52 Weeks of Giving - Week 3 (Help Senior Citizens)

Each week, Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing an activity as part of our "52 Weeks of Giving."  During Week 1, the girls and I visited The Hunger Site on the internet and clicked on buttons to help eradicate world hunger. 

During Week 2, we cut newspaper into 8"x6" pieces that will be used to line cages at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center this spring when there will be many orphaned and injured birds. 

Which brings us now to Week 3 - helping senior citizens.  I chose Week 3's activity to focus on seniors within our family (versus seniors who live in the community or in nursing homes) because the girls have grandparents who can no longer drive.  My parents rely on others to help them with errands and chores around their home. 

We visited my parents this week, and my mom had a long list of things with which she and my dad needed help.  First on the list:  getting the bird feeders filled. 

Sophia and Olivia transferred the birdseed from bags into washed pickle containers from Burger King (a great way to reuse these buckets).  This keeps the birdseed protected from pests as well as from the seed spilling out of the bag if the bag is accidently ripped or it falls off the workbench. 

The girls transferred birdseed from bags to containers with lids

for their grandparents

After filling four birdseed feeders; and repairing and filling a suet feeder, I shoveled their deck a bit so there was easier (and safer) access to the feeders there.  There are two feeders on the deck railing so they can watch the birds while they eat meals. Within five minutes of filling the bird feeders, a nuthatch flew in, found some dried fruit, and flew off with a piece of fruit in its beak.

Since both my parents can no longer drive, they depend on others to take them to do errands.  I took my dad for a haircut and beard trim while Sophia and Olivia helped my mom at the grocery store and pharmacy (right at the grocery store).  My mom has challenges with her vision, so she relied on the girls to be able to read the packages and cans to make sure they were selecting what she needed, and to examine the produce and meat to make sure it looked okay.

Took them to other places that they needed to shop at:  the meat market, Costco, bank, and their church to pick up items for the quilting group that meets at my parents' home twice a month to make quilts for people who are homeless or women who are escaping from domestic violence situations. 

While at their church, I talked with the receptionist and another woman on staff about some needs that my parents had regarding transportation to and from church.  If they are unable to find someone, I requested that a priest visit them to give them Communion (my parents are Catholic). 

Without being able to drive a car since December 23rd or having a ride to/from church, this has been quite upsetting to my parents who were use to attending church weekly.  I'm hoping that by talking with people at their church in person that something positive will happen soon for my parents.

The next stop was back at my parents' home.  While I unloaded their groceries and donations for the quilting group, Olivia walked with my dad to take the garbage can to the end of the driveway. He has fallen quite a few times this winter, so her job was to walk with him. 

Olivia walked with Papa to the end of the driveway as he took

out the garbage.  She went with him to check the mail.

Sophia's job was to take their recycling container to the end of the driveway.

Sophia taking her grandparents' recycling container

to the end of the driveway.

It was 3:30 p.m., and time to head back home after being gone for 6 1/2 hours.  (The girls were tired, and Olivia ended up falling asleep on the way back home.) 

My parents were both very happy with everything that we were able to do, and waved to us as we left.  They called in the evening to thank us again for helping, and wanted to let us know that they enjoyed spending the day with us...and that they had a good dinner (they picked up a ready-to-eat meal from Costco). 

It was a good day...and one that we all enjoyed.

*~*~*~*~*~*

There are many other ways to help seniors (if you don't have one or more seniors in your family).  On the Doing Good Together website, there are several suggestions for helping seniors in the community. 

Adopt a grandparent

Ask the volunteer coordinator at a local nursing home about the process for matching families and residents, then choose an elderly person to visit regularly. Spend time talking, reading, writing letters, playing games, and simply strolling. This is an opportunity that families with children of any age can enjoy.

Assist an elderly person living at home

Our older neighbors could use help with laundry, yard work, and house cleaning. If you don’t know of a senior who needs help, contact an organization in your area that serves the elderly. This can be a one-time commitment or a weekly or monthly affair.

Initiate or help with senior activities

Contact a local nursing home or senior center to see what type of activity would be welcomed. Some ideas: Give a party; assist with celebrations, games or outings; plan and carry out a craft night; share a hobby; help with Bingo; perform a family talent show; escort residents on a walk; or be a lunch buddy.

Muffin Tin Monday - Sea Life

Muffin Tin Monday - Sea Life - Left Side
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

This week's Muffin Tin Monday includes a variety of vegetables, fruit, seeds, and meat. It was served with a simple dinner of noodle soup and homemade biscuits.

The fish on toothpicks were made by attaching them to the back of a dimensional sticker.

Tomorrow is Olivia's 8th birthday and she asked to go to Underwater World at Mall of America (she wants to go there each year for her birthday).

The girls also have been studying about the ocean and sea life. Of particular interest are the unusual fish and aquatic life at the deepest part of the sea.

