COMA member George Johanson makes gifts of black walnuts all year long. He’s really perfected the art of “walnut diplomacy.”
I spent most of this day cracking black walnuts and thinking about the people I love who will receive black walnut gifts.
I still support Kiva and American Forests. This year I’m adding the Goshen Animal Shelter and Project Schoolhouse to my list. Project Schoolhouse ensures books do not end up in our land-fill. If the books are no longer fit to read, they can be turned into useful recyclable items, like insulation or garden compost.
I have always hated shopping. Years ago I lived with a shopaholic roommate, who delighted in keeping an eye out for clothing that would keep me from being a true fashion victim. Those days are long gone, but the fashion police haven’t caught up with me yet.
Holiday shopping is my idea of a nightmare. And that was before it became a life-threatening endeavor.
As everyone I know feels the economic pinch, I can see no reason to support corporate chemical contraptions and concoctions. With the limited dollars I have, I’d rather support the individuals and organizations who try to make the world a better place. After all, isn’t that what gift-giving is really about?
I just LOVE the black walnuts you sent me. Although I did let my daughter TASTE one, I reserved the rest for myself and carefully doled them out over the course of a couple days.
Glorious, high-energy and delivered with love and thoughtfulness.
Thank you… as a person who doesn’t really need (or even like) “things” — this was a rare treat!
Comment by Angela Allen Parker — January 19, 2009 @ 10:55 am
I’m so glad you savored them, Angela. May your daughter develop a taste for them and all things natural.
It’s a blessing to be able to share my wild harvest with someone as deserving as you.
Comment by jj_murphy — January 19, 2009 @ 4:02 pm