I had big ideas about how Ella and I would drink tea, talk about peace and create design prototypes for Peace Pact Kits together. Ella really didn't want to talk or drink tea -- she just wanted to play with the beads. Her whimsical, unencumbered approach to art and crafts is always a lesson to me and she produces a little wonder every time. Check out the necklace she designed. It is for sale on http//elizlynne.etsy.com. I tried to convince her to keep it but she really likes the idea of selling her "art" on the computer. I made something I think I'll call 'Hope Beads' pictured above, next to Ella's necklace. I've found these beads to be a useful reminder to direct my mind toward optimistic and peaceful thoughts -- especially in traffic. I assigned a person to each bead on my set. You could also assign a wish or hope or just use them as you would worry stones or prayer beads. As the fun with beads was winding down, Ella and I talked a little bit about what peace means. We agreed that the thing that makes us most peaceful is "snuggling with someone in our family" and making stuff. I'd say the project was a success.
I spy Marshal. See him staring out of the painting with his smart bird eye. Marshal was rescued as a wee chick by my good friend, artist and neighbor. Not only is Marshal personable and regal, he can pull his weight around the yard. Guinea Fowls, like Marshal are merciless on the tick population.
My dear friend and creative muse Leslie K made this mandala with her son's Kindergarten class. Not only did they have a great time but the kidlets learned about individuality and community. Leslie used Mandala Creativity lesson plans as a guide.
Metresexual? No. Urban Tribes sophisticate? Nope. Philanthropist, not yet. EcoMom? Well yes -- trying to be. I had a special blogger moment when I saw the article, 'For 'EcoMoms, ' Saving Earth Begins at Home
I've come across three opportunities to pledge myself to becoming a more conscious consumer. Although I love the idea of wearing only refashioned garments I'm pretty sure I'll be more successful with both job interviews and my long term efforts to be green by sticking to less extreme measures. Where as buying Handmade is fun and the stuff out there is so unique that I can't see this pledge being much of a problem. I hope my Dad likes handmade soap. I am also up for 9 of the 10 first steps outlined in the EcoMom challenge. Number 7 just won't work -- the stuff Cy and Ella get on their clothes would never come out with out hot water.Pledge Handmade: Consider buying Handmade for the holiday season as well as for all of the gizzilion house warming, birthday’s gifts etc. There are some interesting links about conscious consumerism on this site as well. As you know I'm a huge fan of Etsy.com for all things handmade.
1. Change a light. If every household in America changed out just 5 light bulbs to energy efficient CFL's it would be equivalent to taking 8 million cars off the road.
2. Drive More Efficiently: Car pool, don't idle during drop off and pick up, drive a hybrid and drive less. If we each drove just 10 mile less per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of CO2 - and you'll find more time in your day.
3. Shop local, fair trade and organic. Most food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it reaches your table, so by walking down to your local farmer's market, you'll not only reduce fossil fuel waste, you might also reduce your own waist.
4. Use non toxic products for cleaning, bathing, even make-up and you'll protect the environment as well as reduce you and your family's risk of disease.
5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Cutting down on garbage by just 10% can save 1,200 pounds of CO2 and you'll have less junk around the house!
6. Turn off and unplug electronic devices and you'll reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and save on energy and CO2 emissions. You can also start having dinner by candlelight, which your kids, and your partner, will love!
7. Re-think your laundry plan! A favorite of many EcoMoms. Doing less, using cold water and line drying when possible you can save over 500 pounds of CO2 and over $600 per year.
8. Plant a Tree. Or any plant. Just bring more green into your life. This is a great activity to do with your kids to mark special occasions. Over the course of its lifetime, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. Go organic if you can and avoid those nasty pesticides.
Growing up I was a huge fan of Muhammad Ali. Who wasn't? If you haven't seen the documentary Rumble in the Jungle, about the historic fight between Ali and Foreman you must, it will remind you of why Ali was such a star. I felt a distant spark of interest in boxing after reading this article about Zou Shiming, China's boxing phenom. Zou has defined a new style of boxing by applying the principles of martial arts to the game.
Ever since Mathew McConaughey went from Dazed and Confused to Dull and Conceited, Peter Berg has taken over as my official screen heartthrob. 
You are probably wondering what you are looking at -- here we have orange chunks, beef jerky and a partially munched muffin cookie. This has been an especially bizarre food week at the WhiteJones Casa. Chris made a batch of muffins for Ella's class and much to our delight he including what Ella coined a "muffin cookie". She wants to have them for dinner every night and make "lots and lots of muffin cookies for people who don't have food" -- much less muffin cookies. Perhaps we can start by donating some food to the Austin Food Bank.
