I am sure you've heard the old saying....trying to recreate some memorable event can be like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. Well....this is true of my return to Bethel, NY to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Woodstock.Times change....In my naivety I believed that my second trip back to Yasgur's farm (first time was the 29th Anniversary) would yield some wonderful experience...another inkling of what the original 3 days in the garden event might have been like.
Well....just like most things around me....the corporate world has gobbled up yet another piece of history and is now marketing it back to us.Yasgur's farm is now "Bethel Woods Center for the Arts". The perfectly paved roads leading to a fenced off parking lot and well-maintained sodded hillside that empties into a "4,800-seat copper-covered pavilion". This well-oiled machine of a venue has all the amenities that were missing at the original festival site....plenty of toilets (well-staffed for cleanliness and your satisfaction), a huge food concession stand with Slush Puppy frozen drinks and lots of Budweiser beer choices so you can enjoy the show, and even fixed ATM machines around the complex so you never have to worry that you will run out of money! Everything is at our fingertips...all you need is plenty of money to be able to enjoy the show.
Needless to say the show was a disappointment. Richie Havens was the opening act and it was a good performance, but the turnout was very low and the weather really changed quickly from a mild temperate evening to high gusting winds, frequent showers and a drop in temperature at least 5 degrees in a matter of minutes. By the time Arlo began I was freezing and couldn't stay outdoors. The policy of the venue is that once you leave you may not return. Harsh conditions to say the least.I found the real party and it wasn't at Bethel Woods...it was at Hector's Inn...just down the road.
A bunch of people (some of which were at the original festival 39 yrs. ago) were gathered at this groovy local bar to celebrate with free music (anyone could join in and play or sing with the bands) and they didn't mind if you brought your own beverages. The owner, Jerry, was a kinda stodgy old character & even kinda acted like he wasn't in the least bit interested in what was going on....but at some point I flashed my tanned "betty's" at him and he came alive after that! Now, he could hear the conversations and even chime in. I swear you'd have thought I did well more than flashed the old guy but hey...sometimes it doesn't take much to make someone happy...ya know? : )
It was an all-nighter and there was plenty of opportunities to "keep warm" that night, but I thought it better to pass on the kind offers.Yes, Hector's Inn is the place to visit the next time you're passing through Bethel, NY....friendlier, cheaper, and real-down-home hippie folks!!! But for God's sake...don't let the word out.....otherwise it will end up being "Hector's Inn Center for the Arts" !!!!!
Peace!!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Oh, the People You'll Meet....
FIRST.... Direct Action is NEEDED by 8/3/07 at 5 p.m.!!!! Sign a petition to keep NY City from passing an ordinance that would require a permit and 1 million in insurance to be able to take photos or film within a BOGUS time frame and parameters! go to this website to read about it and sign the online petition http://www.pictureny.org/archives/category/about-the-rules
Now....I wanted to share 2 brief stories that I think are so funny I hope you find them just as humorous...
I picked up a local weekly rag called "Vermont Woman" and the cover photo and story read "Roz The Black Panthers The FBI: What our government did to the Black Panthers could happen to you! - Roz Payne" story on page 18. Of course that is the kind of title that initially grabbed my attention (for those of you who know me well). So, I took a copy and headed to the Sheraton to check in at the cheese conference I am attending here in Burlington.
I go to the hotel lounge and I am sitting at a table enjoying a glass of wine and poke thru the paper. I spotted another story "Discovering Vermont's Dairy Haute Couture" which focused the story on the Vermont Butter & Cheese Co. and the co-founder/owner, Allison Hooper. I initially read the story and even highlighted some statements that I thought were interesting. I was taken with her story and thought to myself...."Well, I will be at the right place to potentially meet her...I hope I get the opportunity to do so."
Not minutes after reading the article do I look up and see this tall and slender woman walk past the outdoor lounge and notice her say hello to some conference folks sitting at the table away from me. I kept looking at her and then glanced at the photo of the two cheese-makers in the magazine and then looked up. I thought it was Allison but was weary of making a fool of myself by actually walking up to her and asking if she is indeed the woman in the paper. But I am almost dead-certain it is. I get up walk over and wait till she is done with her conversation with another conference goer and then ask. Sure enough it was Allison and I showed her the paper. She had not yet see it in print and was glad to see it during the conference. I told her I would bring a bunch of copies of the magazine and lay out for people to take.
Later that evening I proceed to read the main story about Roz Payne and her work with Newsreel (a documentary film org. in the 60's that captured some AMAZING footage of the times and people who made that period so fascinating to me) check out http://www.newsreel.us/ to see what I am talking about. The story was very interesting.
I had recently learned about Roz and the Newsreel group last fall when I ordered from AK Press a copy of the DVD film "What We Want, What We Believe" a doc. about the Black Panther Party and related people (lawyers, activists, filmmakers). It is a fantastic documentary film with 12 hrs. of material on 4 discs (pace yourself). I had been searching for more information on the Black Panther Party to better educate myself on their story. Materials on this org. is difficult to find.
So, I read the story in Vermont Woman and recalled some of it from the DVD film and again, thought how neat it would be to run into Roz at some point.
Last night after attending the "Meet the Cheese-makers" event at the Sheraton (OH MY GOD THERE ARE SOME YUMMY CHEESES IN THIS WORLD) and sampling enough to not need to have dinner that night I drove to City Market (the most fabulous cooperative health-food market I know of) to pick up ice for my cooler and a couple items. I get out of the checkout line and walk to the exit door and go to pick up some more copies of Vermont Woman and look next to me and this striking woman looks familiar to me. I look down at the magazine and then look up at the woman and then say aloud "Are you Roz?" and point to the story. She says "Yes I am...I don't like the look on my face in the photo." Well....I was in almost total disbelief!!! What are the odds of this happening in 2 days much less a lifetime...right??? I mean, Burlington is not a huge metropolitan city and my odds of meeting Allison were all but assured, but after reading the articles and wishing to meet both of them was just too funny!!!! And, Roz does not live in Burlington.
Well.....I am having an amazing time here in Burlington!!! Killer cheese and radicals abound!!! Heee heee heee : ) I may never go home!!!
Namaste'
Now....I wanted to share 2 brief stories that I think are so funny I hope you find them just as humorous...
I picked up a local weekly rag called "Vermont Woman" and the cover photo and story read "Roz The Black Panthers The FBI: What our government did to the Black Panthers could happen to you! - Roz Payne" story on page 18. Of course that is the kind of title that initially grabbed my attention (for those of you who know me well). So, I took a copy and headed to the Sheraton to check in at the cheese conference I am attending here in Burlington.
I go to the hotel lounge and I am sitting at a table enjoying a glass of wine and poke thru the paper. I spotted another story "Discovering Vermont's Dairy Haute Couture" which focused the story on the Vermont Butter & Cheese Co. and the co-founder/owner, Allison Hooper. I initially read the story and even highlighted some statements that I thought were interesting. I was taken with her story and thought to myself...."Well, I will be at the right place to potentially meet her...I hope I get the opportunity to do so."
Not minutes after reading the article do I look up and see this tall and slender woman walk past the outdoor lounge and notice her say hello to some conference folks sitting at the table away from me. I kept looking at her and then glanced at the photo of the two cheese-makers in the magazine and then looked up. I thought it was Allison but was weary of making a fool of myself by actually walking up to her and asking if she is indeed the woman in the paper. But I am almost dead-certain it is. I get up walk over and wait till she is done with her conversation with another conference goer and then ask. Sure enough it was Allison and I showed her the paper. She had not yet see it in print and was glad to see it during the conference. I told her I would bring a bunch of copies of the magazine and lay out for people to take.
