Welcome to Tales from the Compost Pile!
Welcome to the very first post from Tales from the Compost Pile. Written during a rainy camping trip - July 21, 2026
It feels fitting that I’m writing this while sitting inside a tent during a rainy camping trip. My kids are happily watching the raindrops race down the sides of the tent, and I’m tucked away with my cell phone, listening to the steady rhythm of rain overhead. Beyond the tent, and even with the rain, I can still hear waves rolling onto the beach, birds calling through the trees, and wind gently rustling the leaves. It’s one of those moments that reminds you to slow down and simply enjoy where you are.
Nature has a wonderful way of quieting a busy mind.
This website, rawberrybugs, and my first children’s book, Our Backyard, grew from moments just like this. They began with simple walks, curious questions, backyard adventures, and the amazing wildlife that quietly shares our world every day. The more I watch, the more stories seemed to appear.
Before long, those stories became characters like Wiggles, Jet, Luna, Rusty… and even the mysterious Seedman.
My hope is that these stories encourage children-and maybe even adults- to step outside, look a little closer, and discover that every backyard is filled with adventures waiting to be found.
This camping trip has already reminded me why I started this journey. Even in the rain, there is so much to notice. Tiny sounds become louder. The forest smells fresher. Birds continue their songs between showers, and the shoreline has its own peaceful rhythm. Sometimes the best memories aren’t made under sunny skies-they’re made while sharing blankets, laughing inside a tent, and listening to nature tell its own story.
Thank you for stopping by and joining me on this adventure. Whether you’re reading Our Backyard, exploring the activities on the website, or simply taking a walk outside, I hope you’ll discover something wonderful along the way.
Until next time…
Keep exploring,
R.A. Wallace
P.S. I’ll be sharing a new post every week, filled with nature, behind-the-scenes moments, adventures, and whatever inspires me along the way. But nature has a funny way of creating unexpected stories, so don’t be surprised if a few extra posts pop up in between. Keep checking back-you never know what adventure might be waiting!