2nd Day, put on your green glasses

 As the holiday season approaches, have you considered gift choices that enable eco knowledge, enable an ability to 'put on your green glasses'? If not, you are not alone. Not everyone experiences the benefit of a lifestyle – legacy - that encourages ‘plugging in’ to living green that surrounds them.

On the other hand, as the descendent of a long line of gardeners, I recall childhood experiences of helping my parents and grandparents with their garden. For in my family, children were not only encouraged to have soiled clothes and dirty hands but dig in the dirt! Nevertheless, the further I ventured into the world of gardening, the more I've question its impact on the environment.



Gardening and eco-friendly gardening are not necessarily the same activities. In fact, survey statistics released by the National Garden Bureau identified of 12 eco-friendly surveyed items only 3 are viewed as somewhat successfully observed by homeowner and/or backyard gardeners. It appears that as a Nation, we have participated for more than 50 years in a “Green Revolution”; yet, on the whole, have failed. As a result, it will take more than simply a “love of all things green” to make it work – ‘plug in’.

So, begin your experience by acquiring a basic understanding of the impact of lifestyle choices, your eco-footprint. Then expand your experiences. In the Greater Richmond Area, there are opportunities of exposure to activities that “inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science” – activities provided by the Science Museum of Virginia. In addition to exhibits and activities that meet ‘standards of learning’ requirements, this site offers ‘hands on’ opportunities to experience ‘green science’.

There are also independent ‘gifts of plow’ that can be acquired such as a weather station; and depending on the age range of those involved, green science kits and toys. So, instead of stumbling through eco efforts, let knowledge become your mentor. Educate yourself and then, incorporate what you learn into daily experiences. Become a person who is open to new and different ideas and share them; for, unless knowledge is shared, it is stagnant.

In the spirit of the holiday season, won't you join me in a quest to green life’s garden one scoop at a time. Give gifts that encourage others to ‘dig in the dirt’: reflect eco-chic, ‘plow, not hearth’. Individually and/or collectively, not only do we have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop.

1st Day, gift of plow not hearth

 As the holiday season approaches, are you considering gift choices? For many, the focus is ‘hearth and home’ but from an environmental stewardship perspective, a focus of ‘plow, not hearth’ is appropriate. Why? From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, climate change continues to reap havoc on America's landscape.



It may be tempting during the cooler months to hibernate, focus on hearth; still, from a sustainable landscape perspective, it is a better choice to acquire an understanding of eco change, its effect and identify solutions which enable environmental stewardship - the gift of plow. So, I urge consumers and Industry alike to make the cooler seasons an optimal landscape garden installation and maintenance season.

Why? During cooler seasons, landscapes experience fewer pests and disease problems; and, increased amounts of rainfall. Cooler temperatures are recognized to create an ideal environment for plant development. For example, plant roots have an opportunity of seven to nine months in which to develop prior to experiencing the hot humid ‘dog days’ of summer.

As a person who ‘digs in the dirt’ and dwells in the central Virginia Interstate 95 corridor, I’m no stranger to eco havoc. In late August, our landscapes experience drought. Earthquakes in central Virginia have shaken communities with such vengeance that many of those who reside nearby the core are left homeless; and rain generated by the force of tropical storms has occurred. So, hear me when I say, I relate. Still, I believe nature is resilient and leaves us each season with a promise renewed.

As a result, for the holiday season, instead of purchasing trendy gifts, why not focus on ‘plow’ in holiday gift giving. For, there are numerous ‘living green’ gifts from which to choose: crafting a seasonal arrangement or decoration, planting bulb beds, raking yard debris, lime and fertilizing grassy areas, creating a site for a spring planting or thinning crowded evergreens. The winter months, specific to the central Virginia area, are off and on predicted to be mild which enables continued recovery of landscapes damaged by eco havoc. So, ‘plug in’! Whether novice, professional or ‘armchair’ gardener, acquire a step by step guideline for creating the gift of plow, not hearth; for example, a guideline such as my book Landscape Gardening with CARE.



In the spirit of the holiday season, join me in a quest to green life’s garden one scoop at a time. Give gifts that reflect ‘plow, not hearth’. Together, let’s appreciate the resilient of nature: the promise of seasons renewed. Not only do we have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. During the holiday season, a series of columns are posted which suggest ‘gifts of plow, not hearth’. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop .

Renewing a Sense of Thankfulness

Tis the season to renew a sense of thankfulness. How? When all is not right with my world, I dig in the dirt. For, it is the experience of connecting with living green in which I find solace, reduce the effect of life stress; and in fact, on occasion, not only contribute aesthetic beauty but harvest edible bounty. So, considering these benefits, why not focus on renewal of thankfulness?

recover a sense of thankfulness through 'digging in the dirt' 

 

To explore this question, in my book – Eco-legacy, a millennium woman’s heritage, I considered the impact of people, places and events which influenced my perspective of CARE, a commitment of conservation, accountability, accountability and eco-efficiency. Still, a question remained ‘are there factors which once identified, can be used to enable a perspective of 'dig in the dirt' in community as well as individual ‘home and gardens’?

