Hypertext Magazine asked Sarah Ivens, author of Forest Therapy, “What question do you wish you’d been asked about your work?”

By Sarah Ivens

You’ve lived in many great, contrasting cities – London, New York and Los Angeles need little explanation, but you’ve also lived in Chaucer’s ancient city of Canterbury in England, hipster haven Austin, Texas and the Southern and oh-so charming Derby city of Louisville, Kentucky. Where do you feel most at home in nature?

English cities will always feel like home, my roots interwoven with the 1,000-year-old oaks, the winding paths and crooked gates of ancient meadows and the glare of the White Cliffs of Dover – but I’ve fallen in love with wild America, too. I’m now a dual citizen and feel great devotion to the landscapes, flora and fauna of both countries. The first time I saw a fire fly – or a lightening bug as they are known in Kentucky – is still one of the greatest moments of my life. At 33 years old I was a child again, awash in bright glitter and wonder. Since moving to Texas two years ago I’ve become obsessed with Ball Moss, these weirdly stunning circles of Tillandsia that grow on trees in the humid South. I love cities and the opportunities they offer, but I’m never happier than when I’m toes out, lungs open, gawping at green or awash in sea mist.  I admire the emphasis so many of my favorite cities, native and adopted, are making in building green space into their urban landscape. We will all benefit, probably more than we will ever realize.

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Sarah Ivens is the Editor of OK! Magazine in New York. She has also written for Marie Claire, Tatler, Woman’s Journal, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, News of the World and GQ. She is the author of the bestselling Modern Girl’s Guide to Getting Hitched.

Pick up a copy of Forest Therapy HERE.