Playing In the Backyard

Earth Day is coming up next week, but really isn't every day "earth" day? I mean, yeah, sometimes I feel I'm living on Mars but still. Jason and I try to practice what we preach: we recycle, compost, use canvas shoppers, throw our coffee grounds in the garden, shop locally, grow some veggies, catch rainwater, plant trees, and eat at home as often as possible. In the future, I want chickens! One simple thing we do to celebrate the earth and all that is spend time outside. That's it! Ian, Jason, Oliver and I have a grand time hanging out in the backyard, enjoying nature, playing with rocks and water, talking to the flowers, and yelling at the birds (all Ian). I sometimes make my jewelry out there or work on a crossword puzzle, all the while with an endless cup of coffee (naturally). Jason works in his veggie garden, tending to the blackberries, tomatoes, grapes, cabbage, peppers, and broccoli. Sometimes, I even scoop poop. So you - yeah you! Go outside and play. And if you're in the Dallas area, come on out to the 3rd Annual Oak Cliff Earth Day festival at Lake Cliff park. I'll be selling my handmade jewelry alongside friends Jacky of Texas Tarts and Larry the Kessler Craftsman. Lots of family fun things to do: buy plants, learn to compost, support local green businesses, eat yummy food, adopt a homeless pet, shop local art, and enjoy the spring season. Stop by the Jefferson Median Beautification Project booth, as well. This is a group that I volunteer for and believe in. Our goal is to beautify our little corner of Oak Cliff along Jefferson Boulevard and create a rich urban forest of plants, trees, community art, and walking trails.