tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.comments2023-09-03T08:56:19.804-04:00Kate's Considered LifeKate E.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00066896916744020747noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-67956648967086279432014-05-17T08:33:20.015-04:002014-05-17T08:33:20.015-04:00Kate, I just spent a year living in a garage in th...Kate, I just spent a year living in a garage in the woods with my little family. Nature was right there for us. One whole wall of our home could be opened up to the trees, the air, and the sun and moon... I have to be outside as much as I can now. I am reading Tom Brown Jr.'s book, Grandfather, right now - you should check it out. We are all connected to the world... <br />Do you know the children's book, I am a Bunny? "I chase the butterflies and the butterflies chase me."<br />Keep writing! <br />~DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-24079579262215190722014-01-28T09:59:05.289-05:002014-01-28T09:59:05.289-05:00Awesome Kate! I hope you plant at least three But...Awesome Kate! I hope you plant at least three Butterfly Plants and put a birdbath out there. I would love to come and help you if there is a time that works for us. Since I have made my whole front yard into a Flower Garden, it has brought me so much joy and I look forward to putting the final touches on it this Spring. A Garden brings you to a place of joy and peace that the Children will love at your school. What a gift!Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-17144861985515097132013-01-30T09:41:22.414-05:002013-01-30T09:41:22.414-05:00So glad to see you writing again, Kate! I, too, wi...So glad to see you writing again, Kate! I, too, will be writing more this year. Having let go of my incredibly arduous teaching position has allowed me to see what truly matters - my little family. The paths we choose to be on are of our own design, I think. <br />I will choose peace, as well.<br />I look forward to more words from you...<br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-21236237916631269192012-11-01T19:01:59.809-04:002012-11-01T19:01:59.809-04:00Kate,
I cried as I read through your blog. First ...Kate,<br />I cried as I read through your blog. First off, thanks so much for coming down to comfort us during this traumatic time....it meant so much to us. We were tossing everything that got soaked in the flood, but you had the patience to look through and salvage things that have so much meaning to us and I appreciate it. My little set of mini cars that I have saved forever....they are now safe and dry back in their glass jar....my many CD's (that I love) have all had a chance to dry inside and I'm anxious to pop one into my CD player, soft blankets that were lying around in water that you took home to launder....someone else can feel their warmth. For these and much more, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were there for me to cry on your shoulder if necessary, to share a nice, relaxing meal (just the two of us) to talk through what had transpired in the last few days. Up until that point I was holding everything in and I so needed you at that time. <br />As we move through live trying to live peacefully, I will think of Mattie's words to live by. <br />With God's blessings we now have heat again in our home and all of our electricity is working too. How I so appreciate these things that we all take for granted. I so look forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight after almost a week of sleeping elsewhere.<br />As I continue through life I will strive to make peace in all areas of my life.<br />Love,<br />MomDollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-17842219106986933552012-09-14T22:05:14.763-04:002012-09-14T22:05:14.763-04:00Kate,
With every blog you write, I become more aw...Kate, <br />With every blog you write, I become more aware....more mindful of our environment and think of more ways that I can live a sustainable life. Your words are very powerful and by doing what you are doing you are slowly teaching people and little by little your words will be imprinted in their minds until they too are living a sustainable life. You are "daring greatly" every day....never stop!<br />Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-59279529589088205872012-08-11T23:00:16.023-04:002012-08-11T23:00:16.023-04:00The house next to me is available, Kate. :)
What...The house next to me is available, Kate. :)<br /><br />What a joke. I'm amazed that your association has chosen to take this course. Hopefully the other children will learn from yours and the next generation of the association will not be so nitwitted. <br /><br />I think it's awesome that you've got some greenie supporters here on the web. I know I usually fall somewhere slightly short of being your best supporter in words (David's eloquence has that wrapped up quite well, don't you agree?) but I know you've considered the things you say and do in order to truly be wise about your sustainable life and I do hope you'll always continue to share that wisdom with the rest of us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-882465469203801672012-07-30T06:42:38.255-04:002012-07-30T06:42:38.255-04:00Kate,
I was just randomly clicking links on my bl...Kate,<br /><br />I was just randomly clicking links on my blog, and here you are! With a new post!<br /><br />Those cracks in your pavement, and those weeds growing in them? They are a sign of decay! Loss of control! They must be eradicated! This is one of the classic struggles - Man vs. Nature. It is there in your cracked pavement and your community codes and regulations. It is happening on a global level along with your neighbors' individual attempts at control. <br /><br />I think that, for the most part, we, as humans - as sentient beings - are more or less oblivious to our very existence. Life can be seen as frightening and people need to deaden themselves to that fear through what they can control. That way, they become more significant. It's manageable to survive like that. <br /><br />I say - start a garden in your front yard. Grow some food. Hang some laundry on a line. <br /><br />Your words never disappoint, Kate. Keep writing.<br /><br />See you around the bloghood,<br /><br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-26772219780563669532012-05-28T20:58:09.545-04:002012-05-28T20:58:09.545-04:00How I fervently wish that we will all wake up...