Later that evening I proceed to read the main story about Roz Payne and her work with Newsreel (a documentary film org. in the 60's that captured some AMAZING footage of the times and people who made that period so fascinating to me) check out http://www.newsreel.us/ to see what I am talking about. The story was very interesting.
I had recently learned about Roz and the Newsreel group last fall when I ordered from AK Press a copy of the DVD film "What We Want, What We Believe" a doc. about the Black Panther Party and related people (lawyers, activists, filmmakers). It is a fantastic documentary film with 12 hrs. of material on 4 discs (pace yourself). I had been searching for more information on the Black Panther Party to better educate myself on their story. Materials on this org. is difficult to find.
So, I read the story in Vermont Woman and recalled some of it from the DVD film and again, thought how neat it would be to run into Roz at some point.
Last night after attending the "Meet the Cheese-makers" event at the Sheraton (OH MY GOD THERE ARE SOME YUMMY CHEESES IN THIS WORLD) and sampling enough to not need to have dinner that night I drove to City Market (the most fabulous cooperative health-food market I know of) to pick up ice for my cooler and a couple items. I get out of the checkout line and walk to the exit door and go to pick up some more copies of Vermont Woman and look next to me and this striking woman looks familiar to me. I look down at the magazine and then look up at the woman and then say aloud "Are you Roz?" and point to the story. She says "Yes I am...I don't like the look on my face in the photo." Well....I was in almost total disbelief!!! What are the odds of this happening in 2 days much less a lifetime...right??? I mean, Burlington is not a huge metropolitan city and my odds of meeting Allison were all but assured, but after reading the articles and wishing to meet both of them was just too funny!!!! And, Roz does not live in Burlington.
Well.....I am having an amazing time here in Burlington!!! Killer cheese and radicals abound!!! Heee heee heee : ) I may never go home!!!
Namaste'
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Travels on the Road
Hi all! I am currently in Lebanon, NH heading to Burlington, VT today. I have been having a wonderful trip north this summer. As for my travels to places this is it so far: to Ashville, Wilmington, Beaufort, Okracoke Island, NC, Washington, DC, Berkeley Springs, WV, New Paltz, NY, Martha's Vineyard and Newburyport, MA. All these places (minus Washington, DC) have a couple things in common....funky, liberal, artistic and quaint small-town feel.
I am enjoying (for the most part) living out of my van in many of the places I have visited with one exception....I don't have the proper outlet in my vehicle to use my one-cup coffee maker in the mornings. I am soooo hooked on my wonderful "Sweetwater Organic Coffee" that I am bummed about my outlet situation. I have been so bold as to gas up my van in Ashville one morning and as discretely as possible take my coffee grinder and maker into the women's bathroom to use the counter outlet to make my morning cup of joe! The cashier (an older woman who looked like a local) didn't seem amused at my explanation...that's ok! You do whatever you have to do when you are a "Sweetwater" junkie!
I will try to get some photos of my "home-on-wheels" so you all can get an idea about my luxurious accomodations. I am grateful to be able to travel this summer and the van is really a great/inexpensive motorhome for me. : )
Will check in with you all after my "cheese" classes....I am attending an artisan cheese conference hosted by the American Cheese Society that my friend, Lynn at Bodega Blue in Vero Beach told me about. I am just loving cheese now that I have experienced some of the best at Bodega Blue. Thanks Lynn! : ) I will be in Burlington for about a week. Then off to "Beantown" (BOSTON) to attend a conference on community gardens with another friend from Ft. Pierce.
Peace!!!
Mindy
I am enjoying (for the most part) living out of my van in many of the places I have visited with one exception....I don't have the proper outlet in my vehicle to use my one-cup coffee maker in the mornings. I am soooo hooked on my wonderful "Sweetwater Organic Coffee" that I am bummed about my outlet situation. I have been so bold as to gas up my van in Ashville one morning and as discretely as possible take my coffee grinder and maker into the women's bathroom to use the counter outlet to make my morning cup of joe! The cashier (an older woman who looked like a local) didn't seem amused at my explanation...that's ok! You do whatever you have to do when you are a "Sweetwater" junkie!
I will try to get some photos of my "home-on-wheels" so you all can get an idea about my luxurious accomodations. I am grateful to be able to travel this summer and the van is really a great/inexpensive motorhome for me. : )
Will check in with you all after my "cheese" classes....I am attending an artisan cheese conference hosted by the American Cheese Society that my friend, Lynn at Bodega Blue in Vero Beach told me about. I am just loving cheese now that I have experienced some of the best at Bodega Blue. Thanks Lynn! : ) I will be in Burlington for about a week. Then off to "Beantown" (BOSTON) to attend a conference on community gardens with another friend from Ft. Pierce.
Peace!!!
Mindy
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
US Social Forum Results
Well, first I apologize for taking so long to post the results of the first ever US Social Forum in Atlanta the end of June, but I have been traveling around and just not spending much time on my computer since I am doing a bit of camping out of my van.
I have a very limited perspective on the Social Forum since I was there to table my fair trade wares. I am happy to report I did very well being the only fair trade gift seller at the event. Surprisingly, activists do have a little money to be able to buy things and I am most grateful for that. : )
What I can tell you all is that there were about 9,000 people there from around the country and the world! I had 3 roommates (2 from the west and southwest US and one from Australia) and stayed at the Westin not far from the civic center. The list of workshops during the 4 day event was contained in a virtual CATALOG! From what my roommates told me the workshops were informative but not a lot of solutions came out of the discussions which is frustrating. I find this to be the case at many of the leftist events I attend. Analysis without solutions brings about frustration and eventually burnout.
I attended a fabulous one-man show "Marx in Soho" which is a play written by Howard Zinn and performed by Fenton Wilkinson who plays Karl Marx. I happened to have sat in front of him the morning of his performance and he was wearing his "M I S" t-shirt and he looks remarkably similar to Marx. We talked for a few moments and he shared with me that about 10 or so years ago he gave up his legal practice (he was in w/ 2 of his siblings) when he had a moment of consciousness and decided to live kind of like me...from day to day being an activist and learning how to survive and thrive and share his knowledge with those who wanted to hear it I went to the performance with my friends from Salt Lake City (I met during my work on the Nader campaign) and truly enjoyed the show.
I shared table space with two lovely ladies Sandy and Pat from "Emma's Revolution" (my FAVORITE heroine!!) when I found them out on the street where the vendors not tabling inside were at. They did not have a tent to keep them from the VERY HOT weather conditions so I told them to pack up their things and share one of my two tables with me. It was great having them as my table companions (they helped me take little breaks which I needed) and enjoyed getting to know them better. They are raising funds to host a camp in both Israel and Palestine this summer. Pat and Sandy are truly wonderful souls!!! Keep an eye out for them to come down to Melbourne from time to time. They have friends in Melbourne Village and come down about once a year and would love to play at some event or place while in town. : ) www.emmasrevolution.com
Well, since Atlanta I have driven around North Carolina beginning in Ashville. I just love that hippie town! The farmer's market is a blast too. Great locally grown foods and Amish canned goods (all pure ingredients!) and local artists under one roof! It is HUGE!