Although the girls won't be seeing some of the fish they found intriguing - such as the angler fish, lantern fish, and vampire squid - they will see some interesting sea life that they have been learning about.  Underwater World will bring to life what they read in the books we've been reading...a great way for them to learn!

Looking down at the muffin tin.

Top row: celery, Spanish peanuts, crackers, pickles

Middle row: meat stick slices, carrots, roasted pumpkin seeds, raisins

Bottom row: orange slices, sunflower seeds, meat stick slices, orange slices

We're looking forward to see the fish and other sea life tomorrow, and the sea life theme Muffin Tin Monday reminded us it's less than 12 hours away!

The muffin tin was almost empty by the end of dinner.

Everything was gone except the raisins as well as

some of the pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Felting Inspiration - Wandering Lydia

Tea cup pincushion by Wandering Lydia

Wandering Lydia is a fellow member on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team. Jody, the artist behind Wandering Lydia, creates amazing wool hats, mushroom gardens, and felt pins.  Each item is handmade from recycled felted sweater wool.  She purchases the sweaters from charitable thrift shops.  In doing this, Jody:

- supports the thrift shops' work
- keeps the wool in use and out of a landfill.

After she purchases the sweaters, she cleans, felts, and sometimes over-dyes them.  At that point, she can begin creating. 

Jody's work is unique, creative...and quite inspiring!  Take a look at this beautiful hat:

Felted hat by Wandering Lydia

She says about the hat is a great way to keep: "...warm and cozy in this exotic magenta and black designer wool hat made from upcycled felted sweaters. I was saving the carved vintage button for a really special hat and this is it."

What caught my eye initially about Wandering Lydia was the tea cup at the top of the page.  Because I do a lot of sewing and embroidery, I enjoy having a variety of pincushions.  I thought the pincushion Jody is offering in her shop would be such a beautiful item to use while doing handiwork. 

She said the "pastel pink mushroom garden is accented with hand crocheted blossoms"  and that usually she doesn't  "find the matching saucer with these cups so this was a lucky find."

Set of six red and white mushroom ornaments

To see more of Jody's work, take a look at her Flickr page. When I went to visit her there, I discovered a series of beautiful felted pins like this snowflake one:

Felted snowflake pin by Wandering Lydia

Want to see more? Go to Wandering Lydia's blog.  It was there that I read a post about how Jody's hats were featured in a magazine.

Two of Wandering Lydia's hats in the

May/June issue of Belle Armoire's Salon

It was a pleasure looking at Wandering Lydia's shop on Etsy this morning, and seeing items made by one the many creative people on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team.

Flashback Friday - Livestock and Learning

About 14 years ago, in the middle of January, twin lambs were born here.  Having adopted the parents from a petting zoo (where they were neglected and maltreated), I was still working on developing trust with them.  They were reluctant to get too close to any human being.  Until Oreo was born...

Oreo - the first lamb born at Harvest Moon

It seemed like once Oreo was born, his ewe-mother ("Woolite") allowed me to help her care for her newborn lamb.  It was critical that she accepted my help since the nights were well below zero. 

Keeping the sheep - "Dacron" (the ram) and Woolite - along with Oreo in the barn was the safest thing to do.  The trio learned very quickly that I was the food source (hay, water, and grain) and the one who made sure they were warm (with a heat lamp and lots of straw). 

Once the weather was warm enough again (above zero) and Oreo was a few days older, the sheep went outdoors again.  This trio - plus many who came after them - provided many hours of enjoyment not only to me but to family, friends, and others who visited the farm.

Woolite with another lamb, "Dali Lamba"

who was born in the spring one year

In looking at past pictures I had scanned and uploaded to my computer many years ago, I came across a few wonderful surprises:  pictures of my parents, niece, and nephew who participated in one of the Grandparent-Grandchild camps I coordinated here at the farm.

I forgot I had these pictures, and, in finding them, they brought back memories of some very happy times. I remember having up to about 50 chickens wandering around the yard and pasture - finding bugs and grass to eat; laying eggs; and taking dust baths in the dirt.

A mother hen watches and protects her chicks.

Some of my favorite memories are when a couple of the more "broody hens" would sit on some eggs for quite a long period of time.  Eventually, a bunch of little chicks would hatch, and then the mother hen would have a new job:  teaching the little ones where to find food and how to stay safe on the farm. 

A chicken coming to get a closer look at my parents, niece, and nephew

on one of the Grandparent-Grandchild Days at Harvest Moon.

As I looked at through some of the (many) pictures taken while I offered camp programs (some just for youth, others for grandparents with grandchildren), I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with motivated and positive teenage camp counselors who wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. 

I am equally fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside talented artists who inspired children and teens to explore the arts - visual, dance, music, and theater.  The talent that was shared with youth - who would now be in high school or college, or be college graduates - was impressive.  I'm hoping that children and teens who were part of the camp program look back and have some good memories of their time at Harvest Moon.

Two generations working together to make a birdfeeder.

