“Let us cultivate our garden.” ~ Voltaire

FYI: I am not an AI (Artificial Intelligent) robot. I will continue to cultivate my own inner & outer garden!

Additionally, as a multi-tasking Publisher, my job requires much travel time on the road. I do love to see advertisers in person and restock distribution points; however, I have three Top Pet-Peeves. The first: highway tailgate bullying (road rage). I often get “the finger” or a honk—I either pull-over or just respond with a smile and a 2-fingered peace sign!

The second one is single-use plastics: drive-thru straws and utensils. I always request not to receive, and then often find them in my take-out bag. Maybe if restaurants charge for these items, customers will be less inclined to use? As we celebrate Plastic-Free July, see my offer for a Free, Glass Smoothie Straw on page 9. I have a limited supply, so request asap.

The third Big One: a ticking clock. While staying at my Mother’s home last month during layout, her beautiful antique clock was like Chinese Water Torture for me. My computer setup was on her dining room table next to this wall clock monster. Trying to edit, each tick (and 30-min dongs) reminded me of deadlines and that time flies. Oh, no! (In fact, a hooting night owl is my favorite reminder of the time.)

Speaking of flying time, I am preparing for the July 4th holiday and looking forward to a long weekend. I ponder: Are we Americans In Dependence (perhaps tied to Big Pharma) or Independent? Actually, the latter is impossible. We are all inter-connected—not independent. Author Marlaina Donato shares, “Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things.” See her article The Sweet Tapestry of Summer on p13.

Our feature article The Microbiome Connection (pp 14-17) further explains how soil and human health are related. Both are must-reads.

More food for thought: Enjoy the benefits of a colorful diet—Eat the rainbow! Even though each recipe (pp18-21) lists some cheese or butter, it’s easy to replace with vegan non-dairy options. Yum!

Finally, check out our calendar listings (pp25-27). You will find many good reasons to get outside, soak up vital, natural Vitamin D, and meet like-minded new friends.

Happy Summertime & 4th of July to You All!

PS: My new photo above was taken by Dan & Nancy Kon. It represents my desire to enter the garden and Cultivate! Visit www.konstudio.com or call/text 407-786-3971 for all your photographic needs.