I need your help🙏
Have your say about The Open-Air Life + a Christmas gift idea
When I launched The Open-Air Life on Substack about six months ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I must say this forum is growing on me. Finally, a social media of sorts that allows for connecting with people through long-form writing and more in-depth reflections, without the distraction of funny cat memes and 15-second dance videos. (No judgment, we’re all guilty of running down the rabbit hole of effortless entertainment every once in a while...)
With nearly two and a half thousand subscribers now, I’m keen on keeping this newsletter going and growing. But to keep my writing as relevant and interesting to you as possible, I’d like to get to know you better. Are you here for the outdoor play ideas? The friluftsliv lifestyle tips? The musings about nature connection and occasional rants?
If you could take a minute to fill out this survey, it’d make my day!
Give a signed book to someone special
I’m terrible at marketing my books and know I’m late on the ball for the holidays - again...BUT. If you enjoyed my books and would like to share them with someone special this holiday season, I have a few signed copies in stock. They ship from Sweden, so time is tight, but if you place your order within the next couple of days or so, it should still make it before Christmas (unless you’re in Canada, where a strike is affecting shipments).
Thank you in advance for supporting my writing!
One thing to contemplate
“To be native to a place we must learn to speak its language.”
- Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass
Two things to check out
1. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer has been rocking my world lately. If you wonder why our relationship with nature is broken and how we can heal it with the help of indigenous wisdom, this book is for you.
2. National Geographic’s best wildlife photographs from 2024 have been selected and it’s an impressive lineup. The rattle snake is my favorite - which one is yours?
Three things to do outside
1. Embrace the dark. Going for a walk during the lightest hours of the day can help regulate your mood and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. And if you don’t make it out during daylight hours, a headlamp and a high-vis vest are your best friends. Playing flashlight tag or some other game along the way is a good way to get the kids excited.
2. Go stargazing. Winter is the best season for watching the night sky and you don’t need to be an expert on star constellations to feel awed at the sight of the cosmos. Vicky of the Night Sky Tourist blog advises to keep a stargazing kit close at hand to increase the chances of you taking advantage of a clear night sky.
3. Celebrate the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year—a turning point where we celebrate the return of the light, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the cycles of life. By observing the winter solstice, we are reminded of the rhythms of nature that have guided humanity for millennia.
See you outside!
Linda
Some housekeeping…
If you can’t find my newsletter, check your spam folder. And please mark this address as ‘not spam.’ If the newsletter isn’t in your spam folder either, you should look in the Promotions tab.
You can always read my posts on my Substack home page.
You might also like
Finding calm in chaos: the power of nature-based rituals
Fear, ignorance and convenience are the enemies of outdoor recess
Why cities need more trees and less concrete
The beauty of being bored in nature
Why I don’t use the term “bad” weather
Before you go...
I have a curated selection of some of my favorite children's outerwear at Outdoor School Shop. When you shop through the link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check out the Rain or Shine Mamma shop at ODSS here.
I've published two books: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather and The Open-Air Life. If you enjoyed them, you can help others find them by leaving an Amazon review here and here respectively.
I often get interviewed about outdoor play and nature connection at various podcasts. You can find all the episodes I've participated in here.
Do you have a book club or head up a nature play community? I love doing virtual author visits! Just hit reply to this message to connect.
I do virtual speaking events for corporations, non-profits and online summits. You can read more about that here.
Do YOU have something going on in the nature connection space that you think this community should hear about? If so, hit 'reply' and let me know what you're up to - I'd be happy to share!