LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1531798
Rhiannon Happy winter, Editor LOCALadk 6 A M E S S A G E F R O M R H I A N N O N LOCALadk At least once a year, I revisit a beloved 2009 TED talk titled "The Danger Of a Single Stor y" by Nigerian writ- er Chimamanda Adichie. In her talk, Adichie defines the "single stor y" as having one – and only one – stor y of a person, people, places, or spaces. She believes the single stor y "flattens" our understanding of others, saying, "I've always felt that it is impossible to engage properly with a place or a person without engaging with all of the stories of that place and that person." Just as Adichie reminds us to seek the many stories of people and places, winter invites us to discover the hidden narratives of the Adirondacks, both in its land- scape and its vibrant community. From a purely geographic standpoint, I adore how winter affords us the opportunity to know the many stories of the mountains many of us are fortunate to call home. Contrar y to spring's explosion of life, the summer dance of flora and fauna, and fall's showstop- ping chromatic pizazz, winter is comparatively barren. Exposed to us are the cracks, crevices, blemishes, and dimples of the mountains hidden beneath a coniferous blanket woven through the other seasons. The ridge- lines come more sharply into focus, the connectivity of the peaks more strongly obser ved. It is a season when we are able to – as the 20th Centur y painter Andrew Wyeth said – "feel the bone structure of a landscape." Winter provides us these stories, allowing us to better know and love the mountains. But while this region is known for its landscapes, this, too, ser ves as a single stor y of the region. Amongst the peaks, rivers, bogs, and streams are its people – a community of doers and makers, movers and shakers, artists, athletes, visionaries, and dream- ers. We are all of these things and more, and it has been our honor at LOC ALadk to allow our readers to engage with the many beautiful stories our region has to offer. We look forward to sharing stories with you for many years to come. We thank you, as always, for your readership and encourage you to support the wonderful and talented local businesses throughout the Adirondacks whenev- er possible. By supporting them, you not only sustain our region but also help preser ve and celebrate the vibrant stories that make the Adirondacks so extraor- dinar y. It is through their continued support that we are able to bring LOC ALadk to you and yours as a free publication.