Etsy Earth

BOOK CORNER :: Members Suggest

2012-02-10T07:33:00.000-06:00

Members recommend good reads, either fiction or non-fiction and for adults or young readers.

20 Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda
Some of the most beautiful love poems ever written.
Suggested by EarthenKnit

I am currently reading Heal Thyself: Nicholas Culpeper and the Seventeenth-Century Struggle to Bring Medicine to the People by Benjamin Woolley. Culpeper’s Materia Medica is a foundational text of Western Herbalism and his work continues to instill a sense of wonderment, complexity, and revolution.

I am also reading The Mental Health Cookbook by H. Finn Cunningham which is a wonderful collection of herbal recipes, gardening tips and general well-being practices. The book is partially hand-drawn and fully infused with useful information.
Suggested by wortsandcunning

Mink River by Brian Doyle
A great fiction read. The book is a surreal adventure set in a tiny town on the Oregon coast. The writing is fresh, the characters are very rich, the ending is one of the better endings I have ever read.
Suggested by SarahWinterClothwork

What I’m currently reading:
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky By Heidi W. Durrow
A beautiful story of a mixed race young girl and the love she finds in her grandmother’s home in Portland, Oregon, after the loss of her Swedish mother.
Suggested by greensprings0

When You Are Engulfed in Flames
I have had a lot of serious stuff going on in my life and having this book by David Sedaris to look forward to at the end of a long day was such a treat!They say laughter is the best medicine and this book was just what I needed to help heal some of the stress related stuff I had going on.I even read some of it aloud to my husband...at least I tried to but it was often hard to get through a whole sentence without laughing until I had tears running down my face.
Suggested by soulrole

I am actually re-reading the old Foxfire books right now. My parents had copies when I was growing up. They are a good read. I am on the Canning book right now.
Suggested by CMonetGarden

MEMBER'S DISH :: Chicken and wine

2012-02-08T09:26:00.000-06:00

This recipe is adapted from "How to Cook Everything" (Bittman). The original recipe calls for white wine, but when I made this we only had red wine and thought it would make a perfect simple recipe for valentines day. You could also make a heart shape with minced parsley on the chicken! This recipe is so simple, it's ready in under 20 minutes!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
flour (about 1/2 cup on a plate -- for dredging)
olive oil
salt & pepper
1 cup sour cream
red or rose wine --about 1/2 cup
chicken stock--about 1/2 cup
onion --minced(optional)
minced parsley (1/2 cup)

Season chicken with salt/pepper. Heat oil in heavy non-stick skillet on med-hi, and dredge chicken in flour and add to skillet one piece at a time. Let cook 5 minutes, then rotate chicken around pan, but DO NOT turn. After 3 more minutes, flip chicken. Cook 5 minutes, then rotate as before and cook just until no pink is showing. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm in 200 degree oven (chicken will continue to cook). If using, saute onion in oil (add more if needed) until softened. Deglaze pan with wine. Let it cook while you stir up any chicken bits on the pan. Add some chicken stock and let the liquids evaporate until thickened. Turn heat down to low and add sour cream and mix--do not boil after cream is added. The sauce will turn a lovely shade of pink or lavender depending on the wine. Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over top and add parsley.
Created by LocoMOmomma

GARDEN NOTES :: Member updates

2012-02-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

Each month team members offer personal gardening updates that captures the work of the seasons; prepping, planting, and harvesting.

February in the south is a blessed event. Our winters are mild and we rarely get snow, if we do, its usually end of January beginning of February. By the end of Feb however, we actually finish up our prep work for spring and even start some cool season planting. This is the time we spread horse manure around the base of our fruit trees, turn compost into our raised beds, prune our trees and roses plus lay new paths in the garden area. End of the month begins the planting of veggies, or moving dormant trees & shrubs.
Our planting choices for this early are potatoes in buckets, carrots, spinach, cabbage & bok choy. We have a short cool season, so this insures a harvest before the humidity and heat rise. Most of these plants are finished for us by May. Its even happened we had extra warm April's and we've lost lettuce and spinach to early bolting, where the plants start to flower and grow too bitter to eat.
Update by biscottiqueen

It has been so warm this winter, my snowdrops are blooming a month ahead of schedule!
Update by LocoMOmomma

