Reading World Café

Well it may not be Paris in the 30's, but I do think this can really be a happening event. Now is the chance to really talk the talk and advocate for issues regarding Reading. The Reading World Cafe, scheduled for Wednesday Feb. 27th 6:30 p.m. at the Field House, is as local a process you can get. While it is not changing any laws or plans for Reading, it can get folks and the powers-that-be a chance to hear what is on your mind. Basically, you sit around a table with other Readingites and discuss what you see for the future of Reading. I am copying the key points from their site so you can get an idea of the format and goals:

World Café Process
The World Café is a structured conversation process that allows large groups of people to talk courteously together about their desires for the future of Reading. Following simple guidelines, participants discuss key questions in small groups at separate tables. The small groups shift and the conversation evolves as people change tables, share insights and perspectives, and discover what is commonly believed, desired and valued by community members. We will harvest emerging ideas from the discussion to identify dreams, opportunities, dilemmas and the next steps for getting what we collectively want.

This is quite an opportunity to bring up some of the ideas that we have discussed since last year. Healthier living, local food, and changing some habits for a better tomorrow. I really think that we will find many,many folks who agree with these "Eco Reading" views, perhaps some citizens may surprise you!

So please sign up. All you have to do is go here or call (781) 942-6660. I will be going and joining in on the conversations. I have high hopes that it will be a Mr. Rogers kind of experience where we all revel in our neighborliness and good cheer. I have no hand at organizing this event nor have I attended this kind of meeting before, but I think that even if you are shy, the small group setting will make it easy for everyone to participate. What do you think? Are you in?

Let's Get the Farm Into Reading Public Schools

Reading loves its children. It is obvious from all the towns events, goals and policies that Reading loves its children. We have wonderful folks in all positions working towards growing children into healthy and happy adults. Our schools are top-notch, and we spend lavishly making sure the physical spaces, the curriculum, and the technologies are worthy of our most precious gems. However, one area that many parents in Reading and around the country are concerned with is child nutrition. We have lower rates of obesity in Massachusetts than other parts of the country, but there is no doubt childhood obesity is on the rise. Obviously, Reading officials care very much about the health of our children as they have a wellness site dedicated to getting students fit and drug-free. What it really doesn't address is the food offerings in the public schools. Perhaps Reading can do better with providing lunches that are healthier, fresher and filled with more complete nutrition in one simple way...it is grown locally.

Massachusetts has a program to partner farms with schools throughout the state called the Farm to School Project. During the last school year 63 systems participated in the program and used locally-grown food in their cafeterias. Why couldn't Reading?

I have to be honest and let you know that I don't have a students in RPS, yet. So I do not have direct testimony to the quality of the food served in its lunch program. What I do have is experience eating many a federally-subsidized school lunch as a teacher. Yes, there were days that I forgot to pack, or was too lazy to pack, a lunch and it was cafeteria city for me. I tasted many a meal that is were similar to what I see listed in the newspaper for Reading lunches. Hot dogs, baked beans, french fries, tacos, subs, etc. I can not be sure, but I bet most of these ingredients were not cooked fresh. More than likely, they were heated from a can or defrosted from a frozen package. Make no mistake about my feelings, I am grateful for federally-subsidized lunches, as I recall the sweet faces of my former students that depended upon lunch in order to have at least one meal that was balanced and calorie-rich. But really, can't we do better? Can we stop including ketchup as a vegetable? Can't we challenge our cafeteria planners to include locally grown products in our children's menu? Wouldn't they be better off? I think, "Yes!"

Oh now I can hear some naysayers detailing how their kids won't eat healthy foods or how the cafeteria workers could not possibly deviate from their lower impact service. Then let's start small and incorporate steps and see how we can grow the program for our town. Perhaps we buy broccoli one season than add potatoes for the next. I think this is totally doable.

There are many resources being created in Massachusetts and across the country that will assist localities in creating the link between local food and local students. The Center for Ecoliteracy has created a very in depth guide to assist local school systems incorporate all aspects of a change in food policy.

So parents, it really is up to you to make some noise and make sure the changes that we would like to see can come into being. As for school officials, I know that you have so much on your plates (pun intended:) but this is something that will show leadership in a profound way. How wonderful would it be if Reading could be on the list of Farm to School participants next year. It just takes a bit of time, effort and the belief in possibilities!

