Our Big Beautiful Planet

Anyone who knows me, knows how deeply I care about Pachamama (that’s what the people of the Andes called our planet –it means “Mother Earth” in Quechua). It upsets me that future generations will inherit an environment with poor air quality, crazy climate changes, fewer birds, fish and mammals, and with plastic choking our waterways.

I compost, donate to environmental groups, “recycle, reuse and refuse”, but I realize that isn’t nearly enough. So, when I learned that my friend was rappelling off the roof of a 21 story hotel to raise money for the Highlands Coalition, I immediately emailed her asking if I could do it with her.

Mary Jane is the mayor of Bernardsville, so she was part of the “Mayor’s Challenge”, which took place on Friday afternoon, May 30th. The main event was scheduled for the following day. Although I am not a mayor, I was allowed to join my dear friend, as her “emotional support” creature (and #1 “fan girl”).

To create interest, and to motivate donors, I promised that whoever contributed the most could determine what I wore on the way down. That quickly morphed into dictating my entire appearance, which is how I ended up with pink hair, FIVE temporary tattoos, and a florescent shirt.

Okay, so it wouldn’t be the first time in my life that I was willing to look ridiculous and probably won’t be the last, but at least this time it was for a good cause. My goal was to raise money AND to draw attention to The Highlands Coalition, which not only protects our water supply, but also increases the odds that future generations will have access to recreational facilities and our beautiful forests. Riverkeeper, the other conservation Group, does similar work. How lucky were we that Riverkeeper sent Tyler, our skilled photographer to document this event.

While I’m at it, why not put in a plug for The Great Swamp Watershed Association? They weren’t part of the Over the Edge Event, but they offer fascinating workshops, most recently an educational and informative one about microplastics in our water supply.

I DO have a tendency to digress, but now it’s time to get back to the main point of this post: Although the event has passed, it is still possible to donate, if the spirit moves you. This link will bring you to my donor page. (Just click on the underlined word). For those of you who have already donated, THANK YOU so very much! I truly appreciate your support.

So what was it like? How cool is it to stand on the roof of a 21 story hotel in the Meadowlands and get a view of the NY skyline and the American Dream Mall? VERY cool and unforgettable.

Tyler continued to take wonderful photos from the top, and Daniel captured our descent on video, supplying commentary as we went. (clicking on the underlined word will bring you to the YouTube video)

My friend Jean urged me to write this post because she was hoping it would inspire women of our age (almost 76) to realize that regardless of what your birth certificate says, anything is possible. If anyone reading this post is dreading turning 40, (or 50, or 60) I want to assure you that the best is yet to come.

I also want to thank the instructors of the Somerset Hills YMCA who helped to get me in shape and KEEP me in shape with all their wonderful Yoga, Zumba, Barre, and AOA classes.

Okay, so I got a little carried away. It happens. What did I think I was doing? Giving an academy awards speech? If so, it’s time for me to be waved off the stage…