Hi, my name is Pam and I am mission to live a more mindful, minimal and meaningful life while inspiring others to do the same. I am passionate about nature and animals. Awes & Paws is a resource for nature and animal lovers to learn more about preserving our environment, protecting wildlife, appreciating and taking better care of their pets - and most importantly themselves.
From an early age, I was drawn to nature. I spent much of my childhood playing in the woods, catching lizards, turtles, tadpoles, and bringing home an occasional orphaned duck. Summers were spent swimming, riding my bike or playing with the neighborhood kids until the streetlights signaled it was time to go home.
I was only 7 when my dad passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 54 and my mom was left to raise a stubborn and opinionated little girl by herself. She taught me how to be strong and independent. She has always been my biggest supporter – and critic – and to this day, my mom remains one of my best friends.
After college, I married the love of my life, Rich, and together we started raising our three beautiful children. Our family vacations were always adventurous, even on a tight budget. All we needed were the essentials: the kids, the dogs, and enough PB&Js for the road. We’d spend weeks camping on the Peace River, snorkeling in the Florida Keys, and hiking the mountains of North Carolina. In addition to our exciting getaways, I also had the pleasure of being a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and a team mom for the boys’ baseball team. Memories I will always cherish.
As the kids went off to college, I started to reconnect with some of my own interests. After a time when family was at the forefront, I realized I now had time for myself. I invested in a camera and Rich and I began to spend weekends exploring local parks and preserves. Nature and wildlife photography became second nature.
During this time, I also began volunteering for a local animal rescue. We helped rescue and rehome countless animals and along the way, we fostered Bruno, a German shepherd with a powerful story all his own. When Bruno was found, he was emaciated and barely able to walk. We took him in, cared for him, and fell in love. Adopting Bruno made us a family of five German shepherds! His transformation inspired the creation of The Bruno Foundation in 2014, a non-profit dedicated to helping all animals.
Having five dogs can certainly limit how and where you vacation, but we didn’t let that stop us. We continued to enjoy our favorite activities – canoeing, hiking, camping – including the dogs only enhanced our adventures.
In 2018, Rich surprised me with a vacation I never knew I wanted – or needed! A trip to Yellowstone changed my life. One morning, surrounded by a vast expanse of pristine wilderness and mountainous landscape, we woke up to a breathtaking sight. Three moose were grazing in the backyard of our cabin. Soon after, we had the honor of witnessing an alpha wolf face off with a grizzly bear and her two cubs over a fallen elk.
It was an incredible experience and I specifically remember being stricken with awe and overcome with wanderlust. And a sense of urgency to live a more awe-inspired and wanderful life.
After a long career in the legal field and proudly watching our kids go on to raise their own children, we are excited to chart a course in a new direction. After a time of blessed stability, we are eager to embrace the unknown and live a more meaningful and nomadic life. I invite you to visit my blog for stories of adventures, travel photography, and encouragement to live a more mindful and purpose-driven life. Please join us on our journey as we dedicate this next chapter to awes, paws, and everything wanderful!
Let’s connect!