The Story of Stuff

"Bella and the caterpillar" Photographed by Erik (the husband)

Even though my latest posts have focused on homemaking and family life, sometimes even sounding self-indulgent, a lot of contemplation has taken place in my home in regards to the bigger picture, and how our presence in the world today will impact what we leave behind.

This is no news, the debate is going on everywhere and I just hope to be able to somehow continue with the conviction that a family can take steps to become closer and more loving, without becoming self-centered.

I truly believe we can inspire a sense of community responsibility in our children if we are cognizant of our own duty. To us, this means reading more, talking more, cooking, crafting, listening to music, asking questions and becoming involved in community... Caring for one another at home makes it easier to care for the world outside, its people, animals and resources. It means not having the tv on (maybe once or twice on the weekends for movies), it means NOT going to stores when we are bored, and doing whatever we can to be outside in nature.

The reality is that this way of living simply, taking the focus AWAY from consumption, makes a lot of impact- we have seen a huge difference in the way our family thinks and acts because of it.

We are conditioned by society to become Slaves of Consumption, and it becomes easy to push aside concepts like conservation, reusage, and community building.

I would go as far as saying that a holistic approach to life can lessen the individualistic tendencies that poison us. With that said, I am posting a link to the "Story of Stuff" video (the international web site so you can have subtitles in many other languages.) Please watch, it is soooo worth it!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/

Thanks for reading!

Beijos

allypye

Keeping my head above water

Oh, my, it has been a long time since I posted, hasn't it? I miss doing it, blogging has a therapeutic effect on me. It's like my public diary, except it forces me to speak kindly, with care, and with love:)

Above are some little fall barrettes I put together this morning for my Bella Boo (the three year old). I needed to do something creative since the past few weeks have focused so heavily on writing for school, reading, working...I've had a great summer with my kids anyway, I think I did a good job focusing on work and homework two days a week, leaving the other days free to spend time just being with them and doing fun stuff.

School was very draining this summer, my multicultural counseling class had some pretty heavy reading requirements, and we also had to journal on every day of class. There is so much I didn't know, I learned so many horrifying things regarding minorities and their experience in the US; regardless of how much I try to do my share of volunteering, advocating, and educating myself concerning social justice issues, this in depth look into history was very eye opening.

I am being careful to guard my heart against bitterness and pessimism, and take the things I've learned as motivators to continue to do good;

I've been thinking about so many things lately, but motherhood styles have been on my mind a lot...What are we teaching our kids? What values are we leaving behind and how are they going to affect the adults they will become? More on this to come soon! For now, have a great summer day!!!

beijos

allypye

Loving-the-Earth products to check out!

Here are three awesome earth-loving products I've spotted this summer, they all fulfill all my "S" requirements:

style- It HAS to be cute!

simplicity- It MUST be easy and practical:)

social consciousness- GIVING BACK is essential!

TOMS SHOES- Saw these at the Port Austin's Farmer's Market last weekend, LOVED IT! Check out their awesome products and mission here: http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=227

ECOJOT STATIONARY- Spotted in Downtown Kalamazoo:) all of the stuff is so super cute!! http://www.ecojot.com/

FREE TRADE ELEPHANT GRASS BASKETS FROM GHANA- My lovely mother-in-law bought me one! They are beautiful, sturdy and spacious! Thanks Cindy!! Since you can buy them from SO many places, I didn't want to endorse a particular web-site. But you can do a google search or visit your local Farmer's Market.

Do you know of any products that are stylish, simple and social oriented?

I will keep my eyes open to find more:)

Thanks for checking this out,

beijos

allypye