COZY N A T U R E
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CONTENTS Hello Summer: Editor's Letter | Page 9 COZY Playlist Summer 2022 | Page 14 COZY Reading List Summer 2022 | Page 15 Summer Ways to Play | Page 17 In Season: Summer Foods Easy Strawberry & Lemon Sorbet Oregano Potato Snack Crisps Edible Flowers for Your Summer
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A Season Of Sun, A Season of Art | Page 32 Summer Crafts: String Arts | Page 34 Guided Nature Walks for Summer | Page 39 Support COZY | Page 42
P A G E
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COZY / ˈ KŌZĒ/ ADJECTI VE Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. The sensation of sitting by a fire. The warm feeling you get being wrapped under a blanket with friends.
WARMTH G E T T I N G
C O Z Y
HELLO SUMMER AN
EDI TOR' S
LETTER
I've been truly excited for this summer, and it's not just because my garden is currently ginormous (you should see my kale). I am excited because summer means we have celebrated all four seasons together on these pages. Last fall was crisp and red, this winter was tucked under a warm blanket, and this spring was in full bloom. This summer, we're together again—by the ocean, under the sun, in the shade. And I am so thankful that you're here with me. Spending each season with the COZY community has not only made me appreciate each season more, but it's made me more aware of seasonal change. In years past, I never really kept track of or stopped to consider the passage of the seasons. I of course noticed when the leaves changed or snow fell, and I appreciated the beauty, but I never took a real, dedicated moment to analyze or take in the meaning of that change. But when working on COZY, I have to ask myself to slow down and look. I have to ask myself what defines a season. What makes fall different from winter? What makes spring different from summer? Every season I have to find, and recognize, the nuance in order to create this magazine. After finishing the Spring issue, I was worried about the Summer issue. To be honest, I was concerned they would be too alike since spring and summer have always lived in a similar place in my mind. Was a Summer issue even worth it? But in the spring, I realized, things are tender. Fresh. New. In the summer, the world is in peak, full of sound and color and its own kind of unflinching strength. If spring is the morning, summer is midday.
If spring is dew, summer is a thunderstorm. By creating these themed recipes, crafts, nature walks, and more, I can now see the differences in the seasons so clearly. With each season comes its own personality, and with each personality comes a new way to be. So this summer, let's be a thunderstorm. Let's be the midday sun. Let's be loud. This season, I've especially wanted to be loud and use my voice to talk about the global climate crisis. Near my home, we have seen heatwaves, drought, severe thunder and hail storms, and more. When you're in tune with the seasons, you don't just notice the difference between seasons—you notice the differences between this year and the years that came before it. Even when I was a kid, I remember summers being cooler. I remember there being more snow in the winter. I have seen the differences in my own backyard, and we all see the differences in our global backyard, Here at COZY, we have a whole section of our magazine dedicated to nature. When originally conceptualizing the magazine, I knew I had to include writing and art about one of my greatest loves: the earth. That section of the magazine became my ode to nature. With this issue, I want to expand upon that ode with you. If you'd like to start getting involved in helping to mitigate this climate crisis for our global community, the great news is that you can start right now. You can join a local organization or action group, write to your political leaders, donate to climatefocused charities and organizations, and educate yourself about local and national news surrounding the climate crisis. Getting involved always seems intimidating at first, but taking your journey at your own pace and finding groups that speak to you are a great way to begin. And you're not alone.
With giving in mind, here are just a few organizations you can start giving back to or getting involved with this summer:
THI S
I S
ZERO
HOUR
This is Zero Hour centers young, diverse voices in conversations around and about climate change and climate justice. The organization offers vital resources for young people, and can be supported at thisiszerohour.org.
THE WOMEN' S EARTH & CLI MATE ACTI ON NETWORK( WECAN) Globally, women are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. WECAN helps to engage and empower women and feminists across the gender spectrum in policy, advocacy, trainings, and more. They can be supported at wecaninternational.org.
THE
NATURE
CONSERVANCY
Located in more than 70 countries and territories, the Nature Conservancy prioritizes action towards addressing the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and land and water conservation. They can be supported at nature.org.
