Sarina's Nature Book Club Blog

After being cooped up at home all weekend, I went for a walk along the Trinity to experience the great outdoors. I observed mallard and teal ducks frolicking in the river, vibrant red cardinals contrasting against the blinding snow, and wild tansy mustard plants sprouting through the frozen ground. I heard birds chirping and the crunch of snow with each step, but I only passed a few people and cars throughout my walk. Serenity enveloped my experience as I noticed the stillness of nature surrounding me, unaccompanied by bustling city noises or the loud gossiping of fellow walkers. This draws a clear parallel to Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire . In the first chapter, he describes a sense of tranquility associated with solitude in nature. His isolated, minimalistic quarters allow him to meaningfully connect with nature, highlighting the unnecessary consumerism common in society. He finds further peace when the dreary morning air disappears as the sun rises, illuminating the vibrant landsc...

On my stroll through campus, I observed various aspects of nature such as wildlife, trees, flowers, and the sky. I noticed squirrels rushing up trees while birds flew overhead. The stark contrast of live oak trees and crape myrtles amazed me. The live oaks seemed full of life and grandeur since their branches overflowed with hunter green leaves; conversely, the barren crape myrtle branches left me sympathizing with their unstately figures. Despite being within the realm of trees, these species varied substantially. It occurred to me that I take nature’s diversity for granted by not recognizing and contemplating my natural surroundings. A flower bed of vibrant pansies and ornamental kale drew my attention from the towering trees. Additionally, I went to Frog Alley to view the sunset. Since buildings, cars, and other manmade creations were in my field of vision, it was difficult to focus purely on the sunset. However, the range of hues in the sky filled me with admiration.   Regardin...