I’ve always loved nature — the hiking, the fresh air, the scavenger hunt of spotting wildlife with my kids. But if you asked me to draw any of it? Hard pass. I’ve never worn the “artist” badge. Stick figures and doodles? Sure. Anything beyond that? Yeah…no.

But recently, I got curious. I keep seeing people talk about nature journaling — using sketching as a way to slow down and notice things we normally rush past. Typically I’ve relied on my lens to nature journal. But I thought, Why not? What’s the worst that could happen? A badly drawn leaf? A bird that looks like a potato with wings?

An upcoming naturalist class I registered for with Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont had some pre course reading which got me on to John Muir Laws website. And you know with a name like that he’s bound to be an epic naturalist and artist. Which he is. I poked around and found his “How to Draw Birds” video. Five minutes in… and suddenly I’m feeling like a pro. He makes it simple, approachable, and honestly so fun. It clicked — not that drawing is easy, but that nature journaling isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention.

Now, I’ve been drawing one bird a day. Every little feathered friend I sketch teaches me something new — about shapes, motion, and noticing the tiny details I used to overlook. And guess what… I even got Nick to join in! Our kitchen table has slowly transformed from a snack zone into a pop-up art studio. And the best part is Merlin Bird ID even can tell what bird I’ve drawn. So if that’s not some confirmation of a job well done, I’m not sure what is.

This whole adventure has reminded me that learning doesn’t have an age limit. Growth isn’t just for the kids. Sometimes trying something new feels awkward and messy, but discovering that you can do it? That’s magic. We’re doing it — and we’re loving it.

So, here’s to being brave enough to pick up a pencil. To exploring nature in a whole new way. To letting ourselves be surprised by what we’re capable of. And to embracing the idea that yes — even this “ole dog” has a few new tricks left to learn. 😉

Have you ever tried nature journaling? What did you notice once you slowed down to really see the world?