No matter where you get involved or donate to, the COZY team thanks you for caring for the nature around you this summer. Together, we can make our voices heard, this season, and the next.
COZY
PLAYLI ST
SUMMER
Sun Goes Down by Lil Nas X Coastline by Hollow Coves Dogs by Damien Rice Happy Girl by Jensen McRae Just A Word by Prateek Kuhad Matilda by Harry Styles Song About a Song by Alana Henderson Summer Girl by Family of the Year
2022
COZY
READI NG
LI ST
SUMMER
2022
Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd The Edge of Summer by Erica George Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan Summer; An Anthology for the Changing Seasons edited by Melissa Harrison Life in the Garden by Penelope Lively So Long as You Write edited by Kerry Ryan Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao The Seas by Samantha Hunt One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon The Wander Society by Keri Smith Mosquitoland by David Arnold A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta Birdgirl by Mya-Rose Craig
SUMMER
WAYS
TO
PLAY
No matter your age, the summer season can evoke a certain sense of joy—joy that can translate into playfulness. So why not harness that playfulness by letting yourself have a bit of child-like fun? Here are a few youthful activities you should absolutely do this summer: Create chalk masterpieces on a sidewalk Blow bubbles on a lazy afternoon Make lemonade with freshly squeezed lemons Blow dandelion tops across your lawn Catch fireflies as the sun starts to disappear Have a picnic with friends Stay up all night playing card games Sit in the grass and watch the clouds roll by Roast the perfect marshmallow over a fire Skip rocks all morning Look for sea glass on a beach Build a sandcastle with your hands Pick flowers and stick them behind your ears Watch every sunset that you can
FOOD S U M M E R
F A V O R I T E S
I N
SEASON:
Avocados Bananas Beets Bell Peppers Blackberries Blueberries Carrots Cherries Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Garlic Green Beans Honeydew Melon Lemons Limes Mangos Peaches Plums Rasberries Strawberries Summer Squash Tomatillos Tomatoes Watermelon Zucchini
SUMMER
FOODS
EASY STRAWBERRY & LEMON SORBET BEGI NNER
SUMMER
SORBET
RECI PE
It's summer, so we definitely need to pull out our most refreshing recipes. And on a hot day, there is nothing better than cold sorbet. We love this recipe because it's simple—and it gives you an excuse to go strawberry picking. Which, like, come on, how much more "summer" can you get? Grab some berries, grab a blender or a food processor, and let's start.
I NGREDI ENTS 3 cups of fresh frozen strawberries The juice of half of a medium lemon 4 tablespoons of maple syrup Half a cup of warm water
THE
DI RECTI ONS
Collect your ingredients. We suggest going out and picking fresh strawberries (because it's fun) and then freezing them overnight. You can also buy frozen strawberries if you don't want to wait. Once you have your frozen strawberries, measure out three to four cups (depending on how much sorbet you want), and dump them into a food processor or a strong blender. Add your water. Blend until there are no chunks/the berries have achieved a smooth consistency. Once you have the right texture, add in your lemon juice (you can guesstimate here) and your four tablespoons of maple syrup (you can add less or more depending on how sweet you want it to be). We definitely recommend tasting the sorbet before adding in these ingredients to test whether or not you want more or less added flavor. Quickly pulse the blender/processor a few times to incorporate the ingredients. Stir as needed. Finally, empty your sorbet mix into a flat square container, smoothing out the mixture to make sure it freezes evenly. Cover and freeze for one to two hours. Scoop your sorbet into a bowl and enjoy! Extra cozy idea: top with fresh berries for even more fun and flavor.
OREGANO POTATO SNACK CRISPS QUI CK
BEGI NNER
SNACK
RECI PE
After you've been outside all day in the sun, there's nothing better than a quick snack—and potato dishes always remind us of summer BBQs. These oregano potato snack crisps are incredibly easy to make, and incredibly easy to share with friends. Plus, you can customize this dish anytime to better fit your meal. Are you ready? Let's start.