Let's Review Shall We?

Happy new year! I hope you all had a lovely time spent with your families and eating wonderful fresh food....local of course! I must say I had a wonderful time and our homemade gifts for our son were a total hit! Santa's elves did a really great job making all of those toys at the North Pole and not in China.:)

The other day my son was in a bit of a tantrum and was not liking my discipline tone. He told me that I was being a "bad Mommy" and he was going to put a toy into the closet. (He actually gets a toy taken away if he is acting up pretty badly). He marches into my room (I am trying not to laugh) and looks around at what he will take away. Of course it has to be a most beloved toy for his discipline to work. What does he come up with? My hand lotion. Clever, but kinda naughty boy!

So hand lotion is kind of a big deal to me during the winter months. I think I must put on lotion about 10 times a day. The same goes for lip balm. In an effort to be less chemically impacted I used the cosmetic data base and tossed out my most beloved (and expensive) cosmetics that were not so healthy. Surprisingly, I have been able to get a few of my new favorites from local retail and a few products are actually made locally.

I purchased these items from The Natural Food Exchange in Stoneham, Whole Foods in Woburn (also Andover) and at the Newcomers and Neighbors shopping night. I tried many a product out and have been able to give thumbs up to the following products.

Shampoo. Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo. Great lather and leaves my hair feeling clean but not dry. They changed the formulation and it is not as "healthy" as it was according to the database. They added "fragrance" and it now puts them at a #4 instead of #2 where they were.

Conditioner. Still looking for the total winner. Now using Burt's Bees Conditioner and also the MGA and they are working out pretty well. If you have any that you love, let me know.

Body lotion. Scentsible Soaps Lavender and Rosemary. It really takes the stingy biting out of winter skin and smells wonderful. This is a local gal from Newburyport that sells at shopping nights etc. I bought this last year at the Newcomer and Neighbor shopping night and love it. I am hoping to get some more, but as of yet my email has not been returned. Please email me so I can rave about you as well.

Hand Lotion. Collective Wellbeing Hand Cream. Hand cream is a very difficult one to replace entirely. I find myself supplementing this with other more "toxic" creams that I kept. I know, I know ...bad Eco Reading...but my hand suffer so. I really do think this is a great product...but I am still keeping my eye out for one that I may love even more (sounds like my dating days :)

Face lotion. Grateful Body for normal skin. Grateful Body is a California company is a tad on the expensive side, but I swear I never thought I would find a product that I loved as much as my other not so great for me, designer brands. Well I was proven wrong. I love it!

Tinted Lip Balm. Stolat Organics Pomegranate Lip Shimmer. This is a local gal that works her magic out of Newmarket NH. Really nice products and her website is filled with information detailing ingredients that she uses in her products. Bravo Stolat! Oh...on a side note.... Stolat is a famous slavic song sung at weddings and birthdays etc. Could she be one of my people?...hmmm interesting :)

Lip Balm. -Burts Bees beeswax or honey. I know that it is not the healthiest choice (the honey one gets a 4) and they are owned now by Clorox, but I really like them and decided to live with it for now. A better choice that my son uses is Badger Balm is the unscented variety. He hates anything that is "glwinty" (translation "minty"). I have used the cinnamon variety and it is very nice. The Burt's Bees can be found just about anywhere, and the Badger Balm I purchased at the Natural Food Exchange.

Soap. Steve's Soap Works. This is a new find that I purchased at the Natural Food Exchange and I love it. While the name could be sexier (kind of sounds like a foundry or something) the soap is very delicate and beautifully scented. I really love that it does not melt as fast as some of the other "natural" soaps tend to do.

Perfume. Nadina's Cremes "Night Queen". While this is technically a body lotion, the scents tend to linger so I use this as my perfume. According to the site the products is very versatile and can be used as perfume, massage cream, bath oil, and on and on. I have used this for about 15 years (local to Baltimore area) and I still think it is wonderful. They also employ mentally challenged workers and are committed to economics as change. Really nice.

Well, that leads be to makeup. I am still working on that. I did keep a small about of makeup to us for special occasions, but I have not found as of yet replacements for my foundation, mascara, blush, shadow, lipstick, and eyeliner. Lancome's Mascara sits at a #4 and I believe the foundation does as well. The others I am sure are 7+. Fortunately the big manufacturers are coming out with new "mineral" lines so they will become more mainstream. I think I will continue to look and replace a little at a time.

