WHY, WHY?
Why do people do what they do? What inspires them? What keeps them going? We put this question to a set of somewhat improbable, deeply interesting people (who live up and down this valley), making some inside bets on what the answers would be. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you, our readers, that we were pretty consistently wrong about these projected answers; such are the surprises we regularly receive from the denizens of this Hudson Valley.
We asked the same question of our columnists, and they didn’t disappoint either. Brigit Binns tells us why we might want to prepare for the (idea of a) $40 tomato. John Katz explains why dogs need a job. Paula Forman informs us why some people would be better off paying someone else to golf for them. Julian Darley expounds on why we should all plan on being locals. Carlo and Dominique De Vito remind us why choosing a good wine and visiting a local farm stand may turn into a one-stop event. Dakota Lane enlightens us about why we should pay attention the next time His Holiness the Karmapa shows up in town. Joan Morgan sheds light on why a top Manhattan magazine editor (herself) might pick her life up one day and move to Kingston. Erika Tsoukenalis describes why putting a whole array of grasses and plants on your roof might be an excellent idea. And Drew Coffey tells us why taking a sentimental journey back to Albany might make for a religious experience.
And then there’s this: Why ask why? Besides the highly entertaining, occasionally idiosyncratic information we got from the answers, it’s hard not to be moved on another level. Call it the salutary effect of hearing the question why answered honestly. Suddenly, perhaps, you look at everything in a new light. You want to eject the frivolous, delete the unnecessary, throw out what doesn’t work anymore. You become a strict sergeant of your own time. The rich possibilities of life, the big stuff your dull brain skipped over, now jump out at you. As wise people always tell us: It’s all in the asking.
So it should come as no surprise that the theme of this issue started out as Faith, morphed into Why? then wound up being about faith after all. So much for planning and predictability.
One more note: This will be Bethany Saltman’s final issue as managing editor. We are all going to miss her. The magazine owes her a big debt for helping us get it to the healthy and strong position we are in today. Thanks, Bethany.