These are actually from about one a half months ago.All the greens that were just getting going are now full sized and plentiful!We have all the greens we can eat and have been providing the health food store in town with all their greens!I am really happy about that because they were importing all of their kale,chard,collards etc form the mainland.The customers at the store have been buying everything up within a day or two of bringing it in.We have a few big pools filled with fresh spring water and are raising tilipia fish and the run off from the pond water which is rich is nutrients waters the garden beds below.We are also growing lots of taro root,which was a staple of the Hawaiian diet.I love the big heart shaped leaves and couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the rain drop glistening on the leaf!
Update by soulrole

I have finally gotten my garden hard-scape finished, along with my new chicken coop. I made it with a lot of reused materials such as rail road ties and pallets. I am SO excited! Now, I need to get some good soil and work on adding compost before I can plant. I am planning to start seeds inside very soon. The weather this year has been amazing! Knock on wood...I have not yet caught cabin fever. I have been able to do so much more outdoors than I thought I was going to be able to do. This year is going to be a super busy garden year planting a whole new landscape for the house. It did not have anything, so I have a blank canvas! I just wish I had a million dollars too!
Update by CMonetGarden

POETRY :: Sarojini Naidu

2012-02-06T07:55:00.000-06:00

photo by LookForFiddleheads

In Salutation to the Eternal Peace by Sarojini Naidu

Men say the world is full of fear and hate,
And all life's ripening harvest-fields await
The restless sickle of relentless fate.

But I, sweet Soul, rejoice that I was born,
When from the climbing terraces of corn
I watch the golden orioles of Thy morn.

What care I for the world's desire and pride,
Who know the silver wings that gleam and glide,
The homing pigeons of Thine eventide?

What care I for the world's loud weariness,
Who dream in twilight granaries Thou dost bless
With delicate sheaves of mellow silences?

Say, shall I heed dull presages of doom,
Or dread the rumoured loneliness and gloom,
The mute and mythic terror of the tomb?

For my glad heart is drunk and drenched with Thee,
O inmost wind of living ecstasy!
O intimate essence of eternity!

Shared by EarthenKnit

QUESTION OF THE MONTH :: Members share

2012-02-04T06:25:00.000-06:00

Each month members are asked a question concerning our theme, news, or current events.
Members were asked: If more more women held leadership roles, especially in situations fostering peace, would you imagine that the world would be different? If so, how?

photo via SarahWinterClothwork

I believe the answer could be both yes and no. If we continue on the track we’re on today, where women in leadership roles seems to be expected to harbor more of the “accepted” masculine qualities, like ego-driven, dominant, competitive, stubborn, powerful, I don’t think we would see much change or difference. There would be a difference, if we, as a society, started realizing that other qualities, like emphatic, democratic (just to mention a few), are also very important in leadership roles. When the notion of what makes an effective leader changes, you will find both feminine and masculine components. I think men tend to be more task-oriented, while women take on a more interpersonal style of leadership, which is more relationship oriented and “democratic”. This is also something that is very much a cultural thing. I do think the world would be different if leaders, whether men or women, had more of the feminine leadership traits, or at least a balance between the feminine and masculine. I think it would make room for more talks/discussions, and also openness and willingness to listen to the other side’s point of view. I see a more balanced and calm world if this were to happen.
Friggjasetr

Sometimes we hear the idea that women in leadership roles would make the world fairer or more peaceful. We have seen women and men in power. Some wield it with great care for the earth. Some use it for their own ends.
Leadership should be shared. Women should be leaders. It would be great if women would always be oriented toward Peace and Justice. It would also be great if men were always oriented toward the same.
I like to think that if we envision the world we want, it is more likely to become reality. I like to think that both women and men can prioritize Peace and Justice equally.
SarahWinterClothwork

I most certainly believe most certainly believe with more women involved peace talks happen more radically. With each passing day of a war somewhere in the world, I believe women leaders would be more prone to spend more time discussing how to save lives and end it, rather then showing more interest in figuring out strategic attacks to keep the wars going. Mother's deal with battles at home everyday, we're darn good at resolving things quickly and fairly! Just ask our children!
biscottiqueen

No. I think women are capable of doing most everything that men are, which includes being violent, unjust leaders.
foragingfibers