Oh...I wanted to tell you a bit more of the Natural Food Exchange....they are moving to READING! This is a recent discovery and I am floored that I never visited it before my new cosmetic quest. The staff is really helpful and knowledgeable and I even got to try my face cream at home for a few days before I bought it thanks to a sample they gave me. They have some many products to choose from and a wide variety of goods from honey to gluten free to cosmetics. Love it and after their move, it will be even closer!

Going more "green" has cost a lot of "green", I'm not going to lie to you. But if we don't change, what will be the price to our health? I have just read the book The Secret History of the War on Cancer by Dr. Devra Davis. I don't want to scare you my lovely friends, but please believe me when I tell you to think about making small changes in your choices of daily care products. It can truly have an impact upon your well being. It is the very least we can do for ourselves and our family. Remember, you're worth it!

Seasons Greetings

Reading is beautiful. Can you remember such a wonderful snowfall and just in time for the holidays? I just feel so very lucky this morning that out of all of the place on the earth...we decided to live here. It is not just the snowfall that has gotten me all ga-ga.. its the entire package. Reading is a town that George Baily could have lived in. Kind folks who work hard to make every one's lives a bit better.

My son's new favorite show is Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. I am thrilled to have rediscovered it with him. What strikes me is how often he reminds the children to be a good neighbor. Over and over the message is the same. Be kind and caring and look after each other. Well, it is making me a better mother watching these episodes and hopefully I will be a better neighbor.

So it is with these thought in the air circling around with the new fallen snow that I take the time to honor the wonderful people of Reading who do good for all of us. So many folks work extra hard to ease the effects of global warming, create plans for our outdoor enjoyment, keep the magic of the holidays alive (and green on the green), and so many other ways. Many many many people are trying to make Reading more eco and healthier for all of us. I just want to be a good neighbor and say thank you and really we all appreciate the hard work and dedication. Everyone that puts in extra hours to help us....bravo and thousand thanks.

So if you see me trying to navigate the traffic buoy on Main Street in not such a logical manner, have pity on me. I will smile if I see the same. Help each other out of the giant snowbanks that are sure to impact us this winter. Offer a smile and hello to all of these good citizens on the streets of Reading. Then we can truly do our part to make Reading an even better place....and make Mr. Rogers proud.

Wishing you joy, peace and happiness. We'll talk again soon in the New Year.

Eco Reading

Eco Reading Gets Political

I have avoided getting political since I feel that embracing a more sustainable lifestyle has no political affiliation or ideology. My reason for writing this blog was to circumvent the larger overwhelming problems on a global scale and just take it local. Well, as they say, all politics is local. We can do some very tangible things in Reading to make a very large impact when it comes to our health.


My reader friends, you all know that my newly discovered information on the toxic chemicals that are contained in everyday products have got me a bit angry. Which can be a good thing. Angry people enact change. Please take some time to listen and read to some of the stories. Let's see if I can get you riled up enough to take some action :)

Here's a report on Bisphenol A, a type of chemical that is found in some plastics and as it turns out, most cans in the US. I do have to give a little chuckle at the title of the piece, Sex Hormone in a Can.....can you get anymore tabloid than that! But hey, if it gets folks to pay attention, the facts are startling. Bisphenol A can activate the body's own estrogen and cause a myriad of problems. There is a huge debate on the daily human dose levels that are acceptable and at which point damage is done. Our neighbor to the north, Ontario, will probably be banning Bisphenol A in baby bottles. Just this morning CNN has reported that Bisphenol A in baby formula cans may also be a problem. I guess the question is do we want to wait and find out or take steps to limit our exposures to this chemical. At the very least we should be made aware which products contain this chemical.

Unfortunately, most chemicals that are used in products never.....I mean never have been tested. An amazingly retro (meaning actual journalism) investigative piece Are your products safe? You can't tell in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, found some startling information on the chemical in everyday products. The newspaper reviewed more than 250 scientific studies written over the past 20 years; examined thousands of pages of regulatory documents and industry correspondence; and interviewed more than 100 scientists, physicians, and industry and government officials. There findings (get ready to get mad) include: no screening of chemicals despite spending millions, U.S. testing is outdated, Europe and other country bans hundreds of products while the US sits; and the lack of U.S. regulations gives the consumer no informed choice.