A few years ago, Richard Louv of the children’s nature network estimated 1/3 of nation-wide home landscapes – specifically backyard spaces are household dumping grounds, 1/3 are maintained similar to as supplied by the initial builder; and 1/3 or less is used for family outdoor activities – active recreation and/or landscape gardening. To verify Louv’s prediction, I compared his statistics to my surrounding neighborhood and found it somewhat accurate. Yet, in spike of warnings by such people as Louv, it appears individually and as communities, landscapes continue to decline. So, how do we recover the CARE – a sense of THANKFULNESS - in our Nation’s landscapes?

Since they say it is easier to educate a child than, shift ingrained patterns of adult behavior, perhaps eco education of children should become the priority. As a child, I recall walking in the shadow of not one but numerous adult role models, agri-minded relatives who similarly ‘dig in the dirt’ on a daily basis. An Industry colleague Jeff Minnich also credits an elderly neighbor for his childhood experiences which inspired a fascination with interacting with ‘living green’.

So, can we not individually and collectively make an effort to influence eco education for children, enable their ability to dig in the dirt, acquire a sense of THANKFULNESS for the ‘green that surrounds’ them. And, perhaps child by child we invest in the recovery of ‘CARE’ as it relates to the concept of home and garden. Create landscape gardens of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. For, additional ideas and strategies, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.

#eco #education #Louv #Minnich

Thankfulness, for preservation of family stories

 In recognition of November as National Family Stories Month in the United States and as a form of ‘thankfulness’ for the influence of such stories on present-day lifestyles, let's reflect on all of the wonderful silly, funny, serious, or scary stories, that define family, individuality and/or community legacy.  

Some people are fortunate in that they grew up hearing stories of the things their grandparents and parents did when they were younger.  And in fact, in my childhood home, it wasn't read but tell me a story. 

On the other hand, some families are less enthusiastic about sharing; but whether you grew up hearing stories or not, rest assured, such stories are worthy of sharing. So, during holiday events, sit down with older members of your family and ask them to tell you their stories. Why? When loved ones pass on, it is their stories which keep memories alive and can be a comfort to all. 

Sharing family stories are a great way to stay connected to relatives as well as create a tradition of sharing and storytelling that can last for generations – create a legacy of thankfulness. In fact, it was through listening to others that I’ve learned it takes a perspective of CARE - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco efficient - to sustainably land manage family generational properties. For, it is the heritage of a Quaker perspective of “caretaker, not owner, of property” which is the foundation of my generational commitment to a rural community, celebrating its legacy through visionary planning and historical designation. 

When stable, the generational properties on which I reside serves as a host site for a variety of wildlife, ranging from fox to American eagles. Historical records indicate the area’s central lake to be a natural pool; but overtime, it was first extended to support more than 500 acres of agriculture activity; and then, to support outdoor recreation facilities.

 

Nevertheless, due to the impact of surrounding urban/suburban development, the area is no longer usable for fresh-water recreation. So, you see, I share with wildlife a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the impact of urban/suburban runoff and pollution. Why? I’ve watched a so-to-speak pristine spring-feed wetland become an urban dumping ground.

So, the question remains “If you were to identify and record the wonderful silly, funny, serious, or scary stories that define your family, individuality and community legacy, would you be identified as a person who contributes to eco sustainability? To identify such a commitment, link to Landscape Gardening with CARE video https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc or visit web site http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright .  Won't you join me, during this holiday season, let's reflect on all of the wonderful silly, funny, serious, or scary stories that influence our community legacies.

Thankfulness, in the face of evil

'Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil' Genesis 3:22

Thankfulness can be defined as a sense of prosperity which enables the ability to make ‘right choices, decisions that create a sense of sustainable mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Author M. Scott Peck in a publication explored the influence of 'People of the Lie'.

Globally recognized for an unique blend of profound psychological insight and spirituality which compels others to make ‘right choices that affect their mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, Scott's works are identified to address the concept of good and evil man-kind.

A first publication ‘Road Less Traveled & Beyond’ has been available for more than 20 years. As a result, Scott's works have influenced national as well as global communities; and. in fact, his second publication ‘People of the Lie’ although less known is an equally significant tool. Why? It explores the influence of human evil, people who chose to attack others instead of facing their own failures.

During his career as a psychotherapist, Scott for example counseled a couple whose older son had committed suicide. Through interviewing a younger son, he realized this child was disturbed by more than the death of his brother. Through multiple counseling sessions, the child revealed his parents had taken the gun with which his brother had killed himself, wrapped it, and gave it to their younger son as a gift.

