America’s premier green publisher, Bryan Welch is well known for his optimism, sense of humor and his commitment to empowering people to live their own good life. He speaks widely to businesspeople and consumers to share his belief – demonstrated unequivocally in his own work – that it’s possible to do well in business without destroying the earth’s natural and human resources.
As a child herding milk goats in rural New Mexico, Bryan learned that survival of our own species is impossible without an understanding of, and respect for, nature’s systems. While still just a boy he formed an intuition for the intricate and interdependent relationships among the plants, animals and humans that called the Southern New Mexican deserts home. Through the decades he’s refocused that intuition into a high-resolution framework for how to live a productive and sustainable life.
On any given day, Bryan might be found spending his early morning hours working on his Kansas farm among the cattle, sheep and goats; his lunchtime polishing a magazine essay at his office; and his evening at a Hollywood cocktail reception for the launch of a green media initiative.
Before starting Ogden Publications (publishers of Mother Earth News, Natural Home , Utne Reader and several other magazines and digital media properties) in 1996, Welch spent 19 years as a reporter, photographer, editor and publisher of newspapers in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Connecticut and Minnesota. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard University where he studied media policy and media management at the Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Business School.
Welch currently is a member of the MPA (Association of Magazine Media) board of directors, the Social Venture Network board of directors and the Down Home Ranch Foundation board of directors. He has also served on the board of the Kansas Land Trust. He and his wife, Carolyn, raise grass-fed cattle, sheep, goats and free-range chickens at the farm they call Rancho Cappuccino, which they also share with donkeys, dogs and the rogue mule, Zero.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/00470599-e80e-4dec-95d9-bd894021b7eb.jpg5621152shanna blasingamehttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngshanna blasingame2025-03-17 12:39:592025-03-17 12:39:59Bryan Welch and his Beautiful & Abundant World
For those of you who are new to At the Green House. . . Welcome! We’re a comic strip about a family named The Greens, who want to be greener. We have Pam & Todd, the main “people characters,” and a group of “critters” who live in their yard, one of which is a little earthworm named Wormy. The original concept for the comic began in 2006 and was featured in actual PAPER newspapers. Having a lot of time to ponder the planet lately, the co-creators, Brad Gilchrist and Peter Menice have decided to replant the seeds of this eco-conscious feature and let it grow in the new garden of social media and www’s. . .
Like most things green, sometimes the first attempted planting doesn’t find the right conditions to grow and become a regular feature in the garden. The key is to keep the seeds . . . and when conditions ARE right, mix in the compost, scratch in the seeds, give them some sun, and water them with new ideas. Then, just let them grow into something new, beautiful and lasting.
Peter and I have been keeping the Green House seeds dry and warm, tucked into pockets close to our hearts and waiting for the right conditions to plant them again. This is that time. Now. 2021 is the year.
For the past few months, we’ve been meeting, writing and drawing new material and formulating a “growth chart” for ” At the Green House. And now the time has come. . . We are going to share our adventures and stories about the daily sproutings and our process here with you. It’s been a little like developing quality compost- mixing a little of this -with a little of that. . . green stuff, brown stuff. . . history, new ideas, failings, dreams, renewed hope and energy. . . a little manure. . .
Our gratitude goes out to all of you who’ve kept in touch with us, asking, “How’s Wormy doing?” and hoping to see some new foliage. New growth will be popping up here and growing toward YOUR light. We hope you’ll read and contribute your thoughts and comments. Peace, Peter & Brad
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dfe5fc1a-46a0-4aea-a258-4b98c422fb80.jpg340660shanna blasingamehttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngshanna blasingame2025-03-17 12:38:132025-03-17 12:38:13A long time ago. . . In a studio (not so) far, far away. . .
For years now, I’ve carried a photo on my cell phone that I stole from a website showing me what produce is best to buy “clean” and what is okay to buy “dirty.”
To be honest, I generally just buy the organic choice if they are available, as I know supporting the organic farmers is a critical step in helping us all get healthier. As organic farmers prosper, prices come down. . . making greener choices more accessible to everyone. Or at least that’s the theory. So, this past summer, I read a few updated reports on what is currently considered “clean & dirty” and Peter and I set to work on this graphic, which we hoped to apply to grocery bags, reminder cards, and yes, my cell phone.
So, we can take this discussion in many directions. . . you can agree or challenge us on what you consider to be clean or dirty ( produce wise, please) or you can help us decide what kind of reusable grocery bags to print this on. I’ve found some “plastic-y” types of bags that are made from recycled bottles that I kind of like. They stand up pretty well. are water proof. . . and they have that neat little stiff bottom support. That was my first choice. Then I heard from my wife that she’d prefer to have a new insulated bag. That makes sense too. I also have a friend who loves the floppy cotton type of bag because they are washable and she loves the handles. Or would you just like to get a card that you can put in with your grocery bags to remind you. . . or maybe a t-shirt to wear when you go shopping? . . . Too many options?
Agreed. Thats’s why we don’t want to have to make this decision alone. In the next few weeks we’re going to order some bags- and we’re going to use them in our campaigns to bring new readers to At the Green House. We’d love it if you’d give us your thoughts and opinions during this process. You can comment here, or on Facebook or Instagram. . . maybe even that Twit thing. . .
Just feel free to tell us what you think. We’re going to be giving away a few of these as soon as we get them printed, so make sure we know you’re interested somehow.
