Monday, June 15, 2009

car-free day

I spent the day yesterday baking in the sun up at Got Craft on Main and 26th. It ended at 4 and so I zoomed down Main to visit some vendor friends Moukisac and Blue Lantern Studio, and then over to Commercial Drive to visit the Project Somos booth and Monkey100.

As usual the drive was crazy and fun. Even at 5 when there was only an hour left. If there's going to be an area of town guaranteed to participate, Commercial Drive gives it 150%.

I loved the roller skates and how many people were wearing stripey socks, tutus, butterfly wings and spandex. Yes, sometimes all together.

Then there was the dinosaur eating English Bulldog.
How do you top that?



Where normally there are cars (like right at this moment) instead, kids, dogs, bare feet, boots, flip flops and strollers trod with ne'er a thought.



The only looking both ways that was necessary was done to ensure you weren't run over by the odd (and I mean that in the unusual and uniquely fun sort of way) float or procession. Generally though, the worst that would happen was you would be engulfed in it and perhaps even become a part of the performance without even knowing.

Three cheers go out to the many dedicated staff and volunteer base that made it possible! Thanks

Go on. Send them a thank you note. You know you want to.

Monday, June 8, 2009

World Oceans Day

Well today is World Oceans Day and we are asked to think about how important our oceans are to our existence and how we are making such an impact on our eco-system.

Human beings have had more of an impact and made more changes to this planet in the past 100 years than we have done for the entire amount of time we have lived here. Technology and population growth have expanded at such an incredible rate that we have created a huge shift in the natural balance and order of things.




We know this.

And happily many of us are beginning to learn to make changes that will help stop the negative progression and allow us to move towards restoring that balance.

Today we are asked to aim our thoughts to the oceans which cover the majority of our earth's surface and give us life.

Don't buy a plastic bottle today! Don't eat a fish today! Don't dump a chemical down the drain today and hey, turn the tap off. Especially today think about the ways each of us are able to limit our negative impact on our oceans. Pay attention and make small changes today that will become a habit for everyday.

These images have been done by local Vacouver eco-artist (that's my title for her) Robi and you can see her work and check out her blog at: www.blue-lantern.ca/studio (just click on one of her pictures)


Nice huh?



Here are some links that you can visit to see more about our oceans and why they are so in danger:

www.theoceanproject.org
www. reenlivingonline.com
www.youtube.com/user/homeproject
www.davidsuzuki.org
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/climate-change/