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Each new year is a good time to reflect on satisfying accomplishments and look forward to more ways to experience the good life in the Garden State. As many of you know, for me this past year brought the new adventures of learning not only to publish a natural living magazine but also to operate an 11-acre farmette in a bid to seriously walk my talk. The lessons have been legion.
Last spring, once the big snows abated, my plan for 2011 included planting corn, cucumbers and melons crops, setting up two beehives and installing 24 free-range chickens. I also adopted a house cat. Things didn’t turn out so well in this first foray.
As summer rolled around, the plants became organic deer food. After wild animals turned over the hives no less than four times, the bees picked up and moved; I think they crossed the Delaware. How I loved indulging in the pleasure of watching the chickens happily trim my lawn until local foxes made them brunch. Family and friends are encouraged that I still have enough chickens left to share some nutritious organic eggs, any day now.
My plan for 2012 begins with a deer fence.
Inside, I have better news to share. My adopted cat, Artichoke, is a home run, a purr machine lap cat that is purrfect for me. Two adopted black labs, Storm and his Momma, Sheeba, that arrived as fatties have morphed into fit farm dogs. I love them, they love me, and we are delighted to together have the run of the place shed dog hair and all.
I delivered my first local issue of Natural Awakenings, which I fondly call “the Mag,” in October following its transfer into my hands from the former publisher. I established a great new team and am glad to report that the Mag has continued its success in our expanding community, thanks to one and all. We now have a new domain: Natural Awakenings of Central New Jersey.. www.NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
My plan for 2012 calls for reaching current and potential advertisers in new ways to help them grow their healthy and green businesses and serve our readers in their typically spectacular fashion. As readers, you support advertisers’ investment in this free magazine every time you tell them “I found you in Natural Awakenings!” Thank you.
Your good health is a primary objective in 2012, and this January issue is devoted to helping you and every member of your family (including animals) to optimize wellness. From our feature article, “Alternative Goes Mainstream” and “How to be a Good Patient” to Dr. Deepak Chopra’s insights on conscious well-being, this special edition is brimming with valuable practical information. Personally, I plan to clip and carry Brendan Brazier’s super food tips; I think I’ll also consult with the dogs about some acupuncture.
Together we will make 2012 good,
May God Bless alan