And I also need to thank my friend, Bonnie Santarsiero for donating her time and tremendous talent in creating the design and graphic from our concept sketches. Thank you, Bonnie. Bonnie gets the first free bag! :0)
PEACE!
Brad (w/ Peter looking over his shoulder, smiling at the cute little Wormy he drew)
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/GH_Dirty_Clean_Bag_Front_Final_reduced.jpg21542400adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2019-01-25 09:47:142025-03-13 16:10:07Clean & Green
As humans, everything we do creates carbon in some form. . . even when we die. But before we get to that stage, we have a lot of living to do, and living requires creating CO2. What creates CO2? Eating, moving, clothing, communication, creating shelter, socialization. . . and well, everything we do.
Everything we consume or utilize uses some form of fuel for it’s creation. If it’s a chicken wing we’re consuming- consider all the steps it took to get to your plate. . . um. . . give me a second here, I’m trying to figure out how I chose talking about a chicken wing. . . I could switch to “celery stalk” but that would be “chickening out.” Literally. NO, let’s give it a try. . . so, a farmer raises a chicken with all it’s food and water and nesting materials and heat and care and energy to make that life possible. Think of all the corn that chicken may have eaten. . . and all the energy that went into creating that corn. . . Then, the chicken is slaughtered to create food for us. . . now a wing is the item of consumption and. . . ( I’m going to let you imagine the next few steps) . . . then it’s put in a bag (packaging was created for this) with other wings. . . fuel is used to keep it cold or frozen. . . fuel is used to deliver it to a market or wholesaler. Let’s say that this wholesaler sells it to “Wing It Bar & Grill” and you come in for a bite after work. . . . and yes, there’s one more wing left on the platter at happy hour and you get to be the lucky consumer. How much energy was used to get this wing to you and make your hour happier? Consider this. . . what if you just ate a piece of corn instead . . . and eliminated all that stuff in between the corn going to the chicken and happy hour? I know. There’s a lot of math to be done and processes to consider. There are many great websites out there where you can set up your own profile and try calculating your carbon footprint. There are hundreds of great videos you can watch to help you understand it all better, and we’re going to link to one below that’s good for children to watch too.
But, I promised a few simple ways we all can reduce our carbon footprints so here goes:
Eat less meat, especially red meat. Grow your own veggies and fruit if possible. If not, eat as locally as possible. Support organic farmers.
Use your own grocery bags and use less plastic. Re-usables are very important!
Keep your heat lower in the winter (wear sweaters etc. ), and reduce A/C usage in the summer (shade your windows etc). Insulate your home, cut down drafts. Reduce home energy consumption. Wash clothes at lower temps- dry outside in the sun if possible. Take shorter showers.
Limit your driving and travel (plan your outing to accomplish as much as you can in one trip). Drive slower. Use less fossil fuels.
Carefully consider your purchases. Try buying products with less packaging, no plastics, made with recyclable materials. Buy less- consume less. Donate old or unused clothing to others. Donate home goods, books etc to others.
And when you get a chance, check out some more cool websites (like Link and Wormy are). Oh, and in case you’re wondering. . . worms are carbon neutral.
Actually, I don’t know for sure that worms are carbon neutral. I have no source for that information. . . I just made it up. But, I’m allowed to do that because I’m a cartoonist. That’s what I do. Peace!
Brad (with Peter looking over his shoulder)
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/01_08_19_carbon_footprint_color.jpg361972adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2019-01-08 14:14:452025-03-13 16:08:58Can a Worm Have a Footprint? . . .
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2nd_Day_of_Greenness_.jpg10501050adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2019-01-04 13:16:352025-03-13 16:08:21The Second Day of Greenness. . .
I’m just sitting down to start writing new ideas for At The Green House. This has always been the hardest place for me. . . waiting for the ideas to flow. There’s a special place in my mind where the characters reside. Once I’ve tuned out all the other distractions and focus in on “their space,” the situations and conversations start to come forth. I read the quote (above) by my mentor, Jim Henson, many years ago and never quite grasped the meaning of the “guidance” until years later. . . sometime in early 2006.
I was driving- and staring off into the sky above the road ahead of me. Slowly, a vision ( I guess?) came into my view. As I looked at the sky, an image of the Green House, printed in a newspaper began to form. I could see all the characters and the newsprint very clearly. . . and. . . I could still see the sky and road. The black inked lines from the comic separated from the newspaper and with a shadowed effect, the newsprint vanished and the lines of the comic hovered there in the icy blue sky. I always thought of that vision being a gift from someone- showing me that the Green House would soon be real. . . in lots of papers and successful. But that wasn’t the case.
It wasn’t long before the 30 papers we’d signed up weren’t paying us. . . the editor’s who had bought the feature were being let go, and the papers we were supposed to be printed in were going under. We had to close the door on the Green House. For many years, I kept remembering that vision and thinking that my spiritual guide needed an upgrade or at least a few lessons from a more accomplished angel.
It wasn’t until a few months ago that I was working on our book “Back To The Drawing Board” (a compilation of our old Green House material) and I came across THAT comic. . . the one that appeared to me many years ago. . . that I understood the meaning. I could see that moment clearly in my mind once again. . . the image appearing and separating from the paper. . . Pretty obvious now, eh? Someone out there in the spirit world was telling me that paper wasn’t the place for it. . . let it go and keep the “lines” -the spirit of the creation. And now it’s coming back.
By the way, here’s THAT comic. . . Well, it’s time to start my day. . . my writing day. My wife is at work so. . . no hormonal distractions.
