Jenee Lanier
Blog Post 1
When thinking about where to chose my sit spot, I had to make sure it was somewhere I could easily get to during the day and during the night because I do go to school and work full time. So when I had thought that the first blog spot was due a week ago, I rushed and picked a spot close to the main entrance of the school on the side of the bridge. I chose that place not only because of me needing a not really last minute spot but also because it was on the stream and open. I liked how it wasn’t a lot going on over there but it also wasn’t a quiet part of the stream. Since I close everyday I had to go to my spot at night for the first blog and let me tell you… boy I was scared. I am terrified of being outside in the dark alone, so when I first went and sat down at my spot I kept my flashlight on until I got extra comfortable and felt safe enough to turn it off and that’s when I actually got involved.
Since I went at night the temperature outside was pretty cool, the wind was blowing and I had to bring a jacket along. I sat to the side of the bridge in some grass but the ground was super hard so I ended up having to use my jacket was a blanket to sit on my butt wouldn’t hurt. All around me was leaves and trees that were slowly blowing along with the wind. The leaves were starting to change colors to follow the changing of the seasons. The water was slowly flowing down the stream and it was one of the many sounds I heard while sitting there. Another sound I heard were the natural calling of crickets. They were so incredibly loud that in the beginning they were making me paranoid. I didn’t see many things because of it being dark but one animal that I did see was, deer. They were in front of me across the river eating and there were even some to my side across the street trying to see what the extra russling was when I was moving. There wasn’t a lot going on due to it being night but it was still such a peaceful and eventful sit spot.
I actually enjoyed taking the time away from my phone, from people and even from my everyday thoughts. I didn’t expect to like it since I was afraid of the dark but also because I am not a nature person, and haven’t been since I was little. Sitting around in the dark around many sounds and insects that I don’t usually see or hear was uncomfortable but once I got involved, it was great! I loved being able to be out of my comfort zone, I felt at peace. No one could bother me. My phone wasn’t distracting me for once. I liked being cut off from everything. It was like nothing could get to me and I loved that feeling. I felt at home in a way and I haven’t stopped visiting it since I connected with it.
The three things that I chose to watch was the water from the stream, the leaves and the trees that were there because all three of the items will somehow be affected by the change from summer to fall and then fall to winter. The water could freeze due to the temperature change that is about to occur. The leaves are going to go from green to brown due to the seasonal changes. And the full tree is soon going to become nothing but branches, and I am excited to see all the various changes.
I really enjoyed my first sit spot blog. It has already helped me open up and I can’t wait to continue to watch my spot as the seasons change! It’s nice to get out of my comfort zone and put myself in a position where I am constantly disconnected from reality. Nature is honestly so beautiful and interesting and it’s sad that I have yet to really understand and believe this idea until now. Everyday there is something new growing outside and to be able to sit away and realize the growth and changes that happen daily. It isn’t often that people get to do something like this, so I am excited to take advantage of this project!
do you know what species of tree you will be watching?
I also saw a deer during my time! Very jealous that you saw multiple, thanks great!! I’d be interested in knowing the species of the tree you’re watching.
I think that it was actually cool that you did your sit-spot journal at night because it is from a different perspective than everyone else’s. I really liked reading your post, and I agree that the assignment was a surprisingly enjoyable experience.