~ Moments By Melanie ~

Sponsor a Wild Place for Valentine's Day or Any Day

2012-01-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

I received this information recently and I love it. Why not give a gift that really makes a difference and puts a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart.

Show your environmentally-conscious loved one you care by sponsoring a wild place in their name. When you give this unique and special gift to that special someone, they get the added satisfaction of knowing that their gift is helping preserve America’s wild legacy.

Your symbolic sponsorship supports all of Sierra Club's efforts to protect America's wildlands and wildlife, keep our air and water clean and promote a clean energy future.

Your sponsorship gift includes:

A super soft Plush animal, a signature Sierra Club rucksack (or both!)
Personalized Certificate of Sponsorship
Beautiful 5x7 full color photograph
A colorful Fact Sheet with fun details about your favorite wild place
For 120 years, the Sierra Club has been instrumental in protecting our most cherished wild places. From the creation of Yosemite National Park at the urging of John Muir, to the battle to protect the Giant Sequoias, the Sierra Club has been the leading environmental organization in ensuring that these natural treasures are protected for generations to come.

Sponsor a Wild Place today and help keep these treasured places safe!

All information and images are from the Sierra Club Website.

Feline Well- Care Clinic

2011-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Nine lives Foundation/ Feline Well Care Clinic

My friend & I came across this fabulous resource for feline Well-Care. Beginning August 15, 2011 they offer low cost spay/neuter, dentistry & vaccine clinics for cats. A truly No Kill Shelter!!!

Their goal for 2011: 1500 spays & neuters. You can help by catching stray cats in your neighborhood and bringing them in. It's low cost financially and high rewards for keeping the stray cat population under control!!!

Spay and Neuter:
No appointment needed but may be recommended.
Monday thru Friday

Low Cost vaccination clinics for cats:
Wednesdays 4pm - 7pm
1st Saturday of the month 9am - noon.
No appointment needed, forst come, fist served.

Visit the website for more information.
Donations are also welcome.

2011-09-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends, Family, Neighbors and Colleagues,

On September 17 & 18th, I will be riding my bike 120 miles in the Waves to Wine Bike Tour for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Over 2000 cyclists and hundreds of volunteers will join me to help make a difference in the lives of those who have MS. Advances in research and treatments are giving hope to those with the disease. I personally have a friend with Multiple Sclerosis and have seen the results of the latest research. You & I can take for granted that we will be able to get out of bed in the morning. Others are not so fortunate.

“I couldn’t even move my legs. Every day I would think, maybe today is my low point. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be better. That’s the scary thing with MS: you never really know. When I wake up tomorrow will I be able to walk? When I wake up tomorrow will I be blind?”

MS is a disabling, chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. The body's own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. The damaged myelin may form scar tissue (sclerosis). When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged, nerve impulses to and from the brain are distorted or interrupted. The symptoms of MS include numbness, tingling, painful sensations, slurred speech, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, poor balance, muscle tightness or spasticity or even paralysis which can be permanent.

An estimated one third of a million Americans have MS and two thirds are women. Through ‘The National MS Society Funded Research’, significant progress has been made in the treatment of this disease. Increased funding for their research is the key to finding a cure. I am asking for your support by contributing toward this goal, and most worthy cause.

Besides the challenge of riding 120 miles, my goal is to raise $1000 to support the quest to find a cure. With your love, enthusiasm, care and financial support, we can make it together. Just use the sponsor form below for your tax-deductible contribution. So that I may track my fund raising progress, please mail your tax-deductible contribution by Sept 1st. Of course, I will still accept donations after that date but the earlier the better. Thank you in advance for your support, our MS honorees really appreciate it.

With my sincere thanks, Melanie

Please make checks payable to THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY

Name____________________________________________
Address__________________________________________City_______________________________ State_________ Zip___________________________

If you would like to make your contribution from your credit card you may make your pledge online:

Click Here to Donate

*** Two FREE photo greeting cards for a $50 donation!
*** Four FREE photo greeting cards for a $100 donation!
while supplies last

Fund Raising Event for Multiple Sclerosis Research & Support

2011-07-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Every hour of every day in the United States, another adult receives that frightening diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a disabling, chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Please come and show support for multiple sclerosis research to end the devastating effects of this disease by eating dinner at PIZZA ANTICA on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 between 5pm until closing and Pizza Antica will donate 25% of your dinner check to Multiple Sclerosis to fill the balloons of hope.

*****Remember, you must mention to your server that you are there for MS in order for it to count!

Gather your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors together and make it a fun night out! See you there!

Pizza Antica
334 Santana Row, Suite 1065
San Jose, CA 95128
408-557-8373

Tuesday, August 9, 2011
5:00pm - closing

Eat Dinner for Multiple Sclerosis

~~Donations are also welcome. :-)
Ask me how.