What was nice for me to see when I was looking at pictures from the Grandparent-Grandchild camp were of seniors working and learning with youth - both generations were having fun and learning together.  One of the activities that the grandparent-grandchild teams did was to learn about birds and how to feed them.

I found two pictures - one of my niece with my mom; and one of my nephew with my dad - working on a project together.  They were creating simple birdfeeders in which they spread peanut butter on a cardboard tube and then rolled it in birdseed.

Working together on a birdfeeder.

These feeders and other ones were sent home with the participants so they could put them in their trees and watch the birds eat.  A simple pleasure - feeding and watching the birds - but one that my dad instilled in me as a child.  It's one that still lives on today.

{this moment...}

{this moment} - A Thursday ritual (inspired by soulemama). A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

52 Weeks of Giving - Week 2 (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center)

During the second week of January, Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing the second project in our 52 Weeks of Giving.  This week (and during future weeks), we are collecting and trimming newspaper into 8" x 6" pieces for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. 

 Feeding a young  squirrel at the
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota

The WRC states on its website that it goes "...through, literally, tons of newspaper every year. We use the black and white, non-gloss portions to line animal cages. In our Avian Nursery the newspaper pieces are trimmed to neatly fit inside the bird's cages. We'll go through more than 200 of these trimmed sheets every day from late April to late August."

Bluebird with broken wing

They need volunteers to collect, trim, and drop off the newspaper cage liners.  This simple activity saves the WRC money and staff time.

Sophia making newspaper cage liners for the WRC

For those interested in helping with this effort, WRC requests that the sheets be trimmed to 8" x 6" and can be single or multiple pages (e.g., folded).

Olivia putting the cut newspaper cage liners into a paper bag with handles

The trimmed liners should be collected in a handled, paper bag (like a grocery bag) or in a cardboard office paper box (that reams of paper come in) and delivered to the WRC when they are at least 2/3 full.

*~*~*~*~*

As I was further exploring the WRC website, I noticed that there is another way to volunteer from home: by becoming a volunteer for the Orphan Outreach Program. The WRC website says that the "...volunteers are licensed rehabbers who provide round-the-clock care to patients who need more feedings than we can provide at the Center."

Newborn squirrel at the WRC

"To become a licensed rehabber, you'll work with the state's DNR in preparing for a test and a home inspection. Once licensed, we'll provide you with the materials you need (baskets for housings, food, syringes, etc.) and pair you with another WRC OOPs volunteer who will act as a mentor. If you'd like to learn more, visit the DNR site on how to obtain your license."

This is something that I'm interested in doing, so I've already contacted the DNR and found the book that used to prepare for the licensing test.  If I can study and pass the test, training at the WRC for the OOP program would begin in March.

*~*~*~*~*

There are also opportunities to volunteer at the WRC's facility.  I think volunteering in the Mammal or Waterfowl Nursery would be fascinating. There's a 3-4 month time commitment, and no rabies vaccine is required.

River otters that were rehabilitated at WRC

and then released

A three-shot rabies vaccination and subsequent titer draw after the last shot is required to work with the older animals and birds in the rest of the center.  At $180/shot (for a total of $540 + the fee for the titer draw), it is (unfortunately) cost-prohibitive for me to be a volunteer...unless I can find the money to do this.  In that case, I'd be able to work with animals like river otters, trumpeter swans, geese, fox, and other equally interesting animals.

*~*~*~*~*

If you're interested in any one of these opportunities, contact the WRC at (651) 486-9453, visit the WRC website, or fill out the online volunteer application.

52 Weeks of Giving - Week 1 (The Hunger Site)

Last week, I participated in the No Impact Week Experiment.  One of the days focused on ways to give back to the community.  As I was reflecting on the ways that I have and am currently volunteering, I was interested in seeing how my volunteering had shifted from being more community-focused to more family-focused. 

During 2011, I expect that my family responsibilities/caregiving will continue and/or increase.  However, I would also like to step up my effort in giving back to the community - whether it is by offering my time, talents, or resources. 

Giving back doesn’t have to be on a large scale. And doesn’t have to be about money.

Oftentimes charities, organizations, and foundations need support beyond donations. And that’s what I’m going to try to focus on.

I will be sharing what the girls and I will be doing each week.  Perhaps you, too, will be inspired to give back.  If you do, please comment below to share what you are doing.

Together we can make a difference.

***

52 Weeks of Giving: Week 1

During the first week in January, Sophia, Olivia, and I visited The Hunger Site multiple times and pressed a button which resulted in a donation of food to someone in need.

Sophia clicking on one of the Hunger Site's buttons

The Hunger Site which was founded to focus the power of the Internet on a specific humanitarian need: the eradication of world hunger. Since its launch in June 1999, the site has established itself as a leader in online activism, helping to feed the world's hungry.

On average, over 220,000 individuals from around the world visit the site each day to click the yellow "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button. To date, more than 300 million visitors have given more than 671 million cups of staple food.  To do this, click HERE.

