There is something about old things that always gets my attention. I have a fond admiration for antiques, worn out vintage clothing, dilapidated buildings, and rusty old vehicles. I find things charming that you may pay no heed...and that's okay.

Well let me tell you, back in high school I was obsessed with the idea of getting a 2002 BMW. Before you point out the contradiction between the previous statement and the one I just made, I specifically fell in love with the 1974 2002 BMW. Something about that adorable petite box with wheels tugged at my heart strings. My dreams where wrecked when my parents said "no" due to the lack of safety features required the day it was built.

I have since replaced that fondness with another box...this time it's the Mini Rover, although an Austin would be okay too. Again I find myself dreaming of speeding down highways, the wind in my hair, as I enjoy something that was someone's prize possession 20 years ago.

So pardon me while I dream for a little while...but if you want, I will invite you along for the ride.

I want to boast today about my friend Sara.
We met by a calling to get more involved, which led to me following her and letting her teach.
She is guarded, and is tactful in the way she reacts as to not show her flaws. She is beautiful because she is broken. She forgets that grace abounds, that true friends won't abandon her, and that she is loved.
She is slow to reach out because when she loves, she loves big. She falls hard. With the strength of a child she dusts off her wounds and runs full speed, never phased.
Her wisdom is inspiring.
Her laughter is infectious.
One day she will look in the mirror and see the beauty that we are in awe of.
There are no others.
She is one of a kind.
She is genuine.

I am thankful for that.

going green-er

I think of going green and get overwhelmed with not knowing where to start, how to start, or what to do second.

Having decided to be more earth-friendly and improve my inheritance for the next generation, I have come up with a couple small steps to get the ball rolling. I'm really not sure what to do next or how to do it, so I'm hoping to get some gentle pushes in the right direction. I will need the help.

Step numero uno: re-useable food and drink storage. This means lunch boxes, tubs for sandwiches, and travel coffee mugs.

2nd: I want to build a compost pile. Numerous concerns have been thrown my way (biggest complain being critters). I need to find out how to do this with a small back yard. Help!

3rd: Re-useable napkins. I am such a waster when it comes to paper napkins and paper towels. I want cloth napkins and wash cloths (This will be on my Christmas list!).

I remember the commercials during childhood that would ask us to "Reduce, reuse, and recycle" -- what happened to those? Well one step to reusing is a wonderful thing called craigslist! Rob will joke that over half our home is someone's old throw-aways, I want to be proud of that! Reupholstery is something I've taken up (pictures soon) as a way to make something beautiful that might have otherwise ended up in a dump.

Already I worry about criticism, about trying to be green but not being green enough, however today I've decided that any step I make will be better than the path I'm on. I hope this works.