Our New Normal

Life as we know it has changed after the tragedy in my neighboring town of Newtown, Ct. Trying to explain this to my small children is close to an impossible task when I can barely process this devastation and loss myself.
For me, writing has always been therapeutic and healing during challenging times. So I turn to my blog. Not sure of the audience but throwing it out there to share with anyone who decides to take a peek into my thoughts..

What has given me such a heavy heart is not only the loss of so many innocent children but also the loss of a sense that we are no longer safe. I moved to this town because it is safe. I wanted the best for my kids. But the sad lesson that I have learned is that tragedy does not discriminate. It can happen anywhere to anyone at any time. That scares the hell out of me but that is the reality we live in.

So does this change the way I live my life? Yes, it does. I now go into public places and hold my kids a little closer. I find myself looking over my shoulder in malls, supermarkets and even movie theatres. I think it is important for all of us to be more aware. No, I do not think we should be armed with guns ((but I have tossed around the idea of buying a tazer gun)). It's not time to be paranoid but it IS time to open our eyes a little wider and to be more mindful of our surroundings. It's time to reach out to friends, neighbors and family so we can work together protecting each other and keeping our environment safe. Nurturing that sense of community plays an important role in our kids sense of security. Isn't that what we all want for our kids? Being secure and confident. If we can give our kids that gift, I feel that the rest will fall into place.

I have to admit, my family and community is experiencing a New Normal with lock down practices at school and new security procedures. We now have an on going conversation in my house (and at school) about what we would do in certain situations. If we don't talk about it, how will they know what to do?

It sounds so cliche but we really have to look at the Newtown tragedy and learn from it. I can go on and on about gun control or mental illness...
These are issues that need to be examined but I will save that discussion for another day..

We need to work together in life and give each other a hand along the way.
How are you adjusting to your New Normal?

 

 

My Magical Garden

My garden is full of gifts this season!!

These are tomato plants that couldn't fit in the raised beds. Please don't eat them deer!

My beloved raised beds. I am so proud of this garden. No easy task creating this while pregnant but such a labor of love.

~Happy gardening All !!

Disposable Baby Wipes-Good vs Evil

OK--so I'm not so green when it comes to baby wipes. I tried the whole "cloth wipes in my own mild solution" thing and decided it just wasn't for me. Those messy poops & unidentified messes simply needed disposable wipes for my own sanity. On a greener note.. I felt like I was doing twice as much laundry w/ cloth diapers and wipes so I gave in. I am weak! NO, just practical.
Frankly, I don't know which is more eco-friendly-disposable or cloth- but I do know that at those moments in life when I am in need of a baby wipe for something I simply cannot touch, I bow to the baby wipe Gods for inventing such a thing.  Sometimes it's a matter of convenience and I just could not live without my baby wipes. I not only use them for diapering--I use them to clean hands on the move, clean messes in the car, taking off make-up (love that one! Thx Martha Stewart!) I keep a stash of wipes in my purse at ALL times.
So there you go.
I confess, I cannot live without disposable wipes!
Thanks for stopping by.
-GBM

The Garden

Garden 101

It's been way too long since I have written. So much going on with a baby on the way. One might expect that I would be organized since this is my 3rd child --- not the case here! 

As the end of the school year approaches, I find my head spinning trying to wrap stuff up for my kids. I'm no Super-Mom and would never claim to be.

One thing I did get done, all by my-pregnant self I might add...is...planting my veggie garden. This was no easy task since I can barely bend over to even put my shoes on. My husband is, well, challenged when it comes to gardening. He was so kind as to add one wheel barrow full of dirt to my garden beds. Oh honey, don't break a sweat now! I busted my ass and got my seedlings in the ground. Edamame, potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, peas, zucchini, kale, lettuce and an herb garden. Flower beds will be done this weekend.

I did all of the labor--no pun intended here. I have to say, it came out quite well. Now let's see what pops up. I get such satisfaction out of growing my own food & getting my hands in the dirt. 

Even if you have a brown thumb, I suggest buying a couple 5 gallon containers and planting your favorite veggie in it. Tomatoes & herbs are really easy. The great part about container planting is that you can move it around if needed. You can do this right on your deck or patio. Just be sure to use good soil. 

I buy all of my seeds at http://www.seedsofchange.com

It's a fantastic website for gardening tips and all of their seeds are free from genetic modification.

If you decide to buy plants, I suggest local and organic. It is certainly worth a couple extra bucks for the good stuff.

As my kids get ready for summer with their busy schedules, I find solitude and peace in my garden. It keeps me grounded  and is certainly a labor of love.

Happy summer all & happy gardening everyone!!

-Lisa