Posts

Carbon Footprints and Worm Holes

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

Risk-Reward. . .

/0 Comments/in /by

I met a person recently who simply had a warm, caring glow about him. We got talking about our long winter and all of the negativity presented in 2 months of sub-normal temperatures. . . and all the snow, etc, etc . . .  He agreed with my mild complaining, but remarked on how he’d gone over to his elderly neighbor’s home that morning and spread some salt & sand so they could be safe on their driveway – and then he commented: “My father was always happy in the morning. His motto was, don’t ever feel that you’ve started your day until you’ve done something good for someone else. My father was always happy because he started his days the right way. . . I try to live up to his standard.”

What a simple, yet awesome philosophy. Start your day with a simple, good deed- giving a smile to someone, helping someone, a kind word.  Sometimes we attach risk to going out of our comfort zone to help others. . . sometimes we attach risk to making ourselves happy. I agree with my friend’s father’s motto- but would also add that putting yourself in the right space to enlighten others is also a great way to start the day, then help as many people as you can. I can also argue with myself that thinking about the opportunities ahead to help others, or brighten someone’s day is the first ray of sunshine we should all feel.

Then, step out of your comfort zone and do whatever it takes to bring the sunshine.

What’s your morning philosophy? Or are you ready to start working on one? Share your thoughts and bring your sunshine to all of us, here on the blog or on our Facebook page.