Vol. 1, No. 10
June 2009
An Educational Guide
to Sustainability and Spiritual Well-being
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INSIDE: A day of discovery along the Agua Fria Spotlight on Arizona’s black-footed ferrets
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Schoolyard Habitat Program receives award Great gardens need great garbage!
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Sacred Sandpainting of the Diné exhibit opens une 11, in conjunction with Sedona’s first Festival of Native American Culture, Ringing Rocks Foundation will host a new exhibit in the Healing Nautilus. The show will feature the sacred healing art of Diné sandpainting. The Diné use sandpaintings as
a way of inviting the spirits or Yei into the material plane in order to bless, heal and offer guidance. “The intention of this new show is to educate people about this ancient healing technique used by the Diné to interact with the spirit realm,” said Arcania Blystone,
Executive Director of Ringing Rocks Foundation. “When we learned that the Arizona Archaeological Society was planning on hosting a festival to honor Native American culture, we knew that we wanted to contribute to the success of the event. We offered to host a sandpainting demonstration by Walking Thunder as a way of sharing this important aspect of the spiritual life of the Diné people.” To bring this beautiful Diné tradition to life, Ringing Rocks Foundation has partnered with renowned photographer, Larry Lindahl, whose work appears in Arizona Highways magazine as well as many other publications, to work closely with Walking Thunder as she gathers the various types of stones and pollens used in the paintings.
Lindahl will illuminate the prayers and rituals used as the stones are ground into sand and will chronicle the ceremony of sacred sandpainting throughout the entire process of a healing ritual. The show opens with a sandpainting demonstration and discussion of the spiritual aspects of this ancient practice by Walking Thunder on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. In addition, Lindahl will discuss the artistic process he went through to visually share the story of the creation of a sacred sandpainting. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Ringing Rocks is located at 3190 West State Route 89A. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Photos by Larry Lindahl A new show opening at Ringing Rocks Foundation features Diné Medicine Woman Walking Thunder and renowned photographer Larry Lindahl portraying the beautiful and deeply spiritual practice of Diné sandpainting.
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Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
June 2009
Columns Vol. 1, No. 10
June 2009
News and Features
Cover Story: Hiking and camping on the
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Havasupai Reservation is a worthy adventure
2Sacred Sandpainting of the Diné exhibit opens Recycle, Rejunvenate show through 4Reinvent, June 13
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6Spotlight on Arizona’s black-footed ferrets 7
Woodworker turns discarded wood into treasures
By Mike Davis
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8 Schoolyard Habitat Program receives award citizens choose new life in rural New 9 Global Zealand
of discovery along 5 AthedayAgua Fria
10 Great gardens need great garbage! 12 Saguaros bloom ahead of monsoon rains 13 Spitzer Telescope warms up to new career 19 Taking a crash course in paper making
by Maya Joy Angeles
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Always available at www.earthodysseyonline.com
Columns and Entertainment 22 22 24 26 28 30 31 31
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Staying Healthy the Natural Way by Leilah Breitler What in the World is Happening? by John Hall
Movie Reviews
Puzzle Pages
by Jason Allen
Calendar of Events
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Inward Bound by Sarah McLean Green Minute by Jim Parks
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Eco Living by Christopher J. Peacock Yes! You Can Recycle That by Patricia Melchi
Artist, illustrator Draws upon Native American heritage for inspiration
ON THE COVER: Havasu Falls, on the Havasupi Reservation, plunges 100 feet into a pool of blue-green water and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. Story begins on page 16. Photo by Ann Haver-Allen June 2009
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
By Christine Bollier
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Reinvent, Recycle, Rejuvenate show now through June 13
An educational guide to sustainability and spiritual well-being
Our Mission
T
he Prescott Fine Arts Gallery presents “Reinvent, Recycle, Rejuvenate,” through Saturday, June 13. This spectacular and unique show presents many artists new to the gallery. Our juried artists from the quad-cities have stretched their imaginations—come view the art created by dumpster-divers, hard core recyclers and re-inventors. Curators Stan Book, Saveria Judge, Maria Lynam and Barb Wills invite you to bring a donation of food for the Yavapai Food Bank at the opening and throughout the show. A sculpture of donated items will be created in the gallery entry. Among the talented artists is multi-media artist Jason Allen who displays a number of his works—Elephant Titled (candle holder), Spirit Stand (created to hold Earth Odyssey), Candle Horse Power and two tables made from recycled automotive parts. Jason and his work with recycled materials is featured in a display in the gallery entrance area. Royce Carlson, a Prescott sculptor, who specializes in recycled materials, judged the show. Best of Show went to Linda Kay Ost for “Mushroom Sally—The Hooker;” Welded/bolted recycled metal objects; wired as a nightlight, switch on torso. First Place 2-D: Judy Book, “Tea Leaves;” Tea stained tyvek mailing envelope, used tea bags with leaf prints. Second Place 2-D: Jan Fisher, “Sea Horse with Moon Phases.” Third Place 2-D: Earth Odyssey columnist Patricia A. Melchi, “I, Picasso and God.” This complex mixed media work contains recycled leather, skeletons, seeds, corn silk, mixed paints, wax and toys. A diary that accompanies the work has key to diary in tree. A copy of the diary is in the gallery. First Place 3-D and coveted People’s Choice Award (popular vote by the guests on opening night): Carol Downing, “Starfoot;” saws, hooks, a pulley and yard rake; MIG welded and Permalac spray lacquer to preserve the delicate patina. Second Place 3-D – Kate Moody for Toy Assemblage -“Pez Heads and Voodoo Dolls;” Third Place 3-D—Danielle MillardWanner—“Mine;” Raku
The mission of Earth Odyssey is to encourage individuals to develop sustainable lifestyles and healthier well-being by providing educational information needed to make wiser choices. We envision an extended community of individuals who care passionately about their environment and their own spiritual well-being and recognize the symbiotic relationship between the two.
Magazine Staff Publisher/Editor Ann Haver-Allen Photographer, Photo Editor, Web Master and PR Director Pia Wyer Advertising Art Director Distribution Manager Jason Allen Advertising Representatives Bill Allen Jo Ann Johnson Kelly Shattuck Pia Wyer Photos by Jason Allen “I, Picasso and God,” by Earth Odyssey columnist Patricia Melchi, is about stepping over the fence of reality and into the dimension of life after death. In the left-hand corner is a key in the tree of life. “The key goes to a diary that was written from the deepest places within my subconscious and makes a connection with Picasso and God in a conversation that addresses the desperate need to make changes on our planet by seeing inside ourselves first.”
pottery, glass, wood, found objects, acrylic. This is your opportunity to view masterpieces of Altered Art from found, recycled, attic and thrift shop treasures. Come see how our artists interpret “Reinvent, Recycle, Rejuvenate.” The PFA Gallery and Gift Shop is located on Willis St., in lower level of the PFA building, 205 N. Marina St., Prescott. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Contributors Maya Joy Angeles Leilah Breitler Mike Davis Cherlyn Fargo John Hall Shawn Dell Joyce Mike Marino Anne McCollam Sarah McLean Patricia Melchi Jim Parks Kimberley Paterson Christopher J. Peacock Dominique Shilling Pia Wyer
Earth Odyssey is published monthly by Pinon Pine Press LLC and is available online at earthodysseyonline.com. Send comments and suggestions to: editor@earthodysseyonline.com OR via U.S. mail to: Editor 1042 Willow Creek Road Ste A101-PMB 486 Prescott, AZ 86301 Phone: (928) 778-1782 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or advertisers. Copyright © 2008. Pinon Pine Press LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission. For photo reprints, contact Pia Wyer at pia@animistarts.com. Printed by Prescott Newspapers Inc. 8249 East State Rt. 69 Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Earth Odyssey newsstand by Jason Allen
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“Mushroom Sally—The Hooker” by Linda Kay Ost
Two candleholders by Jason Allen
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Earth Odyssey is printed on recycled paper using soy inks.
June 2009
A day of discovery along the Agua Fria By Walt Anderson, Jo Ann Johnson, Joanne Oellers and Garry Rogers Earth Odyssey Contributors rcosanti, overlooking the Agua Fria River, was simultaneously the destination, the stimulation and the refreshment to the spirit that we were able to take away from the Agua Fria Open Space (AFOSA) annual conference the first Saturday in May. At 7:30 a.m., a band of bird seekers gathered in The Café at Arcosanti to participate in the Bird Walk. As we carefully made our way out of the structure to the road below, we sensed movement in the cliffs above, riveting our attention and some cameras. When a kitten emerged into the light, a voice from the crowd inquired, “What species is that?” The reply, “A catbird, of course.” The group erupted in laughter, relaxed into the moment and continued along the path to the road. We hiked toward the Agua Fria River via a road peppered with birds, identified by song and sight, including many indigenous, some rare, and some favorites of the group such as Kingfisher, Killdeer, Yellow Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin (at nest), Bullock’s Oriole, Bronze Cowbird, Northern Rough- winged Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, Cassin’s Kingbird and Rock Wrens.
A
For some first-time birders, here was a unique opportunity to experience avian life. When we arrived at the overlook of a perennial reach of the Agua Fria River, discovery awaited. As is usually the situation, all of nature called out to us here. A packrat’s midden was nestled in tumbled boulders decorated with diverse lichen associations, including mosses, while species of phlox and Desert Star adorned the nearby area. Ultimately, conference attendance grew to a total of 29 enthusiasts searching for a greater understanding of the Agua Fria River Basin, environmental impacts on its habitat and its value to humans. Ranchers, newly hatched birders and world-traveled master
Photos by Jo Ann Johnson Above, as the bird walk gets under way at the Agua Frio Open Space annual conference, the group spots a “cat bird,” the day’s first sighting. At left, Fern Ferwerda, a Prescott Valley student, charmed everyone through her exuberant engagement with nature.
birders, ecologists, naturalists, botanists, forestry specialists and interested citizens met and exchanged observations and ideas. Arcosanti, masterfully planned and sited by Paolo Soleri decades ago with vision for a time such as this when we have come to the brink of our resources by living too large upon the land, was the perfect location for this conference. A new AFOSA program, Stewards of Open Space (SOS), aimed at public partnership with federal land management agencies, was announced and enthusiastically embraced by many attending the conference. The goal of SOS is to concentrate efforts on specific parcels of public land to provide enhanced care, inventory, monitoring and education activities. This SOS free membership program will be launched summer 2009 with an exploration of an area of U.S. Bureau of Land Management land east of Prescott. The area will be toured to identify access routes, general conditions, safety needs and areas in need of trash removal. Those interested in participat-
ing should contact AFOSA. The conference included an after-lunch hike, which reiterated the fragility of desert rivers. In the heat of the day, the amazing refreshment of water poignantly taught us to value this natural resource. Tadpoles, minnows, insects, Summer Tanagers, Northern Mockingbirds, Desert Willow, Veronica, Watercress and we wanderers sought cool refreshment in the waters of the Agua Fria beneath a sheltering cottonwood canopy. In that moment of adventure and discovery, we learned that Desert Willow is not a true willow, but rather a close relative of catalpa, a common shade tree. We also learned that green, Freemont Cottonwood leaves against a blue sky with brilliant white clouds above a flowing river create a very desirable impact on the human spirit. The day, with its planned and serendipitous moments, confirmed the need for diligence in study, protection and better management of open space in the Agua Fria River Basin for the benefit of all habitats and species—including humans. Nature is a wise teacher.
Agua Fria Open Space Alliance Inc. (AFOSA) presents an annual conference in May to provide an educational opportunity for the public to learn about the value of open space in keeping with their commitment to study/inform/protect. To learn more, visit www. aguafriaopenspace.org or telephone (928) 925-7191.
June 2009
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Green eyes a’ shining:
Spotlight on Arizona’s black-footed ferrets By Lili DeBarbieri and Theodore G. Manno Earth Odyssey Contributors
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estled in the Chino Valley along what is now the I-40 corridor, Seligman is a quirky “Route 66” town in the middle of a vast Northern Arizona landscape. Main Street hasn’t changed much since the 1950s, with hotels lined up to catch tourists who find themselves sleepy between Flagstaff and Kingman. Seeking provisions, we exit the Interstate and make a pit stop at a Chevron station. “Vacationing?” the attendant inquires. “Not exactly.” The black-footed ferret is perhaps the most endangered animal in North America. Thought extinct before an accidental discovery of a few in Wyoming, the ferrets have been objects of a major reintroduction movement led by the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. In 1996, black-footed ferrets from the breeding program were brought to the Aubrey Valley near Seligman, and dedicated volunteers collaborate with researchers to closely monitor the well-being of the population. Doing so is an all-night affair—the ferrets are nocturnal, feeding exclusively on prairie dogs found during nightly burrow raidings. “We’ll take this flashlight. You sell batteries?” At the Arizona Fish and Game field station in town, we view an informational video on the history and conservation of the species. Then come the instructions on how to spot a ferret (green eyes a’ shining), how to set the ferret trap (no bait, directly in the hole), and what to do if you catch one (drive to the trailer at the site, get the team together to process it, record everything on the data sheet). “And don’t stay in the car all night,” advised Jennifer, the wildlife technician on the study, “you’ll miss the whole thing!” After a 20-minute drive down Route 66 to the reintroduction site, we are divided into teams, provided with vehicles and instructed in using the huge spotlights and GPS devices in looking for ferret eyeshine. Our mission is deceptively simple: find, trap and document the rare, elusive mammal. But after scattering our teams across the site, spotlighting a ferret turned out to be tremendously difficult with lots of false alarms. Jackrabbits, deer, sagebrush, insects and beer bottles are all culprits, and the night fieldwork is disconcerting after a four-hour drive to the area from suburban Phoenix. A few hours patrolling a chilly two-mile stretch of Route 66 in the van with no ferrets, and we’re about to lose it. And then it happens— our white whale. The full moon illuminates a path of return to the research trailer at 3:30 a.m. Face-toface with a real-live black-footed ferret, the predatory creature seems surprisingly small,
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Photos by Lili DeBarbieri Ferreting out the data: Black-footed ferrets are perhaps the most endangered species in North America. Volunteers and researchers collaborate near Seligman, Ariz., to gather data on a reintroduced population several times a year. This ferret was captured and processed for data several times within a few days in March 2009.
unassuming, even harmless—hardly able to devour a chunky prairie dog. A repeat offender (i.e., trapped several times before), the ferret’s innocent green eyes blink and dazzle as he is urged out of the trap, identified, weighed and processed. At first, our ferret is eerily quiet. Then, suddenly, our friend appears to call for his freedom. “Click! Click! Click!” It’s all been worth it—the cold, the lack of sleep, the hours of spotlighting. We are now in the presence of one of the rarest mammals in the world, an icon of the American West that has emerged from the brink of extinction to survive in a functioning population. Our ferret is either a pioneer, the beginning of a new generation that will contribute to the perpetuation of his species, or among the last of his kind. Either way is exciting beyond belief—we have experienced a natural phenomenon and an ecological rarity for which we have yearned and prepared. And our furry friend, being administered with a shot to protect from canine distemper, could not possibly care less. “Click! Click! Click!” Our ferret and his compatriots are all named after diseases by the crew. Yes—diseases. Must be an inside joke. Wonder if the
ferret knows he’s endangered? “Click! Click! Click!” We return the ferret to his habitat, and cold daylight opens like a gift. We say our good-byes, and we’re off driving through the site one last time on the way back home. Return to our human one. After a night void of sleep, our view of the area is altered. For a few moments, we drive down Route 66 and imagine how it once was. Vast prairie dog towns to supply the black-footed ferret with prey. Bison herds roaming the desert tundra of the Aubrey Cliffs. Native Americans living off the land. Only time will tell the meaning of the changes to the landscape, but we hope our experience has done something to help a species on the brink of extinction. There is hope for the ferrets, and as we drive along the I-40 corridor, our surroundings can never again seem so frivolous. Instead, we have an opportunity to experience an animal whose resiliency inspires us, an ecosystem in all its glory and ancient relics of the old American West. And it’s definitely time to sleep when we get to Flagstaff. Authors Lili DeBarbieri and Theodore Manno, Ph.D., are educators and freelance writers based in Mesa.
