▼ CLICK BELOW TO EXPLORE ▼
A DECADE+ OF STORYTELLING POWERED BY THE BEST WRITERS ON THE PLANET

BE PART OF THE LEGACY

TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Synergy – Animals, Birds, Wildlife, Trees, and Plants

The season is mid-way between late winter and early Spring. The days’ are longer, but to witness a truly spectacular sunrise, you have to be awake exceedingly early. Springtime prompts me to describe feelings and synergy with our environment. I only have to walk five minutes to be in the beautiful countryside and there is always something that catches my eye, be it a bumblebee (early this year, but ready for pollen gathering) or new buds on trees. In fact, there is a very indistinct hue of green; almost invisible. To see it, a wider visual sensitivity is ideal.  And then the whole scene signals that Spring is on the way.

I never cease to be amazed at the energy that is seemingly projected by trees.

This week I once again walked through my favorite avenue of trees. These giants are getting ready to greet the walker with true magnificence. Gradually as the weeks’ progress, the leaves ultimately hide other scenes; especially distant vistas, but the gift projected and received is in the bright, pristine leaves and nearby scenes.

This time of year also energizes wildlife. In my garden, atop a willow tree are two ring-necked doves. Totally in love with each other; sitting closely exchanging gentle vibes. At least that’s my impression!

Other birds, robins sparrows, blackbirds, finches, wood pigeons, chase each other around….the one with the most energy and determination wins the bird that is most gorgeous. The males do the chasing and the females have a great time running rings around the admirer. Ultimately an agreement is forged and a flutter of feathers suggests love is in the air (pun intended!)

A couple of weeks ago there were three of four squirrels chasing each other around trees. A naughty male was focused on a particular, potential mate, and kept making physical advances!  I am sure he would have run out of energy before a love match materialized.

Nature often depends on the survival of the fittest and most determined. It is indeed survival of the fittest. Rare to see a squirrel limping about with a damaged leg. The poor thing would have been preyed upon.

Collectively, Nature feeds humanity. Not just with food, but provides an avenue for meditation, spiritual enlightenment, calmness or excitement. Watching a deer ‘flying’ alongside woodland. You can almost perceive the energy that drives one of the most beautiful animals.

My memory of walks never flies away; not even with the swans! It remains vivid in my memory and sometimes is manifested in a dream and on rare occasions a flying dream.

Nature is not just there for us, but we are there for Nature. Never take it for granted.

Simon Lever
Simon Lever
Prior to his retirement, Simon engaged in software and services sector search and recruitment for American companies around Europe. He has retained the enjoyment of engaging with people from other countries and cultures. His energies are now directed towards voluntary community activities, journaling, and exhibition stewardship. He is a Featured Contributor for BizCatalyst 360°. As an Exhibition Steward, at the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral, he is responsible for guiding visitors from the world over, around the award-winning 'Kings and Scribes Exhibition', which includes the 900-year-old Winchester Bible. The exhibition introduces visitors to Winchester's historical significance as a former capital of England. Simon's journaling activities are published on BizCatalyst 360° and accompanying posts on LinkedIn, He acknowledges the inspiration afforded him by Carol Campos of Massachusetts: Life Strategist, Writer, and Intuitive Business Leader who introduced him to writing with feeling; from the heart. Simon's forté is creative writing; the accent on the natural environment, transforming feelings, emotions, sights, sounds, and scents of Mother Nature's landscape; hills and rivers and woodland into words, transporting the reader to the locations. Essays include accounts of his life in former days. Instinctively writing in such a spontaneous manner, descriptions become life-like. His often emotionally charged writing, whether describing a surreal 'Son et Lumière' at the Grand Place in Brussels to experiences acquired during European business travel. Journaling and Exhibition Steward activities are his key sources of inspiration and creativity. Kindness is ever more important, where he is a promoter of Shelly Elsliger PPCC's 'Decide to be Kind' Campaign. Simon champions Positivity, Empathy, and Kindness and has been described as a 'Beacon of Positivity'.

DO YOU HAVE THE "WRITE" STUFF? If you’re ready to share your wisdom of experience, we’re ready to share it with our massive global audience – by giving you the opportunity to become a published Contributor on our award-winning Site with (your own byline). And who knows? – it may be your first step in discovering your “hidden Hemmingway”. LEARN MORE HERE


4 CONVERSATIONS

  1. Having watched squirrels for years, Simon, I am always impressed how they can so freely orient themselves in three (tree) dimensions. I think it is the females chasing the males who thereby prove that they are worth mating with. If she can catch him, so can a hawk = not good enough.

    I enjoyed your mentioning of the day to day changes. It brought back having the opposite experience of seeing a particular stretch go from green to fiery red to post October storm-empty one year. But I was visiting Denmark where fall is different from here in CA.
    Sometimes I think I might be blind to what is right outside my front door but notice it when I am back in “ye ole country” – I envy you your ability to see with fresh eyes every day. Thank you for bringing that to my attention – because all it does take is attention and intention.

    • Dear Charlotte.

      Your comments are so much appreciated. I guess it is always assumed the male is the chaser! Mind you, the one I saw was intent on ‘mounting’ the fancied one!

      Attention and intention. It is quite normal to stroll in the countryside and essentially walk and not view. I cant do this! I went for a walk today and took a photo of a daisy. I shall send it to you. I also viewed some moss; bright green and with imagination it looks like a forest.

      I do wish you a pleasant Sunday.

      Simon

RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 "MOST COMPREHENSIVE LIFE & CULTURE MULTIMEDIA DIGEST" AWARD

WE ARE NOW FEATURED ON

EXPLORE 360° NATION

ENJOY OUR FREE EVENTS

OUR COMMUNITIES