The more I learned about sustainable farming, the more things I realized that I needed to change. I needed to use less plastic, ditch plastic bags altogether, switch to glass whenever possible, and recycle more than I trash. When we lived in Seattle I was impressed by the city's system of recycling. There was even a … Continue reading Do you know how to recycle? I didn’t
It all happened rather quickly. The first week we picked up the chicks and the next I was taking a quick trip over to my parent's (three hours away) to pick up my horse, where she had stayed while I was in Seattle, and my goat who had also been at my parents, but had been … Continue reading A tiny gift from the desert
One moment I had my dream job with the Community College Initiative near Seattle, the next I was in Arizona, wrapped up in warm blanket of 95 degrees. My life has always taken some interesting turns, I never do know where I'll end up next. Brent promised me from the beginning too, that hanging … Continue reading Meanwhile, back at the farm
I buried my toes in the sand and peered off into the foggy mist that hovered over the Kite Festival in Long Beach, Washington. It was cool, but not cold for an August afternoon. My hair whipped madly against the ocean air that was tickling the show kites every which way. Kite festivals draw an interesting crowd; … Continue reading To the beat of the foghorn
Even on the clearest of Seattle mornings I can often see the fog rolling away over the ocean, while the smell of fresh fish still lingers on the morning dew. I live near Ballard and the docks where the Deadliest Catch boats tie up, and gruff fisherman unload their loot. Mornings when I wake up with the windows open, I'm … Continue reading No time for sleep in Seattle
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be acheived unless we first establish peace within our own minds. We can send so-called 'peacekeeping forces' into areas of conflict, but peace cannot be oppossed from the outside with guns. Only by creating peace within our … Continue reading Mindful lessons from buddhists
Planning a trip to Washington, D.C. can be a complicated endeavor, especially when 56 students from 12 different countries are involved. When the plans for the trip began some time last October, we began by reaching out to the museums, the White House, Pentagon and the like, explaining our unique group of travelers that would … Continue reading What does it mean to be an American?
In May 2015, I moved from Arizona’s sunniest city to Seattle, Washington. As a perfect summer in Seattle progressed, my worry about the sure to be coming onslaught of rain and dreary winter increased. I likened it to my time waiting for winter in Germany, when I lived on the Eastern side of the country, just a quick skip … Continue reading Seattle in the rain
County Clare, Ireland - Wednesday, September 2010 “I won’t be giving you a ride deary, but I’m happy to give you a lift!” I blushed, immediately realizing what I had just said to the older gentleman bus driver. He was about 5'5 with sparkling blue eyes and wirey gray hair. He had a sharp twinkle in his eye. The passengers … Continue reading A hitch-hikers guide to Ireland
I was lucky enough to see a wonderfully inspiring man speak last year at a conference, you may remember – I talk about it HERE . “Normal?” He pleaded, “who wants to be normal?” His presentation began with a slide picturing three upside-down bats. “Look outside the box, what do hanging bats look like if you … Continue reading How do you embrace diversity?
Poesie Sans, Souci 