Hmmmm ...it seems that the government and the companies that manufacturer these compounds don't want us to have the facts on what is in our products. It seems that a concerted effort is made to delay and misinform us. We think that the federal government is protecting us, when in fact they are not. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are inept and by design, fail to serve the interest of the population. Several examples would be that the FDA does not regulate cosmetic nor personal care items. That is why the cosmetic industry does not have to disclose what is actually in their products or if an ingredient causes cancer or reproductive problems. There are no regulations at all....none. The only way we can know about what is contained in our cosmetic products in through non-governmental organization like the folks who put together the skindeep website, the Environmental Working Group.

Another example would be the Consumer Product Safely Commission...they agency that has been listing the recalls for the toxic children's toys. The reality is that there are no regulations that specifically outlaw toxic chemicals in everyday products with the exception of lead in paint in children's toys. Thank goodness at least for the minimal! This agency budget had been severely underfunded and most decidedly their policies had become more and more non-regulatory in action. Due to concerns about the safely of toys and such, the Congress finally decided to take a stand and substantially expand the budget and regulatory power of the CPSC. The reaction of the agency head, Nancy Nord? She said "thanks but no thanks" to it! Am I kidding you.....I am not. Perhaps she was distracted by the investigations into trips to China that were sponsored by lobbying groups and lawyers representing the makers of products linked to consumer hazards.

The European Union is has taken a much more proactive stand against toxics in everyday products. According to the research of Mark Schapiro in his book, Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power, the EU is now the largest economy in the world and they have taken the view of "precautionary principle" in regards to chemicals. They look upon the "accumulation of evidence" and act before harm is done while the U.S. must have "complete scientific evidence" along with a cost/benefit analysis in order to enact a change in regulation. As a result, the EU has banned outright many of the most toxic substances and has used scientific innovation to come up with alternatives. The U.S. continues to be the go-to market for all the products that were rejected from other countries. So as a result, the U.S. gets the worst of the worst that the world has to offer since we have no protections what so ever.

According to Mark Schapiro, the non-policies of the U.S. in regards to environmental standards are hurting our ability to remain competitive in the global economy. Other developing countries are using the EU model for regulation and in fact, China will be banning the most toxic of substances from their electronics to be sold in China. However, it will be O.K. to sell the products containing mercury, cadmium, chromium, and flame retardants in the U.S. Folks...if China is banning these in China....what does this say about us?

Well, all is not lost. States are picking up the slack in federal policies. California has taken the first step to align their policies with the EU by banning phthalate in all children's products! States are suing the EPA for data on toxins in the environment. Washington has passed a measure phasing out the class of fire retardants PBDEs. Brilliant! Great start!

So here's where I bring it on home, what about Massachusetts you ask? Great news....we have a bill in play right now that would help move things along in regards to toxic chemicals. It is called "An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals." It aims to reduce our exposure to many of the chemicals that I have been talking about by mandating an alternative be used. This is direct response to the EU and it will align Massachusetts much more closely with the policies of the EU and make the state much more competitive in the global economy. What kind of substances are we talking about? How about lead, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, dioxins and furans, hexavalent chromium, organophosphate pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), 2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4, D).

The great news is that there is a tremendous amount of support for the bill in the Massachusetts legislature (including Rep. Patrick Natale ...way to go!) and many others including the Massachusetts PTA . What is not so great is that our Reading representatives Richard Tisei and Brad Jones do not support the bill. Senate Republicans (including Tisei) said they "needed more time to analyze the impact of the bill on businesses, but they were generally supportive of the bill in tone." Well since this bill has been floating around for years, the clock has already been ticking and for the impact, the EU has already implemented these measures and the effects can be clearly seen. Alternatives do not make companies less competitive, it makes them more innovative and appealing to the global marketplace! So any delay in voting upon the measure is clearly not in the long-term interest in businesses and certainly not in the interest of the citizens of Reading! It is really time to stop all this nonsensical "bad for business" model for the environment and health issues. It is simply false.

