nature, and literature. :)

Apparently my parents get the AAA "Via" magazine and recently I noticed that they were getting copies at their house for me as well. I love reading this magazine because in addition to having extremely useful gardening and "going green" advice, they show all these amazing places to visit in California. This state is full of amazing places to go. We have so many aspects of nature that I love. I always get a pleasant feeling when I think about the trips I took to Yosemite, Mt. Hamilton, Monterey, etc. I just feel so connected to the world through nature and appreciate life a little more after being outside in nature's beauty. Mr. Binkley, my 7th grade science teacher, was a main reason why I love science and nature today. (Alison, I'm sure you can attest to his awesomeness.) Both my sister and I participated in Project Access, a program in which a few selected 6th grade females got to go on amazing science/technology-related field trips that emphasized women in science careers. I believe we looked at leaves near Alum Rock, went to the tech museum, visited the Lighthouse and tide pools at Pigeon point, among other things. It was grand.

Speaking of literature and nature, I love John Muir. He was of the first modern preservationists. Oh, and is it FATE that he was born in Scotland? :) Anyway, there is a really interesting collection of his writings that I want to read, it looks fantastic. I am constantly amazed by people who are selfless, passionate and have an unfailing attitude toward a cause.

Selflessness is a rare and valued quality. Today I read that a woman, Irena Sendler, died today at age 98. She was regarded as a Holocaust hero because she saved almost 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto. She risked her own life in order to save children who have since been able to keep their family's generations alive. So amazing. Read this: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080512/ap_on_re_eu/obit_sendler for a detailed story.


Okay, I LOVE how science, technology, and the arts enrich my life and are all interconnected in making the world a pretty place.

Love Anna