I then went to Wilmington, NC to visit wonderful old family friends. The town is lovely with an old historic district and a really cool beachside area. I was taken aback by the mass traffic (reminding me of south Florida) conditions but it is a gem that has been discovered (much like Vero Beach now) and people want to live there (who can blame them, right?).
After a couple days there I traveled to Moorehead City and Beaufort to visit the place where I stayed for a night back in '88 and '89 when I hitched a ride from Nantucket on a yacht/sportfisher. Both towns are quaint fishing villages and worth visiting.
Then I drove up to Cedar Island to catch the car ferry to Ocracoke Island (2 plus hr. ride) and stayed in the state park campsite that is minutes north of town and has a huge sand mound seperating the campsite from the beach. Really a cool town and cool park to stay at. The town reminded me of Nantucket but in the south (hot and humid!) with dirt roads, lots of trees and flowering bushes and manicured lawns. Howard's kicks ass when it comes to GREAT food (especially the fresh fish dishes!) and open 365 days a year! The man works like a dog!!!! ; )
The next day I took another shorter ferry ride to Hatteras and visited the lighthouse and swam at the beach! Lovely weather and day!
Will sign off now and report again soon!
Wishing everyone a great summer!
PEACE,
Mindy : )
I have a very limited perspective on the Social Forum since I was there to table my fair trade wares. I am happy to report I did very well being the only fair trade gift seller at the event. Surprisingly, activists do have a little money to be able to buy things and I am most grateful for that. : )
What I can tell you all is that there were about 9,000 people there from around the country and the world! I had 3 roommates (2 from the west and southwest US and one from Australia) and stayed at the Westin not far from the civic center. The list of workshops during the 4 day event was contained in a virtual CATALOG! From what my roommates told me the workshops were informative but not a lot of solutions came out of the discussions which is frustrating. I find this to be the case at many of the leftist events I attend. Analysis without solutions brings about frustration and eventually burnout.
I attended a fabulous one-man show "Marx in Soho" which is a play written by Howard Zinn and performed by Fenton Wilkinson who plays Karl Marx. I happened to have sat in front of him the morning of his performance and he was wearing his "M I S" t-shirt and he looks remarkably similar to Marx. We talked for a few moments and he shared with me that about 10 or so years ago he gave up his legal practice (he was in w/ 2 of his siblings) when he had a moment of consciousness and decided to live kind of like me...from day to day being an activist and learning how to survive and thrive and share his knowledge with those who wanted to hear it I went to the performance with my friends from Salt Lake City (I met during my work on the Nader campaign) and truly enjoyed the show.
I shared table space with two lovely ladies Sandy and Pat from "Emma's Revolution" (my FAVORITE heroine!!) when I found them out on the street where the vendors not tabling inside were at. They did not have a tent to keep them from the VERY HOT weather conditions so I told them to pack up their things and share one of my two tables with me. It was great having them as my table companions (they helped me take little breaks which I needed) and enjoyed getting to know them better. They are raising funds to host a camp in both Israel and Palestine this summer. Pat and Sandy are truly wonderful souls!!! Keep an eye out for them to come down to Melbourne from time to time. They have friends in Melbourne Village and come down about once a year and would love to play at some event or place while in town. : ) www.emmasrevolution.com
Well, since Atlanta I have driven around North Carolina beginning in Ashville. I just love that hippie town! The farmer's market is a blast too. Great locally grown foods and Amish canned goods (all pure ingredients!) and local artists under one roof! It is HUGE!
I then went to Wilmington, NC to visit wonderful old family friends. The town is lovely with an old historic district and a really cool beachside area. I was taken aback by the mass traffic (reminding me of south Florida) conditions but it is a gem that has been discovered (much like Vero Beach now) and people want to live there (who can blame them, right?).
After a couple days there I traveled to Moorehead City and Beaufort to visit the place where I stayed for a night back in '88 and '89 when I hitched a ride from Nantucket on a yacht/sportfisher. Both towns are quaint fishing villages and worth visiting.
Then I drove up to Cedar Island to catch the car ferry to Ocracoke Island (2 plus hr. ride) and stayed in the state park campsite that is minutes north of town and has a huge sand mound seperating the campsite from the beach. Really a cool town and cool park to stay at. The town reminded me of Nantucket but in the south (hot and humid!) with dirt roads, lots of trees and flowering bushes and manicured lawns. Howard's kicks ass when it comes to GREAT food (especially the fresh fish dishes!) and open 365 days a year! The man works like a dog!!!! ; )
The next day I took another shorter ferry ride to Hatteras and visited the lighthouse and swam at the beach! Lovely weather and day!
Will sign off now and report again soon!
Wishing everyone a great summer!
PEACE,
Mindy : )
Thursday, June 21, 2007
US Social Forum Next Week 6/27 to 7/1 !!!
Hello Friends & Activists...
I hope you all will check out the following website which will link you to the info on the first ever U.S. Social Forum to be held in Atlanta, GA next week from 6/27 thru 7/1 !! What is the Social Forum? Well... here are the words from the website www.ussf2007.org
The US Social Forum is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war and repression.
The USSF will provide space to build relationships, learn from each other's experiences, share our analysis of the problems our communities face, and bring renewed insight and inspiration. It will help develop leadership and develop consciousness, vision, and strategy needed to realize another world.
The USSF sends a message to other people’s movements around the world that there is an active movement in the US opposing US Policies at home and abroad.
We must declare what we want our world to look like and begin planning the path to get there. A global movement is rising. The USSF is our opportunity to demonstrate to the world Another World is Possible!
Yours truly will be there tabling my wonderful fair trade goods from Serendipity Fair Trade and will make some great connections with people and organizations around the country in the hopes of doing more good work! If you can come up for the event....PLEASE DO and let me know if you are coming... my email is mindystone1@yahoo.com
peace,
Mindy
I hope you all will check out the following website which will link you to the info on the first ever U.S. Social Forum to be held in Atlanta, GA next week from 6/27 thru 7/1 !! What is the Social Forum? Well... here are the words from the website www.ussf2007.org
The US Social Forum is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war and repression.
The USSF will provide space to build relationships, learn from each other's experiences, share our analysis of the problems our communities face, and bring renewed insight and inspiration. It will help develop leadership and develop consciousness, vision, and strategy needed to realize another world.
The USSF sends a message to other people’s movements around the world that there is an active movement in the US opposing US Policies at home and abroad.
We must declare what we want our world to look like and begin planning the path to get there. A global movement is rising. The USSF is our opportunity to demonstrate to the world Another World is Possible!
Yours truly will be there tabling my wonderful fair trade goods from Serendipity Fair Trade and will make some great connections with people and organizations around the country in the hopes of doing more good work! If you can come up for the event....PLEASE DO and let me know if you are coming... my email is mindystone1@yahoo.com
peace,
Mindy
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Big Decision....DUMP Trans Fair USA !
Dear fair trade friends....
After giving considerable thought to what I heard at the Fair Trade Federation conference and debating the "Starbucks" 5% fair trade coffee beans issue with the Trans Fair people at both the Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America and at the FTF conference I have decided that if TransFairUSA wanted to hold a double-standard for small coffee roasters and multi-national corporations then I would have to take a principled stand and DUMP the "TransFairUSA" certification on my bags of coffee and I will notify Ithica Fine Chocolates that I would prefer they dump their TransFairUSA certification on their Art Bars and instead purchase their cocoa as a "direct buyer" from their co-op connection in Bolivia and tell them why. One HUGE benefit of direct buying is being able to give the cooperative MORE money (avoiding the fees for having the certification stamp in the first place) and allowing my coffee roaster to avoid their fees and the daunting audit process.
