Poeaxtry's Poetry Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Tag: nature

  • Four-Year First Date Anniversary, Autumn Adventures, & cute creations

    Four-Year First Date Anniversary, Autumn Adventures, & cute creations

    A Heartfelt Tradition: Crafting the Spooky Anniversary Basket

    Each year, I commemorate our first date by creating a unique, spooky-themed flower arrangement for Kelsey. This tradition began four years ago and has since become a cherished ritual. For this anniversary, I curated a book basket of items that blend our shared love for Halloween.

    Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Set: A cozy nod to one of their favorite films A Matching Socks and Slippers: To keep their feet warm during the chilly autumn nights. Sensory Squishies: Including squishy eyeballs, cats, and pumpkins, adding a playful touch to the flowers and boo basket. Handcrafted Basket for flowers: Painted with red spray dye to mimic dripping blood, adorned with roses, sunflowers, and strategically placed squishies, all draped in faux spiderwebs.

    This basket isn’t just a gift; it’s a manifestation of my love, a tangible expression of our journey together.

    Axton and kelso making shadow trail hearts on a walk they shared for their 4 year anniversary
    Shadow trail hearts

    A Scenic Hike: Exploring the Ohio Canal Greenway

    After kelso went through the basket, we embarked on a hike along the Ohio Canal Greenway in Hebron. This 3.0-mile trail, starting at Canal Park and extending to State Route 79, offers a serene walk through shaded paths bordered by farm fields and remnants of the historic Ohio and Erie Canal  .

    Our walk led us to a picturesque covered bridge, a highlight of the trail, where we paused to reflect and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The hike was not just a physical journey but a metaphor for our relationship: steady, enduring, and beautiful.

    Autumn Traditions: Dupler’s Pumpkin Land

    No anniversary celebration is complete without a visit to Dupler’s Pumpkin Land in Newark. This local gem, located at 5766 Jacksontown Road, has been a part of our fall traditions for the past four years  .

    At Dupler’s, we handpicked a variety of pumpkins and gourds, including one unique pink and blue one, and gathered squash to decorate our home. The farm also boasts attractions like a corn maze, wagon rides, and a haunted room, making it a fun-filled experience for all ages  .

    They also have emus! You can hand feed them! Each year Kelso and I giggle and squeal as we try to hand feed the dinosaurs with feathers and get scared. But this year I fed both! They both bit me! And it doesn’t even hurt! Plus I got it all on video!

    Crafting Memories: Handmade Jewelry and Reflective Moments

    Returning home, I channeled the day’s inspiration into creating handmade necklaces. These pieces, crafted from the rocks I just finished polishing from Lake Erie include polished fossils, granites, quartz, and more!

    As I worked, I reflected on the journey we’ve share. All the challenges, the growth, and the unwavering support. Each necklace will be available on Etsy shortly!

    A Day to Remember

    This anniversary wasn’t just about celebrating the past; it was about cherishing the present and looking forward to the future. From the thoughtful basket to the scenic hike, the pumpkin patch adventures, and the creative endeavors, every moment was a testament to our love and shared passions.

    As we continue to build our life together, I am reminded of the importance of tradition, creativity, and the simple joys that make our relationship unique. What is a tradition you love doing in your relationship? Tell me about it in the comments here or write a post on your blog and tag me!

    Links Poetizer Ko-fi

  • Not Escaping—Just Living: Why Hiking Isn’t About Running Away

    Not Escaping—Just Living: Why Hiking Isn’t About Running Away

    Hiking journal prompt : What are you running away from out here?

    There’s something about stepping onto a trail that feels like coming home. The air changes. The noise quiets. The mind unclenches. Hiking, for me, isn’t about escaping. And it’s about belonging somewhere the rest of the world seems to have forgotten. When I head into the woods, I’m not running from life; I’m walking straight into it. Every sound, every smell, every touch of sunlight through the trees reminds me what it means to be here.

    The Misunderstood Prompt

    I’ve seen the prompt a dozen times:

    “What are you running away from?”

    And every time, I roll my eyes.

    Because I’m not running.

    I’m walking and it is done intentionally, deliberately into something better.

    People seem to think hiking or wandering into the woods must be about escape. About running from stress, pain, or responsibility. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of us aren’t escaping; we’re returning.