Just let the lines fall, rise, appear where they may. . . organically.
Ready to sit, open up and start receiving. . . Jim, I’m listening!
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jim_henson_quote_1_itsnoteasybeinggreen.jpg936720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2019-01-02 10:17:092025-03-13 16:06:352019- Back to the Drawing (and writing) Board . . .
Happy New Year!Happy Earth Day (Every Day!) Happy2019. . . and welcome back to At the Green House!
It’s also The First Day Of Greenness.
What does that mean? It means something different to each of us- and that’s the best answer. . . but for today, I’d love it if you’d take a few minutes (like Wormy is in this picture), to look at yourself, your present life situation, and set some goals for getting greener this year. Your First Day of Greenness.
Now, this brings up another huge question. . . What is getting “greener?” Well, “green” is currently a trendy catch phrase for a lot of wonderful things (and I’m so glad it is!). . . healthier eating, healthier living, getting back to nature. . . Fortunately, in 2019, there is a growing focus on green issues- and bringing environmental issues to the daily public consciousness is a huge thing. Peter and I started talking about “green things” back in 2006 with “The Green House”– but the publishing world wasn’t ready for us back then (quote: “you guys are probably ahead of your time with this material”). . . more on this in a bit. . .
But getting green for me started back in 1980, meeting Jim Henson and working on The Muppets Comic Strip with him. He got me thinking about the environment, our place in it, being conscious of the world as a whole and as people as “one.” He let a frog be his main spokesman and I helped write words for that wonderful green voice for 6 years. Jim taught me that accepting a role as a comic strip writer meant being responsible for a little space in each person’s morning newspaper and making someone smile during that 5 seconds they spend seeing what you’ve put there for them. I’ll blog more on Jim later this month, but for now it’s my 5 seconds. . . let’s make that 5 minutes . . . to share something with you- and right now it’s about YOU.
What’s going to make you feel greener this year? What’s going to simplify your life, connect you to the earth you were born from? What’s going to bring you back to nature and bring out the greener nature of you? Well. . . . let’s start with 12 days of Greenness. First day, write down some green goals. You may not think you have many, but you will. Maybe the first is “define Greenness for myself.” Try that. Maybe you’re already a “Greenie” and want to improve on one thing? . . . That’s cool, too! On the Second Day of Greenness, we’ll talk about one more simple little thing you can do to get closer to that goal. That’s all we have to say about the First Day of Greenness. Look in the mirror, grab a pen and write something down! If you need inspiration, eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable. You are what you eat and that’s a great place to start. . . hope it’s an organic snack! I think I’ve reached the 5 minute limit. . . for those of you who have a few more minutes to spare and want to connect more deeply to our Green history, keep reading!
Thank you for your time and participation. Peace!~Brad (with Peter looking over my shoulder)
PS: If you’d like an 8 x 10 pdf of the picture of Wormy & Friends (above) – with the black & white circle for coloring- send an email to: ghfamily@atthegreenhouse.com – Just put “1st Day- Coloring page” in the Subject. Thanks!
For those of you who are new to At the Green House. . . Welcome! We’re basically a comic strip about a family named The Greens, who wants to be greener.
We have Pam & Todd, the main people and a group of “critters” who live in their yard, one of which is a little earthworm named Wormy. He eventually becomes the hero of our planet, literally, in a feature of his own. Our goal in the next year is to develop Wormy, alongside the Greens. . . but in his own weekly feature for children. Before we get too far ahead. . . here’s a bit more about the history of At the Green House (if time permits).
About At The Green House . . . It’s been quite a while since we’ve been active on Facebook or with anything new in The Green House. . . but like all things green, sometimes the first attempt grows and doesn’t find the right conditions to survive. The key is to keep the seeds . . . and when conditions are right, give them some sun, well-composted nutrients and let them grow into something new and (hopefully) ever-lasting.
Peter and I have been keeping the Green House seeds dry and warm, tucked into pockets close to our hearts and waiting for the right conditions to plant them again. . . this is that time. Now. 2019 is the year!
For the past few months, we’ve been meeting, writing and drawing new material and formulating a “growth chart” for the Green House projects. And now the time has come. . . We are going to share our adventures and stories about the “daily sproutings” and our “process” here with you beginning today! It’s been a little like developing quality compost- mixing a little of this -with a little of that. . . green stuff, brown stuff. . . history, new ideas. . . failings, dreams, renewed hope and energy. . . a little manure. . .
What is At the Green House’s story? It’s a story about finding our passion, believing in it, working hard at it and then keeping the embers glowing after it looked like life, time and circumstance had blown it out.
So at the risk of being long-winded here and “messing with our embers,” I’m just letting you all know that the seeds have been planted in the compost and we are returning to the Green House to get things GROWING!
Our gratitude goes out to all of you who’ve kept in touch with us, asking, “How’s Wormy doing?” and hoping to see some new foliage. New growth will be popping up here and growing toward YOUR light. We hope you’ll read and contribute your thoughts and comments.
We didn’t give up. We were just composting.
Peter & Brad
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/12days_1st_day_flat_150dpi_test.jpg10501050adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2019-01-01 11:07:442025-03-28 13:14:27The First Day of Greenness
I’ve adopted a lot of cats- on one trip to the shelter, I saw a tag that looked like it read, “Mange.” It really said, “Marge” but my cartoonist brain grabbed that moment and filed it away for later use. . . fast forward about 12 years. . .
