Second Nature Project

Grateful for the early Fall inspiration

Grateful for a beautiful fall day in a beautiful place with beautiful people

Grateful for my daughter’s school, where this pic was taken, during our back to school night! The teachers and staff are wonderful. 💚🩷

Grateful for these thoughtful neighbors who planted milkweed in their yard for the butterflies.

Today I’m grateful for the park near my house that has mop a sweet community garden which was even expanded recently. The garden and park was named after a custodian at the nearby school who was notably kind and caring.

I’ve recently found myself inspired to return to this space. What I’ve always loved about Instagram is its journal-like quality—the way it marks different thoughts and themes over the years. I remember when it was just a simple mosaic of photographs—art in its own right.
I want to engage with it in a way that feels purposeful and nourishing. My focus for now: gratitude.

Why gratitude, and how does it connect to the Second Project? Because gratitude is a balm for the constant pressure to do more, and be more so you can have more. It shifts me back toward mindfulness, sustainability and contentment. Mindfulness reminds me that what I have is plenty, and it helps me be more aware of the beauty that is all around.