    Hiking as Connection, Not Escape

    Nature has never been about avoidance for me. It’s about connection. It’s where I can breathe air that doesn’t taste like electricity and exhaust. It’s where I can hear my thoughts echo off canyon walls instead of drowning in noise. It’s where I process. And not because I’m hiding, but because I can.

    Why I Hike

    There’s something about standing at the base of a waterfall, water roaring louder than any voice in your head, that reminds you how small and infinite you are all at once.

    Or the way a rock formation curves like Earth sculpted itself out of curiosity.

    The clear streams, the swimming holes nobody’s touched but the wind, the silence that hums with life. It all of it feels like beauty that demands presence, not avoidance.

    The Joy of Simplicity

    And you know what else? It’s inexpensive joy.

    It doesn’t always require subscriptions, equipment, or luxury.

    It typically asks only for time and attention: two things society has taught us to ration like currency.

    We live in a world that keeps us glued to screens, boxed inside jobs that drain more than they fill. Hiking is rebellion in motion. It’s choosing to step out of that cycle. And not to run from it, but to remember what living actually feels like.

    Not Running Away—Running With It

    So no, I’m not trying to escape anything.

    I’m not running from the world.

    I’m running with it.

    Every step on a trail, every rock I turn over, every scent of pine or honeysuckle that stops me in my tracks, is a reminder that I belong here. That we all do.

    So next time you see someone wandering deep into the trees, don’t assume they’re lost or running away. Maybe they just know something you’ve forgotten:

    The wilderness doesn’t demand reasons.

    It only asks that you show up.

    Walking beside memory

    It’s also something that connects me deeply to my mother. Hiking was something we both loved, together and apart. Some of my favorite memories are of us out on trails, discovering wildflowers, or stopping just to listen to birds we couldn’t name. Now that she’s gone, hiking has become something sacred. It’s how I reach for her when I can’t call her. It’s how I feel closest to her… on those quiet trails where the world slows down enough for me to remember her laughter, her patience, and the way she always pointed out the smallest, most beautiful things I might have missed.

    Hiking isn’t about distance, it’s about depth.

    It’s not an act of escape; it’s an act of return. Out there, I remember who I am and where I came from. I find my mother in the wind, my peace in the rivers, and my purpose in the rhythm of my own steps. So no, I’m not running away. I’m finding my way home, over and over again.

    Portfolio links Amazon Goodreads

  • Hiking Scioto Grove Metro Park Columbus Ohio | Fire Tower & Trails

    Hiking Scioto Grove Metro Park Columbus Ohio | Fire Tower & Trails

    Six Towers Deep: An Afternoon at Scioto Grove

    Last Friday afternoon, Luna and I set out for Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City, just south of Columbus, Ohio. It marked my sixth tower climb since July, and the late-day light gave the whole loop a golden edge. The perfect mix of calm and movement that clears my head.

    About Scioto Grove Metro Park

    Scioto Grove Metro Park spans roughly 620 acres along the Scioto River, offering a mix of wooded trails, open meadows, and riverside overlooks. It’s one of the newer Metro Parks in the Columbus system, officially opened in May 2016 as the 19th Metro Park.

    You’ll find:

    More than 7 miles of hiking trails Canoe and kayak access points on the river Fishing ponds Archery ranges (traditional and 3D) A disc golf course Picnic shelters and overlook decks Backpacking campsites for overnight stays

    📍 Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

    🌐 Official site: metroparks.net/sciotogrove

    The Keystone Fire Lookout Tower

    The centerpiece of Scioto Grove is the Keystone Fire Tower, originally from Jackson County, Ohio, and carefully relocated and restored for visitors.

    Standing at 111 steps tall, this 82-foot tower offers panoramic views of the Scioto River valley and even a distant glimpse of the Columbus skyline. Which is roughly seven miles away on a clear day. The structure was re-galvanized and rebuilt for safety, giving hikers a rare chance to climb an authentic fire lookout still in working condition.

    If you’re bold enough to climb it, the reward is pure . Including: wide air, open view, and the grounding quiet that only comes from being above the noise.

    The Loop Hike with Luna

    We started our hike in the late afternoon, taking one of the park’s easy-to-moderate loop trails that weave through forest and along the riverbank. The route brushed sections of the REI River Trail, Mingo Trail, and Overlook Trail. They all connected for a solid 5–5.5 mile loop.

    The terrain was steady with just enough elevation change to feel earned. Luna explored every scent, tail up and curious. I slowed down and let the rhythm of the park take over.