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
June 2009
Woodworker turns discarded wood into treasures By Ann Haver-Allen Earth Odyssey Editor ohn Gordon has turned his avocation into his vocation. Gordon collects discarded wood and turns one person’s trash into another’s treasure. His company, With the Grain Woodworks, specializes in custom craftsmanship for growing yards and children. In other words, he builds things for children and yards, mostly out of wood rescued from the dump. “When I say custom, I mean custom,” Gordon said. “If somebody wants something, they’ve got to ask for it. I’ve got pictures on my Web site, but they are there to give people an idea of what I can make.” It’s not like shopping from a catalog that pictures items in inventory and you just pick one. Gordon doesn’t have inventory. He makes each item as the order comes in. “One of the reasons that this line of work suits me is that I have trouble throwing things away,” he said. “Plus, I don’t like to buy new things. So it’s a good combination.” Gordon has used wood from pallets, reclaimed wood from barns, salvaged wood from various locations and scraps produced by other woodshops that work on larger projects. “This is Douglas fir that was in a dumpster at a job site,” he said, drawing attention to a garden bench. “And these frames are made out of pallet wood from right outside.” A bookcase using reclaimed lumber is built around doors that were salvaged. He crafted a picnic table from an old fence. A potty chair began as a high chair that broke and was tossed out. Gordon took it, cut it down, cut a hole in the seat and put a pot underneath to make a potty chair for his daughter. He used the leftover legs to make a step stool. Additionally, he makes child-sized tables, chairs, benches and picnic tables. For the backyard, Gordon makes picnic tables and garden benches. He recently expanded his line of custom works to include cold frames and hoop houses—miniature, portable greenhouses that can be used in the backyard. “Flagstaff is an ideal climate,” he said. “We have such cold nights and warm days. It’s such a short growing season. Cold frames help extend that growing season. “I built a huge cold frame last week and delivered it,” he continued. “It’s 8 feet long and 3 feet deep. It’s the fourth or fifth cold frame for this guy.” Gordon said it all really began with pallet wood and his sister. “She had heard of a program in New York City where homeless people were working at a shop and taking pallet lumber apart and making furniture. So, that’s actually how we started.” But his inspiration came from his young daughter. He made her a cradle of reclaimed barn lumber—black walnut. Then came the chairs, tables, potty chair and picnic tables. “It’s nice to have the inspiration that my daughter provides and the satisfaction of using reclaimed lumber, but not having the
June 2009
Photos by Pia Wyer Above, John Gordon at work on a child’s bed. At right, a coldframe and below, various items Gordon has crafted, including a step stool and a potty chair.
ambition of necessarily making really, really fine high-end, very expensive furniture.” Gordon said his prices are flexible, because if someone really wants something that he has made, he wants to work with them so that they can afford it. “More and more, using reclaimed lumber is more common,” he said. “But working with wayward wood just a few years ago was not at all common. Now, people are happy about it. At least they give thought to it.” More of Gordon’s work can be seen at www.withthegrainwoodworks.com.
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Schoolyard Habitat Program receives award
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he Schoolyard Habitat Program of the Highlands Center for Natural History received Channel Eight’s Be More Knowledgeable Award for Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach on Thursday, May 7, at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. Lisa Packard, Habitat Learning Coordinator for the Highlands Center, accepted the award. “It’s an honor to accept this award on behalf of the hundreds of students that I work with and their teachers and principals who work so hard to make this program literally come alive at each school,” Packard said. “The program is unique because it brings nature back to the schoolyard and works with the K-5 grade levels to provide standardsbased learning opportunities.” The Schoolyard Habitat program partners with area elementary schools to establish native plant gardens on their grounds that are used to provide a hands-on, science education curriculum for students from kindergarten to fifth grade. A recent study conducted by the Ecological Society of America found that more children knew the characters of Pokemon (an electronic game) than could recognize an oak tree or an otter. Science Education—especially ecology and earth-based sciences—in America is falling behind that of other countries. Biological, health and economic data indicate that children who connect with nature perform better in school, have higher SAT scores, exhibit fewer behavioral challenges and experience fewer attention-deficit disorders. In the December 2008 issue of U.S. News, it was reported that out of 30 industrialized nations, American teens rank 25th in math and 21st is science. The country trails at least 19 countries that produce more scientists and engineers. These are just two examples among many warning us of a dangerous trend in education in our country. The Highlands Center for Natural History hopes to reverse that trend, at least in Prescott. Formed in 1994, the mission of the Highlands Center is to help children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land. The Center believes that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. This connection is fostered by the Center though outdoor science education based on observation and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands. Two years ago, partnering with the Prescott National Forest, the Center completed its multimillion dollar facility on Walker Road near Prescott. The facility is surrounded by the National Forest and the forest is its classroom. But the Center didn’t stop its education efforts at the forest boundary. In 2005, under the direction of Packard and partnering with Coyote Springs Elementary School in Prescott Valley, the first Schoolyard Habitat Program was piloted. Since then, the Center has added additional programs at Territorial Elementary School in Chino Valley and Miller Valley School in Prescott. In August,
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Courtesy photo Lisa Packard, Habitat Learning Coordinator for the Highlands Center, teaches a class at Coyote Springs Elementary School in Prescott Valley.
a fourth Habitat Program at Washington Traditional School in Prescott will begin. Objectives of the Schoolyard Habitat Program include: • Design and create an outdoor learning lab at each school • Develop a site-specific, standards-based science curriculum for each grade level that will improve student performance on future tests and increase their understanding of the local ecosystem • Provide professional development to classroom teachers so that they can continue the program beyond the Highlands Center’s direct involvement • Create a “wildlife habitat” on the school site that uses native plants. This not only beautifies the school campus, but also provides a rich learning environment. To maximize the use of these unique learning labs, habitat lessons are conducted every week of the school year and include every class in the school. This adds up to 750 students at Coyote Springs, 650 at Territorial and 450 at Miller Valley. Students observe and study seasonal changes 12 times throughout the school year. By comparison, many outdoor science programs are limited to the fall or spring and
only one grade level. Following the expectation that teachers will continue using the habitat gardens well into the future, the Highlands Center designs instructional materials and professional development workshops to motivate teachers to continue the program. Packard models the instruction throughout the first year and begins co-teaching with each team in the second year. At Coyote Springs, in its second year of running the Habitat Program solo, nearly 100 percent of the staff participates in the program. Feedback from teachers on the Schoolyard Habitat Program has been very positive. In an anonymous survey conducted at the end of the 2005-2006 pilot school year, 100 percent of the responses showed that teachers felt either positive or enthusiastic about the program. In that same year, the librarian at Coyote Springs—who traveled between schools in the Humboldt Unified School District— noted a striking difference between student responses to stories she read about bugs. Students at schools without a Habitat program would speak violently about insects, acting out smashing them and tearing them apart. By contrast, students of the same grade
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from Coyote Springs Elementary School who had experienced just two months of the Schoolyard Habitat Curriculum lessons responded to the stories with calm interest and a desire to learn more about insects, not destroy them. A third grade teacher from Coyote Springs similarly noted positive impacts that the Habitat Curriculum had on student performance. She compared student writing based on experiences in the Habitat with those based on teacher-generated prompts and compiled the data in an essay for graduate coursework. The teacher concluded: “When students write about their observations in the Habitat, they exhibit a sense of involvement with their environment. They are open to expressing their feelings. Their writing becomes personal and reflective… they write with feeling, emotion, pathos and a commitment to recording everything that is happening in their special spot. Even the most reluctant writers are anxious to enter something in their journals.” Four additional schools have expressed interest in being the next Habitat Program site. One of these schools will be selected in the fall of 2009 to become the fifth site. The Habitat Program is strong and growing.
June 2009
Global citizens choose new life in rural New Zealand By Kimberley Paterson Earth Odyssey Contributor
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t’s a pristine jewel-like harbour in a community where old fashioned values like neighbourliness, raising secure children and building a better world still hold true. It’s called the Hokianga, a pioneering pocket of land in the far north of New Zealand that has seen the boom and bust of the gold rush, then logging, then gum digging. These days the area is seeing a new influx of settlers ... people leaving big cities in New Zealand, Germany, Britain, America, South Africa and elsewhere to regain a life they feel in control of. There is much about the Hokianga that makes it unique in New Zealand. It carries the strong spiritual energy of a long Maori ancestry; there is a flourishing creative art colony in Rawene; the ethos of the ’60s hippies who moved there can be felt in strong community values—and the place has stood up and fought hard for its rights, retaining a free local hospital and dental service that has been lost in less stanch areas. It’s a place where there is plenty of time to drop a line and catch fish from the harbour, to stop in the main street and chat to an old friend, sip a coffee ... or talk about the madness going on in much of the rest of the world. Mass school shootings, desperate economic crisis, fraudulent corporate entities all seem like some strange mirage. Now, with the rest of the world falling into economic chaos and uncertainty, two Northland men hope the Hokianga is the perfect place to build a prototype of a new community to model a more visionary idea of how the world can be. Terry Kennedy, a lifelong farmer with a strong interest in permaculture (land practices that create a healthy and sustainable ecology), and Sean Murrie, an accountant turned boutique brewery owner, have been putting in years of hard yard to claw back pine forests into something special. They say pine forests—which for years have provided a strong export income for New Zealand but which are now showing poor returns—are “scars on the land” and there is a much better use for the land. Their mission is a place they call Rangiora (it means “heavenly wellbeing” in Maori), 124 hectares of coastal land they are returning to house sites and native bush. In essence what the two men are doing is taking the best of traditional rural New Zealand and combining it with an urban ethos to produce a community where people can live in a splendid natural world, but be wired to do business with the rest of the world. At Rangiora they have created swimming holes where children can play, walking tracks through native bush, house sites with views of the Hokianga Harbour and opened up a shop where Rangiora residents can barter home-grown produce. Kennedy is using his extensive knowledge of farming to help guide each buyer into the best use for their land block. Climate
June 2009
Courtesy photos For more than a century, the spiritually infused Hokianga in the rural north of New Zealand has seen boom and bust ... first it was gold mining, then logging, then gum digging. Today, a new influx of people from around the world are making the move to this idyll with its pohutokawa trees, quiet harbour and old fashioned values to begin their life again. Brits, Germans, South Africans, Americans are just some of the people drawn to a place where organics, art, community values, affordability, free health care and a safe place to raise children are the norm. Two men—permaculture expert Terry Kennedy, left, and boutique brewer Sean Murrie—are at the heart of a new style of housing project they believe can be a blueprint of how people might live in a simpler and more sustainable future.
change means the subtropical environment of the north now grows good crops of coffee, olives, papaya, bananas, cherimoyas and even watermelon. Surrounding areas are also due to be turned into pecan forests or mixed use forests of macrocarpa and swamp cyprus that are sustainable and useful for residents (www. rangioralifestyle.co.nz). “This project is about showing you do not need to be at the whim of market forces,” Murrie said. “If people are at a point in their lives where they want to swap uncertainty and stress for a simpler, more positive, more rewarding way of life…then this global recession has now presented them with the opportunity. “Resources are running out and people cannot count on having a job anymore; some will see projects like this as the best way to take some control of their destiny. People can come here and create their own lifestyle paradise based upon sound environmental principals. In turn, we can show other com-
munities in New Zealand and around the world how it can be done.” Kennedy, who left big city Auckland with his wife 16 years ago, said the boom and bust history of the Hokianga has bred an inner resilience and fervent community spirit in people. “Go to any function in a hall up here and you’ll see people of all ages coming together—grandparents through to young children,” he said. “And we are especially proud of the success that many young people from the Hokianga are making of their lives.” Kennedy’s job (he is also a former tutor in agriculture at a polytechnic institute) is to help pass on his knowledge of the land and growing crops to the people who move there. His own land block boasts 250 banana trees, cherimoyas, olives, tree tomatoes and coffee. The cherimoyas (an ox-heart size fruit that tastes like ice cream) are turned into commercial products and sold locally. Both men are thoroughly focused on cost factors. Using wind and solar energy is just part of the picture: they’ve sourced building suppliers that are at a fraction of city costs, or people can move a relocatable house onto their block for an even cheaper option. Land prices start around $50,000, which means for around $75,000 people can have a house and a self-sustaining block of land in a beautiful natural harbour.
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Individual land blocks will be surrounded by 73 hectares of communally owned native bush, wetlands, spring-fed creeks and picnic spots. Ultimately, following native reforestation, the land will resemble what the area looked like prior to European settlement. The local region council—the Far North District Council—has taken an active interest in what the two men are creating with their new type of community. “The world has been built upon some false values where money was made and money was lost in a market we invented,” Murrie said. “Now, the real values are the more important ones—a good honest living where everything has real value. “In the Hokianga, we can show the world that there is another way to live ... where we can be something of a blueprint in showing how by going back to basic principals we can create a new type of future. “People don’t need to feel powerless, don’t need to feel they have no control over their lives or that they are living their life from some kind of default position.” Kimberley Paterson is a New Zealand author, public relations specialist, journalist, publisher, writer and photographer. She is the founder of Lodestar Media in New Zealand and can be reached via e-mail to kimberley@ loadstarmedia.co.nz.
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Great gardens need great garbage! By Mike Marino Earth Odyssey Contributor
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he great American garden needs great American garbage. Whether on the homestead, suburban backyard or in a reclaimed vacant lot in the center of a major city, compost is the Lazarus component that can be added to every delicious garden of delectable delights. Mother Nature provides us with all we need on the planet to maintain a simple, sustainable lifestyle. Composting is merely our way of giving back in tribute, organically, to our benefactress. Gardening and composting is not just in the province of farms and homesteads, but now has become an urban phenomenon, too, with projects such as the Greening of Detroit, where community gardens are proliferating in old neighborhoods to create gardens, green space and greenbelts. If you think a natural garden inoculated by decomposed organic matter is just for back-to-earth types, think again. In March, First Lady, Michelle Obama, got down and dirty in the Presidential White House back 40 with a trowel to begin a Beltway Greenbelt Greening of America project of her own by creating a Pennsylvania Avenue backyard garden. Turning the soil with the help of local children from a nearby center for the underprivileged, the idea is a homegrown seed that is morphing into a reality, and according to the White House chef, there will be plenty of Obama organic garden goodies with most of it going to the center to feed the hungry. The rest will be served at formal functions to visiting dignitaries and at private dinners. Serving greens to England’s Queen. Right on. Gardens are cornucopias of food and plants, which are living forms taking what nourishment they require from the soil to grow and mature. As good stewards of the planet, it is our job to replenish what we have taken, and to do so in the most natural way possible. I look at a garden not as just a mass of leafy matter, but as a Guggenheim gallery of fine art, created by a composting community of microbial artists. Composting is more than art, as it reduces the mass loaded into landfills, while improving the soil for further gifts from the garden. Rich compost can be plowed into the spring soil as an innoculant, placed on top of the soil as mulch to ward off the eco-evils of erosion and retain water that might otherwise wick away and evaporate from the one-two punch of wind and sun. Compost is not only for the outdoors, but can also be added to indoor plants as an organic booster shot. Life is cyclical and just as there is life and death, yin and yang, composting is a cycle of life and death and life reborn once again. This article is not meant to be the definitive how-to from How-Tao article on composting. Some look at composting as dry, mechanical and by the numbers, but composting can be downright sexy in an organic
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Photos by Mike Marin Bob Stevens is director of agricultural research at the Irrigation District Experimental Facility, a part of the Washington State University agricultural program in Prosser, Wash.
sort of way! Composting is music, but unlike an orchestrated symphony with parameters and each instrument knowing its place in the symphonic mandala, composting and gardening are more likely to fall in the Charlie Parker universe of freeform unfettered jazz riffs, never the same, but always beautiful to feel.