I NGREDI ENTS Four medium yukon gold potatoes Olive oil, to cover Dried greek oregano, to taste Garlic powder, to taste Flakey sea salt, to taste Ground pepper, to taste A squeeze of lemon juice
THE
DI RECTI ONS
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit. Collect your ingredients and wash your potatoes (do not peel). On a cutting board, cut your potatoes into rounds. These rounds should be thinly sliced, roughly 1/4 of an inch (1/6 of an inch is also fine if you prefer a thicker potato, you might just have to cook them for longer). Evenly oil a baking sheet and place your potato rounds across the sheet, making sure the rounds don't overlap. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top of your rounds, rubbing slightly to coat. Season one side of your potatoes with your oregano, garlic, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Flip your potatoes, and again season the other side with your oregano, garlic, sea salt, and pepper to taste. When seasoning, think about your own pallet and preferences. When making this recipe, we suggest using oregano as the dominate/most used ingredient. We often end up using roughly two tablespoons of oregano, with all other seasonings individually equating to less than two tablespoons. All in all, trust your taste buds—you know you best! Cook your rounds for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Make sure to watch your potatoes so that they don't burn. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before eating. If you want some added flavor, we highly suggest lightly squeezing a fresh lemon over your finished potatoes. Happy snacking!
EDIBLE FLOWERS FOR YOUR SUMMER LEARNI NG
ABOUT
NATURAL
FOODS
Not only can flowers bring you joy, and even bring your friendly neighborhood bees and butterflies some pollen, they can bring something to your dinner table as well. Certain flowers can be eaten in teas, salads, jams, and more. We've listed a few flowers we like to eat here at COZY, as well as some of their uses. Just make sure to heavily research any plant you are going to eat, check that they aren't being sprayed with chemicals, and don't eat a plant you don't recognize.
CALENDULA A bright and beautiful plant, calendula petals (just the petals) are edible. The plant flavor can range from spicy to peppery. Uses: Sprinkle petals on top of soups, salads, or incorporate into an herb butter.
CHAMOMI LE A classic! Chamomile flowers can be easily grown in your garden, harvested by hand, and dried and stored right at home. The plant grows all summer, and can even be grown inside. Uses: dried chamomile flowers can be steeped in hot water to make teas.
NASTURTI UMS Another beautiful and colorful plant, both the flower and the leaves of nasturtiums can be eaten. Both parts of the plant have a lovely peppery taste. Uses: incorporate both the flower and leaves into a salad or lightly use in a sandwich.
DANDELI ONS Dandelions are a powerhouse when it comes to edible plants. The entire plant can be used, from the flower, to the stem, to the leaves, to the root. We suggest heavily researching this plant before starting to cook with it, and to make sure the plants you're eating have not been sprayed with herbicide. But to get you excited about eating dandelions, here are just some of the things you can make: wine, mead, jelly, tea, vinegar, infused honey, syrup, pancakes, ice cream, and more!
PANSI ES Not only are pansies super cute, they kinda taste like lettuce. Because they have a mild taste, the flower of a pansy can be added to a lot of things. Uses: add as edible garnish on top of salads, or even deserts like cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.
ONI ON/CHI VE
F LOWERS
If you're growing onions or chives in your garden and they start to blossom with purple flowers, don't toss the flowers! They can be consumed, and they have a fantastic light onion flavor. Uses: add to soups, sandwiches, eggs, salads, or an herb butter or mayo.
RED
CLOVER
Another edible plant powerhouse, Red Clover flowers can be eaten in moderation. Just like the dandelion, we suggest heavily researching this plant before starting to cook with it (again, it should be eaten in moderation), and to make sure the plants you're eating have not been sprayed with herbicide. But here's just a few items you can make: tea, syrup, infused lemonade, jelly, cookies, salads, and more! Just remember, when harvesting and consuming your own flowers, take all of the steps necessary to make the food as safe as possible. Research your flowers, plan your recipes, wash your foods, and be wary of pesticides and herbicides (which can be avoided by growing your own foods in a garden). Most importantly, make sure you know what you are picking and eating. Be confident in your plant identification by buying clearly labeled plants from a gardening center, using an identification guide, or speaking to an expert.
