craytor

I grew up in Oregon on a farm along the Willamette River. The natural environment of my youth had a profound affect on my life. The wide and meandering river, the sun sparkling through the trees, the misty winter pastures-this was the sanctuary of my youth. Even now, I recall clearly many conversations with nature. I have been fortunate to do a bit of traveling and live outside this country. However, if we pay close attention and seek it out, the diverse world of people, culture and the natural environment can be discovered close to home. My hero when I was 5 years old was Christopher Columbus. I packed my suitcase and ran away from home when I was five to explore the world. I only made it as far as dinnertime. Fortunately, the neighbor’s down the road invited me in for dinner. I postponed my travels until I was 18. The theme of exploring continues today. Although today, my travels are focused more on human nature, community, the natural environment, education and youth.