From left to right: Gary Jaketic (Emcee of 2009 Ribec Vineyards Garlic Festival), Adrienne (honored and motivated to do a proper job of serving as the 2009 Virginia Garlic Queen!), Mike McConkey of Edible Landscape (thanks for the guitar loan, Mike!), and Tommy Guthery (Best Garlic Costume Winner)

Greetings, Fair Friends. Adrienne here with a cheery hello from the blessed mountains of Nelson County where the leaves are already moving furiously towards the golden hue of Fall- lovely. Iit has been a nonstop ride since early spring and today (for real!) is the first time I've had in a while to sit down and go through our site and figure out, with the generous help of our web-guru, Rick Beckman, exactly how to utilize the tools available to help us get a conversation going...and KEEP it going through winter so that when spring doth arrive (both the proverbial and the literal) we will have accomplished much underground (down where the roots grow deep) evolution in the unseen evidenced in fruits of loving labor which shall emerge fresh, vibrant and beguiling as pink parasol daffodils, organic green spinach and pretty bare limbs, come springtime, 2010!

I do want to mention how unbelievably fantastic it was to have won the title of the Virginia Garlic Queen for 2009, this past Sunday at the Ribec Vineyards Virginia Garlic and Wine Festival! I will do my absolute best to uphold the duties of said position and encourage the planting and growing of massive amounts of garlic, as well  as it's general consumption, both in our household and abroad.  A distinct honor of which I am so proud to have earned by offering a song in the talent contest inspired by advice given to me by one of the most influential persons in my life, Wallace Rasmussen, who told me - when I was doubting my future in the world of music, 'Girl, if you've got a dream, you've got to Plow to the End of the Row'.  We've never stopped, Wallace - I hope you are looking down and proud of what you see us working towards.

And so - in that same vein - We are so pleased to announce that Backyard Revolution (please visit www.backyardrevolution.com for pictures from past BYR events!) will be available for  your listening pleasure on two of Central Virginia's finest radio stations this Autumn.  Tune in to The Corner 106.1 every other Friday morning around 8:45 and catch a chat between myself and the super-supportive-incredibly-kind-and-engaging Brad Savage.  Brad and The Corner staff have encouraged BYR since it's inception and we owe them tremendous thanks and appreciation.  In addition to this live segment, we are honored and thrilled to announce a weekly spot on WTJU 91.1, broadcast from University of Virginia.  Thursdays at 11:55 am please listen to Backyard Revolution for informative and entertaining news relating to the flora, fauna, and history- both natural and cultural, of our region.

Personally and musically, I am in the midst of the most exciting creative period yet and am culling songs and themes all relevant to the perspectives and time periods we have endeavored to celebrate and get into...the new cd will be out next year - I appreciate more than you know, all the emails and inquiries as to our touring and recording plans. It is what I am here to do so thank you from my heart and soul for continuing to push us along and support our path.

In regards to Backyard Revolution, we've had a summer unmatched, activity-wise, as we made our debut at the Albemarle County Fair on July 31st, holding plans for one additional BYR to participate in the 2009 Heritage Harvest Festival atop the stunning and magnificent Montalto overlooking Monticello proper and witnessed rapid growth as were invited to be a part of 2 other separate and fascinatingly unique events which we showed up for in full force and fancy, leaving behind questions that now have answers, as we  forge ahead with energy - now clearly focused, towards what lie in store.

Thanks and appreciation to the Albemarle County Fair Board, to the Brew Ridge Music Festival Crew, to the Monticello and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Families, and to the Crozet Music Festival Folks. Our resultant bounty has no resale price - lessons learned from mistakes made, unexpected victories and relationships, relationships, relationships...truly what it is all about. Infinite appreciation, as well, to all our Volunteers, Demonstrators, Artisans, Craftspeople, Musicians, and Friends without whom NONE of this would be possible.

I have been blessed beyond description to meet and work with the folks who contributed their time, talents, vision, and expertise to the BYR endeavor and we are working on a master list of all participants that we can make available to the public that the relationships sparked by brief introductions will fuse and fashion alliances rare, precious, and lifelong. Alliances forged on the common ground of conscious evolution - of active and purposeful movement towards a future which not only doesn't forget it's past, but builds willingly upon it's sturdy girth with respect and fascination, referring to it's  quiet wisdom and inspiring joy as we encourage each other to grow and learn how to become more self-reliant and in-tune with the treasures and resources right outside our own backdoors.  This truth, available to all who look for it, finds it's Source in every particle and piece of creation and inspires, within my being and soul, constant awe, humility, and gratitude.

With that, let's close for now, but please allow me to leave you with a promise to be present and accounted for on a regular basis this coming season in hopes that we will make much ado about any and all things that may come to mind having to do with sustaining our Earth, both historically and in modern terms, our families, and ourselves - be it of a practical nature, something good to cook up for the family, or just one of your favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes.

With fond regards, many thanks and much love,

Adrienne Young