    At the tower, she waited at the base, head tilted as I climbed. From the top, the world widened. With the Scioto curling below and autumn barely brushing the trees. It felt like ritual, this sixth climb. A ceremony in motion, a quiet victory stacked on all the others since July.

    By the time we looped back, the sun had dropped low, casting long shadows over the trail. The kind of ending that feels less like goodbye and more like pause.

    Tips & trail notes

    🕒 Tower Hours: Open during daylight; check the Metro Parks site for closures. 🐾 Dog-Friendly: Pets welcome, must remain on leash.

    🥾 Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Mingo Trail (~5 miles) offers light elevation gain (~100 ft).

    🎒 Best Route: Connect REI River Trail, Mingo Trail, and Overlook Trail for a scenic loop.

    💧 Bring: Water, sturdy shoes with grip, and a flashlight if hiking near dusk.

    ☔ After Rain: Expect mud on lower Overlook Trail and riverside paths.

    Why Scioto Grove Stands Out

    What makes Scioto Grove special isn’t its challenge. But it’s the balance.

    Close enough to Columbus for an afternoon escape, yet far enough to breathe.

    Every trail bends into a new quiet. Every climb, every overlook, offers a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to mean distance.

    Six towers down, and this one might just be my favorite yet.

    Photos from our trip

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    Etsy

  • A Serene 4-Mile Loop at Mohican State Park: Big & Little Lyons Falls, & Dam,

    A Serene 4-Mile Loop at Mohican State Park: Big & Little Lyons Falls, & Dam,

    It was around 70 °F when we set out today. I think that’s close to a perfect temperate for wandering among waterfalls, woodland, and scars left by the river currently and years ago. The crew: Luna, Kylie, and me. We parked by the covered bridge at Mohican State Park and embarked on a loop that wove us past 2 cascading falls, a dam and spillway, forested slopes, and the gentle murmur of the stream flowing through.

    🌿 Trail & Park Overview

    Mohican State Park spans about 1,110 acres, nestled in Ashland County, Ohio, along the south shore of Pleasant Hill Lake.  The Clear Fork branch of the Mohican River carves a gorge through the park. Surrounding it is the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, which adds many miles of trails to explore. 

    The hike we did is a combination of what’s called the Pleasant Hill & Lyons Falls Loop or Covered Bridge → Little & Big Lyons Falls → Pleasant Hill Dam route.  Though many sources list that loop as ~2 to 2.5 miles, I stretched ours into an “almost 4 mile loop” by taking side paths, lingering, and sometimes doubling back for shots. 

    The covered bridge by which we parked is a picturesque structure over The Mohican River, built in 1968 using native hardwoods.  It’s a frequent trailhead point for the falls loop and a favored photo spot. There’s a link at the end of the post for an album containing the photos i took!

    Big Lyons Falls (the “larger” fall) and Little Lyons Falls are named after historic characters Paul Lyons and Thomas Lyons (yes, Thomas allegedly wore a necklace of 99 human tongues in lore).  Big Lyons is often described as having a more dramatic drop into a canyon-like cliff amphitheater; Little Lyons offers views from above, a box-canyon feel. 

    After the falls, a side spur leads to Pleasant Hill Dam and the “morning glory” spillway (a flood control feature) that adds a modern, engineered contrast to the raw rock and forest.  The dam and spillway are part of the hydrologic control for the Pleasant Hill reservoir system. 

    The return path follows riverbanks, crossing small footbridges and boardwalks, letting you drift back to the covered bridge. 

    📷 Our Experience & Photo Highlights

    We parked at the covered bridge, as before when Luna and I visited during the fire tower hike. Thus, the place feels familiar, comfortable. With the selfie stick + tripod, we paused at multiple vantage points: on bridge itself, on a walkway by the dam, under a boulder, and close to the falls. At Big Lyons, the amphitheater pour with, wet rocks, and water access we recorded videos walking under. We climbed stairs near the falls, careful on slippery surfaces (wet rock + moss = tricky). Little Lyons offered a vantage from the top edge of the drop; we explored carefully, watching our footing. I am clumsy.

    We detoured toward the dam & spillway, capturing architectures meeting water, especially at the “morning glory” opening. Our loop felt longer than standard because we paused, lingered, and sometimes retraced paths, or lingered longer. My dog trotted ahead excitedly, nose to stone and river spray, bounding between roots and rocks. The 70 °F warmth made the forest feel lush and alive, especially when we broke into sunlit clearings.

