Get Outside - Season 8 Premiere Episode #812
Season 8 Premiere of Episode #812- Get Outside- shares all kinds of reasons to GET OUTSIDE and enjoy Nature- Watch NOW!
Season 8 Premiere’s continue with Episode #812- Get Outside (Watch NOW) On Life in Bloom today we’re taking the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors in nature, including a visit with a certified forest therapy guide, Bird watching, flowers – of course – and an old-fashioned picnic break. It’s time to put down those electronic devices- and Get Outside- Literally- to experience Nature-Trees, Birds- and especially Flowers!
We always choose a quote for the Beginning of each Episode- and this week we had so many to choose from- I decide to include them all- in my blog… ENJOY!
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her." - William Wordsworth
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." - Frank Lloyd Wright
"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect." - Alice Walker
"The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature." – Shikoba
"Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." – John Muir
Ladybird is in Charge of getting me outside several times a day- to give me a break but also look for birds and pollinators in the Garden! She’s a Good Girl- and Love the out of doors… Watch GET OUTSIDE - Here NOW! This Photo- and many others are from our Life in Bloom Photog- Raul Velasco- Here’s his Website… you’ve seen him on the show before as well!
How often do you make the time to get outdoors? Outside time in nature is one of those simple pleasures that is often overlooked. Enjoying the quiet. Enjoying the sounds of nature. Observing the birds, the bees, the flowers and the trees. Feeling the breeze or the warmth of the sun - or even the drops of rain. Time spent outdoors is an investment in well-being - doubly so when flowers are involved! Let’s enjoy the simple pleasures of being outside.
Maureen “Mo” Stine is an Author and certified Forest Bather and Interpreter- we talk everything OUTSIDE with Mo - Watch NOW!
My first Guest is an Author- and Certified in the Art in Forest Bathing- Maureen “Mo” Stine- and she joins me from Cheboygan Michigan. Forest bathing is a topic that we have scratched the surface of on Life in Bloom. Taking some time to spend a few Moments in nature offers rewards that are both tangible and otherwise. My guest Mo Stine contacted me and offered to guide us all further into the natural world, and discover how forest bathing can have a significant impact on well-being. I asked Mo to tell me- what people would like to know about here… and here’s what she told me:
“I am a certified forest therapy (bathing) guide based out of Cheboygan. You responded - which alone was a thrill, and you detailed a very busy schedule ahead for 2023 and 2024, but you mentioned that perhaps this year, 2025 might hold time for my offer to share one or two somatic mindfulness practices in nature.
Mo had been dreaming of her VERY OWN Flower Crown- and this presentation was one of the Best Ever- SEE her Flower Crowning here NOW!
I absolutely keep politics out of my forest bathing practice during my gentle guided walks, but forest bathing is good medicine for traumatic informed care. I know having positive energy and chemistry with your guests is very important - please look me up on my LinkedIn and website and reach out anytime for a visit on a call or Zoom. Keep me in mind as a promising resource for you and I'll keep dreaming of my very own flower crown. “
Well - I loved having Mo on the show- and you’ll have to admit- it’s one of the Best FLOWER CROWN Moments in the history of our show…
Her book- Grass Left Standing: A Park Interpreter’s Road Map to Forest Bathing - is available here!
RJ and I head into the Garden to learn more about the Birds we have there… Check out this Birder Expert- Here NOW in this Episode!
My Next Guest- is a Bird Watching Expert- and an accomplished Podcast Host- of “Birds of a Feather Talk Together” - RJ Pole… (there’s more to this story- as RJ is also the Host of Our NEW Podcast- Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole… just sayin’) Today RJ joins me in my garden to discuss Bird watching and shares some super helpful tips and information about our Fine Feathered Friends!
Bird watching is a past time that seems to be of increasing interest. Hummingbirds are especially popular and flowers are often planted by enthusiasts to attract these fascinating fliers, who act as pollinators for many plants. In addition, one quarter of all recognized bird families are thought to be pollinators as well.
I really enjoy the birds among the flowers in my garden. We discussed our shared interest in observing flying fauna, so I naturally asked RJ if he would pay the garden a visit and share what he has enjoyed and learned about birds that inspired him to start a podcast about them…
I love arranging flowers- and even better yet- when I can arrange them outside…. Watch this Episode for more hints on Getting OUTSIDE!
Here’s a bit more about “Birds of a Feather Talk Together” Podcast!
Join John Bates and Shannon Hackett, two seasoned bird experts, as they soar through the fascinating world of birds in this must-listen podcast for bird lovers of all levels! Whether you're an experienced birder or just starting to explore the wonders of the avian world, Birds of a Feather Talk Together has something for everyone.
With exclusive access to one of the largest bird collections in the United States, John and Shannon are joined by amateur birders RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart for in-depth discussions on exotic, rare, extinct, and common birds from around the globe. From the tiniest sparrows to the mighty eagles, no feathered friend is left out.