That's an interesting question. I'm really not sure. Of course we have the beliefs concerning women that we are better listeners, more gentle and compassionate...but are those just stereotypes or is it really the case?
EarthenKnit

I have been following Dr. Helen Caldicott since the late 70’s. She has empowered me to be an activist for the environment. Here is a link to her weekly radio show: http://ifyoulovethisplanet.org/
http://www.thrivemovement.com/

THRIVE offers real solutions, empowering us with unprecedented and bold strategies for reclaiming our lives and our future.
greensprings0

GREEN GOALS :: Members Strive

2012-02-02T07:03:00.000-06:00

Each month members discuss Eco issues and solutions.
Members were asked: We all have an online presence. Can you tell us what your local experience is with your business? Do customers come to you? Do you have a local venue? Is it growing?

2012 is going to be a huge leap for us. The beginning of February is our last chance to get the community help we need to grow. Our goal being to get an actual location for a class room area, and pantry storage for our produces. We want to double the amount of classes we teach on preserving and gardening by getting space we can share with our neighbors to teach them more about what they can do from home. Of course we can to increase the amount of the products we create as well, in hopes to get accepted into major grocer chains in town so we can get the local produce on the shelves again. We really believe in the slow food movement. To learn more, and how you can help, please visit us here:
biscottiqueen

Californians are big fans of Organics but to my biggest surprise my products sell much more to the East Coast and more recently to Australia and New Zealand than California. One of my goal for 2012 is to find a way to increase my local sales.
purepixie

In the past I have either sold outright or on consignment to a couple of small local stores.The economy is so terrible over here though that one shop just closed and I realized I really don’t want to sell on consignment.Through word of mouth I have sold to individuals and I have been considering doing a trunk show as several friends have suggested to me.I have many samples that I simply do not have room to store,and while I do sell them in my Etsy shop it would be fun to try out a trunk show as well. I have had a number of shops on other islands express interest in buying from me wholesale but I am just not feeling like that is the best option for me right now.
soulrole

I have people coming to the house to look at both merchandises and the animals. One of the coolest things about my place, is having small kids stopping by to meet the animals and maybe get to feed them some treats. The way their faces light up is priceless! I don’t have a store, and don’t plan on getting one. However I am working/planning on several things to offer at the house/farm. I also do some local bartering with my goods.
Friggjasetr

This year Green Springs Bodyworks actually saw a slight decrease in business both local and online. I attribute it to the economy. I am so grateful to all my loyal customers that I have kept my prices as low as possible will not raise them this year in hopes that some of my customers will come back.
greensprings0

I have been fortunate to be able to sell my items in local and regional venues. What has been successful is having an exclusive item for each of the boutiques/galleries in which I sell. For instance, I sell one of a kind upcycled baby sweater/jackets in one gallery, and cashmere arm warmers and cuffs in another gallery. The owners of specialized boutiques like to have something to offer that no one else in town has.
needlesandkims

I have put some items in local consignment stores, but don't have great luck selling there. It is much more effective for me to speak with friends and fiber artists face-to-face. That way they become interested in me personally and as well as artistically, and are much more likely to support my work. I love my local community- they are very supportive and I really couldn't ask for more!
foragingfibers

Operating and Promoting as a local business has been great for Sarah Winter Clothworks. Until two years ago, I ran a store that almost exclusively sold my own work. This was fantastic for the business. Many people came to know me. When I closed the store front, they were able to transition to a less traditional venue -my basement studio. Today, people come to my shop mostly by appointment, but sometimes they drop by. I also sell at the Coventry Farmers' Market.
SarahWinterClothwork

For the past 3 years, I have vended at a local monthly art market from May to October, so have a local following through that. And, this past September, a new shop opened up in my town called The Local Market. Their focus is on carrying products sourced within 50 miles of the store. They carry my products, and are very supportive of local artisans. They carry a lot of produce, dairy and meats from local farmers, so I am able to do most of my grocery shopping there, too!
herbanlifestyle

My biggest presence is online, but I would like to develop more of a local presence, since the local economy is important. I've been involved for 3 years now in a "green" craft show and have a small following of customers there. I would like to participate in a few more craft shows each year, and maybe find some local shops through which to sell my products.
EarthenKnit

BEAUTIFUL FINDS OF THE MONTH

2012-02-01T08:50:00.004-06:00

Members present items inspired by our monthly theme. This month it is "Women Rock "

Motifs are hearts, peace sign, reds and pinks with scents that are exotic.

