I never know exactly what to write here. Or whether or not I should write. or if anyone actually cares or reads. But, I do like to write...and let people far away feel like they can share a bit in my life. My life...it's a blast right now.

For instance, there is this great game we play at camp. All the girls hop on some buses and drive up to other camp property in the mountains where I could envision myself living someday. It is a load of property with this lovely, slightly beaten up, yet quaint cabin in the mountains. And all the girl staff dresses up like the Uzamahti tribe and convinces the campers that they need to play this giant game of capture the flag in order to become part of the tribe. And then we spend the day running through rivers and trees and wrestling in mud pits and chasing people and running from people. It is just fantastic. Then all these lovely ladies now covered in war paint and mud jump in the river together before a tasty meal of hobo stew for dinner. And that was just this afternoon and evening!

I'm getting to know the campers and staff...and I'm liking them a little more everyday.

And I know every day is a good one, because when I finally get in bed (whether or not it is actually a bed...usually it's just a sleeping bag), I take a deep breath, smile, and fall asleep within seconds.

my life is very busy...
but my life is so fun.
I live in Narnia.
I am encouraged to play like a child everyday.
I am surrounded by a community of people who have so much to teach me.
I get to play outside all the time!

well, hello there.

I have been in the backcountry for the past few days, and now that I am back in civilization, I am reasearching all the fantastic shrubs, flowers, and trees I saw out there! My goal is to be able to recognize for of California's native plants by the end of the summer.

So...I thought I would share a little tidbit with you.

Manzanita shrubs or trees are known by their reddish, smooth bark and stiff, twisting branches. I think the leaves are beautiful and If you find a branch and keep it as a treasure, the leaves change colors and it is a nice little house ornament to have a bundle of dried Manzanita branches because of the varying color of leaves. BUT...here's what I just learned today that I think is great: "Traditional uses of the plant include collecting the berries, drying them, and grinding them up into a coarse meal. Fresh berries and branch tips were also soaked in water and drunk, making a refreshing cider. When the bark curls off, it can be used as a tea for nausea and upset stomach. The younger leaves are sometimes plucked and chewed by hikers to deter thirst. Native Americans used Manzanita leaves as toothbrushes."

so there you go.