...How I fervently wish that we will all wake up...<br /><br />Have you seen this yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ae7h8FioX0&feature=youtu.beAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-29600946606999180152012-05-22T18:37:00.399-04:002012-05-22T18:37:00.399-04:00Wow, I'm so glad that BeyondPlastic shared you...Wow, I'm so glad that BeyondPlastic shared your blog on our Meet & Greet ... it is amazing and so thoughtful! I've added you to my blog roll!<br /><br />I think that there's a lot to be said for example and sticking to one's ethics. It's not always easy and the process isn't fast but people do notice. I was once in a grocery store line and when I got to the cashier I pulled out my reusable bag. This was back in the day when reusable bags weren't as common. The cashier looked at me like I had two heads and asked me about 3 times if I was really sure that I didn't want one of their bags. I told her I'd bag everything myself and proceeded to do so. A man, about 3 behind me in line, excused himself and I saw him go out the front door. In a moment he returned with his own reusable bags. We may not always know the impact we have on others ... but rest assured that there are people out there who get the message and act on it. And just maybe that will snowball!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18323775808390175925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-91056655228241836192012-05-21T16:52:28.444-04:002012-05-21T16:52:28.444-04:00Kate,
I just shared your blog: http://reducefootp...Kate,<br /><br />I just shared your blog: http://reducefootprints.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/meet-greet-monday-mtagt_21.html<br /><br />Go check it out.<br /><br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-56332653023801878882012-05-21T15:17:47.271-04:002012-05-21T15:17:47.271-04:00This was good article, Kate, and I don't think...This was good article, Kate, and I don't think the issue is that people don't know what is right but they don't know HOW to do what's right. How do we just instantly shake off all those bad habits? Can people even stick to their new-years resolutions to lose weight? But they all know they SHOULD and WHY they should. BUT HOW?!?!<br />Did you notice in the comments on this article that the state continues to allow natural gas to be delivered and piped in from other areas (like PA) where harmful fracking is rampant? It's not that this government doesn't know it's bad, but how do they "turn off" the demand for this stuff?<br />I have some ideas. How do I implement them on a large enough scale to make a difference? We need to mobilize EVERY AMERICAN to make a difference. But what's their motivation? It's painful to sacrifice. It's tough to lose weight and stick with it, it's tough (and expensive!) to drop an oil addiction, and it's tougher to trounce a "technology" that seemingly helps us kick that oil addiction with a domestic alternative. So how do we present it to enough of the "right people" to get something done? Can't take the tree-hugger aspect, can't take human health aspects, you need to appeal to peoples' pockets.<br />In this "me" society, we all "assume" we have rights that we were born with. We do a great job with accepting the "me" part. Nobody want's to own up to the rest of the word, though.<br />...an ASS of U and ME.sikbrikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448009817495857555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-79620366392863197692012-03-28T15:50:54.783-04:002012-03-28T15:50:54.783-04:00This early Spring we are having is wonderful! I&#...This early Spring we are having is wonderful! I'm ready to treck around some paths to view all the pretty nature that is upon us. Working in my gardens brings great pleasure to me now until frost. My goal this year, as I am walking many new paths, is to always carry a bag to pick up trash that clutters these lovely areas. I am proud of your accomplishments ...cleaning up the pond in your neighborhood... and your sons will continue your work in the future. Let's give the birds and the animals in nature a chance to roam in a clean environment so that they may live healthy as well as give us the enjoyment of catching a glimse of one of God's precious creatures, as you sometimes get to see a glimse of the Blue Heron.Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-45836540155939226042012-02-10T22:09:07.043-05:002012-02-10T22:09:07.043-05:00We drove four hours tonight from Maryland to NJ, b...We drove four hours tonight from Maryland to NJ, but before I left I made sure I had my reuseable 20 oz. cup filled with water so we wouldn't have to make any stops for drinks. I think many times it is just habit that makes us stop at these Fast Food Places....they are everywhere.....you think you are thirsty.....it does get tempting, but as soon as you pass by....it goes away. We also packed apples and some cheese, which we ate about an hour before dinner as a snack to hold us over. It felt good....we saved some money and there was no waste of cups, straws, etc. We will continue to move in the right direction.....with your help Kate! Thanks for always keeping us on track! Love, Mom :)Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-10663400664017790632012-01-28T16:58:34.128-05:002012-01-28T16:58:34.128-05:00As I discussed earlier this week with Kate, you wo...As I discussed earlier this week with Kate, you would be amazed at how many people (especially us baby boomers) are not educated on the subject of sustainability. If it weren't for Kate educating me, I too would be in the dark. We need to educate people in all areas of sustainability...without preaching or blaming. I do believe once we know, we will try better....I have. But again, how do we educate? Little by little, one person at a time....through our actions - through schools (starting programs for recycling, etc.). Starting the education at a young age is the answer, because, just like the technological world of today, this will stay with them forever. It will be EASY for them...because it was learned from young. So let's start there. It takes patience and time. But each one of us can teach in our own ways and do our part for this precious earth.Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-38268243390361025392012-01-27T15:48:08.547-05:002012-01-27T15:48:08.547-05:00Kate, I think you hit the nail on the head. It...Kate, I think you hit the nail on the head. It's not the question or the answer to the question as much as making EVERYONE ASK the question.<br /><br />Cooper is starting to love the story of The Lorax. I always picture you as our family Lorax. "I am Kate and I speak for the trees..." and later on in the book, I view you as the main protagonist in the story (the one who dared to ask the Onceler about the Lorax.)<br /><br />But if you have a copy of that book, go to the last passage - where the Onceler has his epiphany. <br /><br />"UNLESS"<br /><br />That right there is the challenge. We (you!) need to get everyone to have their "UNLESS" epiphany. I wish you the best with it, as always, and I find it's a struggle for me. Not because I don't want the same things as you but because it's not "easy". And I'm not saying easy like I want to be lazy about it but "easy" as in "MAKE IT POSSIBLE for me, silly manufacturers and lawmakers - this is what I want my tax dollars to do." But at this point, I've not had my "UNLESS" epiphany that makes me willing to sacrifice to the extent that you do.<br /><br />I fear that, just as the original hippies never were the mainstream, neither will be the nouveau-hippies, and they (you) are exactly who we need to take over for the sake of everyone else.sikbrikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448009817495857555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-69391077372214089852012-01-13T07:18:49.346-05:002012-01-13T07:18:49.346-05:00It's true that we are all connected. I think ...It's true that we are all connected. I think of that saying about the wings of a butterfly...<br /><br />And, yes, please, write more and more often, Kate. I am doing the same, trying to not edit twenty-eight times before I post, but maybe just twelve times -- get it out there!<br /><br />I saw a quote from the Dalai Lama this morning talking about his optimism for humanity. I am with him on that -- as I hope more and more of us will be as this age we live in moves on...<br /><br />Thanks for writing!<br /><br />~DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-60874637872956060372012-01-04T14:24:28.662-05:002012-01-04T14:24:28.662-05:00Hey Kate,
How do you quantify the savings...that&...Hey Kate,<br /><br />How do you quantify the savings...that's where I have trouble. For instance, Amazon.com now has 'frustration free' packaging. They have the buying power to do away with plastic clamshell packaging, etc. Your stuff comes in a cardboard box with a thin PLASTIC bag inside. Surely an improvement over retail packaging, but...<br /><br />Is it better for me to get the product via Amazon, have it shipped (what's the carbon effect of shipping to my door vs. large truckloads to a local business - probably minimal if I drive to the store rather than biking) and it arrives inside a SECOND box with plastic packaging peanuts or air-pillow bags. I guess that's why they call it frustration-free and not 'eco'. <br /><br />See more about this here:<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/b/?&node=2233256011<br /><br />Anyway, I'm glad you care about this stuff. I hope you help find the answer someday in a way that's easily marketable to the general public.sikbrikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448009817495857555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-67761942283340989152011-12-31T11:36:15.602-05:002011-12-31T11:36:15.602-05:00My Dearest Kate,
