sparkofnature

[sparkofnature]

14. Wrapping up the semester, I took one last brisk walk around campus for my final blog post. With winter rapidly approaching, the weather this week has been brutally cold with unpredictable winds and nonstop rain. Today, the rain finally cleared up and the sun peeked out, creating some much needed warmth.

As I strolled through the campus, the echoes of my footsteps mingled with the crisp, fall air. The once vibrant autumn leaves now lay scattered, a mosaic of reds and golds underfoot. The skeletal branches of trees reached towards the sky, their stark silhouettes against the daylight.

In these final moments, I revisited familiar spots that had become my sanctuaries during the semester—a quiet bench under a centuries-old oak tree and the fountain in the center of campus. Each step felt like a farewell to a chapter closing, but with the promise of a new one unfolding.

As I approached the heart of the campus, the library stood as a symbol of collective knowledge and shared endeavors. The towering shelves housed countless stories and wisdom, a testament to the intellectual growth we all underwent during these months. It was a place where the rustle of pages and the tapping of keys created a symphony of dedication.

Wrapping up this semester’s journey, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the challenges, the friendships forged, and the knowledge gained. The campus, now preparing for its settlement into winter break’s hibernation, whispered a silent promise of renewal in the coming spring. With a contented heart, I turned my back on the familiar sights, ready to embrace the next adventure beyond these well-trodden paths.

[sparkofnature]

11. One cool autumn day, I decided to go for a jog around campus, and it was amazing. The leaves on the trees had turned all sorts of red, orange, and yellow colors, and the air was fresh and chilly.

As I started my jog, I noticed that the leaves on the ground made a crunchy carpet under my feet. It felt like I was jogging through a colorful wonderland.

The trees all around campus looked really pretty with their colorful leaves, and I could hear the leaves rustling in the breeze, which was quite calming.

One great thing about jogging in the fall is the way everything smells. The air had a lovely earthy scent, like the leaves on the ground.

I saw other students walking and talking amongst themselves. Everyone was dressed in cozy sweaters and layers, it felt like we were all enjoying the season together.

During my jog, I stopped for a while to sit on a bench and take in the view. The sun was bright in the sky and the clouds were wispy and widespread.

Jogging on a fall day around campus made me realize that exercising can be a way to enjoy the beauty of nature. The season’s charm made my jog feel peaceful and incredible. It was a day that reminded me of how much joy a simple run can bring, especially with the stunning backdrop of a fall day on campus.

[sparkofnature]

10. One week ago, I decided to take a walk around my college campus, and boy, was I in for a surprise! Earlier in the day, there had been a light drizzle, but then the sun decided to show its face. Just when I thought the weather couldn’t get any more interesting, a rainbow suddenly appeared, arching across the sky.

Seeing that rainbow made me super excited. It felt like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, check this out!” I couldn’t resist admiring it.

The walk towards the rainbow was as cool as the rainbow itself. The campus was usually filled with students, but at that moment, it was calm and peaceful. The rain made everything glisten, and the earthy smell after the rain was so refreshing.

As I got closer to the rainbow, I couldn’t believe how bright and colorful it was. It had all the colors in the crayon box, from fiery red to peaceful purple. I took tons of pictures, trying to capture its awesome sight.

Standing under the rainbow, I thought about how life’s special moments are like rainbows – they don’t last forever, but they’re amazing while they do. My campus walk became an unforgettable adventure, a reminder to enjoy the simple, incredible moments life throws at us.

[sparkofnature]

9. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the festivities at Riverlawn Elementary School. It was that time of year again when Halloween’s magic filled the air, and the school’s annual Trunk or Treat event promised an evening of spooky fun. My friends and I decided to get involved, contributing to the excitement by decking out a trunk with decorations and handing out candy to the eager children.

Our preparations began with a shopping spree for candy and decorations that would bring our trunk to life. The candy aisle in the store became a playground for our sweet tooth, as we filled our baskets with an assortment of treats that would surely delight the young trick-or-treaters.

