Author: scenicaffairs

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Why I like to play outside and talk to God.

I feel free. I feel closer to God. It feels like an escape from everything. I know I can be close to God anywhere I go but it’s different when I’m out there. I can breathe. I can release. The wind is a hug from God. 

The water washes away my worry and fears. The climb makes me feel closer to his strength, it reminds me that I am weak alone, but with him I can conqueror anything. I’m fearless out there. I’ve climbed mountains, trees, rocks, walls, I’ve walked across a tree in the middle of a lake not knowing what’s down there or how deep it was. 

I love it. I simply love it. I love the not knowing what type of animal, insect, trail or adventure I’m going to run into. It’s unpredictable; it’s a break from the madness of routine and societal pressure and standards. 

The silence. 

The pureness of empty vibrations traveling through the woods follow me. It’s comforting. It teaches how to quiet my mind when I have so much going on at once. The quiet teaches gratitude and resilience. 

My mind is the biggest thing I have to battle when I’m out there because you have to be in a space where you are cognizant of where you are and where you’re going, while also pushing down personal mental struggles. You have to see a vision of what’s next, be cautious of your surroundings and focus on a goal—to get out of there uninjured/alive or to reach a destination. 

I enjoy the exercise. I like pushing myself physically. I like that feeling of exhaustion when it feels like I want to quit and I get that burst of fight to keep going—to apply this fight to other areas in my life. 

I like the mistakes. 

I’ve gotten lost on many trails and yet God has always directed me back to safety. Being out there increases my faith for sure. It has to. Anything can happen when I’m out there. I can think of hundreds of terrible situations I could have fallen into but he’s protected me every step of the way. I trusted that he would protect me. I trusted that he wouldn’t allow me to go too far, too deep or too wide outside of my skillset or knowledge realm. I trust him out there because that’s all I have. When there’s no service, no one with you, or clear direction (signs may be down, washed out, etc.) all you have is God to guide you. 

I’m reminded that I don’t need anything but God. 

It forces me to remove all of the distractions from my mind and focus on him and him alone. 

Patience. It teaches me patience, I can’t always calculate how long a mile or 4 will take, so I have to walk and be patient until I arrive at the destination. There are times where I want to take short cuts and veer off to another seemingly shorter trail but I can’t, I have to implore patience. I have to wait on the lord. And sometimes that can be really hard, but when I’m outside there’s not really a choice. You either wait or try to do it on your own and that’s typically the hard way. 

Peace. 

God gives an unreal peace when I’m outside. It feels like a confident assurance of hope. It forces me to let go, to let go of what I can’t control and trust him in what I do control. His peace surpasses all understanding.

 

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5 favorite places to travel in Georgia part 1

From mountain tops to falls to everywhere in between. Georgia has plenty to offer if you’re looking for adventure, serenity or just something new. 

Here are my  few favorite spots that are under 2 hours from Atlanta:

Cloudland Canyon 

If you want to experience an array of waterfalls, mountain tops, coveted caves, hiking trails, bright forestry, or sedimentary rock formations — you’re in the right place. Cloudland Canyon offers an unique view of natural geology that’s taken millions of years to form. 

Location: 22 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 

Details to remember:

Learn more

Cochran Mill Park (Henry Mill Falls)

Only 20 miles outside of Atlanta, this hidden gem is rarely acknowledged for its radiant waterfalls, dynamic woodland trails, stunning boulders and cascading creeks. There are various hiking trails for all levels and the park is well maintained by local volunteers. I’ve personally hiked all 18 miles and each route exposed something new and exciting to explore. My favorite hiking trail is Henry Mill Falls, it’s roughly 8 miles round trip. 

Location: 6875 Cochran Mill Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Details to remember:

  • 800 acres 
  • 20 miles southwest of the Atlanta airport 
  • Contains 3 historic mills 
  • 18 miles of sustainable multiple-use trails 
  • Interactive offline trail maps available 
  • GPS-based hike tracking 
  • $5 parking fee
  • Camping sites available

Learn more

High Shoals Falls

A mossy masterpiece. There are always certain elements of a hike that stand out to me, for High Shoals, it was the vibrant moss-covered trees and yellow mushrooms along the pathway to the falls. This calming trek was a bit curvy in its descent through the forest but, eventually opened up into a large campsite. Once you hear the rushing water, you’ll notice a man-made stair structure and a wooden canopy overlooking the falls for your pleasure and enjoyment. 