CRAFT A R T S
F O R
S U M M E R
A SEASON OF SUN, A SEASON OF ART SUMMER- THEMED
WRI TI NG
&
ART
PROMPTS
Just about everything feels fresh and humming with life this time of year. Buds have become leaves, sprouts are now flowers, and nests are occupied by bird songs. With so much buzzing in the air, capturing a bit of it through the arts can be so, so fun. Join us for a few writing and art prompts, won't you?
SUMMER
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PROMPTS
With the seasonal sun and heat, water becomes a constant friend this time of year. Write or create a piece that attempts to capture the feeling of water in the summertime. Think back to your childhood memories of things quintessentially summer: bonfires, marshmallows, summer camp, ice cream. Write or create a piece about your favorite summer childhood memory. Summer is the season of bugs. Fireflies, caterpillars, dragonflies, bees, and butterflies pockmark our backyards. Write or create an ode to the summer insect. Summer is loud. Birds are calling to each other, cicadas are filling up our eardrums, and even people can't help but be louder in the summer. But... what is the quietest thing about summer? Write or create a piece about the quietest aspect of summertime.
’"Tis moonlight, summer moonlight / All soft and still and fair; / The solemn hour of midnight / Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere..." -Emily Jane Brontë, "Moonlight, Summer Moonlight." What makes summer moonlight so different from other seasons? Write or create a piece that ponders over the summer moon. What does summer smell like to you? Whether you're thinking about food, flowers, or ocean air, write or create a piece about the smell that speaks to you. It's the season of blueberries. Write or create a piece about a creature (real or imagined) that takes care of a blueberry patch. What is the song of the summer? Is it the sound of the ocean? The chorus of crickets? A thunderstorm? Pick your nature song, and write or create a piece dissecting its lyrics. This is the prime time of year for bees and their honey production. There's lots to do before the fall, after all. Write or create a piece from the perspective of a busy bee. Summer and winter often feel like polar opposites, but could they have certain cozy similarities? Write or create a piece about the ways in which summer and winter are actually quite alike. Summer is a season where anything feels possible, so let's dream for a moment. What would be on your perfect summer bucket list? Write a list or create a piece that depicts your ideal summer season.
SUMMER CRAFTS: STRING ARTS A
3 D
" CONNECT- THE- DOTS"
When it's this hot out, knitting a blanket or hat is not always the vibe. So how do you use your leftover yarns and strings in the summer? Well, we have an idea for that. Using wood, nails, and string, you can make quick and fun 3D art. This project is essentially a connect-the-dots drawing that you create by putting nails into a board as your "dots," and then using string as your "colored pencil" to connect them. This project can take just one afternoon, and it can be repeated with different patterns. PS. Don't be afraid to get kinda silly.
MATERI ALS One wooden board (sometimes called an artists' board) in a small size (good sizes include 8 x 8, 16 X 20, or 12 x 18) A packet of thin, long nails String or thin, sturdy yarn in various colors A hammer Scissors Paper and pencil
THE
I NSTRUCTI ONS
Prepare your materials and find a sturdy, flat work area. First using your pencil and paper, draw the design you want to make with your string and nails. Remember, this is essentially a 3D connect-the-dots project, so draw the dots on the paper, and how you imagine the string will connecting to each dot. Also remember that the string can only go on a straight path from each dot—all curves must be created by placing a nail that changes the direction of the string. Once you've figured out your pattern, draw markers for your nails on the wooden board using that same pattern (which may need to be scaled to size depending on the board size you've picked). Safely using your hammer and nails, hammer a nail into each marker. Remember to protect your fingers and be aware of where you're hitting. Now that the nails are secure, pick a starting point and a starting color. Tie the end of your string to the base of the nail, and start winding your string around the nearby nails to create your design. If your design consists of many colors, simply cut, tie off your string, and tie on a new string to start a new color. When you've finished "connecting the dots," tie your string off. Display your new art piece on a wall or shelf! Note: make sure you don't pull the string too tight around the nails—it might dislodge some that weren't hammered in enough. Safety first folks!
