BY ANITA THOMPSON
With great pleasure, I present to you the second issue of The Woody Creeker. You are probably as thrilled as I am to see the cover art by none other than our friend and ally Ralph Steadman. I’m honored to offer all sorts of unusual and stimulating art to you on the cover, the centerfold, and throughout the entire magazine.
You may have noticed that it is 2 pages longer than the first issue! In the beginning, my intention was to keep it a 32 page magazine, but I see that is going to be impossible, at least for now, because of the large volume of great material that was submitted to us over the last two months. I made some painful cuts for the sake of avoiding a gigantic tome.
I hope you will laugh, learn something, and be inspired by the material in this issue, as I am. Ed Bradley’s interview, for example, inspired me to resurrect the elusive Woody Creek Rod & Gun Club. Decades ago. Paul Pascarella designed the stationery on which this editor’s note is printed.
The introduction is by my neighbor. County Commissioner Michael Owsley, who turns the concept of fishing on its head, and is the case oh, so often in Woody Creek. Gaylor Guenin takes us on his flight of fancy, and Dwight Shellman demystifies the process of getting our elected officials to reaffirm their duty to uphold the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution, and tells how other communities can do the same. Yale lawyer and neighbor John VanNess, in his column, points out with a smile some of the misdemeanors and felonies you probably are committing in this very moment, as you read this page.
Proud Uncle Jimmy Ibbotson talks music, while Janet Schoberlein talks gardening, and Alice talks Michael Franti and the Black Crowes in the spirit of Gonzo.
In her witty style, Peg O’Brien, our local physical therapist. and well known alternative medicine practitioner, “supports your will to heal” your cracked skin. You will love love George Stranahan’s photo and story “Amor en el Aire.” I am happy to introduce/the first installment of his daughter Molly’s memoir about the charmed and rugged life she had growing up in Woody Creek almost half a century ago.
In a different kind of historical thread. Eric Shoaf, a chief administrator the library of Brown University. has been collecting Hunter’s early work for more than 25 years and has been compiling a comprehensive bibliography from his findings. He has kindly agreed to take us along on his journey, now and in the future, as he finds more gems to add to the collection.
We all know longtime Woody Creeker Andy Hall. I”m happy that in the Conversations in the Kitchen portion of this issue are the excerpts from my interview with Andy. who is an important part of our Woody Creek character.
And character, yes, this brings me to maybe my favorite part of this issue. Which I would like to dedicate to Bill Cardoso. Call me biased. but I must point out these two pages (26 & 27) together: Linda Luke’s rules for a full moon, and my husband’s rules for driving fast. Read the two together, and you will get a very real glimpse into what l call the Woody Creek Life.
Until next time,
Your friend,
Anita Thompson
Owl Farm