Location: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546

Details to remember:

  • There’s a low-depth creek you will have to travel over in order to reach the top of the trail entrance. I personally did not feel comfortable driving my car over the low creek, so we parked on the side of the trail near the entry gate and hiked roughly 1.5 miles to the trail head. 
  • Campsites available 
  • 2.4 miles in length 
  • 500 feet of elevation

Learn more

Historic Banning Mills trails

Whether you want a remote get-a-way or a nice day-hike through some scenic trails, you have roaring options with Historic Banning Mills. This place has ziplining, rock climbing, beautiful nature trails, horseback riding, aerial courses, birds of prey program, ECO spider ATV tours, kayaking, camping and great hospitality.

Location: 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185 

Details to remember:

  • 1 hour from Atlanta 
  • Treehouse cabins available 
  • Camping available 
  • $5 for day entrance 
  • Wooded miles of boulders, creeks and wildlife
  • Miniature golf available 
  • Tennis 
  • Pavillion

Learn more

 

Old Rope Mill Park

Georgia is filled with historic ruins that once controlled an entire economy. It’s astonishing to understand how far we’ve come as a society with the reproduction efficiency of goods and services. Olde Rope Mill Park pays homage to a once booming railroad system and cotton rope mill during the 1800s. The mill and gristmills were powered by water flowing through Little River, Noonday Creek and Etowah River. 

Location: 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188

Details to remember:

  • Be sure to check out the trail status before you go; trails are closed regularly for maintenance or inclement weather conditions
  • Ample biking trails (over 10 miles)
  • Railroad ruins 
  • Creeks 
  • Fishing available 
  • Canoeing/kayaking
  • Pavillion 
  • 6 different hiking trails of varying levels

Learn more

 

 

Which Georgia view will you check out first?

Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like me to plan a group hike to one of the trails listed above. Be sure to take a buddy when you’re venturing out to these new places or check out Solo Hiking: The Beginners Guide.

Group hike with us! 

Sign up for the next group hike.

To more adventures, 

Carrie

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Join a group hike!

Hike club anyone?

This year I’ve been hosting and providing free hiking tours once a month around the parameter of Atlanta. 

It’s been an amazing experience and I always gain new perspectives after each hike. The hiking level varies for each location but I aim to keep them beginner friendly. It doesn’t matter the age or hiking level, all are welcomed! 

So, what’s the big deal, why should you join a group hike? Well there are a ton of benefits for hiking in general and solo adventure but for this post I want to focus on the necessity of hiking with others. 

With Scenic Affairs hikes, we push one another and challenge ourselves. If that doesn’t convince you, here are a few reasons why you should join a group hike.

January 2024 Sign up

Networking, creating community, building relationships…alla dat

So many participants walk away with a new connection after our hikes. Whether they’re talking about the newness of their hiking endeavors or what they ate the night before, we empower people to step out of their comfort zones and engage with those around them. I’ve done my fair share of hiking clubs and meetups and it’s always refreshing to meet new people ready to conquer the trail ahead.

When you hike with others, there’s a sense of camaraderie that flows through the atmosphere, and most of the time you all end up thinking the same things at one point or another. (When’s the next stop, how long until we’re there, why are they walking so fast, I don’t remember this in the welcome email)

 A lot of participants bring a plus one, but if you can’t persuade someone to join you, this is the perfect opportunity to fly solo and meet new souls! 

There’s safety in numbers 

I solo hike a lot. And I always get comments or feedback like “be careful”, “take someone with you”, “you travel by yourself?!” I know for most this can be scary, wandering in the woods, no one around, open to danger and unknown entities lurking (whew this does sound a little scary as I’m typing lol) BUT I always have a thorough understanding of where I’m going and precautions to keep me safe. 

Given this apprehension with others, I encourage people to hike in quantities so their mind is at ease. With group hiking you’re: 

  • Less likely to get injured 
  • Less likely to get lost 
  • More inclined to stop and observe nature 
  • More likely to connect with someone outside of your “normal” circle 
  • More likely to take in a different perspective outside of your typical thought process 
  • Able to borrow from others (i.e. bug spray, sun screen, trekking poles, etc.)

