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Can a Worm Have a Footprint? . . .

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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)

A Pet Subject. . .

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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.

 

That new Playstation game will have to wait a few more months. . .

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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. . .

“Little Know Hippie Facts” . . .

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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!

Reason #17 for keeping a recycling bin handy. . .

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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.

 

Here We Mow Again. . .

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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?

Getting Our House In Order. . .

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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.

 

Doing good and Alternative Solutions. . .

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I could never be a politician. . . but I listen to the radio each day and want to try to find a way to inspire our “leaders” to look at the position they’re in and see if there isn’t SOME way they can REALLY try to solve our state’s and county’s problems. . . put together a coalition of good people with good ideas – a blend of races, parties and interests and say, “NO special interests here. . . what can we do to make things better?”

Really, I do find myself day-dreaming about this kind of stuff. How can we lead others to a path of doing for the greater good, to consider alternative ways of solving problems beyond partisan politics and personal gain. You say something like that and people laugh at you. . . so I guess I’ve chosen to spend my time being laughed at. . . and making others laugh.

Back in the early ’80’s I found myself working for Jim Henson’s Muppets and King Features Syndicate on The Muppets Comic Strip. . . and I was 21. I really didn’t know what I wanted to  do with my life yet ( and I’m still not exactly sure)  but I’d accepted a challenge to try out to write a comic strip for the Muppets. . . and won the challenge- so there I was.  .  . along with my brother, Guy- creating a world-wide feature about my favorite entertainment group of the day, the Muppets.  I actually was a member of the Muppets Fan Club at the time. It wasn’t a dream come true scenario, because I’d never dreamed that something like that was possible. . . and suddenly I’m writing a comic strip for 700 newspapers, meeting with Jim Henson and Frank Oz and hob-knobbing with all the greats of the comic strip community, Mort Walker, Dik Browne, Garry Trudeau and so many others.  As suddenly as you’re dropped into a fantasy world like this- the fantasy becomes a reality and a business with deadlines, corporate opinions, pressure. . . wanting to please everyone and trying to learn how to take the criticism.

At some point during the first few years, things got really complicated and I was really doubting myself and my work. . . and then, out of the blue, we got a call from Jerry Juhl, head writer of the Muppets just to tell us we were doing a great job. We talked for a while and I confided my doubts and fears. He listened . . . and then explained that they all felt that way, still. To paraphrase, because my memories not good enough to remember his exact words, he said, ‘every time we write something, or create something, we put ourselves out there -and you’re going to hear from the critics. You’re going to piss somebody off. . .  and they’re the one’s you’re going to hear from. . . NOT the millions of people who are enjoying what you do. They’re just happy you’re there for them everyday. Just believe in yourself, do the best you can and if something doesn’t work, move on and create something else. . .  just do good things and good will come from it.’

So, from that point on- I grew to love and embrace that little space I was fortunate enough to occupy in 700 newspapers – and make it my task of creating something that would bring a smile to whomever was looking into our world that day. That’s a big responsibility, but somehow, it was mine (ours). . .   As they say now, “haters gonna hate.”  Just do good and everything else will take care of itself.

Now, the story doesn’t have a real happy ending, because the “business” of the comic business ended up causing the demise of the Muppets Comic Strip after 5 years of publication. But what an experience it was, and what amazing people to be mentored by. It’s been tough getting back to that place where I have such a huge following and level of success that I had at 21. . . but I’m still trying follow Jim & Frank’s example, and Jerry’s words, “move on and create something else. . . just do good things and good will come from it.” 

 

 

Little Known Facts in Hippy History #2. . .

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A few weeks ago, I got to see Melanie sing in Colllinsville, CT- which reminded me of this old Green House comic (make the Woodstock connection?) . . .

PLEASE don’t think we’re dissing Neil with this comic- we LOVE Neil Young. But, we’re cartoonists and look for any way to get a laugh.

As I look back on these “Hippy” strips- I try to justify why we thought they worked into our Green House concept. . . out of the blue, single panel glimpses into the ’60’s. . . yeah, that fits right in with a comic about environmental consciousness? . . .  But it kinda does. The essence of the hippy movement was getting back to what’s real, what’s down to earth, what’s organic?