I have had a few conversations with small, people and business conscious coffee roasters like mine (Nora & Chris at Sweetwater) who are tired of the unfair behavior Trans Fair lays on them and the "hands-off" attitude they have with giant, wealthier coffee roasters and brewers like Starbucks and McDonalds! I am too! So, I guess once you read the article below you will understand why I am upset and feel the need to make a change.
I am beginning to see that what I really want is to promote relationships. I want to cultivate a relationship with my customers and my suppliers....this means I want my customers to do the same...really what this amounts to is becoming more trusting in each other. You trust that I will uphold my standards as a retailer to deal with "fairly traded" goods and I will make sure that my vendors are helping me to keep my word to you, my customers. Doesn't this sound rather "organic"? I LOVE IT !!! Direct relationships is the alternative to the labeling of "fair trade" when well intentioned people cannot get others to do the right thing.
peace.....Mindy : )
Dean's Beans and the Fairer Trade
Filed on Jun 15, 2007 at 8:55 AM PST By Alicia Erickson
Share: Digg Hugg Del.icio.us Reddit More by this writer
Brady provided a detailed description of the various Fair Trade labels and to which products they can be applied, but what is the real difference between them? Labels such as the TransFairUSA are applied to specific transactions, so you can be assured that the coffee or banana you are buying has met the Fair Trade criteria. However, this label does not ensure the company is committed to the goals and ideals behind Fair Trade in all their business.
Conversely, the Fair Trade Federation looks at the entire company, whether it is producer, wholesaler or retailer, and requires that they commit 100% to the Fair Trade ideals. Why does this make a difference? Unfortunately, as Fair Trade has gained popularity, some companies have taken advantage and used a few Fair Trade transactions as a marketing boost for their entire company’s public image.
One coffee company, Dean's Beans, has taken a different approach towards their Fair Trade model. Seeing some of the failings of the traditional certification labels and unhappy with the "great pretenders," they have chosen to become members of the Fair Trade Federation and commit 100% as a company to those ideals, and forego the TransFairUSA certification. They have found that there are less than "a dozen Fair Trade coffee companies in the USA." In fact, some of the larger companies (Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Green Mountain) that could make a significant impact in thousands of farmers lives have committed only to buying Fair Trade beans for 1-12% of their total purchases. And while farmers must meet stringent transparency and accountability guidelines, the companies purchasing the coffee are not held to the same standard, and often refuse to release the actual percentage of their coffee that is Fair Trade (a conspicuous requirement missing from TransFair).
While any size commitment to Fair Trade purchases is certainly positive, it sits a bit poorly when some of the loudest and proudest are sometimes the companies doing the least. "It's important to remember that Fair Trade is an economic agreement, it's not a type of coffee." With only 20% of Fair Trade eligible coffee being sold as such and the remainder going at conventional pricing, there is certainly a great opportunity for these companies to increase their purchases.
Dean's Beans has laid out a business model they hope others will adopt and raise practices above Fair Trade standards:
All purchases from certified organic FLO cooperatives.
All purchases at or above international Fair Trade price.
Prefinancing whenever financially possible.
Additional six cent/lb Social Equity Premium paid to farmers for distribution, development, internal expenses, or however they choose to use funds.
An independent, public audit by Quality Assurance International of our Fair Trade practices, to be posted right here for all to see!
While it is positive such large companies from Starbucks to Wal-Mart to McDonalds have begun offering Fair Trade options, it is not enough. As consumers, it is our responsibility to seize the opportunity and demand more of a commitment to the entire idea of Fair Trade, and not be sedated with their small offerings, but rather push them to higher standards of business throughout their company.
After giving considerable thought to what I heard at the Fair Trade Federation conference and debating the "Starbucks" 5% fair trade coffee beans issue with the Trans Fair people at both the Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America and at the FTF conference I have decided that if TransFairUSA wanted to hold a double-standard for small coffee roasters and multi-national corporations then I would have to take a principled stand and DUMP the "TransFairUSA" certification on my bags of coffee and I will notify Ithica Fine Chocolates that I would prefer they dump their TransFairUSA certification on their Art Bars and instead purchase their cocoa as a "direct buyer" from their co-op connection in Bolivia and tell them why. One HUGE benefit of direct buying is being able to give the cooperative MORE money (avoiding the fees for having the certification stamp in the first place) and allowing my coffee roaster to avoid their fees and the daunting audit process.
I have had a few conversations with small, people and business conscious coffee roasters like mine (Nora & Chris at Sweetwater) who are tired of the unfair behavior Trans Fair lays on them and the "hands-off" attitude they have with giant, wealthier coffee roasters and brewers like Starbucks and McDonalds! I am too! So, I guess once you read the article below you will understand why I am upset and feel the need to make a change.
I am beginning to see that what I really want is to promote relationships. I want to cultivate a relationship with my customers and my suppliers....this means I want my customers to do the same...really what this amounts to is becoming more trusting in each other. You trust that I will uphold my standards as a retailer to deal with "fairly traded" goods and I will make sure that my vendors are helping me to keep my word to you, my customers. Doesn't this sound rather "organic"? I LOVE IT !!! Direct relationships is the alternative to the labeling of "fair trade" when well intentioned people cannot get others to do the right thing.
peace.....Mindy : )
Dean's Beans and the Fairer Trade
Filed on Jun 15, 2007 at 8:55 AM PST By Alicia Erickson
Share: Digg Hugg Del.icio.us Reddit More by this writer
Brady provided a detailed description of the various Fair Trade labels and to which products they can be applied, but what is the real difference between them? Labels such as the TransFairUSA are applied to specific transactions, so you can be assured that the coffee or banana you are buying has met the Fair Trade criteria. However, this label does not ensure the company is committed to the goals and ideals behind Fair Trade in all their business.
Conversely, the Fair Trade Federation looks at the entire company, whether it is producer, wholesaler or retailer, and requires that they commit 100% to the Fair Trade ideals. Why does this make a difference? Unfortunately, as Fair Trade has gained popularity, some companies have taken advantage and used a few Fair Trade transactions as a marketing boost for their entire company’s public image.
One coffee company, Dean's Beans, has taken a different approach towards their Fair Trade model. Seeing some of the failings of the traditional certification labels and unhappy with the "great pretenders," they have chosen to become members of the Fair Trade Federation and commit 100% as a company to those ideals, and forego the TransFairUSA certification. They have found that there are less than "a dozen Fair Trade coffee companies in the USA." In fact, some of the larger companies (Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Green Mountain) that could make a significant impact in thousands of farmers lives have committed only to buying Fair Trade beans for 1-12% of their total purchases. And while farmers must meet stringent transparency and accountability guidelines, the companies purchasing the coffee are not held to the same standard, and often refuse to release the actual percentage of their coffee that is Fair Trade (a conspicuous requirement missing from TransFair).
While any size commitment to Fair Trade purchases is certainly positive, it sits a bit poorly when some of the loudest and proudest are sometimes the companies doing the least. "It's important to remember that Fair Trade is an economic agreement, it's not a type of coffee." With only 20% of Fair Trade eligible coffee being sold as such and the remainder going at conventional pricing, there is certainly a great opportunity for these companies to increase their purchases.
Dean's Beans has laid out a business model they hope others will adopt and raise practices above Fair Trade standards:
All purchases from certified organic FLO cooperatives.