Berry and Pink by SoulRole

Crimson and Clover Lacy Cashmere Scarf by EarthenKnit

Patchouli and peace by by greensprings

Rosey Pink Felted Wool Ipad Case by NeedlesAndKims

Organic Valentine Dress in Scarlet Red by PurePixie

Fushia Tie-Dye bag by SarahWinterClothwork

MEMORIES :: Members Reflect

2012-01-31T06:24:00.001-06:00

Each month members share and reflect on memories of their experiences, both intimate or widely shared events, current or past, or honoring another of influence. Members also look forward with hopes and dreams by offering their wishes; things they wish to happen in our world, big or small, personal or far reaching.

As a young girl, our family spent many wonderful days together in what our grandfather called “the woods”. This was some wooded acres that he had inherited from his father, our great-grandfather. There were majestic oaks and fruitful pecan trees, along with sweet gums, maples, bald cypress, hackberries, plus many more.

As the years passed, many were destroyed for sugar cane farming, but we were able to preserve and inherit some of “the woods”; which our family now continues to enjoy. My husband and I are also replanting trees on a lot of the land which were removed from cane farming. There is one photo that my husband took of one of the original oaks that reminds me so much of those very special men in my life.
Shared by herbfriend

In 1995 my kids and I attended this protest to try to stop the logging of a beautiful old growth forest. We were all arrested and spent the night in jail. The police used mace on protesters who were protesting peacefully. The recent Occupy protests brought these memories flooding back to me. My wish for the New Year is for the use of mace on peaceful protesters to be eliminated.   
Shared by greensprings0

I just moved to Joplin, MO around the time of the tornado. Joplin has been kinda like my backyard all my life. I played softball here... every year my family and I go Black Friday shopping there and I have friends here. The tornado was devistating. I am sure you may have seen the coverage on the national news. To see it in person is unbelievable.

The one thing that is really eerie to see are the tornado trees. They are little stumps with no leaves and very little branches. In the summer, the ends would grow little green pom poms, as if to cheer us on.

During the New Year, we all just want it to be better than last year. There is plenty of progress to see, many business re-building and opening up. Many business are using this chance to re-build greener.

Cheers to new beginnings.

Shared by CMonetGarden

POETRY :: Matsuo Basho and Kobayashi Issa

2012-01-30T06:32:00.000-06:00

photo by GreenSprings0

Year's End by Matsuo Basho

Year’s end, all  
corners of this  
floating world, swept.

New Year's morning by Kobayashi Issa

New Year's morning:
the ducks on the pond
quack and quack.

Shared by EarthenKnit

MEMBER'S DISH :: Black eyed Peas and Mushroom Ragout

2012-01-27T06:02:00.000-06:00

Black eyed Peas and Mushroom Ragout

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced vertically
1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, tough part of stems removed, thickly sliced
1/4 pound mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, baby bella and oyster mushrooms), sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 1/2 cups mushroom or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
2 cans (15-ounce) black-eyed peas, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon Tabasco
1 bunch hearty greens (kale, turnip, mustard or chard) washed, thinly sliced and blanched
serve over polenta or mashed potatoes.

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic; sauté until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broth, tomato paste, wine, black-eyed peas, salt, pepper, honey and Tabasco; bring to boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in greens; cook until thoroughly heated. 3. Spoon Polenta or mashed potatoes into serving bowls. Top with ragout and garnish with Parmesan shavings, if desired.
Recipe by Crescent Dragonwagon. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 
Created by greensprings0

BOOK CORNER :: Members Suggest

2012-01-26T07:44:00.002-06:00

Members recommend good reads, either fiction or non-fiction and for adults or young readers.

Sacred Economics: Money, Gift, and Society in the Age of Transition
By Charles Eisenstein

AMAZING book! I can't put it down and I know that I will read it again. Eisenstein covers the history of money from Greece and Rome to the present. He discusses the "common wealth" from a time when land was not owned. Our current economic situation is discussed in detail. He does not leave us hanging but spells out the many things that can happen, and how to begin adjusting today.

