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HOLDFAST -- AT HOME IN THE NATURAL WORLD |
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS It is often said that what a writer needs most is time alone to think, to write, to agonize: the writer chewing forlornly on a pencil, or walking snowy streets alone. Don't believe it for a minute. Frank and I lived by ourselves in an isolated Northwoods cabin last fall -- an experiment in the writing life. I learned to build a fire in a cookstove and revise text with my mittens on. But most important, I learned that I can no more write in isolation than build a fire with one log. A fire needs bundles of kindling and at least two logs to hold the heat, which is a lesson for any writer. Even Thoreau walked to town for Sunday lunch with friends. So I am grateful -- as a person and as a writer -- for my family, friends, and colleagues, for the warmth of their company and the spark of their ideas. My deep-felt thanks ... To Frank, casting dry flies on a day that threatens rain. To Jonathan, who is now, I would guess, asleep on a beach under the Southern Cross. To Erin, who at last word was wind-bound with her friends on a boundary waters lake. To all the Deans and all the Moores who walked these trails with us, these wise and wonderful people. To my sisters, Sally Swegan and Nancy Rosselli, for their stories and their love. To our backcountry friends, Todd and Susan Brown, who know which way the current flows and how to call in wrens. To the philosophers and scientists who shared their knowledge and their passion -- Marcus Borg, Natasha Calvin, Robert Ellis, Charles King, Robert Mason, Jessica McKibben, Bruce Menge, Frank Moore, James Rose, and Lani Roberts; and to a scientist-philosopher of the first rank, Jonathan Moore. To writers, generous and talented people who read early drafts and tried to set me straight -- Chris Anderson, Marion McNamara, Yvonne Mozee, David Platt, Steve Radosevich, Marjorie Sandor, Carolyn Servid, and Gail Wells. To Maria Deira, a talented research associate and writer, who helped in so many ways during two hot summers. Especially, to a young editor who has a miraculous way with words -- Erin Moore. To Victoria Shoemaker of Spieler Agency West, for help and affirmation, and to Lilly Golden of the Lyons Press, for her unfailing faith and good advice. To George and Amy Somero who shared their cabin, a peaceful place built of knotty pine and family love. To Carolyn Servid and Dorik Mechau, co-directors of the Island Institute, good people of boundless intellect and hospitality. And always, to the wild places. Thank you for your gifts.
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