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 Photo by Eric Paulsrud Photography
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Home&Garden departments fall 06
Dear Reader: When I was a kid, I remember exploring the yard and discovering some useful things: how an ice plant’s pointed, squishy tip would easily slide onto a stick to create the perfect spear for playing cowboys and Indians (I preferred to be an Indian); how tough little acorns could be ground into a flour-like powder to make imaginary tortillas; how pungent eucalyptus leaves could perfume your clothes; and how if you lay quite still in the grass and peered between the green slivers, you would discover a whole microcosm living just beneath your feet. Those childhood images are ingrained in my memory, along with many others. And though I’ve gathered new memories along this journey of life, the ones that always seem most vivid are those glimpsed as a kid. Perhaps that’s because children look at the world with a good dose of awe and a greater measure of imagination. They’re always open to the moment, to the magic, to seeing in a different way. That’s why we’ve included “Through the Looking Glass” in this issue. It’s a somewhat offbeat feature on page 67 that prompts us to view each day as a gift, with presents waiting to be unwrapped. We all get caught up in careers, parenting, chores and responsibilities, and often shortchange the “me” time that reconnects us with our spirit and the earth. This feature, with photographs by local fine-art photographer Christopher Brown and poems by Naropa University writing professor Jack Collom, may encourage you to rediscover the magic in each day. In that vein, we’ve also included a feature on “Sacred Spaces” on page 103 that visits a few spiritual sanctuaries in local homes. You may be surprised to learn that a sacred space can be as tiny as a windowsill! We haven’t neglected life’s practical side, either. If you’re thinking about a new kitchen countertop, see our handy guide to natural countertop materials on page 92. If you want quick, inexpensive decorating ideas, turn to page 83. With an eye on the environment, learn how to make your home more energy efficient on page 18, and how to create the perfect compost pile on page 72. If you’re reluctant to kiss your garden goodbye for the season, see pages 23 and 107 to learn which flowers bloom through fall. As always, thanks to the many residents who graciously open their homes and gardens to us. The Rosenbergs’ garden on page 42 is a pastoral pleasure, complete with their pet swans, Steve and Lucille. Mike Bonino’s loft on page 60 is a masterful lesson in minimalism, while architect Harvey Hine’s inspired loft design on page 54 throws “contemporary” a new curve. Liz and Dave Davis’ home on page 76 demonstrates the warming powers of wood, while the winning Architectural Showcase Contest homes on page 32 reflect bold concepts. If you’re concerned about the impacts of scrape-offs on older neighborhoods, flip to page 27 to see how the city and county plan to address this increasingly heated issue. Of course, fall offers its own special pleasures, so turn to page 12 to find out where to visit a pumpkin patch, wander through a corn maze or tour some green-built homes. I’m going to set aside some “me” time to enjoy nature’s colorful palette this season. I hope you will, too.
Sincerely,
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