Shop for Charity

Last month, Cat Tales Press not only had the opportunity to sign “Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache” at the Fairfield Women’s Exchange, 332 Pequot Avenue, but to really get a first hand look inside this non-profit organization. A one-of-a-kind shop in Connecticut, run by volunteers, it is one such enterprise among a federation of 24 Women’s Exchanges throughout the country.

During the book signing, it seemed that one of the most popular items (especially among grandmothers searching for heirlooms) at our local Exchange was the knitted and handmade infant garments. The toddlers whom we saw that day in the store preferred the toys, of course; fortunately, the ball that seemed irresistible to bounce across the room was a cloth one!

The Exchange is a favored venue among local artists and writers (me included). Many of the watercolors for sale depict local scenes like idyllic renditions of the Southport Harbor, just a stone’s throw away! Another novel gift-giving idea (perhaps for a shut-in during Christmas) is See’s Candies; the Exchange is the Connecticut’s sole distributor!

Dedicated to helping people help themselves, the Exchange serves consignors by providing a retail marketplace. Since its founding in 1962, consignors have received more than $3,500,000! In addition, more than $855,000 has been awarded to services that aid the physical and mental health of women and children on a local level! Wow, if you really want to shop until you drop, there is only one stop--the Fairfield Women's Exchange!

Foliage Time in Connecticut:
Fall for the Tree-mendous Colors


As if a consolation prize to summer's finale, fall ushers in a fiery pageant of reds, yellows and oranges to delight the senses. Typically, fall foliage begins in late September and runs through mid-to-late October. However, sometimes during the bustle of the changing seasons, whereas throngs of visiting leaf peepers journey from afar to regale in Connecticut's foliage, we natives neglect the panorama in our own backyard.

To catch the splendor, you must hurry! State tourism officials predict that peak color will arrive a bit early this year between October 5 and October 12. Call the Fairfield Historical Society, 203-259-1598, to reserve a spot for the two-hour walking tour held on October 14. Meeting at the society's headquarters at 636 Old Post Road, learn about Fairfield's Colonial past while strolling though the multi-hued tapestry that weaves throughout the historical district; quite awe inspiring when you realize that the early settlers stood under many of the same trees.

For a sampling of statewide color, pick up "What to do in Connecticut"at the Fairfield County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Norwalk, 203-853-7770. The free brochure features some excellent fall foliage drives throughout the state along with easy-to-follow, over-sized maps. The "Fairfield Scenic"route, for instance, begins in Norwalk on Route 15 (the Merritt Parkway). Take Exit 38 in New Canaan, Route 123, drive north to Danbury, and then farther north to Woodbury, and then Southbury; southward through Bethel on Route 58. This approximate 115-mile excursion completes a full loop ending on Route 136 in Norwalk. Another nearby route not listed in the brochure, commences at Exit 41 off Route 15. Travel Weston's Route 53 into 58. Stop to experience the brilliant show at Putnam Memorial State Park on Route 107.

The Merritt Parkway itself provides a vibrant backdrop. After all, out of the 44 National Scenic Roads in America, it is one such designated attraction, along with Route 169, which is well worth the nearly two-hour drive in Connecticut's most enchanting eastern pocket.

Growing in popularity among hikers and bikers is the Air Line Rail Trail, 860-267-6020, a 50-mile stretch running from East Hampton to the Massachusetts boarder. The picturesque area overlooks streams and ponds while turkey, deer and fox sightings enhance the milieu.

For one of the most invigorating expeditions that explores the colors of fall in Fairfield County, consider a tour on a 2.5-hour fall foliage cruise at Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium. One of the best photogenic features anywhere is the autumn shoreline. Why? The Maritime Aquarium educators explain the changing flora as well as the interesting marine life of Long Island Sound until no leaf is left unturned.

Another novel way to encounter fall foliage is in the Connecticut River Valley. Get onboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Ride Valley Railroad, 800-ESSEX-TRAIN. Ride on the 1920s authentic steam locomotive and end the day sailing on the Connecticut River. This season, no matter where you enjoy the effervescent extravaganza, make it a point to give Mother Nature her due applause before Jack Frost steals the stage.

For additional foliage trails, peruse my book, Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache. You can order on-line or send $19.95 (free shipping and handling) to Cat Tales Press, P.O. Box 382, Greens Farms, CT 06838.

Passion!

How long has it been since you did something you loved?
Here’s a funky list of things that I LOVE to do:

• Counting the shades of green in my backyard
• Trying to find blue stars in the night’s sky
• Laughing at a joke that isn’t funny
• Drinking a non-alcoholic Pina Colada (decorated with a paper umbrella, of course)—in the winter!

Here’s a recipe: Pina Colada

i n g r e d i e n t s

6 fluid ounces pineapple juice or fresh pineapple chunks

2 fluid ounces Coconut cream

3 to 4 cups of Ice

Cherries

Slices of pineapple, orange or lime

Paper umbrellas for decoration

h o w t o m i x

In a blender, crush ice while gradually adding the pineapple and the coconut cream.

The ice should be thick enough to hold a cherry on top without sinking into the drink. Serve in a tall glass with a straw. Garnish with one cherry and a slice of pineapple. Insert a paper umbrella for that tropical, exotic touch.

• Drinking Penzy’s Hot Cocoa ANY TIME OF YEAR, if you haven’t heard of Penzy’s, you just haven’t lived, http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html Think about your passion.

Don’t wait for the weekend to indulge in it! Or, can you find passion in what you are doing right now?