Health benefits 

There are numerous spiritual, physical and emotional health benefits in hiking. There’s a healing power to let go and absorb the beautiful creation God’s graced us with. I try to never take that for granted. Among the ethereal experience, there are tangible physical benefits like:

  • Improves heart rate 
  • Improves blood sugar levels and blood pressure
  • Boost bone density 
  • Strengthens mobility 
  • Builds leg and arm muscles 
  • Grows endurance
  • Can help decrease diabetes, anxiety and obesity 
  • Provides a sense of balance
  • Can help lower cholesterol 
  • Teaches patience with the body (you get to really learn and know yourself)

Fun!

Last but not least. Group hiking is just a good time. You get to crack jokes, learn about others, see cool waterfalls, trails, heights, views, all around pleasant memories. And you get to do it surrounded by people who all have the same goal. The introvert gets more comfortable, the extroverts listens more deeply, the ambivert navigates in between, and that’s how we all push ourselves to a level of necessary uncomfortability for growth. 

Sounds fun, right? Don’t believe me, see for yourself. Our next group hike is January 27,  2024 sign up. 

See you there. 

Carrie

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5 affordable hiking shoes you’ll want in your closet

Historically, one major barrier to people of color not indulging in outdoor activities is the expense of equipment and travel cost to various locations. The cost alone has detered generations from camping in the summer, buying kayaks/canoes along a river bank, climbing rocks with the appropiate materials  and countless other outdoor activities that are not typically geared toward black and brown audiences. 

With this, it’s no surprise that the most popular outdoor retailers are also very high in pricing but i’ll let you in on a secret…you don’t need to spend a ton to have quality materials! Despite what the big name outdoor magazines and affiliate influencers are telling you,  there are brands who make less expensive gear that doesn’t compromise the quality and integrity of a product. 

When I first began to frequently hike, I realized quickly after a few tumbles and falls that I needed to invest in the right shoes. Hiking shoes can range anywhere from $20-$300+, depending on the brand and materials used to create the sole. There are hundreds of outdoor brands to select from but for my beginners or for those who are balling on a budget, here are some hiking shoes that are safe, secure, comfortable and of course affordable. 

Bearpaw- Olympus hiking shoe $44.99

Great for:

  • Shock absorption 
  • Warm weather treks 
  • Trail running 

RedHead Everest III Hiking Boots $29.99

Great for: 

  • Longer hikes 
  • Winter weather 
  • Rocky and muddy terrains

ATIKA Outdoor Hiking Sandals, Open Toe Arch Support Strap Water Sandals, Lightweight Athletic Trail Sport Sandals $29.98

Great for:

  • Navigating around bodies of water
  • Toe and flexibility support 
  • Kayaking, canoeing, rafting

ATIKA Outdoor Hiking Sandals, Closed Toe Athletic Sport Sandals, Lightweight Trail Walking Sandals, Summer Water Shoes $39.98

Great for:

  • Comfort and pliability 
  • Warm weather hikes or outdoor activities 
  • Quick dry resistance 

ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes $39.99

Great for:

  • Long route trail running 
  • Light weigh resistance 
  • Foot flexibility and support

Why you should invest in hiking shoes

I take a group hiking once a month, and I’m always asked about recommendations for good hiking shoes. The right shoe gear can make a huge difference in your hiking experience. Always choose comfortability and fit over anything else. While normal athletic shoes can certainly do the trick for shorter local hikes, if you’re planning to expand your trekking reach, you’ll want to invest in durable footwear. 

Be sure to look at the bottom of the shoe to check the rubber, thickness, grooves and potential traction. Examine the width of the sole of the shoe to identify the best fit for your arch type.

Hiking shoes:

  • Last longer than typical athletic shoes 
  • Has stronger grip protection, rubber soles are more sturdy
  • Provides durability in different environments (rocks, mud, slippery slopes)
  • Helps to avoid blisters

Other popular hiking brands:

  • Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
  • Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof
  • Columbia Vitesse OutDry
  • Columbia Fairbanks Low
  • Merrell MQM Flex
  • Vasque Juxt
  • Adidas Terrex AX3
  • Columbia Vitesse Mid Outdry

Let me know which brand you end up choosing.

