A Woman For All Seasons
By Jane Elsdon
Judy Sullivan is much more than publisher and editor of a journal. She is an artist
extraordinaire. She is a master quilter and surrounds herself with the richness
of her work celebrating the natural world. She is a creator of exquisite vessels
bearing ceramic collages of all the animals she adores in the natural world. Lions.
Dolphins. Great Blue herons. You name it, she has created it. Her creations in
those arenas are always in great demand, for each one is a joy to the eye and a wonder
to behold. She is a positive woman who sees things in their best light. She is
one who sows encouragement, appreciation, and freedom to all those about her with
trust. She sees the value in things; she sees the best in human beings. She savors
beauty in all its forms.
Judy Sullivan. It was in 2010 that I first started hearing her name come up at
meetings of Atascadero Writers Group. Always it was spoken with admiration, appreciation,
and respect. Soon I learned that she published and edited an online publication,
SLO COAST JOURNAL. One day when I read a couple of poems for critique, two of our
members, John Bullaro and George Zidbeck, urged me, “Send Judy some poems. She’ll
love them.” It was then that I learned both of them were writing columns for the
journal.
It was that evening that I looked the journal up on-line and saw John’s column, “Wilderness
Mind” and George’s column, “Observations of a Country Squire.” It was a beautifully
laid out publication overflowing with outstanding photography, brilliant color, nature,
the arts, community issues, natural history of the Central Coast. Something for
everyone offered a lush variety of work for the reading public. I was ecstatic.
I sent Judy a few poems, thinking that if I was fortunate, she would keep one or
two to publish. When I heard from her, she offered me a column too. From my first
email and phone exchanges with Judy, it was apparent that I had a new friend, as
well. I hadn’t ever met an editor and publisher so clear in her communication and
goals, who praised her writers always with such generosity. “Some of my writers
have never written before, but they’re all great,” she would say.
Our mutual love of the natural world led us to meet occasionally, pick up lunch somewhere,
and take it to one of our favorite places around the bay or by Morro Rock where we
could picnic while breathing in the refreshing salt air and gazing upon the otter
gathering in the bay, the ocean waves or the Great Blue Heron rookery by the Museum
of Natural History.
It was not unusual for her to say “Oh! There’s Ratz”. And off she would go, telling
me stories of her favorite Great Blue Heron. They were on such good terms that he
would bring his latest prey and drop it at her feet or outside the car window where
she sat. What greater expression of love could a Great Blue Heron offer? Sometimes
she would spot him near the rookery and sometimes near the Rock. He got around and
he had no problem finding Judy. They were the greatest of friends.
That is the Judy I know. A woman so open and adventurous that she had no need to
make a long list of guidelines for you. Instead, she gives you her word and her
trust. I would mention a friend whom I found doing significant work and she would
say, “Have her call me.” Before you knew it, that artist, too, appeared in the pages
of the SLO COAST JOURNAL. I would mention the people who were doing fascinating
things in Atacadero Writers Group and she would say, “Why don’t they do a column
for the journal?” And before you knew it, that too became a reality. She made things
happen for all of us.
She always found a way to adjust around the reality of not only her own life, but
yours, mine, ours, as well. She is nothing short of amazing. She has made space
especially for countless seniors to share their work with the world during a time
when their lives are changing at the speed of light. She will never know how much
it has meant to us to have had the opportunities she has given us to share our work.
It’s no wonder, then, that since she retired her many writers, readers, admirers,
and friends have sorely missed her. The SLO COAST JOURNAL has also been missed.
So it is with great joy that we rejoin the angels who have brought this miracle
back to life in a tribute to Judy.
This is Judy’s Place. And Judy, as can be clearly seen, is a phenomenal woman. Judy
Sullivan is indeed a woman for all seasons.
All About the Journal
Founded by Judy Sullivan in July, 2009, the Slo Coast Journal is all about life in
one of the finest, most beautiful areas of the country — the Central Coast of California.
An amazing collection of eclectic, fascinating, and talented individuals from all
walks of life have chosen to make this part of the world their home. Many of those
who don't already live here wonder how they can make the move.
Our writers are an enthusiastic group of people who are on these pages to share their
love of this special place. In case you are wondering, each is asked to pick a favorite
animal for their banner. Some of the choices are a bit perplexing, but, oh well.
Not only are the writers enthusiastic, they are sometimes a bit — ahh — let's say
. . . Unique.
The opinions expressed on this site, whether by a columnist, advertisement, or editorial
content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication's management or
staff. We edit. We don't dictate personal or political stances or stifle anyone's
way of expressing themselves.
