Care About Climate Change

The effects now reflect human created pollution from decades ago. What we do today affects future generations. We are responsible.  Let's appreciate the independent spirit of the American Dream for what it's good for, but not hide behind that when it comes to working together and taking ownership.

Climate change in Maine:
> Diminishes fishing indsutry, interuptting the livelihood of our state
> Warmer winters increase presence and transmission of vector born diseases like lyme disease
> Will alter coastal landscape & property

What you can do:
>Educate yourself. Make an informed decision for yourself. 
>Write to your representatives to express your concern about climate change and your support for choices our goverment can make to prevent it.
>Consider a more efficient or electric vehicle.
>Stop buying stuff we don't need.
>Buy local, buy fresh.

Sweet Aunt Charlotte

The passing of an institution...I am making a working list of some of the many things that I am taking from Aunt Charlotte that I hope to carry with my through everyday

• high standards for social conduct
• lend a helping hand
• in the end, life's all about people and experiences, fill your life with them and treat them well
• try not to lose touch with friends you meet along the way
• the importance of neighborhood, be a good neighbor

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

Using technology and song to bring the world together...

Things to work on...

Global Awareness...increasing global awareness among the students around me everyday...we're part of something greater, our existence impacts everything around us near and far, we can change the world.

Reduce Consumption, but in the meantime Understand Recycling....I liked in the movie 'Bag It' how he talked about how good we feel when we recycle but that's not the answer and recycling is not the magic bullet.  What I want to know more about is what exactly can be recycled and where and how is it done?

Should keep me busy.....:)

Back in Maine, Time to get to work

OK, I have had my expat fun. I see that life for me is a party compared to life for MOST people. So, what to about it.  See "things to care about" list on the right. These and so many more.

My friend took her daughter yesterday, Nov 14th, to the mall to sit on Santa's lap. I started to complain about the ever-expanding holiday, the commercialism of it all, and then I realized...who the hell cares? You make the holiday what you want for you and your family and the rest, well....there are lots of other more pressing problems to complain about, or better yet, TACKLE!!

Yep, this is just the beginning.

Art Mind Blower!

Vermeer's Girl with the Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis Museum in the Hague.   WOW.  I'll never look at a print the same way.  This power of this painting is magical.  I have never seen skin so porcelain and soft!!    Double thumbs for the temporary Jan Steen exhibit.  A comical twist to a moral lesson in every painting.

Fun Spring Break From Amsterdam with Kids

• Easyjet to Barcelona. Great city!! Friendly airport.
• Car rental to Argeles sur Mer.  Definitely recommend April trip, huge beach, beautiful sand, water, valleys and mountains. Gorgeous- but probably too busy in the summer.  Great wind, plenty of kite and windsurf boards. Other fun activities here include road biking, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking.  We hiked the trail of L'eglise de 12sme siecle.  Fun scrambing and great views.  http://en.argeles-sur-mer.com/
• Camping at Le Bois Fleuri. Loved it!! Definitely recommend it. http://www.bois-fleuri.com/
• Day trip to the medeval village, Villefranche, and nearby caves.  Grotte Grand Canalette- amazing!!!  Town website:http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/page_villefranche_de_conflent.htm  Cave website: http://www.3grottes.com/en/grotte-grandes-canalettes.html
• Then back to Barcelona for a quick visit.  Three ticks:


• Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous cathedral- still being completed...amazing! Nothing like it! 
• Siesta.....
• Magic Fountain, a nighttime spectacle, worth it! 
• Gaudi's Park Guell....just to cement the memory of Gaudi!! :)
• Stayed at the youth hostel Casa Gracia- thumbs up.