I live in NJ, the Garden State, and yes, despite what you
may have heard, there is an abundance of flowers, farms and beauty throughout
my state.
We’ve also had a lot of cases of Covid-19. While my family
and I have remained healthy, we’ve had to spend the past three months social
distancing from everyone, wearing masks, and basically staying in our homes.
One of the things that has gotten me through this time is flowers and nature.
And as mentioned above, there’s plenty of that here.
I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, planting and cultivating
flowers, walking on local nature trails, and even trying my hand at planting
seeds that are supposed to eventually become herbs. I have my doubts, but I’m
willing to give it a try.
With so much craziness in the world, planting and nurturing
restores my soul and reminds me that even while I stop, nature doesn’t. Things
still grow and bloom and carry out the natural cycle.
My family has gotten used to me lagging behind on our walks
as I stop to take photos of pretty buds on trees or interesting leaves that I
notice.
Because we have so much time, we’ve searched for new places
to walk and admire things. After all, walking around the block gets boring
after a while. A beautiful place my younger daughter introduced us to is
Natirar Park in Somerset County.
With more than 400 acres of property to wander, there’s plenty of room to
social distance and discover natural beauty. It used to be an estate, and the
main house is still there. Completed in 1912, the name Natirar is an anagram
for the Raritan River that meanders through the property. There’s also a fancy
restaurant that I hope reopens because I’ve always wanted to try it. http://www.natirar.com/ninety_acres/
During our time walking the grounds, we enjoyed the peace
and the beauty of the land, encompassing walking trails, woods and fields. And
of course, I took photos.
I post many of my photos on my
Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferwilck/
but I also use them for inspiration when I’m writing. In addition to often
writing about food in my books, I’ve noticed that many of my characters either
enjoy nature walks or planting and designing gardens. While not all of my books
take place in New Jersey, I incorporate what I know and adapt to other
locations.
In one of my oldest, no-longer-published, books, Skin Deep,
the hero and heroine visit the heroine’s family on Thanksgiving and walk one of
the many Morris County trails http://morristrails.org
to get outside and away from everyone. In Learning to Love, the hero and
heroine walk to Loantaka Brook Reservation https://www.morrisparks.net/index.php/parks/loantaka-brook-reservation.
Most of the trails I mention I’ve walked along and they’re beautiful in any
season.
For a chance to win an e-book of mine (your choice), comment
below and tell me what your favorite outdoor activity is. I’ll choose a winner
soon. Make sure to leave a form of contact so I can find you or, click on the
tabs above and send that info to Annette-she’ll forward to me.
To learn more about me and my books, please feel free to stalk
follow me below:
Website: http://www.jenniferwilck.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck
I’ve got a new book coming out in September, so be sure to
sign up for my newsletter for previews! And thanks to Annette for letting me be
a guest on her blog.
(all info provided and released by author)
Interesting blog, Annette and Hi Jennifer! One of the few things about this time is the opportunity to walk in green space. I love the area you speak of though I don't know it as well as you. My herb garden is thriving though I only was able to get one packet of parsley seeds, the other herbs I'm growing from seedlings.Cheers to someday being able to enjoy restaurants again without anxiety.Stay well.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, can't wait for restaurants (or rather, for me to be comfortable in them). I'm about to harvest the lettuce I planted!
DeleteLovely post, Jennifer. I'm so glad you and your family have been enjoying nature. BTW, my husband is from Middlesex, NJ! Wishing you continued success with all of your books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judith and yay to your husband! Hope you and your family are well. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHey Jersey. Waving to you from Sussex County 🦉
ReplyDeleteHey there! Love my fellow Jersey Girls!
DeleteIt is interesting that I, too, have gotten out to walk when the temps are under 90 degrees. (Right now we're over 110 daily.) Walking gives us a chance to slow down and really really smell the flowers. Walking has been a blessing. We have lakes and walk ways. I am sure you have made the most of your time, learned a lot about nature, and taken some fantastic photos. We need to make the most of what we have, no matter the situation. There is beauty all around. Thanks for the nice expose of your state.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of people out walking! I know in my neighborhood, we've gotten used to people walking at specific times and all wave to each other as we pass. The trails and parks are a lot busier (though still socially distanced) because everyone wants to be outside.
DeleteI so enjoyed your post, Jennifer! For me, being out in my garden and taking walks has helped to lift my sagging spirits during this time. It soothes the soul and helps my muse for writing, too. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming release as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mary. And thanks for the well-wishes!
DeleteJennifer, loved your post about getting out, walking and admiring nature. I have a friend in Indianapolis who posts pictures from his walks, as well as friends in Northern California who boast about their gardens!
ReplyDeleteI have friends who do similar things! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYour walks sound wonderful, the settings beautiful and the area lovely. I walk everyday since we live in the foothills of the city where wildlife abound, and the peace and tranquility make it enjoyable and special. My daily walks give me hope and help me deal with life.
ReplyDeleteMine too. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteMy favorite outdoor activity is walking. Thanks so much for the links and the informative post.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting. One day we'll have to walk together.
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