Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and welcome to the holidays.

May you celebrate whatever day you value with people you love, doing things you like to do, being the person you want to be.

What I wish for everyone is what I wish for myself--In lieu of chewing my nails wondering how to accomplish everything I must do, but can’t manage.

That, and keeping it green and frugal.

This year I accept that what I have, and what I have to give, is enough.

Wishing you the best ever holiday season.

Paper or Plastic

I’m thinking about taking my own re-usable fabric bags when I go grocery shopping.

Store credit averages three cents or more for each bag. At that rate, how long will it take the fabric bags to pay for themselves?

If I buy brand new ones (at, say, 89 cents each) just to take grocery shopping while that avocado-green beach bag from Auntie Dora sits in the closet gathering dust, it will take up to 30 visits to pay for a bag.

But if I use Auntie Dora’s bag, it won’t cost a thing, and she’ll be so pleased. Perhaps I’ll add to Auntie Dora’s bag that huge net reticule in the basement, the satchel under the bed, and the Mondrian tote in the garage. It could be my grocery bag Private Collection.

How does a person become a writer?

My friend Debbie (a published author!) has recently added a list of writing resources to her blog.

Any aspiring writers out there? One of the books on Debbie's list might just be the one that gets you started.

What can I do?

I can't stop global warming, solve the energy crisis, or create new jobs. What can I do?

How much difference will it make if I raise just one tomato plant, using the compost from my own kitchen instead of chemicals?

It will make just this difference:

I will send less garbage to the landfill, save money on out-of-state produce, and add one more organic, local item to my diet.

Am I missing anything? Oh, yes, I’ll get a little outdoor exercise, some fresh air, maybe meet a neighbor or two, and play in the dirt.