To expanding your footwork, 

Carrie

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Shake up your normal lodging and stay in a treehouse!

Treehouse living

Remember all those Disney and Nickelodeon shows where the kids had cool treehouses as a safe space away from their parents/guardians? Where they could plot out secret missions and adventures, and have a designated meet up spot if things went awry? 

Growing up, I always wanted that experience, I always wanted to plan out mischievous activities with my childhood friends all while sitting in a mounted treehouse. Call it a childhood fantasy come true because recently I was able to partake in a wonderful weekend of treehouse adventure and fun.

How’d it feel?

It was like staying in a cabin, but cooler. Ever been on a cruise, where you can feel the water swaying the entire ship back and forth? Well that’s how it felt in the treehouse. Because of the suspension height, there was a lot of motion when walking and climbing the stairs.

Amenities

Everything you would get at a hotel:

  • Queen bed downstairs, two twin beds upstairs 
  • Bathroom with toiletries 
  • Microwave 
  • Coffee/Keurig maker
  • Mini fridge 
  • Clean bedding 
  • Wide jacuzzi 
  • Towels 
  • TV and DVD player
  • Oh yeah, an AMAZING view, can’t get that from the Ritz

Outdoor excursions

This place had ziplining, rock climbing, beautiful nature trails and great hospitality. We had an amazing view filled with peace, serenity and fun.

Benefits

Close to home: It took about an hour to get there from Atlanta, no heavy traffic and simple roads to follow. 

Seclusion: Not many people were on site and we were able to have the full treehouse “neighborhood” to ourselves!

Safe getaway: COVID-19 is still pandering to all of us, so if you’re looking for a socially distant stay away from others, this is a great option.  

Scenic beauty: Everywhere you turned was gorgeous. I got up early the next morning to talk to God on a direct trail behind our treehouse. It felt like our own personal safe haven of private property. 

Details for stay

All the information you need to book your stay:

Historic Banning Mills: https://www.historicbanningmills.com/lodging/adventure-room-packages/ 

 Reach out with any other personal questions. Happy to help. 

To more treehouses & beyond,

Carrie

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Are you doing self care right?

This time of year is equated to new resolutions, new promises to ourselves, and ridding the past from old habits. One trend that I believe needs redefining is ‘self-care’. It’s become more trendy to showcase pampering videos, vacations, adventures, etc. Everyone’s self-care routine looks differently, and I’m not saying that you can’t enjoy your self-care routine, but make sure you are checking in on yourself and not just checking off a bucket list. Because what’s alarming is the misconception that self care is only about comfort, pleasure and self indulgence. Self-care should focus on introspection into one’s mental, physical and social well-being, it’s the act of sitting still and reflecting on one’s current state.

Celebrating “life-wins” vs. self-care

I think it’s vital and healthy to celebrate the wins in life, no matter how big or small. But we have to ask ourselves how we are celebrating and what constitutes a celebration? For example, if you’re like me, after a long work day you may think, whew I deserve a glass of wine or something sweet. Seems harmless right? It can be but it can also lead to behavior where we become accustomed to celebrating the minimum, where we reward ourselves for any and everything. And if we are consumed with self gratification how do we expect to grow and develop especially when faced with uncomfortable situations, hardship and/or adversity. 

“When we sate ourselves on the things of this world—pleasures and comforts of whatever kind—we become spiritually sluggish. Our prayer life, our Scripture reading, and all the delights of belonging to God seem distant and dull when we prioritize our time and activities around gratifying our appetites. What begins as self-care can morph into habits of laziness, where we are unwilling to exert ourselves without some pleasurable comfort as an accompaniment.” (Lydia Brownback )

How to ‘self-care’ the right way

You may be wondering, what should I be doing to remain balanced with my self-care routine? Here’s a few ideas:

  1. Actively pursue Jesus. This can be through prayer, asking questions, reading scripture, meditation, worship, you define what your pursuit looks like. How do you show love to God?
  2. Carve out alone time. This can be finding quiet spaces in your home, talking a walk, taking a long drive, find solace wherever you are. For me, I explore and take solo hikes often. 
  3. Reflect on your current state. Think about how you truly feel, what emotions are going through your mind. Are you in an ok state, joyful state, depressed state, bleak state? Be 1000% honest with yourself, ask the hard questions.
  4. Remove distractions. Anything can be a distraction. Social media, streaming platforms, music, people, pets — literally anything. Take a break from what’s disrupting your focus. Are you idolizing anything or anyone? Step back and examine what’s cluttering your thoughts and behaviors. 

