A Hiker’s Review of Shenandoah River State Park

 

So, we all know about Shenandoah National Park… But did you know that there is another massive, beautiful state park right down the street? Right down the road from the famous Shenandoah National Park, you are likely to have one of the most peaceful hikes of your life. Plus, there’s a bonus: The parking fee here is significantly lower than at the national park! In my article for Our Community Now, I recount park highlights and recommend the trails that will take you to them.

If you are a hiker, canoer, or picnicker, Shenandoah River State Park, which is approximately an hour and a half drive from DC proper, is definitely worth a look. Located near Front Royal, VA, you’ll spot other such attractions as the Luray and Skyline caverns along your drive.

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Insecure Writer’s Support Group August 5 Blog Hop

August 5 Question- Have you ever written a piece that became a form, or even a genre, you hadn’t planned on writing in? Or do you choose a form/genre in advance?

When I began my writing practice, my original intention was to write fiction, possibly even fantasy, since this was my preferred genre growing up, and remains one of my favorite genres now.  I really admire the creativity and attention to detail that go into skillful world-building.  I think it takes a lot of ingenuity to develop a fantasy world that isn’t just another version of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.  However, what can I say, it hasn’t really transpired yet…

In the meantime, I’ve written a decent number of perfume reviews, just for fun.  I also recently landed a freelance gig to write pieces on local culture and attractions, and what do you know, those pieces are basically all reviews so far, too.  On a Zoom call with my family, my mom made the off-hand comment, “Maybe you’re meant to be a review writer!  Like Siskel and Ebert!”  And at first, I didn’t like the sound of that, but then I thought, is there any real reason why not?

I don’t know if I would go so far as to say that this has all transpired as a result of me speaking my truth.  I think that the situation more illustrates the randomness of what sweater might unravel if you tug on a loose thread.  But I’m going with it, and I’m happy that writing is a bigger part of my life!

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Perfume Review: Bal d’Afrique by Byredo

Bal d’Afrique was one of my first real experiences with vetiver, and I think it’s a great introduction for anyone who wishes to explore the note. As vetivers go, it’s accessible and refined, dare I say even a little “cute,” but feels unisex, modern, and chic. I get a splash of citrus and black currant at the beginning with some floral hints. The vetiver isn’t far behind, woody and toasty, giving the fragrance the effect of a golden brown lemon and black currant tart baking in the oven. From there, the vetiver progressively steps more to the forefront for an elegant, luminous, woody fragrance that strikes me as very au courant, very much for the woman about town, well-dressed with just the right amount of edge. I especially like Bal d’Afrique right at the beginning of fall. The crispness and slight scratch of the woods mirror the subtle change in the air as the weather is just beginning to turn.  My only complaint is that I wish the performance were a bit stronger. I smell it most clearly for the first 4-5 hours, and after that, it sits much closer to the skin, although I can tell it’s still there at the end of the day.

Notes: bergamot, lemon, neroli, marigold, Bucchu, violet, jasmine, cyclamen, amber, musk, vetiver, cedarwood

Perfume Review: Eau Parfumee au The Rouge by Bvlgari

Eau Parfumee au The Rouge, though discontinued now, is a nuttier, cozier, woodier take on the original iconic Eau Parfumee au The Vert. The original opens with a dazzling lemon peel and the most perfect green tea accord that I think should set the industry reference point. Rouge, on the other hand, begins with a bergamot earl grey feeling. One immediately detects the slightly musty but very authentic scent of tea leaves after, along with a woody fig. Fig is a really odd accord to me because it can smell so different from fragrance to fragrance depending on how the perfumer interprets it: woody, ozonic, coconutty, fruity, shampoo-y… In The Rouge, it acts as the sweet varnish on the woody, nutty notes. As the fragrance develops, the warmer aspects become much more present: the plushness of woods, a slightly toasted walnut, a hint of ozonic, figgy sweetness throughout, like tea with honey and a dash of cream. The whole effect is somehow fresh, creamy, a little powdery, and cozy at the same time. A more meditative fragrance for sure, transparent and ethereal, nostalgic. This isn’t a gourmand, but it does remind you of something you would drink on a cool, gray autumn day when you plan to stay in and read your favorite book. However, the juxtaposition of fresh and woody notes make it easy to wear in nearly any season. I especially like it for that irritating transitional time between summer and fall when beachy fragrances no longer feel appropriate, but it’s still too hot to go in for the heavy stuff. Alas, once I finish my travel spray, I’ll have to move on, but I’ll enjoy this little beauty while it lasts.