All purchases at or above international Fair Trade price.
Prefinancing whenever financially possible.
Additional six cent/lb Social Equity Premium paid to farmers for distribution, development, internal expenses, or however they choose to use funds.
An independent, public audit by Quality Assurance International of our Fair Trade practices, to be posted right here for all to see!
While it is positive such large companies from Starbucks to Wal-Mart to McDonalds have begun offering Fair Trade options, it is not enough. As consumers, it is our responsibility to seize the opportunity and demand more of a commitment to the entire idea of Fair Trade, and not be sedated with their small offerings, but rather push them to higher standards of business throughout their company.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Fair Trade Federation Conference
Well....I just finished my 10 day long trip to DC and it was a rewarding experience for me. Between the two conferences I met a wide variety of people who challenged me to look at my activist work and focus a bit more narrowly. I will begin with my 3 day Fair Trade Federation conference.
I was able to meet all kinds of people involved in the fair trade movement from wholesalers to a producer coordinator from Guatemala to interior designers and financiers (who understand the special needs that fair trade people have) to newly graduated students looking to find their place in the movement. The founder of Ten Thousand Villages, Paul Myers, was the keynote speaker and he was very thoughtful in his speech on the future of fair trade and how we need to be deliberate and careful about mainstreaming our concept. This is a real concern of mine and there are some serious impacts involved in mixing fair trade into publicly held corporations.
I discovered a lot about myself in this conference. I have recently been challenging what my role is in having a fair trade shop. I am not a natural-born salesperson and given my interest in being an activist, I am not well-suited for sitting in a store for several hours a day (as many of you can attest when trying to visit my shop and seeing a closed sign...my apologies to you all who have encountered that) when I could be out educating the public on the concept of fair trade. I come from a long line of educators and believe that I have been given the gift of teaching (I just cannot do it in the formal "institutional" sense). The difference between an effective teacher and an ineffective teacher is the ability to convey your message well. This is where I lack confidence. Somehow I must become more comfortable speaking publicly and I need to find a way to earn a "living wage" doing it.
Back to the conference.... It was great being there with my vendor, Allen Joseph, from "Living Wage Co." and meeting his brother Rich from Wisconsin who were there promoting the fair trade gift card. This is a great advance forward for the fair trade marketplace because it gives people the ability to give this gift card to friends/family members who can use the card in a fair trade shop near them (provided the shop is set up to accept the gift cards).
The weekend was full of individual workshops as well as general panel discussions that took place intermittently. They were very informative and one special guest panelist from MayaWorks in Guatemala (and native Guatemalan), Mirian Otzin, who had a translator help her commuicate with us about what the producer groups are doing to bring our marketplace their lovely crafts and how fair trade wages have improved the lives of people in her area. I was deeply gratified to hear how important fair trade is to the people in her country. What we, United States citizens, need to understand is one very important fact about fair trade which is that when people in 3rd world countries are paid a living wage, they are able to stay in their homeland and thrive instead of fleeing for economic reasons and adding to the immigration issue that seems to have a grip of fear across our country. If you want to stop the flow of immigrants coming across our borders then stop buying "free trade" products that are paying poverty wages and support fair trade.
Without a doubt the more interesting of the two conferences for me was the "Taming the Giant Corporation" held the second weekend in June. I will spend more time sharing the notes I was able to take on the various topics that were discussed (as much as I could write down).
Stay tuned!
peace,
mindy
I was able to meet all kinds of people involved in the fair trade movement from wholesalers to a producer coordinator from Guatemala to interior designers and financiers (who understand the special needs that fair trade people have) to newly graduated students looking to find their place in the movement. The founder of Ten Thousand Villages, Paul Myers, was the keynote speaker and he was very thoughtful in his speech on the future of fair trade and how we need to be deliberate and careful about mainstreaming our concept. This is a real concern of mine and there are some serious impacts involved in mixing fair trade into publicly held corporations.
I discovered a lot about myself in this conference. I have recently been challenging what my role is in having a fair trade shop. I am not a natural-born salesperson and given my interest in being an activist, I am not well-suited for sitting in a store for several hours a day (as many of you can attest when trying to visit my shop and seeing a closed sign...my apologies to you all who have encountered that) when I could be out educating the public on the concept of fair trade. I come from a long line of educators and believe that I have been given the gift of teaching (I just cannot do it in the formal "institutional" sense). The difference between an effective teacher and an ineffective teacher is the ability to convey your message well. This is where I lack confidence. Somehow I must become more comfortable speaking publicly and I need to find a way to earn a "living wage" doing it.
Back to the conference.... It was great being there with my vendor, Allen Joseph, from "Living Wage Co." and meeting his brother Rich from Wisconsin who were there promoting the fair trade gift card. This is a great advance forward for the fair trade marketplace because it gives people the ability to give this gift card to friends/family members who can use the card in a fair trade shop near them (provided the shop is set up to accept the gift cards).
The weekend was full of individual workshops as well as general panel discussions that took place intermittently. They were very informative and one special guest panelist from MayaWorks in Guatemala (and native Guatemalan), Mirian Otzin, who had a translator help her commuicate with us about what the producer groups are doing to bring our marketplace their lovely crafts and how fair trade wages have improved the lives of people in her area. I was deeply gratified to hear how important fair trade is to the people in her country. What we, United States citizens, need to understand is one very important fact about fair trade which is that when people in 3rd world countries are paid a living wage, they are able to stay in their homeland and thrive instead of fleeing for economic reasons and adding to the immigration issue that seems to have a grip of fear across our country. If you want to stop the flow of immigrants coming across our borders then stop buying "free trade" products that are paying poverty wages and support fair trade.
Without a doubt the more interesting of the two conferences for me was the "Taming the Giant Corporation" held the second weekend in June. I will spend more time sharing the notes I was able to take on the various topics that were discussed (as much as I could write down).
Stay tuned!
peace,
mindy
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Take Part in Community Radio Project in June
Friends...
If you can get the chance to take part in this very cool experience of starting a LPFM (low power FM radio project) and to see how community radio is done try very hard to go to Greenville, SC on June 8 - 10th for this event. Read please.....
Hello Friends and greetings from the Prometheus Radio Project!
Online registration is now up for our next fantastic barnraising in
Greenville, SC with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement:
http://www.prometheusradio.org/wmxp_registration.html
MXGM and Prometheus will come together with hundreds of regional
volunteers, June 8th-10th , to build an entire brand new low power FM
community radio station over the course of the weekend. This will be
Prometheus’ 11th community radio barnraising, and our first one in a long
time in the south! Come join us for a weekend filled with workshops on
radio programming, editing, field recording, fundraising, youth radio, to
name only a few.
Go here: http://www.prometheusradio.org/wmxp_registration.html
to register for the barnraising.
For updates: Check our website www.prometheusradio.org for updates on
housing, workshops, transportation, local hotels and restaurants, and
more.
Also to find out more about the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement in
Greenville, visit :
http://www.african-american-institute.com
thanks,
Prometheus Radio Project
Siyade Gemechisa
Volunteer & Events Coordinator
www.prometheusradio.org
(215)727-9620 x505
If you can get the chance to take part in this very cool experience of starting a LPFM (low power FM radio project) and to see how community radio is done try very hard to go to Greenville, SC on June 8 - 10th for this event. Read please.....
Hello Friends and greetings from the Prometheus Radio Project!
