-
Jan 2, 2025 | 
nationalparkstraveler.org | Kim A. O'Connell
In the dozen years since Doug Levin began volunteering with the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club in southwestern Virginia, he has spent more time working on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in November and December 2024 than he has at any other time. As the longtime trail supervisor for the club, he has been managing and working alongside teams of sawyers clearing downed trees and debris from the trail in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
-
Nov 9, 2024 | 
nationalparkstraveler.org | Kim A. O'Connell
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, North Carolina — On a mid-October morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the gateway town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, the autumn leaves were nearing their peak color. All around me, gold, red, and orange leaves shimmered in the treetops and fluttered gently to the earth.
-
Sep 15, 2024 | 
nationalparkstraveler.org | Kim A. O'Connell
Editors note: This summer, National Parks Traveler is taking a close look at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is grappling with serious issues related to its beaches, wildlife, and historic structures. This is the last of three articles, with the first focusing on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the second on beach erosion.
-
Aug 19, 2024 | 
newsbreak.com | Kim A. O'Connell
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy PolicyIt’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
-
Aug 19, 2024 | 
nationalparkstraveler.org | Kim A. O'Connell
Editors note: This summer, the National Parks Traveler is taking a close look at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is grappling with serious issues related to its beaches, wildlife, and historic structures. This is the second of three articles, and part of the Traveler's look at climate-change impacts to parks along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida.
-
Aug 10, 2024 | 
thecitymoms.org | Kim A. O'Connell
Let’s start with some helpful terminology from Mary-Francis O’Conner, PhD. She is a researcher and leader in the neurobiology of grief and grieving and author of, The Grieving Brain. She defines grief and grieving as two different things: Grief is a wave of emotions we have in response to our loss. It is typically momentary or temporary, but overwhelming and intense. These waves can catch us by surprise throughout the grieving process. Grieving is the way grief changes over time.
-
Jul 31, 2024 | 
savingplaces.org | Kim A. O'Connell
photo by: Katie Charlotte More: Preservation Magazine By: Kim O'Connell Photography: Katie Charlotte In a wooden drying tray about two feet square, with a base made of metal screening, sits a jumble of cleaned, fragmented objects in all shapes, sizes, and colors. At first, it’s difficult to determine what they even are, or if their source is natural or manufactured. But just like when we stare at art, or the night sky, patience is rewarded.
-
Jun 26, 2024 | 
thecitymoms.org | Kim A. O'Connell
A rigid boundary is a mental exercise. This type says, here is the line, do not cross it or else. It’s 11:10, your teen walks in the door, and you are waiting at the kitchen table with the light on. You immediately look at your watch, and say, “You’re ten minutes late and are grounded. I can’t believe you would be so irresponsible and do this.”Rigid boundaries are so focused on the teen crossing the line, that they miss the importance of connection, compassion, and flexibility.
-
Jun 12, 2024 | 
thecitymoms.org | Kim A. O'Connell
Because I didn’t know my brain was different, I developed a negative voice that told me I would “never get it right or be good enough.” I remember feeling so alone, inadequate, and like I didn’t belong anywhere. But now, as an adult, I’ve been taking time to tend to and care for all my younger selves and let her know she’s not broken, help is on the way, and that she can learn to love herself just as she is.
-
May 21, 2024 | 
thecitymoms.org | Kim A. O'Connell
If I put my therapist hat on for a minute, I believe there are a lot of outside forces that inform how we act and what we do on a subconscious and conscious level:Research shows we behave the way we do because we observed those behaviors growing up from family or friends. If we didn’t like those (behaviors) we may swing really far in the opposite direction. Shifting patterns can be difficult but begins by noticing patterns in ourselves and being curious.
