Category Archives: make a difference

the calgary herald

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David’s brother’s family was featured in The Calgary Herald regarding their Compact year-long commitment. The full article is online here. They’ve really been able to spread their message about the experiment they are doing through different venues none of which they’ve set out to pursue. You’d think that they wouldn’t be exposed to that many people, but they’ve been an example at Thomas’s work, another large church in Calgary, and now the city paper. I’m really excited to hear about how the year continues to play out.

They both have been blogging at a specific site in order to share their story, and Malora recently posted about some cute zipper bags she sewed in order to pack snacks for Noah instead of plastic bags. They are really clever.

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i am in love…

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David isn’t really keen on the idea of me selling my vehicle.  Nor are the Schultz’s.  They all have good points…emergencies, borrowing others’ transportation, and isolation.  Nevertheless, I am determined to change my transportation.  I’ve begun to ride my bicycle more often.  I still haven’t taken the bus anywhere though.  (I feel intimidated by deciphering the schedule, but I haven’t written that off completely.)

David did agree to the idea of a Vespa.  I think he may have been in a moment of weakness, but I am not above taking advantage of that.  A Vespa appeals to me in so many ways.  And seeing one in person today…well, my heart simply melted by its design.  I love it.  I covet one.  And the one I drooled over the most happened to be on sale. ((drool))

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work day for front garden

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The planning…

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Tilling by hand…weren’t sure if we would have access to the roto-tiller. But those guys really tore it up–great job Adams and Jacob!

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Thank you, Sonny. He also tilled the side of the yard where we plan on placing the tomatoes.

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Winter lettuce

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Chalk drawings

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Our forewoman, Layla

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I think this was leftover from New Year’s Eve…

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Chico, Verdi, Avacado…what is your name?

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Baby Shea never fails to provide a beautiful photo.

(All photos with the exception of the bird courtesy of Stephanie. All editing by Jamie)

car

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Currently Reading: How to Live Well Without a Car by Chris Balish

I have been considering selling my car in order to live car-free.  This has been on my mind long before I gave my pre-warning notice at the chiropractor’s.  It entered my mind the same time my interest in goat farming emerged.  (Which isn’t so much of an interest as a running joke.)

Do I work to have a car?  This was the driving question in my mind.  I do enjoy driving.  I love the ability to pick up and go whenever I need something.  Or I want to visit a friend.  But what if this car mentality is feeding my consumer mentality–this idea of having what I want when I want it?

I don’t want to live in a mentality of consumerism.  And I know for sure that I want to live more radically than the way of suburban life.  I want my life to be a light of a different way.  A way that points to slowing down, meditation, eating from the earth, appreciating art.

I feel that having a car is pulling me away from the way I want to be.

I don’t think I am ready quite yet.  I have fear about being unable to visit certain friends in Queen Creek and another particular friend that doesn’t have a car.  I am afraid as to what my life would look like in the summer here in Phoenix.  I am nervous about depending on other peoples’ schedules in order to share rides.

I am optimistic about meeting new people.  I am excited to discover new places I have never noticed before.  I look forward to being more physically active through riding a bike and walking.  I am definitely looking forward to the reduction in costs and stress.

Any thoughts?

compact

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I am extremely excited for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law–they have decided to buy nothing new for one year.  This is something I have been interested in exploring further myself, but I never expected to know anyone who would take this amazing plunge.  You can read about the “rules” they are following, and I also recommend reading the Good magazine article.

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