The staple food funded by clicks at The Hunger Site is paid for by site sponsors and distributed to those in need by Mercy Corps, Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest), and Millennium Promise. 100% of sponsor advertising fees goes to the charitable partners. Funds are split between these organizations and go to the aid of hungry people in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America.

This is such a wonderful, simple – and free – way to help others who are hungry. 

While you're at the site, there are tabs at the top for additional (free) way to give. By simply clicking on a button, you can help provide:

- Mammograms to low-income women;

- Healthcare for children in need.

- Free books to children in need.

- Awareness and prevention of deforestation; and help preserve rainforest land.

- Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need by The Fund for Animals, the Petfinder Foundation, North Shore Animal League America, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and other worthy animal rescue organizations supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation.

Muffin Tin Monday

A while back I did Muffin Tin Mondays with my daughters who liked the idea of having their food in tiny bits and served in a muffin tin.  There's a website that has a different Muffin Tin Monday theme each Monday, and participants can post pictures of what they created each week. 

The first tin I made for Muffin Tin Monday back in 2008

Michelle, who coordinates the Muffin Tin Mondays, and has a place to post your creations, has an admirable goal for 2011: "Getting my kids to eat healthier is not just a New Year's resolution for me, it's a lifestyle goal. I am daily challenging myself to think outside the box when it comes to feeding them and I think encouraging a love for healthy food is the cornerstone to building healthy eaters."  She plans to have that be part of the focus for MTMs in 2011.

Today's focus is on Muffin Tin Liners and Cups.  The goal is to use only muffin tin liners and cups (rather than the actual muffin tin itself as the serving dish). 

The side dishes for tonight's dinner were served in

flower-shaped muffin tin liners

The plate above is the one that I made for today's theme. This one holds the side dishes for dinner (the girls each had a hot dog that was sliced into "coins" that they ate with a skewer and dipped into ketchup).

The flower-shaped muffin tin liners included:
- pretzels
- blackberries
- homemade applesauce that I canned during the fall
- wheat crackers
- coleslaw
- sliced bananas

In the center of the plate, are pink carnations that are in a baby food jar.

Mondays are busy days here - and a bit hectic. In addition to "regular" homeschooling, the girls also take classes and piano lessons at a homeschool co-op for about half the day. When I get home, it seems like I'm always scrambling to put something together quickly.

I knew I was going to do the Muffin Tin Meal for dinner tonight and looked forward to finding things in the refrigerator and cupboard that would fill the muffin liners.  The girls were curious as to what I was making, but I told them it was going to be a surprise. 

When I brought the plate to the table, Olivia immediately commented, "Oh! How pretty!"  They were excited about having a choice of different fruits, salads, and snacks.  My only suggestion to them was that they take at least one item or a spoonful from each muffin tin liner.  They were both receptive to this...probably because I don't present their food like this every night.

Looking down at the plate of fruits, snacks, and salads.  

I'm plan on doing Muffin Tin Mondays this year as a way to simplify meal planning and ensure that the girls are getting a variety of fruits and vegetables.  Here are the different themes for January and early-February:

01/17/11 - No Theme - participants can do whatever they want to do
01/24/11 - Big and Little, Short and Tall
01/31/11 - Favorite Foods
02/07/11 - No Theme - participants can do whatever they want to do
02/14/11 - Red/Valentine's Day

February will start Muffin Tin Monday's annual Colors of the Rainbow Series.  But for now...I have a week to think about what I'd like to do next Monday.  Maybe I'll try to tie it into what the girls are studying right now.  Both are studying about oceans in science; and are enjoying learning about the unusual fish, animals, and plants in the deepest part of the sea, in particular.  Perhaps next week I'll do an ocean theme. 

Snack box I made for Easter 2009

using the Muffin Tin Monday concept

I am grateful for...

- To have some extra time to get caught up on projects I’ve wanted to do – personal and for my shop.

- A friend of the family who listed and offered support.

- Healthcare professionals who provide a meaningful and supportive place for my dad to attend twice a week.

- Hearing enthusiasm and happiness in my dad’s voice after attending the day care program (Tuesday was his first day).

- Spending time with my daughters learning about ocean life (part of homeschool science lessons) and some very interesting fish that live in the deep sea.

- Having enough food to make meals for the entire week.

- Enjoying a variety of books from the library.

- Spending time with my parents on my dad’s birthday.

- Being able to help my mom get errands done that she’s wanted to do.

- Finding a colorful and fragrant bouquet of flowers to give to my dad on his birthday; and seeing how excited they were to have fresh flowers on their table.

- Finding a picture of my grandma, my uncles, and mom from 1982.

- Seeing the snow sparkle.

- Seeing the variety of birds at the feeders – especially the flock of cardinals whose color is so vivid against the white snow.

- Watching a tiny vole peek out of the snow under the birdfeeder and collect seeds that had fallen.

- Seeing the squirrel navigate through snow tunnels in the front yard, and watching it pop up in different places.

- Having the skill to sew quilts and pillows.

