7gen Bloc

In the last few months it has become painfully apparent to me that the primary job I held for the last 17 years -- mothering my children -- has come to an end.

I am a lightweight when it comes to cold medicines. Over-the-counter decongestants make me feel as though someone slipped me a Mickey. A Mickey the size of a Frisbee.

Whenever I think about the kind of parent I want to be, the soundtrack in my mind invariably skips to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Teach Your Children." So when I sat down to write this post about holiday giving, my thoughts turned immediately to Matthew, my 6-year-old.

The scent of stuffing and gravy hangs heavy in the air, and with the holidays about to get cooking, I think it's a good time to add some energy-savings to the menu. The Department of Energy tells us that 15% of the energy we use in our homes flows through our kitchens. So if we can make a big dent in our energy consumption there, we can make a big dent in our energy consumption period. Here's a side order of kitchen conservation tips:

We are sponsoring the movie A Chemical Reaction: The Story of a True Green Revolution on November 18th from 6:30-8:00pm at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington, Vermont. The movie is a true story of the impacts that chemical pesticides and herbicides have on children and adults and the plight of a few brave folks who took up the fight against the mightiest North American chemical companies and won by having the chemicals banned.

In previous posts, you've learned what a blessing, what a wonder; what a sheer delight life has been since the arrival of Cole -- the gift who came into our lives accidentally-on-purpose long after the birth of two daughters and waaaaaay after my husband and I assumed that my child-bearing years were behind me.

I have a confession: I worry that deep down I can be profoundly superficial.

It's holiday season, and in my house we're pouring over ancient family recipes and busily at work preparing a menu full of our traditional favorites and a new surprise or two for visiting guests.

Seventh Generation wants you to CRAWL TO ACTION at our community rallies on November 18th. Bring your children, bring your friends, and bring your desire to demand that Congress change federal laws and keep toxic chemicals out of our homes.

It's interesting to see the way that Thanksgiving has evolved over the years. It's gone from a 17th century exercise in piety and repentance to a national food fest and annual football rite.