Online registration is now up for our next fantastic barnraising in
Greenville, SC with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement:
http://www.prometheusradio.org/wmxp_registration.html
MXGM and Prometheus will come together with hundreds of regional
volunteers, June 8th-10th , to build an entire brand new low power FM
community radio station over the course of the weekend. This will be
Prometheus’ 11th community radio barnraising, and our first one in a long
time in the south! Come join us for a weekend filled with workshops on
radio programming, editing, field recording, fundraising, youth radio, to
name only a few.
Go here: http://www.prometheusradio.org/wmxp_registration.html
to register for the barnraising.
For updates: Check our website www.prometheusradio.org for updates on
housing, workshops, transportation, local hotels and restaurants, and
more.
Also to find out more about the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement in
Greenville, visit :
http://www.african-american-institute.com
thanks,
Prometheus Radio Project
Siyade Gemechisa
Volunteer & Events Coordinator
www.prometheusradio.org
(215)727-9620 x505
Monday, May 14, 2007
World Fair Trade Day and Summer Plans
Hey there everyone....
Well, last Sat. 5/12 was World Fair Trade Day and I was able to attend the second celebration at a very cool vegan/vegetarian cafe, Dandelioncommunitea Cafe, in Orlando. Live music, poetry readings, many fair trade and locally (organic) product vendors were there. A Henna artist and massage therapist were there and all in all it was a fun day!!!
I am getting ready to close Serendipity Fair Trade for the summer starting this Sunday. I will be sorry not to be open, but last summer I had to close to work as a waitress (which I enjoyed but hard work...made me humble) to keep paying the rent on the shop....sooooo I thought I would take the time this summer to travel north and sell my goods at festivals and markets that would be friendly to my fair trade items. I also want to take some time to get more direction and education on being a more effective activist/organizer. One on one, the passion in my voice/words for fair trade, mass movement building, the urgency for getting involved in any way possible comes across, but in front of a group or crowd I get nervous.
So...here is my line-up so far...... Will be in DC the first week of June to attend two conferences. The first is the Fair Trade Federation conference (where my vendor & friend, Allen Joseph from Living Wage Co. will be also) and the second weekend is a really interesting one..."Taming the Giant Corporation" which will have a good number of well-known speakers over the 3 days...my favorite of which is Ralph Nader (still working as a consumer advocate to slay the corporate dragons...truly a national hero regardless of his record as a Presidential candidate).
I will fly to GA from there and at the end of the month will table my goods at the first ever US Social Forum (based on the same concept of the World Social Forum that counters the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland every Jan.) from June 27 thru 30th. If anyone is able to come up to Atlanta for it...do so...it is amazing...people and orgs. from all over the country will be there!!!
The second week of July I will travel back up to DC to live, train and work with the CODE PINK ladies! This will certainly be one of the highlights of my summer activism. I plan on taking some calculated risks to develop my leadership skills and take some courageous actions (don't worry....I won't do anything stupid). When I think of people like Cindy Sheehan who has given up one of her children for this idiotic, illegal and INSANE war and challenges those corrupt politicians like our very own Sen. Bill Nelson (who JUST sold out AGAIN to fund the war....forever I am sure...by voting with Rep. and against his own party...coward!!!) and Rep. Dave Weldon who couldn't come up with an original thought if he had to (to defend backing Bush in Iraq) I must have the courage of my convictions to do what is necessary to protect the lives of our service men and women and the very future of our society against my corrupt government. I am sure you understand.
After my second trip to DC I am not sure what is next...but be sure it will be EXCITING!!!!
I will be in the shop until this Sun. and will be around Melbourne until just before or just after Memorial Day. Keep in touch!!!! : )
PEACE !!!!
Well, last Sat. 5/12 was World Fair Trade Day and I was able to attend the second celebration at a very cool vegan/vegetarian cafe, Dandelioncommunitea Cafe, in Orlando. Live music, poetry readings, many fair trade and locally (organic) product vendors were there. A Henna artist and massage therapist were there and all in all it was a fun day!!!
I am getting ready to close Serendipity Fair Trade for the summer starting this Sunday. I will be sorry not to be open, but last summer I had to close to work as a waitress (which I enjoyed but hard work...made me humble) to keep paying the rent on the shop....sooooo I thought I would take the time this summer to travel north and sell my goods at festivals and markets that would be friendly to my fair trade items. I also want to take some time to get more direction and education on being a more effective activist/organizer. One on one, the passion in my voice/words for fair trade, mass movement building, the urgency for getting involved in any way possible comes across, but in front of a group or crowd I get nervous.
So...here is my line-up so far...... Will be in DC the first week of June to attend two conferences. The first is the Fair Trade Federation conference (where my vendor & friend, Allen Joseph from Living Wage Co. will be also) and the second weekend is a really interesting one..."Taming the Giant Corporation" which will have a good number of well-known speakers over the 3 days...my favorite of which is Ralph Nader (still working as a consumer advocate to slay the corporate dragons...truly a national hero regardless of his record as a Presidential candidate).
I will fly to GA from there and at the end of the month will table my goods at the first ever US Social Forum (based on the same concept of the World Social Forum that counters the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland every Jan.) from June 27 thru 30th. If anyone is able to come up to Atlanta for it...do so...it is amazing...people and orgs. from all over the country will be there!!!
The second week of July I will travel back up to DC to live, train and work with the CODE PINK ladies! This will certainly be one of the highlights of my summer activism. I plan on taking some calculated risks to develop my leadership skills and take some courageous actions (don't worry....I won't do anything stupid). When I think of people like Cindy Sheehan who has given up one of her children for this idiotic, illegal and INSANE war and challenges those corrupt politicians like our very own Sen. Bill Nelson (who JUST sold out AGAIN to fund the war....forever I am sure...by voting with Rep. and against his own party...coward!!!) and Rep. Dave Weldon who couldn't come up with an original thought if he had to (to defend backing Bush in Iraq) I must have the courage of my convictions to do what is necessary to protect the lives of our service men and women and the very future of our society against my corrupt government. I am sure you understand.
After my second trip to DC I am not sure what is next...but be sure it will be EXCITING!!!!
I will be in the shop until this Sun. and will be around Melbourne until just before or just after Memorial Day. Keep in touch!!!! : )
PEACE !!!!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Amazing Coffee Conference !!!
Amazing Coffee Conference !!! Hi all !!! Wow....I have just had an amazing time at my first coffee conference in Long Beach, CA. The SCAA is the org that is holding its 25th coffee convention and the keynote speaker was David Robinson (son of baseball legend, Jackie Robinson) who owns a large coffee farm in Tanzania and organized a coffee cooperative with coffee farmers in his area. His speech was passionate, honest, and hopeful that the SCAA will seek to create special relationships with the farmers and encourage only the best quality coffee product that can lead to social and economic justice for all! David gave a big plug for "fair trade" but followed up with the statement that his cooperative opted to sell their coffee directly to buyers so they could start schools and give the $ to individual farmers rather than use profits to pay for certification for the fair trade branding. David felt that “fair trade” was widely accepted in Europe and the United States and therefore they would use all their profits to help their cooperative and David’s…. “Up Country” based in NY. I differed with David on his remark about fair trade having a solid platform for which to gain growing support and felt I needed to somehow talk with him and try to change his mind and seriously reconsider certifying their coffee with the fair trade logo. Yes, the immediate impact of de-funding community programs and investing in the certification program of “fair trade” has some short term struggling impacts, but when consumers become educated about equitable trading practices the long term benefits will make up for it.
