Wilderness and the American Mind Reflections

Historical perspectives on ideas of the wilderness and how they manifested in the New World. Roderick Nash explores the difficult contrast between preservation efforts and consumerist needs.

Book ReflectionTera VannoyJuly 24, 2026wilderness, kinship with nature, roderick nash, nature writing, nature reading, conservation, environment, protecting nature, wilderness and the american mind, yosemite, national parksComment

Traits of an Empath - Replenishment From Nature

With all the solutions mankind has created, what Empaths need is replenishment from nature, where they can release their fatigue and find rest.

WellnessTera VannoyJune 29, 2026empath, empath energy, traits of an empath, importance of alone time, importance of nature, rest in nature, connection with nature, spiritual connection with nature, healing, mental health, emotional healthComment

Power and Thrones Reflections

In Power and Thrones, Dan Jones begins a journey that spans a thousand years, from the sacking of Rome in AD 410 to the first encounters between the Old and New Worlds in the sixteenth century.

Book Reflection, ReadingTera VannoyMay 26, 2026dan jones, power and thrones, world history, migration, empires, middle ages, medieval historyComment

Sovereignty | Felix Salten

Selected quotes from Bambi, a coming-of-age story that emphasizes themes of survival, nature's cruelty, and human destruction and dominance.

Reading, Book ReflectionTera VannoyMay 14, 2026bambi, sovereignty, morals, moral message, truth, solitude, natureComment

Wellness Introduction

Touching on a holistic approach to Wellness in pursuit of finding wholeness. Looking into mental health, self-care, and a connection with nature.

WellnessTera VannoyMay 7, 2026wellness, seven dimensions of wellness, holistic, balance, wholenessComment

Travelogue Introduction

A Travelogue that explores the small human moments and the quiet reminders that we are deeply connected to one another and to the natural world.

TravelTera VannoyMay 1, 2026travelogue, travel writing, travel blog, memory preservation, cultural connections, travel storiesComment

Reading Reflections Introduction

Clarifying the difference between Reading Reflections and book reviews, and why I have decided to focus more on personal growth rather than critique.

Reading, Book Reflection, Book QuoteTera VannoyApril 21, 2026reading reflections, book review, reading, personal growth, what is gained by reading, bookstagramComment

Mindful Living Introduction

An outline of topics under Mindful Living, shifting away from the overused term “slow living,” focused on helping create connections, inspiration, and harmony.

Mindful LivingTera VannoyApril 9, 2026mindful living, intentional living, being present, slow living, connect with nature, quality over quantity, finding purpose, knowing boundaries, personal priorities, family priorities, day by day, authenticityComment

Pride and Prejudice Reflections

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen explores the ever-changing nature of an individual's character and understanding, and is one of the most profound novels to emerge from the 19th century.

Book Reflection, ReadingTera VannoyMarch 17, 2026pride and prejudice, jane austen, regency england, regency novels, classic literatureComment

A New Blog | Origins of Kinship Journal

An introduction to Kinship Journal, a blog exploring the ways that people are connected and humanity’s kinship with nature. The focus will be on the topics of Mindful Living, Reading Reflections, Travelogues, and Wellness.

Mindful Living, Wellness, Travel, Reading, Book ReflectionTera VannoyMarch 3, 2026mindful living, through line, multi passionate, creative, kinshipComment

Cleveland National Forest in Autumn

Searching for true wilderness in Cleveland National Forest, a desperate longing to escape the noise and rush of the city with hikes in the mountains and moments of quiet solitude.

Local Travel, TravelTera VannoyFebruary 5, 2026national park, hiking, hiking southern california, southern california nature, southern california hiking trails, hiking trails, wilderness, open space, nature trail, nature photography, nature photographer, usa, USA, slow livingComment

Que Sera, Sera

A new look at a year where things can change greatly depending on what happens over the summer. Following the journey of what led to this moment and why it is not just another year.

Mindful LivingTera VannoyJanuary 21, 2026new year, living abroad, learning a new language, live the languageComment

Smoky Mountains In Summer

A visit to the Gatlinburg Trail, then venturing deeper into the mountains to hike up to the Grotto Falls, and finally, the Cataract Falls.

TravelTera VannoyJanuary 7, 2026USA, usa, tennessee, smoky mountains, nature, nature photography, nature photographer, summer vacation, summer travel, nature travel, cataract falls, grotto fallsComment

What Has Been Missing

Learning more about what had been missing from previous creative projects and finding solace and purpose in writing.

WellnessTera VannoyJanuary 5, 2026writing routine, writing life, writing inspiration, writing practice, creative life, writing process, seeking purpose, creativity, writingComment

November 2025 Reading List

Daughters of the Winter Queen begins the legacy of the current British throne. William Stoner leads a passive life as a farmer’s son turned English professor, enduring a loveless marriage and a difficult career. Living By Fiction, a collection of meditative essays about the spiritual process of writing.

Reading, Book ReflectionTera VannoyDecember 19, 2025books to read, book review, reading list, stoner, john williams, annie dillard, nancy goldstone, historical fiction read, historical fiction, historical fiction book review, living by fictionComment

Photography and Artwork

Reflections on how humanity is Interconnected and our relationship with nature