Author Archives: lynn

It’s Sundance Film Festival Time

January 27, 2011

As many of you know I am a Sundance Festival fan-I love indie films, the Sundance Institute, and Utah.  This year it runs Jan. 20- 30th with again a roster of the newest and brightest films and documentaries.   I always look forward to the new environmental movies, and this year there are again two big hits of major controversy.

In the past we saw “The Cove”, the daring expose on the yearly, mass, dolphin killing in Japan which has stopped since the film came out-yay!   “Gasland“, the thought provoking inside look at the fracking issue which is debating as we speak right in our own backyard.  And of course “FUEL”-the eye opening saga of our oil addiction and all that is behind it.

Watch the trailers for two new eco films this year:

Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness”  A docu-drama about the massive devastation of thestrip mining of  Lost Mtn. in Kentucky.  So far 500 Appalachian mountains, 1 million acres of forest, and 200 miles of streams have been ruined and destroyed.   Every night we here in NY turn on our lights-it began in Kentucky-something to think about.

The second;  “If A Tree Falls”.   A film focusing on the Earth Liberation Front-known as ELF; and one activist charged with eco-terrorism.   A thought provoking and debatable film, but a film of great heart providing a different look at the lengths a true environmentalist will go to save the planet.
Go to the Sundance Festival site to see the entire line-up of films in all categories.

Enjoy,  Lynn

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Buying Local Grown-the True & the False of Your Wreaths & Poinsettias

December 13, 2010

 Two of the most popular purchases for the Holiday beside trees are wreaths and poinsettias.  Historically only available at florists and nurseries and today sold everywhere in the oddest places that really… have no business doing so.  All big box stores from hardware to grocery to convenient stores and gas stations offer them both in mass –at amazingly low prices.   Poinsettias sit packed on racks, in cold doorways and fruit departments, while the wreaths are hung out for sale in late October.   How resilient they are and for so little money-the modern age-a real deal.

Here in the US, approximately 15% of the evergreens are grown and cut on the West coast with the other 85% cut and grown in Canada.  Canadian single faced, wreaths are factory made from evergreens cut in October and stacked, crated and held for shipping to the US.   Ever notice how they are a bit flat and dry?  If we were left without water and crated for a month-well we would be too.  This is why they shed so many needles and have a very short life.

Nearly all the poinsettias you see here are grown in the Canadian Provinces. They are plastic packaged and sent on a bumpy, cold, journey from their protected greenhouses to the states and then displayed with little to no care in the stores.   Which is why, by Dec. 24 they all look pretty sorry-and on clearance with curled, and wilted leaves.  This is not only from lack of proper care-but from the trauma of their trip.  Ironically, when displayed near fruit-their life is cut even shorter from the ethylene gas the fruit emits.  As a tropical plant native to Mexico; poinsettias are very fragile and temperate creatures-more so than even your favorite houseplants.

So- we have products cut and made too early; products roughly shipped and cared for, products using a tremendous amount of energy and fuel to get here;  products of poor quality and longevity;  and money not only leaving our county-but our state-and our country.  In my mind; when we make these purchases it in effect means we accept sub quality and condone the failure of our local and US growers.

We have several local farms within 30 miles of us that I have purchased all of our made to order, double faced, wreaths and poinsettias from for 20 years.  There is no comparison in quality.  The large poinsettias are nothing short of wow, and the thick wreaths are huggable.   Every year I worry as they close another greenhouse or downsize their workforce.  I fear for them and refuse to purchase anywhere else; which earns me a grateful thank you.  Local/US grown evergreen wreaths will stay green fresh for up to 2 months with a weekly misting.    Healthy, local grown poinsettias will last until planting outdoors in the spring.   We have forgotten how things used to and still should be.   So my Grandmothers words; “you get what you pay for” is in fact…. the real deal.

Buying local is about more than supporting your local farms and growers; it’s keeping the money in our own country;  the huge amounts of energy and fuel used getting it here; and getting a long lasting, quality product for your money spent.    When you send a poinsettia gift wouldn’t you like the recipient to remember you into February?   I can’t imagine you would want it otherwise.

I have nothing against Canada; in fact I absolutely love it there.  They are part of North America, our neighbor, I love the landscape, I love the food, and I love Celine Dion and Bryan Adams.  I just wish Canada would keep their products for themselves.   America has become the land of import, and it is costing us a fortune in ways that go beyond money.