After David’s eloquent and “feather-ruffling” speech (the board members of SCAA were stiffening their backs every time David used the term “social justice”) I waited until those who wanted to personally speak with him got their chance and I went up to him and introduced myself to him and thanked him for following in his father’s footsteps as a social justice advocate. I really admire David. I shared with David my thoughts on the fair trade movement in the USA and how still very unknown the concept is. Europe has been promoting FT since the 1950’s. We have only jumped on board in the late ‘90’s and I don’t believe it really took off nationwide until after the Seattle WTO protest in 1999. I made an impassioned plea to David to revisit the FT certification idea with his cooperative and informed him that FT commodities were recently under fire by the USDA to only allow the “organic” cert. on commodities from single-source farms (obviously poor coffee farmers need to form “cooperatives” to have any kind of selling power and having the organic stamp on their product which is recognized by wealthy consumers is crucial to help fair trade label be readily accepted). Major corporations like Star_ucks would like to see fair trade eliminated to keep their profits bloated, so getting “organic” standards to help with this endeavor certainly would help.
David was gracious in listening to me and considering what I was asking. I thanked him, shook his hand and wished him well. Never did I think the very next morning that I would have another “chance” encounter with him, but I did!
David was alone smoking a cigarette (he admits it is a terrible vice but one his still enjoys) looking over the railing from in front of the lovely glass convention center building onto the street. I slowly walked over and he smiled and greeted me. I was very glad to have had another opportunity to speak with him (alone this time) and engage in a more reflective yet casual way so that he could have another opportunity to get to know who I was…a seriously committed social justice activist…and why I am so passionate about the fair trade issue…to end global slavery. David was not familiar with the GMO food issue either and the new threat of the GM coffee bean being created by Nestle foods. This threat could directly impact David’s coffee plantation because the new bean called a “cologne bean” would be planted in Tanzania. All organic plant foods can become contaminated by GM plants therefore ending organic foods…PERIOD. I told David my coffee people from Sweetwater were at the convention and would rather have them explain the GM issue since they were better educated on this issue than I. I gave David the name of the film “The Corporation” and suggested he get this film and see it as it, in my opinion, correctly conveys how corporations operate and why they are a threat to both fair trade and organic foods and ultimately the social justice movement. I again praised David for being committed to quality coffee and social justice and hoped that we would meet again someday preferably in Tanzania.
I am on my way back to Melbourne after my nice break from my present reality. I am looking forward to opening up the shop this week until I close for the summer on May 20th. I hope you all will come by and see me…if only to just say hello before I go. : )
Namaste’
After David’s eloquent and “feather-ruffling” speech (the board members of SCAA were stiffening their backs every time David used the term “social justice”) I waited until those who wanted to personally speak with him got their chance and I went up to him and introduced myself to him and thanked him for following in his father’s footsteps as a social justice advocate. I really admire David. I shared with David my thoughts on the fair trade movement in the USA and how still very unknown the concept is. Europe has been promoting FT since the 1950’s. We have only jumped on board in the late ‘90’s and I don’t believe it really took off nationwide until after the Seattle WTO protest in 1999. I made an impassioned plea to David to revisit the FT certification idea with his cooperative and informed him that FT commodities were recently under fire by the USDA to only allow the “organic” cert. on commodities from single-source farms (obviously poor coffee farmers need to form “cooperatives” to have any kind of selling power and having the organic stamp on their product which is recognized by wealthy consumers is crucial to help fair trade label be readily accepted). Major corporations like Star_ucks would like to see fair trade eliminated to keep their profits bloated, so getting “organic” standards to help with this endeavor certainly would help.
David was gracious in listening to me and considering what I was asking. I thanked him, shook his hand and wished him well. Never did I think the very next morning that I would have another “chance” encounter with him, but I did!
David was alone smoking a cigarette (he admits it is a terrible vice but one his still enjoys) looking over the railing from in front of the lovely glass convention center building onto the street. I slowly walked over and he smiled and greeted me. I was very glad to have had another opportunity to speak with him (alone this time) and engage in a more reflective yet casual way so that he could have another opportunity to get to know who I was…a seriously committed social justice activist…and why I am so passionate about the fair trade issue…to end global slavery. David was not familiar with the GMO food issue either and the new threat of the GM coffee bean being created by Nestle foods. This threat could directly impact David’s coffee plantation because the new bean called a “cologne bean” would be planted in Tanzania. All organic plant foods can become contaminated by GM plants therefore ending organic foods…PERIOD. I told David my coffee people from Sweetwater were at the convention and would rather have them explain the GM issue since they were better educated on this issue than I. I gave David the name of the film “The Corporation” and suggested he get this film and see it as it, in my opinion, correctly conveys how corporations operate and why they are a threat to both fair trade and organic foods and ultimately the social justice movement. I again praised David for being committed to quality coffee and social justice and hoped that we would meet again someday preferably in Tanzania.
I am on my way back to Melbourne after my nice break from my present reality. I am looking forward to opening up the shop this week until I close for the summer on May 20th. I hope you all will come by and see me…if only to just say hello before I go. : )
Namaste’
Thursday, May 3, 2007
California Here I am
Well....I am out in chilly, partially cloudy southern CA...San Diego to be more accurate. I came out to visit my lapband doctor in Tijuana (cannot afford American doctors, nor do I want to risk my life at an American hospital....a friend told me another acquaintance he knew was killed by a catheter bursting a vessel in a hospital recently...one of many scary stories I have heard). I saw my doctor and had to have an "un-fill" to take fluid out of the band to let my stoma heal for a month and then come back out for a fill (band talk) due to my "not following band instructions" and not eating properly. I am very upset at myself and realize no one can cheat using this terrific weightloss device and I need to take my health more seriously! Ughhh!!
I will be driving to Long Beach on Fri and Sat to go to the Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America's annual convention. I will get to see my favorite coffee friends, Chris and Nora, from Sweetwater Organic Coffee Co. there and will get further educated about my FAVORITE beverage (yes, I prefer it over alcohol). The keynote speaker for the convention is David Robinson, the son of famed baseball player, Jackie Robinson. I am really excited about the convention!
Have a blissful day!!!!
I will be driving to Long Beach on Fri and Sat to go to the Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America's annual convention. I will get to see my favorite coffee friends, Chris and Nora, from Sweetwater Organic Coffee Co. there and will get further educated about my FAVORITE beverage (yes, I prefer it over alcohol). The keynote speaker for the convention is David Robinson, the son of famed baseball player, Jackie Robinson. I am really excited about the convention!
Have a blissful day!!!!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Where Joy Abounds
Instead of come up with my own thought today I am going to share one of my many favorite inspirational thoughts from a book I created years ago of articles, letters, comic strips and photos of some of my favorite things. Enjoy....
Where Joy Abounds
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long train journey. Through the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on near-by highways, of children waving at us from a crossing, or cattle grazing on a hillside, or smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of maize and wheat, of mountains and valleys, of city skylines and village huts.
But uppermost in our minds is our destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Then wonderful dreams will come true, and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the loitering minutes - waiting, waiting ...
"When I reach the station, that will be it," we tell ourselves. "When I'm 25, .." "When I buy a house, ..." "When I get married, ..." "When I've paid off the bank loan, ..." "When I get that big promotion, ..." "When I retire, I shall live happily ever after! "
Sooner or later we realize that there is no station, no place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream that constantly outdistances us.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto. So, stop pacing the aisles and measuring the distance. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice-cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more. Live life as you go along, it will be spring.
by Robert Hastings
Where Joy Abounds
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long train journey. Through the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on near-by highways, of children waving at us from a crossing, or cattle grazing on a hillside, or smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of maize and wheat, of mountains and valleys, of city skylines and village huts.
