Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Ruiz-Escasena.
Mariel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the spring of 2020, what began as a homeschool science project was just the beginning of so much more. It was our first time learning about butterflies together. So, we did what most families do when they want to learn to raise a butterfly or see how the life cycle works up close. We began with the typical kits you order online to learn about the butterfly’s life cycle, which comes with caterpillars, nutrients, and habitat to witness the entire process from caterpillar to chrysalis and fully transformed into an adult butterfly. It was pretty fascinating to watch the process and be a part of bringing these majestic pollinators to be released within our garden. As the months passed, our fascination with butterflies took flight as we raised and released Florida butterflies of 9 varieties over two years. During this entire time, the world was also dealing with the shock and fear that came with the pandemic. We consciously decided to find ways to be mindful and find peace, not to be led by fear. Focusing on what we could control and what we allowed to consume our minds brought us to this peaceful place to work as a family to create our garden. Spending time in nature and concentrating on adding to our ecosystem, allowing it to flourish with biodiversity while learning above and beyond the butterfly’s life cycle, has brought forth many lessons within our homeschooling journey. We were learning about the aspects required to garden for pollinators properly and using the terminology and science to understand further intricate details that would allow us to expand our knowledge. Amid the world shutting down, we created a new world within our space. Having researched many different topics and putting them into terms, my homeschooler would understand her knowledge and confidence grew in many different areas. She was able to engage with nature hands-on while harnessing other skills like science, biology, and gardening, enhancing her reading and writing skills with challenging words and embracing life skills. In turn, learning with her inspired me to take on this new role of becoming an author.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Challenging at times, we learned how nature and the circle of life play a role in our ecosystem. At times we witnessed many chrysalides that became infected with chalcid wasps—adding to more research about these tiny wasps and how to prevent the issue from happening. We had some overwatering and underwatering issues, native vs. invasive, too much sun or not enough sun, and often our beautiful, lush plants became bare due to the caterpillars feeding from them. Many lessons have been learned, and there are many more to learn. This, too, has led to creating a butterfly gardening resource guide currently in the works.
The journey to becoming an author through our gardening experience also led to the unknown and intricate details of self-publishing. The challenges and obstacles were part of the growth that came from each experience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Education comes in many forms. As a homeschool educator, it’s been a gift to witness my daughter learn and engage in many different ways. Learning together and allowing her to collaborate within the process to provide educational content inspired by her has been a blessing. As we grow Ady & Co., we plan to continue adding educational content for various topics. We hope to enter the hearts of many through our first children’s book, “A Girl Who Raises Butterflies.” In addition, our customized curriculum and butterfly gardening resource guide will be a bonus to our readers who want to engage in raising and protecting butterflies. We look forward to continuing to inspire adults and children alike to plant gardens, take time to be with nature, observe, engage, respect, and protect mother earth.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Indeed, there is always a challenge or risk, whether in the garden, the homeschool setting, or in writing books. Challenges and risks have been present; the key is to propel conscious thoughts and do the research that provides confident choices through each risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adyandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adyandcompany/
Image Credits
A Blissful Memory
Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
Tharushi Nanayakkara
Mariel Ruiz-Escasena
