Mother Earth News Fair

I thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Mother Earth News team and all the presenters and attendees at the Mother Earth News Fair. It was the first time New Society Publishers has had such a large group of authors together at one time. It was a privilege to get to spend time with so many knowledgeable authors and activists.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort was a gorgeous location for the fair. The weather cooperated and the outdoor tents created a pleasant environment for the speakers and attendees. Inside the conference centre, the halls were packed and it was standing room only for many speakers.

I loved the location, the speakers, the workshops and the hands on displays, but my favorite part of the fair was the Mother Earth News staff. My first inkling of how the days would unfold came as I was busily helping Robin Wheeler set up for her talk - arranging microphones, setting up the computer, the usual techie kinds of things. I had approached a woman wearing a Mother Earth News tag to ask for help, and she and I got things sorted out. It wasn't until we finished that I turned to introduce myself. It was Cheryl Long, Editor in Chief at Mother Earth News and a long time self-sufficiency and sustainable living advocate. She was the host of the Mother Earth News Stage. Throughout the weekend, I continued to have the opportunity to work alongside people from Mother Earth News , whom I have long admired and considered icons of the sustainable living movement.

I am accustomed to New Society Publishers employees "walking the talk", but I rarely come across this in the same way when I leave what I call "the sheltered workshop" of Gabriola Island. The Mother Earth News staff truly embodied the spirit of hands-on, practical work. The highlight of the fair was not only attending presentations by these long time sustainable living advocates, but also working together to help create a winning experience for the fair attendees.

Before I left for the fair, I had a list of people I hoped to meet and chat with. Having had the chance to "get my hands dirty" (so to speak) with so many of them in the bookstore, the presentations and the press room was the icing on the cake.

Congratulations to everyone involved in putting together such a stellar event. I can't wait for the next one. When I returned to work, my message was that every one of our employees should try to attend if at all possible. Look for me and my entire family at the next Fair in Seattle!