Ready to go local! Let's see if we can get Tisei and Jones to change their non-support and get them working for the health of Reading on this one. We all need to contact them and let them know that they absolutely need to support the Safer Alternative to Toxic Chemical Bill...no delays for "studying". Massachusetts can be on the forefront of policy change in this country and once again take the lead in philosophical ideology like we did back in the day! If you are in Patrick Natale's district (precincts 2, 3 and 5) please give him a shout out for doing the right thing.

I will sweeten the pot. If you are the first to have a letter published in the Daily Times Chronicle or the Reading Advocate supporting the Safer Alternatives Bill I buy you and your family a dozen eggs and a chicken from 7 Acres Farm. If you are the first to get it published in the Boston Globe.....a big fat turkey! I know that you would do it anyway, but why not have fun with a little contest. A bonus would be to call out Tisei and Jones on their "support but non-support". Just send me your "publishment accomplishment" ;) by email and I will arrange it with 7 Acres. Really, I mean it.

If you are a bit shy about writing to the newspapers just contact Tisei and Jones directly. Feel free to use an example letter or cut and paste parts of this post. Here are the details :

State Sen. Richard Tisei
Richard.Tisei@state.ma.us
State House
Room 308
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: (617) 722-1206
Fax: (617) 722-1063

District Office 979 Main Street
Telephone: (781) 246-3660 Fax: (781) 246-2873

State Rep. Brad Jones

E-Mail: Rep.BradleyJones@hou.state.ma.us
State House
District Office
Room 124
Boston, MA 02133 Telephone: 617-722-2100 Facsimile: 617-722-2390

District Office 249 Park Street
North Reading, MA 01864
978-664-5936
978-664-5936
RepBradJones@Comcast.net

State Rep. Patrick Natale
State House
Room 167
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Telephone: 617-722-2810
Facsimile:
E-Mail: Rep.PatrickNatale@Hou.State.MA.US

I know our state reps. are good folks and really have done much good for the Town of Reading, but we can do even better. Even if you are not a Reading Townie you can still get involved. Learn about the local movements on the health and environmental fronts. Let's get informed, demand some changes and put democracy to work!

Peace,
Eco Reading

Talk Amongst Yourselves

Hello, my friends. I am currently working on an entry that is a bit complicated and requires some major research. I didn't want to leave you hanging so I thought I would post some related media to get you in the mood for things to come. Give a listen to Fresh Air with Terry Gross from earlier this week and tell me if you want to know more! Get ready to get mad.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16616951

It's Sew Time

I totally stole this line from the promo of Project Runway which begins anew tomorrow night! I have heard that this show is inspiring people to start sewing and I too am hoping to inspire you to try your hand at an oldie, a goodie, and I do think an eco... sewing.

I think sewing is in my blood. My Baba sewed, and in fact, when she came to the U.S. got a job in Brodsky's clothing factory and retired there with many many years of service. My grandmother M. was such a skilled sewer that she actually tatted, which is an ever so complicated process of hand making lace! Impressive indeed.

That leads me over to my grandfather, my Dido. His obsession as the "original freegan" was fixing and restoring vacuums and sewing machines. He was fantastic at it and the house had too many machines to count. There were ones in beautiful wooden furniture cabinets, giant overlock machines and the more compact portable ones. Well as I found out, portable is a relative term.

About 12 years ago while I was still a single gal living in my single gal apartment, I decided that I should try my hand a sewing. The last time I sewed was in the late 80's when I was unemployed and decided to make sachet and satin pouches for my friends for Christmas. I went to my grandparents house and my Baba and Aunt helped me. Well, they really did most of the work. I was the designer.

I really wanted to make some pillows for my apartment so hence the need for a sewing machine. I just went to my grandparents house for my "shopping" . My grandfather took the request and several weeks later I went over their house for the pick-up of my small portable apartment-friendly machine. It was a Viking cast iron machine made in "occupied Japan". It weighs about 40 pounds. I was a bit disappointed as I visioned myself with a more "modern" lightweight version of "portable". I probably should not have expressed my feelings (very ungrateful) as it caused the biggest argument I have every seen my grandparents have. (in very loud and fast Belorussian) My grandmother was very sympathetic to me as she was always.


The bottom line, my grandfather was right. It is the perfect machine for me. It is indestructible. No zig zag, no button holer, nothing except perfect stitches forward and backwards! It has served me so very well and continues to do so. It really doesn't need to be new and fancy it just needs to work!