Passion and Purpose: The Power of Conscious Capitalism
by John Mackey
Suggested by www.etsy.com/shop/herbanlifestyle

Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health
by Gene Stonw
What a perfect way to start a new year by eating a whole foods, plant based diet. This book is full of research findings supporting a plant-based diet and how this way of eating can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The China Study (another eye opening book) is mentioned frequently to support this way of eating.
Suggested by needlesandkims

The Lorax speaks for the trees: "Unless someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It's not." Read it before the movie comes out in 2012 Members recommend good reads, either fiction or non-fiction and for adults or young readers. 
Suggested by greensprings0

ORGs WE ❤ :: Members promote

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

Each month team members highlight and promote their favorite .Orgs that are doing amazing things; news of progress our world!

Seed Savers Exchange
"Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds. Since 1975, our members have been passing on our garden heritage by collecting and distributing thousands of samples of rare garden seeds to other gardeners."
Highlighted by herbanlifestyle

I love Freecycle! According to their website, Freecycle is " a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills." I've been participating for over 2 years now, and think it is one of the most brilliant organizations ever created. I've found homes for so many things I no longer needed, and gotten many wonderful things that I did need, for myself and my classroom. I'm very thankful for its existence, and how it has made it easy for regular people to do their part in helping the earth while saving money!
Highlighted by EarthenKnit

Lomakatsi is my favorite because it works with the community by planting trees with school kids, educating and providing jobs for people through out Oregon and was started by my son. I am one proud mama!
Highlighted by greensprings0

POETRY :: Jiddu Krishnamurti

2012-01-23T06:28:00.000-06:00

Photo by GreenSprings0

If you hurt nature you are hurting yourself

Nature is part of our life. We grew out of the seed, the earth, and we are part of all that. But we are rapidly losing the sense that we are animals like the others. Can you have a feeling for that tree, look at it, see the beauty of it, listen to the sound it makes; be sensitive to the little plant, to the little weed, to that creeper that is growing up the wall, to the light on the leaves and the many shadows? One must be aware of all this and have the sense of communion with nature around you. You may live in a town but you do have trees here and there. A flower in the next garden may be ill-kept, crowded with weeds, but look at it, feel that you are part of all that, part of all living things. If you hurt nature you are hurting yourself. --Jiddu Krishnamurti

Shared by curlymonkey

GARDEN NOTES :: Member updates

2012-01-20T07:58:00.002-06:00

Each month team members offer personal gardening updates that captures the work of the seasons; prepping, planting, and harvesting.

Here in the DC area, we've had a mild winter. Here is a bunch of herbs I harvested in December from my garden! I used them for seasoning in our Christmas dinner.
Update by herbanlifestyle

I am VERY excited about this season. I am working on a new garden. Right now it is about 20x30. It has a chicken coop, 2 raised beds for my kiddo's and plenty of room for me to plant a wonderful garden full of vegetables and herbs. So far I am getting the hard scape items set up, and then I will begin to work on the soil (although I have already begun my compost pile!)

Update by CMonetGarden

In the fall I put glass on our planting boxes and have been harvesting enough greens to share with the neighbors.  Update by greensprings0

We live in a condo with outdoor balconies so I don't have the option to do a lot of gardening - what I gardening I do is limited to containers. I just discovered this great eco-friendly product that I can use as liners in larger fiberglass pots to give my plants better aeration. I sent an email question and got an answer back immediately from the company president! They were very helpful and I want others to know.
Update by mypuppypie

TALKS, DOCS, and FLICKS :: Members pick

2012-01-18T07:54:00.000-06:00

Members pick features that educated, inspired action, or have had an impact on their lives when young or as an adult, direct and immediate, or slowly resonating over time.

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
This documentary really moved me. I happened to know two of the activists who went to prison for over five years! One was a neighbor and one was the wife of my daughter’s friend.
Shared by greensprings0

Watch If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front Trailer on PBS. See more from POV.

This song by Chad and Jeremy was popular in the 70’s when I was young. It must have been a favorite of mine because I still remember all the words.  
Shared by greensprings0

I love this video about Tesla and How our future would have been with Tesla Tech. The video highlights his inventions and intentions. At the end is a message on how simple messages are found in nature that show us how to be.
Shared by LookForFiddleheads

GREEN GOALS :: Members Strive

2012-01-17T08:07:00.001-06:00

Each month members discuss Eco issues and solutions.
Members were asked: Can you please share with us how you view the objects that you make in the context of needs and contributing to restoring a healthy system of exchange?