The Green’s cat’s name is Mange. When we started to create the cast of the Green House, we thought this young couple would have gone to a shelter and rescued a cat for their first pet. It’s what I did when I got my first apartment. To be exact, a friend brought a kitten that she’d rescued, and I took her in and named her Mandy. I love dogs and cats, but cats are an easier “starter” pet when you’re first learning how to live on your own.
As we begin our comic, we’re introducing you to the characters and their personalities. We’re also providing a setting: a home, their surroundings, their likes and dislikes, their jobs, their neighbors, family- all the things that create their world. Todd is a cartoonist and works from home, which, as we begin, is a modest apartment. Pam is a special ed teacher and part-time yoga instructor. When deciding on the first pet for them, I drew inspiration from another cat I helped rescue back around 2006 named Maggie.
My sister owned an apartment that she was subletting, and when a tenant moved out, the tenant left behind a cat in a crate. . . a sad looking old cat that appeared to be malnourished, sick and neglected. My sister had two cats of her own and 2 dogs and couldn’t manage another pet at the time. I had two cats and a dog, but I also had a studio where I could keep this cat until another home could be found for her. She was long-haired calico and her voice sounded more like a “croak” than a meow. When I got her to trust me and let me hold her, I started petting her and rubbing her neck, where I found that a tiny collar was embedded in the fur deep under the mats on her neck. After carefully cutting away the hair and removing a collar that must have been her kitty collar, I found that her croaking was caused by choking. A trip to the vet was next in order and this brought the discovery of diabetes and parasites. With the help of my wonderful veterinarian, we got Maggie back to reasonable help and began insulin injections. Long story short, she only lived about 5-6 months with me before passing on. Her diabetes was in very advanced stages and other parts of her digestive health were failing, but she waited by the door for me to come in and out of the studio- sat on my lap and then on my shoulder while I worked, and when I laid down to write, she’d lay on me and purr more deeply than any cat I’d ever known. She was a true blessing to me and I suppose, I to her. She was a special cat. Well, every pet I’ve ever had was special, but she was here so short a time, it was just different.
So, in thinking of a pet for the Greens, she seemed like the perfect choice- a studio cat, with a little bit of attitude and a lot of love. . . but love isn’t always funny- so we gave her an attitude drawn from another cat of mine, Snickers. . . a Garfield clone.
It’s Monday, the coffee’s kicking in and my brain’s starting to thaw. I should start doing some stretches, and perhaps I will after I finish typing this. . . but I’d just like to suggest that you all join me and take a minute or two to remember your past pets and perhaps think about your current ones and what they mean to you. I can’t think about Maggie without feeling a deep calm and re-connection to her. Her spirit seems to stay with me and bring me comfort. Seeing her in the comic makes me happy. I hope she makes you smile a little too.
Do you have a story about a special pet or pet rescue? A deep connection you made with an animal in a short period of time? Comment here or on our Facebook page, we’d love to hear your stories.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GH_021615.jpg274720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-07-23 01:01:112025-03-13 16:04:47A Pet Subject. . .
We’ve all been there. . . when life is like a Country song and there’s “too much month at the end of the money.” What I like about this strip is the priorities. . . charity before “mad money. . . ” others before self. Todd may be upset at the balance in his “mad money” account. . . but it’s inspiration and motivation to do more as we’ll see very soon in The Green House.
My favorite writings about money- and self-value are in Dan Millman’s “Everyday Enlightenment- The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth.” I remember reading the book back in 2007 and loving every bit of it and making an internal pact that I would follow these writings and embrace the Twelve Gateways. . . except for the Fourth one- because I didn’t have much money and was just “getting by.” I obviously needed a kick in the “gateways,” because it’s all there, even for those who have nothing financially. . . I just wasn’t in a place to align with these teachings. Millman opens the chapter with this:
The Fourth Gateway~ Manage Your Money
“Money is neither god nor devil, but a form of energy. Like love or fear, it can serve you or bind you, depending how you manage it.
By clarifying your goals and using your gifts, you can make good money, doing what you enjoy while serving the highest calling of your soul.
Using money wisely, and well, you increase the material and spiritual wealth with your world.”
Pam obviously has learned these lessons well. . . I’m still in “Todd-ville.” Yes, I’m re-reading “Everyday Enlightenment” this month! :0)
Do you recall a moment in your life where you had that revelation that you could be doing more, not necessarily working harder, but working smarter and opening yourself to be more. . . to receive more? Share your thoughts and stories. . . someone at the Green House is waiting to be inspired today! As always, the conversation is always happening on our Facebook page. . .
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GH_mad_money.jpg273720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-07-21 01:01:192025-03-13 16:04:20That new Playstation game will have to wait a few more months. . .
Today we meet two of the critters at The Green House, Link and Wormy. Link is a liberal blogger who is trying to introduce his new friend, Wormy to the world of environmentalism. Tomorrow, Link checks in with Wormy to see how he’s enjoying reading “An Inconvenient Truth.”
As much as we seek knowledge and “the truth,” we’re all reading the latest news, reports and studies to see what “those in the know” want us to know. It’s also clear that those who are “experts” can sway us to their side by great speeches, writing or story-telling through movies. However, seemingly minutes after we form an opinion or answer a call to action, we can dismiss and distrust if we hear “facts” well told from the other side of the debate.