This year before you buy, please read the tag or just ask where your wreath, tree, and poinsettia were grown; especially if they display a gazillion of them because then it’s just fuzzy advertising if claiming local grown. Better yet, search out the small nurseries and farms that grow their products-it’s a great day out in the spirit of the Season, and buying local is the spirit of the Season.

Check out the 3/50 project and learn why you should pick 3 local businesses and spend $50.  Then visit Independent We Stand  and see what spending $10. a month at your local business instead of bigbox chain does. You’ll be amazed at what the numbers calculate to our town.

Do good…Feel good,

Lynn

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Crates for Me and Turkeys

November 16, 2010

As a professional, racing greyhound (or rather a now happy “reposing” greyhound), I had a different upbringing than most of my friends.  As a puppy I quickly saw that most of my days would be spent in a carrier and a crate.  Kennel to track and back again. I of course wasn’t aware that this was not the normal life of all animals; I thought everyone lived like that!   Who knew?  So when Lynn told me about the animals raised for our food, I immediately identified. Crates,crates, and more crates.   Being the Thanksgiving holiday affair is coming; I started wondering about turkeys…

I went to our “Flowers For A Cause” in the Eco Shop because I knew we had an arrangement benefitting the Farm Sanctuary in upstate NY.  I thought this just was like a retirement home for grandparent cows and chickens that grew too old to graze and peck-kind of like a happy, rest home.   I am really not into farms and farm things being a racer from West Palm Beach;  so Iwondered- where do the farm animals there come from, and why are they being rescued?  And what about these turkeys?

Seems the 46 million turkeys served every November for these Thanksgiving affairs have had a similar life to me- but alot worse.  They live in a warehouse in crates only 3 ft. square their entire life; sort of like I did-but with no racing!  I thought farm animals ran free in fields in the sunshine and fresh air-isn’t that what we all think?  You know; like that happy cow television commercial?  I love that one.  At least I got out to run a few minutes on the track every day-they never do!  And then I read they over feed them so they get really, really fat and then they can’t stand up… and then they go a little crazy. Geez, I would too.

I felt really guilty for thinking of my early life compared to theirs so I decided to try to help.  Well, the Farm Sanctuary is doing something really cool through November 25 by having an “Adopt-A-Turkey Project”  where you can sponsor  a turkey and you will receive a certificate to proudly show your friends.  Since 1986 they’ve rescued and educated on how all farm animals are really raised-and all for us.   After reading about them- I really don’t think I can eat turkey again (or any cow or chicken or pig) unless Lynn assures me they are truly from a free roaming farm (it will say free range on the package) because if I do…hmmm then in my mind it seems to mean I am ok with how they live and are treated.  I may just go vegetarian to a gorilla diet!  So, I am going on board for my first ever Thanksgiving turkey adoption because I know how lucky I was to be rescued and get a family of my own-I’m  going to pay it forward.    I am choosing Daphne-because she reminds me of myself -a little bit thin, and a lotta bit lovable.

     DAPHNE

 

 It’s kinda like the dog racing; if people knew how we greys really spent our lives to entertain everyone; I just know humans would speak out for us.

Lynn made a sign that says   “ I strive to be the person my dog thinks I am”

                                                                                                                                                   So visit their site-I know you will speak out too.
*watch for our upcoming greyhound benefit at the store-I will let you know when.    xo Willow

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Flowers Straight From the Heart

November 4, 2010


There are so many talented rock musicians, some with real heart; and Bryan Adams has heart.  He is one of us; one who thinks outside hisself; one who believes he is not the only being in the world.   I’ve met him on numerous occasions and friends, he is the real thing.  I think all artists of any field feel differently; not just seeing-but really feeling a tree breathe or feeling an animal’s thoughts.

When you love what you do you give it freely, and he tours nearly every month of every year in the States and worldwide in places many bands would not- like Pakistan.  He has participated in countless benefit concerts for everything from Farm Aid to Greenpeace; and is a staunch vegetarian to  the delight of PETA   and dismay of KFC.  A kindred soul to Willow & me for sure.
This philanthropic soul led to the  establishment of  the Bryan Adams Foundation.  Its purpose to help advance education opportunities for underprivileged children worldwide, along with both young and old victims of war, natural disasters, and the mentally or physically challenged.   Gifted also as an intuitive photographer; he further donates his photo book proceeds to the foundation.  As Willow would say; he rocks- in more ways than just his music.