“We are stardust
We are golden
(Billion year old carbon)
And we’ve got to get ourselves
Back to the garden.”

~from “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell

I read that Joni and Neil were friends up in Canada in the early days.  A serendipitous meeting of stardust.

 

Another Fascinating Honey Bee Fact!

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Our new Green House Business Cards are arriving today and I feel just like Steve Martin in “The Jerk,” with the phone book. . . like I’m going to be validated as an official cartoonist of a great Green comic strip as soon as the business cards arrive (Yes, I’m stalking, er, TRACKING them with the UPS app).

The image featured today is a portion of the inside card art. Peter and I created a folded business card, because we wanted people to get “inside” the Green House, starting with opening the card to get inside our group of characters and critters. One funny little story that cropped up while working on the card, came from Peter’s house. Peter’s son, Bodhi was inspecting the card art and asked who the character was next to Wormy on the Pagoda. Peter replied that it was “Hunny B,” and Bodhi thought for a moment and said, “you’ve never had her in a strip, have you?”

Ummm. . .  that would be a “correct, we haven’t, Bodhi. . .” although it took Peter and I both a few seconds to think about it. Somewhere around 2008, Peter and I created this character that until today has only appeared in Peter’s Sketchbook and inside one of our Christmas cards, although she’s been in our consciousness for a long time. We roughed out a few storylines with her and filled a few pages with notes and images as we hashed out the details of her character.

Her full name is Hunny B. Tokeless and she’s a holistic healing honey bee. She plays guitar and is into astrology, herbal medicines and holistic healing. She seemed like a natural addition to the garden critter group as she could provide us all with information about the many uses of all the wonderful plants in the Green’s garden. We thought Wormy could use a female influence as well and she just created herself with a few swipes of Peter’s pencil and a lot of laughs and ‘OH!. . . OH. .  what if . . .” moments.

Bee’s are amazing creatures and we hope Hunny will be just as amazing and interesting as her character and stories develop. Speaking of which, here’s a link to a great article on the fascinating Bee. We shared this on our Facebook page earlier in the week and have received some nice feedback and personal insights from y’all about your experiences with bees. I started a hive a few years ago, which I had to dismantle due to overwhelming interest from our local black bears. . . well, I dismantled it before they did, but it was a great learning experience. I hope you all find Hunny B. to be fascinating and funny too.

13 Fascinating Facts about Bees (from mental_floss.com)   Click on the bees below. . .

Oh, deer. . . she knows me tooooo well!

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Is it just me?  I find I cry at almost any movie or slightly sentimental moment lately. I am emotional with song lyrics. I smile at the smiley moments of almost every Facebook post or happy Youtube video. . .    My nephew was asking me about my most emotional movies and I basically said, “all of them.”  I don’t remember being so easy to stir emotionally when I was younger. . . maybe I was tougher or perhaps cared more about trying not to cry? I think I’ve gotten older and just “let it go.” It feels good to be moved by the moment. . . even some of the cheesy Hallmark Channel movies my wife watches get me. Are there movies or songs that make you cry EVERYTIME? The end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a no-doubter for me. Do you think you’ve become an easy Weep Target as you’ve grown older?  Sniff. . . . it’s so beautiful to experience all this amazing emotion!

Perks of the job. . .

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I set up a couple Worm Composters last summer. . . one of the large, multi-tray composters and one small portable one for doing classroom lectures. They’re both doing great and the worms seem happy. . . eating away. Coffee grounds are supposed to be a great “snack” for the worms- as it’s listed in Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm literature. . . and I can’t help thinking that the worms are looking forward to their morning “pile of joe.”

Peter and I are just starting to put together an educational workbook & poster about composting for kids (and adults who like fun pictures with their information). We’re planning to start doing talks for libraries, schools, museums etc for late spring and summer. . . and we’ll be bringing along a tub of hard working worms to show the participants. I just hope they don’t start making me stop at Starbucks on the way to the “gig” for a “jolt.” Although I would kind of like to bring them in and tell the barista that they’d like a Grande Groundaccino.

 

 

Help yourself to some well-aged advice. . . and share YOUR secret . .