The main ingredient in most Simply Rustic products is Fair Trade, Wildcrafted/Organic and Unrefined Shea Butter. The Cocoa Butter and Mango Butter used are also purchased Fair Trade. It is very important to me when purchasing the shea butter that the African women who extract the shea butter are paid fairly for their hard work, have safe and healthy working conditions and sustainability practices are used when growing and harvesting the karite tree. The company I go through also supports a health insurance program where their insurance premiums are paid yearly.
Overall I wish I could do more (and someday plan to) but for now, I’m hoping this gives the African women a sense of self-worth and allows them to provide more for their families.
simplyrustic2011

We all need to wear clothes. After researching fiber and textile I can understand film and book genres that depict "gentle people" living on a "providing planet" that they honor. So often these citizens are shown wearing burlap, linen, cotton, or silk. The clothes are flowing and not constructed or constricting. There are usually no colors since things are kept natural. These all illustrate the purest form of clothing known and it is the truth of the matter. I have discussed this with many, and though it seems like a boring wardrobe there are ways to enhance and modify a direction like this. I always keep in mind pure clothing and how we are in motion. I offer mostly natural color tshirts. Only a few times have clients asked for white because they were a concerned about the actually color of natural. Though I do offer hand-dyed (for now), I have noticed that more people are drawn to the natural organic cotton because it has a feeling of pure and gentle. I think when wearing one of my tshirts, or an plant fibers, there is potential for conversation and learning about natural fibers.
lookforfiddleheads

I love having the opportunity to teach my children basic skills like gardening, sewing and crafting.

CMonetGarden

MEMBER'S DISH :: Really Easy Vegetable Soup

2012-01-16T06:07:00.000-06:00

Really Easy Vegetable Soup

1 medium chopped onion
1 chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped celery
2 regular size cans diced tomatoes
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans chili beans
1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Saute the onion, green pepper and celery in a small amount of oil until soft. Add canned vegetables, including all liquid. Bring to a boil then add cabbage, just pressing it under the liquid. Season to taste. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Created by needlesandkims

ECO-SPOTTING :: Members report

2012-01-14T07:03:00.001-06:00

Each month members observe their surroundings in search of beauty and eco progress!

It is late December and we still have some hummingbirds in our gardens. Usually most have left by now. I try to keep enough plants growing to help feed the few resident hummingbirds that have decided to end winter here in South Louisiana.
Reported by gabriellesgarden

This year my pledge is to give back to the community even more. I bring food to the www.ashlandfoodproject.com/ . I am teaching soap and salve making to school kids (in hopes that it won’t become a lost art), organizing herb walks, and participating in food drives.
Reported by   greensprings0

Sustainable DC Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray has started an initiative to to help develop a strategic plan for a more sustainable future for the District.
Experts and other citizens are being asked for their ideas on how to make DC the greenest city in the U.S. Working groups are developing plans to address the topic areas of the built environment, climate, energy, food, nature, transportation, waste, water, and the green economy.
Reported by herbanlifestyle

It is something very simple, but the stars are SO much brighter in the country!

Reported by CMonetGarden

Our local library, the Louisville Free Public Library, is hosting a TEDxManhattan Viewing Party Webcast and Local Discussion on Creating sustainable Food Economies on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 9:30AM Registration is on the LFPL website.
Reported by needlesandkims

The month of December, the Rhinelander, WI Animal Shelter was offering $20 Cat and Kitty Adoptions. Their goal was 20 adoptions and as December 24th…60 cats and kitties have been adopted. Many happy cats, kitties and families this holiday season.
Reported by simplyrustic2011

POETRY :: Unknown

2012-01-13T07:35:00.000-06:00

by vilhelm via morguefile

Ponderosa

The tree is a library
The trunk a tight-rolled scroll
The bark coiling layers of scribbled sheets
Pressed together, holding their truths close
Against sun and rain and fire
Deep furrows channel the bark
Erode the text, obscure what is written
But each season, life writes a new page
Records, with incised lines and curving figures
Selections from the infinite world of incident
Written in overlapping fractal script
In characters of color, shape, and shade
Ochre, cinnamon, sepia; no two alike
The tracery of experience, an alphabet
Limitless and direct
The tree’s base is deep in discarded letters
Each a puzzle piece, indecipherable
Not renounced but outgrown
An earlier draft now erased, yet
Still embossed on the page beneath
I spread my hand upon the sun-warmed bark
Grasp the greatness of that ancient book
Unable to read a single word, I am content
With the beauty of the lines
The magic contained in words unread