    📝 Tips & Observations

    Footwear & grip matter. Moss, wet rock, stairs near falls = slippery. Timing light. Early or late in day gives softer side-light on falls and river. Bring gear and protection. Water spray + humidity can fog lenses. Know trail mileage is flexible. The “loop” is often marketed shorter, but you can extend or wander. Dogs are allowed (on leash). I kept mine leashed, especially near drop edges. Use the covered bridge as start/anchor. It’s accessible and scenic. It is a great staging point. Pause for sound & mood, not just visuals. The river murmuring, leaf rustles, quiet corners enrich the story.

    Pursuit of happiness

    Photo album from Mohican

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  • Afternoon Recharge at Dennison Biological Reserve

    Afternoon Recharge at Dennison Biological Reserve

    A Sunday Reset

    Sunday is technically a work night for me. I’m a weekend warrior at the nursing home, but that doesn’t stop the pull of a perfect September afternoon. I woke up early around 2 p.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep. The weather was reading a nice 80 degrees, clear skies, the kind of day that begs for a quick escape, if you cannot fit in a full escape. Luna, my dog, was already side-eyeing me like she knew what was coming, wheels spinning in my head. I swear she knows me better than anyone.

    We ran to the car, like it was a race. Of course we made a quick pit stop at the drive-thru for a zero Red Bull, before we hit the road. Dennison Biological Reserve is one of our go-to spots when we want a short burst of fresh air, greenery, and wildlife without committing to a full-day hike. It is right up the street though technically a different town. Granville, Ohio is home to this local gem. Be respectful, leave no trace, don’t interfere with the natural environment as the college uses it for their programs and is nice enough to allow public access. They even leave out doggie bowls for water! Bless!!

    Arboretum Loop Trail

    We went straight for the Arboretum Loop Trail, and today we did it twice. It’s a flat, easy loop, perfect for a brisk half mile that we covered in under 10 minutes per lap. The trail is simple but full of little discoveries. Luna bounced along the path, sniffing everything, clearly enjoying the change in scenery. I spotted a striking yellow-and-blue butterfly, among the flowers as if it had been painted there for the occasion.

    At one point, we stumbled across an entire raccoon skeleton. Luna pulled and sniffed the air curiously, but I didn’t allow her close. I also didn’t risk collecting them for chimes and wands because roundworms aren’t worth that. Though, I couldn’t help but pause and appreciate how these small, almost hidden details make even short trips feel like an adventure. That’s the beauty of these local spots accessible and full of unexpected wildlife moments.

    Why These Small Trips Matter

    Even short trips like this make a difference. Being outside, moving, seeing wildlife, and noticing details like a butterfly’s wing or the pattern of leaves in sunlight. At least for me is a reset for my brain. It doesn’t matter that we only did a mile; walking, breathing fresh air, and being somewhere alive with natural details gives me the kind of mental recharge that sticks with me for hours. The sunlight is a big part of what makes this so important for someone like me with seasonal affective disorder. Though I would argue sunlight is important in boosting almost every individuals day… in the right situations.

    Autumn leaves freshly fallen on the Ohio trail
    Autumn Leaves on The Arboretum Trail

    These little adventures remind me that you don’t always need a full day or a long trail to feel recharged. Even a short loop or two at a local reserve can be enough to clear the head, reset perspective, and get me ready to handle the rest of my day… or night at work. Now I’ll be feeling much lighter and more grounded.

    Local Highlights

    Wildlife spotting: Butterflies, raccoon skeletons, birds, and the occasional squirrel or chipmunk. Trail accessibility: Seasonal vibes: September afternoons bring warmth, crisp air, and long shadows… perfect for photography or just breathing it all in.

    Dennison Biological Reserve is one of those gems that’s easy to forget until you need it. Quick, local, low-commitment, but high in payoff for mood, energy, and mental clarity. Even a single mile, a short loop, can remind you why you keep chasing little moments of nature.

    Though just to note there is also a close to 2 mile loop here and another closer to 3.5 mile loop. That both sit on a privately owned no access allowed lake/pond. Please respect others and their property and do not disturb the private lake areas.