With our candy stash secured, the real fun began as we embarked on the task of transforming our trunk into a Halloween wonderland. The decorations we used for our spine-tingling display were fake spiderwebs, a motion-sensored light up skeleton toy, and two ominous signs reading “Beware” and “Danger, keep out.”

The fake spiderwebs were the perfect choice to add that eerie, abandoned feel to our trunk. We draped them across the back, allowing the wind to tease them into ghostly shapes. The motion-sensored toy was a stroke of genius, as it would spring to life whenever curious hands ventured too close, sending giggles and shrieks throughout the night.

Our “Beware” and “Danger, keep out” signs were the crowning touch. With dark, foreboding letters on an ominous background, they set the stage for our little Halloween haunt. As children approached, their eyes widened with curiosity, and some even hesitated before daring to grab a piece of candy.

The event turned out to be a delightful experience for both us and the kids. Their excited smiles and wide-eyed wonderment as they approached our trunk were pure joy to behold. It was a heartwarming reminder that Halloween is a time when creativity knows no bounds, and the simplest decorations can bring delight to children’s faces.

Riverlawn Elementary’s Trunk or Treat was a night of shared imagination and the spirit of Halloween at its finest. It was a memorable evening that left us with cherished memories and the satisfaction of knowing we had contributed to the magic of this special event.

[sparkofnature]

8. When I stepped outside, I was greeted by a sky that had been a vibrant blue, with fluffy and wispy clouds drifting lazily. It had been a picture-perfect fall day.

Excitement had bubbled up as I had started my 30-minute outdoor adventure. The air felt cool, a sign that summer was gone and fall had arrived. The smell in the air had been a mix of earthiness, leaves, and the promise of cozy fireside evenings.

As I had walked along, I saw the trees showing off their new outfits. They had changed from green to fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. It was like a big party of colors. And when I stepped on the fallen leaves, they had made a satisfying crunch.

The sun had still been warm, casting long shadows that had invited me to explore further. It seemed like nature’s way of telling me to slow down and enjoy the season.

A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves in the trees, creating a relaxing background soundtrack. It had brought the scent of comforting things like warm blankets and freshly baked apple pies. It had been a reminder of the holidays just around the corner.

As my 30 minutes in that fall atmosphere came to an end, I was grateful for the simple but amazing beauty of the season. The sky, colorful trees, earthy smells, and fresh air all made for a wonderful experience. I headed back inside, carrying the spirit of fall with me, ready to enjoy all the great things that season had to offer.

With each passing day, fall has deepened its hold on the world, and that 30-minute escape is just the beginning of a season full of delightful moments. The changing leaves will continue to put on a spectacular show, and pumpkin patches and apple orchards are awaiting. The anticipation of Halloween and Thanksgiving have also filled the air, promising more moments of memories and togetherness.

So, I haven’t let my 30 minute walk outside be the end of my fall adventures. I am embracing the season and all its charms. I enjoyed the crunch of leaves underfoot, savored the thought of freshly baked pies, and relished the vibrant colors of nature’s autumnal masterpiece.

[sparkofnature]

7. I went home for fall break this weekend. For my thirty minutes this week, I decided to mix it up a bit and indulge in a unique tradition which was driving around my hometown to admire the creatively decorated houses that embraced the Halloween spirit. It felt like the spooky counterpart to the beloved Christmas lights tradition, and I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.

With my mom, we kicked off our weekend adventure, armed with our favorite fall-themed Starbucks drinks and a Halloween playlist that set the mood. The excitement in the air was palpable as we cruised through the familiar streets, anticipating the eerie displays we’d encounter.

Our first stop was a house that had been transformed into a chilling haunted graveyard. The fog machine was working overtime, creating an eerie atmosphere, and fake tombstones seemed to come to life in the moonlight. Cobwebs covered every available surface, and spooky music whispered through the air. We couldn’t help but be impressed by the attention to detail.

