It’s always fun to birdwatch (and get some steps walking along) at Santee Lakes! You never know what species you’ll see.
Today we saw Mallards, Snowy Egrets, a Green Heron, a Western Bluebird, Black Phoebes, Wood Ducks and a Lesser Scaup to name several!
Check out the video above!
We were pleased to see the new General Store and Snack area.
Here is the website for visiting with lots of info: https://www.santeelakes.com/
Photos and Video by SJF Communications.
“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse, as the art and the science of being a nurse” -Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
“Nursing is an incredibly enriching yet stressful profession and besides being a science, it is truly an art. This second edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring is dedicated to all nurses – past, present, and future. It is a celebration of nursing and a tribute to nurses, especially during this unexpected, unprecedented pandemic. Covid-19 took its toll on nurses during 2020 and hopefully the impact of stress and burnout will be lessened with time and the arts. Poetry can be a therapeutic and cathartic tool for nurses and other caring professions to deal with the angst, stressors or joys that accompany the profession“. – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
Originally published in 1993, Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring now has a 2nd edition and is available online (eBook and paperback, and audiobook).
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2nd Edition) by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications
Here is the description of the book:
This exciting collection of freeform poetry with over 40 poems by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, is a sharing of both professional and personal thoughts and feelings. Susan is a strong advocate of the creative use of poetry to express the wonderment, frustration, dedication, and the love of nurses for their profession and their patients.
Included is a tribute poem to nurses by Mohan Chilukuri, MD and a bonus section of several of Susan’s Haiku Poems with her nature photography.
Susan invites you to share the passion and the traditions of nursing, and to explore the heart of the professional practice of nursing…sharing and caring.
Susan J. (Felice) Farese, MSN, RN, a native of NJ, received her Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree from Widener University and Masters of Science (MSN) from Seton Hall University. Her diversified nursing career includes military and civilian nursing within inpatient outpatient and academic settings- including experience as a clinician, educator, administrator, consultant, and nurse entrepreneur.
Susan is the owner of SJF Communications PR in San Diego. https://sjfcommunications.com.
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-J.-Farese/e/B001K7VB6E
E-Book – extended DISCOUNTED price on Kindle eBook: $0.99!
Paperback is also available ($10.99):
Audiobook (narrated by Susan):
Ask me about discounts and giveaways! Please feel free to like, comment and share. Help me to get the word out to nursing community! Nurse have been stressed out and burned out since the pandemic.
Thanks for stopping by!
Yours in poetry!
Susan
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Ranch in Carlsbad during June, 2020. I heard about it several months ago and couldn’t believe that after 10 years of living in San Diego I had never heard of it.
Leo Carrillo was an entertainer on Broadway, in films and became famous for playing ‘Pancho’ in the 1950’s TV Show ‘The Cisco Kid’.
Much more info at : https://carrillo-ranch.org/
WOW! What a gem! Beautiful grounds, citrus trees and of course the peacocks and peahens preening and chilling about (and vocalizing as well)!
Despite Covid-19, I wore my mask and socially distanced and it was definitely worth the trip.
Here are my photos of the trip.
My poem Coronavirus, Coping & Conflict is published in the new anthology ‘Poetry in the Time of Coronavirus‘ (Edited by G. Cuddy). Featuring 150+ Poets of the World. Now available on Amazon. Proceeds from sales of the poetry anthology will benefit Partners in Health and Doctors Without Borders.
‘Coronavirus, Coping & Conflict”
by Susan J. Farese
Coronavirus, Covid-19 – a Global Pandemic
Unfathomable
We shelter in place
Quarantine. Isolate.
Hair turns colors and grows longer
Food gets scarcer
Tempers may flare (then subside)
Our kids are not themselves, we are not ourselves, our partners are not themselves
We watch news conferences (yet they STILL aren’t 6 feet apart, hands continue to touch the podium)!
Positive tests. Numbers mounting. Lack of equipment. Unsure of treatment.
Health care providers of all specialties and levels without PPE! Their lives also at risk!
Flatten the curve.
Online learning. Zoom meetings and classes. Don’t go here. Don’t go there.
Milestones missed…Proms unheard of. Graduations rescheduled. Stores closing.
Deaths mounting. Deaths looming? Unnecessary deaths!
Is this the new normal or merely the abnormal?
We wait and watch and wonder and hope…
Will this all be resolved? WHEN?
We are unaware
We are uncertain
We get anxious
We are stressed!
Why are we uncertain?
Why aren’t we aware?
Why all this stress?
Delayed preparation?
An Oxymoron!
Thus,
Quarantine. Isolate.
We shelter in PLACE!
Unfathomable.
Coronavirus, Covid-19 – A Global Pandemic!