- Warm, hand-crocheted blankets that I made from wool from my sheep or that my Grandma Olive made before I was born.

- Daughters who enjoy spending outdoors during the winter – exploring the pastures, sledding, making snow forts, and ice skating.

No Impact Week Experiment (Day 8) - Eco-Sabbath

Today's focus of the No Impact Week Experiment is about awareness and taking some time back for oneself.

According to YES! magazine, "This is a chance to lay off the lights, televisions, computers, appliances, cell phones, flashing gadgets, and other stuff that seems to make the world go round. It’s a special time to hang out (or in) by yourself or with friends and family. It is a time to reflect on the well-being of yourself and the planet."

Sunrise - view from the front yard

Eco-Sabbath Definition

What exactly is an "eco-sabbath." YES! magazine describes it as:

Ecology – The interrelationship between organisms and their environment

Sabbath – A time of rest

Eco-Sabbath – Together, you and the environment take a break

Flower after the rain

Time for Reflection

One of the activities that is suggested is to reflect upon the past No Impact Week. Consider what worked well, what was particularly difficult, and what could be permanently changed.

When I think about the past week, these are things that worked well:

- Reduced the amount of trash generated.  The amount that was recycled was about the same.

Sophia with Bailey

- Reduced the amount of new items I purchased.  The only things I purchased during the past week were six bales of hay (for the horses); dog and cat food; one tank of gasoline; and flowers and a card for my dad for his birthday (I was going to make a gift, but have been sick and didn't have the energy to make something.  I ended up making a gift for him yesterday which I'll give to him on January 15th when I see him next).

- Used items on hand rather than purchasing new things or going out to eat.  I made a miniature quilt and matching pillow using fabric that I have on hand (this is for my dad's stuffed animal - his "Corgi" - which he carries around and provides comfort to him [my dad has Alzheimer's disease]).  For all 21 meals this past week, I was able to make them from items I had in the refrigerator, freezer, or cupboards. 

Homemade Cinnamon Roll Cookies

- Made food from scratch.  I made a lot of different foods this week, and tried some new recipes. There's no comparison to fresh, homemade bread or cookies right out of the oven.  What's even better is that I can make the food dairy-free (since Sophia has a dairy-allergy), and there are no chemicals or preservatives in the food I'm making.

- Turned the thermostat lower.  Several times during the week, I lowered the thermostat by 1-2 degrees during the day.  We also made fires in the woodstove for a couple of the days so the furnace wouldn't turn on.  This saved 6-8 hours of heating (propane), yet kept the key areas of the home warm.

Fire in the woodstove

to reduce the amount of propane used during the winter

- Reduced the amount of energy used by the oven.  I made a point of filling the oven with items to bake so that I was making everything at once rather than at different times during the day.  This worked well, especially when things could be baked at the same temperature.  When things had different temperatures, I simply averaged them together and then adjusted the baking time.

- Washed the dishes when the dishwasher and/or sink was full.  I normally do the former, but try not to do the latter.  This week, I did both and found that it did, in fact, save water by doing a full sink of dishes that had soaked for awhile rather than doing a few here and there.  Most the dishes and silverware can fit in the dishwasher.  The items I was washing by hand were the baking dishes and cookie sheets.

- Finding inspiring ideas and websites for giving back to the community.  I particularly liked the idea of 52 Weeks of Giving or 52 Weeks of Impact where you do something good each week of the year.  It's the intention and focus of wanting to make a difference that I like.
 
These were the items that were difficult:

- I still have not found a good (and practical) way to compost.  When I used to have chickens, I would throw out all food scraps to them.  The food waste would be gone...and the hens and roosters would be happy.  I would love to get chickens again, but with Montague he would end up chasing and trying to catch them which isn't fair to the chickens, and it's stressful for me. 

Hand-embroidered chicken I made

(it's small - about 2 1/2" x 3 1/2")

I've tried a compost container under the sink - even ones with the carbon filters - and they still seem to attract fruit flies.  Haven't tried worm composting yet...maybe that's worth a try.  This is a good introduction to vermiculture for children which I could easily integrate into homeschooling.  It would certainly make good, on-going, hands-on science/environmental lessons.

Sophia measuring a worm she found in the backyard

during the summer

- Eating local in the middle of the winter in Minnesota.  This is easy to do during the spring through fall when crops are growing, but the ground is completely frozen in Minnesota during the winter.  Unless I'm using food I've stored in some way (e.g., canned, frozen, dried), I don't know how to eat food that is locally grown in the winter. 

- Not using paper towels.  Ironically, I ran out of paper towels right before the No Impact Week Experiment began.  I chose not to purchase new ones.  There were a few times that I would have much preferred to use paper towels than a rag, but I did make it through the week. 

- Finding alternative sources of transportation in a rural area.  There isn't a good system set up in the country.  Biking 5 miles round trip to the post office on a county road (where cars and trucks travel at 55 mph or more) where there's no bike lane with two children under the age of 10 is a bit stressful for me.  Biking 26-30 miles round trip to go to Target or the grocery store...I just don't see that as a practical option.  Combining errands so I'm reducing the amount of gasoline I use...that's much more practical.

