The bear started it

I think this bear started it. 

Florida has surprised me in so many ways. I never expected to end up in Florida. If you were to ask me for three words about Florida, it would have been: Miami, Disney, beaches. 

I was recently asked what it was I loved about Florida, and I have to say it's the creatures and unique environment I've experienced through my adventures as a resident. 

When I moved here, the photo of this bear circulated quickly through our circle. He had recently strolled through the back yard of one of our friends. What? Bears? In Florida???? Yes. We don't have a lot of bears (only 4,000) but they do live in Florida and roam around. Their home backed up to a preserve and many animals were seen over the years: the famous bear, bobcat, barred owl, deer. 

Seven years later I bought that house. While I didn't get to experience that bear in person, he was still the creature that started the fascination I have with Florida. Encountering the animals encourages me to take some time to learn about them, the habitats, more about Florida's unique environments, if they're invasive or native to Florida. I would love to have a closer relationship with these animals. But for right now, I'll observe respectfully from a distance. And continue to learn. And share what I learn. 

The above photo is the only one in the upcoming collection that isn't mine. These were taken by the previous homeowners who had the privilege of experiencing this bear walk across their back yard in person. I used some of the foliage of that yard in the doodles of the bear.