If what you are doing keeps
giving you the same results...try something new.This is my account of our journey
away from the established norm in search of some sanity.
What a crazy mess of a day…Phoenix is a bit better, so we spent some time this morning outside. I have sooooo much that needs to be done in the yard it is truly INSANE! It was great to let Charlie run and Phoenix soak up the sun. It’s a rough time when one of your children is sick and the other does not understand what this means. Charlie has spent A LOT of time in his room these past weeks. It’s as if Charlie has taken it upon himself to make up for his brother’s “low energy”. Energy can not be created or destroyed just transfered to the other child.
I also became aware of the new Seesmic wordpress plugin.
Dear In-Laws,
Just wanted to do a quick summary of our meeting last night.
*You will consult with June McCall to verify the state of the local real estate market. We all agreed that to sell the Blueberry property right now would result in a loss for all parties involved. A unilateral decision was made that Chris and I would resume mortgage payments and we would wait for the market to improve.
*Chris and I will resume paying the mortgage as of May 08. I would like to propose that we pay you $2000/month to go toward paying off our loans to you. With this money you can pay the mortgage and still use the mortgage payments on YOUR taxes. By my calculations we could finish paying off all our debt to you Jan 09. I think that it is vital that this debt is repaid ASAP for everyone involved. At the point that the debt is paid in full, we will continue paying the mortgage as a write-off for our taxes.
*Chris will contact Ikea to sort out the part shortage and possibility of returning the countertops.
*Chris and I will finish the 2nd bathroom and kitchen remodels, interior & exterior painting, and general maintenance of the property. This will ensure that when the market improves, we will be ready to sell the house.
*You have hired someone to do a spring clean-up, as well as apply fertilizer and grass seeds for Summer 08. I understand that the cost of the lawn maintenance for the previous years was high and that money is tight. As was offered the previous years, Chris and I are willing and able to do this ourselves in order to get a greater return on our investment. Please let us know what EXACTLY is expected of us, in order to prevent future misunderstandings.
*It is our understanding that our responsibilities in regards to the lawn is watering and mowing.
*Let us be extremely clear…Under no circumstance is anyone to apply pesticides or herbicides to the lawn while we are living here. There is absolutely no good reason to dump more toxins into our water source!
Thank you,
Chris and Kari
An eco-village is where I want to be. I don’t want to convert people. I just want to live with the peace of knowing that I am doing the best I can. Modeling my vision of the future! Teaching my children how to live in a peaceful way. To be conscious of what we do and say. To do this I must accept that I am not perfect and I slip everyday. Forgiveness and no judgement.
Like so many other people, I struggle with where to begin. On my quest, I have found some great links helping Real people address the Real issues. It’s inspiring to know people ARE out there making a difference! They are consciously trying to find their way in this world. With this in mind, I must direct your attention to WhitScott.com. He asks “Am I sustainable? Are you?”, which is a question we ALL need to ask. I adore the idea of listing ways that we are “Killing the earth/Saving the earth”.
I watched this GREAT movie about reducing our consumption…WATCH THIS!!
With all this in mind, I know that the only way we can make a difference is to have the strength to stand up and be counted. I write to be counted as one who gives a shit!
Everyday is a practice. Everyday is another try. Wake up in the morning with excitement for what is ahead of me instead of the dread that surrounds me. To enjoy is the secret. Find love within the smallest crumb. It is magic…all of it.
Just Because:)
The Sustainable Table
Mother Earth News
Eco Child’s Play- Green Parenting
The more I know, the more I know I DON’T know!!
Clasping to the earth, the roots dig down past the decaying mass that was once a pine cone. They twist and turn searching…going sideways slightly before turning towards the core. They find their way around the various obstacles searching for depth…for nourishment…for stability. So much of this is rarely seen unless they are ripped from their beloved earth.
Throughout our lives, we connect with those that surround us. These “root systems” offer support from the winds of life, as well as bind us together. As I search for where I want my roots to go,…who and what I wish to tether myself to… I understand why sending out a multitude of rootlets is so important. By sending out 100 roots, I can stand to loose a few and not compromise my stability. For me, maintaining a balance is essential.
Right now I have roots…I must focus on the now and not worry about the tomorrows. They will come, but until they do I don’t know what they will hold. All we have is now. Right now all I must do is write and breathe. My lesson is in the now so I must be present, for THIS will not last. I have so much to love and give. This space is truly amazing and I need to focus on that. Let go of the drama of the future. Let go of the illusion that we have any control over any of this. Let go of what others might think or say. What truly matters in this moment in time is that I accept that which has been given to me. Acceptance without regret or resentment. Simply accept. There are no “whys” that will bring clarity, only more questions that take too much time to answer. Somehow even the answers, when you do find them, only bring more questions. Thus…stop looking for answers or solutions. Just live right now with grace and acceptance that everyday is another breath that is both sweet and bitter. Love and be loved if only for a second. It may be the most meaningful second of your life.