NATURE
C O N N E C T I N G
W I T H
T H E
O U T S I D E
GUIDED NATURE WALKS FOR SUMMER I DEAS
FOR
FI NDI NG
WARMTH
I N
NATURE
I don't know about you, but I find the weather in the summertime to be almost irresistible. The way the earth comes alive with its firefly evenings, cricket songs, and endless blooms, well, I feel like not going outside is a disservice to its beauty. At least once a day I try to make the time to walk and marvel at the nature and life happening around me. But with so much to see and feel and smell in the summer, how do you look through the leaves to find the robin's nest? How do you find the shell in the sand? How do you finally find the caterpillar on the milkweed? While the summer season may be synonymous with plenty, a guided nature walk can still help us slow down and appreciate the finer details. For in those details, we might just find a bit of coziness. Just remember to stay safe while walking this summer. Take heat safety precautions such as staying hydrated, dressing for the weather, protecting your skin and eyes, and timing your walks for the coolest parts of the day (such as early morning and evening). With our summer joy (and heat safety) in mind, let's start our next nature adventure.
Note on accessibility: All activities can be adapted to fit your needs and comfort levels. Change each activity to what’s best for you, whether that’s performing these acts sitting in your backyard, looking at the birds instead of listening to them, or walking with a friend or guide who can help you find specific elements of nature you’re trying to discover.
ON
THE
UNKNOWN
PATH
We're all naturally attracted to certain kinds of nature. You might be a flower person, or you might be a cactus person. You might be a water person, or you might be a desert person. This summer, try finding a walk or trail outside of your nature preference. If you gravitate towards walks in the woods, find a coastal walk to embark on. If you love to walk in urban areas, try to find a path in a local park or garden. Expand your horizons by going against the grain. As always, make sure you know your path well, and if you're going somewhere new, tell someone or bring a friend.
BARKI NG
UP
THE
RI GHT
TREE
A walk doesn't always have to be a passive activity. On your next walk, take note of the trees—literally. Bring a paper and a pencil with you, and take impressions of different tree bark textures. It's as easy as pressing a piece of paper against a tree trunk and scribbling across your paper until the tree texture appears. (Try to use the side of the tip of your pencil.) If you're walking and you see a tree that speaks to you, create a memory of it. Continue your walk until you see another tree you love, and repeat the pattern. Once you return home, look back at your drawings whenever you need a touch of nature.
F I ND
A
F RI END
ALONG
THE
WAY
If you typically walk by yourself, shake things up this season by joining a local hiking or walking group. Do some research to find a safe, friendly group to tag along with. Local bird centers (like Audubon), LGBTQA+ centers, and nature conservancies often have groups you can join for free throughout the summer. Enjoy nature by soaking up the community-based joy around you. Ask people in your group why they love nature, and try to see the world around you through their unique gaze. Who knows, you might gain a whole new perspective—and some new friends along the way. We hope you enjoy a bit of nature this summer wherever you wander. Remember to have fun and leave no trace.
SUPPORT COZY ON OUR PATREON CREATI NG
A
COMMUNI TY
SPACE
It's official, we've covered every season here at COZY! When we started last fall, we were so focused on getting our first issue out, the idea of a Summer issue seemed like a far off dream. But now we're here celebrating summer together. And none of it would have happened without our Patrons and readers. Currently, COZY is a team of two: a contributing writer and an EIC that creates most of the magazine (from layout to art to writing and beyond). One day, we'd love to hire a layout artist, open the magazine up to contributors, and to eventually produce print issues of COZY. Right now, COZY is an ad-free magazine, meaning we can only reach our goals through the support of our readers. You can visit our EIC's Patreon at patreon.com/gracesafford to support the project and receive benefits such as COZY sneak peeks, early access, and bonus articles each season. Thank you again for sticking with us for all four seasons. We'll see you in the fall for issue five!
A
THANK
YOU
TO
OUR
TOP
PATRONS
We want to thank our top Novelist Patrons for their contributions to COZY. Thank you: Victoria Charlie D. Mackenzie D.
C O Z Y
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