Affordability
Can we, as individuals afford to give what has been deemed socially acceptable in our human circles? Can we, as a global community, afford it? If not, then let this be the year we begin (or continue) to change our habits for the better.
Sustainability
Are our purchases improving societies and eco-systems or destroying them? Let us all try to wrap our heads and hearts around this question and honor the answers this Holiday Season.
Brick and Mortar
Our Indie businesses need us now. What may seemingly cost more up front can ultimately save our communities on a global scale. Please let’s support our local shopkeepers and restauranteurs who in turn support our local artisans and producers and economy in general.
Alternative Gifting
Giving does not need to involve the spending of money we cannot really afford to spend. Writing a poem, singing a song, handmaking a card, baking a treat, infusing a bath oil, shovelling a driveway, teaching a skill, walking a dog, sharing a photo…the posibilities are endless.
Gratitude
A gift is a gift, be it humble or grand . Let us give what we can to those we want to give to, and let us receive with gratitude in our hearts. Happy Holidays, everyone!
I totally agree with you! I especially like the idea for alternative gifting- I feel it carries more meaning. When the boys were little they would make me coupon books…
I bet they were so sweet when they were little. They are very polite young men!
Still have all of the cards and drawings my brother and sister sent when they were small (they are 17 and 19 years younger than me). Just found a pop up Feliz Navidad card Emily made me a couple of years ago : )
Did I tell you Paul and I are getting the nerve up to take Italian lessons?
Amen Sister!! The one thing I want is to see fewer homeless animals in the shelter this Christmas. What a great gift that would be!
Peace to all! ~Sadie
Indeed. We hadn’t lived with dogs since Butch stayed with us four years ago – it feels good having animals to love and care for again. I still miss Kritter Kat something fierce, though…
AGREED! I’m living/breathing those wishes and continue to do so to this day and it’s AWESOME. happy holidays!
Hey Rachel, I owe you an e-mail! So happy we re-connected in blogsville : )
Good philosophy!
Thanks, Jim. How are the Holidays treating you? I miss you two – seems like we hardly saw each other this past year. Mountain Girl Organics pretty much consumed me and I am doing my best to get back to some semblance of normalcy after three years of obsessing : ) I heard the Christmas (or Holiday or whatever we’re s’posed to call it) party was lots of fun! Please give Francoise and the pups a hug for me…
Well said! We, too, are returning to “Christmas Roots”. It feels right.
This fall I searched around for an Italian class for Maria and me, but – so far – no luck. Of course, Maria parla italiano, ma ha bisogno di pratica. Ah, the trials and tribulations of living in Mayberry/Mount Pilot.
I just received a Borders Rewards e-mail offering a decent discount on Rosetta Stone, which I have only heard good things about.
I typically do better in a classroom setting; however, with the two of us this format may be more effective…
*UPDATE – did not resort to Borders – going to night classes at the local JC beginning in Feb ’10!
PS I may have found something in Falmouth for $30 an hour each. There is not much out here, either! We can’t be away from Ty much – for that kind of money I would like to find someone to come to the house…
Our local library has tapes, so I think we will start with that, although I am intrigued with Rosetta Stone. It costs anywhere from $200 to $600 bucks, though, depending on the levels you buy – so the discount isn’t going to cut it.
Have you tried Colorado Free U? I have taken several classes in Denver and they are quite reasonable. There was a little language center on Meadow Drive also, not sure if it is still there. Let me know if you have any luck. And if anyone has any ideas, please share!
Maybe to start off with you could rent this DVD from your library
Title: Basic French & Italian by DVD [videorecording].
Publisher: New York : Mastervision, c2005.
Notes: Speak, read, and write 1,000 words and phrases common in everyday situations by listening and emulating native speakers while seeing their words on screen in the original language and English.
UPC: 739251001893
ISBN: 15591901839781559190183
Thanks, Sweet Cheeks : ) I will see if they have it. I like the idea of watching, listening, repeating, writing, etc. The more help the better…
When we were in Italy I picked up a lot of the words that were similar to Castillan Spanish.
The very best way to learn would be to submerse ourselves in the culture, of course…maybe next sit!