Our journey continued, and we stumbled upon a house that had gone all out with a witch’s lair theme. A bubbling cauldron, broomsticks propped against the porch, and a life-sized witch figure cackling at us from the doorway made it clear that the residents were Halloween enthusiasts. It was both spooky and enchanting, and we both loved the creativity.

One house had recreated iconic scenes from classic horror movies, from “Halloween” to “The Nightmare on Elm Street.” The attention to detail was astounding, and it felt like we had driven into a real-life horror film.

What struck me the most about this adventure was the sense of community. Families came together to decorate their homes, with children, parents, and possibly even grandparents working side by side. It was heartwarming to think about how Halloween could bring our community together in such a unique way.

As we wrapped up our tour of Halloween decorations, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the sense of wonder and community spirit that this tradition brought to my hometown. Just like the joy of driving around to see Christmas lights, this Halloween adventure had become a cherished part of my college experience, something I eagerly anticipate each year.

[sparkofnature]

6. I spent my thirty minutes this week gathered around a crackling bonfire on a cool night with my friends, and it was an unforgettable evening. It was a great start to the beginning of the fall season.

We created a cozy spot in my friend's backyard at their house. We set up a fire pit and circled it, sitting in foldable chairs and on blankets. As the sun set, we got the bonfire going. Flames leaped, and the fire's warmth made us feel right at home. The moon and starry sky gleamed from above. The smell of burning wood mixed with crisp air, creating a calming and invigorating atmosphere.

We roasted marshmallows on wooden skewers and made s'mores. The gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers were a sweet delight. We laughed, shared stories, and listened to music playing from a speaker. The familiar songs provided the soundtrack to our night, enhancing the ambiance around the fire.

The bonfire crackled and danced, providing the perfect backdrop as we sang along to popular tunes. The flames seemed to sway to the rhythm of our voices, adding a touch of enchantment to the evening. As the music played, we couldn't resist the urge to dance around the fire. Shadows cast by the firelight played on our faces as we moved to the beat, creating a mesmerizing and spirited display.

As the night grew darker and the fire burned lower, we wrapped ourselves in blankets, cherishing the warmth of the flames and our friendships. The conversations continued, ranging from childhood memories to future dreams. It was a night of bonding, reconnection, and rediscovery of the joy of being together.

When the embers finally faded and the night came to a close, we said our reluctant goodbyes. The memories of this bonfire night will stay with us forever. It was a night of warmth, laughter, and the kind of friendship that leaves a mark on your heart. A bonfire party with friends is more than an event; it's a magical experience that you'll treasure forever, a memory that will keep the flames of friendship burning bright in our hearts.

[sparkofnature]

5. This week, I spent thirty minutes sitting outside 'Sweet & Savory Donuts and Bagels,' a cozy café near Jimmy John’s. It sits right by the road, with tall windows showing a cute donut logo and bright neon colors. Inside, you can see comfy seats and yummy baked goods.

I went in and ordered a breakfast bagel and a strawberry banana smoothie. The café smelled like warm, sweet donuts and toasty bagels, a mix that made my mouth water. With my order in hand, I went outside and sat on one of their plastic benches.

The breakfast bagel was amazing. It had bacon, cheese, and egg on a toasted plain bagel. Each bite was like a flavor explosion. The strawberry banana smoothie was cool and balanced the bagel's taste perfectly.

On the nearby street, cars passed by with students and locals inside. Their car music had a deep bass that you could feel. People walked by on the sidewalk, probably heading to campus nearby. I also saw some students walking their dogs, and it's always fun to see dogs getting excited when people pass by.

In those 30 minutes, I loved the simple joy of being outside 'Sweet & Savory Donuts and Bagels.' It reminded me to take time to enjoy life's little moments, appreciating the sights, sounds, and smells around us.