A floral design I feel signifies both his intense talent and sensitivity; benefits his foundation in our online Eco Shop, “Flowers For A Cause” .

  I call it the “Inspiration Box”;  a clean design available in fresh or permanent botanicals that one could get lost staring in.  Like music and….. tree breaths.
Order one today to celebrate his birthday-or any day; I know it is the best present you could give him.

Happy Birthday Bryan; and that’s truly….. straight from the heart….. from around the world
Visit his foundation at thebryanadamsfoundation.com
See all his happenings  and tour dates at bryanadams.com

Smile!  Lynn

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Save the Easter Plants

April 18, 2010

Plant or donate your Easter plants instead of tossing them.  Don’t sentence  them to a prison landfill.

I always worry at the fate of all the beautiful lilies and bulb gardens going out my door at Easter; and the 1000’s even more in the mega stores, gas stations, and garden centers.  Are they a momentary joy for the day?  Are they welcomed into the recipients family of other plants or…. shunned after 2 weeks?   Are any from years ago still entertaining every spring as they should be?  Does everyone realize these are a living entity?
Yes, I am the kind to buy those poor, ignored, on clearance, cypress trees in the grocery store the week after Christmas-they pull at my heart at their lack of care.  I know how hard they tried to live. All plants are living beings in my eyes, and I feel just as responsible for them as I would for my Willow.

1909 postcard

Unfortunately, in our saturated world of goods upon goods; there are millions of these plants grown every year-with the majority imported from Canada; and every year they are sentenced to a landfill after only a few weeks.  All that human energy and fuel to get them here picture perfect-seems a huge waste all around and an unjust reward for their sweet pleasure they so freely gave us.  I can never grasp why someone would carelessly toss them instead of taking a minute to plant outside.  Each Spring I drive by dumpsters loaded with spent lilies and headless, pots of tulips; abandoned and left to die.   I think we should start a community project in each town of ‘Save the Bubs”.  Think what a show it would make for our towns, parks, and government buildings every spring-and the money saved.
All your traditional Easter bulbs including lilies, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, and narcissus, are perennials.   Which means….they bloom every year.  They are cold hardy, easy adapters, and faithful souls.   Each year at spring they will come back and bloom profusely without a bit of care.  They know what to do and when to do it all by themselves; and it is so easy to give them a chance.  As the leaves turn brown cut back the stem and just replant them outside when frost warnings are over. That’s it!
If you would prefer an early, indoor show next year; water them as any other houseplant through the summer.   Bulbs need a cold period to rest and rejuvenate so at summers end I store them in a cold basement or refrigerator to sleep.  Around late January I wake them up, repot, and start their diet of weekly watering  in a sunny spot.      And then…..they come alive.  This year my narcissus was blooming during our blizzard in February; it was just the best.
If you are not inclined toward dirt, potting and watering; then give them away to your favorite gardener, or better yet-a park or inner city area that needs beautification.    I have even seen them blooming in the woods-an obvious attempt to disown them-yet they lived on.
Always saving,  Lynn

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Easter Wheatgrass-For Pretty-For Health-For the Planet

March 29, 2010

 Wheatgrass is well known in the decorative world, but even more notable in the health food industry and our environment.

 
Spring has arrived at the store and with it our local grown, organic, wheatgrass is everywhere!  I love the deep green color and the softness of the blades.   It is one of those things that makes you feel good just to look at it. It unleashes all sort of mental imagery outside our hectic, confined lives.    We always have wheatgrass in the store; but early Spring I seem to overdo it and become addicted with ‘wheatgrass décor mania’.

We make grass bowls, grass nests of flowers, grass egg and flower baskets, grass gardens, and grassy gifts for cats & dogs.  Each Easter basket ordered always has a little hidden clump amongst the flowers; complete with an egg or butterfly nestled within.  An extra little whimsy from me to you;  hopefully giving pause to stop and give you  your own imagery.    Decorating with wheatgrass is one of my favorite choices as it enhances any décor style.  For the Victorian home; filling an ornate, silver bowl and propping a vintage papier mache egg in the center is perfect.  For the modern home; it can be placed in a square, low dish with a simple, stone egg for a Zen effect.  In the rustic or country home; a hollowed log or vintage enamelware pan is charming with a birds nest off to the side.   One of my favorites is a dish of wheatgrass  under a glass, bell jar or cloche; adding little extras found on a walk like a feather, robins eggshell, or when lucky -an abandoned bee hive.