But uppermost in our minds is our destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Then wonderful dreams will come true, and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the loitering minutes - waiting, waiting ...
"When I reach the station, that will be it," we tell ourselves. "When I'm 25, .." "When I buy a house, ..." "When I get married, ..." "When I've paid off the bank loan, ..." "When I get that big promotion, ..." "When I retire, I shall live happily ever after! "
Sooner or later we realize that there is no station, no place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream that constantly outdistances us.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto. So, stop pacing the aisles and measuring the distance. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice-cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more. Live life as you go along, it will be spring.
by Robert Hastings
Friday, April 27, 2007
Keeping It Real
I just came home a little while ago from hanging out at "Galaxy Grill" listening to the band "Taylor Made" and trying to have some stimulating conversation over wine. Although I may seem to "have my shit together" and be so confident in my verbal communications I wonder how many people know how lonely it can be to live and/or strive to live consciously as much as possible every waking moment of the day as I often try to do. I know I don't have "THE ANSWERS" and I may just be "full of shit" but I am open to debate on a range of topics. I think the loneliness is from living/thinking outside of the box. The pain for me comes from my inability to stir people I encounter into engaging in some kind of thoughtful dialogue without being interrupted by some outsider who thinks I am agitating my respondent and trying to shut down or distract the exchange of words. It hurts to walk away feeling like I have somehow been dismissed and feeling alienated by my conversation.
My friends....please remember to be open to engaging in discussion that may be viewed as "upsetting, political in nature, and/or obscure to your present knowledge of the topic". Please be careful not to shut down or interrupt someone who is just expressing their own view (in a respectful manner) as this can cause people to shy away from important information that might just spur on the next (much needed) revolution or at least a social change. I work very hard at not making others feel stupid, disrespected or alienated because we need more people engaging in dialogue regardless of the view. People can always change their minds (I know I have).
In peace and love!!!!
Mindy
My friends....please remember to be open to engaging in discussion that may be viewed as "upsetting, political in nature, and/or obscure to your present knowledge of the topic". Please be careful not to shut down or interrupt someone who is just expressing their own view (in a respectful manner) as this can cause people to shy away from important information that might just spur on the next (much needed) revolution or at least a social change. I work very hard at not making others feel stupid, disrespected or alienated because we need more people engaging in dialogue regardless of the view. People can always change their minds (I know I have).
In peace and love!!!!
Mindy
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Help Me Find A New "Emma" Van.....
Friends...... Now that it is day 2 as a "blogger" I am now a "veteran" of this 21st century technology in the computer age. I have a need that I would like to get out to you all.
I am seeking to replace my "beloved Emma" mini-van in the next month for my adventure. This is what I am looking for..... in a perfect world: a mini-skoolie (school bus) powered by veggie oil and the exterior painted by children and artists who want to project the kind of world they want to live in (mural scene with words) and the bean bag chairs and space for my fair trade wares and tent inside.....in a less than perfect world: a mini-skoolie in reliable shape for less than $2,000 and in a world where I am grateful for having just what I need: a well-loved & taken care of cargo van that has plenty of room for me, my camping gear and fair trade stuff & tent that is less than $2,500.
I am very excited about the opportunities that will come my way to share fair trade and other impt. info to help people find solutions now for the challenges they may be facing today. I just found out that my coffee people from Sweetwater Organic Coffee Roasters (in Gainesville), Nora & Chris (he rocks as the BEST coffee roaster I know anywhere) are going to be in Long Beach, CA next week for the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America) annual convention and I will be in San Diego for a doctor's appt. for a few days during the convention time. I am going to drive up to Long Beach on Fri and Sat to see Nora & Chris and learn more about the WONDERFUL WORLD OF COFFEE (my favorite legal drug...heee heee). Hopefully all of you have caught "Black Gold" the phenominal documentary on PBS about coffee...the worlds second most traded commodity in the world... and the dire conditions coffee farmers live when they have to sell their beans at slave wages to the likes of Starbucks, Nestle, and Proctor & Gamble!!! When you buy fair trade cofee you say YES to quality coffee and economic/social justice and NO to yucky coffee and to corporate domination! : ) Your money is your voice and your vote...EVERY DAY...spend it wisely and in positive ways.
HAVE A BLISSFUL DAY!!!
Mindy
I am seeking to replace my "beloved Emma" mini-van in the next month for my adventure. This is what I am looking for..... in a perfect world: a mini-skoolie (school bus) powered by veggie oil and the exterior painted by children and artists who want to project the kind of world they want to live in (mural scene with words) and the bean bag chairs and space for my fair trade wares and tent inside.....in a less than perfect world: a mini-skoolie in reliable shape for less than $2,000 and in a world where I am grateful for having just what I need: a well-loved & taken care of cargo van that has plenty of room for me, my camping gear and fair trade stuff & tent that is less than $2,500.
I am very excited about the opportunities that will come my way to share fair trade and other impt. info to help people find solutions now for the challenges they may be facing today. I just found out that my coffee people from Sweetwater Organic Coffee Roasters (in Gainesville), Nora & Chris (he rocks as the BEST coffee roaster I know anywhere) are going to be in Long Beach, CA next week for the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Assoc. of America) annual convention and I will be in San Diego for a doctor's appt. for a few days during the convention time. I am going to drive up to Long Beach on Fri and Sat to see Nora & Chris and learn more about the WONDERFUL WORLD OF COFFEE (my favorite legal drug...heee heee). Hopefully all of you have caught "Black Gold" the phenominal documentary on PBS about coffee...the worlds second most traded commodity in the world... and the dire conditions coffee farmers live when they have to sell their beans at slave wages to the likes of Starbucks, Nestle, and Proctor & Gamble!!! When you buy fair trade cofee you say YES to quality coffee and economic/social justice and NO to yucky coffee and to corporate domination! : ) Your money is your voice and your vote...EVERY DAY...spend it wisely and in positive ways.
HAVE A BLISSFUL DAY!!!
Mindy
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Conquering the Blog !!!
Hi friends... Well, here it is...the launching of my very own BLOG ! I wasn't confident I could make my own blog, but once again I underestimated myself ....I triumphed! : )
I hope you find my page interesting and enlightening as my summer plans unfold I will keep you all hopefully laughing at my adventures and misadventures! Create your own fun as well....no one likes to play alone (well...not all the time...heee hee).
I am getting geared up for this weekend....Melbourne Art Festival and my friend, Kevin at the ACLU office will be on the front balcony tabling and we'll be having a ball so please come by and say high! Festival is on Sat 4/28 and Sun 4/29!
Stay tuned for some activist news.....my friends....your help is needed!!! : )
Each One Teach One
Namaste'
I hope you find my page interesting and enlightening as my summer plans unfold I will keep you all hopefully laughing at my adventures and misadventures! Create your own fun as well....no one likes to play alone (well...not all the time...heee hee).
I am getting geared up for this weekend....Melbourne Art Festival and my friend, Kevin at the ACLU office will be on the front balcony tabling and we'll be having a ball so please come by and say high! Festival is on Sat 4/28 and Sun 4/29!
Stay tuned for some activist news.....my friends....your help is needed!!! : )
Each One Teach One
Namaste'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