    Poeaxtry’s links

    Photos discord

    Nature

  • Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges

    Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges

    3 people sit outside devils ice box
    The whole gangs here outside Devils ice box

    Hiking Journal: Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges State Park. Rocks, Trails, Laughs, and a Sunset Swim

    Today I hiked Cuyahoga Valley National Park… starting with the shorter trail to Brandywine Falls. The waterfall had a lot less water than typical I think but it was still a pleasure to see… The trail was lined with a boat load of fossils as a lot in Ohio are.

    Brandywine falls CVNP Ohio
    Brandywine falls

    Next, I explored the ledges area inside Cuyahoga Valley, where massive, moss-draped rock formations rose like ancient towers around us. I ran my hands over the rough stone… feeling the weight of time pressed into every crack and crevice

    .

    Ghost pipe white pipes in my hand
    Ghost pipe

    I yelled the classic line “Jack, paint me like your French girls” at my buddy Jack… exactly like in Titanic… sprawled out on a rock under a ledge. It was ridiculous and hilarious… so I did it again… on a tree limb at Nelson’s Ledges State Park. My friends Jack Trisha and I laughed so hard at those moments… pure, wild fun that cut through the whole day.

    We drove to Nelson’s Ledges State Park next and took the loop trail… exploring Devil’s Hole and Devil’s Icebox. The cave was cold and dark… a welcome break from the sun. Moss covered the giant rocks thickly here as well … and webs sliced across the surfaces like delicate art. One web even contained a mushroom it was too cute. Oh yea I spotted a frog in Devil’s Icebox… well it actually scared the shit out of me diving into the water in the dark. I

    The waterfall there was anticlimactic… we ended up on the top and we walked across it, which i had gotten amped about the sound must have echoed through the rocks. When we got to the bottom I was searching for a view or the bottom everywhere but all I found was a giant rock to perch on. Far above, I spotted a tiny trickle of water… so small it felt like nature was trolling me.

    After the hike, we ended up driving to Euclid beach to rockhound and finish the day swimming in Erie… the water cool and cleansing after the long day on the trails. We watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery colors… a perfect close to an intense day of exploration and laughter.

    A man laying on rocks at the ledges
    Paint me like one of your French girls

    All day long I kept filling my pockets with rocks… smooth ones, jagged ones, colorful ones… little trophies from the wild. I even twerked on a ledge because sometimes you just have to own your weirdness in the woods.

    Honestly the whole day felt like natural therapy for body and soul.

    Twerk twerk twerk a man twerks on the rocks
    Twerking

    The day started with wild joy. You know the kind that fills your lungs and makes your chest ache with laughter. I was yelling and joking with Jack, doing dumb poses like my usual goofy self sprawling out on rocks and trees. Those moments were pure freedom… a break from everything weighing on me. The trails, the waterfalls, the smoke drifting through my lungs… all felt like a balm. For a while, I was untouchable… fully alive in the moment.

    But living with BPD means the pendulum swings fast and hard. Just as I felt that raw joy, a wave of grief would crash in without warning as usual. On the drive home, the joy shattered. I cried for nearly half the trip. I wanted so badly to tell my mom about the day… about every rock I picked up, every waterfall I saw, every ridiculous pose I pulled. She’s been gone almost four years. She loved the outdoors as fiercely as I do. I could almost feel her walking beside me on those trails, but I couldn’t tell her any of it. That silence hit harder than any fall.

    The grief wasn’t just sadness… it was a stabbing loneliness wrapped in frustration and helplessness. It tangled with memories of her voice, her laughter, her love for nature. I replayed moments in my head, wishing I could share the day’s wildness with her, the funny moments, the stunning views, the tiny frog in the Devil’s Icebox. Instead, I had to carry it all alone.

    That’s the cruel edge of BPD… the intensity of feeling everything all at once. The joy and pain live side by side, sometimes so close you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. I laugh out loud and then dissolve into tears minutes later. It’s exhausting and relentless but also part of what makes me who I am. I just know she would have ate the ledges up. And that makes me feel as if I’m losing her all over again each time. Instead of just whatever grief is I feel the entire weight repeating itself again and again each time I go through these “waves.”

    Even with the crushing grief, there’s a stubborn hope. Hiking those trails, swimming in Erie’s water, watching the sunset… it all grounded me. It reminded me that life keeps moving… that moments of wild joy and deep sorrow can coexist. That I can survive the rollercoaster, even when it feels like I’m drowning.