Composting veteran In northern Michigan, where I lived in the woods in a small cabin for years, I took up composting early. The necessity of composting was compounded by the fact that there was not easy access to the township dump when you don’t own a vehicle. Besides, you didn’t want the garbage you were hauling to attract one of the black bears that rule the northern forests and becoming a carnivore’s happy meal. Northern climes limit your time in the compost pile. By winter, microbial activity, which requires an ambient temperature of around 50 degrees, goes into neutral until spring returns. On the other hand, when I lived in New Mexico, the season was longer thanks to the southwestern sun that blessed the Land of Enchantment with warmth, not to mention spectacular
sunrises! I had been “greening” since 1968 after living on and off the land in California. I constructed makeshift portable cisterns, created miniature greenhouses for seedlings out of the plastic cookie trays, and created an engineering marvel to rival the Golden Gate Bridge building a mini-irrigation system for my small garden out of beer cans, (yes, I had a lot of spare time on my hands—not to mention beer). In my quest for further freedom through self-sustainability, I began experimenting with composting, especially in semi-sandy soils that are more conducive to the growth of small pine trees and the rare morel mushroom in Michigan. Composting can be as labor intensive as you want, or like me, as intensely lazy as you desire. Just say “No” to synthetic fertilizers. Once soil gets a taste of synthetics, you create a soil junkie of the garden variety type. Chemicals deplete, not replete. Composting lets you go organic (not narcotic) all the way to the finish line while improving soil. The broken mixture also adds to the porosity of clay soils for proper drainage, and in sandy soils helps retain water to prevent early seepage before the plants have had a healthy fill of liquid at the soil saloon
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June 2009
as their tiny roots belly up to the bar. Once the compost is complete, it will have a mighty mixture of microbes with the desire and ability to extract nutrients from the soil’s mineral parts and, in turn, pass these nutrients on to the plants like a hand-off in a football game.
Bin or no bin To bin or not to bin, that is the question. Both work, but if you bin, you can buy one or build one. I built one from old 2 x 4’s and forest deadwood. Crude, but it did the job, and I had the added rush of accomplishment by constructing my own. You can construct one from four old wood pallets, cinder blocks, stacks of railroad ties, or if in an agricultural area, barter for some straw bales to build the bin. You’re only limited by imagination. Open piles take longer to ferment as a fine wine would, and they attract critters and varmints from voles to field mice. Compost microbes need water, and deciding the amount is an art form/science in itself. Bin placement in composting, as in real estate is all about location, location, location. A well-drained dry spot is best, but if water does collect in the area, you can dig diversionary drainage ditches to move the water away during rain storms, lining it with pea gravel or other small stones to prevent erosion of your miniature Panama Canal. If your garden is nearby, the ditches can divert the water to the garden. The moisture level in the pile itself should be lightly damp, not soaking, and when adding dry components, water them lightly before putting them in. If the pile is too dry, decomposition will go into slow motion, so balance is crucial. You can first line the bottom of the pile with straw or twigs that won’t mash down. This elevated state helps keep any water overflow that gets past your irrigation efforts from soaking directly into the pile during rainy days, and a good old-fashioned tarp overhead will do wonders in keeping nature’s deluge from diluting your efforts. The elevation also allows for proper air penetration into the pile, which is another balancing act you will have to contend with. The garden compost galaxy requires air to weave its way throughout the pile, in the way that a fiber artist creates a tapestry. Proper air flow will maintain a full-speed ahead environment in which the heat-generating microbes function to maximum capacity, turning garbage into garden gold. Too little air will create anaerobic microbes that not only work at a slower pace, but also, the compost will raise a stench that may have your neighbors storm the castle gates with pitchforks and torches. Water and air levels are a balancing act, not magic, and can be mastered through trial and error.
Greens and browns The compost “food” material is broken down to “dry” and “wet,” kitchen and yard, or in eco-terms, “browns” and “greens.” When you think green, think wet. When you think brown, think dry. When you’re
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feeling blue, think of your finished compost and it will put a smile on your face. Now, back to the basics. Greens can come from the yard or farm as grass clippings, plants, manure (certain types), green leaves, fruit and veggie scraps, etc. They hold moisture in captivity, and anyone who has tried to sun dry fresh fruit or vegetables knows how much moisture content has to be evaporated before the dried edible product is ready for inclusion in your backpack. Coffee grounds, eggshells and depleted tea bags are wonderful additions, too. The greens are a source of rich nitrogen and an excellent provider of protein for the proletarian like microbes. They are great additives to the mix, but as always with greens, mix them well with dry browns so they don’t mat up space to cut off air circulation. Browns include old leaves, dead plants, wood chips, straw, sawdust. These act as a source of energy for the microbes and should be moistened prior to inclusion to your fermenting compost horn of plenty. The balance of dry and wet compliment each other as the bulkier browns help with aeration, and the wet greens maintain adequate moisture levels. Anyone who has spent much time in the woods or on the road, knows that hardwoods make for a long-lasting camp cooking fire, while the pines flame up and burn fast for quick hot fires. In the compost, the conifers breakdown slower than hardwoods, perhaps because of the water and sap (a great campfire starter by the way) content in them.
Compost don’ts • Don’t add chemically treated woods. • Human waste or humanure is an absolute no-no. You may live the healthy lifestyle, eat properly and live to be 100, but adding humanure to the pile is dangerous and potentially poisonous. If you think manure just happens, think again. When it comes to manure...get a horse! Or a cow or a chicken even. Pet droppings from Fido and Felix? Forgettaboutit. • Meat fat and bones will take a millennium to breakdown, so don’t waste your time with that waste matter either. • Diseased plants, and dormant, not dead weeds that can regenerate in the pile and end up in your garden along with your plethora of plenty is also verboten. Composting is a very personal endeavor dealing with “browns and greens,” air and water amounts and making sure you have enough nitrogen and protein in the pile to keep the workers happy. When compost is complete, it’s ready for the garden or mulch. Mulch prevents erosion, water evaporation and the drying effect of wind and sun. As it decomposes, the mulch will release nutrients to the soil and the worms will have the equivalent of a farmhand’s field day. Completed compost is pure organi-poetry. It has a feel and smell all its own. It also has a magic and a power all its own when placed in heaping harmonious helpings onto and into the garden. In martial arts, the goal is to attain a black belt; in the garden, a simple “greenbelt” along with a “green thumb” will do just fine.
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Saguaros bloom ahead of monsoon rains By Ann Haver-Allen Earth Odyssey Editor
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can’t recall when my love affair with Arizona began. My passion for this unique state was well entrenched long before I ever set foot on Arizona soil. In fact, for years I hesitated to travel here for fear that I would not be able to return to the dreary Northeast, where I had to live to make a decent living for my family. The reasons I love this state are many. Just look around you at the sky, the fauna and the flora and you will see my reasons. My 12year-old daughter describes it best. She says living here is like living in a painting. But that painting is constantly changing with continuous and awe-inspiring beauty. Saguaros are just one element that make Arizona so special for me. These cacti, the largest in the world, only grow in southern Arizona and New Mexico and a portion of northern Mexico. The Saguaro is the state flower of Arizona and provides shelter for the state bird—the cactus wren. I never tire of seeing the majestic Saguaros. I have photographed Saguaros at sunrise and sunset and all hours in between. I am amazed at how they grow; that they prefer to live on the south side of the mountain; and that their range stops at about 3,000 feet. A member of the Tohono O’odham tribe once told me that her people believe Sagua-
ros are the souls of the ancestors. I accept that. I have always thought of Saguaros as the sentinels of the desert. When viewed from the base of a mountain, they look like an army guarding their land. Saguaros are individuals, each with different characteristics, much like people. I have photographed two neighboring Saguaros whose “arms” were damaged by cold temperatures. This causes the arms to bend downward and these two Saguaros looked like they were embracing. The end of May and the first of June is an especially important time, because that is when the Saguaros bloom. I had never seen a live saguaro in bloom until 2004, which was my first spring as an Arizona resident. I quickly developed a new tradition for Memorial Day: a field trip to photograph Saguaros in bloom. With a crown of white blossoms, a Saguaro looks like it is dressed for a wedding. I am amazed at how many people here in Prescott tell me they have never seen Saguaros bloom—and yet they greedily consume my photographs. I just can’t imagine not taking the time to appreciate first-hand something so majestic. Saguaros bloom every year regardless of rainfall. The blooming is timed so that seeds can take advantage of the monsoon rains. The flowers, although abundant, last only one day. The blossom actually opens at night
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen The blooming is timed so that seeds can take advantage of the monsoon rains.
and closes by early afternoon the following day. The Saguaro produces sweet nectar that accumulates at the base of the flower’s tube. Birds, bees and other insects oblige the Saguaros by providing needed cross-pollination services. These stately giants are not only
“Cattle Crossing” Cynthia Vidal
Opening Reception Friday, June 19, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Art Exhibit June 19 – July 26, 2009 Curators: Cynthia Vidal, Patti Pearl and Robbynne Raupers Earth Odyssey donates a free quarter-page ad each month to a nonprofit organization. To be considered, send e-mail to editor@earthodysseyonline.com. Put free nonprofit ad in the subject line.
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guardians of the desert, but also they are a valuable food source for both animals and humans during a time of year when food is scarce because of the desert heat. The Tohono O’odham traditionally harvest Saguaro fruit starting in late June. A long pole, made of Saguaro ribs, is used to knock the fruit from the towering cacti. The Saguaro fruit has a red, juicy pulp that is scooped out. The skin is discarded. The pulp is mixed with water, cleaned and then boiled down into thick syrup for making jam and wine. The harvesting of Saguaro fruit is the first phase of the Tohono O’odham’s rain ceremony, or wine feast, held in anticipation of the coming monsoons. Although each fruit can contain 2,000 or more seeds, and these seeds germinate rapidly (about five days once the rains start), a very small fraction of the seedlings survive. Those that do survive are usually strategically located near a “nurse plant,” which provides shade and moisture during its early years. Saguaros eventually kill the nurse plant as they grow and consume more and more of the available moisture. Saguaros grow slowly—only about an inch a year, but some are estimated to be 200 years old. So the next time you are below 3,000 feet in the Arizona desert, make sure you take time to really look at the Saguaros. It will be time well spent.
June 2009
Spitzer Telescope warms up to new career
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pitzer Space Telescope is beginning a new era of space exploration. Spitzer ran out of liquid helium coolant last month after more than five-and-a-half years of probing the cosmos with its keen infrared eye. Spitzer entered an inactive state called standby on May 15. Scientists and engineers will spend the next few weeks recalibrating the instrument at the warmer temperature, and preparing it to begin science operations. “We like to think of Spitzer as being reborn,” said Robert Wilson, Spitzer project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. “Spitzer led an amazing life, performing above and beyond its call of duty. Its primary mission might be over, but it will tackle new scientific pursuits, and more breakthroughs are sure to come.” Spitzer has explored, with unprecedented sensitivity, the infrared side of the cosmos, where dark, dusty and distant objects hide. For a telescope to detect infrared light—essentially heat—from cool cosmic objects, it must have very little heat of its own. During the past five years, liquid helium has run through Spitzer’s “veins,” keeping its three instruments chilled to -456 degrees Fahrenheit, or less than 3 degrees above absolute zero, the coldest temperature theoretically attainable. The cryogen was projected to last as little as two-and-a-half years, but Spitzer’s efficient design and careful operations enabled it to last more than five-and-a-half years. Spitzer’s new “warm” temperature is still quite chilly at -404 degrees Fahrenheit—much colder than a winter day in Antarctica when temperatures sometimes reach -75 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature rise means two of Spitzer’s instruments—its longer wavelength multiband imaging photometer and its infrared spectrograph—will no longer be cold enough to detect cool objects in space. The two shortest-wavelength detectors in the telescope’s infrared array camera will continue to function perfectly. They will still pick up the glow from a range of objects: asteroids in our solar system, dusty stars, planet-forming disks, gas-giant planets and distant galaxies. In addition, Spitzer still will be able to see through the dust that permeates our galaxy and blocks visible-light views. “We will do exciting and important science
June 2009
Image courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech and University of Arizona This infrared image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope shows the Helix nebula, a cosmic starlet often photographed by amateur astronomers for its vivid colors and eerie resemblance to a giant eye. The nebula, located about 700 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius, belongs to a class of objects called planetary nebulae. Discovered in the 18th century, these colorful beauties were named for their resemblance to gas-giant planets like Jupiter. This image is made up of data from Spitzer’s infrared array camera and multiband imaging photometer. Blue shows infrared light of 3.6 to 4.5 microns; green shows infrared light of 5.8 to 8 microns; and red shows infrared light of 24 microns.
with these two infrared channels,” said Spitzer Project Scientist Michael Werner of JPL. Werner has been working on Spitzer for more than 30 years. “Our new science program takes advantage of what these channels do best. We’re focusing on aspects of the cosmos that we still have much to learn about.” Since its launch in 2003, Spitzer has made countless breakthroughs in astronomy. Observations of comets both near and far have established that the stuff of comets and planets is similar throughout the galaxy. Breathtaking photos of dusty stellar nests have led to new insights into how stars are born. And Spitzer’s eye on the very distant universe, billions of light-years away, has revealed hundreds of massive black holes lurking in the dark. Perhaps the most revolutionary and
surprising Spitzer findings involve planets around other stars, called exoplanets. Exoplanets are, in almost all cases, too close to their parent stars to be seen from our Earthly point of view. Nevertheless, planet hunters continue to uncover them by looking for changes in the parent stars. Before Spitzer, everything we knew about exoplanets came from indirect observations. In 2005, Spitzer detected the first light, or photons, from an exoplanet. In a clever technique, now referred to as the secondary-eclipse method, Spitzer was able to collect the light of a hot, gaseous exoplanet and learn about its temperature. Further detailed spectroscopic studies later revealed more about the atmospheres, or “weather,” on similar planets. More recently, Spitzer witnessed changes in the weather on a wildly
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eccentric gas exoplanet—a storm of colossal proportions brewing up in a matter of hours before quickly settling down. “Nobody had any idea Spitzer would be able to directly study exoplanets when we designed it,” Werner said. “When astronomers planned the first observations, we had no idea if they would work. To our amazement and delight, they did.” These are a few of Spitzer’s achievements during the past five-and-a-half years. Data from the telescope are cited in more than 1,500 scientific papers. And scientists and engineers expect the rewards to keep on coming during Spitzer’s golden years. Some of Spitzer’s new pursuits include refining estimates of Hubble’s constant, or the rate at which our universe is stretching apart; searching for galaxies at the edge of the universe; assessing how often potentially hazardous asteroids might impact Earth by measuring the sizes of asteroids; and characterizing the atmospheres of gas-giant planets expected to be discovered soon by NASA’s Kepler mission. As was true during the cold Spitzer mission, these and the other programs are selected through a competition in which scientists from around the world are invited to participate. JPL manages the Spitzer mission for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Science operations are conducted at the Spitzer Science Center at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver, and Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo. support mission and science operations. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., built Spitzer’s infrared array camera; the instrument’s principal investigator is Giovanni Fazio of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass. Ball Aerospace & Technology Corp. built Spitzer’s infrared spectrograph; its principal investigator is Jim Houck of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Ball Aerospace & Technology Corp. and the University of Arizona in Tucson, built the multiband imaging photometer for Spitzer; its principal investigator is George Rieke of the University of Arizona.
