Several times throughout today I had opportunity to reflect on many things in my life.  Of course, green was part of it....but today it was not the predominant piece. 

The morning started with a realization of all that the older generation has to teach us or at least remind us of.  One thing was the willingness to help and contribute to a worthwhile event...undaunted by the other tasks at hand, a wonderful older couple (approaching their 80s) jumped right in to help with an event I was responsible for coordinating.  Their day already had much in it, but they didn't hesitate or display an ounce of negativity toward lending a hand to see it all came out in a fabulous way.  I sometimes think that younger generations, my own included, forget that simple acts of helping without expectation of something in return have effects that go beyond their measure.

Then I spent some time watching my own little family interact.  That was a real eye-opener about the people I love and how much we all really need to stay in tune with what is going on within our own family unit.  They grow up fast..it's not just a saying, it's real and truer than I ever expected.  Their interests and their need to have us there for them, to hear their thoughts and feelings....a good reminder to never lose that connectedness, it's far too valuable to us and to them.

The day presented many other moments for reflecting and expanding my own awareness.  I have been so focused on finding the green and healthy choices in every day products, that I truly needed a day like this to remember that as important as this task is, it is not the only one that needs my care and passion.  It will become a second nature I'm sure to live, act, think green and won't require as much of me, but the other parts of my life will always demand a reasonable amount of my attention.

This is a very brief blog note.  I thought I would share this fascinating website with others.  There is a gentleman who speaks of how to "grow your own air" and another who gives some great insight into Cradle to Cradle, and so many other fabulous presentations. 

Be prepared to spend some time on this site....it has much to offer.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_own_fresh_air.html

Another great link; especially in these difficult economic times is one about a type of barter-like system that puts value on time and converts that to currency (not dollars) so that everyone's time is deemed equal in value and people have found a way to trade their time to create an easier way of living!

Check it out!

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009127.html

Interested in learning more about Cradle to Cradle and recent criticism?  Check out this interview with Michael Braungart.

http://www.duurzaamgebouwd.nl/index.php?pageID=3946&messageID=1936