- Accepting that I am not as active in giving back to the community as I once was.  Although I try to make a difference by giving back, I have found that (due to family circumstances) my focus during the past year has been of being of service to my family and parents versus the greater community (local, statewide, and international). 

What could be permanently changed

- Continue to look for ways to reduce purchasing.  The past week made me more aware of the resources that I have right in the home.  I should use these before even thinking of purchasing new things.  With the amount of fabric, wool, and crafting supplies I have on hand, I could certainly be busy for at least a year, for example.

Wool felt balls I made -

natural eco-friendly toys for children

- Eating locally during the spring through fall.  I look forward to growing food in the garden again this year, and would like to add a couple more gardens in sunny and accessible spots.  Scheduling time to go to Farmer's Markets would also be enjoyable. 

- Preserving more produce.  When I'm going to Farmer's Markets, I'd like to purchase extra produce to preserve (can, freeze, or dry) so we can enjoy it during the winter.  It would be nice to get a pressure cooker as well so I can can vegetables and/or soups.

Cranberry salsa

- Making homemade soaps, bath salts, and laundry soap.  I checked out several books from the library about making homemade versions of soaps for personal care and the laundry.  There are so many great ideas and recipes for doing this.  Olivia saw one of the books and was very intrigued.  "We should do this!" she said.  I think she'll be my helper in this area.

- Continue to try to lower the thermostat by a couple of degrees.  This is particularly important not just from an energy/environmental standpoint.  The propane tank was just filled this week - $847.  Combined with $424 from the November bill...that's a big chunk of money. 

Granted, the propane is not just for heating (it's for appliances - like the washer/dryer, stove, water heater), but that's still a considerable amount to spend.  If this could stretch over two months (the coldest months in Minnesota), that would be ideal. 

Although this amount is high, it is a substantial reduction from just a few years ago when the propane bill for the winter was more than double this amount.  (Thanks to re-insulating the entire home and adding insulation in many areas a couple years ago due to storm damage, the propane bill has decreased.)

- Look for little ways to make an impact on the community each week.  I find that when I write a schedule (or a plan) of things I want to accomplish that I do a lot more.  I did this during the holiday season (from November 1-January 1) and enjoyed the variety of things I did to celebrate the season and make it memorable and meaningful, particularly for my daughters.  Taking some time to plan the upcoming year in terms of volunteering and giving back would ensure that I could increase the impact I'm making.

The Experiment's Effect on Others

The No Impact Week Experiment encourages participants about how they can go even further. It suggests the following: "Think about how the week affected others and what adjustments, if any, are in order. This is a time to discover and appreciate the bare necessities."

The past week definitely affected my family, though they may not always have been aware of the changes.  One of the biggest changes was with food.  Even though the Experiment said that new food could be purchased during the week, I wanted to go a step further and use only what I had on hand this week. 

There were several "successes" - such as an incredibly good fruit smoothie made from frozen strawberries and blueberries that were picked during the summer; and honey from our bees.  Sophia and I combined the berries with some juices (apple and grape) as well as an orange.  We mixed it in the Vita-Mix mixer, and it was very thick...almost like a milkshake in a way.  "This is the best smoothie we've ever made!  We should measure out the ingredients next time and make a cookbook so I can use it with my children!" Sophia said. 

Black raspberries that grow wild here at the farm. 

They seem to spread and multiply with each passing year!

I used up lots of pre-packaged food (which I'm not terribly proud of purchasing, but have ended up using at times during the past year when I've been rushed or simply too tired to prepare a made-from-scratch meal).  This now gives us a fresh start to eating healthier...something that's easier to do when the "not so healthy" food isn't there.

Picking strawberries - an annual activity

I used produce that I canned during the summer - peaches and applesauce - to supplement the fresh fruit and vegetables I served with almost every meal. 
 
Despite the "successes" there were also some challenges.  For some meals, I decreased the amount of meat that was served while increasing the amount of other options (e.g., freshly-baked pumpkin bread or cornbread, steamed carrots or corn).  "Is this all we're having for dinner?" I was asked a couple of times.  Or...worse yet..."I'm still hungry."  Those are things that are hard to hear...at least for me.  (Note: the girls didn't go to bed hungry...after a little dessert - a homemade cookie or brownies - they were fine.  No complaints then.)
 
No Impact Week Experiment suggested some steps for observing an eco-sabbath.  These steps are noted below.

Reflect on Your Days Off

One of the questions the Experiment asked was, "How do you usually spend your day off? Consider how different — if at all — this day will be." 

As a mother to two children under the age of 10 and owner of two dogs, five cats, and two horses, I don't think there's such a thing as a "day off."  There's always something that needs to be done.

Saw this heron at the bird sanctuary in Texas.

