted these days. First I got word that an acquaintance from college had […]
River Time, River Magic, River Illusion
Summer on the North River at Couch Beach. It’s my favorite time of year on the river. The salt marsh is fully green. The grass has grown long enough that, […]
Spring: A Time of Renewal and Hope
A stream near Kripalu, in the Berkshires. E. B. White, the essayist, wrote about “the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy,” suggesting that spending time alone is important, […]
Nature Through A Child’s Eyes
“Auntie Kezia,” three-year old Matthew says to me, “Where are his eyes?” He is referring to the set of moose antlers mounted on a wall in my parents’ house — […]
Garden In The Woods
Spring ephemerals. April showers bring may flowers . . . and starflowers, trillium, goldthread and lady slippers . . . and so much more. In May, when many of our […]
Spring Can Be A Lonely Time
A swan at the Norris Reservation in Norwell. Birds are singing. Bees are buzzing. Buds are bursting. It’s spring again, and everyone is in love . . . or so […]