“Self-care, when misinterpreted, can have just the opposite effect. “The downside is that because it’s become a buzzword, we’ve also diluted what it really means to take care of yourself,” says Kristina Hallett, a clinical psychologist and coach in Hartford, Connecticut. “You need to think differently about what it means to care for yourself and to feel good about who you are. It’s not just the actions – it’s the internal piece.” (U.S. and World Report News)

Scriptures to meditate on

I use these scriptures to help me connect with my internal and spiritual being. 

Luke 5:16 “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”

Mark 6:31 “And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Philippians 4:6-8 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Exodus 18:18-19 “But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.”

Genesis 2:2-3 “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”

Make a plan

Make sure you’re taking care of you! Write down your current self-care routine and if you don’t have one create one. Think about room for improvement and ACTIONABLE steps to reach your self-care goals. Let me know what you come up with!

Carefully yours, 

Carrie

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Building Community and 2020 Reflections

For me, 2020 has been transformative. Mentally, emotionally, physically, spirituality and financially. 

I’ve gotten to know myself more, and to be honest there were some parts I didn’t like. 

I’ve been reflecting in my journals about this year and I’ve been trying to be present every single day. 

It’s hard not to plan or allow your mind to escape to future memories. 

The biggest reflection that’s been evident is my support system. Through it all, good, bad, ups, downs, the people I’ve surrounded myself with have made this year more than bearable, a blessing even. 

I want everyone to have this feeling. 

Building community is how we heal. It’s when we lean on each other that true progress and transformation happens. 

As you think about where you are today and where you want to be, also think about who you want to be surrounded by. 

With Scenic Affairs I’m working on building and encouraging a community filled with people who want to grow and push themselves to new endeavors and attitudes.

I want to challenge you to do the same. 

How will you build up your community around you? Who’s a part of your support system? 

What are some of your biggest reflections of this year? 

I can’t wait to hear about it. Comment and share. 

To building responsibly, 

Carrie

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Being Black and Adventurous

He was shocked. They’re always shocked. 

Recently, I went ziplining. Something I’ve now done lots of times. I’m not claiming to be a ziplining expert, but I’m very familiar with the process, safety rules and equipment. We had to test the gear out and I finished testing the gear pretty quickly and that surprised my instructor.

There are always certain queues you pick up on as a woman of color in majority white spaces. When I tell people what I like to do in my spare time it’s almost always met with a surprising or confusing tone.

No matter where I’m embarking, this racial prejudgement has become a part of my adventure experience. I’m frequently met with condescending tones and looks all covered through half hazards smiles and fake laughter.

It’s no surprise that I love adventure, after all I have an entire blog dedicated to it. But it’s always surprising to others when I explain my love for the outdoors and exploration. And I get it, how many movies or shows or anything can you name with black women jumping out of planes, parachuting across seas, going toe-to-toe with wildlife? I can’t think of any as I’m writing this (I’m sure there are some, if you know any comment below, (besides Black Panther)). 

On the contrary, you have Kill Bill, James Bond, Mission Impossible, Wild, etc. etc, etc. And those are just some that popped in my head. You see, representation for leading black adventurous women in film and tv is almost non-existent. Black-women-lead genres are tailored around love, hair, being a career woman or portraying stereotypes (sassy, mama, babymama, funny best friend, etc). What’s portrayed is often so limiting and it has people thinking this is all we care about, which is such a monumental myth! Historically, there hasn’t been much creative freedom for us. 

So when I’m out traveling about, it’s so easy for others to question my existence in those spaces. Since they don’t see it, they don’t believe we exist. It’s assumed, I don’t know what I’m doing. Or that’s it’s my first time. When I correct someone on their gear or form I get puzzling or “the audacity” looks AND comments.

