Nostalgia and Hope

Mount Pollux, Amherst ~ Photo by Mindy Domb

Delighted to report that our 2023 Head in the Clouds Amherst Wall Calendar can now be purchased at Amherst Books, located in downtown Amherst at 8 Main Street on The Common. Amherst Books is a locally owned, independent bookshop. In addition to our calendar, they carry new and used books, including an outstanding selection of poetry, literature, philosophy, small press titles, and literary journals. Call them at 800-503-5865 to make sure they have calendars in stock before you go over. And be sure to let us know if they've run out. 

You can also purchase the calendar at the UMass Store and online at https://etsy.me/3VtYHu2. And you can view all the months here. 

While we're talking calendar, remember Mount Pollux back in the day? You may recall that one of the two "twin" maples on the summit, an aging tree that had been repeatedly struck by lightning, was cut down in 2018. This is a photo of that now felled tree, captured by Mindy Domb some years back. This is also the featured photo for August in the 2023 calendar. As Mindy observes, "The moment captured at sunset fills me with a combination of nostalgia and hope." 

By the way, a piece of that tree was made into a gavel that has been used since 2019 by Amherst Town Council.

Recognize these names?

Franklin County, looking northwest ~ Photo by Brittany Wolcott

The 2023 Head in the Clouds Amherst wall calendar, now on sale, features photographs taken by amateur and professional photographers who live in and visit our little corner of the world. We are your neighbors and friends - indeed, I'm willing to bet you'll recognize at least one name among our 2023 photographers: Andy Churchill, Linda Repasky, Mandana Marsh, Richard Getler, Annie Tvetenstrand, Sharon Vardatira, James Patten, Mindy Domb, Marian Wolfsun, Brittany Wolcott, Torrey Trust, and Sarah Madison.

While you're musing on which names you recognize, gaze on this perfect autumn view of the Berkshires, the featured photo for October 2023, taken by avid hiker and nature lover, Brittany Wolcott. Then follow this link to see all the monthly photos or purchase your own 2023 Head in the Clouds Amherst calendar through Etsy: https://etsy.me/3VtYHu2

Even better, proceeds will benefit the Kestrel Land Trust!

This is Indigenous Land

View from the side door - State Street, Amherst
Photo by Sharon Vardatira

We only have one earth. Let’s take care of it.
~ Deb Haaland (U.S. secretary of the interior and enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe)

This has been one fine holiday weekend, and today got even lovelier with the appearance of fair weather clouds. It's officially Indigenous People's Day here in Amherst tomorrow - a time to look deeper, understanding that this, too, is Indigenous land.