Each episode brings exciting stories, expert insights, and birding tips—perfect for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the beauty, behavior, and mysteries of birds. Whether you're a lifelong bird watcher or a beginner looking to learn more, this podcast will inspire you to discover new species, dive into bird conservation, and learn from the pros!
Everyday- I take a break to Deadhead, weed, and prune in the Garden…it’s a great way to unwind- destress, calm myself- and just get away- into nature… the Garden is just outside my office door… and All the Dogs… Ladybird, Georgy Girl- and our Newest Pup- Mary Lou- make sure- I take time to smell the roses- and get outside each day
Finally I take the opportunity to make an arrangement at the potting bench that my Friend Troy built for me in Episode #412- What Goes Around Comes Around- You can Watch it HERE! I talk about harvesting from the garden - but also taking the opportunity to build a bouquet outside it’s the perfect way to help improve your Life in Bloom!
My favorite Breakfast- (and Lunch or Dinner) is a Tomato Sandwich- and we make one today… for our Recipe in Bloom! Watch Now!
Certainly arranging a few flowers qualifies as a simple pleasure in life - from the time we were little children many of us were encouraged to pick a few flowers - like dandelions - and place them in a cup to give or enjoy. Harvesting what is growing in your garden and going another step further by arranging IN the garden is satisfying, without a doubt. If your garden is in between blooms, I encourage you to bring any bouquet outside with you to arrange. Nature has a way of adding more dimension to the experience…
It’s already Tomato Season here in Michigan- so a show about Getting OUTSIDE wouldn’t be complete without my favorite Breakfast for the summer- a Tomato Sandwich! YUMMMMMMM
When was the last time you enjoyed a picnic? It’s a fun experience to enjoy snacks or lunch in the great (or humble) outdoors. Dining spots by the score have added outdoor seating whenever feasible. And enjoying outdoor “rooms” is a staple of home improvement and real estate programs. However, it’s a simple task to prepare food for lunch or a snack to enjoy in your backyard or a nearby park. The act of unpacking the basket takes me back to childhood – how about you? By gone days of family trips and stopping at a rest area for lunch also come to mind. Let’s make and enjoy (X) today - and I’ll have a small bouquet to go with me too.
While it may seem silly to have a Recipe for a Sandwich- People want to know… So here’s a link to my Tomato Sandwich Recipe!
J’s Recipe for a Tomato Sandwich - (All Recipes and Flower Cocktails are in my Blog) - here’s a LINK!
I typically have Kolrabi, Cucumbers, Green Peppers, or Fruit -Cherries, Blueberries or Peaches, to enjoy with my sandwich as well.
Finally- My favorite part of our show… Flowers from you - the viewers! Today I have arrangements from two different viewers. First, Jeanne Shipp of Huntington Beach, California - who watches on KLCS - who writes: “I love your show! These arrangements were made from flowers given to me by my next door neighbor. She has a beautiful garden!!!” I love that your Neighbor is sharing her flowers- and that YOU are Creating Such Gorgeous Bouquets… Talk about Neighbors with Benefits!!!
Next we have Joan Werner of Corona, California - who watches the show on KCET - she writes:‘When I finished watching your show today I was immediately inspired to cut some flowers from my tiny California garden. Your show is a welcome place of peace and beauty!” Thank you Jeanne for your Kind Comments… I’m so happy the show is inspiring you to include more Flowers in your Life… THANK YOU!
Please send me YOUR pictures of flower arrangements inspired by Life in Bloom - we call them “Schwankies” after a viewer’s nickname. Send them to j@ubloom.com- remember to include your Physical Address- NO PO BOX- Phone Number (used if you win our sweepstakes for free flowers- email address- and where you watch Life in Bloom- Station Call Letters- also remember to give me permission to share your Photo on the show or on Social Media!
Listen/Watch the Video Version of the Podcast on the uBloom Website- HERE! or Listen where you listen to your favorite podcasts!
This week’s Behind the Bloom Podcast- is a Companion to Episode #305 Lilies in Bloom- and we talk everything Lilies- including a Visit with a True Lily Expert- my Friend Benno Dobbe- We learn secrets for planting Lilies in the Garden, and Even Make a Lily Inspired Snack- It’s an Edible Day Lily Deep Fried Bloom stuffed with Goat Cheese- (HINT- It’s not a real Lily- that is not edible)… and there is always FUN with RJ and I - on Behind the Bloom- Listen/Watch the Video Version on the uBloom Website- Here or on my Youtube Channel- Here! Listen where ever you Listen to your favorite Podcasts too… Search for Behind the Bloom with J Schwanke and RJ Pole.
Finally- don’t forget to sign up for my Free Weekly Newsletter that provides FREE links for all the NEW Videos, Podcasts, and upcoming Scheduled Life in Bloom Episodes as well as our Bi-Weekly uBloom Videos, Recipes, Cocktails and More… it’s all in my FREE Newsletter sign up here!
I hope you’re inspired by this episode #812- GET OUTSIDE- of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom. Time spent outside in nature is always rewarding, even in the simplest of ways. I encourage everyone to get outside - even a few moments can make a difference. Enjoy!