I really wanted to believe Al Gore and the message of “An Inconvenient Truth.” I recall taking my Mother to the movie and seeing how moved she was by all the facts about the melting glaciers and endangered polar bears. . . which I knew were facts “skewed” a bit to make a point (and sell a movie). My Mom and I had a great discussion about the movie on the way home, which proved one point that put Al’s movie into a “plus” column for me. . .
It was clear from the discussion that my Mom hadn’t really been following environmental news much, even though she knew how big a “Greenie” I am- and she was now excited to start reading more and to start living a cleaner, more organic life. After dropping her off, I came to the conclusion that as much as Al Gore may have propped up certain info and dramatized events to make a more compelling movie, my Mom was moved into a more positive direction for having seen “An Inconvenient Truth.”
I don’t condone lying to the world to make a more impactful movie- I like to see balance- but in this case, I’ll give a nod in the affirmative to Al.
So, for my part, I’ll do what I can to show how thoughtful, informed, conscious people (and critters) relate to the same information, in my own writing. Maybe my presentation of debatable subject matter will open discussion that is balanced and discussed with open minds. In any event, finding any moment to open a person’s mind to thinking about their planet is a good thing. Do it with humor and cute characters and it’s a big round ball slam dunk!
More on the subject over the next few days.
What were your thoughts and experiences after reading or seeing “An Inconvenient Truth?” Start a conversation here or on our Facebook page. We love fresh insights and honest experiences.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/GH_2020915-1.jpg268720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-07-19 01:01:532025-03-13 16:02:16Worm Holes and Carbon Footprints
Yes, I’m a tree hugger. I feel at home in the woods. I feel the connection to all creation. It’s here I feel my spirituality and my sense of soul. Some people get it from church. . . The forest is my temple. It’s the high reaching branches that stretch for the sun. . . the nutrient seeking roots that anchor us in the past and connect us in the heart of the earth. . . the moss and lichen that feeds from us and teaches us to share of ourselves . . . and the constant humbling organic smell of composting that tells us we are all part of a great purpose.
I respect trees and all of life. Perhaps they notice us too.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GH_030915.jpg269720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-07-07 01:01:252025-03-13 16:01:29My very fiber. . .
From a “Star Spangled Banner” to an “American Trilogy” . . Happy 4th (and 5th) of July! It wouldn’t be July 4th without hearing Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” . . . and having recently heard an interview with Jimi, he once told Kenny Rogers that “Just Dropped In” was his favorite song. . . The First Edition’s recording of a song by Mickey Newbury was doing okay on the Pop Charts- until they appeared on the Smothers Brothers Show, lip-synced to a psychedelic production, and the song went that era’s (1968) version of “viral.”
And who was the “mechanic” behind the hit? “Outlaw” Country singer-songwriter, Mickey Newbury.
I had just a minimal knowledge of Newbury before researching this strip, knowing that he wrote “Just Dropped In” and was referenced in “Luckenbach, Texas” by Waylon & Willie, with the line “Newbury’s train songs.” And as is so often the case in delving deeper into a subject, you find some amazing talent and an tremendous artist. Mickey Newbury created the concept and arrangement for Elvis’ “American Trilogy”- the soulful blend of a civil war “Northern song” , a Southern Song and a Jamaican slave song. . . that is one for the ages. The most incredible part of this research into Mickey Newbury was actually hearing him sing and watch him perform, via YouTube. Below you’ll find Mickey’s soulful, bluesy version of “Just Dropped In” and a live performance of “American Trilogy.” There is also a live version of “Just Dropped In” by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. . . and if you have some time, treat yourself to a few other performances by Mickey on YouTube, you won’t regret it.
The best-known composition of American songwriter and singer Mickey Newbury, who has died aged 62, is An American Trilogy, with which Elvis Presley frequently closed his concerts. But Newbury wrote more than 500 other songs, and with such colleagues as Kris Kristofferson and Tom T Hall brought a more literate and thoughtful dimension to country music in the 1960s. On hearing of Newbury’s death, Kristofferson said: “When he got it just right, simple lyrics and simple melodies worked in a way to break your heart.”He was born in Houston, Texas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. His parents were country music fans from farming families, but as a teenager he absorbed the sounds of rhythm & blues, and Mexican music, too. He performed and recorded with a vocal group, the Embers, which toured with black artists, often as the only white act on the bill. At 18, Newbury joined the US air force, spending three years at RAF Croughton in Oxfordshire. Weekend leave was spent at parties in London, an experience Newbury was to draw on for his song Swiss Cottage Place.He turned decisively to songwriting after leaving the service in 1963. Following a spell on the shrimp boats of south-east Texas, he moved to Nashville to try to sell his songs. There he met Kristofferson, another would-be writer, who became a life-long friend. Newbury’s work caught the ear of the doyen of Nashville music publishers, Wesley Rose. Consequently, the country star Don Gibson made the first recording of a Newbury song.With its languorous melody and melancholic lyrics, Funny, Familiar, Forgotten Feelings set the pattern for much of Newbury’s oeuvre. Commenting on the sad tone of many of his songs, he once said: “Music has never been anything but an escape from depression for me. I write my sadness. I call it robbing the dragon.”Read the rest here: http://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/oct/03/guardianobituaries.arts
From Mickey’s Website:Mickey Newbury is a songwriter most famous for a song he arranged, but did not write. One night in Los Angeles, at a time of national distress over war and race issues in the U.S.A., Newbury spontaneously combined a southern anthem (written by a northerner, D.D. Emmett), a northern anthem (written by a southerner, William Steffe), and a third song that was originally a Jamaican slave song (All My Sorrows). In the audience that night were many celebrities, Odetta, Kristofferson and Streisand among them. The trio of songs brought tears to Odetta’s eyes. It came to be called An American Trilogy, and would be adopted by Elvis Presley as the centerpiece of his later concerts. This clip is an extra from LIVE AT THE HERMITAGE, the new Mickey Newbury DVD, and features Marie Rhines on violin. The clip is uploaded with the permission of the Newbury family, and the DVD is available in the cd store at:www.mickeynewbury.com
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GH_061915.jpg263720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-07-05 01:01:252025-03-13 16:01:10Who Wrote Jimi Hendrix’s Favorite Song?