[sparkofnature]

4. This week I spent my thirty minutes a little differently. The picture shows a bronze statue of my university’s mascot and an attached bench. That day, he was dressed in a red t-shirt with white laminate lettering that reads “Family Weekend.” As mentioned, it was family weekend at my university from Friday until Sunday this week. My family came up on Saturday, and this included my parents, granny, and aunt. We started our festivities around nine-ish in the morning. It was a little chilly with a dash of fogginess. We made a quick run to the on-campus Starbucks to grab breakfast first. I got a strawberry açaí with lemonade and peach juice. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness with just a pinch of sourness. I also got a double smoked bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. It had a nice smokey, savory taste. The atmosphere of the Starbucks was fairly busy, and well-known pop tunes were playing over the speakers. Afterwards, we walked around campus. We passed by several tall, leafy green trees and my aunt stopped to take a few photos of them, admiring the detail in their bark. She also asked me, “Where are the squirrels?” As the squirrels on our campus are known for being very interesting creatures. I once observed one perched up on a bench eating an acorn, as if it were a human having lunch in a park. There were several table booths and activities set up throughout campus, and while walking we could smell the scent of buttery popcorn. I stopped by a booth to get some and it tasted just as delicious as it smelled. There were snow cones at another booth, and my family and I stopped there as well. We all ordered the pina colada flavor. It was very sweet. We then walked over to watch the dog show competition. All of the dogs that came through were awfully cute and fluffy! I had a great time with my family and I hope to see them up here again soon.

[sparkofnature]

3. I spent my thirty minutes this week sitting by the fountain. I could hear the soft, trickling and plopping sounds of water as it hit the bottom with a light splash. It’s surrounded by tall, leafy green trees. I’m not sure of the specific type of trees they are. I chose this spot because it is one of the most calming, peaceful places on campus. I pass by it nearly every time I’m going to class or the library. I also had some time to spare in-between classes so I went there to kill time. I sat down on one of the wooden benches. I could smell the fresh scent of grass and soil. It was around 9:15 in the morning so it wasn’t as dreadfully hot compared to how evenings typically were. I observed a few other students pass through, dressed in variations of graphic t-shirts with running shorts, sweats, ripped jeans, and leggings. Either off to class or back to their dorms, I thought. Additionally, I saw a few students walking their dogs. I recognized one of the owners with their dog, Mac. I usually see them on my way to campus most mornings. Mac is a doodle so he has very curly, fluffy hair, and his coat is dark gray with brownish spots. I saw a few squirrels skip through too. They always move around with such graceful motions. They often carry things with them like brown nuts or acorns as well. I always wonder what they’re up to all day because they’re always in motion, never resting. While seated, I pulled my laptop out to check emails and review assignment due dates. I also put an AirPod in to listen to music. I chose to listen to some classic 70s songs. The cheery, upbeat sounds of disco and funk music always put me in a good mood.

[sparkofnature]

2. I spent my thirty minutes this week out on the balcony at my off-campus apartment. I chose this spot kind of out of convenience, but it’s also what I was most excited for when I first toured the place. I stood out there and rested my elbows on my wooden railing. I haven’t too long moved in so I didn’t have any balcony furniture to sit on. The temperature was cooler than the scorching heat from earlier in the day. It was around 8:20 p.m and the sun had almost completely set. The orangish yellow gleam from the streetlight peeked through the trees under the illuminated pale blue sky engulfed by gray clouds. The crimson brick two-story houses and three-story buildings nearby were surrounded by leafy trees in the distance. I could see students dressed in crop tops and denim shorts walking off into the night along the off-white cemented sidewalk. They were probably journeying to Radford’s staple, BT’s, or a house party, I thought. Meanwhile, I could feel the bass of music and hear the the faint sounds of music playing in the apartment below mine. The air didn’t have a specific scent, just mildly earthy. I observed and listened to what was happening around me for a short period before playing the sweet mix of beauty and melancholy sound of Lana Del Rey’s voice in my AirPods. Her music always makes me want to lay out on the grass or the beach and just be one with nature. Especially when I hear her song that’s titled “Get Free.” The chapters in “Environmental and Nature Writing,” I’ve read so far have helped me curate my writing in this post to be as descriptive as possible. It is my first nature writing piece and I’m sure it will transform over the course of being in an environmental writing class.