Patagonia urges us to “Finish [our] shopping and get back outside!”  I couldn’t agree more.  Here’s some good news re their standing behind their products — almost but NOT too good to be true!

I’ve been told that Patagonia will repair or replace any gear.  

This, in our greed-centric world, seemed too good to be true.  Nonetheless, I wrote to ask if this level of sustainability could be actual fact.  I thought NJ WILD readers would want to know, with winter literally breathing down our necks.  Everyone knows, excellent gear is essential to experiencing the wild.

Their customer service wrote write back and told me what to do with my faltering PolarFleece pants, which are now, would you believe it, 11 years old.  The elastic at the waist had just given out.  Ah, but the pants fit so well, are so warm, are the loveliest sage color…  so I sent them back, doubting all the way.

This letter just arrived, on the heels of my birthday.  Do you need a better reason to get all your outdoor gear from Patagonia?  Sooner than they promised, a Patagonia gift card arrived worth $70, which I may use at any number of Princeton-area sporting goods shops.  Talk about standing behind your projects!  

Hello CFE,

DEAR NJ WILD READERS - those of you who reached out with a quick click for the WILDERNESS, it’s working!  Do what you can with your representatives, to make sure this sale of ‘rights’ to drill in sacred places, surrounded by red rocks and red mountains, Indian territory from time before time, can NEVER take place.

Here’s something for which to be grateful as we begin a new year.  Carolyn

Reprieve for Utah’s Redrock Wilderness!

My Trenton-Times-published article of a few years ago seems never to lose its relevance.  There is a surprise twist at the end.  I send it to NJ WILD readers in case you, or someone you love, is new to loss this season.  Blessings,  Carolyn

HOLIDAY LOSS – a modern parable

Here they are again, the relentless “Holidays”. Season of the return of the light for so many people of so many faiths. But, for those who have lost the very dear, this time can wear a dark cloak.

This Season, luminous for others, looms for the bereaved. Attention should be paid to those who mourn while others rejoice. The grieving need to be reassured that surviving holiday loss is possible. No, it’s not easy. And yes, there will be fascinating blessings in this seemingly impossible journey.

Some days, the sad person must hammer out a way. Other days, the way simply unrolls, when and where least expected.

There are certain steps which assist in this process. A motto of the 1940’s instructs, “When you’re blue, little girl, when you’re blue – do something for somebody, do.” That works. So does creating one or two small celebrations: not only when the heart is not in it, but BECAUSE it is not! It is hard to believe that a heavy heart can generate glows in holiday faces, but this does indeed happen. Deep inside, no matter the sorrow, light remains. Read the rest of this entry »

Every year, I seem to be more frantic for the return of the light.  This, oddly enough, happens at the Winter Solstice, when everything seems darkest and coldest.

Just as the diminishing of the light, counterintuitively, starts at what some call a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.  A time when so many people seem to rejoice at what seems to be summer’s genesis.  For me, that shrinking is a nightmare, only remedied in the depths of December.

In Celtic times, the darkness was fought, the return of the light at the winter Solstice was celebrated with, fire — bonfires calling to one another upon every hillside, especially in England’s Cornwall and Somersetshire, in the land of Arthur the King…

A few years ago, another kind of fire was kindled in me — with this poem that prefigured a most unexpected love upon the horizon.

For Solstice 2008, I’ll light candles and a fire in my third-floor fireplace.  I’ll think forward to light’s strengthening, rejoice over having survived yet another series of light-diminishing months.  I’ll burn evergreens, as did Celts and Druids, to banish bitterness.  And there has been so much bitterness in this, my most harrowing year.  I’ll write down, then burn, all that I wish to banish of these ordeals.

I’ll then write and carry to water, –usually under the old bridge in Kingston where the stream tumbles ferociously–, good that I wish to call forth as 2009 is about to be born.

Meanwhile, here is the poem that prefigured the most impossible love, as the new Century waited in wings:

SOLSTICE RITUALS

the fox began it

that long-legged adolescent

who appeared to my song

in the time of beach plums

and first frosts

but now it is snowing

and the ruddy one

curves - half cat, half pup -

about my calves to tug me

to the cave

this floor’s fur-lined

warmth like flames

reflecting on his pelt,

those snappy eyes,

the glistening nose

his long lush tail

curls across my eyes

as I recline

to puzzle at the rustle

of arrival

I kneel, then sit back on my heels

to face you as the gods

have always planned

the fox twines ’round your hips

stares with sweet command

into my startled gaze

CAROLYN FOOTE EDELMANN

January 2000

Cool Women, Volume II

�

I have a solution for NJ WILD readers to one problem with gifts of this season: too soon, too many become superfluous or obsolete. Choosing treasures of other eras is a pleasurable remedy. I know the perfect site for this delightful past-time, and you do not even need to leave home.