The entire day this one white woman had a very cold demeanor toward me and my cousin (we were the only blacks). We ended up talking (of course we had to initiate conversation) and she talked about how she’d been ziplining before and said it doesn’t compare to skydiving. What irritated me was the way she said it. Saying it in a condescending tone as if she just knew that was something I haven’t done before (which I have). Before I could even correct her she walks off, not wanting to engage in a conversation but only wanting to hear her voice, her “superior-minded” voice over mine, thinking she knows me. Thinking she knows black people. Frankly, it’s quite annoying. But unfortunately it’s something I’m all too familiar with. I don’t let it deter me, I hope to inspire others to exploration so that seeing black people or minorities in these spaces become a common and average occurrence. 

I never want to feel like I have to prove myself to people, “oh i’ve done this, this, and that” to gain their approval but I also believe it’s necessary to have representation so people are aware, and encouraged to venture out themselves. It can be such an exhausting conundrum. But it’s worth it. 

Even among black people, we have to start seeing ourselves free and open to exploration. We have to be confident and give ourselves permission to be curious. Not make fun of people when they want to try something “out of the norm”. We have to continue lifting our differences as a culture and highlight what makes us so unique. And not be afraid to be the “only one” because it only takes one to break a barrier. It only takes one to make an impact. It only takes one to challenge the outdoor and adventure status-quo. I’m ready, hope you are too. 

To more unknowns, 

Carrie  

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Community Garden Benefits

It’s always a privilege to volunteer at local community gardens around the city of Atlanta and today was no different. Community gardens provide space for growing fresh and healthy produce and herbs. 

Today’s volunteer activity took place at Gratitude Botanical Farm, organized by Black to Earth. This community garden is right in the heart of Bolton Road and produces everything from fresh basil, lavender, collard greens, apples, carrots, and the list goes on! We were all tasked with varying jobs but together we contributed to the sustaining of this garden through the next few weeks (especially since the season/weather is about to change).

We learned about the history of the land and its Native American roots. We learned the nutritional and healing value of certain herbs for cuts and migraines. And we were even able to take home a few roots to propagate 🙂

Here are reasons you should be involved with community gardens near you:

Food access

Over the past few years there’s been a surge in community-based food access initiatives. Atlanta in particular has a great program called AGLanta where residents can apply to create and maintain an urban garden in their community. 

Having designated gardening areas can help improve air and soil quality, reduce neighborhood waste through composting and improve food security. Some low-income areas have food deserts which means there’s a lack of access for fresh healthy foods and a community garden can be a great alternative in these areas. 

“Gardens in urban areas positively correlated with decreased crime rates. Gardens can also improve economic opportunities by training volunteers and selling food at farmers markets.” This can help improve quality of life and build community engagement and attentiveness.

Health benefits

There are many health benefits to having a community garden. It can help reduce the risk of obesity and chronic conditions by increasing one’s organic fruit, herb and vegetable intake. It’s also used to combat mental health disorders through horticultural therapy, which is a field dedicated to using gardening as a tool for healing. Gardening can also provide exercise and physical labor.

Education 

I learn something new every time I work in a garden. There are millions of plant species and it’s always astonishing to me how produce flourishes in certain environments. Soil maintenance and location are extremely important for a healthy thriving garden. And it’s even more important to teach others about sustaining and understanding different ecosystems. 

Community gardens are great for children and schoolyards. It promotes responsibility for adolescents and encourages them to seek out the world and earth around them. We know kids aren’t always keen on eating veggies and fruits but having first hand experience in growing one’s own produce can change and improve their attitude towards healthy eating and living.

Building community 

There’s more value in community gardens beside fresh nutrition and education. “Community gardens provide the opportunity for people in marginalized groups to fully participate and take on leadership roles.” As I was volunteering today, it became so simply evident that the garden wouldn’t exist without the community’s help and input. We are all stronger together. I was able to meet wonderful people from all walks of life, and build relationships with the group organizers. We need more community gardens in deficient neighborhoods so we can have more resources, distribution and opportunities.

Economic impact

There’s also a lot of untapped economic opportunity for growers to build and buy vacant land and real estate through grants or community-investing funds. Residents can learn self sufficiency through skills in planting and agricultural programs. The food production business is a billion dollar industry with trillions of food waste each year. There are many emerging programs and companies that are seeking to reduce waste and invest back in communities across the United States. If you’re passionate about gardening, food production or want to learn how it all works together, learn more here. 

