The turning of the year is always a momentous event, leaving the old year behind and embarking on the adventure ahead. It may be exciting; it may be daunting. But we all deserve a fresh start, and an inspiring picture to look at when we wake up New Year’s morning. So what better way to mark this bright beginning than with a bright new Island calendar?
Whether the calendar offers a colorful tour through Island landscapes or takes a close-up focus on wildlife and pets, there is one for every inclination.
When it comes to last-minute gifts, a Vineyard calendar is a tasteful choice, and easy on the budget. Buy them for friends and family, but don’t forget to buy one for yourself.
As he has for more than 25 years, Peter Simon captures just the right image to convey the feeling of each month, each Island season. It is always a perfect match. For many who wait for his iconic Vineyard Calendar, no other will do. Some images are surprising, some witty, some quintessential Vineyard vistas. Musings by writers from the Island and far beyond pair with Mr. Simon’s images to set the monthly mood.
The cover shot exudes a palpable sense of hot, dry summertime with a pile of sandy beach rocks soaking up sun. But before we grab swimsuits, check out the icicles festooning a Vineyard Haven Harbor pier. We shiver at the deep chill in the air as the ferry glides away.
Children dance through daffodils in April, all springtime exuberance, as is May’s lush froth of apple blossoms. Art lovers will blink twice in June where a soft-focus flowery seaside scene with masts filling the harbor could be an impressionist painting. A secluded South Shore beach beckons, a white horse grazes by a stone wall. And come December, the Ocean Park Gazebo sparkles with little lights.
New last year, the Vineyard Colors Calendar has an unmistakable look and personality. It was launched when Moira Fitzgerald and Yann Meersemman got the idea to gather into a calendar the early-morning scenes they shot while delivering newspapers.
From January surf crashing on Squibnocket Beach, coating the rocks with ice, a March full moon floating in just above the Aquinnah horizon, glassy water at Nashaquitsa, the landscapes are breathtaking and filled with atmosphere. Fleecy spring lambs explore a farmyard, Edgartown celebrates summer with the Stars and Stripes, the August Campground is a riot of color, lanterns, and sunshine.
Dan Waters sums up each month’s view and vibe with spare and supple poetry. Images are echoed below the month for a colorful layout, and fanciful icons mark important Island events.
Our feathered and furry friends in their natural environs fill the popular Wildlife of Martha’s Vineyard Calendar. Originated 12 years ago by photographer and conservationist Penny Uhlendorf, the compact calendar is now produced by the Felix Neck Advisory Committee. It features work by a half-dozen photographers, and sales benefit the sanctuary’s Natural History program.
On Tim Johnson’s cover, purple sandpipers burst skyward as a wave crashes. Inside is a majestically soaring osprey, a large marbled godwit spreading golden brown wings, a delicate little brown sparrow on the beach.
Ken Magnuson captures an image of a bright-eyed chipmunk on a boulder, ready to scurry. Shiny river otters doze in the sun.
Not forgetting our insect neighbors, the calendar includes Bill Bridwell’s leggy praying mantis and Lanny McDowell’s close-up dragonfly with iridescent wings.
Sarah Mayhew’s young turkey fluffing soft feathers will win over the most determined turkey detractor. Tim Johnson’s December gift is a large snowy owl atop an evergreen, peaceful and magical as befits the season.
After 10 years of producing her well-loved Vineyard Seadogs Calendar, Lisa Vanderhoop is as enthusiastic as ever about capturing the cutest photos of the most appealing canines living the life that only lucky Island dogs get to live. And she has not run out of dogs or bright ideas yet.
These engaging canines deliver a meaningful New Year’s message. As they live life to the fullest — exuberant, taking risks, enjoying every effervescent, water-splashed moment, then relaxing in the sunshine — they encourage us to do the same.
Bodhi, the soft golden retriever pup in the dunes, will win every heart. A festive red “Box of Chocolates” brims over with chocolate lab pups. These seadogs dive, dig, go fishing, and two graceful collies pose by the Gay Head Light, urging us to help save it. Older dogs are wise, reflective, walk the beach, take their time.
German shepherd fans will love the litter of fluffy shepherd pups, exploring the shoreline with innocent fascination. For sheer elegance, there is Millie, a white German shepherd on the snowy beach, a holiday treat for next December.
New to us this year are captivating calendars by Lynn Christoffers and Sarah Mayhew.
Ms. Christoffers, whose Cats of Martha’sVineyard (Vineyard Stories, 2013) is a must for every cat lover, combines images from the book with some new pictures in her calendars. Hang the traditional wall calendar, or keep your kitties up close and personal in a handy desktop format. A specialty edition features Cats of West Tisbury.
A silver-grey green-eyed tiger stretches in the grass, prickling with energy. Languorous Betty lounges on a polished table. Kittens snuggle, loll, and cavort; serene Daphne, a calico tiger, suns herself in the driveway. There is robust marmalade Kitty, a willowy Siamese, and Bear, a sturdy black fellow stalking the beach. Mouse, a mischievous little “tuxedo cat,” balances on a tree branch, just out of reach.
Longtime wildlife photographer Sarah Mayhew, who divides her year between California and her family’s West Tisbury home, has been producing a bird calendar for several years, selling it at summer markets and by mail.
One need not be an avid birder to admire this charming calendar with its many Island scenes and West Coast views.
Beginning with a soft snowy owl on the cover, the birds are noble and graceful, delicate and perky. A white common tern soars in a clear blue sky. Great blue herons perch, spectral, on bare tree limbs. A plump little barn swallow opens his beak wide, like any baby, waiting for mom’s food delivery.
Most of these calendars are available in Island shops and can be located online. For information on purchasing calendars by Lynn Christoffers and Sarah Mayhew, contact
lchristoffers@gmail.com or slmayhew77@gmail.com.