Some years ago, my dear friend, Sandra Lisnak, began a splendid on-line timeless treasures service, Foxfire Vintage Jewelry.  Its genesis marked a unique way of dealing with loss. Sandra had endured the nearly simultaneous deaths of her sister and her mother. For a long time, Sandra could not open their jewelry boxes. When she did, friends wanted to touch and to learn about these keepsakes. Then, hesitantly at first, they asked if they might to buy them for their own family and friends, as well as for themselves.

So these gems of yesterday became the nucleus of a vintage jewelry business, born of the enthusiasm of friends. Success bred success. Soon Sandra was attending jewelry shows, assiduously combing antique centers. Foxfire’s web-site was born. Sandra’s collection and her business continually expand with her blossoming expertise.

NJ WILD readers who saw my recent 7-page US 1 Cover Story on the River Line (light rail train) from Trenton to Camden, have voyaged with me to historic Burlington. There, Sandra and I eagerly explore their Antiques Emporium– I somewhat as a museum-goer. Sandra, now, as an educated vintage jewelry connoisseur, purchasing for her many come-back customers. In their honor, she recently launched her first Thanksgiving Sale, meaning thanking her clients, which will continue until January 1, 2009. Its popularity seems to prove that 21^st-Century consumers are not that accustomed to gratitude!

The beauty and thoroughness of Sandra’s web-site: http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com, is a delight at any time of year. Visiting Foxfirevintagejewelry.com serves as welcome counterpoint to malls and crowds. Sandra will gladly to communicate with you on timeless treasures for people dear to you. Sandra is also finding that collectible jewelry to be “something that you buy for yourself, a little indulgence after focusing so much upon others.”

Foxfire Vintage Jewelry has antique jewelry, vintage costume jewelry and estate pieces of precious metals and gems.  There is something for everyone.  Shop by item or by time period.  Our variety of jewelry includes:

On another note, loss is a major challenge for many at this season. Transforming loss into something creative and new is a key antidote, as I know all too well. Sandra’s gems of yesterday give her a chance to enact anew with her sister and her mother. These treasures of other eras can bring back the good times, happily remind purchasers and recipients of someone loved and gone.

Browse through Sandra’s treasures (pictures and thorough descriptions) below and on site. As you enjoy the search, remember that these gifts, unlike too many, will only increase in value, both monetary and sentimental.

And what are the Holidays anyway, if not a time of deep sentiment? These treasures match that depth.

I leave Sandra’s lively and personable comments in here for your delight.

Art Deco Diamond 14k White Gold Pendant Necklace -  $500 (fine jewelry)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i591.html

Art Deco Clear Rhinestone Sterling Festoon Negligee Necklace -  $185 (very fashionable right now.)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i543.html

The vintage music box charm is so unique and a perfect gift for the traveler.

Bartek Vintage Music Box Charm Bracelet/Necklace - $85 (These are rare.)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i451.html

Schildkraut Mother-of-Pearl Vintage Compact - $55 ( one vintage compact to show misc. gift items that you do not need to know person’s ring size or jewelry style)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i76.html

Vintage Cufflinks 10k Rose Gold Top Repousse - $85

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i547.html

Carved Nephrite Jade and Silver Necklace - $188

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i410.html

Gold Victorian Revival Garnet Flower Pendant - $130 (So pretty, a perfect gift.)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i438.html

Ora Clear Rhinestone Demi Parure -$125 (I was lucky to find this)

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i428.html

Art Deco Carved Carnelian Marcasite Ring - $199

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i440.html

Natural Solid Opal Ring - $190

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i427.html

Art Deco Marcasite Onyx Sterling Filigree Ring - $125

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i566.html

Iskin Gold Filled Amethyst Earrings - $48

http://www.foxfirevintagejewelry.com/catalog/i163.html

I look forward to doing business with you and hope that you have as much fun browsing the shop as I have had in bringing these treasures to you.

�

Tasha O’Neill’s bootprint in snow at Plainsboro Preserve -

Our Nearby Nature, which proves absolutely BEYOND BORDERS!

I know, NJ WILD readers think I mean that nature itself/herself is everywhere, is essential, is more pervasive and far more crucial than borders.  And, indeed, I do.  Instead, I experienced the absolute absence of nature at Borders in Princeton this week - and I MUST write it.

Having read in the New Yorker of the republication of WPA Guides, having failed to find them at Barnes & Noble, I entered Borders bookstore. These informative and now historic guides were printed by the government, during the Great Depression, sustaining writers beyond counting.  A similar program funded artists to create murals in official building across our land.  As we are now in the New Depression - I longed steep myself in earlier realities in the new publications.  At least some of us know, “The nation that forgets its history is condemned to repeat it…”

The woman at Borders’ Information Desk looked up wordlessly.  

I said, “I would like the WPA Guides to the states.  They were published during the Depression, but have been reissued.  I’m interested in New Jersey, possibly Pennsylvania, depending upon cost.”  

Why does it seem to matter that parts of her face had been pierced; that a black plastic semi-circle, a tumor of half-moon proportions, covered part of one ear?  This altered human moved soundlessly to a computer.

“What book do you want?,” she blandly inquired, as though I had not spoken, her fingers clicking desultorily among the keys, screen flickering.

