Courtney's Blog

While in Bozeman, MT, I found myself in awe of the beauty of the surroundings. I’m not sure if it was because nature in Texas is vastly different than in Montana or if it were some other reason. One day during my visit, I went outside with the dogs to take them for a walk through the big pasture. Two horses, five dogs, and one cat all live on the property and they, just like me, love going outside and exploring the surroundings. I walked across the gravel road and immediately crossed a creek. Even though it was right by the road, I hadn't noticed the creek prior to this because it was hidden by trees. The water softly ran under the handmade bridge. We made our way through the tall grass, stopping every once in a while, to throw a stick for the dogs to chase. The house looked so small up on the hill from out in the pasture. There is a second creek on the other side of the pasture. When we arrived at this creek I sat on a rock and relaxed while the dogs played in the water. The water...

Last year, I lived off campus for the first time. I lived in a house that was only two streets away from campus and I could see the TCU-bricked buildings if I stepped out into my street. I lived so close that it seemed like a shame to not walk to class every single day. This year however, I moved to a house that is about a mile from campus. No longer can I see the TCU buildings. No longer do I get to walk through the beautiful campus to go to class. Now, I drive myself to class and park in a lot right next to my building. I walk straight in to my class and then I drive home. Over the last month, I discovered how much I missed my daily walk on campus. So, I decided that I would walk to campus more often, especially now that the weather is slightly cooler. I began my walk down the street and I instantly noticed more than I ever have while driving. There are no sidewalks on this portion of the street, so I was forced to walk right next to the curb. My neighbor’s dog began bar...

I didn’t discover all the Trinity River had to offer Fort Worth until this past year. Now, every chance I get, I make use of Trinity Trails. One of my favorite things to do is drive to the Woodshed trailhead and run up the river to Clearfork and back. The river may not seem like much, it’s dark, murky, and winding. But upon closer inspection, there is so much more to it that you might miss the first time around. Down on the banks, a silent crane is standing watch, just waiting for its chance to catch a fish. In the water, a fish jumps on the surface, disrupting the once still and calm water. Turtles sun bath on the banks, attempting to keep themselves warm. You have to look quick to see them because the second you run by, they slide off the rock and into the water. Running allows me to lose myself in my thoughts and observe my surroundings without judgment. I love to run without headphones because it forces me to be conscious in what I’m doing, rather than zoning out ...

Outside under the generous protection of a large tree sits a small potted plant, a Pilea. Its pot is white and pink striped, which contrasts the dark green of the leaves wonderfully. Large, circular shaped leaves fill the entire pot, almost as if they were lily pads shooting out from the soil. Some of the leaves have a tiny scalloped edge, unnoticeable unless you were right next to it. There are five to six small shoots trying so hard to pop out of the soil. A few of them have and started growing tall, right next to its mother plant. Most leaves are flat, but a few are cupped and curled. The outer lily pad projections have started dropping below the edge of the pot. Too much light? Maybe not enough water? It seems as if plants tell you exactly what they need, but only if you watch and listen to them carefully.

There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by mountains on all sides. No matter where you look, all you see are large, beautiful projections shooting out from the earth. At times, it feels isolating. However, it can also feel comforting, almost like you’re enveloped by a big blanket. My family’s house sits up on a hill with excellent views from every angle of their wrap-around porch. Every morning during my visit in Bozeman, MT, I would sit on the porch and and soak up the beauty of the surroundings. I would wait and watch the whole world wake up, all while just drinking my coffee. The warm pink and orange sun peaked over the mountains as if saying “good morning” to everyone who saw it. The soft morning light highlighted every edge and curve. As the warm hues faded, the blue sky slowly opened up to a beautiful summer day. The morning came and went, and the harsher afternoon light came down, slightly blurring the details that were once present just a few hours prior. It’s ...