Waves to Wine Bike Ride for MS

July 4th Camping Trip to the Sierra National Forest

2011-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

I recently enjoyed a memorable 5 day camping trip to the Sierra National Forest. It was my dog Carson's first camping trip with me and I think he enjoyed most of it.

Our site was perfectly located on Kaiser Creek which was raging due to the high snowfall this past winter.

We had a large enough site to have multiple tents, which is great because I really enjoy having my two bedroom suite.

Plenty of wildflowers are still out.

Here's Don decorating our home site with the beautiful hippie banner.

There was lots of good food, drinks, games and company to share the time with.

Here's dinner cookin'. Cornish game hens roasting in a dutch oven on the fire. Oh yum --- they were soooooooooooo delicious!

We all enjoyed a game horseshoes which started with a battle of the sexes. Oh and the women won!!!

Dominos and Cosmic Wimp Out were enjoyed. Just be careful who's keeping score!

The men showed their he-man strength by chopping wood. Which was great to supply the fabulous camp fires in the colder evenings.

After activity there was always a chance to relax in the comfy sky chair.

Everyone's a bartender!

Oh and here's the scorpion that stung Amy. Fortunately we learned on the spot from the Audubon guidebook that a scorpion sting is not poisonous. Good to know!

(OK I still freakishly checked every square inch of my tent in daylight so as not to be surprised in the dark.)

The drive home included many great scenic views like these hidden treasures.

Then a short hike to Rancheria Falls.

Random pics from the fun weekend......

2011-06-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 11, 2001 a huge yard sale took place to raise funds for What Kind of Dog is That Rescue (WKODIT). It was a very successful day earning many needed funds for saving lives. All who came enjoyed live mandolin music while shopping and could have their picture taken with the crazy dog frame. Below are some of the pictures taken of fellow dog lovers and supporters. Thanks for the great day!!

**Donations are also welcome.
send a check made out to Rescue Alliance (with WKODIT donation on the memo line) to P.O. Box 644, La Honda, CA 94020

WKODIT Rescue is an affiliate of the Rescue Alliance, a national, non-profit 501c(3) organization.

Vintage 1979 Women's Raleigh Sports Bike

2011-06-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Benefit Sale for Dog Rescue!

You can help contribute to saving lives of dogs from shelters who would otherwise be euthanized by purchasing items in this great sale.

100% of the proceeds go directly to animal care and supplies.

Vintage 1979 Women's Raleigh Sports Bike

**Donations are also welcome.
send a check made out to Rescue Alliance (with WKODIT donation on the memo line) to P.O. Box 644, La Honda, CA 94020

River Kayak
Massage Chair
Microwave
Bikes http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/2419613012.html
Lawn chairs
Pottery Barn Fireplace Mantle pieces
New Motorcycle Helmet & Leather Gloves
Wall Art
Fashionable Clothes
Hiking & Yoga Gear
Dishes
Books
Photo Greeting Cards
And so much more………..

If interested in items above, please let us know......

My Sweet Little Griffie

2011-05-07T19:28:00.001-07:00

When I was in grad school, my classmate Matt and his girlfriend (now wife) took a walk one night and saw someone throw a kitten in front of a car. They picked him up and took him home to care for him while finding a forever home for this kitten. I remember the morning Matt came running behind me and Patti asking us if either one of us wanted a cat. I asked what color? Matt replied "Black & White." I love black cats and assumed he meant the tuxedo look and agreed to take the kitten. After purchasing all the supplies I needed I set out one day to pick up the kitten. To my surprise, he was not exactly what I would have considered black & white, but rather a holstein cow! Oh well, I had agreed to take the kitten, so I set off for home with my new kitten. When we arrived at home I held him and gave him a tour of the house showing him our bedroom, his food, liter box and gave him a toy. He seemed to touch each thing once then immediately went to sleep on my bed. He had been living with a Siberian Husky who didn't let him sleep apparently.

The first night he slept on the bed at my feet. When I woke up the next morning, I held the covers open and he looked back & forth as if at a tennis match from the place he had slept to the invitation under the covers. Then he scrambled under the covers. From that day forward, he slept close by my side and never again so distant at my feet. I fell for him instantly regardless of the cow look. I loved the little black spludge above his mouth. He was so goofy looking that I think he was so incredibly cute! He proved to be the most loving, sweet cat ever.

Over the years Griffie and I developed many routines and habits. It was so fun learning his personality. He had so many funny things about him. He greeted me at the front door every day when I came home and followed me from room to room like a puppy dog. He always took any opportunity he could to sit in my lap. He purred in appreciation of my attention to him.

Griffie had many different meows, a voice for every different thing he wanted to communicate to me. I grew to know his different voices.

He had many quirky behaviors. He loved to sleep in the laundry basket with the warm clothes from the dryer and could sniff it out instantly. It was a struggle to get the things out that I needed before he would capture the laundry basket for his very own. But it was our thing that we shared.

