More Christmas Cards

More cards, bird photos on wrapping paper backgrounds. Robins and penguins this time.

Balance

Ecological balance has been defined as "a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession."

Modern society though is disturbing this natural balance by a whole variety of activities, including hunting some species to extinction, polluting industries, destroying natural habitats. Can we find ways to regain ecological balance?


walk gently -
we are part of the same world
as the animals


Balance for One Deep Breath

Blog Day of Action for the Environment

Green Toiletries

Many of the chemicals in beauty products have been linked to health problems, including cancers in some cases. How can we reduce the number of harmful chemicals we put on our skin?

Firstly, I think it is useful to cut down on the amount of toiletries we use. I don't wear make up or nail varnish and have relatively few toiletries compared to a lot of people.

I have never dyed or tinted my hair. I use Yaoh shampoo and conditioner, which are made from 99% pure natural ingredients and the couple of artificial ingredients in there don't include such baddies as parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate. (You can read more about my haircare on this earlier post).

I buy soap, lip balm, exfoliant and moisturiser usually from Neals Yard Remedies. I don't need to use moisturiser much as my skin doesn't get dry too much (drinking lots of water probably helps with this). Neal's Yard Products use a high proportion of organic, natural ingredients and are packaged mostly without plastics.

I use a deodorant crystal from Neal's Yard Remedies. This deodorant contains no aluminium (which has been linked to Alzheimers and cancers) and comes packaged in a nice fabric bag.

More information on cosmetics and harmful chemicals from the Womens' Environment Network.

Pink for October.

Victorian Lines

When I was in Manchester over the past few days, I went to this event at Manchester Art Gallery. Short Story Writer David Gaffney took us round the Art Treasures in Manchester exhibition, stopping at selected paintings and photos to read microfiction pieces and stories he had written inspired by the exhibition. David Gaffney can use few words to create a lot of impact and the stories were in turn, thought provoking, humourous and disturbing. The stories will be added to the Art Gallery's website at some point - I'll try to remember to post the direct link at some point. If you're in Manchester at any point, its worth seeing the exhibition, its on until 27 January 2008

A Family Heirloom Repurposed

My Mum gave me this family heirloom when I was in Manchester over the last few days. This was originally my great grandfather's watch chain and my grandmother made it into a bracelet. It is wonderfully beautiful and it shows that recycling and re-purposing must be in my blood!

Salt Girl

The first prompt at Totally Optional Prompts made me think of selkies - creatures from Celtic mythology who can transfrom from seals to humans. This is the poem I wrote, I 'm not sure about the second stanza - it feels too explanatory or maybe it just needs more work, what do you think?

Salt Girl

I walk the beach -
a seal follows me in the sea close to shore
deep liquid eyes of the salt girl trapped
inside, selkie waiting for a chance
to creep onshore, find someone to love
for a while before being lured back by the salt
pull of the tide

We are all salt
water of tears, pulled to depths
we don’t understand, our skirts
clinging to damp legs, hair
in our eyes, sand in our shoes
as we dance along paths that choose us
towards the sea.

Mountains

Wherever I am in the city
I can feel the hills; see them on the horizon
when I stand on higher ground
away from tower blocks and tenements.
Mountains worn by age to gentleness, these friendly
guardians surround the town, draw eyes
beyond the urban, inspire minds with thoughts
of wilderness and freedom.


Mountains for Weekend Wordsmith