Wheatgrass is a good buy as it is not just decorative but also a highly, nutritious edible-making it a great, dual gift.  It is a natural detoxifier and blood purifier.  The nutritious qualities are endless,  and even placing a tray of wheatgrass at your bedside enhances the rooms oxygen helping with a sound sleep-as do many plants.   Willow loves it; as do most animals.  We should always watch the animals and take a lesson from them; they know what we seem to miss.

Grass in general has become the brand symbol of the green movement.  It speaks fresh, environment, health, and Spring.  And it is in fact a green item in terms of the environment.   It is decorative yet useful, non toxic and nutritious, biodegradable, and local grown item.  It is healthy for both human and animal, and uses no chemical enhancements.  We just love wheatgrass.  Or as Willow would say-‘it rocks’!

We sell wheatgrass by the $5.clump or a $30 flat.  Ours is USDA Organic, and suitable for decorating as well as consumption.    Pick up a clump as a gift or for yourself-feel good-Happy Easter-and sweet dreams.

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Ashley Judd to the President-Save Our Wolves

March 11, 2010

 

I was so glad to see this video !  Ashley is such a nice lady to help my friends; I am so worried for them.  Every day another family is being broken up.  I sure hope Mr. Obama listens.  But isn’t that what our President is supposed to do?  Listen to us?     After you watch it, read about them and sign the petition letter-it is already written for you.  (made it easy for me)

Thanks and paws to the Defenders of Wildlife-they rock.

xo Willow

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Happy Birthday Yellowstone

March 11, 2010

I hear so many talking about their vacations and excursions to the Caribbean and Europe.  These parts of the world are exciting with their own special places; however, one needs not leave American soil to see some of the most breathtaking places in the world.  A person could spend months traveling from one national park to the next; and I have a few in my camera already.

Yellowstone has been crowned our king of national parks, with each Season having a special virtue.  Winter is my absolute favorite time to be there-the serene beauty and solitude is truly inspirational at the very least; I felt what John Muir felt.
To be alone in the wild, with no sign of a modern world as far as you can see…is something each one of us needs to experience.  The winter silence is mesmerizing and you feel your connection and also…. your place amongst its power.  Life is put into perspective at Yellowstone; you quickly see that it is all, not about you, but yet we are just a miniscule part of Natures wheel.  You are humbled next to 1000 year old trees; your reverence rises the higher Old Faithful does, and snow encrusted buffalo gain your heartfelt respect at their strength and survival.  Who are we such little ants in this place, with no strength, power, or survival skills unless with a car and cellular phone.  A scenario where money is unknown, inconsequential, and of no use.

The skill and artistry of Nature so  outweigh ours that it is not even a contest; which is why  I expect man continues its quest to conquer it-but I do believe he never will.    We can clear cut mountaintops, dam rivers, and fly into hurricanes; but one visit to Yellowstone will show you just how small a part we are in this ecosystem and who really is in charge.  Yet, we seem to do the most damage.  The parks have had enemies of banks, railroads, mining companies, and timber barons.  Today we add more enemies of fuel companies, technology, and land grabbers to the mix.
Our entire country was like Yellowstone before it was settled and the Natives living there respected the land, they still do-never using more than needed and never for profit.   To them one cannot own land; but instead are stewards  to care and protect it.  Our responsibility.   A rare time in history when both Native Peoples and a government agency somewhat agree.

I have sat in the snowy solitude next to a steaming river, not 20 feet from an elk herd of nearly 30 members;  watching each other and wondering-but oddly not afraid.  I have respectfully stood behind a tree as a herd of buffalo passed just in front of me.   Winter nights are filled with the howls of wolves singing you to sleep.  You don’t fear, you gain respect.
When is the last time you experienced anything like this on vacation or… anytime?  It was one of the most awe inspiring events of my life, and I wish everyone would experience it.   Then you would see our kindred inhabitants,  and the wild and free, majestic surroundings.  It changes you; and you leave with a peace and enlightenment which John Muir called a religious experience-his religion.   Which it was; and it is mine.

Sitting with my Friends

Happy Birthday Yellowstone; I thank you for being there and showing us what is really important.   My birthday gift to you is a forever pledge to keep you safe.

Learn and see all our parks at the National Park Foundation and download your free National Parks Guide-because these parks do indeed belong to us.  Then put your own star and comments at your favorite park which just happens to enter you in the This is Your Land Sweepstakes  for a wild and free vacation.