Here's a FUNKY list of things I am grateful for:

• I love splashing in puddles wearing funky boots!
• Ants HAVE NOT invaded our house this summer!
• My 13-year-old son IS NOT doing the things that I was doing at his age!
• My house needs painting, total bathroom/exterior revamping, but I am still proud to call it home.
• That although I’m getting “on in years,” I still LOVE to wear red sneakers/shoes! (Dorothy would be proud.)
• That I reconnected with my old high school buddies and I LIKE THEM NOW (this probably has to do with the fact that I like myself now, too!)
• That the dust bunnies are almost out of our house, I JUST HAD to clean them out before my dear friend Jan came for a visit from Florida two weeks agot! Thanks, Jan!
• My dear friend Pat is FOREVER my sounding board. Thanks, Pat!
• That my 80-year-old mother overgrows cucumbers and I can be proud to share them with neighbors.
• My husband is going through a slump, but I can still love him (despite the fact that I may not LIKE the place where he is at!)

I can accept ABSOLUTELY everything, but don’t HAVE to like it. Now, brainstorm--what's on YOUR list?

After Three Years--My Brother Is Still Alive!

About ten years ago, I heard about a Catholic nun who traveled around the world. No big deal--until I learned she had no money in her pocket! Also, she never planned her destination, but philanthropists and all kinds of good people entered her life and she always arrived where she was suppose to! Amazing, huh? I don't know about other religions, but Catholics refer to this joyful way of life as "living in the Spirit." Essentially, the Holy Spirit guides their "travels on earth."

After many (too many) years of trying to be in control of my life, I was very weary, tired and depressed. When I heard about this nun (who is STILL out there somewhere in the world), I decided I wanted to live my life as much as I could in this "spirited" way. Fortunately, I had always liked spontaneity in my life. Over the course of these last ten years, I must say that more times than not, when I'm "in the spirit," I live the most blissful lifestyle.

This past weekend serves as only one example. I had heard about the Monroe (CT) Congregational Church's 35th Annual Strawberry Festival. It was six days before the event, and I decided to call the chairperson in charge and see if I could squeeze in as a new author with a book (Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache) to sell. When Barbara the chairperson told me there was one space left, I said, "Well, it's waiting for me."

Although the booth's rental was nearly three times more than I usually pay, I knew ("life in the spirit") my name was on that booth! Besides selling a good amount of books, a lot of amazing things happened that weekend. First, I should say, that Saturday morning, upon arrival things seemed dismal. Unexpectedly, it drizzled. Naturally, I was the only "vendor" without cover, but I managed to secure my books under the table and the tree canopy above protected me from getting wet. Was someone taking care of me, or what? I also started to feel sad. No traffic. No sales. Then I remembered that I had to expect miracles! And although things didn't appear to change, my thinking changed. To make a looong story short, during the afternoon, as sales did pick up and I did meet some lovely vendors, I was moved forward to a space that was unoccupied. The chairwoman thought it would provide more traffic because it was near the information booth. Why not?

Now, as a side note, my brother Mike, who died three years ago, had been on my mind during the week. I never freak out about his being dead, because I feel he really is "alive." Anyway, back to the story. I was sitting there and my eye caught something behind me on the adjacent vendor's booth. It was a black basketball cap with "Vietnam" printed on the front. It was the identical one that my brother Mike had had. Naturally, I went to talk to this man who was selling his beautifully framed photographs. Indeed, he was a Vietnam veteran--a radio man from Wallingford--my brother was from Fairfield...no connection there, but as we continued talking we realized that the same time Jim was in 'Nam so was my brother Mike. My imagination told me that they could have passed each other! Now, out of more than 100 vendors, I find Jim. Virtually days before he died, my book was suppose to be published, but everything fell through. The day my brother Mike died, he e-mailed me that it was okay, because one day I would publish another book. I just knew that Jim was a sign that my brother knows that I did publish my book after all and that he is proud of me (as he always was--for a brother nearly 13 years older than me!).

Jim reconfirmed what I have known all along. My brother is alive! ALIVE! The spirit that he could never convey on earth, because of an unhealthy lifestyle, has been released as my sister-in-law once said shortly after his death; and I am fortunate to still be on earth living in the spirit.

Whether you are Catholic, Protestant or whatever faith you follow, I hope you too are blessed to live without destination in mind, but always arriving in a serendipitous place!

How's your gratitude today?

Instead of asking people, "How are you?" Why don't we ask them, "How's your gratitude today?"

To me life is GOOD, GREAT actually. Many years ago (nearly 22), I found myself in a very dark, empty place. Because of this period in my life--AND BEING ABLE TO EVENTUALLY GET THROUGH THE DARKNESS, today I truly believe that nothing, absolutely nothing in my life can be worse. So from that standpoint, today I label my days as Good or Great.

I do a lot of volunteer work with people who are where I once was and they "keep it green." I am always reminded, "What's a set of missing keys when I have my health, mind and spirit today?"

I try to live the "lemons to lemonade" concept on a daily basis. What helps me do this is a "Gratitude list"!

What's on your list?

Chet Day's Natural Health Circus: Sugar Addiction

Hi Chet,

It's a circus alright. I have been a sugar addict for as long as I remember. I got off all sugar in 1996, when my daughter was two and I definitely felt great. Of course, that one teensy-weensy scoop of ice cream did me in two years later and I gradually fell back into sugar addiction. I find mornings are easy to stay away from that stuff. Evenings are the hardest. However, now I am day four off the stuff. One thing that helped me in the past and is helping me now is tomato juice and V8 juice. It's tough, but the consequences are tougher. Health reasons aside, I don't want to be a enslaved to anything. So, forge ahead, on to a new day and a "unsugarless" high.