He loved to sit on my laptop and walk across it. He had amazing typing/computer skills. He once moved about 50 emails to another folder which I finally found about a week later. One time he managed to hit just the right combination of keys to teach me the keyboard command for importing a photo directly into iphoto. Previously, I didn't know that feature existed. He would open new windows to do who knows what! He sent emails to people that said things like "@gh76%^*)*(@#&234aaa." Griffie seemed to know exactly when I was talking with family on skype and walked in front of the computer to steal the show.

Griffie loved so many different foods. It was quite entertaining to learn what things he liked. Lettuce, spinach and almost any greens were his favorite. He was right by my side anytime I made salad expecting to share it. He also loved one of my favorites - tortilla chips with guacamole! Yes really! Griffie ate all sorts of things like popcorn with brewers yeast, crackers, strawberries, hummus, garbanzo beans, soy milk.......... oh and how patiently he would wait for me to finish my ice cream so he could lick the bowl.

He really loved basking in the sunshine on the veranda or when it brightened up the living room in the afternoon. He always maintained a separate sleeping spot for the mornings though.

Griffie contorted into some interesting postures.

Here he is helping me with my taxes.

This is Griffie helping me choose a vacation.

The things I miss the most is that he snuggled in bed with me like a person with his head on the pillow. I started each day with him and ended every day with him next to me. He looked forward to this as much as I did I am sure. Griffie held a special place in my heart. I will never forgot him. Rest in peace my sweet little boy.

Greater Swiss Mountain/Shepherd Mix Dog Needs a Good Home!

2011-04-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

CARLOS
Greater Swiss Mountain/Shepherd mixed dog

Carlos looks so much like a Swissy, but could be a shepherd/hound mix. He’s about 6 yrs. old and 75lbs. Carlos has a gentle, calm way about him and has liked all the people he’s met. He knows his basic commands and can walk quite well on leash. He’s good company, has a great sense of humor. Carlos would like to be the only dog in his family. He’s a smart boy, wants to please and so deserves a loving home. No cats for this boy. Carlos is neutered, up to date on shots, housetrained, and heartworm neg.

**He does need an experienced dog owner!

If interested, please contact WKODIT Rescue. (What Kind of Dog is That)

650-747-9650

http://wkodit.petfinder.com

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greaterswissmountain.htm

2011-04-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Family, Friends, and Arts Aficionados:

I wanted to let you know about my friend's upcoming show, Plates and Totems, at the Blue Line Gallery in Roseville, CA. It is curated by Tony Natsoulas (http://www.tonynatsoulas.com/).

April 7 - June 3 2011

Blue Line Gallery
405 Vernon Street, #100
Roseville, CA 95678
916.783.4117

The artist is featured in a picture with her totemic sculpture contribution, "Dog Pile". (Her artistic muse, Bella the Love Pug, makes a guest appearance in this studio photo).

Leslie Ann Rice
Visual Artist and Instructor
Check out her Ceramic Sculpture at http://www.leslieannrice.com

For the freshest and hottest kiln news: http://leslieannrice.wordpress.com/

Sweet JRT/mini-Aussie mix needs a home!

2011-04-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

WKODIT Mixed Breed Rescue
650-747-9650
wkodit.petfinder.com

Chiquita is a darling 24lb., 3 yr. old girl in need of a home. She lost hers when her person passed away. Chiquita is very friendly, LOVES people. She’s fine with other dogs, but because her focus on people we think she would really enjoy being an only dog to be the center of attention. She’s a great hiker and will keep up with you wherever you want to go. This sweetie is very smart, very affectionate and will make someone a fabulous companion. We think she would likely ignore a cat. Chiquita is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.

Does It Take A Village to Share Low Hanging Fruit?

2011-01-31T16:38:00.000-08:00

How nice it would be to have property with fruit bearing trees. It is my dream to one day have a home with a yard abundant with fruit trees and a vegetable garden. There’s nothing better than fresh, home grown, organic food right from your very own back yard. (Beats standing in line at the grocery store!) What’s even more gratifying is to share that produce with family, friends and neighbors. I grew up with a yard that had the most prolific wild blueberry bush ever. All summer long we had blueberry pies, muffins, sauce for ice cream, blueberries on cereal and just about anything else you can think of. Sometimes we just snuck outside to eat berries straight from the bush. Even though we utilized as many as we could, there was still plenty to share. My Mother never failed to invite the neighbors over to pick berries and partake in the fresh fruit extravaganza.

Here in the Bay Area of California I see many citrus trees and other fruit bearing plants, so often fully decorated with ripe fruit as plentiful as ornaments on a Christmas tree, begging for attention and waiting for someone to enjoy its rich nourishment. Yet far too often, they sit there unused, unappreciated, neglected, and even wasting away. How this saddens me. Just as a street sign is meaningless to an illiterate person, these bountiful fruit trees, stand unnoticed and unseen by many. The resplendent glow of nature’s gift is oft invisible.