I have been on a bit of a sewing tear since thinking about ways to be more eco-friendly. I have been a frequent visitor to the locally- owned Fabric Place at the Woburn Mall. It is always so busy and I am wondering if folks are back into basics or I am just fairly new to it all and never paid attention. I know that a friend of mine also has just caught the sewing bug and is making the most amazing bags, just like that. You just have to go for it!

I had this silly thought lately while I am browsing around the fabric store. It harkens back to my too-much TV-watching-childhood in the 1970's. I am Mrs. Ingalls in the Olsen's store, fretting over the prices of calico for Laura's and Mary's dresses. I just want to choose the best for the money and perhaps a few eggs. O.K. I know that it was just a TV show and Karen Grassley probably was at Studio 57 after she shot the scene, but I really want to believe that what I will be making will be meaningful and valued.


So I guess that is part of the reason why I think sewing is eco-friendly. If you make it yourself or someone you care for does, you will value the piece more, and they are less likely to be tossed out with yesterday's news. I have two rooms worth of curtains made my my grandmother many, many years ago and I adore them, mainly for sentimental reasons. I can look at the stitches, some of them by hand, and I know that my grandmother is still there within these small gestures. Something that I would not feel the same about if I bought them from Macy's. While sewing is still consumption, it does take out a portion of that global economic machine...the actual manufacturing. I do think that most materials are made in Asia and specifically in China, but I think that it is a trade-off I have live with for the time being.

So what am I making? I made my son's Halloween costume, sexy red silk pillows for our bedroom, a superhero cape, and I am currently making curtains for my son's Christmas present complete with trains! I am not such a skilled sewer but these are straight lines! Even a caveman can do it! :) You just need a bit of planning before hand and go for it. I will use "natural" canvas that uses no dyes and of course the train fabric used on his made in USA comforter. I was a bit disappointed when I found out the fabric was made in Korea, but it was not unexpected. I know that when these are done he will love them and I certainly will do the same.


I have found a local Connecticut company, Poly-fil , to use as my pillow fill. Unfortunately, while it is a local company ,I used the polyester version (polypropylene) ...not so green. After visiting their web site I see that they are manufacturing bamboo fill! Great news and that much better for the next project!


So now you are saying, "Oh yeah sure, when am I going to find the time," and "I can't sew." I have solutions for you! First for time. There is something zen about sewing and just give yourself permission take some "me" time and create! Second,there are many classes in the area such as at Marie's Sewing Center in the Woburn Mall right next to the Fabric Place. Check out the website for a list of classes and the calendar. If a class is too much of an obligation go to the Sew Trendy Studio in Wakefield (the amazingly cute smiles on the girls is worth the trip to the website) for drop in time. If you need help on a project the studio can help you get going! If you need some resources perhaps check out the Reading library for sewing books.


My mother,not a crafty type, actually took a class in the 70's at an adult continuing ed with our neighbor. She made the coolest purple polyester long dress that I absolutely loved. She looked great in it and wore it many times for her dressiest of occasions. Really if my mom can do it, you too can make a funky purple dress. :)


This weekend we took a family trip to the Wenham Museum to see...can you guess...trains! They also have a new show on quilting for dolls. I studied these small treasures and smiled at the perfect stitches probably done by young girls side by side with their Mothers. What a wonderful skill to pass along and perhaps a sewing class could be a perfect gift especially if you do it together.

I am really hoping that you give it a try, as I am sure that you have a sewing machine tucked away somewhere. If you don't check out craigslist for one! You also have plenty of time to get sewing for gifts for the holidays. Just think how much your mom will love something you spent time making! Or how much your daughter will love her new pink pillow!

In parting, I want to share a special memory of my grandparents that I thought about so much today in writing this entry. I had this coat that I loved so much and the lining was totally worn, well let's be honest, it was ripped to shreds, but I wore it anyway. My grandmother seeing this was horrified and set off to repair it pronto. At the beloved sewing machines, my grandfather came over to help her and they had their heads together working in partnership as only life-long partners could. The mid-winter, late afternoon light was coming in from the large window and the picture before me, magical and loving, I knew in my heart, needed to be forever burned into my deepest memories. I know that sewing has a reputation as being mundane, but it can also be a beautiful thing.