think green thursday

I want to lie down in dappled leaf-shade,
In quivering shadows of quivering leaves-
be they oak, be they maple,
be they elm or birch,


I want to rest in the play of shadows
over my reclining form,
The massage of shadows
which consoles me in its way,
Restores for me
with whatever restoration
Flickering shadows of leaves afford-
be they willow or aspen,
be they poplar or beech,


I want to be caressed by shadows
of wavering leaves,
Soothed off to sleep
feeling the gentle breeze,
Looking up at the rustling
sun-drenched crown-
Be it basswood, be it chestnut,
Be it walnut or hickory,


after all is said,
after all is done,
This is the way
I would die. -ANTLER



The ultimate natural family living resource, mothering, has an article this month called "Eco Baby Shower." Imagine having a baby, and bringing it up in this world, without the mountains of handy, helpful baby gadgets. Imagine! One couple did... and they insisted that no one give them anything new. Nothing packaged, wrapped, or plastic. They didn't want any of it. Husband insists, "I don't want any plastic crap."

Imagine what they received instead: a pair of denim overalls saved from the baby days of the mother-to-be, a collection of favorite baby books that have been outgrown... things that have been made beautiful by wear and tear.

I very much liked this article because it reminded me about my revolt against baby gadgets when I was pregnant. I didn't want to think about it. All I needed was a comfortable place to live, a warm bed, good food... I refused to think that I'd need anything more.

It helped that we were living on a boat at the time. We told people not to buy us all those gadgets simply because we didn't have space. I didn't want to get philosophical, and it worked.

And we did just fine. No monstrous high chair (I am truly amazed at the amount of space these things take up in my friend's houses). No crib... not even a pack-n-play. No swings or saucers. We had a few simple things (and of course the mandatory car seat... but we opted for a convertible one that could be used for two years... no "baby buckets"). But far less than what you find on the "essentials" list you get at Babies-Are-Bucks. And my punks grew just fine. Safe and happy, calm and curious.


There are so many things out there. Interesting, wonderful things. But do you really need it? Do you even really want it? Take some time to imagine. Take some time to think.

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