What can we do to improve this you ask? Well there is a non-profit organization called Village Harvest which is making a difference by recruiting volunteers to help harvest fruit from people’s yards that agree to donate them. Volunteers get together to pick the fruit which is then donated to local food banks. If you have ever participated in volunteer work, then you know the satisfaction that comes from contributing and building a strong community. Everyone here is a winner: the fruit tree owners; the volunteers; the food bank and its patronage. A veritable triumph!

What can you do?
1) Volunteer to pick fruit by checking Village Harvest’s schedule.

2) Offer to donate your fruit from your yard.

3) Print the homeowner flyer at the bottom of the page in the link to share this info at home, work, the gym etc.

4) Keep several of these flyers handy in your car, and as you drive by a property with abundant fruit, drop a flyer off at their front door. They just might appreciate it!

As always your comments and interesting discussion are welcome. Share what you have done for community lately. :-)

How to Help Someone Suffering from a Loss

2010-09-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Information taken from Kara-Grief

Change and loss are natural in the cycle of life. We experience grief and emotional distress with any significant loss. Support and caring from those around you is important and a source of comfort and nurturing so needed at this time.

DO let your genuine concern and caring show.

DO be available... to listen or to help with whatever else seems needed at the time.

DO say you are sorry about what happened and about their pain.

DO allow them to express as much unhappiness as they are feeling at the moment and are willing to share.

DO encourage them to be patient with themselves, not to expect too much of themselves and not to impose any “shoulds” on themselves.

DO allow them to talk about their loss as much and as often as they want to.

DO talk about the special, endearing qualities of the person they've lost.

DO remember they continue to need your caring and support after the first few weeks or months have passed.

DON'T let your own sense of helplessness keep you from reaching out.

DON'T avoid them because you are uncomfortable (being avoided by friends adds pain to an already painful experience.)

DON'T say that you "know how they feel". (Unless you've experienced their loss yourself you probably don't know how they feel.)

DON'T say "you ought to be feeling better by now" or anything else that implies a judgment about their feelings.

DON'T tell them what they should feel or do.

DON'T change the subject when they mention their loss or their loved one.

DON'T avoid mentioning their loss out of fear of reminding them of their pain (You can be sure they haven't forgotten it.

DON'T try to find something positive (e.g. a moral lesson, closer family ties, etc.) about the loss.

DON'T point out “at least they have their other …”

DON'T say they “can always have another ...”

DON'T suggest that they “should be grateful for their so-and-so...”

DON'T make any comments which in any way suggest that their loss was their fault (there will be enough feelings of doubt and guilt without any help from their friends).

How you can support Kara:

Kara is a nonprofit organization serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1976. Kara depends on volunteers and donations. Please call them if you wish to volunteer your time.

Kara-Grief

Talk Like A Pirate Day is here!!!!

2010-09-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

"Avast, there!"..................September 19th is a very special day for many of us. It is International 'Talk Like A Pirate Day!' Why wait until Halloween to have some fun.

Conjure up an image of swaggering pirateness and Unleash Your Inner Buccaneer!

"Shiver my timbers!" (often pronounced as "Shiver me timbers!")

"Bring me one noggin of rum, now, won't you, matey.

Check it out here:

Talk Like a Pirate Day!

You Can Make a Difference!

2010-08-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Eat Dinner to Raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis!

Every hour of every day in the United States, another adult receives that frightening diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a disabling, chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Please come and show support for multiple sclerosis research to end the devastating effects of this disease by eating dinner at PIZZA ANTICA on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 between 5pm until closing and Pizza Antica will donate 25% of your dinner check to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Remember, you MUST MENTION to your server that you are there for MS in order for it to count!

Gather your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors together and make it a fun night out! See you there!

Pizza Antica
334 Santana Row, Suite 1065
San Jose, CA 95128
408-557-8373

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
5:00pm - closing

If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, please contact me.

Be the One!

2010-07-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Message from The Environmental Defense Fund:

"With the BP oil gusher apparently contained for now, the clean up work begins.

This will take years, perhaps even decades, and will require that we all stand together to hold BP and the federal and local government officials accountable for full restoration.

That's why we are proud to join with Women of the Storm to support funding and implementation for Gulf Coast restoration.

Women of the Storm is a non-partisan, grassroots organization formed in New Orleans and South Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. They have just launched a new campaign, "Be the One," urging Americans from all walks of life and every corner of the country to add their voice in support of full restoration efforts."

watch their new short video

2010-07-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE

Toxic Garbage

2010-07-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Toxic Garbage - this is why it is so important to recycle and choose your purchases carefully. Rather than throwing away things that are not biodegradable, please consider how it can be repurposed rather than destroying our planet and health.

Toxic Garbage

Another video

World biggest garbage dump - plastic in the Ocean

Strawberry Music Festival!!!

