Happy Halloween!

A modern day Adams family?

Fair Trade Gifts for the Holiday Season

Lately I have a very strong interest in fair trade merchandise. Probably due to our trip to Peru. I am also in charge of organizing a fair trade sale at church. Similar to a Pampered Chef or Tupperware catalog party, except for people who really need the income are earning money from the sales. Here's a great spot from the CRS website - an insight to fair trade if you will.

Fair Trade Gifts for the Holiday Season
By Kim Pozniak

"Better pricing for our baskets has helped us send our children to school. Before, we had to weave all night to pay school fees." These are the words of Teni Ayamga, a basket weaver from Ghana whose children are able to go to school thanks to fair trade.

Teni is the beneficiary of a trade model that guarantees fair wages to disadvantaged artisans, farmers and workers around the world while providing socially conscious consumers in the United States a way to shop responsibly. By purchasing fair trade products, consumers promote fair wages for impoverished workers in developing countries, and fair trade helps these small-scale farmers and artisans to survive in a very competitive international market.
"Before Trade Aid [a fair trade organization in Ghana], I had to sell in the market and didn't consider the cost of my skill and the materials. I sold too low. With Trade Aid, I learned to consider the raw materials and workmanship, and I sell my baskets for double," says Anyopoka Apana, who also earns a living as a basket weaver.

Crafts, Coffee and Chocolate
Teni's and Anyopoka's baskets are part of a large selection of gift items available through Catholic Relief Services' fair trade program, which also includes coffee, chocolate, specialty food items and other handcrafts. The items were put together by 90 small producer groups and artisans in more than 36 countries throughout the world, and are now available at http://www.crsfairtrade.org/crafts/ .

CRS has also partnered with 16 coffee companies throughout the United States that are committed to the principles of fair trade. They offer a variety of quality roasts, and with every purchase designated to support CRS, consumers are contributing a percentage to CRS' Fair Trade Fund, which benefits fair trade organizations in the United States and abroad.
In Madagascar, for example, a CRS grant was used to train Malagasy artisans in product design. Sharing their own skills and learning about product trends—such as a growing interest in recycled materials in the American market—prepared them to more effectively export their products. One of their most popular items, a schoolbag made from recycled denim, has recently been added to CRS' handcrafts selection. In the United States CRS promotes the bag as a way for students to learn the importance of reusing materials and to learn about the country of Madagascar.

The weavers get a fair price for their baskets, some of which are sold in the United States through CRS' fair trade partners.

"The bag is an easy way to build understanding about the power of fair trade," says Jacqueline DeCarlo, program manager for CRS Fair Trade. "The message of recycling materials to protect the planet while promoting opportunities for artisans really resonates with young people."

Expanding the Fair Trade Market
For many Catholics, the principles of fair trade closely reflect their values, and the Catholic market for fairly traded goods has seen double-digit growth in recent years. The commitment of Catholics in this country to pay a fair price for the products they enjoy, and to introduce fair trade to their parishes, helps CRS' long-term efforts of promoting economic justice around the world.

"Fair trade is a very tangible way of supporting farmers and artisans by investing our money in communities that promote opportunity," DeCarlo says. Last year, more than 130 Catholic dioceses held fair trade sales, selling crafts, coffee and chocolate in their parishes. With their help, CRS' fair trade sales jumped to $2 million in 2007, a 53 percent increase over the previous year.

Both the fair trade online and printed catalog are filled with an extraordinary selection of fine jewelry, kitchen and tableware, household items, gift baskets, games, accessories, and holiday decorations. By purchasing these fair trade items, everyone wins: consumers get high-quality one-of-a-kind handcrafts and the people who created them get hope for a better future for themselves and their families.

To browse the catalog or place an order, visit http://www.crsfairtrade.org/crafts/.

We have a new addition to the family!

Welcome Inka! Isn't she cute!!!!!

And here's big sister Tiny - looking a little jealous!

If you'd like a new kitten, try FeralCare.org.

Target: Free Reusable Tote Bag

Did you know Seattle is currently trying to pass a bill to charge for bags used at the grocery stores? I think it's great! So start stocking up on your reusable bags now, and save yourself the $ later.

Target has launched an innovative promotion with People magazine to give away reusable tote bags. Just remove the cover of the October 27 issue of People. Fold it inside out and tape the sides to create a postage paid envelope. Fill the envelope with five plastic Target bags. Seal all sides and mail by November 30, 2008. You’ll receive a coupon in the mail for a free reusable tote bag in early January.If you don’t have the October 27 issue of People, simply put five plastic Target bags in an 8 ½” x 11” envelope.

