Holiday gifts: Julie Madsen
Julie and the tulips.
Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So, once again, we thought we'd ask a few people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present.
Next up is Julie Madsen -- a lover of new experiences, author of Julie Journeys, and a contributor to AOA.
What gifts would you like to get this year?
My mom keeps asking me this question too! There isn't anything material I want or need at this time... I got new hiking boots for my birthday so I'm set. The best gift for me is spending time with my family and friends, especially taking a trip or doing something new and exciting... making memories!
What gifts would you like to give this year?
The holiday season is hard for a minimalist! Most of my friends and family don't need anything specific. I try to find unique items during my travels to bring a piece of the world back for them. Different foods, jewelry from local vendors, a piece of art... Since I recently went on a National Parks road trip a lot of my loved ones will have their stockings stuffed with goodies from the National Parks gift shops, proceeds go towards the park! Two birds with one stone.
What charity would you like to support?
I would love to support any charity that protects nature. Getting out of the city and hiking brings me back down to earth, it is one of the most comforting and healthiest things I can think of. Anyone who protects our earth, be it the local Albany Pine Bush or the National Park Service, and helps create happy and healthy citizens, earns my vote for charity.
What is your most memorable gift from childhood?
I had a lot of different pets during my childhood, mostly hairless ones because my brother was asthmatic. I remember when my dad came home with two jackson chameleons, it was the best gift ever! I would hang out on the couch with them for hours, making an endless track out of my hands for them to walk across. The male was Reptar, the female Sarah (from The Land Before Time), and the pair had babies! The gift that keeps on giving.
What is your wish for the new year?
To keep traveling! This year I have been blessed with the opportunity to see so many new places, and future plans bubble in my head exponentially. I haven't been in one place for much more than a week in months, so maybe my second wish is for a few more naps in between trips.
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Earlier on AOA
+ Holiday gifts: Patch Gallagher
+ Holiday gifts: Chopsticks Optional
+ Holiday gifts: Craig Gravina
+ Holiday gifts: Karen Tararache
+ Holiday gifts: Truemaster Trimingham
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... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?