2010-06-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I recently spent five wonderful days at Strawberry Music Festival at Camp Mather near Yosemite. Strawberry Festival happens twice a year, Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends. This is my fifth year in attendance at both and I don't ever want to miss it! It has become tradition for me, yet, each one is special in its own way and carries its own specially created memories engraved in my mind forever! If my Strawberry friends are reading this - yes you know what I mean. :-) We have shared so much laughter there, as well as from the ever growing bank of memories.

So this year brought an unusual combination of weather - pouring rain, snow, cold, cold, cold, then sun and warmth.

There's the usual cast of characters - crazy lady who eats our famous tri-tip steak sandwiches and Dave my friend at the coffee booth whose gift of the colorful peace sign necklace adorns my neck at each event, the physicist twirler Dude and on and on.............. I love returning to the sameness and reuniting with the folks I only get to see twice a year, and all the new folks I meet each time that contribute some zaniness to shape each festival. Then there's the late night walk to Birch Lake to hear the amazingly loud bull frogs, strolling through the camp ground for the bluegrass jams and.... well, we have some other traditions too.

So the main stage in the Music Meadow was a mosh pit of mud from all the excess rain and I rarely made it out there, but we were well positioned to hear the music from our hang out spot. Thanks K & J for staking out a great location!

Lyle Lovett gave a stellar performance naturally. Patty Loveless was fantastic! Also enjoyed Crooked Still, Brothers Comatose, 18 South and a new discovery... Mia Dyson who's raspy voice mimics that of Bonnie Raitt. Other new discoveries include Sarah Jarosz who is only 18 years old and already on her way to greatness, Dala which consists of two cute gals from Canada and lastly, Lubriphonic! Talk about a serious jam session. The Lubriphonic late-night benefit show for the Hog Ranch Radio started at 11:30pm and we danced until 2:00am! What a fun time! Especially with a great dance partner.

The Sunday Morning Revival tradition at Birch Lake opened with The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit. If you like bluegrass music, this group is a must for your collection.

The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit

I can't reveal all of it. Afterall, we have taken the code of silence.....what happens at Strawberry, stays at Strawberry. So if I've piqued your interest, get your ticket for September.

To all my Strawberry gang - Love you all very much! Thanks for the good times!

Strawberry Music Festival

Specialty Salad Recipe!

2010-05-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

For you Farmer's Market Shoppers or garden growers, here's a great recipe for summer to make fresh!

Arugula-Fennel Salad

1 Tbsp very finely chopped shallot
2 tspn fresh lemon juice
1/2 tspn Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp canola oil (personally I would use a very fine Italian olive oil from A.G. Ferrari)
6 oz baby arugula leaves
1/2 fennel bulb, cored and very thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In large salad bowl whisk together the shallot, lemon juice and mustard. Gradually add oil, whisking constantly, until the vinaigrette is emulsified and creamy looking. Add baby arugula and sliced fennel to the salad bowl, season with salt & pepper and toss well.

Guess what goes well with this?!! Assorted Cheeses!!! Yum

A.G. Ferrari

More tunes to share!

2010-04-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

Serena Ryder

Matthew Mayfield

Shane Dwight

Catch him live by checking his website for his tour schedule!

Dawn Landes

Ruthie Foster

The Weepies

And let's never forget these guys ;-D
The Monkees

Earth Day is Coming!

2010-04-09T17:45:00.001-07:00

Hi out there, whoever is listening.

This year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day which occurs on April 22. Are you ready? What's it all about you ask. Well, Earth Day is designated as time to acknowledge and honor the environment, to learn about and appreciate the Earth's precious resources and all it offers before we destroy it all, to inspire awareness of the environment and what it means to various life forms including us. Earth day is a response to widespread environmental degradation, which if ignored, will lead to bigger problems.

Earth day events are held all over the world. You can do a simple google search to find out how you can get involved in your neighborhood.

On a personal level, there are so many things you can do to make a difference:

~ Do you already recycle paper, cans, bottles? It's so easy to separate. Don't throw anything in the trash that isn't biodegradable. Think about each item you are about to dispose of right before doing so and ask what will happen to this item? Will it sit in landfill? Can it be recycled, upcycled into art or a useful item? Can it be donated to an organization? Can an artist use it? If it is metal, collect it all then bring it to your local recycling center. The average American produces 1600 lbs of trash per year!!! When you throw something away - it doesn't go away!! Are you a NIMBY?

~ Do you turn the lights off when leaving a room? Making electricity pollutes the environment, so only use what you really need.

~ Watch TV less and take a walk instead. Or fill that time with friends/family and be in the moment! It will add more quality to life.

~ Drive less. Ride a bike or walk to do errands, or take public transportation.

~ Purchase your produce from locally grown farmers, rather than paying for fuel costs of transportation. Think about the carbon emission from transportation of food. Get to know your local farmers and build a relationship! It's one you will come to love. Also, consider composting.

~ Buy unpackaged food from the bins and bring your own reused containers.