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Artist, illustrator draws upon Native American heritage for inspiration
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D. Nelson’s art illustrates the convergence of reality and the dream state. Central images painted in bold, strong colors are surrounded by ghostly visionary symbols of his Native American heritage. Nelson is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas. Also known as Sioux or Lakota, they were the renowned Horse People of the Great Plains and the People of the Buffalo, because the buffalo provided food, clothing and lodging for the tribe. “As a boy, my mother told me stories about Iktomi, the Trickster,” Nelson said. “I learned that the stars were the spirits of my ances-
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Photos by Pia Wyer Artist and illustrator S.D. Nelson’s “style” is directly influenced by Ledger Book Art, an art form developed by Plains Indian artists during the years 1865 to 1935 when they were imprisoned.
tors; that my great-great grandfather, Flying Cloud, still road his snorting horse along the White Road of the Milky Way. If I looked carefully, mom said, I would see the Great Bear and the Star That Did Not Turn—the North Star. “She told me the Life Force or the Great Mystery is named Wakan Tanka and that all of creation, the four-legged beings, the tall standing trees, even the wind has a spirit and is alive.” Nelson enables viewers to visualize those spirits in his paintings. “In my paintings, I connect with Wakan Tanka,” Nelson said. “I spread paint and color so that you might share in my vision. I have an artist’s vision of Father Sky and
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June 2009
Courtesy photo Ledger Book Art is an art form developed by Plains Indian artists during the years 1865 to 1935 when they were imprisoned.
Mother Earth, of the Winged Ones, of our four-legged brothers, of the little crawling creatures and the two-legged human beings, of the mountains and the forests all singing the song of life, all dancing in a circle.” Nelson said his “style” is directly influenced by Ledger Book Art, an art form developed by Plains Indian artists during the years 1865 to 1935 when they were imprisoned. He said the Ledger Book Art Form developed when, instead of throwing filled ledger books away, someone started giving them to the Indians, who drew and painted directly atop the ledger contents. “This is really two cultures,” Nelson said. “There’s the culture of the white man with all his writing and data and then there’s the native culture superimposed on it. And the two never meet. They don’t blend. They are always in conflict.” In addition to his art, Nelson has authored and illustrated five children’s books and illustrated six others. His book titles include “Coyote Christmas—A Lakota Story,” “The First Americans,” “The Star People—A Lakota Story,” and “Gift Horse—A Lakota Story.” Currently, he is working on writing and illustrating “Black Elk’s Vision,” which is scheduled for release in February 2010.
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“I am really excited to be doing this book about Black Elk,” Nelson said. “His story is absolutely profound. He gets sick and has an intense fever that lasts for days and he has a vision. The vision is about people living in harmony with all of our environment. Not just people, but everything. He teaches about the Circle of Life and the two-legged creatures, us, living in harmony with the four-legged creatures, the winged creatures and the creepy-crawlers.” Nelson shares Black Elk’s vision and believes the time of man having dominion over every living thing on Earth is passing. “We’ve done that…had dominion…and you can see what it’s resulted in,” he said. “It’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to live in harmony. Christ speaks to living in harmony. He speaks of acceptance, not of dominion.” Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University. He taught high school art for one year and middle school art for 27 years in Flagstaff. His artwork appears on book covers, CDs, greeting cards, in children’s books and in numerous private and public collections. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His work can be viewed online at www. sdnelson.net.
Photos by Pia Wyer Above left, S.D. Nelson works on his forthcoming book, “Black Elk’s Vision,” in his homeoffice. Nelson has authored and illustrated five children’s books and illustrated six others. Three are pictured here. See www. sdnelson.net for more of his work.
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By Ann Haver-Allen Earth Odyssey Editor nquestionably, one of the most beautiful hiking and camping trips the world has to offer is right here in Arizona. In my opinion, hiking into the Grand Canyon to see the magnificent waterfalls on the Havasupai Reservation is without parallel. And while this adventure is not for those weak in the knees, it is doable for most everyone else—if they are properly prepared. I have exercise-induced asthma, and while I can hike indefinitely on flat terrain or going downhill, uphill hikes are a real struggle for me. I hiked the 10 miles down to the campground without any difficulty, taking about four hours. Hiking out was another story. I had to take the final 1,000-feet climb of about a mile one switchback at a time. I
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stopped after each switchback and allowed my breathing to settle before tackling the next one. The 10-mile climb out took about five and one-half hours—not too bad for someone who gets winded running up a flight of stairs.
Open again We made our adverturous hike into the canyon prior to the August 2008 massive flooding, which prompted the Havasupi Nation to close the Reservation to all outsiders. That flash flood washed out several bridges and sections of the path, and damaged buildings in town and the campground. The good news is that all repairs have now been made and the reservation opened to tourists again on June 1. But before you grab your gear and head out, here’s some tips and information that may make your trip more enjoyable.
Photos by Ann Haver-Allen At left, The trail into the village is a busy thoroughfare. A mule train passes every few minutes because all goods into the village are brought in either by pack mules or by helicopter. Above, Navajo Falls, which was named after a Supai Chief.
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June 2009
Photos by Ann Haver-Allen Pack mules and horses run the trail from the Hualapai Hilltop to Supai so many times transporting supplies up and down that they seem to run on autopilot.
About the Reservation Traveling should be a culturally rewarding experience as well as a fun adventure. Knowing something about where you are going enhances your experiences. The Havasupai Reservations comprises 185,000 acres inside Havasu Canyon, which is at the western end of the Grand Canyon where Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River. Eight miles down from the trailhead on the Hualapai hilltop is the village of Supai. About 450 Havasupai live in the village, which is the only incorporated township within the Grand Canyon. The Reservation was created in 1882 and tourism is the main economic base. Supai is accessible only by hiking, riding a mule or horse or catching a ride in a helicopter. The Supai post office is the only one in the United States that is still serviced by pack train and mail receives a special postmark noting this. In addition to the post office,
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the village has a school, clinic, church, café, motel and a couple of “convenience” stores. Havasupai translates to People-Of-TheBlue-Green-Waters in English—a name that refers to the four beautiful blue-green waterfalls located within the canyon. Havasupai consider the source of the water to be a sacred place and in one version of their origin legend, the waterfalls fathered one of three children who became the predecessors of the human race. The Havasupai were the first offspring, followed by the Apaches, Hualapais, Hopis, Paiutes and Navajos. Nature carved two stone pillars from the red cliffs that overlook Supai. These pillars are called Wigleeva and are the village’s guardian spirits. The legend says that when the god and goddess fall, it will signal the demise of the Havasupai.
Trails Three hiking trails are open to visitors of the Havasupai Indian Reservation: • Hike in from Hualapai Hilltop to campgrounds
• Hike from campgrounds to Beaver Falls • Hike from campgrounds to Colorado River The best advice is to start early—as early as possible. Leaving the hilltop and starting toward Supai early means that a great deal of the hike will be in the shade. The trail is rated moderately difficult and is rugged and rocky. The eight-mile trail down to the village begins with a series of switchbacks and is steep for the first mile. After that, the trail descends more gradually for about a half mile to the bottom of the canyon. It’s fairly flat hiking—not enormous changes in elevation—from that point on into the village. Overall, it’s about a 2,000-foot drop from the hilltop trailhead to the village. The trail can be hot, dry and dusty. Remember to carry water with you—at least 2 liters of water or more if necessary. The trail into the village is a busy thoroughfare. A mule train passes every few minutes because all goods into the village are brought in either by pack mules or by helicopter. Hikers should always keep to the right and do not wear headphones.
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Hikers should be alert and listen for the pack mules and horses because they run this trail on autopilot. Hikers are expected to get out of their way…not the other way around. Do not try to touch the animals. The campground is two miles beyond the village and this part of the trail can be really tough. It’s mostly deep sand, which can really suck the life out of you (think hiking in loose beach sand). But waiting for you are the beautiful, cool waters of the Havasu Creek. The campground serves as a launching point for hikes to Beaver Falls or on down to the Colorado River and the Havasu Rapids.
Waterfalls The waterfalls are spread out along Havasu Creek, and have a relatively constant temperature of about 70 degrees throughout the year. The high mineral content and carbonate precipitate account for the pools and natural dams. The first waterfall you encounter is about a mile and a quarter out of the village—Navajo Falls, which was named after a Supai Chief.
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Photo by Ann Haver-Allen Manipulating the camera and knowing a little physics captured this rainbow framing Havasu Falls. The lush canyon really does seem like paradise at the end of the rainbow.
Photo by Ann Haver-Allen The Wigleeva, when photographed at sunrise, cast a shadow that brings the village’s guardian spirits to life. The legend says that when the god and goddess fall, it will signal the demise of the Havasupai.
Navajo Falls tumbles 75 feet into a refreshing pool that is excellent for swimming. Navajo Falls is not on the primary hiking trail, so you have to be alert for the side trail that leads back into the jungle. Be prepared to get your feet wet just getting there. Havasu Falls is the next waterfall you will encounter—and it is visible from the primary hiking trail. Havasu Falls is about one-quarter mile from Navajo Falls, or about one and one-half miles from the village. This waterfall plunges 100 feet into a pool of blue-green water and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. Mooney Falls is the third waterfall and it is the highest and most majestic, dropping about 200 feet. Named for a prospector who fell to his death while attempting to descend the waterfall, access is still only possible by climbing down a narrow ledge, which can be slippery from the waterfall spray. Beneath Mooney Falls is a pool similar in size to the one at the base of Havasu Falls, but without as many people. Mooney Falls is about two and one-half miles from the village, or about a mile beyond the campground. The fourth waterfall is Beaver Falls, which is a series of cascades at the conflux of Beaver and Havasu Canyons and is comparable to Navajo Falls in size. To get there, you must climb down to the base of Mooney Falls, then follow the stream
campers, but reservations are required and must be made via telephone by calling (928) 448-2141, (928) 448-2121, (928) 448-2174 or (928) 448-2180. The Tourism Office is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona time. The campground fee is $17 per person, per night. Additionally, an environmental fee of $5 per person is charged, but that will be refunded if you carry a bag of garbage back out with you to the Hilltop. If camping is not your thing, the Supai Lodge is an option. Lodge accommodations include two double beds, private bath and air-conditioning. No telephone, television or roll-away beds are available. All 24 rooms are nonsmoking. Rooms accommodate up to four persons and are $145 per night. Reservations are required and must be made via telephone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. The lobby is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
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for about four miles. The trail crosses the creek several times before reaching Beaver Falls, but is passable. Be prepared to get wet. If you continue hiking down Havasu Canyon, you will reach the Colorado River at Havasu Rapids. It’s about five miles from Beaver Falls to the Colorado River, or about 10 miles (one way) from the village. There is no potable water, so you must carry enough water with you.
Preparation Everything must be brought into the canyon, which means everything must be taken out. No permanent services are available at the Hualapai Hilltop, although vendors may offer drinks and snacks occasionally. Make sure you bring enough water for the hike. Once in the campground, drinking water is available from Fern Spring. Fill your gas tank before leaving Route 66. Parking is available at the Hualapai Hilltop at the end of Highway 18, about 65 miles from its intersection with Route 66. All visitors to the Havasupai Indian Reservation are required to check in with the Tourist Office in Supai upon arrival. An entrance fee of $35 per person is required for those 13 and older. Children 12 and younger are discounted 50 percent. The campground can hold up to 300
final words Be aware that no alcohol, drugs or firearms are allowed on the Reservation. Wear comfortable shoes. My feet swelled so much from the heat and hiking that my shoes—which fit and were normally comfortable—no longer fit. Once I took them off, there was no putting them back on. I
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suggest the open hiking sandals with the toe cover. These navigate land and water equally well. Take a supply of moleskin to prevent or treat blisters. Also, we learned that nothing beats duct tape. One member in our group wrapped his water bottle with duct tape in strips about 4 inches long. He just stacked the strips on top of one another and pulled each piece off as needed. Entire feet can be wrapped in duct tape, which is really durable. Finally, if you wimp out and decide to take a horse or helicopter out of the canyon, you should know the details of those options. The horses tend to be booked in advance and are not available at the spur of a moment. Horses roundtrip are $187. Mules can be engaged to carry out your pack. Four packs fit on a mule and the charge is $80. Helicopter service is first-come, firstserved…after all the supplies and tribal members. Cost is $85 per person each way. The helicopters operate Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Supai really is an oasis in the middle of desert country and is one of the most special and unique areas in the Grand Canyon region. For more information, see the Havasupai Tribe Web site at www.havasupaitribe.com.
June 2009
Taking a crash course in paper making By Ann Haver-Allen Earth Odyssey Editor
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racle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, held a Paper making with Desert Plants Workshop in May that my daughter and I attended. Taught by paper artist and instructor Val Bembenek, the three-hour workshop was an introduction to the art of making archivalquality paper. “I have been doing this for about five years and have made paper from corn husk, chili peppers, thistle down, yucca, bird’s nest, oat grass, gourd and mint to name a few,” Bembenek said. “A lot of stuff works, but not everything does. Bear grass doesn’t work. It has something in it that I just can’t cook out.” Bembenek said she was very proud of her chili pepper paper, but it turned to disappointment when the red color left within six months. “Compare that with ocotillo flowers that hold the red color for a long time,” she said. “Some inclusions will hold their color and others will not. Just experiment.” For a successful paper making experience, you must start with cellulose—that means a plant-based material. “Not all plants will give you enough fiber to make paper,” Bembenek said. “Iris leaves do. A bird’s nest does. But you can’t make paper from lamb’s wool. You can’t make it from dog hair.” Bembenek said even though some paper makers use dryer lint, she does not. It would work, she said, if your laundry was all cotton and other natural fibers. But usually it contains synthetics such as polyester or rayon. The result, she said, is that you end up with paper that looks like dryer lint because it doesn’t get any prettier through the process. “Paper needs to be archival,” she said. “It needs to last. If it’s not archival and you send it to somebody in Florida where it is very humid, spores, bugs and bacteria would suddenly grow on your paper. “I always work for archival paper, which means I test it after cooking with a PH strip to make sure it’s neutral,” Bembenek continued. “Archival paper is going to last and you will be proud to give it.” Bembenek will be back at Oracle on Saturday and Sunday June 6 and 7 for a Journalmaking Workshop, where she will teach you how to make different styles of stab-bound journal notebooks to use as a diary, for poetry, to record hiking field notes of wildlife sightings and more. Participants will take home three unique journal notebooks. Reservations are required as space is limited. The $30 fee includes park entrance. To reserve your spot, call (520) 896-2425. For more information about Oracle State Park activities, see www.azparks.gov/Parks/ ORAC/index.html. Photos by Ann Haver-Allen Right, Paper artist and instructor Val Bembenek led a three-hour workshop titled “Paper making with Desert Plants.” Above, participants take their turn making sheets of paper.
June 2009
About Oracle State Park
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racle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, is located on the former Kannally Ranch, which was gifted to the Arizona State Parks Board in 1986. The Mediterranean-revival style Kannally Ranch House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oracle State Park is a 4,000-acre wildlife preserve whose mission is to function as a wildlife refuge and act as an environmental learning center. It is a day-use only park. Although evening events are held, the park has no overnight camping facilities. Educational programs focus on ecology and the need to preserve our natural resources. Interpretive presentations highlight the plant, animal, geologic and historic character of this Arizona region. The park has environmental education programs that take place out on the hiking trails. One program is 90 minutes in length and the other is two and one-half hours. Both require reservations. Oracle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, is currently on a five-day schedule: open Thursdays through Mondays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The park is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays until further notice. Getting there Oracle State Park is about 45 minutes east of Tucson. Take 77 (Oracle Road) north. Turn right at the Oracle turnoff (American Avenue). Travel about 2.3 miles to Mt. Lemmon Road and turn right. The park entrance is on the left. Contact info For more information about Oracle State Park, Center for Environmental Education, and to view a schedule of events, see www.azparks. gov/Parks/ORAC/index.html. The phone number is (520) 896-2425.
