They remind us of those we loved—and lost. — The stone was just another stone until I picked it up. During a church service on being a community for one another, the congregation was asked to choose a stone from a container. The stone I chose was brown, irregularly shaped, and nearly flat on the bottom. The top side…

Thanks to Hurricane Idalia. — This is how birding works. Just before my wife and I left to visit our 16-month-old grandson and his parents in Rochester, NY, a friend in Florida posted on social media about American Flamingos being spotted in a farm pond in south-central Pennsylvania. I knew we couldn’t stop on the…

Exploring Our Newest National Park. — As a 75-year-old grandfather, I should have known better. But my innate curiosity, coupled with my love for nature, often overrides my common sense. Located east of Beckley, West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a gem of a place. My wife and I recently visited there…

Especially when you go exploring. — Just one of the benefits of being retired is spontaneity. When the weather and my calendar are clear, I take the opportunity to bird, hike, and shoot photos. I'm incredibly fortunate. Living less than an hour's drive from Shenandoah National Park, it's my go-to place. …

Thank you, William, once again for your excellent research and reporting.

Answering an unexpected invitation. — We live in a noisy world. It’s hard to find pure silence to simply listen, ignore the busyness of your mind, and relax without interruption. When I saw an invitation to participate in a Contemplative Sit at the end of the daily devotion I received from Richard Rohr, I clicked…

Thank you for these excellent reminders.

A Day in Shenandoah National Park — Several recent studies have proven the obvious: Regularly spending time in and with nature dramatically enhances people's mental health and appreciation for life. That wasn't news to me. Fortunately, I grew up in a family that spent time hunting, fishing, and vacationing in the great outdoors. I continued that pattern…

Thank you for these beautiful images and the wonderful words on being curious. Your closing line says it all. All the best.