~ What household toxic cleaning products are you using? All cleaning products can be made from white vinegar, baking soda, borax and castille soap. Save empty bottles to make your own cleaning products. It is much safer for you & the environment. Eco Recipes Here

~ Unsubscribe for all those catalogs you receive in the mail (just before recycling them). You can call the 800 # on the back and ask to be removed from the mailing list.

The individual action we can all take is really where it's at! Environmental change begins with each one of us.

Have you heard of NO IMPACT MAN? I watched the documentary movie recently (available on Netflix). It is an interesting true story of how one family set out to have NO environmental impact for one year. Well then of course after one year they carried on. You can read his blog here: No Impact Man

Many artists on Etsy make handmade items from upcycling. Etsy

Check out more info here:
Earth Day organization

**Ok, this really cool- while writing this blog post, Jack Johnson's song entitled The 3 R's came on! Meaning Reduce. Reuse, Recyle. That's a karmic moment! Get it on itunes to inspire you.

Please read this story about the trials of the polar bears trying to survive global warming Polar Bear Odyssey

Take this Quiz for fun!
put your answers in the comments.

1. What was the first year an Earth Day was held?

2. Who founded Earth Day?

3. What new practice will you implement in your life to preserve the environment?

4. Do you know what NIMBY is?

5. What environmental preservation ideas do you want to share with everyone?

Spice up your life!

2010-04-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe online last December when it was cold outside. Here it is early April and it is still raining and cold. So if you need to warm up -- here's a recipe that will do the trick!

Cilantro-Chipotle Tilapia

Mild tilapia takes beautifully to a robust, smoky cilantro-chipotle sauce.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotles in adobo ( I found this in a Mexican Market) YUM!!!
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 (6-ounces) tilapia fillets

Preparation:
Preheat broiler.
Purée cilantro, oil, chiles with some adobo sauce, water, cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender until smooth, then coat fish with sauce.

Line rack of a broiler pan with foil, then broil fish 3 to 4 inches from heat until just cooked through, 6 to 9 minutes.

More Music Experience

2010-03-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

My love for music, especially the experience of live music, has led me to volunteer at a local music venue called Villa Montalvo. Located in the hills of Saratoga, CA it is without a doubt the most beautiful music venue in the entire Bay Area. It is a mansion that was owned by a Senator in the 1800's and donated to the state of California upon his death for the promotion, preservation and education of the arts. There is the outdoor Garden Theatre for summer concerts and the indoor Carriage House for winter. Both are small enough for an intimate setting in which every seat is a good seat to really enjoy the music.

I had the good fortune to be scheduled for last night's show featuring a Hawaiian group called HAPA. If you haven't heard of them or seen them - you must! HAPA is two guys playing acoustic guitar with both traditional and contemporary sounds from folk/rock, celtic, Hawaiian and world influences. Barry Flanagan was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, but went to the Hawaiian Islands in 1980 to study and explore the art slack-key guitar and Hawaiian poetic song composing called Haku Mele. He has a unique, style of strumming and plucking guitar strings to achieve extraordinary sounds. Nathan Aweau was born in Honolulu and surrounded by family musicians from a very early age leading him to master many different instruments as well as singing, producing and arranging. Both these guys have great voices and work well together to produce a melodic, soothing, yet an uplifting sound.

Music that is "beautiful, fragile, spiritual, powerful." (Los Angeles Times).

For some songs, they even adorned the stage with beautiful Hawaiian dancers with ever so graceful movement to the sounds outpouring from the music.

I highly recommend checking them out! Their music is available on itunes and at your public library perhaps. They have quite an extensive travel schedule - see if you can catch a live show.

HAPA

Need inspiration?

2010-03-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just saw an interesting travel documentary about teenagers from a school for the blind in Tibet called BLINDSIGHT. This four time audience award winner relates the true story of six blind Tibetan teenagers accompanied by an experienced group of western climbers who set off on a gripping adventure as they attempt to climb the 23,000-foot Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest. Sadly, in Tibetan culture, blind children are hidden away as they are considered cursed from having done something in a past life or having angered a spirit. American climber Erik Weihenmayer, who became blind at the age of 15 and is the first blind man to scale Everest, joins the founder of the school to help lead this challenging expedition with the six teenagers.

The name Lhakpa-Ri means "Stormy Mountain" and true to its name, they did encounter a storm.

The film crew follows them and captures the day by day trek as well as moments of candid discussion and decision making regarding the issues that come up along the way of this endurance event.

Ok, I won't reveal anymore so as not to spoil it for you. A definite uplifting movie to see! Oh and did I mention the scenery!
(Currently available for streaming on Netflix).

Blindsight

2010-03-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

March 20, 2010 is the Spring Equinox. So what does this mean besides the beginning of Spring which many of us are thrilled to welcome. Hey it has been great running in the rain and drinking wine by the fire but I am ready for an awakening: warmer temperatures, fresh blossoms, wild flowers etc. Oh yeah – the pollen too. Does anyone else have this hacking cough?