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Midnight rain, enchantment, getting things in perspective
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tanding in the soft rain around midnight, I was overcome with gratitude for this place in which I live. A modest house, set among tall stately pines, manzanita bushes and a host of unruly plant creatures vying for space. The birds sing all day, lizards, a toad or two and many other creatures move through this place and call it home. It is an oasis, offering respite from society and an opportunity for many hours of yard work. Perhaps because it is the oldest form of human spirituality, some consider animism to be a primitive phenomenon, that recognizing spirit and consciousness in nature, place and “inanimate” objects like rocks and mountains is symptomatic of arrested development in a person of modern times. It is often more acceptable to believe in a god “out there” somewhere, in the sky, a male human figure metaphorically choreographing all the plays on Earth’s stage. The other day I saw a bumper sticker that proclaimed, “I’ll take God and guns, you can have your change.” I forget whether God or guns came first as I was distracted by the notion that somehow God and guns go together. Surely this must be a more impoverished state of being than experiencing the divine in trees and finding meaning in brief encounters with wildlife? Perhaps in response to the pseudo-religious, there is a growing niche of self-proclaimed atheists, pseudo nihilists, and those who think it clever to plagiarize Nietzsche. Many of us go through these phases to some degree when we are adolescents–an early rite of passage for those drawn to question ideology and meaning. These are, of course, polarities and extreme oversimplifications but they point to the rigidity and potential destructiveness of positioning oneself against something rather than opening to possibility and understanding that the land and the sign that points to it are not the same thing. Living in a world devoid of enchantment is a bleak way to get through the day, and is a symptom either of human arrogance or despair. If we divest everything of mystery and meaning outside that which serves our own agendas, or acquiesce to abandoning our truth for someone else’s, we find ourselves in a state ripe for all kinds of addictions and savagery.
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Perhaps now more than ever, it is time for us to wake from our “dominant species” slumber and see—really see—the sacred other who is not really “other” at all. We need to recognize a god(dess) in creation, who lives and breathes in every creature, the wind and the rain. Humanity emerged from the same celestial event as all life on this planet. We are not special because God uniquely resembles us, despite our optimistic projections. We are special as a small part of the complex divine creativity that is life. This belief enhances my faith rather than diminishes it, expands hope and possibility instead of inviting a sense of insignificance. If our consciousness is more complex and evolved than other species, then we have a greater responsibility to protect the vulnerable (human and nonhuman), to nurture those whose disposition or dispensation render them casualties of the modern age. World Environment Day is June 5 (www. unep.org/wed/2009/english/) and, in honor of this, I invite us all to take the time to examine our relationship with the natural world and determine ways in which we can become more present to the consciousness of other species, find ways to live in harmony with them. If we learn to love the place in which we live, and feel a deep connection to the life forms who accompany us, we will be invited into deeper relationship with creation in a way that enriches our lives and gives us insight into the needs of other creatures. Wherever we live, whether we own our home or not, we have an opportunity to care for a small part of our beautiful planet and, by extension, our own soul.
Photo by Pia Wyer The serpent is a deeply mythological creature, powerful and often misunderstood. I encountered this beautiful Python at a recent wildlife fair
I am unsure whether the sudden trendiness of the green movement is positive or negative. When things become trendy, they can be trivialized, absorbed into the marketing and consumption machine of our culture. Attention is shifted from the authentic work of individuals and organizations genuinely striving to address complex environmental challenges, toward a populist complacency of form over substance. Years ago, when I was in graduate school, we were all talking about the environment, ways in which to rescue the planet from destruction and pollution, and how we might realign ourselves with the forces of nature rather than those attempting to overpower them. Our conversations contained a deeply spiritual awareness, as that was our focus, and we recognized an urgent need for reconciliation between spirituality and science in these efforts. The absence of science in this conversation renders ideas merely theoretical, while the absence of spirituality obscures the depth and purpose of environmental protection. We should not “save the planet” because we need it, rather we should cease our destructive practices because of the inherent beauty and worth of creation itself. The superficial, somewhat cynical utilization of environmental protection language by companies whose products and practices are
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part of the problem rather than the solution completely misses the point. It is not enough to buy brand x because it has a leaf on its logo, just as it is not enough to drop a few pennies in the Salvation Army box around Christmas and continue on our merry way of self absorption and consumerism. It is for us to do our homework and remember that the product with the lowest carbon footprint is the one that is not produced. What if we stop buying things we don’t need? Is there a moment each day to meditate on the beauty and creativity of nature? Can science and spirituality inform and engage one another? Is it possible to love what we have without seeing it as a steppingstone to acquiring something else? Can we put down our weapons and open our hearts? Can we cease treating the divine like an exotic caged bird whose wings we have clipped so it can no longer fly while we gaze at its remaining feathers and claim it as our own? The answer to all these questions is yes. Originally from England, Pia lives in Payson, Arizona, and has been a part of Earth Odyssey since the beginning. She has a master’s degree in Culture and Spirituality, and most recently graduated from the Sacred Art of Living’s Anamcara Project. She can be contacted through Earth Odyssey and her freelance photography business, Animist Arts (pia@animistarts.com).
June 2009
The emotional residue of scars can be problematic
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have written much in these pages about energy medicine and spiritual healing. It has all been very philosophical and conceptual. I thought this month it might be time for a more practical discussion. I have a fascination with scars. They are a direct result of our inner healing mechanism to an injury, and as such, they can be critical to our wellbeing. But scars are masses of tissue that restrict blood flow, movement, lymph and nerve supply. They remain long after the injury and often become a problem, not just cosmetically, all their own. From an energetic perspective, scars are blockages of the flow of energy throughout the body. Energy systems such as the meridian system (acupuncture) and the chakra system are not visible and are difficult to measure. Along with other energetic systems within the body—the “field,” they are ignored by conventional medical approaches. But scarring negatively impacts the flow of energy in ways that are not obvious, creating problems that are difficult to identify. We are missing something. Recall that one of the central contentions of energy medicine is that so goes the energy body, so goes the physical body. Imbalances in one’s field is the precursor to physical illness. By being focused on the physical, we ignore the root cause of our dis-ease. And by definition, scarring creates an imbalance in one’s field. But why would the innate healing wisdom of the body develop a response to injury that later causes harm to the very body it seeks to serve? This is where my fascination begins. Let’s get back to basics. The human body
By Mike Davis is constantly replacing old cells. As David N. Menton, Ph.D., notes: “In one sense, most of the substance of our body really doesn’t continue to get older during our life: a great many of our body’s parts are constantly repairing and replacing themselves. The epidermal cells that cover the entire surface of our skin, for example, never get older than one month. New cells are continually produced (by cell division) deep in the epidermis, while the older ones continually slough off at the surface. Similarly, the cells lining our intestines completely replace themselves every four days; our red blood cells are entirely replaced about every 90 days; and our white blood cells are replaced about every week.” Ultimately, every so many months, we are completely new. So why does the body replace scar tissue? Assume that the wound is healed and the scar tissue is no longer needed. Why doesn’t the body revert to the original tissue at the site of the injury? I think we can
all agree that the innate healing wisdom of the body is remarkable. So why the breakdown with scars? Scarring is not a disease process or an invading microbe, but is instead the very purposeful response of the body to an injury. Indeed, if the above analysis is correct, more than just not being needed anymore, the scar tissue is harmful. It is possible the injury summons a response that, once begun, cannot reverse itself. Or perhaps we are witnessing an evolutionary response gone wrong. But based upon my work, I think something much more interesting is happening. Imagine that a large masse of scar tissue, a C-section scar for instance, can completely disappear in just moments, leaving behind just a long thin line as a reminder. Or that brain scarring, the result of a stroke, can be dissolved painlessly, with no invasive procedures, resulting in the restoration of full left arm function, one of the classic results of stroke. By remedying the imbalance in the field, physical change occurs rapidly, almost miraculously. Every scar would seem to have some negative impact on one’s health. But the placement of the scar can be significant. C-section scars cut across the midline, cutting the flow of energy to the entire torso and pelvic area and impacting several chakra centers. Breast augmentation or biopsy scars are particularly troubling because of their impact on the heart chakra. The seriousness of brain scarring is obvious, and we can receive scarring from a host of seemingly insignificant head traumas. The effect of these scars can be very deceiving,
but I have seen the results of working on scars with dozens of clients, who have sought out spiritual healing when nothing else seemed to work. I describe this work as “spiritual” because no known medical or physical process can account for the seemingly instant disappearance of scar tissue and its harmful effects. What is the explanation then? Scientists have recently discovered that there is a protein that acts like a glue in the brain retaining emotional and fearful memories. This may unlock the mystery of post-traumatic stress syndrome. My suspicion is that we will find that this “glue” resides in every cell of the body. I have written elsewhere the body may be the site of the elusive subconscious; this discovery lends credibility to the argument. I would suggest that scar tissue retains the “memory” of the cause and or trauma of the original injury. Thus, the body continues to replace scar tissue because the need remains, like glue, at an energetic level. Far from being an evolutionary defect, the innate wisdom of the body is acting quite responsibly when it continues to replace scar tissue. The harm comes from not addressing the field. And once the field is cleared of the emotional residue of the injury, full healing can occur. So goes the energy body, so goes the physical body. Mike Davis is CEO of Energy Medicine Foundation and a member of the Mountain Spirit Co-Op in Prescott. He is the creator of Vibrational Realignment, a unique approach to spiritual healing, and can be reached at 928862-0594 or at VibrationalRealignment.com.
Living with love, laughter is strong healing energy
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reetings, Earthlings. I have come to bring you a message of peace. Peace within all hearts of humanity on the planet Earth. The time has come for the negative ways of the past to end, and a new world emergence of unconditional love to appear. This new world of peace, love and harmony will be activated through the heart center of each individual. An activation so powerful that all discord, pain and fear will be dissolved in a matter of moments. When the conscious intention of the critical mass reaches its apex, a huge paradigm shift will take place and the energy that surrounds your planet will be uplifted to an unprecedented higher vibration level. You can assist in creation of this blessed event by letting yourself feel the love and peace that is in your heart and bring it to the highest intensity of expression. Living in the joy now present in your heart will bring the presence of a peaceful, loving world to full existence. Enjoy the feeling. Live it. Love it. Let the laughter come forth…. OK, so this isn’t what most folks are ac-
June 2009
by Maya Joy Angeles cepting as part of their reality. But really… what are we expecting for our world? For our lives? For our futures? Are we expecting peace? Are we imagining a world where we can all live in harmony, love and joy? Perhaps we have become conditioned to believe that these ideals could never happen. Most of the great enlightened spiritual
teachers have been telling us for eons that we have to align our personal heart vibration with the happiness we seek. That if we can imagine it, we can create it. How true it has been in my own experience that whenever I hold my focus on positive aspects of my heart’s desire, the path seems to open up to achieve it. And oh, how I have noticed that when I feel skeptical, fearful or focused on what might go wrong, my hopes and dreams seem to vanish. I become lost in the pain and suffering of doubt and worry. But how do we go about experiencing our joy every day? Is there a way we can hold on to our happiness and mold it into a new pattern of daily living? Of course there is. Remember the expression, “Live, Laugh and Love?” Well that’s it, really. We don’t have to spend huge amounts of time (and money) trying to figure out what to let go of or what needs healing in our past. When we begin right now in this moment to “live with love and laughter,” it is the strongest healing energy for transmuting any past or present issues we may have had. And what a great way to get the most
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enjoyment from our life. As we experience our lives with love, and joy (or laughter) we really begin to live, rather than merely exist or worse yet, become consumed by our real or perceived misery. It may sound overly simplistic but isn’t that what we all need? A bit more simplicity…. Let’s all take a deep breath and look around for the joyful and amusing moments in our lives that have perhaps become obscured from our view. Smile in your heart and the feeling grows. Share it with others. Feel the aliveness that embraces us all when we choose to focus on the positive. Most of us have had plenty of practice observing and complaining about the so-called negative aspects of our lives. Why not give some energy to observing what really makes us feel alive, uplifted and happy? You’ll be glad you did! And remember…. There may be hope for us Earthlings yet! Peace and Blessings, Maya Joy Angeles Co-owner of Crystal Lotus Gallery, in Pine, Arizona. Phone (928) 476-4075. www.crystallotusgallery.com.
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Comfort herbs that help ease menopause symptoms
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t always amazes me that in our era, menopause very often is considered a condition needing medical intervention. Menopause is neither a medical condition, nor is it a disease. It is a time when a woman goes through great hormonal changes, just as she did in her teenage years. Some women go through menopause without discomfort and others experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, poor concentration, acne, lymphatic congestion, water retention, weight gain and mood swings. Herbal remedies, as many menopausal women already have discovered, can offer great comfort in alleviating these problems. And, women who do take ERT (estrogen replacement) or HRT (hormone replacement) may be surprised to discover that herbal medicine has a lot to offer to counter side effects caused by these pharmaceutical hormones.
Herbs for hot flashes, night sweats Motherwort is a favorite with menopausal women. It reduces the severity of hot flashes, calms emotions and relieves heart palpitations (and strengthens the heart). Black cohosh is high in phytosterols and can effectively relieve hot flashes. Hibiscus, sage and oatstraw have been shown to be very effective in reducing hot flashes. Other useful herbs include any of the mints and mallows (your hollyhocks growing in your garden) have a cooling effect on the body and can be helpful in relieving hot flashes. Chasteberry is frequently recommended by European doctors to ease hot flashes. Chaste-
activity, reduces fatigue, stress, depression and arteriosclerosis. Panax ginseng has a potent estrogenic effect, helping in balancing hormones. Its main value lies in strengthening the body, boosting mood and mental alertness in times of fatigue and stress.
Herbs for strong bones
berry has a marked effect on the functioning of the pituitary gland, the master gland that controls and balances hormone levels.
Herbs for insomnia Valerian, passionflower, lemon balm or skullcap before bed can help promote relaxation and restful sleep. During the day, drink calcium rich teas, such as oatstraw, shavegrass or chamomile. Oatstraw baths are exceptionally calming.
Horsetail, shavegrass, nettle, oatstraw and dandelion are mineral rich herbs to support bone health. Menopausal women are at greater risk for osteoporosis. An infusion keeps the bones strong, fortifies the nerves, helps reduce emotional distress, promotes sound sleep and strengthens libido.
Herbs for a healthy heart Hawthorn has long been celebrated for its protective effect on the heart. This herb is absolutely amazing. I have known many people with serious and not so serious heart problems who have taken hawthorn and totally recovered in a short time. The “emotional heart” too, can benefit from a cup of “heart warming” hawthorn tea to ease anxiety and panic attacks.
Wild Yam Herbs for tension, stress, fatigue Eleuthero is my favorite herb to deal with tension, stress and fatigue. Some of my friends call it “the happy herb.” Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, eases hot flashes and calms emotional ups and downs during menopause. This herb acts on the adrenal glands to normalize stress hormone levels. Normalizes blood pressure, immune
Whenever both the liver and the reproductive system are implicated as the cause of hormonal imbalances, wild yam has the capability of regulating hormone production. (Caffeine can cause hormonal imbalances). Plant steroids in wild yam provide building blocks needed in the production of progesterone, estrogen and cortisone. Wild yam is usually sold as a cream or lotion to be
applied on the body (make sure it reads wild yam cream and NOT progesterone cream).
Can herbs replace ERT /HRT? More than three-quarters of women in America over the age of 50 have refused ERT/HRT. If you want to join them, taper off your dosage slowly, while continuing to use nourishing and tonifying herbs such as dandelion, motherwort, red clover, oatstraw and seaweed. And pick up a copy of “New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way” by Susun Weed. Ancient cultures viewed menopause as a woman’s transition into her own strength and away from her role as mother and family nurturer. From this point of view, the cessation of menses allows a woman to retain more of her energy. Hot flashes, insomnia and emotional ups and downs are viewed as outward signs of a woman’s inner struggle to find her own path in unison with her increased mental, physical and spiritual power. Don’t let your menopausal years be a midlife crisis. Let this be your time to radiate your inner beauty, strength, courage, wisdom, creativity and love. A positive attitude during this time of your life can help you better cope with hormonal changes. If you want to learn more about herbs for menopause, please join us for a free class on Saturday, June 13, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call The Herb Stop in Pine at (928) 4764144 to reserve your seat. The herbs discussed in this article can be purchased at The Herb Stop located in Pine, 4004 N. Highway 87. If you have any questions, Leilah can be reached at 928-476-4144 or by e-mail at herbstop@gmail.com The FDA has not approved these statements. The information given is not meant to act as a prescription, medical advice or therapeutic advice. Consult your healthcare professional prior to using botanicals discussed in this column.
