You may have noticed postings around here have been a little sparse this summer. It's been incredibly busy and incredibly fun.

What you may not know, if you don't know me in "real" life, is that I work 30 hours a week at Montana State University as well as freelance writing. I'm beefing up my freelance work because we are planning a big adventure in a year or so and I need to be able to work from anywhere.

Plus, I have those two kids. They go to daycare twice a week, but fitting more than full-time work into a few days (and a lot of nights) can be challenging at times. And I have been so lucky to have a bunch of outdoor adventures this summer.

We've camped and hiked in Glacier National Park.

Felt a lot of small town pride at our parade.

Watched otters and spawning trout in Yellowstone.

Played at the new Museum of the Rockies exhibit.

Taken silly photos.

Threw rocks in the Boiling River.

Floated a small section of the Yellowstone River.

Rode horses.

Hiked through the Hoodoos in Yellowstone.

I spent four days in Yellowstone with a girlfriend-sans kids.

Played by the river.

Covered our ears at the Demolition Derby.

Took swimming lessons and played in the city pool.

Celebrated Finn turning two (there are officially no babies in the house.)

I went on a horsepacking trip somewhere beautiful. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to pack a horse into the backcountry! (Thank you! I'll be here all night!)

And that's not everything. I've been doing a lot more connecting with nature than writing about connecting with nature.

So, I am going to take a little time off from this blog to collect my thoughts and get re-inspired. Maybe a week, maybe a month. I hope you'll grant me this little sojourn and be here when I get back!

...playing in the Yellowstone River.

Have you noticed that countdown clock on the sidebar? Over there, on the right. See it? When that clock gets to zero you'll be able to browse around in my new store.

Read more »

I know you have been sitting around thinking, "What's on Mel's mind these days?" Wonder no longer.

Read more »

I guess it is time for me to admit that spring is here. Or at least almost here. I hate to say goodbye to winter, but the time has come.

So now we turn our thoughts from playing in the snow to playing in water.

Read more »

I've read a few things lately that really hit home for me. I'd like to share them with you.

Read more »

Are you a teacher? Aren't we all? Do you like dirt? Don't we all? Then you might be interested in this online class about teaching soil science to K-6 kiddos.

A six-week online graduate course, "The Dirt on Soil Science," will help teachers engage kids in science through a substance with universal appeal: dirt.

Read more »