Tag Archives: environment

Building a Home? A Few Environmentally Friendly Tips

Okay, to be real honest, I’m not all caught up in man-made global warming hype, especially since I’m old enough to remember the “global cooling” hype from when I was in grade school. Still, there is something to be said for caring for our planet. We should not be reckless with the environment and I believe we have a duty to leave the Earth better than we found it for those who follow after us. When building a home, there are a few fairly simple measures that can be instituted to help protect the Earth. Choosing a building site is … Continue reading →

Uno’s Garden – Graeme Base

Graeme Base is one of the most fascinating illustrators currently publishing on the children’s market. The first time I saw his work was on a poster at the public library about ten years ago, and I’ve been a big fan of his work ever since. In “Uno’s Garden,” we meet a fellow named Uno who wanders out into the forest and likes it so much, he decides to stay. At that time, the forest is lush and green, and he’s surrounded by plants and vegetation. He’s also surrounded by a wide variety of animal life, in this case ten moopaloops … Continue reading →

Rearranging Space and Environment May Make Things Smoother

We humans are affected by our environment. I’m sure you have noticed how the physical space of your household has an influence on your family. When things are chaotic or cramped or over-crowded, the family may reflect that. On the other hand, too much space may make a family feel disconnected. Sometimes, just rearranging how your space or environment is configured or changing the way things are used, can have a direct positive impact on your family. Over the years, my children’s living arrangements have changed. They haven’t always had the same room or even shared a space with the … Continue reading →

Free Willy II: The Adventure Home (1995)

1995 saw the release of “Free Willy II: The Adventure Home,” sequel to the 1993 movie “Free Willy.” All of the original cast was present to reprise their former roles. Well, I don’t know if the whales were the same, but all the people were. Jesse (Jason James Richter) has made a pretty decent life for himself with Glenn and Annie Greenwood, his foster parents. When his social worker stops by, Jesse assumes it’s for a social call, but in reality, they’ve finally had word of Jesse’s mother. She passed away in New York City, leaving behind an 8-year-old half-brother … Continue reading →

Outgrowing Your Work Space

When I started doing freelance writing from home, I invested in computer, fax, and a great compact desk cupboard that I can close up when not in use. After a couple years, that space definitely feels cramped and no longer as spacious and adequate as it once did. I am sure that I am not alone in facing the reality of outgrowing my home business space. I’ve written before about home businesses that might need extra storage space and some of the great ways to find more convenient storage without paying an arm and a leg. But what happens if … Continue reading →

It’s “That Time of the Month” to Save Money

Last spring I went to a local craft fair. As I perused all of the goodies, I saw a booth that was especially charming. They had darling little baby clothes, purses, cloth diapers and cloth wallets. (Okay, at least that’s what I thought *they* were). I picked up the cute little “wallet”. “This is neat”…I said to the woman who created it. “How does this work?” I asked, thinking it was a unique checkbook holder or makeup purse. “It’s a reusable menstrual pad”, she replied. “Oh…wow.” I set it down quickly. I am too old to be embarrassed by “that … Continue reading →

The Amazing Panda Adventure (1995)

Ryan Tyler’s parents are divorced. He lives with his mom and hasn’t seen his dad in two years, since his dad moved to China to help build and run a panda reserve. When his dad sends a ticket for Ryan to come visit, Ryan’s not really sure he wants to go. His dad has been so involved in his work, he’s missed a lot of important occasions in Ryan’s life and Ryan feels like his dad cares more about the pandas than about his own kid. Finally deciding to go only after his mother says he can come right home … Continue reading →

Bob Geldolf vs. Al Gore

In this corner: Bob Geldolf, former front-man of The Boomtown Rats and the man who organized the Live Aid and Live 8 benefit concerts. And in this corner: former vice-president and resident greenie Al Gore. Both ready to do battle. Ding. Ding. Gore probably outweighs Geldolf by the equivalent of a dozen Sanjaya Malakars, but Geldolf is the one who has been getting in the most jabs. Most recently Geldolf has come out swinging at the politician-turned environmental activist, criticizing the Live Earth music events Gore is putting together this summer, saying they lack a specific goal. In a previous … Continue reading →

Mother Ocean Day 2007: Respecting Her Creatures

Today is Mother Ocean Day. Especially appropriate this year with Mother’s Day tomorrow. We’ve kind of got a theme going on this weekend! What Mother Ocean Day Is All About I don’t really know. I couldn’t find any information about why May 12th is designated as this day or who started it. I thought maybe the Surfrider Foundation had, but I found only limited references to it on their site. What I Think Mother Ocean Day Is All About I think “Mother Ocean” is like “Mother Earth.” She’s a world unto herself and provides a home for life of all … Continue reading →

Birds on the Brain: International Migratory Bird Day 2007

Tomorrow, May 12, is International Migratory Bird Day. The Environment for the Americas was born out of the success of the day and now has a website that promotes their cause year round. Each year they have a theme, and this year it’s “Birds in a Changing Climate.” The purpose of this year’s celebration is to raise awareness of how sensitive birds are to environmental changes. When we cut down forests, we cut down their homes. When we use pesticides to keep bugs at bay, we contaminate and/or kill a potential food source for birds. When we pollute the water, … Continue reading →