The Internet can help build a sense of community
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orld peace? Look to the Internet! One of the greatest minds of the 20th century, Albert Einstein, was quoted as saying, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them.” The need for mankind to change its way of thinking was very real when Einstein made this statement. And today, some 50 years later, with the Information Age changing at an exponential rate, we must continually change our way of thinking. If you are not updating the thoughts important to you on a week-to-week basis, then your processes may become obsolete in today’s ever changing society. This is the computer age, the information age. The amount of technical information is doubling every year or two; and it has been estimated that in a couple more years, the amount of information will be doubling every week or two!
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Of course, the vast majority of all this information is regarding things about which you personally will never need to know. But the information will be there for you. The third generation of fiber optics can push 10 trillion bits per second through a single fiber. This is roughly equivalent to 1900 CDs of information per second. In the future, the capacity to share and store information is going to continue to improve to unimagined limits. The Internet is the new environment for
this Information Age. It presents us with a universe of knowledge that is surprisingly young. In fact, general public use of the Internet is only about 14 years old! The inventors of the World Wide Web (WWW) refused to patent it because they wanted it to be a free facility for humankind. This may be the most important philanthropic act of the modern era. Now, in our lifetime, our planet has the interactive potential to BECOME ONE. I’m not talking about a “One World Government.” In fact, let’s hope and pray that never comes to fruition. I am talking about a collective consciousness of our species that transcends the politics of government and joins us all through the free sharing of knowledge. I’m saying that free access to all this knowledge can actually facilitate the spiritual enlightenment of our species. Wow. What an optimist, eh? Many of you may be a bit more pessimistic considering that the majority of personal Internet usage is for entertainment purposes only. Also, a
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small percentage of what the Internet has to offer includes a lot of unsavory items leading individuals toward callousness to violence, sex and horror. You know, like television— and the American cinema. Nevertheless, the potential is there for the Internet to bring us all together as one. Even the barriers of foreign languages will be something of the past with the advent of more and more efficient translation programs. The tremendous interactive possibilities are truly wonderful. Eventually, the people of the world will become so familiar with those of other countries that they will more easily relate to all the similarities between each other, while becoming blind to the relatively insignificant differences between each other. Then, when the powers of government declare a war, perhaps no one will be willing to participate. Think about it. John Hall is co-owner of the Crystal Lotus Gallery and Spiritual Life Center, located on Highway 87 in Pine, Arizona. Telephone (928) 476-3410. www.crystallotusgallery.com.
June 2009
Monthly horoscope from Dominique Read your Sun, Ascending, and Moon sign. An astrologer can help you find all of the planets places on the day that you were born.
feelings about closest relationships. Look and see how much your work has changed in the last few months. A secret is revealed about love.
c Gemini—May 22–June 21 Look for things around your home that may need to be fixed or replaced. Change around your career is possible now. Someone shares a secret with you. Do what you need to do to make a dream come true. Connect with someone from your past. d Cancer—June 22–July 23 Be careful what you promise yourself and others. You could be held to your word. A past relationship could be renewed or at the least revisited. Trust your feelings. Now is a good time to take a chance by trying something new. e Leo—July 24–August 23 Now is a great time to put energy into something that you have been wanting to accomplish. Trust your intuition about your health. You have a chance to transform or to renew your feeling of vitality. Communication will solve a problem. A friend does something nice for you. f Virgo—August 24–September 23 The area of romance could seem to be under
h Scorpio—October 24–November 22 This could be a very good time for you. You get more time to yourself. You may notice that your connection to the power within you is enhanced now. Communication on the spiritual and physical levels comes naturally. Take time to connect with nature.
Dominique Shilling, MAFA, is a counselor and astrologer with a practice in the Valley. For an appointment, contact her at Way to the Light Within, (602) 279-2941 or check out her Web site at www.way2light.com.
construction. Changes could lead to renewal and positive outcome. Opportunities in career are possible. Think about what you want and where you are headed. In regard to your health, be careful not to overdo. g Libra—September 24–October 23 Travel, spirituality and/or higher learning are highlighted now. Changes around home and/ or security could keep you busy. Trust your
i Sagittarius—November 23–December 22 Relationships with the other individuals in your world are important now. Money could seem to go up and down. Goings on around your work could be more interesting than usual. In your career, decide what you want and then start working toward it. j Capricorn—December 23–January 20 You may find that it is easier to trust your instincts at this time. Balance is very important. Pluto in your sign could be very helpful over the next few years. Romance is very possible. Watch for changes around your job or work. Ultimately, they will be positive. k Aquarius—January 21–February 19 This could be a lucky time for you. At
the least you get positive attention. Venus placement lends positive energy for improvement and beautification of your living space. Money could seem to be up and down. Show someone close to you how much you care. l Pisces—February 20–March 20 You may feel like you are able to see and understand more than usual. Mid-month could be a more emotional time for you. Speak up and make your feelings known. There are many who call themselves your friend. Be a friend to yourself first, that is what makes you valuable. a Aries—March 21–April 19 A loved one gives you something. It may take some time, but later you find its value. Some important lessons around health, work and/or pets could require you to be patient. Stick to the process and do what you know is right. It is OK to ask for what you need. b Taurus—April 20–May 20 Acknowledge your value. Checking up on or seeking information about your security and finances could be very helpful. Information you gain may prompt you to take action and bring about change. Trust your inner feelings about your career and/or purpose right now.
Dominique takes an in-depth look at the stars une is the month of Gemini the twins. The Sun went into Gemini on the 21st of last month. The constellation of Gemini is dominated by two stars that are very close to each other, known as the Twins. Individually, the twins are Castor and Pollux. The Sun and the Moon are sometimes called the “Lights” as the Sun shines the light and the Moon reflects the light. They represent our individuality (Sun) and emotional self (Moon). Mercury, Venus and Mars are called the Personal Plants. They are not as intimate as the Sun and Moon. These three planets can show how we relate to our home and immediate family. Next, we have the Social Planets—Jupiter and Saturn. These help us better relate to and understand what is going on in our community relationships. This can include work, or school, and other functions out in the community. Finally, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are the transpersonal planets. These planets relate to our relationship to the community at large, the nation and the world. This month we look at the Social Planets, Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter has been in the sign of Aquarius since this last January and will be there until January 2010. Aquarius is altruistic—it rules all types of programs for the greater good—these include those doing work toward improving our environment and charities that help the needy. Aquarius tends toward a progressive point of view. Saturn went into Virgo in September 2007 and will be there until October 2009, when it goes into Libra on the 30th. It will go back into Virgo again from April 7, 2010, until July
June 2009
21, 2010. Saturn teaches discipline, which is in line with Virgo’s traits of discrimination, structure and purification. With Saturn in Virgo, this is not a good time to get married, and we many notice fewer weddings. Virgo rules work and Saturn can be limiting. We have already heard about big businesses slowing down and/or closing. Many people have been laid off and will be very lucky if they can get work again soon. Some of the negative traits ruled by Virgo are worry and doubt. The positives of the sign are intuition, serious minded and detail oriented. This month’s Retrograde Planets: Jupiter stations retrograde on the 15th at midnight. This will continue until Oct. 13. Neptune is still moving backwards. It begins this month at 26 degrees Aquarius. It will not go direct until later this year on Nov. 3. Pluto starts the month at 2 degrees of Capricorn and will end the month at 1. It will go direct again on Sept. 10, when it starts to move forward again at 0 degrees Capricorn. As the planets seem to be moving around the Earth (they are really revolving around the Sun) their relationships to each other are changing continuously. This month we have many more positive relationships of the planets to each other than usual. The following paragraphs are broken down into weeks. Tuesday the 2nd’s Venus Aries sextile Neptune Aquarius could have us wanting to get away from the mundane tasks of daily life. To make it through the day, you might want to make plans to go out to a movie or pick up a DVD to watch after work. Also, we have Venus Aries sextile Jupiter in Aquarius enhancing
our desire to enjoy the good things in life. It can help us to feel good about ourselves and others. The next day, we have Mars in Taurus trine to Pluto Capricorn. These planets in positive relationship to each other can help us to be more productive. Mars symbolizes physical energy and Pluto helps by highlighting our ability to investigate and solve problems. Friday’s Sun Gemini square Saturn Virgo could make for a hectic or even chaotic day. It could seem to be harder to focus and/or keep track of details. Remedy this by taking short breaks, get up and move around or go for a walk. Venus moves into the constellation of Taurus the Bull on Saturday the 6th. Sunday’s full moon at 17 Sagittarius is exact at 11:13 a.m. Sagittarius is about movement and physical energy and likes to explore. It is easier now to relate to the wild natural world. Monday the 8th, has Venus Taurus trine Pluto Capricorn making this a good time to transform your personal space. Venus beautifies and Pluto transforms. This would be an auspicious time to clear out the old, refresh and start anew. Tuesday the 9th, Mercury Taurus sextile Uranus Pisces is good for writing and communication, which are ruled by Mercury. Uranus energy lends easily to the generation of ideas and originality. Express yourself. On this same day, we have Mercury Taurus square Neptune Aquarius, which could make it easy to get carried away with something. Know when to quit. Wednesday the 10th with Mercury Taurus square Jupiter Aquarius, you may want to put off important decisions and/or work involving a lot of detail for another day. Mercury enters the sign of Gemini on the 13th.
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Jupiter goes retrograde at 27 Aquarius on Monday the 15th. The 17th’s Sun Gemini trine Neptune Aquarius puts a positive focus on intuitive ability and spirituality. With the Sun in Gemini square Uranus Pisces, people tend toward impulsiveness. Take extra care when driving or operating machinery. Uranus can bring out the unusual and unexpected in a negative way. Also on this day, with Sun Gemini trine Jupiter Aquarius, many could be looking to entertain themselves in a way that stimulates the mind. On Saturday the 20th, the Sun goes into the sign of the Crab. Sunday 21 Venus Taurus conjunct Mars makes this a great time for love connections. Get out there and have fun! Couples may want to do something to spark their romance. Venus Taurus trine Saturn Virgo puts beauty and discipline together, this could be great for creativity. This would be a good time to decorate or improve around your home. Monday’s Mars Taurus trine Saturn Virgo lends physical energy and stamina to make it easier to get practical tasks done. The new moon in Cancer is exact at 12:36 p.m. on Tuesday the 22nd. The Cancer Moon helps us to reconnect with our intuitive side. Tuesday the 23rd has Sun Cancer opposite Pluto in Capricorn, it could seem like there is more to a situation than meets the eye. Take some time out to think things through before making any important decisions. Friday’s Mercury Gemini square Saturn Virgo could have people complaining and criticizing more than usual. What we focus on expands, so make a list of what IS going well. Hold off on evaluations or critiques until another day.
Page 23
Sudoku!
Find 24 words relating to Summer
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains numbers 1 through 9. The puzzle has only one solution. The solution is on page 28.
Word Power
Barbecue Bicycling Boating Camping Carnival Family Reunions
Family Vacations Fishing Heat Hiking Ice Cream Life Jacket
Parade Picnic Rodeo Sandals Starry Nights Sunburn
Sunglasses Sunscreen Sunshine Suntan Swimming Swimming Pool
Diatribe (noun) Pronunciation: [‘dI-ê-trIb] Definition: An unrelenting tirade of criticism, a scathing verbal attack on someone or something comprising unbridled invective. Usage: If a tirade is an intemperate verbal attack, a diatribe is a protracted tirade. A polemic is an aggressive verbal attack by an opinionated partisan of an opposing position that may be on point. A harangue is a rambling, vituperative verbal attack that ranges way off point, if
not missing it altogether. Finally, a jeremiad is an angry but cautionary verbal tirade while rodomontade is a tirade of self-serving boasting. Suggested Usage: We hope you never have to use this word; the behavior it refers to only aggravates a situation. You may find circumstances where it fits: “In the middle of his diatribe on the evils of using office telephones for personal use, his wife called to remind him to pick up some pork chops on the way home.”
is f lying off the shelves An annual subscription of $36 guarantees that you will get your copy delivered in the mail. Send name, address and check payable to Pinon Pine Press to 1042 Willow Creek Road, Ste. A101-PMB 486, Prescott AZ 86301. Please include a phone number. Earth Odyssey is always available online at www.earthodysseyonline.com as a PDF in its original published format. Page 24
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June 2009
Jose, Andrew, Victoria, John, Nicole and Alyssa each went on vacation with their father (Michael, Joshua, Brandon, Caleb, Samuel and Noah). They each traveled to a different country (Denmark, China, Hungary, Canada, Austria and Korea). Figure out each person’s father and the country they visited. 1. Caleb went to either North America or Europe. 2. Alyssa did not go to Hungary. 3. Samuel did not go to Denmark. 4. Victoria did not go to Hungary. 5. Alyssa’s trip was to a different continent than Noah’s trip. 6. Brandon went to either Austria or Denmark. 7. Caleb went to either Canada or Austria. 8. Victoria did not go to Canada. 9. Nicole went to either China or Austria. 10. Victoria’s trip was to a different continent than Caleb’s trip. 11. Before the vacation, Nicole and Jose saw Alyssa’s dad, Joshua, at the mall. 12. Joshua did not go to Austria. 13. Andrew’s trip was to a different continent than either Brandon’s or Joshua’s trip. 14. Andrew went to either Asia or Europe. 15. Joshua and Samuel went on vacation to the same continent. 16. Noah and Michael went on vacation to the same continent.
17. Michael went to either Asia or North America. 18. Samuel did not go to Korea. 19. Brandon did not go to China. 20. Nicole went to either Europe or Asia. 21. Brandon went to either Europe or Asia. 22. Caleb did not go to Denmark. 23. John’s trip was to a different continent than either Michael’s or Noah’s trip. 24. Jose went to either Korea or Hungary. 25. Alyssa went to either Europe or Asia. 26. Jose’s trip was to a different continent than Noah’s trip. 27. Before the vacation, John and Andrew saw Jose’s dad, Samuel, at the mall. 28. Samuel went to either Hungary or China. 29. Noah went to either Denmark or Korea. 30. Alyssa did not go to Austria. 31. Andrew did not go to Korea.
Moo nl
nita za
Over Ma t h n ig
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 7
• Live music on the patio • Starlight storytelling • Wine and Hors d’Oeuvres • Moonlight hikes
$25 per person For more information, call the Highlands Center
(928) 776- 9550
1375 S. Walker Road, Prescott, AZ 86303 highlandscenter.org
Solution on page 28 June 2009
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Page 25
Recurring Events Celiac (gluten free) Support Group now in Payson! We will provide important resources and information for people on gluten-free diets. Snacks will be provided from Gluten Free creations bakery in Phoenix! Contact Christine for more information (928) 5952379. Monday nights, 7 p.m.—Self Search/Channeled Readings, The Way To The Light Within, Phoenix. This class has been going on for over 12 years now. In the first part of the class, Dominique uses her psychic ability and StarWheel™ tiles to give each participant a mini reading. Bring your questions about anything you want to know, because in the second part of the class Dominique connects to her own as well as your guides, to get answers and guidance for you. Dominique is also a medium and can connect with and give you information from departed loved ones or friends. $20, Call (602) 279-2941 to reserve your place. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.—Authentic Yang Style Tai Chi. Instructor A. Francis with 40 years experience at Big Bug Station, Mayer, AZ. For more info, call (928) 925-0154 or (928) 533-7555. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.—Women’s Sacred Dance with Su von Mazo. Call for details Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 N Hwy. 87 Pine, Ariz. Phone: (928) 476-3410.
a presentation on the most up-to-date products, how they work and how they can save homeowners and even businesses money! Question and answer session follows. Call to reserve your seats at either of our great locations. Cottonwood Store, 2825 E. Highway 89A, Cottonwood, AZ. Telephone: (928) 634-7341. Prescott Valley/Dewey Store, NW Corner of Hwy 69 & SR169, Prescott Valley/Dewey, AZ. Telephone: (928) 632-5525. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–Noon— Yoga with Jenny Kirgis. Walk-ins welcome. $10 per person. Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 N Hwy. 87 Pine, Ariz. Phone: (928) 476-3410.
