Nature-based and Creative Finds in Greenport, Long Island

Just two hours from New York City, Greenport on the North Fork of Long Island is a more low-key alternative to the scene in the Hamptons. 

Roaming around Greenport early in the day before high season started has many advantages, including finding artistic shapes outside restaurants that had not yet opened.

I found plenty of artistic inspiration in Greenport, Long Island even without visiting the myriad galleries.

In fact, not all the creative art in Greenport, Long Island is displayed in the galleries.

A short drive from Main Street, numerous shaded boardwalks zig-zag through the wetlands that provide abundant bird watching opportunities in the Arshamomaque Pond Preserve, which was renamed for an environmental champion, Paul Stoutenburgh.

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A Creative and Comfy Inn in Connecticut

A stay at the Homestead Bed and Breakfast, a family-owned inn in Madison, Connecticut, couldn’t be more comfortable and comforting, especially in these stress-filled days of the pandemic. During my recent stay, I was swaddled in a large, white-on-white guest room with nothing but views of nature. It’s what my soul required.

The public spaces are able to meld the vintage (an array of vintage cameras, typewriters, stereoscopes and other objects) with the whimsical. I’m a big fan of this playful display.

There are so many artistic surprises at this inn. I found this table and wee gourd on my patio.

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Quirky Plush Doll -- Angry JCreatures®

Meet the “Angry J.” She’s the first of my JCreatures® line of quirky, plush dolls. Whether kids or adults, we all have moments when we’re angry: at our mom or dad, a teacher, boss, friend, partner, spouse, or postal worker. (The list goes on and on...)

But, no matter how rotten your mood, just looking at “Angry J” is sure to make you laugh. And, just like that, your frustrations vanish -- even for a brief time -- or at least they feel less important.

The “Angry J” is for kids and adults. Keep her on your bed or on your desk at the office; maybe she can sit with you on the school bus or when you’re commuting on the train.

The JCreatures® and I have a long history together: I’ve been drawing “Angry J” since I was 10 years old (as well as her companions, “Happy J,” “Mischievous J,” “Sad J,” “Hungry J,” “Surprised/Fearful J,” and “Sleepy J.”) I was a geeky little kid who had few friends and creating these Little Js was my creative way to express my feelings and deal with my frustrations at home and school.

The “Angry J” is Made in America. She sells for $25, and 10% of annual net profits will go toward supporting the efforts of She's The First, a non-profit that sponsors girls’ education in 11 low-income countries (including Nepal, Guatemala and Sierra Leone) with the goal of creating first-generation graduates and the next generation of global leaders. (After all, I’m a first-generation graduate of Barnard College, and a former educator.) I couldn't be happier to partner with this inspiring organization that has made it their mission to increase the number of female graduates around the world.

You can buy "Angry J" here. 

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