A "day off" for me happens when I am able to physically go somewhere else and not be responsible for anyone or anything.  I was able to go to San Padre Island back in May during the off-season.  It was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing.  I explored the beaches and the tidelines, went to museums, the bird sanctuary, and turtle sanctuary/rehabilitation center.  I watched the wildlife there - birds and alligators, mostly.  It was wonderful. 

An overly friendly chipmunk who enjoyed being fed. 

Saw it on the Gunflint Trail in September. 

The girls named it "Mr. Chippy."

Today won't be like one of the days off that are relaxing and nourish my soul.  I don't know when I'll be able to take a vacation again. 

Perhaps the goal is just to use the quiet time here - in the early morning hours - more like a rest/sabbath period than a work time (which I do now).  Even dedicating an hour each day when it is quiet and peaceful - and everyone (except me) is resting - to a "sabbath" mentality would be a good goal to have.

Planning for an Eco-Sabbath

The No Impact Week Experiment suggests planning for an eco-sabbath day by determining how to not use any appliances, electronics, motorized transport, or money. 

Being Grateful

Each day during the past week, the No Impact Week Experiment encouraged participants to keep a list of five things for which they were grateful.  Today, look back at the grateful lists and count the number of times a consumable item (something that was purchased) was listed.

For some time now, I've done a "I am Grateful..." posting each Sunday.  Although I understand the benefit of taking time to reflect each day about things one is grateful for, for me, it's a nice thing to do on a weekly basis.

Pileated woodpecker on the cherry tree in the front yard.

In doing today's list, I came up with 18 different things that stood out during the past week.  On that list, only one was gratitude for a purchased item.  Many of the items that I was grateful for this past week were experiences I've had with nature - watching birds, the little vole, or squirrels; or for people (family, friends, and health-care professionals I deal with).

Something that I learned from making this list - as with all the other gratitude lists I've done - is that it isn't things that make me happy.  It's often times tiny experiences...some so insignificant if taken at face-value...that truly sustain me and bring me joy.

Montague with his nose covered in snow. 

Gretel and Montague enjoying playing outdoors.

Generating Less Trash

At the beginning of the No Impact Week Experiment, one of the activities was to collect one day's worth of trash.  Today, one of the activities was supposed to be taking out that bag as well as any other trash collected during the week and empty the contents. The purpose of doing this is to determine if more or less trash was created over the week.

I didn't kep the bag of trash (garbage pick-up was on Thursday), nor do I want to go through the trash in the can.  However, I know that the amount of garbage generated is substantially less this week than in past weeks.  The biggest area of reduction is in food packaging waste.

Thoughts on Rest and Sabbaths

All life requires a rhythm of rest...We have lost this essential rhythm.

Our culture invariably supposes that action and accomplishment are better than rest, that doing something - anything - is better than doing nothing.

Because of our desire to succeed, to meet these ever-growing expectations, we do not rest.

Because we do not rest, we lose our way.

We miss the compass points that would show us where to go, we bypass the nourishment that would give us succor.

We miss the quiet that would give us wisdom.

We miss the joy and love born of effortless delight.

Poisoned by this hypnotic belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort, we can never truly rest.

And for want of rest, our lives are in danger.

This is an excerpt taken from page one of Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest by Wayne Muller. I have had this book for many years now, and I think it's time to revisit it.  The book is filled with practical ideas about how to remember the sabbath and taking time for oneself.  Some ideas that I like are:

- Lighting Sabbath candles.
- Having a Sabbath meal.
- Taking a Sabbath walk in nature.
- Creating an altar at home.
- Finding and nourishing companionship.
- Thinning - or letting go - of things.
- Cleansing - bathing with fragrance, candles, and music.
- Giving away things to others - especially beautiful, nourishing, and inspiring things.

Be content with what you have;

rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking,

the whole world belongs to you.

~ Lao-Tzu

No Impact Week Experiment (Day 7) - Giving Back

The seventh day of the No Impact Week Experiment focuses on giving back.  According to Yes! magazine's website, "By giving back, you slow down and appreciate what you have. The conversation and community that you will experience will give you that all-important, essential nutrient: happiness."

The challenge today is to be charitable, act in good faith, and become one with others. As the website says, "Ultimately, you will not only be giving back — you’ll be getting back."

Volunteering and Health

According to Yes! magazine's website, "More than 30 peer-reviewed, longitudinal studies have found a strong connection between volunteering and a decreased risk of heart disease, lower rates of depression, and greater longevity."

The No Impact Week Experiment suggests making a list of all the ways you contribute to your community now. Here are some ways that I contribute to the community:

- Volunteer at the homeschool co-op on Mondays throughout the school year.
- Hold doors open for people if they are near me when they are entering a building.
- Donate items on a regular basis to the second-hand shop so the proceeds from their sales can support programs that help individuals, families, and seniors in need.

Sophia and Olivia with clothes and diapers that we donated to

Project Quinn - a special project serving Native families in Alaska.

On an on-going basis, we also donate clothes to the local second-hand store.