Nonrecurring Events June 4, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Green Building Lecture Series: GREEN Feng Shui. For more info, see www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding/ or contact azawrotny@scottsdaleaz.gov/ or (480) 312-79420. June 5, 2 p.m.–3 p.m.—Puppet show at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler by The Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Appearing today are Zoner and the Drip II—Zoner’s Water Cycle, presenting a hilarious lesson in water conservation. Directed at preschoolers and above. Payment of $6 and pre-registration are required for everyone 2-years-old and above. For more info, call (480) 782-2890.
Thursdays, 6 p.m.–7 p.m.—Tai Chi with Rick Clark. Beginning to advanced. Everyone welcome. $10 per class. Call to reserve space. Crystal Lotus Gallery, 3950 N Hwy. 87 Pine, Ariz. Phone: (928) 476-3410.
June 6, 8 a.m.–10 a.m.—Discover the fascinating secrets of dragonflies and butterflies at The Nature Conservancy’s Hassayampa River Preserve. ASU’s professor of environmental physiology, Pierre Deviche, will explain the behavior, ecology and life histories of these little understood insects and why they are of increasing interest to conservationists and biologists. $5 per person; $3 for Conservancy members. Kids under 12 and Friends of the Hassayampa members are free. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (928) 684-2772.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.—Saturday Solar Seminars presented by Arizona Solar Power. Learn about solar energy for your home. Listen to
June 6, 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.—Nature Walk at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. Discover nature as we explore the hilltop viewing
Thursdays—Vibrational Realignment, a unique form of spiritual healing, with Mike Davis at Mountain Spirit Co-Op, 107 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, Prescott. For more info or an appointment, call (928) 862-0594.
Calendar listings in
are
$10
areas, wetland habitats and the shores of the urban fishing lake. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Cost: $6. Children under 6 are admitted for free and need not register, as long as they are accompanied by a paid participant. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, call (480) 782-2890. June 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Meditation 101 in Sedona. Learn a lifelong meditation practice in only 2 1/2 hours! We’ll review a variety of meditation techniques and you’ll learn to use an ancient, universal, silent meditation technique as a vehicle to release stress and truly experience inner peace. To register, or for more info, call (928) 204-0067, or email to info@sedonameditation.com. June 11, 5:30 p.m.—“What is PsychK?” Prescott Public Library. Psych-K is a technique designed to re-program the subconscious. Come join Mike Davis and learn about these fascinating tools to banish phobias, quit smoking, etc. There will be hands-on demonstrations. Free. For more info, contact Mike at (928) 862-0594. June 13, 7 a.m.–10 a.m.—Walk with the Butterflies and Dragonflies at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. While bird watching slows down in the summer heat, insect populations increase. Learn to identify Painted Lady, Giant Sulphur, Queen, Buckeye, Giant Swallowtail, and Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies; Desert Firetail, Blue-ringed Dancer, Northern Pondhawk, Flame Skimmer and Bluet dragonflies and damselflies. Bring binoculars, water and hat. Meet at the Curve-billed Thrasher Ramada just north of the main parking lot. This program is free, and pre-registration is not required. (There is a suggested $5 donation to support the Environmental Education Center.) For more info, call (480) 782-2890.
clude crafts, hikes, movies, stories, music and science labs. Registration is not required; just stop by and join the fun! For more info, call (480) 782-2890. June 19-July 26—Prescott Fine Arts Association Gallery celebrates summer with the art exhibit, “Under Western Skies.” Opening reception is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, June 19. Show runs through Sunday, July 26. Arizona is well known for their beautiful cloud formations, sunsets, sunrises and mountain silhouettes. The essence of our panoramic views will be captured in both 2-D and 3-D. This is a show you will not want to miss! Prescott Fine Arts Association, 208 North Marina St., Prescott, Arizona 86301. (Gallery and Gift Shop entrance on Willis St.). For more information call: (928) 445-3286 or visit: www.pfaa.net. June 20, 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.—Father’s Day Breakfast with the Snakes at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. This program is designed for fathers to enjoy a light breakfast with their children while sharing an experience with nature. Participants will learn about Arizona’s snakes and have a chance to pet the live snakes. We’ll get to watch the snakes eating breakfast, too! Mothers and other caregivers are welcome. Payment of $14 and
The Pyramid is for RENT Second floor office or apartment 850 sq. ft., including kitchen and ¾ bath $650/mo. + APS+ deposits
June 16, 5 p.m.–7:30 p.m.—Open House at the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. Fun, FREE nature-based activities for people of all ages. Activities change each month and may in-
Near corner of Gurley and Grove, Prescott
(928) 443-0043
Earth Odyssey
for five or fewer lines.
Send info to: editor@earthodysseyonline.com. Provide a telephone number or other contact information. Put “calendar submission” in the subject line. The deadline is the 20th of the month for publication the following month ( June 20 for July publication). Payment, which is due at the time of submission, can be made online via PayPal, or mail a check to: Editor, 1042 Willow Creek Road, Ste A101-PMB 486, Prescott, AZ 86301. Page 26
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June 2009
Cordes Lakes, AZ
7$ <hWdY_i 7$ <hWdY_i IjkZ[dj e\ @e^d F[djbWdZ 7kj^eh_p[Z je b[WZ Xo FWkb H[odWhZ WdZ C_Y^[b :[IWbpcWdd For more information, call
(928) 925-0154 OR (928) 533-7555 pre-registration required for all adults and children 3 years and older. Children under 3 are admitted for free, as long as they are accompanied by a paid participant. For more info, call (480) 782-2890. June 20, Noon–1 p.m.—Reptiles of Arizona at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. Join the Arizona Herpetological Association for an intriguing presentation about the fascinating reptiles that call Arizona home. Cost: $6. Children under 6 are admitted for free, as long as they are accompanied by a paid participant. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, call (480) 782-2890. June 26, 5 p.m.–7:30 p.m.—Fourth Friday Art Walk, Prescott. July 3, 6 p.m.—Artist Jorge Moreno will teach the step-by-step basics of oil painting at the Prescott Fine Arts Gallery, 208 North Marina St., Prescott, Arizona 86301. Gallery and Gift Shop entrance on Willis St. For more information call: (928) 445-3286 or visit: www.pfaa.net. July 9, 2 p.m.–3 p.m.—Puppet show at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler by The Great Arizona Puppet Theater that focuses on Arizona’s environment. Appearing today are Jack Rabbit and the Desert Tortoise, who put an Arizona twist on the “tortoise and the hare” fable. Directed at preschoolers and above. Payment of $6 and pre-registration are required for everyone 2-years-old and above. For more info, call (480) 782-2890. July 11, 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.—Nature Walk at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. Discover nature as we explore the hilltop viewing areas, wetland habitats and the shores of the urban fishing lake. Each walk will feature different routes, themes and activities. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Cost: $6. Children under 6 are admitted for free and need not register, as long as they are accompanied by a paid participant. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, call (480) 782-2890.
June 2009
June 5 is World Environment Day United Nations stimulates awareness of environment and enhances political attention and action By Ann Haver-Allen Earth Odyssey Editor
F
or those who may not know, June 5 is World Environment Day. What’s that, you ask? World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. In 1972, United Nation’s General Assembly created The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Environment Day. In essence, UNEP acts as the environmental conscience of the UN system. The UNEP mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. One way the UNEP does this is with World Environment Day, which is hosted by a different country each year. This year’s activities, hosted by Mexico, will celebrate the theme “Your Planet Needs You—UNite to Combat Climate Change.” The day’s agenda is to: 1. Give a human face to environmental issues; 2. Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; 3. Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; 4. Advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. Mexico’s selection as host, a country at the crossroads of the green economy and one increasingly in the center of regional and global affairs, reflects the growing practical and political role of the Latin American country in the fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets. Mexico is a leading partner in UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign. The country, with the support of its President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and planting of some 25 percent of the trees under the campaign. UNEP has now launched a new and more ambitious phase—the Seven Billion Tree Campaign. This aims to see more than one new tree
planted for every person alive before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December in Copenhagen. Organizers said this is one empowering symbol of the global publics’ desire for action by their political leaders on the greatest challenge for this generation. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new agreement at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests. “Undoubtedly this decision further underlines Mexico’s determination to manage natural resources and deal with the most demanding challenge of the 21st centuryclimate change,” Merico’s President Calderón said. “Mexico is at the cross-roads of the green economy politically, physically and practically,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the
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UNEP. “Firstly, it still has many challenges, from high air pollution in cities and dependence on fossil fuels to land degradation and the need to fight poverty. But Mexico is also emerging as one among a group of developing economies who are bringing much needed leadership to the need for a new, comprehensive and decisive climate treaty.” Steiner commended Mexico for becoming second only to Brazil in wind, solar, biogas and other Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. “Mexico is set to be one of the big economies of the 21st century along with nations like China and India,” Steiner said. “Thus, its ability to encourage the greening of the economy of neighboring nations-both North and South of its borders-will be significant.” For suggestions on how you can participate in World Environment Day, see www.unep. org/wed/2009/english/.
Page 27
Dispelling myths and misconceptions about meditation
T
hese days we are constantly stimulated—mentally, emotionally and physically. Not surprisingly, taking a break from this stimulation actually improves your health, your work, your relationships and your life. That is why meditation is becoming more and more popular. It is a great way to take a break, unplug and reduce stress that builds up and causes disease. Did you know that more than 60 percent of all doctors’ visits are due to stress-related complaints? Meditation is the perfect antidote for stress. And it is a great way to find out who you really are. Meditation is a time-tested practice that benefits mind, body and spirit. Through inner exploration, meditation awakens creativity, healing and transformation. Quieting the mind, or meditation in general, can seem impossible to do—especially for a beginner. The mind is used to wandering and being focused outward, and focus inward might not come easily at first. Through the practice of meditation, the nervous system grows used to turning inward. Here are some myths about meditation. And information to set you straight.
I’ll have to stop thinking. Well, good luck with that. You can’t—it is impossible. The nature of the mind is to think, like the nature of your eye is to see. The purpose of meditation is to enliven the space and silence between the thoughts, not to stop the thoughts from coming altogether. Over time, as you practice meditation correctly, you’ll find that you can easily access more and more subtle levels of thinking, and eventually, more and more silence.
It takes years of practice and requires super-human powers of concentration. This is totally false. Meditation is a skill that anyone can learn. It takes the ability to sit
mance under pressure. In reality, stress can lessen your ability to concentrate or make good decisions. With meditation, you’ll learn to be more relaxed and you can do less and accomplish more. Nice!
I’ll experience strange things— like finding my spirit guide, or leaving my body.
still, close your eyes and focus on something. Some meditations have you focus on an area of your body, or a color, a candle flame, a sound or a thought. You’ll need to spend a few minutes every day to practice turning your attention inward, but anyone can do it. Most people can do it easily the very first time.
I’ll have to change my religion. I’ve tried it and I can’t do it. As long as you can sit down and close your eyes, you can meditate. You’ll need professional instruction in meditation and perhaps someone to do it with you the first few times—so you’ll be confident that you can actually do it. You probably couldn’t ride your bike the first time you tried, but did that stop you? Meditation is no different.
I’ll have to wear unusual clothing. You don’t need to wear a turban or love beads You don’t need to chant silly incantations either. But then again, you can if you want to. Meditation is a personal experience: You do it the way you want to by following the techniques that suit you and your lifestyle.
I’ll lose my edge. You won’t lose your edge; in fact, you’ll probably gain some focus, clarity and ability to concentrate. Most people are used to functioning while being tense or stressed, and they feel it’s the only way to get something done. You know, Red Bull, caffeine, perfor-
Puzzle Solutions
Logic puzzle answer: John went with his father, Caleb, to Canada (North America); Andrew went with his father, Michael, to China (Asia); Nicole went with her father, Brandon, to Austria (Europe); Victoria went with her father, Noah, to Korea (Asia); José went with his father, Samuel, to Hungary (Europe); and Alyssa went with her father, Joshua, to Denmark (Europe).
Page 28
Yes, you might. But you probably won’t. The real reason to meditate is to have a better life. There are so many experiences you can have in meditation: You’ll have thoughts (lots of them), get distracted by noises outside, feel uncomfortable, see colors, feel relaxed, feel restless, feel bliss, etc. But the real measure of how your meditation is working is by taking a look at your life. Are you happier, healthier, more relaxed? Are your relationships more fulfilling; are you making better choices?
Meditation is a practice, not a religion. It is about closing your eyes, sitting still, and reconnecting with who you really are. You can meditate if you are atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, Buddhist, Hindu, anything. Regardless of your background or beliefs, you can meditate. It might even make you more connected with the religion you already practice.
I am so busy, I don’t have the time in my day. How long do you wait in line for a latte? How much time do you spend checking your e-mail? Think of meditation as a refueling. You’ll find that taking time out for a time in will give you more benefits than killing a few minutes in front of the TV or surfing the Internet. It’s all about priorities.
It is for weirdoes. No. It is for everybody. Some people who meditate are definitely weird and have odd beliefs. Think about it, isn’t that true in general? It might just seem strange to see
someone sitting up with their eyes closed for an extended period of time. Many people who have it together meditate, and they do it for many reasons. Some might meditate to find out who they really are, while others meditate to help them relax and get rid of stress.
I’ll have to sit in a lotus position (crossed legged) and my knees don’t bend like that. Even though sitting like that is the traditional posture for meditation, it’s certainly not required for you to sit in any special way. If crossing your legs is uncomfortable, it won’t help you to turn your attention inward. You can meditate while you are sitting down almost anywhere—as long as you are not driving. It is best not to lie down (you’ll fall asleep and that is NOT meditation.) There are many different types of meditation. Some examples are following the breath, repeating a mantra out loud or silently, chanting, walking meditations or gazing at a candle. Each individual has a unique experience with each one. You’ll find what works for you. Just for a few seconds, notice the way the breath is flowing into and out of your body. There are many little things to notice about the way breath feels, and if you start paying attention to it, you can settle into meditation. Anyone can learn to meditate. Don’t have any experience? Don’t worry. If you can think a thought, you can meditate, and you don’t have to change a thing—not your diet, your religion, your beliefs—nothing. You just have to have the desire to do it and then take a short time out every day. You’ll notice the benefits unfold naturally and effortlessly. Sarah McLean is the director of Sedona Meditation Training & Retreats and is certified and recommended by Dr. Deepak Chopra. She can be reached via e-mail at meditate@esedona.net, phone at (928) 204-0067 or fax at (866) 6541705. You can also visit online at http://www. SedonaMeditation.com.
Recycling can make a difference • Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. population nearly doubled. In that same period, however, public demand for water more than tripled! Americans use an average of 100 gallons of water each day —enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses!
shower uses only 10 to 25 gallons. • Americans throw away enough glass bottles and jars every two weeks to fill the 1,350-foot towers of the former World Trade Center.
• About 75 percent of the water we use in our homes is used in the bathroom.
• Most bottles and jars contain at least 25 percent recycled glass.
• The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons per minute. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water per day, which equals 240 gallons a month.
• Glass never wears out—it can be recycled forever. We save more than a ton of resources for every ton of glass recycled —1,330 pounds of sand, 433 pounds of soda ash, 433 pounds of limestone and 151 pounds of feldspar.
• Letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
• States with bottle deposit laws have 35 percent to 40 percent less litter.
• A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute
• Americans go through 2.5 million plastic bottles every year.
