In Newfoundland, there’s no better way to get to know your neighbors than a good-old kitchen party. The household entertainment tradition is a mainstay of the island’s village culture. Everyone takes a turn, telling a story, singing a song or playing a tune.

Although I was the main form of entertainment for the gathering that took place at the New York Botanical Garden last week, the library room was as full as any Saturday night, outport kitchen. Maybe it was Deb and Jim Wickwire, from Newfoundland, attending the lecture that made the event feel especially celebratory for me, or, maybe it was having begun my adult life as an art student in the city, to return these many years later with a story to tell, and finding an audience that showed its warm appreciation for my presentation. Childhood friend, and fellow waller, Judy Rand was there, as well as Rebecca Welz, who I’ve know since our first 3-D class at Pratt Institute. Friends and collaborators for nearly as long, Robin Key, David Key, Phyllis Odessey and Peter Mauss, all made the trek to NYBG in the Bronx.

Besides being an advocate for the plant kingdom, New York Botanical Garden offers programs in horticulture, education, and science. It has grown and managed a 250-acre garden in the heart of New York City for 128 years. Being an advocate of the mineral kingdom, I was delighted to be invited to speak on behalf of rocks at such an august institution. My thanks go out to Lisa Whitmer and Sarah Straub for organizing the event and making Elin and I feel welcome guests at NYBG.