SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW

Repurposed scrap wood and hangers I created - It's called "Ang On (www.esthergrace.com)

I need challenges. Parameters. Deadlines, if you will, in order to get things done. Even fun things that I really WANT to do.

So - I want to issue a challenge to you as a way to have fun but also as a way to get my own butt in gear .

So here it is:

Can you make something new out of something old EVERYDAY until Earth Day? I am gonna do this challenge with my daughter. So parents this can double as a "scram -kid" activity too. Basically re-purpose something using your own creative talents, artwork, and ingenuity. It doesn't have to be anything complicated; An old newspaper into colorful wrapping paper, popsicle stick into a little puppet, old bills into a sketch book. Whatever floats your boat. The goal is just to make something new each day.

Have fun and please share!

SPRUNG!

Its mind over matter. SPRING is here. I know it. I saw a crocus today (through the snow here in Brooklyn). At least the flowers know its Spring.

I, like so many, love Spring. Growing up it signalled my impending April birthday (My parents almost named me Earthly delight - the 60's were good to them). In adult life it is the delicious green carpet that welcomes me out of another heinous winter! Its when you see folks out that you missed the last 5 months. You get to go to festivals, water, cherry blossoms and the like. It is a time of renewal, reproduction and celebration of Mother Earth. What is not to love!?

What's so "eco" about that? Well it is just another confirmation that people of color and many citizens of the world in general recognize this as a time to celebrate our Earth and give a big resounding thank you for what she gives us. Brown folks have always known how to do it up right for the Mother. Many of the celebrations still remain the same now as they did in ancient times. The 3000 year old holiday Nowruz (spelled many ways) is the traditional Persian festival of spring which starts at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, commencing the start of the spring and new beginnings. The name comes from Avestan meaning "new day/daylight". It is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian religion. Today the festival of Noruz is celebrated in Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and many other places.

Last week was the Hindu celebration Holi (or Pagwaha of you are in, say Trinidad or Guyana, or Suriname). a Traditional Holiday celebrating the radiance of the universe in spring, the season of love, and spiritual perseverance among other things. The most popular celebration includes throwing colored water and powder on friends. It is a beautiful site and expression of joy and unbridled revelry!

So whether you plant a garden, bird watch, spring clean, or paint eggs, Spring is a reminder of newness and rebirth. Pagan or religious it is a season that is inextricably bound to our planet. A reminder that the Earth is our responsibility and it is abundant (despite all of the messages of scarcity).

The first Step to conservation.


NY Water Celebration is this weekend - Hey, Mos Def and Marvin Gaye both thought it important (even before Al Gore fame) so maybe we should take a listen?