Friday, April 22, 2011

Earth Day Musings

I am thrilled to have the day off work today so I can spend Earth Day enjoying nature. It was wonderful to have some quiet time this morning snuggling with my cats, listening to the choir of birds, and admiring the emerging green in my backyard. Bliss!

It has been a long while since I have added words to this blog because my free time has been filled with another kind of writing. I have finally completed a long labor of love - a children's book manuscript about environmental appreciation and conservation. My goal was to finish it by Earth Day and I am thrilled that I met that milestone. Still, it's a long road ahead of editing and the difficult quest to find a publisher. If anyone would like to step forward as a reviewer I would be more than pleased to have as many eyes on it as possible. This is a life dream that I must accomplish!

I decided to focus my energy into a children's book because I believe that kids are natural nature lovers and if we nurture their instincts and teach them good habits we can help cultivate a green hearted generation that will eventually be the decision makers in this world. I dare to believe that our beautiful planet still stands a chance of regaining the respect it deserves and I hope my kids will be part of that movement!


Although my environmental focus has turned to educating children, I haven't completely given up on the adults! This year I became part of our Environmental Committee at work where we are making progress in establishing eco-friendly business practices and educating employees on ways they can make a difference. I started a grassroots viral campaign based of the One Small Change blog movement I took part in last year. I also organized our first "Talking Green" lunch & learn event where we are hosting speakers from Minnesota Grown to discuss the benefits of eating local and organic and the resources available for natural food. If you are interested in receiving the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Minnesota Grown Directory, you can order it for free on the website. A great listing of local farmers markets, CSA farms, garden centers, orchards and more!

So, although I decided to retire my green blog last year, my passion for the topic remains strong. I am SO excited for SPRING to be here so I can get outside more and enjoy this wonderful world! Today, the kids and I are going to head out for a little neighborhood clean up to honor our Earth - its the least we can do in exchange for all it provides us.

Have a Happy Earth Day all! Do something to make a difference today and enjoy!