Picker

I went blueberry picking today at my favorite farm with some friends. I didn't get any pictures unfortunately as it's hard to hold a baby and pick berries. I also didn't get very many berries, as the baby was eating them out of the container as fast as I could put them in (that's going to be a really fun diaper change later).

So why am I babbling on about spending a morning out in the sun, bugs, and briars? Because that's what berries are all about. Summer berries aren't hard little underripe nuggets picked up at your local market. They're ripe, bright, juicy fruits hanging in bunches from trees and bushes ready for picking. Berries to me are summer mornings spent listening to kids laughing, eating as much as you pick, and chins and fingers sticky with juice. They're about long drives in the country with the windows down and sunroof open, arms in the wind and sun, and children asleep in the back seat.

Or at least that's what they are to me.

Working Girl

So because I have SO much free time, I've taken another job writing for the Kalamazoo Weekly News. It's a free paper, distributed throughout the Kalamazoo county area, and is available by subscription for the cost of the shipping. Please check it out, forward your story suggestions, and offer your comments.

World Breastfeeding Week

World breastfeeding week will be celebrated August 1st to 7th this year. Even if you're not breastfeeding, you can help those who are by encouraging and supporting their breastfeeding journey. Please support this important and lifesaving initiative. I am!

Eye on the Homefront

I don’t want to beat a dead horse here but the economy – yeah well, it sucks. Millions of Americans are feeling the pinch, and though I’ve tried to put it off as long as possible, I’m worried too. I’m concerned for our local economy – the small business struggling to survive in our area and the talented, unemployed folks in our town who will be forced to search for work elsewhere if the status quo doesn’t change.

So what can you do to show your support? Simple. Keep your dollars in your town. Buy local if at all possible, and as directly from the producer as you can. Sure, it’s going to cost you a little more, but I’d rather invest a little more into the health of my hometown then send one more cent overseas.

Breaking News

What's going on with the whole gossip is news phenomenon we've got going on today? A funeral for an accused (and later cleared) child molester is the topic of most note today, while real news like the President's overseas goodwill missions or the end to the terror inflicted by a serial killer gets buried some stories back. Heck, I'm even giving it more press by talking about it!

Wistful thinking

Laurie was right. Snuzzy IS my new favorite site.

Winds of Change

Today I'm proud to be an American; proud to witness this historic moment and excited and thankful my daughter has been born in this amazing era.

Congratulations to our president elect, and congratulations to the people of America - it is you, and only you, who are responsible for this change.