After a lot of thinking with my feet in the waves, I have recently decided to take a Leave of Absence from The Local Planet. Editing, writing and often contributing photographs; it has all been a marvellous experience working for LP for four years - since the second issue, in Spring 2005.
Many thanks indeed to all of subscribers and regular readers who have been helping support the journal (and especially Michael L). But immense gratitude to all the contributors who have so nobly given their time to write for The Local Planet without ever receiving remuneration. . . .
I know Brendan and Gina Dooley appreciated every one of you for giving your valuable time and sharing your extensive knowledge - or splendidly elucidated opinions. And it is thanks to all of you that I have always had a fascinating and ever-flowing content to try to squeeze into whatever format was Brendan's latest whim!
I do wish I could have been able to afford (in time and unsustainable fossil fuel) many more visits to meet people across the country who are working very hard in all manner of avenues of sustainability. I always wished I could have attended so many more of the colourful events, community workshops, markets, conferences and courses. I would have loved to do many more interviews with the gentle, quiet folk, as much as the 'noisy musicians' for our VIP column. It would have been encouraging to have met many more creative entrepreneurs; eco-warriors to eco-builders; those who are resolving renewable energy needs; and academics, inventors and eccentrics, who are not so often appreciated for what they beaver away at in seclusion. And perhaps, more than anything, I wish to acknowledge my deep, personal admiration for the exceptional individuals who have shown extraordinary courage in protecting our environment across Ireland.
Why am I departing? A Leave of Absence sounds a lot more positive than 'resignation' - my absence from LP will be for at least six months. It is necessary for me to resolve some health issues which have been bothering me since January, but I also plan to spend time on my creative writing and illustrating. Perhaps I shall also find the courage to try painting on canvas, rather than walls. If opportunity allows it, I hope to be open to commissions for writing articles too.
My warm regards to those of you who have become friends, and to those with whom I have so enjoyably exchanged e-mails and phone calls. I have learned a great deal from you, as before LP, my life has been in the arts, architecture, property restoration - and even longer ago since my parents farmed organically and my father campaigned for people and animal rights and planted thousands of trees.
Many thanks indeed to those who took the time to give your kind words of encouragement to The Local Planet, and your compliments during my time with this very special, though low-profile publication. I must add that as I have grown too fond of working with the ceaseless workman, fellow chocolate-loving banterer, my 'boss' Brendan, I shall be contributing to the Local Planet web-site occasionally. In the meantime, the articles that have been sent in for what was to be the Spring 2009 issue, will be posted on the web-site.
My best wishes to everyone for your continued energy, success and contentment in the good work you are doing for a sustainable life in this island's thirty-two wonderful counties.
Rosalind |