Peter and I were working together one day and talking about music. . . Naturally, when old guys start talking music, it usually leads to Bruce Springsteen and works backwards from there. And then somehow, we started coming up with these silly ideas about comically denoting great moments in the ’60’s- which led to “Little Known Hippie Facts.”
For some of these you have to really know your “hippie trivia.” We lived it, so it’s kind of second nature. . . We came up with a dozen or so of these and sprinkled them into the Green House every once in a while just to keep it weird.
Hearing about two young girls in Texas who had their lemonade stand shut down last week reminded me of this . . . and so we’ll start with this one. Let us know if you get it or have your own Kool Aid or lemonade stand story.
Ken’s was successful, and it looks like the hippy philosophy is still alive and well!
Everyone who sees Wormy seems to love the guy. . . his cute little pink body, his happy demeanor. . . everyone save one. . . the bird.
Who are we to argue with the natural order of things? Okay, yes- birds DO love worms, but in a different way. Wormy is discovering that life isn’t always a pleasant wiggle through the garden. You have to watch out for adversaries and be a little lucky. Fortunately, Tuesday is recycling day at the Green House and the bin was in a handy location. Wormy was lucky today. . . but he also was quick thinking and prepared.
Denzel Washington said about luck, “I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.” And there’s another side to that, the more prepared you are, the more open you are to taking chances. Personal Development guru, Brian Tracy says, “I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.“
We always talk about the early bird getting the worm. . . but where does that leave the early worms? I’ve felt like an early worm many times during my life. . . putting myself out there, going for the experience and sadly falling prey to those more prepared to take advantage of my “green-ness.” But I’ve always learned from those experiences and told myself that I was never going to be an early bird and prey upon those less experienced. . . I would instead be the most “lucky” early worm they ever ran into. How do you feel about luck? What was your luckiest moment and how do you think that luck found you? Share your thoughts here, or on our Facebook Page, where there’s always great conversation.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH_032415.jpg266719adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-30 08:52:552025-03-13 16:00:30Reason #17 for keeping a recycling bin handy. . .
This strip was based on reality. . . and an old Lawn Boy two stroke machine that was handed down to me by my wife’s grandfather.
“Best lawnmower in the world,” he said. . . “just make sure you get the oil-to-gas mixture right.”
“No problem!, ” said I, then I went out to my local lawn mower repair shop to ask what the heck Grandpa Lewis was talking about. Until that day, I thought all lawn mowers had a place to put gas and a place to put oil, but to my surprise, there are some machines that run on a mix, just like string trimmers and chain saws. I was careful about the mixture, but that lawnmower still smoked. . . and smoked. . and eventually got traded in for a regular gas Snapper push mower. I had that Snapper for about 20 years and now I have a variety of grass care equipment . . . from a battery operated reel mower, that just doesn’t have enough power to cut any grass over 2 inches. . . to a swap shack Craftsman plug-in electric machine with a broken handle that keeps folding while I use it. . . to a regular push reel mower and a regular gas mower my sister gave me when when she moved into a condo. I have too many mowers and very little grass, except for a small field that I mow about 4 times a year.
(That’s not me. . . but the collection is close to mine. . .)
So, what’s the big deal? Well, in a perfect green world, I’d just have one battery-operated electric mower and an electric string trimmer. . . but I can’t seem to justify spending $400 on the type of mower I’d like to have, when I have all this equipment that works (in some capacity. . . like me). I spend a couple hours each year checking out the new equipment that’s available and ultimately decide that there are things I need more than the new super green mower. . . and I resolve just to mow with whichever machine is calling to me that day. I know how much gas mowers pollute, but I don’t use it very often and only for a short time, unless I’m doing the field, which is about 8 hours total over the summer. Does that call for spending $400? Probably, but I’m not ready to make that big green leap yet. I need to top dress the grass, plant new seed, fertilize and make the lawn look good. . . not “Scott’s ” perfect- I do it all with green company materials, compost, Garden’s Alive Grass seed and Jonathon Green’s fertilizer and I don’t mind “weeds.” Clover, crab grass, whatever as long as it’s green. And if I get that all done, I’ll have to mow again. . . and rethink that $400 purchase. . . wait. . . what about a goat?
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH_052915.jpg282720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-28 01:01:222025-03-13 16:00:12Here We Mow Again. . .
Growing up in Avon, CT, my (step) Dad was an upholsterer. . . he knew everything about tufting, sewing leather, tying springs & stuffing cushions. . . and he learned the trade from his father. He was a whiz at bringing old chairs back to life. . . but he hacked his way through everything else around the house. When something needed to be done, Dad tried. . .then Mom would send us to get Frank, Rene’ or Roy. If something electrical needed fixing, we called Frank next door. Problems with the car?. . . go get Rene’ (also next door on the south side). . . and for EVERYTHING else, we yelled for Roy.