This is the time when the sun crosses the equator and magically day and night are almost equal in length of time everywhere.

The Inca civilization and other ancient civilizations knew much of the equinox and used this information to guide them for planting, harvesting etc.

In modern times I have heard of people writing down what they want to rid themselves of and burning it in a fire. (Presumably to set new goals and start anew).

So how are you celebrating the arrival of spring? Would love to hear from you.

Erin Go Bragh!

2010-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Here it is March 17 - "Saint Patrick's Day", named after Saint Patrick, the patron saints of Ireland (circa AD 387–461).

Although an official holiday in Ireland, we like it too! It has become a day of all things green. Wear green clothing and hats, drink green beverages, eat green food, use green face paint....

Prepare special meals of corned beef and cabbage and decorate with shamrocks and don't forget to shower with a bar of Irish Spring soap! :-D

Some famous Irish quotes:
“You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind”.
~ This sounds like the modern day "All talk and no action" theory. So if there's something you have been thinking about doing, get out and do it!

"Where the tongue slips, it speaks the truth." ~ Whoops!

"Continual cheerfulness is a sign of wisdom."
~ Instant PhD!

"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long."

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures." ~ Do you think they mean for a hangover? LOL

Looking for a recipe? Check here Corned Beef and Cabbage

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

How are you planning to celebrate?

All the World's a Stage!

2010-03-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here it is March 15. You know what that means ---------------
Beware the Ides of March! Why you ask? Well........

A soothsayer's correct warning to Julius Caesar, "Beware the Ides of March," has stamped March 15th with a foreboding sense of doom ever since that infamous day in 44BC.

The Ides of March is the fifteenth of March in the Roman calendar which is based on a complicated system of calculation possibly devised by either Caesar himself or Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome. The word ides is derived from a Latin word (Idus Martias) that means "half division" of a month and represents the mid-point of Roman months.

On March 15, 44BC as Caesar was headed to the Theatre of Pompey, he ran into the Soothsayer yet again for a final warning:
Caesar: The ides of March are come.
Soothsayer: Aye, Caesar, but not gone!

It is here that Ceasar met Brutus and Cassius and his assassination.

So what does this mean for the rest of us? Perhaps avoid the theatre? ;-)

For those Shakespeare fans among us, here is the dialog for your reading pleasure......

William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene II

All the world's a stage my friends, much ado about nothing if you ask me. But alas, all's well that ends well!!

Point Wilderness!!

2010-03-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Check this out. A friend just sent it to me recently from friends of hers that created this cool new website for finding places to go in nature and what activities you can do there. I tried it out. You can register and create points (places to go).

In their own words: "Point Wilderness was created to help people get out in nature, whether far away or right down the block. Select an area on the map, with the well known Google Map interface, and see what wilderness activities are available. Or better yet REGISTER and add you own points and share them with your friends and family."

And there's a whole lot more here: Point Wilderness

Take Action!

2010-03-11T10:25:00.001-08:00

Looking for a way to get involved in community and give back? Volunteering your time, efforts and skills can provide rewards beyond words. Check out these volunteer opportunities to make a difference:

Saturday, March 13, Palo Alto, CA ~ One Brick volunteers will be helping remove weeds to provide sufficient space for native California grasses and plants. ~
One Brick

Check out One Brick Organization in your area: Chicago, Wash DC, MPLS/St Paul, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle ~ One Brick

Saturday, March 13 ~ Help Save The Bay improve natural wetland habitat in Palo Alto. Volunteers are needed to help achieve our goal to plant 25,000 native seedlings in the Palo Alto Baylands. ~ Save the Bay

Saturday, March 13 ~ Harvest for the Hungry Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit) from backyards in the Eden Neighborhood of San Jose. Join in one of the three teams that will be harvesting over a couple of tons of fruit! ~ Village Harvest

Sunday, March 21 ~ Community Fruit Harvesting, starting from downtown Mountain View, for homes in Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto. 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. ~ Village Harvest

Saturday, April 10 ~ Restoration Day at San Francisquito Creek (Palo Alto, CA). ~ Save the Bay

Saturday, May 8 ~ Wetland Weeding at San Francisquito Creek (Palo Alto, CA). ~ Save the Bay

Make A Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island ~ Make a Wish

Hands on Greater Portland ~ Hands On Portland

Join our community of volunteers and together we can work to protect the things we love about Colorado. ~ Colorado Environmental Coalition

The Volunteer New Jersey database will serve as New Jersey’s virtual volunteer center, capable of connecting volunteers looking for volunteer opportunities with charities in need of volunteer assistance. ~ Volunteer New Jersey

Tons of other volunteer opportunities at One Brick in San Francisco, Peninsula and East Bay ~ One Brick Calendar

Good Tunes!

2010-03-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

I love music! Several friends and I constantly share tunes. Here are some musicians that I enjoy or some that are new discoveries.

