The soil is fertile here in the Pacific Northwest, just they way you picture it would be in the world's largest temperate rainforest. We, as humans, are definitely a part of nature, but it seems to take us quite a bit longer to adapt to our surroundings. At least to the point of feeling settled, like, say, a pine cone can adapt and settle from its former tree to the forest ground. Perhaps it's all of the extraneous stuff we bring to the new place; books and beds, couches and chairs, dishes … [Read more...]
Our Oregon Trail
As the movers pulled away from our Lowcountry (freshly empty) home Wednesday, it felt like I was watching the scene unfold upon me from outside of myself. It's still all pretty surreal. Strangely, I did not feel any attachment to our home of 3 1/2 years; not even to the sanctuary that was our house, which David and I spent many resources remodeling and fine tuning. It is and always will be in a place that doesn't work for us. Now, while I sit in an Omaha coffeehouse, it feels so good to … [Read more...]
Hyper Local – The Key to Happiness, Independence, and Community
The thread of community building and economic partnership on a hyper local scale has been stitching itself into my life's canvas over the past number of months. First, it was Epicurus on Happiness, who believes there are three things needed for happiness: friendship/community, self-reliance/freedom, and an examined life. Recently, I read an interview with Judy Wicks, "owner and founder of Philadelphia’s 25-year-old White Dog Cafe, and a national leader in the local, living economies … [Read more...]
Grand 'Ol Petroleum, or GOP for Short
Today marks the fourth time this summer that the GOP in the Senate have blocked an energy and business tax bill from getting to the floor. The Wall Street Journal explains: The bill would extend tax incentives for wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy, and would renew a host of expired tax cuts, such as the research tax credit and the state-sales-tax deduction. It would also protect most taxpayers from the alternative minimum tax in 2008. The move failed on a 51-43 procedural vote, … [Read more...]
Historic Preservation and Sustainability Can Co-exist
Oglethorpe's plan for Savannah Savannah is known for her unique and plentiful city squares that promote open space. Consequently, its present city planning department, the Metropolitan Planning Commission, tends to be examined under a microscope by planning departments and preservation scholars across the country. My impression had been that living under this microscope understandably tended the Board towards "safe decisions" and away from modern and new technologies. It seems that I was wrong, … [Read more...]
Word of the Week
While watching a documentary on Paul Bowles last night, I was reminded how much I truly adore language. I love interesting words, even if only in the way they sound. Or if they are just fun to say. Like Zeitgeist. Say it. It's fun! So, I thought it would be interesting to showcase a word a week. I want to concentrate on words I hear other people say during that week, which will hopefully help me to be a better listener. Plus, it would keep me disciplined enough to add at least one post a week … [Read more...]
Finally, I Know Why
Ever since I've moved to the land of outlet malls (well disguised outlet malls, thankfully), I find myself especially drawn to the Banana Republic outlet. This may not be odd to most, but I never quite found myself to fit the "B.R." demographic. Ever since I realized I was never gonna take that African Safari and make like Meryl Streep in Out of Africa back in 8th Grade, the "B.R." dream of wearing khaki short suits fell by the wayside. The original draw was that this place has really … [Read more...]
Foodie Files
Our relationship with food is an interesting delve into passion, survival, hedonism, disease, and social interaction, among other things. I love food, and although I am a picky eater and trying desperately not to be, cooking is my chill zone. I love to get into that rhythm, where the timing is like a precise and lovely mambo, with the aroma of spices and sauces wafting through the space, mixing with the music playing in the background. Ahhhh, the kitchen, that hearth of home that everyone … [Read more...]
Guerilla Gardening
Imagine making a midnight run, armed only with peonies and tulips, a hand spade and packet of seeds. This is a typical evening for one Mr. Richard Reynolds, the Londoner credited with bringing back the beautifully defiant act of guerilla gardening. Jon Mooallem caught up with Reynolds sometime in April, apparently to write this wonderful treat of an article from the Sunday Times magazine a couple of weeks back. I'm obviously late to the party on these happenings, as the BBC and others have … [Read more...]
Paralysis
Photo courtesy of Roujo As I unloaded the last bit of our groceries onto the belt this morning, David prepared to pay as I got our bags together and helped collect our overpriced produce and organic goods. Moments before, I walked past this happy, upbeat young girl riding in the seat of one of those car slash grocery carts, smiling and sweet. When I looked at her and smiled, she beamed. She and her mom, I suspect, were ahead of us in line, and I had come from the other end and jimmied … [Read more...]
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