I am definitely a visual learner. Things make sense to me when I see them. So when my friend Kate posted this link on Facebook for me, it put all those books and articles out there about the world's food systems into perspective, in about 1.2 minutes.
Look at these photos. Observe what families eat across the globe. Observe how much they eat. Observe if it is processed, packaged, or fresh whole foods. How much time do you think they spend in food preparation in one day? Now think about your own self. What do you eat in a week? How much money do you spend on food? How much food do you waste? What would your food picture look like if included in this TIME article What would you like to change or modify about the food you eat?
Observe, reflect, and discuss.
I can't wait to read all your comments.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519_1373664,00.html
Friday, November 5, 2010
Why do we put up fences?
When I bought my house 6.5 years ago my backyard was fenced. Everyone's backyards are fenced in my neighborhood and I didn't think much about it. My childhood yard was not fenced in and I remember my parents wishing from time to time that it was. Yet they never wanted to spend the time or money to do it. I really appreciate my current backyard being fenced so my dog can run free without my worry.
I have large rocks in a line in my front yard to define my personal space. But lately I feel the need to put a fence up in the front. I have been thinking alot about what a fence would represent. Do I want to keep people out or keep people in? Am I building a fence out of fear or out of comfort?
This past week I noticed 2 shady activities going on in my neighborhood. Not exactly sure what was happening but it brought discomfort. Also, with 2 small children and a dog, it would be nice to expand our living space to the front yard. Our front yard is rarely used because it is on a slope. I appreciate this slope because I am able to view the Catalina Mountains over my neighbors' rooftops from my living room window. A few years back, we had our sidewalk lights pulled from our front yard and kicked across the street thus breaking them. So a fence would deter people from vandalizing my veggies.
The other day while my children napped in their car seats, I drove near 4th Avenue taking pictures of unique and not so unique fences. I like to find my inspiration from what others have done. If I ever learn how to post pics on here, I will show you what I found.
Last night, I went to Home Depot to get fencing costs. I could put up anything from chicken wire to iron bars. How will my house be perceived from a passer-by? Will it look open and inviting or closed off? What type of message do I want to give with my fence?
Here is what I have decided: I will put up a chain link fence because it is more permanent and attractive than chicken wire but costs less than wood or iron. It won't add much street appeal but will allow others to see in and enjoy the views of the garden. Viney plants can grow up it to give extra privacy and add beauty to the yard. It will give me security from any suspicious people who may wonder by. It also keeps in those I love. We have no drive way and our front yard ends into the street. So keeping children out of the street is always a good thing. In 2 days, a man who has been installing fences for 35 years comes to give me an estimate. He overheard me talking to the sales rep at Home Depot and scratched down his number in the parking lot. Looks like Phase One is moving along quite nicely. I can't wait to show you pictures.
I have large rocks in a line in my front yard to define my personal space. But lately I feel the need to put a fence up in the front. I have been thinking alot about what a fence would represent. Do I want to keep people out or keep people in? Am I building a fence out of fear or out of comfort?
This past week I noticed 2 shady activities going on in my neighborhood. Not exactly sure what was happening but it brought discomfort. Also, with 2 small children and a dog, it would be nice to expand our living space to the front yard. Our front yard is rarely used because it is on a slope. I appreciate this slope because I am able to view the Catalina Mountains over my neighbors' rooftops from my living room window. A few years back, we had our sidewalk lights pulled from our front yard and kicked across the street thus breaking them. So a fence would deter people from vandalizing my veggies.
The other day while my children napped in their car seats, I drove near 4th Avenue taking pictures of unique and not so unique fences. I like to find my inspiration from what others have done. If I ever learn how to post pics on here, I will show you what I found.
Last night, I went to Home Depot to get fencing costs. I could put up anything from chicken wire to iron bars. How will my house be perceived from a passer-by? Will it look open and inviting or closed off? What type of message do I want to give with my fence?
Here is what I have decided: I will put up a chain link fence because it is more permanent and attractive than chicken wire but costs less than wood or iron. It won't add much street appeal but will allow others to see in and enjoy the views of the garden. Viney plants can grow up it to give extra privacy and add beauty to the yard. It will give me security from any suspicious people who may wonder by. It also keeps in those I love. We have no drive way and our front yard ends into the street. So keeping children out of the street is always a good thing. In 2 days, a man who has been installing fences for 35 years comes to give me an estimate. He overheard me talking to the sales rep at Home Depot and scratched down his number in the parking lot. Looks like Phase One is moving along quite nicely. I can't wait to show you pictures.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Adventures of Urban Farming
Over the past 6 months my love of gardening has grown exponentially into a love of Urban Farming. I want to get bigger and better at gardening. It all started in April 2010 when we realized our plan to move from AZ back to IL, my home state, did not manifest as we had anticipated. With our house being worth less than what I bought it for and with the economy slow we decided it best for our family to stay put. After all, we love the Sonoran Desert and all its beauty. We have many friends and are comfortable here. Skype, phone calls, e-mail, facebook, and airplanes keeps us close to everyone we love back East. So we took our house off the market and declared this our home.
This blog is my journey into Urban Farming. Some things you may see posted here are:
~ Stories and pictures of my yard slowly turning from rocks into plants
~Articles, book reviews, movie reviews of everything Green
~Interviews with ordinary people, just like you, starting gardens/urban farms in their yards
~Inspiration to make a difference in your corner of the world
~Articles of food issues around the world
So, buckle up, click Follow, and enjoy Fields of Gratitude.
This blog is my journey into Urban Farming. Some things you may see posted here are:
~ Stories and pictures of my yard slowly turning from rocks into plants
~Articles, book reviews, movie reviews of everything Green
~Interviews with ordinary people, just like you, starting gardens/urban farms in their yards
~Inspiration to make a difference in your corner of the world
~Articles of food issues around the world
So, buckle up, click Follow, and enjoy Fields of Gratitude.
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