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
June 2009
When entertainment is disguised as news
W
hen I heard that Fox News was the only “News” network that refused to air Obama’s 100th day speech, I thought of “Outfoxed, Rupert Murdock’s War on Journalism,” 2004. Not that I really care what Fox News airs, I only turn it on for amusement, and then only rarely. It satisfies that really depressing want to cry and laugh kind of humor. But, I find it important that people know that Fox News is not a news network; it is an entertainment network, or as Roger Ebert put it “A Republican propaganda machine.” Rupert Murdoch owns nine satellite television networks, 175 newspapers, 100 cable channels, 40 book imprints, 40 television stations and one movie studio, that reaches 4.7 billion people globally. Murdoch idolizes Reagan and the people who controlled Washington during that era, who also controlled Washington during our last regime, and uses his networks to foster support for whatever they did and still do. Fox is the only “news” network that has daily memos of what stories to highlight and what to minimize. In essence, the staff is given a daily agenda of what to say and their job is to figure out how to convey that message, which is not journalism—it is propaganda. “Outfoxed” is well researched and features several interviews with former Fox News pro-
Movie Reviews by Jason Allen
Movies that won’t make you dumber ducers, reporters and contributors, along with a few who appear anonymously, fearing the wrath of Murdoch. These interviewees reveal the inner workings and tactics of Fox News, which include repetition of misrepresented data—so that they become fact in the mind of the viewer—pandering fear to make people susceptible to believe anything from the government if they say it will make them safe, how they simply kick off any guest who says anything non-right wing, and their use of “Some people say” as a qualifier, whereas journalism is the practice of referencing a specific source. At the time this film was made, Bill O’Reilly was the craziest thing on Fox News (and, therefore, on TV) and one of his guests was the son of a 911 victim, Jeremy Glick. Due to O’Reilly’s gross misrepresentation
of what Glick had said, Glick sought to sue O’Reilly; however, because O’Reilly is such a pathological liar, a lawyer advised Glick that it would be unlikely he could prove that O’Reilly knowingly lied. So, if a “news reporter” has a history of repeatedly telling crazy lies, then they can’t get in trouble for it. That brings to mind the film “The Corporation,” which I reviewed in January, where the Florida State Supreme Court ruled that it was not illegal for Fox News to falsify the news. There’s just way too many things in this
little world of ours that would be really funny if we could watch it from somewhere else, but they really make you want to cry when you realize that this is our reality. “Outfoxed” is a few years old and evolution has occurred since. A few weeks ago, I was at a friend’s house who likes to be educated about what the opposition hears, and he put on Fox News. He introduced me to Glenn Beck, who puts Bill O’Reilly to shame. Beck doesn’t even bother inviting a guest on the show who he will have to tell to “shut up.” He simply has one guest who agrees with every crazy thing he has to say. As one interviewee states in the film, it’s not their perspective that’s the problem, “It’s the consumer fraud of calling it fair and balanced.” Murdoch is politically interested and uses his massive news networks to shape news to favor his interests and those of his allies. At the time “Outfoxed” was made, the other news networks were emulating Fox. Recently, I’ve gotten the impression that they have abandoned that path and seem now to be more of the stance, “We don’t know what they are talking about, or where they are getting their facts,” which is very relieving, and is what the end of the film pleads for. “Outfoxed” is thorough and entertaining, and it’s only a little more than an hour long. Definitely worth an hour of your life, especially if you are under the false assumption that Fox News is a news network.
‘Under Western Skies’ art exhibit opens June 19
P
rescott Fine Arts Gallery celebrates summer with the art exhibit, “Under Western Skies.” This exhibit will commence with an opening reception on Friday, June 19, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will run through July 26. Three pieces of artwork by the artists and curators—Cynthia Vidal, Patti Pearl and Robbynne Raupers—will be raffled off during this exhibit. Winners will be announced on July 24. Be sure to visit “Under Western Skies” during the 4th Friday Art Walks, June 26 and July 24 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for entertainment by Granite Creek Bluegrass. A special event, “Presentation of Oil” is
planned for July 3 at 6 p.m. with artist Jorge Moreno teaching the step-by-step basics of oil painting. These events are free. Arizona is well known for its beautiful cloud formations, sunsets, sunrises and mountain silhouettes. The essence of our panoramic views will be captured in both 2-D and 3-D. PFA Gallery and special events and art walks are free and open to the public. Prescott Fine Arts Association is located at 208 North Marina St. in Prescott. Gallery and Gift Shop entrance is on Willis Street. For more information, call (928) 445-3286 or visit: www.pfaa.net. The painting at right, by Cynthia Vidal, is one of the pieces which will be in the exhibit.
Looking for something to do over the summer? Volunteer to create “Green” buildings, and learn valuable skills. I’m trying to make a shop which will house several art studios, which will be available to artists living under the poverty level
Studios will include Ceramics, Painting, Photography Darkroom and Lighting, Framing, Steel Sculpture and Patina, Glass Blowing, Woodworking, and more. Needed: Backhoe digging
Cut trees for roofing Concrete blocks and slabs (Trash) General physical labor ...and of course patrons
Jason Allen, Founder (928) 460-0467
June 2009
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
Caiomhin Shirey
Page 29
Know the source of the food you consume
B
eing in the business of good health through proper nutrition, we are constantly reading up on the latest nutritional trends. We take a lot of recommendations from our customers who also seek knowledge regarding the foods we put in our bodies. A few months ago, one of our customers went a step further and brought in a book called “Buffalo for the Broken Heart.” I’ll be honest. The book sat on our desk for about a month before I took it home one day when I had to wait for a repairman. Once I started reading, I was sorry I hadn’t made time sooner. “Buffalo for the Broken Heart” by Dan O’Brien is more than just a book about how healthy buffalo meat is. It’s one man’s journey though life in the Black Hills of South Dakota transforming his ranch from cattle that had been overgrazing the land for almost 100 years back to native buffalo. O’Brien, a falconer, wild life biologist and rancher, has always been passionate about wildness and nature. Preserving land for wild things has been a focus of his life and bringing buffalo back to their native land has been the centerpiece of those preservation efforts. “I would never have imagined that I would be a meat purveyor but, in 1997, in an effort to keep the ranch alive, I started a small meat company called Wild Idea Buffalo Co. The
Cuba Eats Local When it comes to eating local organic food, Cuba is miles ahead of the United States— mainly out of necessity. Back in 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed and its food subsidies for Cuba dwindled, Cuba responded by setting up thousands of urban cooperative gardens. Now, after a string of hurricanes destroyed a third of Cuba’s crops, these gardens are returning to operation. These gardens are seen wherever there’s an undeveloped spot of soil, such as empty lots and rooftops—86,000 acres of land are devoted to the gardens. Because the food is
By Christine Bollier idea was simple: supply delicious, healthy, humanely harvested, red meat to consumers interested in sustainability” O’Brien said. That turned out to be a sort of a beginning. The business continues to grow and now they have a nonprofit organization called “Sustainable Harvest Alliance.” With their new moveable harvest facility, buffalo ranchers on and off the reservation can harvest their free-roaming buffalo humanely in the field, under inspection. In an effort to keep buffalo hides from being hauled to dump sites, they started a sister company called “Broken Heart Buffalo Leather.” Now, instead of a waste product, hundreds of buffalo hides are turned into fine buffalo-leather articles. In the United States, 92 percent of all buffalo is raised in the cattle feedlot way— meaning confined for the last three months
grown near population centers, there’s no need to truck produce over long distances. Therefore, prices are stable and less carbon is released into the air. Another benefit: Fertilizing chemicals have been replaced by natural manure, and beneficial insects are used instead of pesticides. How ironic that organic food in the United States is pricier than conventional food, while organic food in Cuba is more affordable.
Rock storage Geologist Peter Kelemen and geochemist Juerg Matter have their eyes on a certain
Buffalo Fajitas 1 lb buffalo fajita strips 2 bell peppers sliced 1 sweet onion sliced 2 portabella mushrooms caps thick sliced 2 tbs salt free chili powder 1 tsp Redmond real salt onion salt 2 tbs lime juice 1/4 C Sunflower oil + 2 tbs for sautéing vegetables 8 heated corn/flour tortillas Serve with: Sour cream or Greek yogurt Salsa Avocado Slices In a glass bowl combine buffalo strips, chili powder, onion salt, lime juice and 1/4 c sunflower oil marinate for 30 min or up to 2 hrs. Heat a large skillet to med heat. Add Buffalo mixture and cook about 5 min (do not over cook or it can become tough). Transfer to plate. Add 2 tbs sunflower oil to skillet with vegetables sauté for 5 to 7 min. Add Buffalo back to skillet to re-heat. Serve with tortillas, sour cream avocado slices and salsa.
and fed an unnatural diet of corn and other grains. This practice greatly deteriorates the nutritional value and taste of the meat. It also caused health problems for the animal, such as stomach ulcers that require the use of antibiotics to keep the animal alive. Not only is grass-fed buffalo a naturally leaner meat—which means lower in calories—it has also been found to be lower in “bad” saturated fat and higher in “good fat” or omega-3 fatty acids; it is also higher in selenium, which may reduce the risk for cancer. O’Brien and other farms who have joined Wild Idea Buffalo Company do things differently.
rock—a rock that has the ability to turn carbon dioxide into solid minerals. The rock, called peridotite, is prevalent just beneath the Earth’s crust. The two scientists are envisioning a process to slow global warming by increasing peridotite’s CO2-transforming process a billion times and storing excess carbon dioxide underground. Many power companies are considering ways to siphon carbon dioxide off of their coal power plants and sequester it underground, but Kelemen and Matter argue that turning it into rock would be cheaper and safer, with less likelihood of leaks. They predict boring down into peridotite and injecting it with hot water that contains the CO2. The technology is promising, but there’s a snag: The scientists think they can store 2 billion tons annually, but every year human activity produces 30 billion tons.
Social greenworking Social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn provide people with a remarkably effective means of staying in touch, so it’s no surprise that a network organized around green knowledge and green activities has sprung up on the Web. Greenwala.com is set up to put greenminded consumers in touch with the goods and services that foster a sustainable lifestyle. Chief “Wala” Rajeev Kapur noticed that “online and offline green communities are
Page 30
“Instead of trucking “feeder bulls” to a feedlot, we let them mature with our herds on native grass pastures,” O’Brien said “and then, instead of trucking them again to the slaughter house for processing, we dress them in the field under the supervision of state and federal meat inspectors.” The meat is fine cut and packaged at a local packinghouse and shipped directly to restaurants and retailers. O’Brien’s grass-fed, humanly harvested buffalo can be purchased on www.Wildideabuffalo.com or at VITA-MART. It is also available at two Valley Restaurants—Gilbert House and Vincent’s’ on Camelback.
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
fragmented and disorganized.” He saw an opportunity to create a delivery network to showcase products and ideas—and where “walas” could share their enthusiasm for a sustainable world. Sampling the six channels the site offers, we found videos on a new wind turbine, the all-electric Aptera car and a strategy for turning fly ash into building materials. Good stuff. Questions can be sent to Jim Parks at jrparks@mac.com.
June 2009
Sustainable living is about more than the environment
T
his is the first of two articles focused on sustainable leadership. This first article defines sustainable leadership and its implications. The second article will outline some actions you can take in becoming a sustainable leader and profile a few of those who are making an impact in the field of sustainable leadership. These are remarkably awesome times. Almost every one of you has been impacted one way or another by the multitude of events in the past few years. Every one of you also has amazing opportunities to challenge and change the status quo. Things obviously need changing. Sustainability is now a requisite aspect to every decision we make, both collectively and individually. Sustainable living, as we have discussed
Eco Living By Christopher J. Peacock
in previous issues, is about more than the environment. It’s about how we approach ourselves, our community and our planet. It’s about mak-
Recycle food for thought
I
was recently given a large bag of lemons and wondered what I could do with so much of this yellow fruit. A friend suggested that I squeeze the lemons or get a hand juicer and make ice cubes. This was one of the greatest solutions I ever heard of for so many lemons. I filled ice cube tray after ice cube tray with all my extra lemon juice. I did the same for my extra grapefruit. What a great way to recycle the over abundance of these Arizona freebies. What a delightful refreshment to add to a glass of water on a hot day. I used the fruit skins for compost in my garden. Did you know that food scraps emit more methane than any other material in the landfill? By removing organics from the landfill, we reduce methane production. Methane gas is 23 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (CO2). Food scraps take up a large space in our landfill. Yet, most food is a resource, not a waste. All food will turn to compost, which can be used to renew the soil’s nutritional value. Landscapers and farmers have known this for centuries. All food scraps, leftovers, fruit, vegetables, cereal, breads, meat, fish (including bones), dairy, coffee grounds, tea, tea bags can be used to compost. Paper napkin, food soiled paper plates, paper towels and pizza boxes will break down and decompose into compost that can enrich our soil. By composting you feed the worms in our soil, which in return multiply and help our soil for healthier plants and crops as well. Did you know by composting you can conserve water, or use your compost for erosion control? Seeds mature and grow readily in healthy soil; compost holds moisture. There is a stability that comes from composting. It is a win-win for growing healthy foods, healing our Earth’s soil and relieving our planet of unnecessary gases.
June 2009
ing decisions that will minimize our carbon footprint. It’s about making sound financial decisions for our organizations and community. It’s about building a healthy relationship with ourselves and society. In short, it’s about building sustainability into the core of our individual, organizational and societal operating systems. This can be accomplished, and is being accomplished by those who have seriously taken on sustainable leadership practices. Sustainable leadership is the carrying out of individual, organizational or social visions in a manner that produces a healthy balance between society, ecology and economy. In other words, sustainable leaders integrate the 3-Ps of management (people, planet and prosperity) with the 3-Ss of success (systems, strategy and sustainability.) Individuals who are successful in integrating a healthy balance into their decision making: 1. Are acutely self-aware; 2. Are passionate about their role in sustaining success; 3. Understand the impact of their decisions on ALL stakeholders; 4. Understand that future success depends on building sustainability into the core operating system of any endeavor; 5. Are transparent in their actions; 6. Continuously learn and act upon their knowledge; 7. Sustain others’ success; 8. Embrace diversity;
9. Address issues of economical, social and ecological imbalance; 10. Develop rather than exhaust resources; 11. Act immediately! Sustainable leadership is not just a theory; it’s a way of behaving, acting and holistically improving our world. This is an area of leadership that anyone can implement into their lives. In fact, I challenge each of you to build sustainable leadership practices into your own core operating system. I will not certify that this process is easy, however. There are challenges. Challenges of balancing financial resources, social endeavors and ecological impacts can be extensive. Sustainable leadership is an emerging trend that requires individual action and collective movement. It begins with your own self-awareness and identifying your passion; building your vision and a sustainable strategy for success; and making decisions that are congruent with your strategy to integrate a balance of the 3-Ps. The next article will present to you ways in which to incorporate sustainable leadership into vision, outline practical strategies to balance decisions, and share with you the profiles of some individuals who are leading us into a sustainable future. In the meantime, take my survey on sustainable leadership at www.aeleader.com. Christopher is an executive coach focused on sustainable business and life practices. He can be reached at chris@aeleader.com.
I believe multifamily gardening will become a part of our future in sustainable living, as well as the need to create compost to improve our quality of food and nutritional value. By practicing today that which will positively impact our future, we will help instill hope for our children and their children. This is just one more simple way that we can make a difference. To find out more about composting, go to http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy. com. On this site you can find very helpful information, books, bins, how to build your own composting bin and more. We are the stewards of this planet. We must take an initiative to keep our home, our sanctuary, healthy. Without this Earth we would all be homeless, we would all have nothing, nothing at all. Don’t forget to plant one tree and drink your refreshing lemon water. Don’t take anything for granted. Help yourself by helping our Earth by recycling your food. Happy composting. Patricia Melchi is a writer, artist and avid recycler who lives in Strawberry, Ariz. She can be reached via e-mail at patriciamelchi@ yahoo.com.
Earth Odyssey • www.earthodysseyonline.com
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