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. (Dr. Vin) author of Communication Breakthrough: How Using Brain Science and Listening to Body Cues Can Transform Your Relationships (Wolfheart Press) announces several upcoming book signing and speaking events through September 2019. Dr. Schroeter is a 2018 Notable Book Award Winner from the 53rd Annual Local Author Showcase and is available for contracted speaking engagements and media interviews/appearances.
Communication Breakthrough: How Using Brain Science and Listening to Body Cues Can Transform Your Relationships is a self-help book designed to boost one’s ability to be seen and heard. The book is packed with innovative tools for better listening and handy skills for more effective expression. ($19.99, 199 pages, 5 ½ x 8 1/2, paperback, ISBN: 978-0996324953). Communication Breakthrough is available online at Amazon, Kindle and Barnes and Noble or through bookstores.
Dr. Schroeter is known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
Here is a short video of Dr. Vin in action
‘Enlightening & Entertaining’
To book Dr. Vin Schroeter for media interviews
or speaking engagements please contact her publicist:
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications 408-398-5940
Email: sjfcommunications@gmail.com
Web: https://sjfcommunications.com
Visit Dr. Vin Schroeter at her website:
https://www.vincentiaschroeterphd.com/ and Blog
Follow Dr. Vin on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Topics for Speaking Engagements
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter: “I welcome speaking opportunities to share tools for success in communicating effectively. I am skilled at adapting my material to meet the needs of a variety of audiences, and enjoy presenting in corporate, medical, academic or community settings.
I had a forty-two-year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. (Dr. Vin)
Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances (subject to change):
Saturday, 06/01/2019 from 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Saturday, 06/08/2019 from 12- 1pm
Monday, 07/08/2019 from 1 pm – 2 pm
Saturday, 07/13/2019 from 1 pm – 2 pm
Saturday, 07/27/2019 from 1 pm – 3 pm (PANEL)
Saturday, 8/31/2019 from 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Barnes & Noble Grossmont/La Mesa
Saturday, 09/14/2019 from 11 am – 1 pm (Several authors at tables)
Saturday, 09/28/2019 from 12:30 pm – 2 pm
Visit Dr. Vin Schroeter at her website:
https://www.vincentiaschroeterphd.com/ and her Blog
Follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
To book Dr. Vin Schroeter for media interviews or speaking engagements
Contact: Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications 408-398-5940
We enjoyed a great drive through much of the Joshua Tree National Park, and discovered an interesting ‘flat’ hike with our family ~ the Wall Street Mill Trail (adjacent to the Barker Dam Trail). The trail (approx. 4200 elevation and about 2 miles round trip) houses a historic gold ore crushing mill and stamp mill. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Read more about the mill here:
https://www.mtdemocrat.com/opinion/in-the-golden-state-and-beyond-wall-street-stamp-mill/
The Wall Street Trail is home to many Joshua trees! Walking the trail was a bit sandy in places (the sand in our shoes had to be emptied after our hike). We saw authentic relics like rusty old cars, a windmill and the stamp mill.
Oh, I almost forgot, there’s a grave marker acknowledging a 1943 violent land dispute, where land owner Bill Keys shot and killed Worth Bagley who wanted access to the water. Bill Keys wound up in San Quentin prison for several years, but was pardoned due to self-defense!
The memorial states:
‘Here is where Worth Bagley bit the dust at the hand of W.F.Keys. May 11, 1943’.
What a spectacular day hiking at Lake Hodges in Escondido, CA! Beautiful scenery, wildflowers blooming, birds enjoying the plentiful rain that we’ve had lately, magnificent rainbows (did we mention the larger than life rattlesnake)? Take a look at ‘art in nature’ and ‘nature as art’!
Music: If We Knew All the Laws of Nature’ by Robert Farmer.
Photos/Video by SJF Communications ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’ sjfcommunications.com
Fun time strolling at the San Dieguito River Park in Del Mar today despite the heat and humidity in the San Diego area! Shorebirds are thriving there and the water was crystal blue. Two Great White Egrets were in a tizzy, I saw a flock of Kildeer hurrying above yapping away (who knows why), a European Starling (I think) and a few gulls too! Panoramic view of the lagoon, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Viewpoint Brewery , the #5, then West towards the ocean.
Here’s a short video. Enjoy !
When was the last time that you ‘unplugged’ from your devices and appreciated or partook in ‘nature’?
If your answer was today, this week, recently etc. – No worries…but if there’s a gap…there’s definitely hope!
In this interview, you will ‘virtually’ meet SJF Communications’ clients Sebastian Slovin and Sonya Mohamed, Owners of Nature Unplugged in Encinitas, California. We spent some great quality time ‘unplugging’ outdoors together at the beautiful San Dieguito County Park in Rancho Santa Fe for this fun photo shoot, inspiring conversation and of course, connecting with nature!
