Nature Journal #10: San Marino, CA

 For my final nature journal, I decided to go back to my roots and focus on the time I spent at home during Thanksgiving break. As I have discussed previously, my hometown of San Marino, California, is only 3.77 sq. miles and has only 12,000 inhabitants. Within this small area of land, we have no malls, grocery stores, or fast food chains. Our entire town consists of a park and residential areas with grassy front yards and historic trees. Whenever I go home, I look forward to spending time outside through power walks with my mother and leisurely walks with my dog.

"Do you want to go on a walk with me?" my mom questions me everyday that I am home. And my response is always the same: "yes, of course". My brother and father are never interested, but I suppose this allows for a more intimate bonding experience. As we depart from our house and make our way down the street, I take in the unique Southern Californian environment around me. In front of each house lies vibrant green grass that has been well maintained. Although we do not have four seasons in Los Angeles, this allows for the grass to be lively year round. When I came to Texas, I was surprised to see the dying grass losing its hues in the winter times.

In front of almost every house are massive trees, which have been there for decades. Even though my Bartlett pear tree died on the side of my house, our large tree next to the sidewalk is still thriving. Each tree must be about fifty feet tall with consistently green leaves. We appreciate our tree for the beauty and character that it provides for our house, but it also gives us a shady spot to park so our cars remain cool year round. Each year, the green parrots migrate to our area and enjoy resting in the trees on our street. I must mention that my dog Teddy also appreciates the depth of greenery within our town. Before we rescued him, he lived his life in Arizona where there is almost no grass. Whenever I take him on walks, he trods slowly and sniffs each tree and plant we pass. The amount of detail he pays to the wildlife allows me time to take in my surroundings as well.

As my mom and I walk for a mile, we discuss our stressors and excitements. Since I had been gone from home for months, these hour long walks give us ample time to catch up. There is something relieving about observing the shrubbery while releasing your thoughts to others. Many of the houses along the route have different fruit plants and flowers. I oftentimes stop along our path to smell the fragrant roses and cherry blossoms in our neighbors front yards. In contrast with the large oak trees, some streets are scattered with palm trees instead. When I stand in the middle of the street and look downwards I think, this is the California life. Even though I do not want to move back when I graduate, I will miss those palm trees that make me think of the Beach Boys and bike rides along the sidewalk. At the end of the day, I am California born and bred. These grassy lawns, palm trees, old oaks, and rose bushes are part of my identity.