Wander in Wonder Sierra Retreat with Melinda

Unplug from technology and distraction and play with me and your journal  to feel a sense of peace and replenishment from nature. My workshops bridge science, nature, art, and heart and I’ll guide you through ways  of seeing and listening to nature with all your senses and with the lens  of curiosity, creativity, and joy. 

I’ll show you how to sketch loosely  with more ease and less stress, while quieting the inner critic so you  have more time to fully immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of  the Sierras. We’ll practice writing, drawing, seeing, sensing, wondering  and Be-ing in nature in an open-hearted and playful way. 

We’ll explore  capturing the sounds, sights, smells as well as your conversations with  nature so that your nature journal becomes a keepsake of your time  wandering in wonder in nature. I create a safe, nonjudgmental, and  encouraging space where even the most timid drawer will feel  comfortable. We share our experience and journals each day for  collaborative learning. If you’re new to journaling or want to build  confidence in drawing with more ease, join me for 5-days of practice!  All levels of experience are welcome.

Mobiliy: We will not be taking rigorous hikes, however there will be uneven terrain to walk on.: I'll be focused on wanders that are gentle. Wandering at closer to nature's pace so that we can notice what wants to be noticed. 

We'll generally have a base camp location where you can spread out and explore from. There will be plenty of solo time as well as sharing and journlaing together time.

You can bring hiking poles and can always opt out of any part of it. 

Accomodation and meals: You can choose your plan on the Sierra Nevada Field Campus website.

Course Schedule

Sunday: Arrive between 2 and 5pm for check-in and setting up camp. Welcome dinner at 6 followed by introductions and evening journaling session.

Monday-Thursday: We will have nature journaling sessions each morning and afternoon, at the field campus and/or at offsite locations. Time for solo time or rest

Friday: Morning session and closing; class will end by 11am.

Topics to include

· Introduction to nature journaling

· Sketching to see: simple effective strategies so you can draw with ease and expand your awareness

· Simplifying complex subjects and Scribbling trees: Easy ways to sketch trees

· Quick Gesture sketches of moving subjects

· Splash of Colors adding simple watercolor to your sketches

· Mini Landscapes for a Sense of Place

· Awaken the Senses: words to describe sensory awareness

· Writing: Story of our day, simple poems

· Wandering in Wonder

· Rest and Reset: Sit spot for inspiration

· Playful Curiosity nature exploration

· Listening to Nature’s wisdom

· Seeking mindful moments in nature

Course Supplies List

· Your nature journal or sketchbook

· Your preferred writing supplies: Pen and pencil, sharpener

· Optional but recommended -preferred Color media (colored pencils, markers, watercolors with brush)

· Optional: few sheets of toned paper, tracing paper, printer/copier paper

· Optional but recommended: portable camp chair /stool for field journaling excursions

· Bag to carry your journaling supplies

· Hat with a brim

Camping Supplies List

see Sierra Nevada Field Campus website.