Let's Hear it for the Trees! In Celebration of Arbor Day!

Spring is well in. We can tell by the greening of the grass, the cheerful flowers that appear, and, perhaps, the most heartening sight of all - the greening of the trees. How appropriate that as the spring comes full sway, we celebrate Arbor Day!

Angel Oak of South Carolina - she's a beauty, isn't she?

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit."
-   Robert Louis Stevenson 

We can thank a journalist and nature lover from Nebraska, J. Sterling Morton, for this annual celebration of our most sustaining an valuable natural allies. He recognized the importance of trees to all of nature, and made it his calling to see that everyone understood their importance to our existence. 
"The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and the ennobling in man." 
-   J. Sterling Morton  

Trees have so much they give to the world, it IS an important thing to remember. They provide air, food, prevent erosion, and so much more. Some of the worst environmental damage is when swaths of forests are destroyed.

"Trees can reduce the heat of a summer's day, quiet a highway's noise, feed the hungry, provide shelter from the wind and warmth in the winter.  You see, the forests are the sanctuaries not only of wildlife, but also of the human spirit.  And every tree is a pact between generations." 
-   George Bush, U.S. President, 1989  

Thank you Ents (from Lord of the Rings)

There certainly is a magic in trees. Walking through an old forest does something for your spirit. Everything feels different. Trees can tell the history of an area in their growth and in their very being - within their rings. You can almost hear them whispering their stories as you walk along. You can hear their warning as well.

We haven't always been careful or considerate of their presence because we want their space for concrete that keeps the earth from breathing. They're in the way. But if not for them there'd be no way. 

So this Arbor Day, if you don't want the Ents to get you, take some time and plant a tree, or tend some trees. Walk in one of our amazing parks, or really take a look at the New Jersey Pinelands. Feel the magic that the trees provide, and carry that with you throughout the year. They are a precious commodity that should be listened to. 

We are Groot (Guardians of the Galaxy)

It's Beach Plum Time!

I do love summer. The heat and sunshine, beaches and gardens, the feeling of freedom. And, as much as I love Halloween, I hate to see the summer go. But there remains one more marker of summer, one last great and fabulous blast. It's the ....

Sunday, September 8th, join us and dozens of other outstanding vendors for the Beach Plum

Festival. Island Beach State Park, just past Seaside Heights, is bursting with these natural shore loving fruits. Besides shopping at such fine crafter's as Celtic Chairde Creations, Carolyn's Crystal Creations, Blind Bob's Pottery, Herbertsville Honey and others, you'll be able to go on Kayak tours, Beach Plum picking adventures, learn about the bay and history of the park, and maybe see some of the osprey or foxes that call the park home.

The festival runs from 9 am to 4 pm. Enjoy some activities, listen to the music, have a sit on the

beach, and explore one of the most beautiful areas of the Jersey Shore.

We'll give you 10% off your purchase of $20.00 or more at our booth that day.

 Just mention this post.

Come on by and let's give summer a proper, fun, and beach plumy send off!

Join us at the Beach Plum Festival this Sunday!

It's one of the first events we book every year. We hope you'll join us at this wonderful, fun and educational event to close out the summer.

Annual Beach Plum Festival

 Sunday, September 9, 2012

9 am to 4 pm

Island Beach State Park

Just past Seaside Heights, NJ

There's so much to do:

Beach Plum Picking

Beach Plum Ice Cream

Kayak tours

Educational displays

Raffles

Food

Music

The Beach

Crafters.... and us!

And if you're looking for something to do on Saturday, stop by the Smithville Art Walk to see the works of my amazingly talented other daughter, Maggie Moran.

It's going to be a great weekend! Hope to see you at the Beach... Plum Festival that is.

Welcome 2012! The Year of the Rose

The New Year has now swept. Hopefully, you have all welcomed it in merrily, safely and soundly.

After the whirlwind of the holidays - shopping, visiting, wrapping, baking and making gifts - I'm finally catching up on some reading and emails. I was reading an email from the International Herb Association and was absolutely delighted to discover that the Herb of The Year is a top favorite of mine - The Rose! 

In my younger days, I merely thought of roses as OK. My parents had some growing, as did my grandmothers, and they smelled nice but didn't really move me. 