Joe Purdy

Peter Himmelman

The Watson Twins

Greg Laswell

Josh Rouse

Marissa Nadler

Sera Cahoone

Josh Ritter

The Be Good Tanyas

Here's a local bluegrass band.
Kitchen Help

** Do you have any music that you love and want to share? Please do so in the comments! Would love to hear from you.

Waterfall Season Continues

2010-03-08T11:58:00.001-08:00

Waterfall hiking continues into March. The abundant rainfall this winter has filled many waterfalls with raging, fast waters. Here are some pictures from the past weekend's hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Not exactly what one wants to see at the beginning of a 10+ mile hike. Although I have to say, it was not what I would consider strenuous - just fun!

Beautiful, healthy, lush green forests abound! Felt like walking through an enchanted forest.

The bark on trees never ceases to amaze me. Every hike I have seen trees with totally different bark. The shapes, textures, contours, colors - all are totally unique. I love the deep, carved out grooves on this majestic, giant redwood.

More beautiful scenery along the way.

Alas, we arrive at the first of three waterfalls on this hike. This is Berry Creek Falls.

2010-03-03T17:42:00.001-08:00

Looking for fun, unique things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area? I put together some ideas.

* Winter Stone Fruit Pruning Workshop, March 6 - Village Harvest

* Cinequest movies presents more than 200 film screenings, including 76 U.S. and World Premieres from 45 countries. - Cinequest

* Ladysmith Black Mambazo in concert at Villa Montalvo, March 10 - Villa Montalvo

* Astronomy Lecture at Foothill, "The Many Mysteries of Antimatter" - March 10 - Foothill Astronomy

* Help Save The Bay improve natural wetland habitat in Palo Alto, March 13 - Save the Bay

* Wine Tasting at Uncorked - Uncorked

* Docent-led tours of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, based on hexagonal module.Hanna House

* Allied Arts Guild, Spanish Colonial-style buildings in a garden setting with fountains and flower-lined walkways, studio artists, paintings, pottery, sculpture and woodwork, all in a beautiful garden setting. - Allied Arts Guild

Got more ideas? Please do share by adding your comments!

FM2GUGFTFDUT

Lend a Helping Hand

2010-03-02T10:32:00.001-08:00

I had an experience recently during my daily 6 mile run. I started running a new route due to weather conditions. There was a home along the route that had a beautiful symmetrical and bountiful orange tree full of oranges. More oranges than one could even image seeing on the grocery store shelf. About 1.5 weeks later I passed by the same house - orange tree still full, but now some are rotting and falling off. As you can image, the egregious waste was heartwrenching. This is organic, healthy, home grown food. Why should this abundant production from mother nature sit there wasting away while so many would appreciate it. So I decided on a bold move. As a complement to their beautiful, colorful tree, I left a page on their door from the website of an organization called Village Harvest asking permission to come back to harvest the fruit to donate to a local shelter or food bank. Village Harvest is a nonprofit volunteer organization in the greater San Francisco Bay Area which harvests fruit from backyards and small orchards then passes it along to local food agencies to feed the hungry. They have a handy pdf already prepared that you can easily hand out to homeowners and the donation of fruit is tax deductible! What's there not to love about this?!

pdf Form

Be bold and make a difference.
Do you see prolific fruit-bearing trees in your neighborhood? Reach out to the residents to share this info. You never know what could happen - You just might make a new friend! Print the pdf and carry it with you always, in your glove compartment, computer bag, purse, notebook, briefcase, pockets, hands....... Taking action means being prepared.

Other ways to make a difference:
Volunteer your time with Village Harvest, or volunteer through One Brick. Both links below.

One Brick

Village Harvest

As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. If you took action or have other ideas to share- please do so!

Homemade Fire Logs

2010-02-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

So it's almost March and many of us are ready for spring. However, there is still snow, rain and some cold weather and some cold evenings to enjoy the fireplace. Here's a tip on making your own fire logs.

Collect pine cones, dried rosemary, dried lavender, dried citrus peels. Roll them in newspaper and twist the ends closed. Add this to your fire to fill the home with a pleasant fragrance.

2010-02-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Sharing great book recommendations.

I recently learned of this interactive book from my friend Scott. If you want to get outside the box and break the rules while nurturing your creativity - check it out.

Wreck This Journal
By Keri Smith

Meanwhile this led me to search out more by this author. She has a whole bunch of books that sound playful, fun, informative and just plain cool! I hope to read these soon!

How To Be An Explorer of the World

Living Out Loud

Waterfall Season!

2010-02-26T14:28:00.000-08:00

So I declared February and March as waterfall season because here in the California bay area we have so many temporary waterfalls that exist due to the winter rainfall. In the summer many of these waterfalls will be nonexistent or simply a trickle of water. Each weekend my friend Scott and I have been searching out waterfall hikes, even in the pouring rain! Nothing can stop us.