Spark In Nature

09/08/2026

Had to stop and capture these silly sea lions sleeping in the road!! They’ve been out at Moss Landing spilling over the barricades and into the road.. love these guys-

Did quick gestures since they were moving. Imperfect lines give it life and aliveness—

08/31/2026

60- dedicated minutes for you to pause, reflect on nature with your journal.
Come for part or all.
We begin with brief introductions, then 30+ minutes of quiet time for solo journaling, and brief optional sharing to close the hour.

Register here: https://www.sparkinnature.com/gather-in-wonder
First time? use coupon code 11Gather for $11 ticket.

07/23/2026

Garden News: I like to take note of what’s happening at the moment in my garden. Revisiting this periodically cultivates a deeper relationship with my garden and the beings here- including my neighbors cat and his habits!

Start a garden news page or “Neighborhood News” and get to know the nature that around you thru its seasons.

If you want to carve out a quiet hour for your nature journaling practice, come to Gather in Wonder- several times each month- next one is Monday!
See https://www.sparkinnature.com/calendar

07/18/2026

Another fun morning nature journaling at the library!

Learn easy ways to sketch while quieting your inner critic so that you can enjoy more nature journaling!
There are three more free library workshops- in Santa Clara County.
Each one is different- Next one July 29, Los Altos Library-

Comment FREE to get the link

07/02/2026

This was a fun event! Join us for another one later this month!
https://www.sparkinnature.com/event-details/nature-journaling-monterey-public-library-2

07/02/2026

Its nestling time!! I've been watching these three Western Gulls nests and finally saw the fuzzy chicks!! It a bit hard to see in the patch of roof between the two buildings is one nest.

What sparked me on this day is the sweetness and care the parents provide. I decided to use colored pencil instead of my fountain pen today for a softer look to match the gentle softness in my heart for them.

I know some folks dislike gulls for various reasons, but after i lived and worked on a island of seabirds I got to know these birds intimately and individually, tracking their behaviors over months. And it didn't take long for me to fall in love with them.

Seeing the chicks and hearing their cacophonous calls brings me back to a special time in my life.

The more we spend time intentionally with something, our appreciation and understanding can grow-- and balance or swamp out any negativity we may have had before we sat with them.
And recording them in a nature journal-- sketches or scribbles and words that describe and let you dwell in wonder brings me right into the present moment. For this short time, I wasn't in my cluttered thinking or fretting about things but I was feeling the joy of being with these birds-- even in a parking lot in the city...

Is there something that you've spent time watching, and noticed your perspective change?

If you'd like to carve out unhurried time to stroll and nature journal with me come to MEarth on July11 1-4pm. https://www.sparkinnature.com/event-details/mearth-event-return-to-your-senses-with-nature-journaling

07/01/2026

Want to spend a whole afternoon in a gorgeous garden, learning how to explore with senses in your nature journal? Reserve your ticket- see you there!

Upcoming Workshop! 🌿✨ Join us at MEarth for Nature Journaling with instructor Melinda Nakagawa of Spark in Nature. Slow down, awaken your senses, and rediscover wonder in the garden through observation, reflection, sketching, and journaling. This creative experience will help deepen your connection to nature while leaving you feeling calm, joyful, and refreshed. All materials included!

07/01/2026

Hello friends! Join me later in the month for another workshop at the library. Reserve your spot

06/22/2026

What’s making me smile today? The color of nasturtiums and the peppery fragrance that makes my mouth water and my heart glow. It’s time to make some nasturtium PESTO!…

I also just discovered nasturtiums make a nice tea full of vitamin C! Its also good for coughs, and even makes a nice hair rinse for healthy hair! What a gift this flower gives us!

If you want my Nasturtium Pesto recipe,
Comment Pesto and I'll send the link