Notes: pink pepper, orange, bergamot, red tea, fig, musk, walnut, resin

Perfume Review: Le Chant de Camargue by L’Artisan Parfumeur

Photo credit Colognoisseur

Le Chant de Camargue is something of an oddball… First, I think the name is a bit misleading. I’ve never been to the Camargue region, which the internet tells me is made up of marshy plains, so I can’t comment on how appropriate the scent is to its character. However, the fragrance is far more subtle than I would expect the heraldic song representing a region to be. What I smell instead is my childhood blanket, which, through much time and love, absorbed the smells of gentle moisturizers applied after bath time and before sleep. I believe that this lotion effect is probably accomplished through the use of the molecules paradisone and hedione. The savory milkiness of the rice and sandalwood enrich this scent, and the citrus touch of bergamot lifts it every so slightly into a sheer, fluffy cloud. Partway through the opening, I’ll be honest, I get a bit of a baby wipe smell, but the more creamy, salty elements eclipse it before too long. I can even imagine the faintest hint of nuttiness. If you are looking for the ultimate lotion scent, look no further. Although it is a soothing scent, the performance is quite good. I get moderate sillage that sticks with me through the whole day.

Notes: bergamot, rice, paradisone, hedione, rice, sandalwood

Season 5 Queer Eye: Exploring Self Love in the City of Brotherly Love

Season 5 of Queer Eye takes place (mostly) in Philadelphia. A brief overview for the uninitiated: the Fab Five, a team of queer folk, help “heroes” nominated by family or friends to transform their lives by addressing various areas of self-care. In the past, the team has assisted the clueless, the overworked, and the unconfident, as well as at least one LGBTQ+ “hero” who needs help with establishing their identity. The show is worth watching if only for the transformation every hero undergoes. Season 5 has an especially progressive flavor, and also showcases the team’s evolution. A word of advice: you should not watch this show without tissues, or if you need to engage in public speaking immediately after.  You  WILL get feels. 

First, the episodes. The season kicks off with several stories that provide the primary lesson we have come to expect from Queer Eye: everyone deserves love. The heart of the series builds on this idea, but focuses on heroes notable for their connection to prominent cultural issues. Among others, we see a Greta Thunberg-vibes activist, an immigrant entrepreneur, and a doctor struggling between professional and family life. These stories question common stereotypes about the social consciousness of younger generations, the contributions of newcomers to the country, and the family lives of professional women.  The season finale handles a particularly salient issue: myths of masculinity. A trainer believes his best years are behind him, and is racked by guilt that he has not accomplished more at his age. The episode compassionately challenges the harmful gender norms that every man is alone, and that to ask for help is a weakness undermining any achievement. 

Now, the Fab Five. Bobby, the home makeover specialist, has often been lamented as the unsung hero of the show. He enjoys more attention in Season 5, and gets a nice personal plug for his line of home goods. His remodels are his best yet.  Tan, the fashion guru, stresses the French tuck far less. Johnathan, the grooming coach, previously fell back on regularly advising everyone to wear SPF (admittedly great advice), but now focuses on empowering local stylists. Antoni, the culinary coach, deserves a most improved award. Formerly, he taught everyone to make guacamole, but his dishes now run the gamut, from braised pork ribs to pizza. He strikes me as the most introverted team member, but he has pushed himself to ask more questions and give more encouragement. He can still translate as a bit stiff, but as a fellow introvert, I applaud his efforts. 