And now…without further ado..please sit back, relax and enjoy our SJF Communications interview with Sebastian and Sonya, owners of Nature Unplugged!
Nature Unplugged
SJF: Welcome Sebastian and Sonya! So nice to chat with you both today. What compelled to create Nature Unplugged together?
Sebastian: The origin of Nature Unplugged began about 10 years ago, when I started by providing unique outdoor experiences around San Diego. The aim was to get people off of their devices and out into nature by combining movement and mindfulness practices. I offered a variety of outdoor experiences – such as guided hikes, outdoor yoga, surfing, stand up paddling, and snorkeling – based on my expertise and background as a professional bodyboarder (boogieboarder), yoga instructor and nature enthusiast. My time in the ocean and on the mat inspired the services/experiences that Nature Unplugged provided.
A few years later, I met Sonya. While I grew up exploring the beaches and waves of Southern California, Sonya adventured in the woods of Valley Forge National Park near her home outside of Philadelphia. It wasn’t long before we started to explore ways to combine our individual skills and passions and share them with the world. We were fortunate to enroll in the MA of Leadership Studies program at the University of San Diego. It was there that our vision for Nature Unplugged really came together.
While at USD, we began to create curriculum specifically designed to help people cultivate wellness through healthy relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. Our focus right now is creating momentum for this movement. We offer workshops, speaking engagements/presentations, and one-on-one coaching. Our vision is to create conscious individuals and thriving communities through healthy relationships with nature and technology.
SJF: That’s awesome! What a way for each of you to live your purpose! Sonya, please describe 3 types/groups of people that would be ideal Nature Unplugged clients
Sonya: Sure, we work with several categories:
New Professionals/Millennials
Parents, Caretakers and Educators
Students
SJF: What motivates you as entrepreneurs?
Sebastian and Sonya: We are both highly creative and are energized by the process of starting something new. We feel uniquely equipped – with our personal, professional and educational backgrounds – to create and share tools and resources that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities.
SJF: Any roadblocks or challenges with Nature Unplugged along the way? Any challenges working together as partners/spouses?
Sebastian: While we’ve had some wonderful successes over the years and built great connections with individuals and communities, we’ve also had some challenges along the way. We work with people of all ages, though our formative work was primarily with adolescents ages 12-17. Often we would connect with parents who were very eager and committed to helping their children become less attached to/dependent on their smartphones, video games, or other devices. As you can imagine, that’s not the same mindset and eagerness the youngsters met us with.
As for working together as partners/spouses, there are sometimes added challenges and conflict with our dual roles. It can be hard to separate our personal and professional boundaries. Purely from a business partner standpoint, we are also quite different people. Sebastian is fueled by the larger abstract thinking and brainstorming where Sonya has more of a task and process orientation. Most often this is a useful balance that produces both the innovative ideas and the ability to implement them and bring them to life. It can also lead to misunderstandings and frustrations, as there’s a natural tension between the two.
That being said, we are grateful and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot about work and leadership dynamics through our MA in Leadership Studies program. We’ve learned (and continue to learn) how we work best individually and as partners. With styles and approaches that are very different, we have learned how to capitalize on our strengths and manage our tension points. The awareness and attention to those differences make for a great partnership.
SJF: Thank you for that incredibly astute explanation! Despite potential challenges you two work very well together!
SJF: How would you talk about Nature Unplugged to your 13 year old self(selves)
Sebastian: Great question! I’d say: “ You know 13 year old Sebastian, when I look back on my my life, do you know what stands out? It’s the relationships I’ve had, the face to face time, and the adventures of mixing it up out in the ocean and in nature. Your time is precious. Do what makes you feel alive”!
Sonya: I would say: “Never lose sight of your wild self. Run a muck outside as often as you can for as long as you can. Find some friends, get out into nature, explore and goof around. Play is not something reserved for children! You’re going to face a lot of pressure to conform and to take yourself more seriously. Stability is valuable, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your happiness. Get in touch with what you want and don’t be afraid to go for it. It will be tempting to fill all your free time with tasks, and TV shows, and social media. Be careful there, you won’t be happier for it.
SJF: Why should we unplug?
Sebastian: Simply put: it feels better when we do. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits – mentally, emotionally and physically – of getting off our devices and outside.
SJF: Pricing points?
Sebastian: For more information about Nature Unplugged presentations, workshops and coaching plans and pricing email: sebastian@natureunplugged.com or call: 858-775-6486
SJF: What is your Motto/Tagline and how it evolved for Nature Unplugged?
Sebastian: Our mission/motto: Cultivating consciousness in the digital age
SJF: Describe your awesome, simplistic (yet extremely effective) Nature Unplugged Logo Design
Sonya: I designed and created the logo, using the ‘N’ from Nature and ‘U’ from Unplugged to create something beautiful and relevant to our work.