Think wild….Lynn

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For the Birds-For Me

February 23, 2010

Preening in Montana

On February 23, 1994, Congress proclaimed this month as National Bird Feeding Month.    This is a difficult month for the winged ones and providing even a small ration of food, water, and shelter will help wild birds survive; and ourselves.   Watching birds can provide an almost  Zen like break to our fast paced lives.  Nature has the intrinsic power to relieve stress and angst because we are one with it; if you just give it the chance.

After an hour of steady telephone calls, I am known to slip away quietly and hide for 15 minutes.   Quiet and peaceful with no connection to the busy world; I sit at the back of the store and watch the graceful frolic and soiree outside.  There is no time better than another; whenever I arrive there seems a performance starting just for me.   I have an odd assortment of bowls, urns, dishes, and feeders around the yard overflowing with seed, corn, and bread.    If you quiet yourself and watch; you get lost.   They flit, they hop, they flutter and they prance.  Such a simple act of Nature with such a profound effect.   Before you know it your heart rate slows, you are leaning against the window, and you are one with Nature.    You are quiet and simple.   Nature is simple, the original meditation I think.

For many of us, this escape progresses to a hobby.   It is an inexpensive hobby and one that is actually a good habit for us-and them.   Unlike humans, they don’t require designer feeders or porcelain baths-they are happy with an old cookie sheet or garden urn.  And they graciously thank us by coming back every day for another show; no matter the weather.

We are lost, because we sequester ourselves to an indoor lifestyle of multitasking, artificial light, and circulated air.  We have lost our connection to the Earth and Nature; something we all desperately need to get back.   A Native Ojibwa friend told me that the people of New York City have glass, empty eyes because they walk and live on concrete all day; every day.  Their feet never touch the Earth and so,  have lost their connection and… are lost themselves.  He lives on the First Nation reservation on Manitou Island in Canada; I thought his words were amazingly insightful for one so removed from a mega city, and told him so.   A simple observation and antidote so clear to him and I, and yet so lost to them.

           Feed the birds, watch the squirrels; it is a gift from Nature.

Get reconnected….it will save us.

          Learn our winged friends and their songs below

 National Bird Feeding Society Guide.

                                                                                                                                                              Enjoy   Lynn

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Saving Wolves on Valentine’s Day-My White Knight

February 16, 2010

As I helped Lynn create our Valentine window promotion I began to wonder …because I know we always have a meaning to every display on Holidays.  I suspected what was coming because we recently went to see a rescued, white wolf; and was he ever handsome-and was I ever smitten, to say the least.

 
The display was a life size wolf and pups that just seemed to be looking calmly-out at the passersby.  I wondered about my wild relatives-were they all handsome?  I wondered if they are happy, I wondered if they are safe like me, and I wondered if I would ever see my white knight again or, any others.
I tipped my head and Lynn explained that my white knight was indeed handsome and…her inspiration.  I learned they are very happy in the wild, but not very safe-and soon…..may not always be there.   I was shocked; why would they be leaving and where would they go?  Was there something I needed to learn? I kept thinking about education being freedom-like my racing industry.
Many humans don’t really understand the wolf families or how important they are to the balance of Nature; but yet instead fear they will attack people and farm animals.  Sadly; the western states and Alaska are shooting them from helicopters.  I thought to myself; “Oh if only they had some racing lessons from me, I could help.”  And worse; even the special pack in Yellowstone Park is being watched and possibly ground hunted too.  It took animal people a very long time to bring them back to the park and now they are in danger all over again too.    I get very distressed with humans at times.  In my world, we all know and respect each other.  We know the planet is just not for us canines-but for all of us to share.   I now understood the display, but what could Lynn & I, or anyone do?
So much to my delight, we came up with a ‘howling’ wolf benefit for Valentine’s Day-in honor of my white knight.     On February 12-14 we asked our Valentine shoppers to help towards the campaign to save the wolves.   And they did!  We had a basket full of donations to send off to the campaign.  I send all who helped a paws up and a warm lean!  (we greys lean on those they like)  Please sign the petition and send a message that we want the wolves to stay.  It only takes a minute-no strings.   I think it was just the perfect day to have a heart for my relatives, I would not want someones sweetheart hunted; and…my white knight…sigh…I loved his eyes……  xxoo  Willow

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