Summer is so busy

[cheapdiva]

My dear CL friends -

We all seem so busy with the arrival of spring and I notice less traffic on this site. I am just as guilty. Winter keeps me so cooped up that once the snow melts it means I can go play in the dirt and get the dog out for extended periods - she might not mind being out in the cold, but I do :()!

Anyway, I think we are all visiting less often and that's okay until we are forced to come back inside. But some things I want to share with you -

my husband and I are promoting a "buy local" program in our area and he has been asked to do 2 presentations this weekend because of Earth week. Yesterday we had to go to a our favorite independent book seller (Harry W. Schwartz in Milwaukee) where he'll do these presentations to make check out all the logistics.

I have always been very conscience of the earth and have always recycled - my dad did it when no one knew what it was. But I have committed myself and our home to going as green as possible and get rid of toxic cleaning supplies, make-up and beauty supplies that have chemicals or are tested on animals, etc.

I found this great book - Gorgeoulsy Green by Sophie Uliano. PLEASE check this book out. She takes a practical, wonderful approach to getting green without looking like a hairy armpit, no deoderant, will only eat things that didn't have a mother kind of eco-phobe. Now, don't get me wrong, if you live like that - more power to you. But most of us don't or won't and this book can get you pretty close to living that way without going to the extremes. It is trade paperback and $17.

I have been on a don't spend a dime budget lately and my husband bought this for me. If he hadn't I would have spent the $$$. I can not put this book down.

All of you do your part, it is obvious from our talks here. But I know I could do more and this book is the impetus for me to do that. If I could, I would buy it for everyone of you - that's how strongly I feel about this book.

Next - I have been very busy with work projects and things are letting up a bit so I can now spend some time in the yard. I won't be here daily but don't want to miss out on how all of you are doing.

So while we are all busy in summer let's make an effort to check in occasionally with each other.

I will be meeting Memmey live and in person next month!!!! She is as sweet on the phone as she is here and I can't wait to give her a HUGE hug and share some laughs.

Anyone coming to Wisconsin or the Chicago area this summer, please contact me . . . I would love to meet so many of you in person. And next fall Chapter 2 and I hope to hook up when I am in NYC.

STAY IN TOUCH!!!!!

[dedavis]

Cheapdiva, thanks for your update. I too am making the transition, and have been here less. Winter is a great time for me to visit, as I am underemployed and the weather is too nasty to be outdoors. Now I am back to full-time work, the garden is calling, and there's a lot going on. I'll be busy with forest/mountain/trail/fire activities until fall. Since I want to keep track of everybody and their gardens, I'll be stopping by when I can.

There's a lot of discussion about sustainable living around here too. People are thinking, talking, and acting. I've been enjoying MaryJane Butters' Ideabook-Cookbook-Lifebook. It's a visual treat and full of interesting tidbits. I like Mother Earth News too, which always has something useful along with quirkiness. It's always good to know what else is out there, so let's keep sharing ideas.

My place is open to CL friends, if anyone is coming through. I'm an hour east of Seattle. Let me know if you'd like a break from the urban scene, and I'll show you the mountains.

Give Memmey a big hug from me when you see her!

Promising to stay in touch,

[Lisa S]

Deb ~ you got MaryJane's book! I knew you'd enjoy it.

Maria ~ you get to meet Mem... I wish I could join you guys.

My fundraiser has come and gone. I still have a huge mess at home and a mound of paperwork to go through, but compared to the 3 days of no sleep, stomach flu (me and the whole family)and sewer backup the week of my auction, I'm doing very well. Tired, but well.

Maria, your swap package has been elevated to right by the back door status. It's addressed and ready to go. Everytime I look at it, I could cry from the guilt of not getting it out sooner. I hope you enjoy it and forgive me.

I miss all of you. I'll be pulling my life back together this week, but promise to check in more often too.

What's new Rosemary and Gigi and everyone else?

[cheapdiva]

Lisa -
No guilt . . . you are not alone. I have Suzy Q's waiting to go in the box. FORGIVE ME - Suzy!! It will be worth the wait - promise.

I was caught up before we went on vacation, came home to more work, things got a little quieter early last week and then all heck broke loose on Friday. I am dealing with one client in major crisis mode - which means I get to clean up behind her!!

I just keep reminding myself and the clients I deal with - life is too short to have this much stress, especially when it is self imposed. So all of you - don't forget to ENJOY life!!!;)

[SusiesQs]

I am so guilty of not being on here as much. Between having great weather to garden and then getting sick, well.. you know! :o

I am going to check out that book, it sounds like a great read. Oh, Cheapdiva, please please please don't worry about rushing to get that package out! I just mailed mine out to Jenn yesterday! I know we are all busy, so don't sweat it :)

My trip to Chicago has been pushed back, but I'll let you know when I get up that way!!

Susie

[cheapdiva]

SQ - you better!!!

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Yeah, everybody's really been running ragged. With spring comes new things to have to get done-- like yardwork.

And honestly, where have the last few months gone? I just have no idea.