My story

My name is Rebecca Bailey and I am the writer and editor for this website, and just so you know, I am not a nature person who treks up mountains or travels through the wilds of South Africa. I'm pretty much an urbanite born and raised in and around Seattle who favors writing in coffee houses, wandering through urban neighborhoods, hanging out with family and friends, and savoring a glass of wine while enjoying the gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains and Snohomish Valley from my back deck.

But there is another part to my story...my life has not always been so wonderful and balanced. A single mom raising small children, working full-time in the corporate world as a writer, and managing a household made for some pretty hectic and stressful days. And, as if that wasn't enough to keep me busy, I decided to return to school later in life. The stress of everyday life took its toll. I found myself struggling--where did my sense of well-being that I always relied on go? I'm not exaggerating when I say, I woke-up one day and it was gone. My self-confidence and enthusiasm for life had dwindled.    

Today, my life is very different and to make a long story short, I found my way back to ME by spending more time outside in open spaces and natural areas. It has been well researched and documented that nature has natural healing powers. Throughout the years, I have discovered this on my own, tapping into its natural healing power in easy and enjoyable ways. You could even call it free therapy. (Notice that the site name Nature Me is only one letter different from Nurture Me!) 

It helps that I live in the Pacific Northwest. I'm drawn to its abundant natural beauty. Three national parks are within a 3-hour drive from my home. Two mountain ranges, hundreds of lakes, dozens of wildlife refuges, and thousands of urban and state parks make up the land. And, then there's the best-ever, always beautiful Puget Sound or newly named Salish Sea known for its San Juan archipelago and resident Orca whales. The local urban nature scene isn't too shabby either. Abundant open spaces are mere minutes away from most people's homes. Who isn’t tempted by nature in this wondrous part of the world?

There is one more part to my story...I happen to live with nature photographer Curt Given of Given Photography who has helped me learn how to appreciate the beauty and gifts of nature that often come in surprising ways. His love of the earth is evident in every photograph he takes. You will find ample examples of his photos throughout the site, along with the work of his partner-brother Cary Given. These guys make up the team of Given Photography and have been at it for more than 30 years. They have graciously consented to let me use their nature images on my site. I hope you enjoy their inspiring beauty, as much as I do.  

So now, I’m on a journey to help you know and experience all that nature has to give. To help you pay attention, to discover and to feel better. To help you make everyday a walk in the park.

Join me. I know you won’t be disappointed. 

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The Photographers

Partners and brothers Curt and Cary Given make up the team of Given Photography and they have generously and graciously consented to let Nature Me use their beautiful pictures on the site.

It is an understatement to say that nature photography is their passion--it's their life! For more than three decades, they have traveled extensively, exploring our natural world, taking thousands of pictures of animals, birds, flowers, trees and landscapes. Their mission is simple: to inspire others to love, protect and value our beautiful earth as they do. 

To view their entire gallery of images visit givenphoto.com.

Copyright information

All photographs appearing on this site credited to Given Photography are the property of Given Photography. The photographs are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without prior written permission of Given Photography.

Copyright 2021 Given Photography. All Rights Reserved. Please visit givenphoto.com for more information.   

     

Rebecca Bailey, Editor Nature Me Website