- Help my dad with his medical and dental appointments; and work with his case manager at the senior day care program to ensure he's receiving personalized and meaningful care as he deals with Alzheimer's Disease.

Quilt I made for my dad that has photographs that he and I picked out out. 

Almost every time I see or talk with him, he mentions the quilt.

- Donate my hair to Locks of Love. I just donated a ponytail in Fall 2010 and am growing my hair out again. This was the third time I've grown and cut my hair, and donated it to Locks of Love.

The third ponytail I donated to Locks of Love in Fall 2010.

- Share my sewing skills with different non-profit organizations.

A pillowcase dress that I sewed and then sent to a non-profit organization

that provides dresses to girls in Africa.

These are the things that come to mind immediately.  I use to be much more active in the community - especially when I ran a non-profit here at the farm.  However, once that ended in 2003, I became more focused on raising Sophia and Olivia (both of whom have special needs); homeschooling them; and working with different agencies that provide therapeutic care to address sensory issues as well as developmental and speech delays.

A set of pillowcases that I made for a hospital

that has a section that serves children who have cancer.

Even from 2003-2009, I had many more ways I was giving back to the community through a variety of organizations and interests of mine.  This is making me very aware that I have definitely pulled back considerably during 2010 - particularly the latter half of the year. 

Several years ago, Sophia and Olivia filled shoeboxes with gifts

as part of Operation Christmas Child.

Increasing One's Impact on the Community

Many years ago, my doctor observed, "You're burning the candle at both ends and in the middle."  More recently, I completed a six-week caregiving program through Family Means.  The main focus of the program was learning how to take care of oneself when you're a caregiver.  Often times, caregivers give too much of themselves, leaving behind the things they once enjoyed and people with whom they enjoyed spending time. 

One of the activities that we did during the caregiving program was set one goal each week that we wanted to do that would bring enjoyment to our lives.  In doing this, people become stronger and healthier so that they can have the energy and enthusiasm to continue to make a difference in the community. 

The No Impact Week Experiment asks, "How can you step up what you’re already doing and do more?" At this point in my life, I think the following actions would be achievable (spread throughout the year)

- Continue to look for little ways each day to make at least one person's life a bit easier.

- Send letters or postcards to people.  One thing that my dad use to do was clip articles from the paper if he knew the person mentioned in the article.  He would send it along with a little note to the person.  I like that idea. 

  I also read somewhere that rather than sending a Christmas/holiday newsletter, to send personalized letters to people you've received them from.  Each week pick one or two people, and share with them how they've brought joy to your life.

- Incorporate volunteering into the homeschool curriculum. Find organizations that would welcome young volunteers.  The Doing Good Together website has some wonderful ideas for ways that families can volunteer without leaving their home as well as ways families can volunteer in the community.

I drove the girls to a local nursing home where they

helped put out pumpkins that their 4-H club carved. 

This was taken outside the Memory Care Unit.

- Participate in the fall fundraising event sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. This year's event, Walk to End Alzheimer's, is scheduled for September 24th.  More information is HERE.

- Go on a mission trip to Tanzania! There's an opportunity to do so in 2011...and I have wanted to go to Africa for many years now.  I'm hoping to raise enough money to be able to go.

 "For it is in giving that we receive."

~ St. Francis of Assisi

Identify Your Level of Impact

The No Impact Week Experiment had the following pyramid on its website and asked participants to identify where they are on it.

At this stage in my life, I'm between the "Weekly" and "Monthly" levels.  From 1989-2003, I was at the top of the pyramid - working for various non-profit organizations and/or running a non-profit that I founded.  The important thing I need to remind myself is that I'm still on the pyramid. 

"Crafting for Charity" class I taught in Spring 2010

to a group of homeschool students.

A Life of Service and Giving Back

Giving back and being of service was a value that was deeply instilled in me when I was growing up.  As an adult, I can't imagine living a life any other way.  The amount that I give...and how I choose to give...varies with my interests and with factors I cannot control (e.g., my parents' declining health). 

What I have realized in reflecting about today's focus of giving back, is that I have shifted my focus of service from the community to family.  Recognizing that caregiving responsibilities will not cease in 2011, my goal is to determine how to gradually incorporate being of more service to the community - local, country, and world. 

Perhaps one way to do this is follow Tiffani Titus' idea of doing 52 Weeks of Giving.  She was looking for ways that she and her children could do volunteering on a regular basis, and ended up doing small weekly projects.  She found a variety of opportunities, and she and her family made a commitment to do one good deed per week. 

In doing an internet search for "52 Weeks of Giving" I came across a church website that is doing a program with the same name.  At the bottom of this LINK there are numerous ideas for projects that can be done throughout the year.  It's worth checking out.

If it's easier to follow a plan that someone else has created, take a look at 52 Weeks of Impact.  Each week through 2011, the website will feature a different cause or theme; and offer ideas for action toward making the world a better place.   

"Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love."

~ Lao Tzo