Affix postage and mail to:

TerraCycle121 New York Avenue

Trenton, NJ 08638

Be sure the bags are clean and you include a clear return mailing address.

Rachel's girl scout troop is doing this project, and we are going to have to ask around for bags! That's how seldom it is that we go to Target anymore. Lately, I shop on-line or not at all. And I hope to start more fair trade shopping, but that is another post!

A Lifelong Train Ride

Do you ever stop to think how much influence you have on other people? It can be a little daunting sometimes. Click here to watch Pixie's Train Ride.

This post was inspired by 2 people - my friend Kim and my favorite retreat leader at The Palisades.

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

Rachel and I are having a lot of fun listening to Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery on the IPod - which I can now play in my car on my brand-new, early-birthday-present stereo complete with an auxilary Ipod connection! (How's that for a grammatically correct sentence?!) I have been simultaneously reading The Mother-Daughter Book Club and its sequel Much Ado About Anne as a preview for our own Mom-Daughter book club. You guessed it - in Much Ado About Anne the book club is also reading Anne of Green Gables. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

"There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting."

"It's so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it?"

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"


I cannot believe that I have never read this book before now. It's so good. I'm lucky to be able to share it with Rachel.

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month! Who knew there was such a thing? I told the kids about it tonight and they are pretty excited. They spent the evening brainstorming ideas.

KIVA - Loans that change lives

KIVA is a really interesting Micro-Loan program that I stumbled upon while perusing other, random blogs. It's great to have discovered another way to help Peruvians, albeit from afar. I've made 2 loans totalling $125.00 so far. I recently received my first repayment of $17.00!!! Until I request the cash back, KIVA keeps the repaid money in a funding account, allowing me to fund another loan if I so choose. I could explain all the details myself, but it is better if you go to their website and read about it, if interested. KIVA.org

Here are the 2 women that I've made loans to:

Bautista Lupaca Guevara





Doña Bautista is 34 years old, she studied until fifth grade, secondary, is married and has 2 sons, 14 and 11 years old, and lives in the community of Machacmarca.
She is a member of "Banco Comunidad Ciudad Nueva", District of Pilcuyo, Province of Collao D Puno. Since she was single she liked to work with business, back then she used to take garments to the town of Tacna, but in 2003 she started selling groceries at the market in Pilcuyo on Thursdays and at the same time selling clothes which she distributes in bulk in the town of Arequipa.
With this loan of S/.2.500 "Nuevos Soles" to be repaid in 4 payments she will purchase the following: 3 dozen footwear, each dozen costs S/.300.00 "Nuevos Soles", 3 dozen jeans, each dozen costs S/.260.00 "Nuevos Soles" and with S/.500.00 "Nuevos Soles" she will buy children's clothing. With the loan she both increases her stock and earnings.
It is her vision that her sons become professionals and set up a grocery store in the District of Pilcuyo.

About the Entrepreneur
Name: Bautista Lupaca Guevara
Location: Pilcuyo - Collao, Puno, Peru
Primary Activity: Clothing Sales
Total Loan Requested: $850.00 My Loan: $25.00
Repayment Term: 4 months
Loan Use: Purchase garments and footwear to improve business.


Fortunata Aliaga De Miranda




Fortunata is 59 years old and lives with her 59 year-old husband Hernando, who is a driver, and also with her daughter Mariela, who is 20 years old and studies at the college level in the city of Juliaca. For the past three years, Fortunata has run a grocery store that she opened in her home. She has put a lot of affection and effort into the business in order to make it bear fruit and generate good income. Fortunata’s family has always supported her, and when her husband is not working he stays and helps her with the store, as does her daughter when she returns from her studies in the city. Fortunata likes her business since she has put so much effort into it.
Fortunata hopes that her daughter will get ahead and be a successful professional, so that she can work and survive in the city and not have to stay in the country like Fortunata. With the money from her loan, Fortunata will purchase supplies in order to grow her small store.

About the Entrepreneur
Name: Fortunata Aliaga De Miranda
Location: Juliaca, Peru
Primary Activity: Grocery Store
Total Loan Requested: $675.00 My loan: $100.00
Repayment Term: 6 months
Loan Use: To purchase products to sell in her small grocery store

Remember. October is Fair Trade Month.

Visit fairtrademonth.org to learn more.

Also crsfairtrade.org

The Covered Bridge Festival & Wind Farm

Earl Park Wind Farm

Today we went to the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. Mom had heard about it for years, but had never been down there. We drove south about 2 1/2 hours to get there. On the way, we passed a brand new wind farm. Seeing the wind farm was as interesting as seeing the covered bridges. This wind farm in central Indiana is expected to be one of the largest in the world. And right along the road on which I drove back and forth to Purdue for 4 years. How cool is that?!

