change the world, twenty minutes at a time

Marty and I went out this morning to play tennis a while, and after all our vigorous exercise, we rewarded ourselves with a coupla dogs at M&M’s Charity BBQ. It was yummy. Thanks again for the heads up Tink!

Yesterday I donated my 30th pint of blood. It makes me so happy to do it, and I actually enjoy myself every time I go. This time was especially excellent however, because I noticed that 25-time donors have FINALLY been granted admittance to the wall of fame. I had come to terms with the fact that I’d have to wait until I’d reached 50 donations, but now I think I might just bug them to pin my picture up earlier, as that was the milestone I was most eagerly awaiting.

If they do put me up there for 30, then my next milestone will be to reach the same number of donations as years I’ve lived. Could happen as soon as 38, but we’ll have to see if my iron levels cooperate.

Oh dear. It’s been so long since I last did anything to change the world consciously. Sure, over the past couple of weeks, a few things have accidentally happened that I can take credit for, but I don’t recall thinking mindfully that I had an opportunity to change the world in those cases… it just seemed in hindsight that ‘hey, that’s a change-the-world moment!!’

Admitting that (to myself) is kind of an important wake up call. I need to restore balance… I’m not TOO ‘off’ right now, but when I take a moment to consider the matter, I can see that I’m not living my values very well, and THAT feels wrong. Life can’t be all production; not the good life, anyway.

So with my intention re-stated, I will resume finding ways to change the world, as well as simply welcoming and appreciating the opportunities that just happen by.

Gave blood yesterday, and THREE nurses gave me an extra-special thank you for coming in because it happens that my particular blood type is in very high demand.

Nice to be wanted, for sure, :o), but even nicer to be able to share a bit of myself with those who critically need it.

P.s. If any Ontarians/Canadians out there have blood type “O”, especially “O-”, the CBS wants YOU!!

After a week or two of too many e-mails back and forth trying to arrange a bubble tea get-together, the five of us finally (today) managed a visit. Four of us uniting to circle around a friend in need of a little TLC.

I should have done this long ago, but I suppose it’s better late than never. Since my recent backyard visit from a red fox, I’ve been quite worried about how and why she came to be in such a populated urban area. I have no doubt that as my city grows and we gobble up more and more of the area land, we have displaced this beautiful creature (and others!) by destroying her natural habitat.

So, today, I’ve just spent 20 minutes researching the issue(s), and ultimately subscribed to the federal gov’ts EnviroZine and Nature Canada’s newsletter so that I can learn more. Although it doesn’t feel useful enough, I did make a modest donation to “build the nature nation”.

Sent the following letter to all my local peeps, and have set aside my $20 for the cause:
Hello there,

I’m passing along a special request. Please take a moment to read and consider….

My Sister’s Place is a day shelter for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. When the centre opened three years ago the expectation was that approximately 15 women per day would use their services. That number quickly grew and these days between 50 to 75 women attend on a daily basis. The women are able to use laundry and shower facilities on site, obtain a hot lunch, learn skills, create community, and access information about services in the community to support their needs.

Last year a friend started a collection to buy needed items for the women at My Sister’s Place. In 2006 staff at My Sister’s Place handed out approximately 85 gift bags before closing for the break between Christmas and New Years. This year they expect to hand out 100. One of the things they really appreciate for the gift bags is a $5 gift certificate from Tim Horton’s so that the women are ensured of obtaining something hot to eat and drink during the days that My Sister’s Place is closed for the holiday break.

If you are willing and able, I urge you to donate $5 (or more) and either drop it off at the Mandala Book Shop (190 Central Avenue, London, ON, N6A 1M7), or call me to pick it up, by December 15th. Deborah at the shop will purchase the gift certificates, bus tickets and personal items and will drop them off to My Sister’s Place during the week of December 17th. When you drop off your donation be sure to have a cookie and fill out a ballot for the Mandala’s holiday gift give-away (we choose one ballot a day from December 1st to 24th) as our way of saying “thank you” for your donation. Receipts will not be available, but if you do want to donate higher amounts you can make a cheque payable to My Sister’s Place and send it to:

My Sister’s Place
546 King Street
London, ON
N6B 1T5
519-679-9570

If you would like to support My Sister’s Place in other ways they can always use gloves, mitts, scarves, underwear in various sizes, and toiletries.

With thanks,

why not stay home to do your browsing! ? ! I used (significantly more than) my 20 minutes today to investigate green and socially responsible gift ideas… I found gifts for at least three people on my list (and about ten things I wouldn’t mind receiving! hehe). Here’s a little of what I found:

Books

An Inconvenient Truth

The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Wake Up and Smell the Planet

Ecoholic

Recycled and Repurposed Gifts

Innovative handbags, jewelry, vinyl record clocks, and bottle openers

Enviro-friendly Stuff

Gaiam jute yoga mats

For those who love to create in the kitchen Tru Bamboo cutting boards and other beautiful kitchen accessories

For those of you near one, Target is selling organic-cotton bedding and baby wear

All KINDS of great stuff can be found and purchased from the following links:

Green Eyed Frog offers an assortment of affordable organic, fair trade and eco-friendly products

Animal lovers will appreciate a ‘gift’ from AnimalGift.org, or adopt an endangered sea creature through Oceana for the people on your list who have everything but a sea turtle

Buy ethically produced, celebrity endorsed knapsacks, t-shirts, mugs and canvas prints here while you fund charitable projects in developing countries and contribute to the protection of the environment

Gourmet organics, paraffin-free candles, and natural body care products are available from Kate’s Caring Gifts

Burt’s Bees offers lots of all natural, earth-friendly products – plus, they’re just running a good wholesome company over there

Or make your own something using as many supplies out of your own basement, junk drawer and craft cupboard as you can with these free plans

Encourage greener living with gifts related to bicycling, walking and camping gear. Visit EarthTech’s for the latest in alternative-energy innovations.

Give glass (to replace phthalate-leaching plastic) food storage containers from any number of suppliers, including Crate & Barrel and Lehman’s

For new homeowners or any budding Green, Grist suggests a low-flow showerhead and timers for lights and appliances, or stuff stockings with rechargeable batteries, CFL bulbs, or gift cards good for movies, restaurants, or music.

How about a gift basket filled with some of Method’s green-home goods, body care stuff and soy candles?

Check out the lovely shop, run by the even lovelier lady, I visited the other day in Sparta. Her Jaydancin cosmetics, are 100% natural and chemical-free!

Happy shopping!