In his book - People of the Lie - Scott described his reaction as having been in the presence of evil. And in fact, after the family left his office, he said he walked outside into the brisk winter weather and let swirls of falling snow so to speak wash away the scum of evil, in order to recover a sense of spiritual well-being, a sense of thankfulness.

Within the concept of being thankful regardless of the impact of evil, what life lessons does this author’s works provide? Scott identifies paths less travel which offer spiritual growth; and perhaps more importantly, the fact there are ‘people of the lie’ who hinder their travel. 

So, as people who do walk life's pathways, be aware there are opportunities to seek places of solace; and, when faced with the impact of evil, opportunities to acquire a sense of prosperity, ability to make the ‘right choices.

When faced with evil, for example I find solace is 'living green' that surrounds me. For I feel prosperous when I experience change of season, the colors of spring and fall. I feel a sense of faith when I harvest fruit and vegetables, sit on my deck and listen to the sounds of nature or see bountiful blooms result from landscape garden activities. Why?

As Scott has identified, there are life-style choices which enable a sense of prosperity, the ability to make ‘right choices that affect your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

 

Green life's garden one scoop at a time!



In terms of your sense of thankfulness, would you be seen as a person who walks his/her talk, a person who recognizes prosperous sustainable relationships are about walking pathways that are a ‘road less travel’. To share experiences, comment below. Together, let’s inspire others to acquire as well as communicate a sense of thankfulness - even in the face of evil, make choices to 'green life's garden one scoop at a time'.

#thankfulness #prosperous  #evil   #ScottPeck

Thankfulness, choosing a path of prosperity

Isaiah 42:16 ..... lead them in paths that they have not known .....

While prosperity, according to author workshop instructor Julia Cameron, isn’t about money, most people, when they hear such a concept, snicker or greet such statements with rejection.

Still, Cameron’s 12 week program has enabled people to identify an abundant life – green life’s garden. So, ask yourself the following questions. Has the acquisition of money or material items created a sense of prosperity? Has availability of money ensured sustainable human relationships – true intimacy? Cameron’s research identifies long-term sustainable relationships as a byproduct of honesty; and, in fact, such relationships are acquired without spending a dime!

 

 

So, make choices that 'green' life's garden, create a sense of prosperity!



Nevertheless, while a sense of prosperity may not be dependent on money, it is realistic to recognize acquiring debt can create a sense of anxiety. Cameron suggests we ‘count in terms of debt’ – identify what drives spending habits specifically avoid purchases of ‘big ticket’ non-essential monetary items. 

To avoid anxiety caused by debt, whether personal and/or professional, everyone should develop a plan: identify sources of sustainable income that insure an adequate life-style. For example, recently had a friend ask if I would meet with and advise a young person related to his life-goals. To make a long story short, this person had acquired formal education in one area of expertise, worked in another area of expertise; and as a life-goal, wanted to work in a third area of expertise. In other words, he was completely off track from a sense of self honesty, a prosperous life. What was his barrier? Fear of acquiring debt associated with required educational requirements. 

Still, the question remains if you were to evaluate your life-goals, would you be on track? In other words, have your chosen a path of prosperity, are you seen as a person who walks his/her talk, a person recognized for his/her sustainable relationships. 

To further explore the impact of Cameron’s 12 week program, post comment below and through sharing experiences; together, let’s inspire others to acquire a sense of prosperity. Or, for additional life-style tips and strategies, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com .

Thankfulness, a sense of peace

 'And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ..... and be ye thankful.' Col 3:15

Faced with the death of my Mother, I sketched a drawing linking her legacy to me influenced by my grandmother. Somehow, this activity provided a sense of closure, peace - a sense of thankfulness for their legacy. What image do you see when you think of the word 'thankfulness'?

  According to author workshop instructor Julia Cameron, a sense of thankfulness - prosperity - isn’t about money. Still, most people, when they hear this concept, snicker or greet the statement with rejection. So, for the month of November, I plan to identify people, places, things and/or activities for which I am grateful, thankful; and as a result, view my life to have prosperity.

thankful for my 21st century family tree - grandchildren


For example, I've identified that I feel prosperous when I experience the change of season, the colors of spring and fall. I have a sense of faith when I harvest fruit and vegetables, sit on my deck and listen to the sounds of nature or see bountiful blooms result from landscape garden activities. I also feel prosperous when the smell of baking bread or scent of hardwood burning triggers memories of an agri-childhood.  In fact, more cherished moments occur when I snuggle with a grandchild while sharing stories of childhood experiences. These experiences – not money – enable my sense of prosperity, green life’s garden.

 

So the question is related to having a sense of being thankful - if you were to evaluate your life-goals, would you be on track? Would you be seen as a person who walks his/her talk, a person who is recognized as having prosperous sustainable relationships. For, greening life's garden is not about money but acquiring a prosperous, a thankful, heart.

 

During the next month, read postings and please add comment to make these reflections of benefit to your self and others. Join me in a time to be thankful!