This story tells the history of a tree and has this beautiful poem included. Happy New Year.
Shared by GreenSprings0

GOING GREEN :: Member's Homes

2012-01-11T06:51:00.002-06:00

Each month team members asked about the greening of their households.
Members were asked: Has your family begun addressing the concept of money and how it is changing? Are you exchanging, bartering, gifting, or joining groups or projects that are restoring the concept of the exchange of goods and services that are providing basic needs?

Greensprings0

I am an active member of Freecycle, which I use to give away items I don't need, as well as find items that I do need! I think it's a really wonderful resource, since it operates entirely outside of the currency system, and does a great job keeping items out of landfills. I also participate in Paperback Swap and BookMooch, where I swap books that I've already read for new (to me) books. Incidentally, I've been reading a lot more this past year! I would love to find others in my area who would be willing to barter/swap for goods and services, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about doing this. Perhaps that will be a goal this year, to set up a network of this sort...
EarthenKnit

I started the year with a trade and it feels great. I needed some video editing work done and found someone to do it. They will get a piece of artwork in exchange. I also am waiting for some handcrafted soap to arrive from HerbanLifestyle and t-shirts are in route to her at this very moment. More and more, I am seeing the world differently, redefining my needs and seeking alternatives to get things done.
LookForFiddleheads

QUESTION OF THE MONTH :: Members share

2012-01-09T06:38:00.003-06:00

Each month members are asked a question concerning our theme, news, or current events.
Members were asked: What are your goals for this year concerning more changes that will take your household further off the consuming social model and more on the sustaining cycle?

I have been taking small steps this past year in becoming more sustainable (making my own cereal, participating in book swaps, growing herbs, freecycling). Most importantly, I have been decluttering and reducing the amount of things I own, from clothing to toiletries to books to decorations. It has made me very aware of the objects that I choose to bring into my life, and what they will require in terms of care. Often the things we think we need are just things we want...which, I believe, is one of the problems driving the endless cycle of consuming in the world. This coming year, my goal is to further reduce my possessions, and to be very conscious of my needs vs. wants. EarthenKnit

We recently blew in insulation underneath our house and fashioned an oak wine barrel to catch and reuse rainwater. greensprings0

Over the past decade, step by step, we are adapting. Since moving, we realized that insulating our water heater would be another step in lowering our footprint. Covering the water heater conserves the energy to heat it and keep it hot. There are many methods available that will allow you to lower the dial on the heater. We were able to turn ours down one notch once we insulated it.
lookforfiddleheads

I have just completed a move to the country. While I only have almost 2 acres, I am getting my garden ready for next season already. I am also building a chicken coop for my girls from used and reclaimed materials. I am working on setting up solar lights and heat for the coop and my shop.
I am also setting out many bird feeders and will plant native perennials next spring to attract wildlife. CMonetGarden

MEMBER'S DISH :: Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

2012-01-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

photo by kakisky via morguefile

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes 36
2 cups peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Heat oven to 350 and line baking sheets with partchment. Mix together all ingredients until smooth. Shape the dough into balls about 1 Tablespoon each on parchment. Using the tines of a fork flatten each ball with a crisscross pattern. Bake rotating the sheets halfway through for about 10 to 12 min. I sometimes add chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

Created by greensprings0

PROGRESS REPORT :: Member's News

2012-01-05T06:21:00.002-06:00

Each month members share news of their business, craft, art, and projects and plans!

I just invested in a new serger and look forward to taking advantage of all the great features. I nearly sold out all stock leading up to Christmas so now I need to restock my fabric supply and start making more dog sweaters before the selling season for wool and cashmere dog sweaters ends in March. This year I am considering making summer-weight dog sweaters depending on whether I can find affordable eco-friendly fabric.
mypuppypie

I am shifting focus a bit in my shop. In my quest to create beautiful and useful items, I am adding more housewares to my shop, like wash mitts, cup cozies, soap holders, and maybe even bigger items like towels and rugs. All will be knit from the lovely colorgrown organic cotton that I currently use in my washcloths. I really enjoy working with organic cotton, so I'm excited to see where this leads!