Followed by, “What state do you want?”; again as though I had been invisible, inaudible, not present.  

“They are not in our system,” she announced with inexplicable satisfaction.  Then she came upon two volumes.  I asked where they were.  

“They are not in our store.  You would have to order them.  They are used books.”  Once again, the Woman of Information had absorbed none my request.

Shaking my head, I asked, “Well, then, where is your nature section?” Read the rest of this entry »

Tari Pantaleo, delightful friend, intrepid/determined birder, and President of Kingston Greenways Association reminds everyone of D&R Greenway Land Trust’s A Brush With Nature watercolor exhibit until January 9, at my place of work (I want to say, ‘place of passion’, but that can be misconstrued…)

 This juried show is put on by Garden State Watercolor Society, to urge visitors to appreciate and preserve nature.  Tari’s generous mention, media attention, and, I hope, NJ WILD readers saw to it aht the free Gallery Walk with artist  Charles McVicker last Saturday, Dec. 6, was a rousing success.  Stay tuned for future exhibition-related programs.  Meanwhile - turnabout’s fair play for Tari and Kingston Greenways programs: 

Tari invites NJ WILD readers to join the Kingston Christmas Bird Count, this year held on December 14 at 7:30 a.m.  Brenda Jones’ superb cedar waxwing, below, could be one of the splendid winged creatures your vigilance will help to tally.  Her handsome male blueird is a regular visitor to Kingston-area green-ways.  

Christmas Bird Counts were ‘invented’ over 100 years ago, to counter a vile practice of Christmas hunts in which hundreds of thousands of birds perished.  Remember this, when we think positive change may be impossible.  See how beautifully Tari invites Kingston Greenways members to these natural feasts:

KGA Activities and Other Local Events  D&R GREENWAY EXHIBIT–”A BRUSH WITH NATURE” November 21, 2008 - January 9, 2009 The Garden State Watercolor Society’s 39th Annual Open Juried Exhibition will be on view at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton. All art is available for purchase; 35% of the purchase price is a tax-deductible contribution to D&R Greenway’s farmland preservation and stewardship work. Special Event: Saturday, December 6th, Gallery walk with GSWS member Charles McVicker, 1:30 PM. Free and open to the public. To reserve a space, call 609-924-4646. The galleries are open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Occasionally, the exhibitions may not be viewable in all rooms if meetings are taking place. Please call 609-924-4646 to inquire about art and exact gallery hours.  CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT  Sunday, December 14, 7:30 AM        CEDAR WAXWING Photograph by Brenda Jones Please meet at the Locktender’s House in Kingston. Dress warmly, and bring binoculars if you have them. Participants need not be experienced birders. CBC participants are organized into groups (field parties) by the organizer or Compiler of each Count, so that inexperienced observers are always out with seasoned CBC veterans. Please call 609-683-0483 to pre-register. A little history: Prior to the turn of the century, people engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “Side Hunt”: they would choose sides and go afield with their guns; whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won. Conservation was in its beginning stages around the turn of the 20th century, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman, an early officer in the then budding Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition–a “Christmas Bird Census”–that would count birds in the holidays, rather than hunt them. So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Frank M. Chapman and the enthusiasm of twenty-seven dedicated birders, twenty-five Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California, with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America. Those original 27 Christmas Bird Counters tallied a total of 90 species on all the counts combined. These days, more than 50,000 observers participate in the Annual Christmas Bird Count each year. The results of these efforts are compiled into the longest-running database in ornithology, representing over a century of data on trends of early-winter bird populations across the Americas.

O!  It is the day of the rain of the willows!

All this time, I’d thought we’d lost all leaves.  But no.  I have been cushioned from irrevocable winter by willows still silken and bronze.

But, today, –first in sleet, now in rain and several fogs, leaves float-coast through like first snowflakes.  By tomorrow, there will be no willow scrim between me and the winter sky.

As children, my sister and I would hide out under the willow tree in our family’s Michigan back yard.  There we played dolls and paper dolls together.  There I would read thick books alone.  No grown-up could find us.  Because our willow branches swept all the way to the ground, it was cool and dim and safe in there, even in stifling August.

But a terrible year would arrive.  I was ten, my sister six.  Some plumber ordered our father to cut down the willow, whose roots were invading our septic system.  Daddy didn’t even warn us – he just obeyed.  A flat yellow-brown stump was all that remained of our haven. 

We were whisked away on a Western trip.  But not all the cowboys and Indians and canyons in the world could make up for the loss of our shelter. 

When we came home, our brave, determined tree had sent up hundreds of willow whips.  Yes, it was still alive.  But as a shrub, not a tree.  A shrub about as welcoming as a jungle.  Never again could we crawl underneath and ‘pretend’ to our hearts’ content. 

Today, in New Jersey November, as willow leaves leave on all sides, I am right back in our Michigan yard, mourning the loss of green glory. 

It could be that all these years of needing to go out into nature, to battle to save nature go right back to that long-ago summer.  It is said every ecologist owes his or her passion to childhood events.