Campfire Chat: Busy Brain? Grab Binoculars.

We’re knee-deep in the Dog Days of summer, and while yes, it’s hotter than the black leather seat of a car in July, I’m leaning in — or at least trying. There’s been yoga. Some surprisingly emotional bird watching. A dog or two gently judging me for being on email too much. And a lovely new pendant reminding me (literally and figuratively) to get grounded.

Here’s what’s been swirling around the tent flap this week:

🌿 On My Mind

Busyness. That itchy need to fill every blank space — in my calendar, in my brain — with something useful, productive, or checked off a list. I know better. I know. When I allow for margin, I’m calmer, more transparent, even more efficient. And still I resist it.

Lately, I’ve picked yoga back up after a too-long hiatus, and I’m trying (trying!) to honor those empty spaces instead of rushing to fill them. I’m also wearing a new Centering Pendant crafted by artist Margaret Graham, which feels like a tiny, tangible commitment to that intention. It’s etched with the words “Ground Deeply, Grow Steadily” and features a center hole crafted for gyan mudra — the meditative hand gesture that helps with calm and clarity. It’s a slow-growth kind of season. And that’s okay.

🥾 On the Ground

I’ve been paying more attention to our dog, Beans. She’s sweet, soulful, and determined to become fully human. And when we get too busy, she suffers — barking, ball-nudging, pacing the house like she’s got a job interview.

Luckily, my daughter’s been home from college this summer and loving on Beans (and her own pup, Que) with long walks and constant snuggles. But she heads back soon, and I’m reminding myself to give the dogs the same attention I’d give a friend — even just a minute or two of eye contact and ear scritches. It soothes them. And honestly, it soothes me.

Also, August is our Trail Tails Month here at Field Trip — aka the ultimate guide to adventuring with your pets. Think gear recs, dog-friendly destinations, giveaways, and more (adorable) wagging tails than you can handle. Stay tuned.

🐾 Tracks in the Mud

Earlier this week, while driving, my husband hit a small animal in the road. It was unavoidable, and I know it wasn’t his fault — but still. It hit hard. I didn’t see what it was, and I asked not to know, because even the thought of it still stings. These moments stick with me. And maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe we should feel it. It means we’re still connected.

📦 What’s in My Pack

Two things I now refuse to leave home without:

• NOCS Provisions binoculars (lightweight, super clear, great for birding and spotting the snack line at outdoor concerts)

• Frank’s Skeeter Sticks (mosquito repellent incense that actually works and looks cool — I use them at camp, while gardening, even just reading on the porch)

We’re partnering with both brands for giveaways this week, and I couldn’t be more excited to share these favorites with you.

🎒 Packing Out

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

Here’s to slower days, steadier roots, and a few good tail wags along the way.

See you out there.

Why listen to me?

Because I’ve spent the last 15 years writing about the outdoors and conservation, often with muddy boots, dirt under my nails, and too many bug bites to count.

I’m a certified Bee-Friendly Gardener, a Pollinator Steward, and a volunteer with those who care about bats, trails, and treading lightly. I’m also a DarkSky Advocate and a proud member of the SC Native Plant Society, The 89 Percent Project, and 1% for the Planet.

My backyard wildlife habitat—certified by the National Wildlife Federation, Pollinator Partnership, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology—is a wild little résumé of its own.

I started Field Trip for those who’d rather be outside. Now, I focus on researching, asking too many questions, and turning what I learn into stories that help people fall in love with the outdoors. I want to inspire everyone to protect our planet.

Thanks for being here with me.