Sheridan's Treks

 My 10 Best Photos 1. My best photo: taken in Fort Worth, Texas 2. Taken in Fort Worth, TX 3. Taken at Benbrook Lake 4. Taken in St. Louis, MO 5. Taken at the Fort Worth Nature Center 6. Taken in San Diego, CA 7. Taken at Smith Lake, AL 8. Taken in St. Louis, MO 9. Taken in Fort Worth, TX 10. Taken in San Diego, CA

The Ocean      The ocean has always been very special to me, and it holds a near and dear place in my heart. I grew up in San Diego, CA, and, until I went to college, I was always within a 20 minute drive from the water. I find myself missing the beach when I am away at school. I miss the crisp ocean breeze, the sound of the crashing waves, and the salty air sticking to my skin. Most of all, I miss the walks on the sand with my family and friends. This was our chance to unwind and reconnect, especially after being separated for months at a time. There is something about the setting of the beach that makes all your problems seem to float away with the breeze and the current. We drift along the sand carelessly, as if we are one of the shells washed ashore, and just unpack anything and everything that is on our minds.      These are the kinds of activities I enjoy most when I go back home to San Diego for breaks, and while I indulged in my usual beach walks o...

“I Go Down To the Shore” by Mary Oliver       The poem's setting is the shore, a place where the land meets the sea. The shore is a classic natural setting, symbolizing a threshold or a boundary. This scene is reflective, as Mary Oliver stands in awe of the rhythmic patterns of the waves. She describes a routine of going to the shore in the morning, observing the changing tides. The flow between the lines creates a continuous rhythm, mirroring the movement of the waves. There are several themes explored in this short poem including those of gaining wisdom through nature and the insignificance of humans in the grand scheme of the environment. Mary Oliver seeks guidance from the sea, and its response, though seemingly indifferent, carries a profound message about the natural order and the persistence of life. The vastness of the sea and its statement, "Excuse me, I have work to do," suggest the triviality of individual human concerns in the face of nature's timeless ex...

Loren Eiseley "The Judgement of the Birds" Analysis Loren Eiseley's "The Judgement of the Birds" is a thought-provoking and metaphorical exploration of humanity's impact on the natural world. Through the lens of a surreal and symbolic encounter between birds and a human observer, Eiseley weaves a narrative that delves into the consequences of human actions on the delicate balance of nature. The essay opens with a mesmerizing scene of birds gathered in a collective assembly, suggesting a higher order and intelligence within the avian community. Eiseley then personifies the birds, portraying them with a sense of wisdom and justice. This serves as a literary device to convey a profound message about the interconnectedness of all living beings. Eiseley utilizes this imaginative scenario to explore the ethical dimensions of human behavior and its repercussions on the natural world. The birds, in their collective wisdom, highlight the consequences of human actions...

“A Dream of Trees” by Mary Oliver          This poem seems to reflect a deep longing for a simple, natural life, away from the hustle and bustle of urban existence. Mary Oliver just wants to find peace with the trees, a quiet house, and some green acres, far from the troubles of towns, factories, and schools. The desire is not just for physical distance but also for a slower, more thoughtful way of life, with streams and birds for company. However, the tone takes a turn as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death. The realization strikes that this idyllic vision of a quiet life is not only a dream but also a metaphor for the ultimate separation from everything, representing the final solitude. The second part of the poem mentions "Homesick for moderation" which suggests a desire for balance and a struggle against the extremes that life presents. It is also acknowledged that many artists, faced with the complexities of the world, either shrink or f...

 Experiencing Art: Indoors and Outdoors     I spent my weekend in St. Louis, Missouri, and it was the epitome of fall. I took a stroll around Forest Park, St. Louis’ pride as joy and home to their zoo, art museum, and other attractions. I really took my time examining my surrounding environment, as I really don’t think I had ever seen a more perfect day. A cacophony of red and orange leaves floating to the ground, while the few remaining green ones grasped to the branches with all their might. The air was crisp, but it had not yet developed its winter chill. A perfect sixty-two degrees demanded only a light sweater and jeans. It was picturesque and beautiful, resembling a scene in a movie or novel. Contrary to the leaves on the ground, the grass was still a vibrant green, as if untouched by the previous week's first nightly frost. The air smelled of earth and dirt wafting up from the soaked leaves bordering the path. I was truly in awe with the natural beauty a...

Fort Worth Nature Center Working at the Fort Worth Nature Center has been an experience unlike any other. I have done volunteer work in the past, but this put me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to really grow and get in touch with the natural landscape of Fort Worth. The task at hand was simple: cut down invasive plant species such as privott and bamboo shoots and throw them into the wood chipper. While this may seem mundane, it really was such a rewarding process as we were able to free an area from its prison plants, restoring it to its natural state. Invasive species are a well known environmental issue that many ecosystems suffer from. Before environmental science became a forefront of study, the consequences of bringing plants and animals from surrounding biosystems were mainly unknown. The biggest issue with this is there are no natural predators to their organisms; therefore, they experience uncontrolled population growth and, ultimately, take over an area they do not ...

"Thinking Like A Mountain" Blog Post "Thinking Like a Mountain" is an essay written by Aldo Leopold as a part of his novel A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949. In this piece, he uses the metaphor of a mountain to convey the delicate relationship between predators, prey, and the environment, as "Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf." The title itself suggests a shift in perspective from a narrow view to a broader understanding of nature, while also reflecting on the consequences of disrupting the balance of nature. Leopold recounts an experience from his early career as a forest ranger, where he participated in the killing of wolves to protect deer populations. Later, he reflects on the unintended ecological consequences of removing a top predator from the ecosystem. The central theme of the essay revolves around the interconnectedness of all elements in an ecosystem, emphasizing the delicate balance nece...