Much later (I'm not fessing up to the number of years), I was in Island Beach State Park and became entranced by the beautiful abundance of the lovely and vigorous roses growing throughout the park. Yep, I'd fallen in love with the hearty Rosa Rugosa. I never realized they grew in such abundance along the shore line. The scent was full and entrancing, they had huge rose hips that made wonderful teas and jellies, and - this is the best part - they are pretty darn easy to grow! 

I'll be exploring the many wonders of the rose all year, and sharing my discoveries and ideas. Please feel free to share any ideas or discoveries of your own? Do you have a favorite rose?  Do you cook with roses? Let's see where this adventure can take us!

Back To The Beach - the Beach Plum Festival that is!

This is probably one of the best events we attend each year. The event takes place at the
#1 bathing pavilion in gorgeous Island Beach State Park.

14th Annual Beach Plum Festival
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 9am- 4pm
Island Beach State Park Seaside Heights, NJ
There is park admission of $5 per car.

There will be

• A craft show and sale
• Kayak tours, nature hikes
• Beach plum picking and jelly making demonstrations
• Fly tying & casting demonstrations
• Many environmental organizations
• Children's games & activities
• Food
• Live entertainment
• And Lots more

Summer is winding down - but it's the best time to enjoy the beach and the beauty of nature. Stop by and visit with us. Mention this post - and you'll receive a free gift!

It's Beach Plum Festival Time!!!!

13th Annual Beach Plum Festival
Sunday Sept 12th 9am-4pm
Island Beach State Park
Ocean Beach Bathing Area #1

This is probably one of the best festivals that we attend each year. It may not be the biggest, but it seems to be one of the friendliest.

Run by Friends of Island Beach, this festival is a wonderful wrap up to the summer. Guests can shop among the many vendors (like Celtic Chairde Creations), learn about the beautiful park and wetlands are home to a wide variety of birds and animals, go swimming on one of the nicest beaches in New Jersey, and even go Beach Plum picking. There will be children's activities, seine netting demonstrations, nature walks and beach plum ice cream! It is the perfect way to wind down to the final days of summer.

Join us at the 13th Annual Beach Plum festival. We've made it a regular part of our summer calendar. Once you see the natural beauty of the park and enjoy the friendly and festive atmosphere (and taste a beach plum or two!), we know you'll make it part of yours, too.

September Weekends Continue to Sizzle with Shore Fun

Autumn may be fast approaching, and you can feel that nip of coolness in the air. But there's still plenty to do at the Jersey Shore - and Celtic Chairde Creations will be there!

First up this weekend is the Lavallette Heritage Festival. From 9 am to 5:30 pm, at Philadelphia Avenue and Bay Boulevard, you'll find crafters, artists, food to satisfy any palate, as well as music and games for all ages. Heritage Day celebrate the history of Lavallette with a festive day for all. The rain date is Sunday, September 13th. But...


On Sunday, we'll be at one of our favorite festivals of the year. The Friends of Island Beach State Park have prepared a great day with the 12th Annual Beach Plum Festival. Held in the park at Ocean Beach Bathing Area #1, this always turns out to be a wonderful, beautiful day. You can go on walking tours, pick beach plums, see a wide array of crafters, listen to great music, and learn about this natural wonder and the importance of keeping our estuary in the best possible shape it can be.

Plus, it's right on the beach. Who could ask for more.

We hope you'll join us at one - or both - of this sizzling end of summer celebrations. Mention this post and receive a free lip balm!

Heritage and Beach Plums - Where we'll be - and won't be - this Weekend

It seems Hurricane Hana has had her way with Lavallette already. The Heritage Day Festival, which is typically a wonderful day, has been cancelled for this Saturday, September 6. With an 90% of rain and thunderstorms, the committee wisely chose to not have the event. There's nothing worse than a soggy Mummer. Sad, but wise decision.

However, Sunday, September 7th, promises to be much better - maybe even sunny. And what better way to finish up the summer season than with the Friends of Island Beach State Park Beach Plum Festival! This even is always fun, festive, educational and entertaining.

If you've never had the chance to attend, you should take the opportunity this year. There are kayak tours available, beach plum picking, a wide variety of educational opportunities, dozens of handcrafted items, and the best view of the beach you could have.

Island Beach State Park is an amazing resource, and probably one of the most beautiful spots in New Jersey. There are 10 miles of beautiful beaches, swathed in a gentle, inviting, natural maritime park. It's like stepping into another world. Definitely a spot worth investigating.

The Beach Plum Festival runs from 9 am to 4 pm at the Ocean Beach Bathing Area #1. We hope to see you there!