Letters to the Editor
Another Two Cents
I enjoyed and was also dismayed by the rash of letters in the January [2006] issue sparked by your article on Bishop Gene Robinson.
I was stunned by the numbers of readers who thought you had no business casting the bishop in any sort of favorable light. In fact, one writer took you to task for including “issues that would detract from the pleasant read” she had come to expect. I am a subscriber and here’s my two cents.
New Hampshire Magazine should be about what goes on in New Hampshire —controversial or not. We Granite Staters are certainly known for our “crustiness” but also for our intelligence, insight and interest in the reality of life in our free-thinking state.
I, for one, want something of importance to think about when I read about New Hampshire goings-on, not just one bland, pap-filled article after another. Just for starters, I couldn’t relate to the Lake Sunapee estate you gushed over.
If you really want to stir up up some reader comment, I suggest you run an article on the so-called “un-biased” findings of the New Hampshire Commission established by SB427 to study the issue of same-gender marriage. Now there is something to chew on.
Mary Lou Fuller
Concord
Who Says?
If Albert from Salem had read the entire article on Bishop Robinson, all the way to the end, then he would have known that my “crusty conservative silly comment” was a quote from that article. Tim Rich, the Episcopal priest who is the Bishop’s assistant, stated, and I quote, “Isn’t it a beautiful thing that this happened not in San Francisco but in crusty, conservative New Hampshire?” (Italics added for emphasis.)
Perhaps the quotation marks around that phrase in my original e-mail were not enough of a clue? I have lived in New Hampshire all my life, and trust me — some New Hampshire-ites are most definitely “crusty.” However, I have watched New Hampshire become a sort of melting pot of New England, I’m guessing due to the lack of sales tax. We have developed a much larger blend of nationalities, cultures and influences lately. I enjoy and embrace this change, especially since, as a lover of food, it means that restaurants with new and interesting cuisine are opening everywhere!
I agree that New Hampshire has had a reputation for being “crusty,” but I also believe it is shedding that reputation in exchange for taking a risk on things that are new, and opening her arms to people who can teach us more than we ever imagined. It is what is becoming of New Hampshire — her future — and I welcome it not only for us, but for our children and all generations to come.
Michele Gilbert
Pembroke
No Fear
I read with both amusement and anxiety your piece in the January New Hampshire Magazine on getting skis clamped to your feet at “a certain age.” This was on the eve of a family trip to Smuggler’s Notch, where it was planned that the old man finally join the kids (12, 9 and 7) and Mom in the wintertime activity they all love.
Your experience helped me realize I would likely return home whole and unencumbered by a body bag. Sure enough, the instructors in the adult program were patient and by the end of our three days I had become the undisputed master of the bunny hill. I think I may just try it again. Thanks for the encouragement.
Tom Andrew
Contoocook
Thanks for Sharing
Just finished reading the January issue of the magazine. The focus on “Home” was refreshing, the photography was lush and beautiful, and the stories most interesting. From “cover to cover,” you’ve done a wonderful job of sharing life in New Hampshire with your readers. We particularly enjoyed the article on the Abbot-Spalding house.
As the innkeepers of a historic country inn, we are constantly redecorating, upgrading and renovating our guest rooms and public areas. This issue gave us some great ideas for future projects.
Many thanks for the beautiful January issue and we look forward to future editions of the special magazine.
Cyndi and Mason Cobb
Innkeepers, Colby Hill Inn
Henniker
Left Coast Laughs
This article [Last Laugh, Jan. 2006] is absolutely great. I moved from Granada Hills, Calif., (a few miles from Woodland Hills) this summer to be near my four grandchildren — twins girls 7, Stephen 5, KD 2 (and of course their parents).
The article was so true — the only thing Lou Bortone didn’t include is how I miss Trader Joe’s. Have to drive to Nashua.
Betsy Beck
Hooksett
Do That Again
I seldom read editor’s notes, publisher’s prefaces and the like. However, I did read your comments regarding the story of international letters of peace and the Ark [Feb. 2006]. I am glad I did.
You should re-print it.
Every month, for a long time.
David Phillips
Amherst
Appreciate It
I thoroughly enjoyed the UpFront article, “The Art of Ikebana” [Jan. 2006]. The photographic introduction was arresting. But it was the quote that preceded the article that drew me in. Excellent work!
I was marginally familiar with this art form due to an article I had read in the Awake magazine. Although his is a religious message, Mr. Tsuyoshi Fujii’s story has the similarity of keenness and fondness for flowers that your article conveys.
I’ve enclosed Fujii-san’s article. Perhaps you may appreciate his story.
Thank you for your pleasant article. Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder, but appreciation springs from the heart.
Marianne Mafera
Pelham
A Devilish Task
I enjoy New Hampshire Magazine and local places of interest. Have subscribed to your magazine for many years. We all look forward to finding the Newt. But as we’re scanning for the little devil, we take great interest in the articles from our great state.
Betty Burdick
Salisbury