The only team member I felt was underutilized was Karamo, the cultural specialist. Don’t get me wrong, he is unquestionably an expert at emotional work, which should never be undervalued.  For instance, he mediated a hard talk between a hero and a boyfriend who cheated on her.  However, some of the exercises he did with the heroes felt unnecessary. I mean… Comparing a park path to a metaphorical path? Emotional weights to physical weights? A bit on the nose, no? Plus, some tasks that I expected to fall under his purview were completed by other team members. One hero needed help with financial literacy, which seemed like an ideal task for Karamo, but instead, Bobby addressed that need.

Overall, I respect this season’s sense of mission, and the important work it does by giving a voice to groups who might not otherwise find representation. Queer Eye encourages us to have compassion for those we might judge, to acknowledge the power of nurturing, and to find the ways we can be our best selves. 

 

Sky Meadows: Virginia’s Own Kingdom in the Clouds

If you’re anything like me, you probably got sick of walking in circles around your neighborhood a couple months ago and need new places to explore.  If so, Sky Meadows State Park can fit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts from beginner to experienced. Although there are closer parks to DC proper, Sky Meadows, located in Delaplane, VA, is less crowded, beautifully maintained, clearly marked, and feels like a more authentic natural getaway.  Plus, the park offers children’s activities, camping, history, and a wide variety of hiking trails.  As an added bonus, you could easily combine your trip with a visit to one of many local wineries.  It would take multiple visits to explore the myriad possible trail combinations, but here is a quick and dirty run-down of my personal favorites.

Easy/Family Hikes

For a more leisurely stroll, perhaps accompanied by young children, Hadow Trail is a great choice.  It will take you along a positively bucolic babbling brook that borders tall, grassy fields before intersecting the Corporal Morgan Trail to form a short loop specifically designated for children.   The loop also passes by the Children’s Discovery Area, where younger lovers of the outdoors can explore play stations.  The children’s loop and play area can most easily be accessed by parking near the picnic area.

Moderate Hikes

If you are visiting Sky Meadows for the first time, I urge you to prioritize its must-sees: the Piedmont Overlook and the meadows that give the park its namesake.  According to the trail guide, all the trails that lead to these areas are rated at least moderately difficult.  However, don’t let the difficulty rating discourage you. Lots of people make the trek, with their babies and pets in tow, no less, so it can be done.  If your goal is simply to see the views without hiking too long or too rigorously, you should park near the Visitor Center, then take the Piedmont Overlook Trail directly to the view. It’s an uphill climb that will burn, but on the bright side, it’s short. For a greater challenge, I also enjoy the South Ridge Trail.  It loops around to the same area with the added perk of taking you past the ruins of Snowden Manor, which once stood on what is now park land.

Difficult Hikes

In my opinion, the North Ridge Trail is the hardest one in the park. It is 2 miles of straight uphill climb, and it will give even the most experienced hiker a run for their money. I personally love it, though, for the soothing stream crossing at the bottom of the hill, not to mention the sense of accomplishment when I reach the top. It also connects to the Appalachian Trail, and although I myself have never through-hiked, it’s inspiring to walk the trail that is such a famous destination for hikers all over the world. 

If you are seeking solitude on your hike, it is best to visit on a weekday, or between 9am and 10am on a weekend.  I always bring water and snacks, wear SPF, and stretch before and after. I recommend wearing an insect (and also ideally tick) repellant, since there are lots of tall grasses along the paths. Appropriate footwear is a must. Boots are ideal, but running shoes will do. There is a parking fee, but I have never minded contributing a few dollars to help maintain this special place.  Sky Meadows has offered me solace in the time of quarantine, and I hope it will help you, too, to experience a sense of magic and wonder.