SJF: Who are Role Models in the entrepreneurial, fitness, academic etc world for you both?
SJF: Wow, such a great list. We’ll need to follow up and see any connections that might ensue! If you had to do it over again, (starting a business)….
Sebastian: We would have done it sooner! It’s scary (we still feel that fear a bit) and it’s taken us some time to lean into the discomfort and just go for it.
SJF: But…if you didn’t ‘go for it’ we wouldn’t be working together! So glad you leaned in!
SJF: Describe a workshop/presentation for Nature Unplugged
Sebastian and Sonya:
TITLE: “Nature Unplugged: How to Cultivate Consciousness in the Digital Age”
Presentation:
This interactive and dynamic presentation is all about the what and the why. What are we filling our time with and why? The focus is on why balance between time we spend/spent with technology and out in nature is important, and then practically speaking, how to find balance when we’re constantly being pulled and lured into imbalance. We explore the latest research on increased tech use and the benefits of nature, sharing our own personal stories in search of balance. Also included are tools and practices offered as takeaways to inspire attendees to take action and create meaningful change in their daily lives.
SJF: How much time are the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
Typically 1 hour but can range 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We’ve presented in a wide variety of locations such as: schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses.
SJF: How about the Workshops:
Sebastian and Sonya:
Workshops are highly interactive and are a combination of content, small group work, and personal reflection and practice. More than simply delivering information, we provide opportunities for reflection, guide practices and offer tools to make immediate and impactful change.
SJF: How much time is spent in your workshops?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We offer half-day (4 hour) and full-day (8 hour) workshops.
SJF: Where do you teach/provide the presentations?
Sebastian and Sonya:
We hold workshops on site at schools (5th – 12th grade), universities, and businesses. Workshops out in nature (parks, reserves, etc.) are also available.
SJF: What are some of your Workshop Learning Outcomes?
Sebastian and Sonya:
SJF: Anything else you’d like to mention?
Sebastian and Sonya: Thanks so much for your time Susan and SJF Communications. We really appreciate it. The only thing we’d like to share with your readers is:
“We’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation. What obstacles are you facing? What do you want to know more about? What about Nature Unplugged resonates with you? Don’t hesitate to reach out!”
SJF: Please let us know how to find Nature Unplugged
Sebastian and Sonya:
Nature Unplugged Website: https://www.natureunplugged.com
Email: Sebastian@natureunplugged.com and Sonya@natureunplugged.com
Short Video: https://vimeo.com/204711401
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureUnplugged/
Instagram: @natureunplugged
and
https://www.instagram.com/natureunplugged/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/natureunplugged
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nature-unplugged/
Books by Sebastian Slovin:
The Adventures of Enu: https://amzn.to/2je98Bi
Ashes in the Ocean: https://amzn.to/2q4F0LC
SJF: Many thanks, Sebastian and Sonya – for sharing your purpose, goals, story and information about Nature Unplugged!
Here’s a little recap video of our time together with mindset, mindfulness and movement in mind!
Had a great afternoon bird watching with my husband at the mile long, double loop, ADA accessible San Elijo Nature Center Loop Trail (Located off of Interstate #5 a bit West on Manchester Blvd. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California). There are several benches along the route to sit back, reflect and ‘take it all in’.
Despite the dredging and restoration lately, we saw some incredible shorebirds : The Great White Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Black-Crowned Night Heron as well as Mallards.
There’s a bit of restoration and dredging (thus, disruption of the bird habitats) happening these days, complete with large cranes, so I didn’t spot as many species as usual.
Feel free to read more about the San Elijo Nature Center plus, some info about the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
Here’s a short video….
I had some free time and took advantage of a wonderful mini-escape to nature!
Here’s a short video to recap my time strolling throughout the mile long, double loop, ADA accessible San Elijo Nature Center Loop Trail (Located off of Interstate #5 a bit West on Manchester Blvd. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California). There are several benches along the route to sit back, reflect and ‘take it all in’.
There’s a bit of restoration and dredging (thus, disruption of the bird habitats) happening these days, complete with large cranes, so I didn’t spot as many species as usual.
Feel free to read more about the San Elijo Nature Center plus, some info about the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
I continually marvel at hummingbirds…such tiny magnificent magical creatures!
Their stunning colorful beauty, their speed, their zest for the “hummingbird life”….
It beats watching the news these days. It inspires my creative spirit and hope!
by
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications
Here is a short video from today. See these lovely hummingbirds in action as they fly continuously over to the feeders and enjoy nectar, hover, and then dance away!
And now…some photographic images!
Hopefully these hummingbird images will captivate you and yours too!
Enjoy!
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Hope you enjoyed the poem, video and photos from SJF Communications!
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