    I carry my mom with me on every hike… in every rock, every ledge, every waterfall. She’s the silent witness to my wildness and my pain. Not being able to tell her feels like a wound that never will heal. But maybe that’s why I keep going back to the trails… to feel close to her again, to live out loud, to be unapologetically myself.

    This day was everything. It was loud laughter, sharp grief, and a fierce refusal to stop moving forward. That’s the truth of living with BPD and loss. It’s messy and raw and brutally beautiful.

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  • What Brings Me Peace: Rituals That Ground and Heal

    What Brings Me Peace: Rituals That Ground and Heal

    What brings you peace?

    Peace isn’t some distant, fragile dream…it’s stitched together from everyday moments and rituals that quietly steady me when everything else feels like it’s spiraling. I find it in the calm that comes when I intentionally slow my mind, pulling back from the noise that threatens to swallow me whole. It’s in the deep breaths taken during those rare stillnesses, a soft reset that slices through chaos and invites clarity to settle in like a whispered promise.

    I usually find peace first by quieting the storm inside my head…finding a natural calm that softens the sharp edges of stress and noise. It’s not about escaping reality… it’s about slowing the mind enough to breathe, focus, and reset. This calm haze settles the chaos, giving me space to think clearly and find balance when everything else feels overwhelming. Without it, peace would feel like a distant, unreachable luxury. Especially for someone like me, juggling ADHD, other diagnoses, and whatever else life throws my way. THC has been more medicine than anything else. Simply a way to calm down in more than one way, grounding both mind and body when the noise gets too loud, when I can’t regulate my emotions, or even when my brain cannot seem to calm itself.

    There’s an unshakable kind of peace in the steady presence of something… or someone, that grounds me without needing words. The kind of quiet loyalty that pulls me from the abyss of my thoughts and reminds me I’m not facing the storm alone. That steady heartbeat beside me, the simple warmth of shared silence…it’s a reminder that calm doesn’t always have to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, peace is just the steady pulse beneath the noise.

    Moving through nature is my way of hitting reset, step by sweat soaked step. The world outside reminds me how to be resilient, how to keep moving. With every crunch of leaves underfoot and a fresh breath of air filling my lungs…I’m reminded that peace grows slowly, like roots digging deep into the earth. When the city’s weight presses hard…the wild offers a refuge. This is a place where I can rebuild myself, piece by piece and step by step.

    I hunt for hidden treasures. A few quiet gems buried beneath dirt and time. This slow, focused search pulls me into a mindset of curiosity and patience, drowning out the mental chatter. Finding those small pieces of beauty in unexpected places is like stealing back peace from a noisy world, holding it in my palm like a secret victory no one else could see coming.

    The work of my hands when polishing, shaping, crafting… pulls me into the moment with a clarity no other practice can match. The hum of tools, the steady pressure turning rough edges smooth…it’s meditation made tangible. A reminder that transforming raw chaos into something shaped and controlled is its own kind of peace, earned with every steady spin or careful cut.

    Writing and journaling let me wrestle the storm inside onto the page, turning tangled thoughts into something I can hold and understand. This act of creation is both a shield and a weapon… helping me reclaim control when life feels anything but. Words become the map through dark forests, a way to find footing when the ground shifts beneath me. Without this…peace would slip like sand through my fingers.

    Let’s be real…peace isn’t always sacred. Sometimes, it’s petty. It’s in those sharp, satisfying moments where I call out bullshit, get the last laugh, and watch karma unfold like clockwork. These moments aren’t trivial; they’re survival tools and ways to reclaim power when the world tries to crush it. Petty shit keeps me sharp and my boundaries solid. That’s peace with a bite.

    Watching karma take its course gives me a peace rooted in faith… not in miracles, but in balance. Knowing the universe holds justice in its own time frees me from carrying bitterness or vengeance. It’s the quiet trust that lets me focus on growth and keep my eyes on the work ahead, leaving grudges to dissolve in the background.

    Peace is also that last laugh, the quiet but fierce victory when the noise finally dies down and I’m still standing. It’s not arrogance; it’s validation. And it is the proof that persistence pays off. That grin when I know I’ve outlasted the doubters, when my story is mine to own. That moment grounds me, fueling a peace that’s both hard-earned and unbreakable.

    But peace isn’t just personal…it’s collective. Helping to be the change I want to see roots me in purpose beyond myself. Lifting marginalized voices, pushing for real transformation, and building community are acts of peace that extend outward. This ongoing fight feeds my resilience and connects me to something greater, a calm fire burning steady through chaos.