Get going and give back to the earth. Find a community garden near you, if you’re not sure how to find one or if you’re interested in more volunteer activities, email me at scenicaffairs@gmail.com. 

Plantfully yours, Carrie

Resources & references

The Urban Garden Initiative 

https://www.theurbangardeninitiative.org/ 

Greenleaf Communities 

https://greenleafcommunities.org/the-many-benefits-of-community-gardens/ 

Sustainable Food Center

https://sustainablefoodcenter.org/latest/gardening/strengthening-communities-through-community-gardens 

Horticultural Therapy

https://www.ahta.org/horticultural-therapy 

Co-op Research and Extension Services

https://www.usda.gov/topics/rural/cooperative-research-and-extension-services 

AGLanta 

https://www.aglanta.org/urbangarden 

Gratitude Botanical Gardens

https://www.gratitudeatl.com/ 

Food Loss and Waste | Food and Drug Administration 

https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-loss-and-waste#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20food,worth%20of%20food%20in%202010. 

Sustainable Management of Food | Waste Food Programs and Resources Across the United States

https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states 

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The importance of a staycation during COVID-19

Let’s face it, COVID-19 has given us all cabin fever and I felt like I was drowning in the same routine day after day.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my outdoor adventures but I wanted a change of scenery, away from local trails. Even though businesses and flights are back open, there’s still this apprehension to be out perusing in public. However, by following safety measures and wearing my mask, I was prepared to launch into a mini get-a-way at a one-of-kind vineyard in North Georgia called Chateau Elan. The drive was only an hour from the city and traffic was very light. So be sure to research local vaca spots near you!

Needing a mental break

Between trying to balance work, relationships, personal anxieties and beyond, I wasn’t in the best place mentally before my vacation. I felt stressed, overworked, tired, and gloomy with everyday life. I was worried about the spread of the virus and how it was directly affecting my loved-ones and its global reach. I was (and still) drained from the seemingly never ending social injustice that continues to plague our society, and figuring out ways to do my part. I had my own personal battles and insecurities where I wasn’t really letting God in, or anyone for that matter.

You see, I’m not prefacing all of this to say that one vacation solved my problems, no what I want to emphasize is that I didn’t realize I was dealing with so much until I had a moment away from my typical surroundings. New environments have a way of either exposing things that we may normally bury or evoking gratitude about what we do have. 

I needed to refresh, I needed to think somewhere else.

Food & drank

We ate absurdly. But it wasn’t our fault, we kept getting complementary this and complementary that, they knew exactly what they were doing! And it worked haha. Seriously, the food and wine was delicious and might I say necessary. All diets and workout plans dissolved the moment we drove into the majestic pave way. I think of food as an experience, I love trying delectable cuisine with varying flavor combinations. Most people don’t take food risk at home, it’s easy to go to the grocery store and buy your same ole favorites (i.e. spaghetti, pasta, salmon, chicken, etc.). How often are we really allowing our taste buds to explore? Vacation is the perfect time to let go of the mundane foods and discover something new and delicious!

Relaxation

When’s the last time you really relaxed? Like really relaxed without worry or interruption from anyone or anything. For me, it had been a while since I’ve experienced true relaxation and pampering. During my stay at the vineyard, I was able to let go of any swirling troubles and just enjoy being present and alert. I took a long bath, swam in the amazing pool, enjoyed facials with my mom, cozied up in the plush bedding, took a hike, sipped in an open field with views, toured and learned about the historic atmosphere of winemaking, read books, plus more. Sometimes we need to cater to ourselves. Even if you’re not able to go to a fancy vineyard, figure out what makes you relaxed and commit to weekly implementation. Add your relaxation method to your routine so you have balance if things get too unbearable.

My takeaway

We’ve all heard it, 2020 has been a crazy year. That’s why it’s so important to enjoy and appreciate where you are and who you are with. No matter what’s happening in my life I look to Jesus as my source and way of truth in navigating this unpredictable world. Regardless of what we may encounter, life is precious and we have to be considerate of our needs. So go, take that vacation, run that long bubble bath and commit to yourself unselfishly.

Cheers to your next staycation, 

Carrie