coverartist
letterfrompublisher
It seems that the more we tamper with and depart from
nature, the worse the consequences. Such is the case with
genetically modified foods, or GMOs, as explained in
Claire Hope Cumming’s primer on page 36.
As far as we know, nobody has died yet from eating
GMOs, but it’s eerily unnatural. We have little inkling of
the long-term personal and planetary effects of splicing
and dicing DNA to create new “Frankenfoods.” Certainly
the circle of life is irretrievably altered.
While agrochemical and political constituencies engineer and profit from un-
natural technologies they claim can feed the world, independent scientists and
Ride to the Fair
policymakers decry it as a disaster of unprecedented consequences. With no U.S.
labeling laws to warn us, we have no idea when we are eating GMOs; our govern-
lowell Herrero
ment has denied us the opportunity to choose.

Bursting with life, overlarge and endur-
As if GMO crops, cloning and the accelerating practice of irradiation aren’t
ing, the people, animals and landscapes
enough, we also shed light on the connection between livestock production and
rendered by Lowell Herrero’s imagina-
climate change. Did you know that livestock farming produces more greenhouse
tion invite us to smile with pleasure and
gases than all forms of transport combined? Maybe it will inspire us all to eat less
enjoy their inner vitality and plenitude.
meat. Guidelines for supporting those farms that at least raise animals in a more
humane and healthy way are on page 41.
Herrero’s brilliant handling of intense
colors and his serene, balanced compo-
With more informed choices, we can give thanks that, like the Pilgrims and early
sitions can be traced to his early career
Native Americans, we can enjoy wholesome foods, courtesy of our local natural
as a successful commercial designer.
food markets. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a world where all food and wa-
Eventually, his passion to paint full-time
ter sources were pure? It’s our God-given right, but we have to claim it.
prevailed. In 1982, Herrero traded his
career for his canvases. During travels
We have a growing need to get closer to our food supply—to plant neighborhood
to Tuscany, Provence and Spain, he
gardens, support local farmers and buy organic. We must vote with our dollars
absorbed the lessons of their sensuous
and plainly tell policymakers what we want. When we participate in and support
landscapes. His ongoing love affair
local groups promoting healthier living, we’ll feel better. Natural Awakenings links
with the Napa Valley, where he main-
the many local resources fostering this slow food movement.
tains a studio, continues to inspire his
earthy paintings.
As bungling financial institutions break down, opportunities for something better
must emerge. As necessary transitions occur, it’s vital that we stay connected with
Herrero’s art, notable for its controlled
the true Source of our abundance. You may find Lynn Woodland’s tips helpful for
use of exaggeration and distortion,
experiencing prosperity, regardless of economic conditions (page 32).
celebrates a lifelong enchantment with
nature’s beauty and fecundity and our
Think you don’t have enough? Give something away—whether time or resources.
deep human connection with it. The
Holidays provide infinite possibilities for opening wide the comforting flow of
vibrant colors of horizons and rich
goodness. On page 26 Natural Awakenings talks with local individuals whose
earth, the sensations of sunlight and the
quest to make a difference and give back to our community has led them to real-
fragrance of flower-covered hillsides
ize how giving and receiving are one.
mingle in his mind’s eye. Then, they
flow through his paintbrush onto the
Welcome back to our winter residents—we’ve missed you. How blessed we all
canvas, projecting the artist’s irrepress-
are to be here. Let’s breathe deeply and affirm daily that our needs are always pro-
ible joie de vivre.
vided for. The world improves with an attitude of gratitude as we, like the Iroquois
in their Thanksgiving Address on page 30, rev up the vibration of abundance.
Lowell Herrero’s work is held in private
collections worldwide. View his portfo-
Many blessings and much gratitude,
lio at LowellHerrero.com.
Sharon Bruckman, Publisher
 Collier / Lee Counties
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