Roy was the gentleman farmer three doors down who seemed to know a little about everything. . . plumbing, farming, woodworking, paint, roofing, fences, trees, tile, town government. . . He was Mr. Yankee-ingenuity. I’m not taking anything away from Frank or Rene’. . . both wonderful, talented, hardworking and generous men, but Roy had an air of mystique about him. Quiet, gentle and good-natured, he had the barn, the tractor and a smart wife, Edna. Roy was the guy Frank and Rene’ called when they needed something.
I was so fortunate to be in a neighborhood with three wonderful neighbors who were always there for us. . . and I’ve always held their images to be what I’d like to be as an adult. We often need help, advice, an extra hand or just the smile of a neighbor. . . good people who will be there for you. We created Roy as Todd & Pam’s neighbor to fill those big workboot style shoes. . . and also give him a sagely sense of humor. He’ll always be there for them. . . and us. . . although, in our new version of The Green House (debuting later this summer), we may be changing his name from Roy to . . .
Sorry, that’s our little teaser- and another good story for another day!
Who was your “Roy?” Convince us we need to consider your former (or current) neighbor as a next-door-guru for the Greens! Comment here or on our Facebook page where the conversation’s always happening.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH052715.jpg274720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-26 01:01:442025-03-13 15:59:52Let’s Hear It For The Roys! . . .
Sometimes real life writes the strips . . . in those situations, it isn’t always funny. Fortunately, I don’t mind bringing home a plastic bag every once in a while. I find uses for them around the house, or I fill a plastic bag with plastic bags (anybody else have a special place for that plastic bag full of plastic bags?), and bring them back to the store for recycling every couple of months or so. I also find uses for paper bags at home, so those work too. . . but why can’t I just remember to grab the cloth shopping bags whenever I go into a store?
It’s not just the grocery store. . . I bought a new pair of jeans last night and got to the checkout line, and thought, “Why didn’t you bring in a shopping bag?” I carried the jeans au-naturel. It’s probably just my scatter-brained nature. I’ve tried putting them in the front seat so I won’t forget them. . . I’ve tried putting the shopping list in a bag . . . that one works if I can remember to do it- at least I don’t end up in the shopping line without the bags. . . and now some markets have signs on the door or in the parking lot reminding us to grab our reusable bags. . . but you have to be conscious to notice them.
I’m sure I’ll get it someday, but in the meantime, I’ll always think of this strip when I’m walking back to the truck for my bags. If only they could talk?. . . . Ah ha! Sensors in the shopping bag connected by Bluetooth to an app on your phone that set off an alarm if you get more than 10 feet away from them! Or, I could just make sure I only go shopping with my wife, she always remembers.
It’s probably just a “cartoonist thing.” What are your secrets for remembering your shopping bags? Any good bag related stories? We’d love to hear them and share them with other “cartoonist minded” folks! Please leave your story in the comments below or as always, we have the best conversations on our FB page!
Looking at a carton of free range eggs one morning, I started to think about Pam & Todd making breakfast together. . . and this came to mind. It’s simple- it’s a small moment in a morning that sets the tone for the whole day, and it’s honest. What more could I ask for? Honesty is one of the things I strive for most in my writing and one of the greatest gifts I can receive when it emerges. It’s the thing I look for in and treasure in other writers and story tellers. . . it’s what I loved about some of my favorite TV shows growing up. . . The Andy Griffith Show, Little House On The Prairie and The Waltons- probably the show that inspired me the most. I loved how the show was told through John Boy’s writing. . . looking back, telling the stories and bringing that amazing family to life for us all.
This comic pulled together Pam & Todd as a couple for me- like the tender moments I loved in the Waltons. And especially the moments that caught me off guard. . .like when late at night, John and Liv would be in bed talking about the troubles of the day and sorting it all out. . . and then they kinda got. . . frisky? Yeah, frisky. How did I think all those Walton kids got there anyway? And occasionally there would be a moment when Grandpa started getting frisky with Grandma. . . and she’d slap him playfully. You never know when those hormones will take over!
When I create characters and write for them, I have to believe in them and know them. . . know what they’d say, know what they’d do. . . know them like family. . . And laugh when they surprised me or maybe even got “frisky.” This strip made me laugh when it spilled out on to my pad. Channeling my inner Earl Hamner, Jr. maybe, and letting the “frisky” moments happen.
Thank you Earl for the inspiration and creating a show that was honest, enduring, loving and down-to-earth. It’s what I strive for in my work.
(Here’s a Youtube video from the Waltons Final Goodnight, with some of the most beautiful prose Earl Hamner Jr. ever wrote- and naturally it’s about the mountain, the sky, the wind, the earth, and the family. )
“Goodnight, Elizabeth.”
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH_020415.jpg269720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-14 01:01:152025-03-13 15:56:41Writing, The Waltons and Free Range Women. . .
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH062215.jpg274720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-12 01:01:572025-03-13 15:56:28“I’ll have the #2 Meal. . .”
What is this kwinoah stuff? OHH!. . . That’s the KEEN-WAH stuff you’ve been talking about? Funny way to spell it, Q-U-I-N-O-A. . . . Now, who is the authority on how to pronounce this new sweetener, STEEEEEVia? Anybody want to meet me at Cheee-poe-tlay for lunch? I’m not even going NEAR Ah-sigh-eeeee. . . .
