Dear Reader Column 04-23-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Today's guest author, Carolyn Miller, lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Carolyn is a longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and the Georgette Heyer's Regency era. Her latest historical novel, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, delves into fossil-hunting in Regency England, and explores questions of science and faith, as well as providing the swoon worthy romance, Carolyn's readers know to expect. 

Please email and welcome author Carolyn Miller to our book clubs. You can reach her at: camillering123@bigpond.com

Carolyn writes...

Here in my little corner of Australia we've been enjoying crisp, cool nights and the turning of leaves as we head into Autumn (my favorite time of year). Most Australian forests involve eucalyptus trees, with their varying shades of grey-green, sometimes almost blue-green leaves, and fresh, honey-minty-pine scent. But where I live, our higher altitude and English settler history means we have a number of beautiful European and North American trees that glory in this climate, with leaves that turn gold, amber, russet and crimson red.

I love watching the color transform what might be an otherwise rather ordinary tree into a beacon of beauty. It requires patience, waiting for the right season for a tree to fully come into its own. I think it's important to take time to notice such things, to appreciate the beauty found in nature before the season changes.

Have you heard of forest bathing? Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese form of nature therapy where individuals are encouraged to spend time outdoors (such as walks through forests) in an attempt to reduce their levels of anger, depression or anxiety. Spending time in nature, away from the normal distractions of the daily grind, helps stimulate the five senses, helps clear the mind, and according to some scientific studies, sees reduced activity in the portion of the brain that repeatedly dwells on issues, thus leading to a greater sense of peace.

Last year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit some of the tall trees in California and British Columbia. My husband is a horticulturalist and insisted we stop to spend time with these forest giants. I'm so glad we did. Trees over 250 feet high and 30 feet in diameter (and quite possibly thousands of years old!) are truly awe-inspiring. Sound is muted in these forests. There may be a gentle rustling of leaves, but the general hush encourages a sense of peace--and the emergence of forest creatures. (And for this Aussie author, seeing Bambi-like deer frolicking in the forest was pretty special--probably akin to an American seeing kangaroos bounding along Australia's red desert plains)

Taking time to be still, to drink in nature's different scents and sounds and sights, to really notice what's going on in nature is so important for us physically, emotionally, and mentally. We may not have a forest of giant sequoias to walk through, but stopping to appreciate a rose's delicately crafted petals and luscious scent can help create that sense of peace-filled satisfaction that's equal to finishing a good book.

-- Carolyn Miller

Email Carolyn and welcome her to the book club. Where in nature do you find peace? email camillering123@bigpond.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Comments

[Mia]

Thanks for sharing <3
Nature is truly the temple of God :)

[Leslie Waters]

I love waterfalls with meadows close by. It’s so relaxing to hear the background ofwater running while relaxing with a blanket, book and sunshine

[Danie Walther]

I find peace with nature when I am outside planting in the garden. The cover is absolutely stunning.

[Perrianne Askew]

Waterfalls would be my favorite nature object. Niagra Falls is incredible!

[Stacey Ulferts]

After a long Minnesota winter I am so glad to be able to to get outside and enjoy the spring weather!