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Who’s old enough to remember “The Secret?” It was THE Self-help mega-hit back in 2006-2007. . . Here’s some Wikifact material:

The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne was released in DVD format in March 2006. The tenet of the film and book is that the universe is governed by a natural “law” called the law of attraction which is said to work by attracting into a person’s life the experiences, situations, events, and people that “match the frequency” of the person’s thoughts and feelings. From this, the book argues that thinking positively can create life-changing results such as increased wealth, health, and happiness.

The book is very much influenced by Wallace Wattles‘ 1910 book The Science of Getting Rich,[2] which Byrne received from her daughter during a time of personal trauma in 2004.[3][4] Byrne read and synthesized several classic books and the words of modern-day teachers who spoke about ancient wisdom and the ways for people to attract what they desire into their lives.[citation needed] The book includes many quotes from these people.

After being featured in two episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the book reached the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it remained for 146 consecutive weeks. The book has been translated into 44 languages,[5] and has over 21 million copies in print.[6] Thanks in big part to the appearance in the Oprah TV show, the book and film have grossed $300 million in sales, according to a January 15, 2009 article by Forbes.[7]

The Secret posits that the law of attraction is a natural law which determines the complete order of the universe and of our personal lives through the process of “like attracts like”. The author claims that as we think and feel, a corresponding frequency is sent out into the universe that attracts back to us events and circumstances on that same frequency. For example, if you think angry thoughts and feel angry, it is claimed that you will attract back events and circumstances that cause you to feel more anger. Conversely, if you think and feel positively, you will attract back positive events and circumstances. Proponents of the law claim that desirable outcomes such as health, wealth, and happiness can be attracted simply by changing one’s thoughts and feelings.

The book begins by introducing and explaining the mechanisms of the law of attraction, then goes on to describe its historical applications and the great men and women in history who are claimed to have harnessed its power. The book describes the law as a magnetic power emitted through one’s thoughts. The power of thoughts is likened to a transmission tower that sends out a frequency to the universe and then returns the same frequency in a physical or elemental form.

Next, a three-step creative process for manifesting dreams is introduced: Ask (visualize in the film), Believe, and Receive. This creative process is based on a quote from the Bible:[10] “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. (Matthew 21:22

The Secret highlights gratitude and visualization as the two most powerful processes to help manifest one’s desires. It asserts that being grateful both lifts your frequency higher and affirms that you believe you will receive your desire. Visualization is said to help focus the mind to send out the clearest message to the universe. Several techniques are given for the visualization process, as well as examples of people claimed to have used it successfully to manifest their dreams.  Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_%28book%29

_____________________________

So. . .  this is the big Secret? Conceptually, it’s spot on.  .  . why was it so successful? Great marketing. You see, these concepts aren’t anything new. If you read through the description above, you’ll remember that Byrne reintroduced many concepts she derived from  Wallace Wattles’ 1910 book The Science of Getting Rich. An even older influence is the quote above from the Bible, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive”. (Matthew 21:22). . . Ask, believe and receive. . . ask in prayer or meditation, visualize by living in the positive energy of gratitude and receive, the manifestation of your dreams. Old stuff, repackaged, but still great material to study.

Now, what’s the big Secret I want you to take away from this reading? . .  Recycle. Reuse. Repurpose.

There’s SO much great material out there that’s “old,” aka tried and true. I’ve found amazing books and self-help CD’s in the swap shack, at yard sales, on eBay. There’s really no need to go out and pay hundreds of dollars for the “hot new program.” If a book from 1910 energized Rhonda Byrne, it can certainly energize you. Example: Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich,” first published in 1937 gave motivation and guidance to Jim Rohn, who mentored Anthony Robbins who. . . well, all three have been an inspiration to me. I’ve purchased $1,000 programs on eBay for $29. I bought a copy of “Think and Grow Rich” for $2.98 NEW at Barnes and Noble. Almost all of the best self-help material in the world can be borrowed for $0 from your Public Library. I even found myself re-reading Susan Powter’s “Stop the Insanity” last week, and you know what? . . . it’s still relevant, inspiring and vibrant! It just needs repackaging for a new market.  Still great advice: Stop the insanity. . . find the old stuff and take it in. . . “Seat of The Soul,” by Gary Zukov, “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” by Dan Millman, “Season’s of Life” by Jim Rohn. . .

