Hello Friends and welcome all new subscribers!
How the world has changed since I published the Spring Issue last March 1st. The current global pandemic has changed the way we live, at least temporarily. This past week, a violent act has brought to the forefront the violence and systemic oppression that is unacceptable in our communities. We all need to support the call for equity and justice, and deplore all forms of violence. This month, there are elections in several states, where each of us will be able to make positive change happen by who we vote for. Be informed beforehand about the policies of the candidates and that they are as committed to antiracism as they are to bettering the environment.
This is a great time to not only clean out your closets, but to put some time aside to delve into a cookbook full of delicious looking and healthy recipes, and have some fun cooking. Or take time to learn more about the animal kingdom, or about gardening. I used to read many books to my children, and the one I feature in this issue would have been one of them, if it had been published way back then.
Apart from reading, there are so many movies to catch up on, like the one I recommend in this issue. Also, don’t miss the short film that takes place in Ethiopia. It’s absolutely wonderful and beautiful.
The two new additions to the Cabinet of Green Curiosities are familiar, yet you may not know how the prickly one inspired a useful product and the second one, has been turned into something I never would have imagined possible.
You will definitely have heard of the Gamechanger. Learn more about why she is such an inspiring and positive voice during these challenging times.
Who doesn’t love reading stories that lift our spirits. I came across one from Switzerland about a giant bird feeder. Others that I enjoy are the posts and YouTube videos of this entertaining and highly informed world forager. And lastly, in Scotland, they are printing new bills inspired by nature. It’s lovely.
The recipes are: a fantastic crepe recipe (not hugely healthy but so satisfying nonetheless), a second one is from my dear friend Caroline Gladstone that looks delicious & healthy and which she just sent me 2 days ago and which I can’t wait to make. The third recipe will happen when the tomatoes I’m growing are ready!
Have you heard of the Transition Network? I only learned about it last year, and found out that there are communities around the world, reimagining how to live and create a better life/world/community.
Another new discovery is an online magazine that is about ecology, culture and spirituality. It’s a beautiful magazine full of gorgeous images, great reading material and videos as well. In fact, one of the films I recommend in this issue, I found in the magazine.
The artist this month is someone close to my heart as I grew up with him and his wonderful family when I lived in France. His younger daughter Anna was my best friend when I was little, and I got to see him at work on his magical pieces. I remember how much he loved nature and how it inspired his work and his life. I hope that you take the time to explore his website, and get to know him and his work.
Being around trees has always been a source of comfort for me. During these past few months on lockdown, I have had the time to witness their metamorphosis from their bare winter coats to their glorious spring wear on my daily walks. Don’t underestimate the well-being you will experience by a walk in the woods.
From France, a letter by 200 artists and scientists was issued, demanding that world leaders envision a different post-covid future.
I interviewed a charming award-winning gardener for one of my favorite magazines, Upstate Diary.
In case you missed it, my favorite and most trusted resource for anything to do with personal care or cleaning products and whether they are safe to use, is the brilliant EWG.org. They have released their latest safe sunscreen guide on their site, just in time for summer.
The last post is about how much WE NEED YOU and we need each other to create a better world post-covid. I’ve included some tools on how we can make a difference.
Hoping that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during these challenging times and may we all come out of this with a greater determination to do good in our communities and in the world at large.
As always, I hope you enjoy the almanac and I love getting your feedback.
Priscilla
P.S. Follow me on Instagram for my latest news, and stop by my online store, as I’ll be adding new things regularly.