The covered bridge festival was okay. Actually the bridges were amazing - some dating back to the mid 1800's. The fest part we could have done without. Lots of junk to buy, lots of people and crowds to deal with. It was still a fun day though.












Walking? I think not!

"Cross This Bridge at a Walk" - I looked it up. Here's what it says on the Parke County website.

What does "CROSS THIS BRIDGE AT A WALK" mean?
The inscription "CROSS THIS BRIDGE AT A WALK” dates back to about 1.880. A team of horses at a trot will coordinate their pace with one another. It was believed this cadence vibration could do damage to the bridge. So, the driver would have to slow his team to a walk to avoid this. Also, a lot of Civil War troops trained on and around the bridges. Their marching could do similar damage so they had to obey the same law.
The writing remains on some of the bridges for traditional purposes only. It does not mean you have to dismount your vehicle to cross the bridge!

A Baby Cousin!

We are having alot of fun getting to know our new baby cousin. He is so cute!










We met for pizza downtown - the night before the big race.

A new toy! This was a few nights later at Grandma Mary's.

For lots more pictures of our visit, click here - Chicago in October, 2008.

South Haven, Michigan

Today we drove up to one of my favorite beach towns ever - South Haven. People rave about the beaches in Hawaii (which are fantastic, I will admit), but I think the beaches of Lake Michigan rival beaches anywhere in the world. The sand is soft and clean. The water warms up in the summer. It's just so fun to be in South Haven - I wish I could spend every summer there. Relaxing and reading on the beach, eating at the Thirsty Perch, shopping in Saugatuck. What a life!

He did it!

Pat finished the Chicago Marathon! It was alot of fun zipping around the greatest city on Earth with Pat's sister and brother trying to find him on the course. It was sure hot for us, so I cannot even imagine running 26.2 miles in the heat (or the rain, or the cold...) Afterwards everyone headed up to our virtually-free Hilton hotel suite for Bacino's deep dish stuffed pizza and beer. Pat was awake enough to eat pizza and socialize, and then hit the hay early. What an awesome day. We all hope Pat runs the Chicago marathon again next year.

Almost to the finish line!!!

The Spectators!!!!

The 13 mile mark - we missed Pat here after waiting at least 30 minutes.

World Class Race

26 Miles-29 Neighborhoods-45,000 Runners

One World Class Race

*** The Chicago Marathon 2008 ***

Tomorrow Pat is running in the Chicago Marathon! It's a goal he's had for a long time and he is finally getting a chance. I can't even imagine running 2 miles, let alone 26! This afternoon, we went over to the Race Expo at McCormick Place and it really was pretty cool to see so many people getting ready to run. (Of course, this also meant tons of unadulterated spending on running merchandise was going on - not by us - , but hey, I say keep working to get the economy back up!) We are going to try and find him at a few stops along the course, but there are 45,000 runners signed up, so we're not sure if we'll actually see him. We are all very proud of him!

The MOM Song

This is the funniest video ever!


Click here to see it: You Tube Mom Song


From The Washington Post:

The Amazing Mom Song
If you could sing a song about your work/life balance, how would it sound?
Anita Renfroe, mother of three and a comedian (totally redundant, but that is her profession), condensed years of parenting into a three minute ditty set to the William Tell Overture.
Over six million people have watched it. If you haven't seen the YouTube video yet, get to it right this minute.
Renfroe told of her inspiration to sing her heart out to the CBS Morning Show late last year. "When my three kids were under six, people used to tell me to treasure this time, if I blinked I'd miss it, Renfroe told CBS. "And I used to go home and blink and blink and they didn't go away."
Here are a few of my favorite lines (you can also check out the full lyrics). But trust me -- it's far better to hear Renfroe belt 'em out:Answer the phone, get off the phone, don't sit so close, turn it downNo texting at the table, no more computer time tonight, your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen upWhere you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?Look at me when I am talking, stand up straight when you walkStop crying or I'll give you something real to cry aboutBrush your teeth, wash your face, get your PJs onGet in bed, get a hug, say a prayer with MomDon't forget I love you
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never endsYou don't need the reason whyBecause, because, because, becauseI said so, I said so, I said so, I said soI'm the Mom, the mom, the mom, the mom, the momTa-daWords by Anita Renfroe Copyright 2007 Bluebonnet Hills Music/BMI

By Leslie Morgan Steiner February 22, 2008; 7:00 AM ET Category: Free-for-All http://voices.washingtonpost.com/onbalance/2008/02/the_amazing_mom_song.html