EarthenKnit

I am getting ready to re-open my shop after my move. I am SO excited to be back to crafting! Keep checking back for new items! CMonetGarden

I’ve been working on a presentation for teenagers about making healthier and safer choices on cosmetics, skin care and personal care products. I have a few businesses locally I’m working with that will be offering an ongoing encentive on attending the presentation and have permission to present at the high school. I’m hoping to have it all finalized by the beginning of February.
My shop will be back in stock by the middle of January. Simply Rustic had a wonderful holiday season and sold out a week before I had planned so now I’m taking the time to reorganize and work on the presentation.
simplyrustic2011

BEAUTIFUL FINDS OF THE MONTH

2012-01-03T08:00:00.003-06:00

Members present items inspired by our monthly theme. This month it is "A new Beginning" highlighting greens, browns, trees, seeds, leaves and berries.

Winter berry organic castile complexion bar.
greensprings0

Green, brown, red iPad case reminiscent of leaves and the forest.
needlesandkims

Cranberry Body Butter that has a wonderful light scent of cranberries.simplyrustic2011

Evergreen Chunky Dropstitch Scarf
EarthenKnit

Goodnight Owl Organic Sleep Sack for Babies and Toddlers
(GOTS certified organic cotton) purepixie

Inspired by the evergreen forests, the woodsy and fresh scents of juniper and spruce,
with a touch of spice and citrus.
A lovely soap enjoyed by both men and women. herbfriend

MEMORIES :: Members Reflect

2011-12-31T08:34:00.000-06:00

mypuppypie

Last Christmas our family, coming from different counties in California, met and stayed at a lodge just outside Yosemite park to share the holiday. We were so excited when it snowed the first night of our stay and we woke up to a winter wonderland. It was truly a different type of holiday celebration filled with snow hikes, sitting around an outdoor bon fire, and enjoying the 50' Christmas tree in the main lobby with a huge fireplace. And it was a dog-friendly hotel so we brought our Lucy who is the orginal inspiration for our dog sweaters. We're staying home this year but look forward to more Yosemite holidays in the future.
Shared by Mypuppypie

This time of year I always think back to when we were kids, and getting ready for the holiday season. We always made our own holiday decorations, and had such a good time doing this together. Us kids and dad would go out to the woods and look for fallen down pine twigs, spruce twigs, cones, dried roots and anything else we could use. We would laugh and have fun, coming up with the craziest stories about any of the roots or twigs we found. When we got back home my mom was ready with hot cocoa and all the ribbons and other things needed for the decorations, and we would all sit down around the kitchen table to make the most beautiful decorations. I can still smell the wonderful scent in the kitchen, as I find myself drifting away into fond memories and careless times.
Shared by Friggjasetr

This past Thanksgiving was the most heart-warming one I've experienced in a long while, possibly ever. Instead of travelling across the Midwest to visit family, I simply stayed home and ate a nice meal with a few close friends. We all share similar values when it comes to food, like eating local, organic, and whole foods as much as possible. We dined on wild turkey, organic cranberry sauce, local greens, whole grain rolls, and much more! It reminded me that sharing simple things like food, friendship, and values often brings the most joy.
Shared by Foragingfibers

I am very lucky to have grown up with many great memories. As a young girl, I grew up on a wonderful neighborhood in South Louisiana. Our neighborhood was very friendly, both the parents and the children visited and enjoyed each other’s friendships. At Christmas time, my girlfriends and I would get together and walk a short distance to Main Street to shop for our Christmas presents for our families.
Even more fun than the shopping spree, after we had our gifts, we would go to one house and spend the afternoon wrapping our small gifts, many hand made by us, and sharing a fun day together. That is a wonderful, fun-filled memory that we share often when we get together now, as adults.
Shared by Herbfriend

Coming together. This is a theme we can all benefit from. In our town we have a small but committed group of "Occupy Willimantic." This group of people moves me so much. We all meet, discuss and listen. What do we talk about? Our Future. Our Labor. Our Environment. It is amazing. I can see all of us growing as we share. It's wonderful to reach out in your own town and find connection where you never expected.
Shared by SarahWinterClothwork