Educating people is what it's...My Dearest Kate,<br />Educating people is what it's all about. Most people don't care to hear it, but there are others (like me) that welcome the knowledge about plastic and what it does to harm our wonderful earth. There is so much extravagance in our world and we need to get back to 'good ole days'. Dad and I have cut down on our waste so much that there are weeks that we go around outside looking for plants, etc. to put in our trashcan because it is so empty....this is a good thing. We are determined to make our new, little retirement cottage a 'green house'. We will have time to find recycling centers that take odd items. We will always use glass dishware except for those few times when we may use paper. I need information on recycling the water filters that we use, which I will research. I will continue to save aluminum foil for Sr. Mary Joseph for her recycling campaign until I have a big bag and then that will give me an excuse to visit her.<br />As always you are my inspiration. I just hate to see you get so upset when you see other people using plastic, so from now on, maybe you can just educate them and push the stress away :)<br />Love,<br />MomDollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-66395879563965712742011-12-31T11:34:05.297-05:002011-12-31T11:34:05.297-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-90787323465237913392011-12-30T17:15:10.389-05:002011-12-30T17:15:10.389-05:00Kate,
I think I might have to send this along to...Kate, <br /><br />I think I might have to send this along to my family -- we have a family gmail account and just maybe they will get a better sense of where I am coming from if they see that there are other people out there that feel the same way...<br /><br />They all get an email from me when I write a new blog post, too...<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-14112604718188478462011-12-19T11:05:29.834-05:002011-12-19T11:05:29.834-05:00Kate,
Thank you for reminders that keep me on the ...Kate,<br />Thank you for reminders that keep me on the right track in the world of reusing and recycling....you are my inspiration all the way! <br />We don't need all of this "stuff" that businesses think we need. We are downsizing to a home 1/3 the size of our present home and we are realizing that all the "stuff" in our home was just to fill it so it didn't look empty, but we don't need it. I can't wait to start our retirement years with "less", which will be so much "more" to us. <br />Keep your ideas and inspiration coming!<br />Love,<br />Mom (Dolly) :)Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-72839415876892340942011-12-18T16:18:57.662-05:002011-12-18T16:18:57.662-05:00Thanks, Kate! I make lanterns out of up-cycled ca...Thanks, Kate! I make lanterns out of up-cycled cans (you can find my facebook page, if you do that, and 'like' it!: '#10 Can Lantern Co.') and everyone that is getting a present this year is more than likely getting a can lantern! Take that, plastic crap, throw-away, society!<br />Happy holidays, and keep writing!<br /><br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-54975474946466154912011-11-15T16:03:41.768-05:002011-11-15T16:03:41.768-05:00My favorite drinks come in glass bottles. I assum...My favorite drinks come in glass bottles. I assume I could help the environment and save money by distilling some of my own in my shed! ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-40441229008043131902011-09-22T06:52:05.156-04:002011-09-22T06:52:05.156-04:00We should all read this everyday.We should all read this everyday.Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357761496086552834.post-21262061679172348772011-09-22T06:49:26.715-04:002011-09-22T06:49:26.715-04:00Love your post Kate! I too have been trying to dr...Love your post Kate! I too have been trying to drive no faster than 60 miles an hour and I have been seeing that I am getting more miles to the gallon. I wish is was like 'back in the day' when we walked everywhere (or most everywhere). I know for sur once we move to the shore, my car will have a long rest....but in the meantime, I will try to slow down on the road and maybe give up driving as much.Dollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338709785342570719noreply@blogger.com