  • Rest and Rock Hounding Hesitation in Appalachia— Day 6

    Rest and Rock Hounding Hesitation in Appalachia— Day 6

    After an epic week packed with hiking, climbing, swimming in fresh water and the swimming pool at my sisters. We were running all over hell’s half acre, exploring the hills of Appalachia. Today was a day for much-needed rest. I slept all night long and then slept in until after my sister got off work. She worked the 9 AM to 5 PM shift (yuck). I had the place all to myself during that time.

    Even though I planned to go rock hounding, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it alone. It wasn’t that I was confused about which trail to take. I had that mapped out, but, the real problem was what happens after the trail ends. Once I got off the trail, there would be no service for my GPS. I’ve already experienced that all week. The idea of wandering through those hills, and getting lost, was honestly scary. Since at least my sister knew how to get us back towards her house and service to load the map.

    I mean, what if I took a wrong turn in the woods and got kidnapped by feral mountain creatures? Or worse… what if I found myself stuck in some endless loop of forest and couldn’t find my car? If I managed to get to my car, would I remember the way back to the apartment? I know I can’t navigate without GPS? Yeah, my mind goes there.

    I stayed put. I didn’t want to leave my sister’s door unlocked while she was at work. Also, I wasn’t about to wander around the woods with zero signal or company. The spots we saved on the map will still be there next time. Then I won’t be alone and she can come with me.

    Honestly, after a week full of adventure, I was wiped out and needed the rest more than anything. I had to prepare for the long drive home, too, which was still ahead. I woke up when my sister got home from work. She had another shift the next morning, so the house was quiet. I finally left late the next morning after sleeping until about 8 am. It was my own slow, reluctant goodbye to the mountains. The temper tantrum internally because GOD DAMN! I really have to go back to OHIO!

    The best part of adventure is knowing when to pause, rest, and prepare for the next one. So you don’t over do it and have to postpone the next one or more.

    Much love,

    Axton N.O. Mitchell

    My trip home was a little different than announced. You know as usual. If you didn’t notice I post these the day after so I’m technically home right now. And I also didn’t make a day one post for the real day one because I drove the entire night before so we all just hung out,

  • Letter to the Sun, A Summer Gratitude and Request for Growth

    Letter to the Sun, A Summer Gratitude and Request for Growth

    Dear Sun,

    Light

    Thank you for the light you pour over me. Oh and everything else that needs to grow. Whether it is the food we eat or the magic some call upon. You lift life from the soil and charge the air with energy. I can feel it while you warm me to my core. I do not take for granted the way you coax the herbs from the earth. Nor, the way your warmth settles on my skin while hiking lost in the quiet wildness.

    Time

    Thank you for the long days we spend together. When I wander trails as I breathe in the sunlit air and feel myself expand. You give me the freedom to be wild and alive in a way only you can. But I also thank you for the days when you step back. You let the rain move in. The clouds soften the light. The earth drinks deep. I know growth needs balance.

    Strength

    This season, I ask for your continued strength to fuel my journey. Help me carry your fire when the days get heavy. Help me remember that even in the heat, there is rest. Let your light inspire my spells, my words, and my heart. Keep me connected to the land and to myself as I move through the longest days.

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  • When Do I Feel the Most Radiant?

    When Do I Feel the Most Radiant?

    Water

    There’s something about the water that makes me feel alive. I could be kayaking over a calm lake or swimming in the cool depths. Either way my skin tingles and my spirit lights up. Being in natural bodies of water strips away noise and lets me simply be radiant and free.

    Trees

    I feel that same glow in the trees. Sunlight filters through leaves. I breathe the forest air deep into my lungs. The mountains bring another kind of light. This light comes with each step on the trail. Sweat on my shirt and the ache of muscles pushing forward contribute to it.

    Camping

    The campsite, the crackling fire calling to something wild in me. Setting up the tent just right brings a quiet satisfaction, a small victory no matter how long it takes. When the day settles into night, holding a cup of hot tea and writing but, on my phone. Such a sacred moment. Here my thoughts shine brightest.

    These are the places and moments where I let my glow be seen. It’s not always sunshine and sparkle. Often, it’s the wildness of sweat and dirt. Sometimes, it’s the warmth of a fire. Other times, it’s the quiet of ink (digital ink) and tea. This is where I feel radiant, whole, and actually me.

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