Not only is learning to eat healthier good for your body, it’s wonderful for your vocabulary . . . although potentially hazardous to your ego. . . briefly. It seems like we are beginning to get more adventurous with our eating, and opening ourselves to trying new, exotic and foreign foods, but there awaits the ever-present and ominous choking hazard. . . choking on a mis-pronunciation. Even when you listen to an expert in the culinary field, you may switch to another channel and hear the same word pronounced a little differently. I did a google search on “How To Pronounce Chipotle” and here’s what I got. . .
But, wait. . .
At a party this weekend, I heard 3 different pronunciations of “chipotle.” Two of them were total wrecks: “chipoltay” and “chiploatlay.”
We’ve apparently had this problem as a nation for quite a while. ” Tom-ay-to, Tom-ah-to. . . Poh-tay-to, poh-tah-to,” let’s call the whole thing, fun.
I’m no expert on vegan cooking, but this strip came from watching an episode of “Christina Cooks,” with our friends, Christina Pirello and her musical accompanist, Jon Michaels. Jon commented that he was willing to try what Christina cooked, but he was still a “steak and potato guy,” mostly because he couldn’t remember the names of half the stuff she cooked.
At the Green House, Pam is a vegan and Todd is just an average guy who grew up on the “Great American diet” (of somewhat disasterous food). Pam respects Todd’s dietary choices, but is trying to bring him along slowly to a healthier way of organic, clean eating. Sure, we could just make Todd love all the stuff that Pam eats and advocate a healthy diet- but that’s not the reality for most of us. It’s a slow process, an interesting, exciting adventure. And it’s also funny! We like funny, we need funny. We need to keep it real, laugh at ourselves and be willing to make mistakes along the way. It will help that Pam is a Special Ed teacher. She’ll need a lot of patience with Todd.
What was the last funny food moment you had, the last great foodie revelation, the last time you looked at the veggie isle in a health food store and asked yourself, “what the heck is a jicama or whatever new foreign food that caught your eye?” (It’s “Hee-com-ah”. . . I think. . . ;0) )
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH_021715.jpg271720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-09 10:20:412025-03-13 15:56:18Be Conscious and Chew Your Words Slowly. . .
It’s another beautiful day here at the Green House! The weather has been odd. . . in a good way, mostly. July- like February. . . March-like April. . . June-like . . . hopefully JUNE? . . . As Mark Twain said about New England weather, “WTF?” That’s not really a verified Mark Twain quote but he must have asked, “what’s the forecast?” as least once or twice in his lifetime.
Things have changed rather abruptly for us in the Green House too as we began looking into the reality of our “business plan” going forward. . . just like the 80 degree days that popped up out of nowhere in April- the sun began to illuminate a path for us and our work.
Realizing that we have SOOOO much we want to do and just a few months until a new year is upon us, we have decided to do as Pam is doing in today’s comic. Put the “inside” out. . .
“Ohhhh, ahhhh. . . . (the little voices in my writer’s head are saying. . .) Brad– that’s such an mysterious statement. . . is it a metaphor for your life’s ambition?. . . Is it an astral projection?. . . Is the cat at the door with it’s legs crossed?” All of the above!
In the next few blogs, we’ll be revealing our new path and talk about the steps we’re taking. It’s kind of like we’ve been walking up to the forest and saying, “Yeah! Let’s walk through this thing!” And then finding the trail head. . . all the signs pointing to interesting stops we can make along the way. . . so we’re going to put what’s inside us – out to y’all and see what you think.
We’d love to get your feedback and comments about what interesting stops you’ve made along the trail. Did you see a Mantis? A worm? A young couple carrying a houseplant? There’s fun stuff to see and talk about “out there” and we’re glad you’re here to share it with us. . . I think you’ll enjoy our new focus.
We’ll be making a big announcement shortly. . . maybe something about a book? Maybe a new website or two. . . there’s a lot hinging on the month of June!
Now. . . the “inside part” & “hinging” and getting our houses in order . . here at the Gilchrist house- my hallway and the two doors that lead to vastly different destinations: the garage and the bathroom. . . ( I could try to find a common denominator or tie- in here. . . but, um. . . nope . . . :o) )
Part of our new focus is about the small steps in the big journey of life. . . how to do it greener, simpler, more consciously. Yes! BE CONSCIOUS Brad. . . stop ignoring that high-pitched squeek everytime you open a door. . . wow, so many metaphors here that I’ll have to pass, lest I keep you on this blog all day. . . Here’s my Red Green Tip Of The Day:
The squeeky wheel. . . in this case, hinges. . . got their due this morning. After (at least) 1,000 trips to the bathroom and garage, hearing those awful squeeks and ignoring them, I finally decided to play Home Handyman this morning. A few whacks of a hammer. . . the hardest part- getting that pin to pop up out of the paint, not put the screwdriver into the wall or door, and getting that little space to extract . . . pull the pin, steel wool it down a bit and apply a few drops of the miracle 3-in-One oil. . . Note to anyone else who I am inspiring this morning: LEAVE A GAP WHEN YOU REPLACE THE PIN- JUST ENOUGH FOR A SCREWDRIVER HEAD (IN ABOUT 20 YEARS). . . Two doors have been made silent and functional. Yay! As Red Green would say, “If the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.”
See you in a few days, at the (suddenly more quiet) Green House.
http://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/GH_052015.jpg271720adminhttp://atthegreenhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ATG_LogowWormy-Web-300x210.pngadmin2017-06-07 01:28:452025-03-13 15:54:39Getting Our House In Order. . .
