Sanity In Nature

10/15/2026

🦋🍂 It's monarch migration season, and I thought this would be a great time to share one of my favorite nature videos! It's a bit on the longer side, but so worth the watch!

It amazes me that these delicate butterflies travel thousands of miles to the forests of central Mexico, and somehow know exactly where to go, even though they've never made the journey before!

Here in New Jersey, Cape May is a hot spot for butterfly lovers during fall migration. I haven't made it down there to see them yet, but it's definitely on my list of places to visit!

Have you ever been to Cape May or Mexico to see the monarch migration?

In the meantime, enjoy this incredible look at monarchs gathering by the millions at their winter sanctuary. 🌲🦋

Up to half a billion monarch butterflies lie sleeping having overwi...

10/14/2026

🍂🌬️ Wordy Wednesday!

Have you ever heard of *psithurism* (SITH-yur-iz-um)?

It's the sound of wind rustling through the leaves and trees. One of my favorite sounds in nature!

In earth-based traditions, wind is also associated with letting go. There's something freeing about standing in the breeze, closing your eyes, and imagining the wind carrying away whatever you no longer need to hold onto.

Next time the wind picks up, take a moment to listen. Maybe even let it take a little something with it. 🌲🍂

10/12/2026

🌿 Have you ever heard of Fire C***r?

As the temperatures begin to drop, there's an old herbal tradition worth getting to know!

Fire C***r is a traditional herbal tonic made by steeping ingredients like fresh ginger, horseradish, garlic, onions, and hot peppers in apple c***r vinegar.

It's been used in folk herbalism for generations, especially during the colder months when people are looking for ways to support their overall wellness.

🔥 Why do people love it?

Its warming ingredients bring a fiery kick, and ingredients like ginger and garlic contain natural compounds that have been studied for their potential health benefits. While Fire C***r isn't a proven cold or flu remedy, it's a flavorful way to incorporate these ingredients into your routine.

The best part? You can make it right in your own kitchen, using ingredients you may already have!

🌿 Have you ever made Fire C***r, or is this your first time hearing about it?

10/10/2026

Sometimes a photograph just can’t capture what your eyes see.

This morning, it was the sunlight filtering through the trees and catching the smallest details. The way the light hit the leaves stopped me in my tracks.

I took these photos anyway, not because they were perfect, but because the moment was worth remembering.

Sometimes that’s what getting outside is all about. Simply noticing. 🌲☀️

What has nature made you stop and notice lately?

10/02/2026

🍂📷 Okay, I have a little confession about my September Fall Photo Challenge...

Every photo I shared came from one of my past calendars!

I started making calendars back in 2018 with my first one for 2019. I honestly didn’t realize I’d been doing this that long until I went back and looked! 😂

Choosing September’s photos became a little stroll through the years, bringing back places I’ve wandered and moments in nature I’d almost forgotten. 🌲💚

And now another calendar season is just around the corner. 👀📅

Have a favorite photo of mine or an idea for a calendar theme? Send me a private message. I’d love to hear it!

Want to learn more about my calendars?

https://alejaestronza.zenfolio.com/calendars

Thanks for strolling through September with me. 🍂

10/02/2026

First sunset of October, and it showed off. 🍂🌅

Sometimes 32 seconds is enough to remind you to stop and look up.

If you missed tonight’s stunner, here it is.

Did you catch the sky tonight?

10/01/2026

🍂 Hello, October.

Yesterday we rounded the bend, and look where we landed. ❤️

Cranberry harvest season, autumn skies, cooler days and a whole month of fall ahead of us.

September may have been about the photo challenge, but October is about soaking up as much of my favorite season as I possibly can.

The camera will still be coming along, of course. 📷🍁 But so will the cuppa coffee, the wandering, the sunsets, the fires, the smell of the leaves and all those little things that make this season feel like this season.

October, I’ve been waiting for you. 🍂🌲

09/30/2026

🍂📷 **Fall Photo Challenge: Day 30**

And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our September Fall Photo Challenge.

I chose this photo for today on purpose.

There’s something about a road disappearing around the bend. You can’t quite see what’s ahead, but you know there’s more waiting for you.

And in this case, we know at least ONE thing that’s waiting...

**October.** 🍁🍂

September gave us the first hints of change, but now we’re heading into the heart of fall. More color. Cooler days. Wandering. And hopefully plenty more reasons to get outside.

So grab your camera and capture what catches your eye, or simply take it all in. Watch the sunsets. Smell the leaves. Listen to them crunch under your feet. Sit around a fire. Take the long way home because the trees are putting on a show.

However you enjoy fall, **October is waiting.** 🍂🌲

Thank you to everyone who shared a photo, left a comment, or simply followed along this month. I’ve loved seeing fall through your eyes too. 💚

The challenge may be ending, but there’s still plenty of road ahead.

See you in October. 🍁

And for one last time, show me YOUR fall today.

09/30/2026

🍂📷 Fall Photo Challenge: Day 27

Sometimes I need a new perspective.

So I change where I’m looking. And next time you’re outside, try it too.

Look ahead of you. Behind you. Down at your feet. Over your shoulder. Above your head.

Turn around. Change your angle. Look at the same place from somewhere you normally wouldn’t.

It’s amazing how much we miss simply because we’re used to looking in the same direction. 🌲🍂

For today’s challenge, change your perspective and show me what you find.

Drop your photo in the comments or post it with 📷