 

Insecure Writer’s Support Group July 1 Blog Hop

July 1 question- There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

I’m new to the industry, so a lot of my previous experience with it is on the receiving end, as a consumer of literature and content.  In that capacity, one thing that strikes me most is the multitude of platforms writers can use now to publish their content, to the point that the term “writer” even may be too narrow to describe them.  Blogs, of course, immediately come to mind, but the fact that you could publish an entire book of your own original writing on one is pretty astounding.  I’m also amazed by the continual explosion of YouTube, TikTok, Snap Chat, and other social media platforms, and the way they are used for storytelling.  For instance, I once came across an entire story told through screen shots of a text message conversation.

On one hand, as a lover of classical literature, a little elitist part of me finds these types of storytelling pedestrian, maybe even gimmicky.  On the other hand, as an aspiring writer, I feel thankful that being a writer could mean so many different things, and that there are so many entry points to the field now.  As a teacher, I also appreciate that many of these forms could be very appealing and relevant to many of my students, and make reading far more democratic and accessible.  Nearly everything these days circles back to my thoughts on where I will fall in this landscape, but I hope to keep an open mind about the way I engage in writing and storytelling, and I hope that we will see more young people drawn to the field through these technological advances as well.

Perfume Review: Calyx by Clinique

To me, Calyx is a tropical cousin to the “gin and tonic” genre of fragrances. All you have to do is replace the herbs with fresh-cut grass and throw in tropical fruits with the citrus, and what you have is Calyx. I immediately smell papaya, guava, and freshly snapped stems and leaves most distinctly. I also detect mild floral overtones; the type of flower is not obvious, but it could be an interpretation of the gentle and soothing freesia. The spirit of fruity floral greenery is the core of this fragrance, but deeper into the drydown, Calyx can begin to remind me of a chypre as a cool, delicate oakmoss emerges. For me, Calyx is a summer splash fragrance that I wear if I am not overly concerned with sillage or longevity. The performance is more subtle, so if you are looking for a beast-mode fragrance, you won’t find it here. However, I do not believe Calyx is intended to function that way. Clinique describes it as an “exhilarating” fragrance, which to me implies that it is meant to be more of an olfactive pick-me-up, in a similar vein as Clarins Eau Dynamisante. While I personally treat it as more of an “active wear” scent, it would just as easily smell at home in a more sophisticated or professional setting. I will admit that it is perhaps not my ultimate favorite of all my summer fragrances, but I do enjoy wearing it, and lovers of green fragrances would surely find it worthwhile to try.

Top notes: grapefruit, mandarin, passion fruit, mango, guava, green leaves, papaya
Heart notes: lily of the valley, freesia, neroli, lily, rose, marigold, jasmine
Base notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, orris, vetiver

Perfume Review: Quelques Notes d’Amour by Yves Rocher

 

Despite its modest exterior, Quelques Notes d’Amour has become a surprise hit in my wardrobe since I bought it a couple of years ago. What you smell in the opening is more or less what you smell through the life of the fragrance: a charming, dreamy candied rose with faintly vanillic, woody undertones. I personally do not find the rose to be overly realistic, nor is it overly fresh. It’s not dark, either; I don’t detect much guaiac wood, if any, or any dirty, aggressive patchouli. It’s a sweet, easygoing rose jam that is very easy to wear; in fact, it’s probably the closest thing I have to a “dumb reach.” If you truly despise rose in all its forms, then you may not like this, but I suspect that the sugary, fruity aspects of Quelques Notes d’Amour could charm many a rose-hating heart. I love this fragrance in nearly every type of weather, except for maybe high summer heat. It lasts all day on me with moderate projection. I would highly recommend it to anyone in search of a versatile fragrance that lends a touch of romance to the everyday.

Notes: Bergamot, red pepper, Damascus rose, guaiac wood, patchouli, cedar, amyris wood, benzoin