What old treasure chest of wealth, knowledge and inspiration would you recommend? What book, DVD , CD or movie changed your life? Share your thoughts here or on our Facebook page where we have the forum for awesome, life-changing discussion. Or, you could just e-mail us. . . Just don’t keep “it” a “secret.”

Here’s a re-packaged video of Jim Rohn lecturing on the seasons. . . hip new music, visuals. . . slightly annoying echo element. . .

Monday, Punday. . .

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Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. . . create power from moonlight?  Not likely anytime soon, but the idea shone like a lighthouse beacon toward a really good pun. What I like about this strip is connection to the characters that we get in the small moment in time it captures in the life of the Greens. Beyond the attempt at humor, we see that Todd’s reading his favorite blog, Link’s Underground. . . Pam’s doing yoga and you see the small, intimate space they share. To me, the “atmosphere” of the strip is as essential as the words. . . it brings you in and sets the scene, creates familiarity and comfort. This is where they live, it’s where they relate and we’re getting a sneak peek in. This week, we’re focusing on just that- establishing the setting, getting inside the Green House, which as the strip starts out, is a small apartment in Barely Green, USA. . . I just made that up. . . Anywhere, USA is overused and suffering from economic depression I’m told. Even the dentists there are having to get creative to make ends meet!

I love the molar panel idea though. . . if there’s no sun where you are- get out and suck up the moon beams and let that energy carry you till morning. Enjoy the day, enjoy the sunshine if there’s any where you are -and if not, store up all the moonshine you can! Uh . . . make that moon light!

And NO Asbestos in the Brake Pads!

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*Welcome back to the Green House!

Let’s get reacquainted with the family. . . At the computer is Pam Green, at the TV is Todd Green. The Green’s are a 20-something couple. Pam’s a Special Ed teacher (& yoga instructor) and Todd’s a cartoonist. . . There’s a group of critters you’ll also be getting to know: Mantis, Link (a liberal blogging rat), Honeybee ( A holistic healer) and Wormy- a little worm who dreams of saving the world as “Earthworm! The World’s Most Down-to-Earth Superhero!” Nothing new and unusual here. . .

Actually, if you look at today’s comic closely, you’ll see that Pam’s web search brought her to Link’s Underground- the rat’s web page. Well, who do you think writes the stuff on Wikipedia?

Over the next few months we’ll be introducing you to the whole cast with new comics, three days a week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday– along with our blog. On Thursday we’ll be posting a page from Peter’s Sketchbook.  . . see how our characters and ideas develop from a few strokes of a pencil to more finished concepts- always presented with Peter’s writings and insights.

Friday is GreenHouseGraphics Day! A  new infographic each week that will help keep you smiling as you grow greener with us!

What’s the green message in today’s comic?. . . I’m gonna reach a little here. . . with my toes. . .  If you want to save energy and find greener transportation, you can always “hoof it.” Walking- if you can, is always choice #1. Bike is #2. But what if you just have to use the car? Fred Flintstone had a unique way of combing pedal power with foot fuel . . .  it worked for him and Wilma!

On the left is a neat graphic we found with some simple thoughts on Green Driving Practices. I think the most important way to conserve fuel is to think before you drive. . . save up trips and create a route to be the most economical with your driving. Be conscious of your course and purpose. . . is it REALLY necessary to get that widget today, or can it wait until tomorrow when you’re going to Whole Foods– a block or two from Widget City? Plan a few days of meals and get the most out of the trip to the Green Grocer, even if your original trip was just to get sushi take-out from Golden Panda. . . Take out and tomorrow’s groceries- perfect!

Every “drop” of thought will save many drops of fuel. It all makes a difference. Please share any thoughts you have about saving fuel and driving greener. And please post on our Facebook page. . . it’s where we get down and dirty. . . (dirt as in earth). . . in a green way!

Click here to visit our Facebook Page!

*Why “Welcome back” ?

Well, we started The Green House back in 2007- and we’re reinventing it and sharing with you here eight years later! Read more about the earlier years of The Green House in tomorrow’s blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

Brad & Peter