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By Vanessa Query — December 22, 2012 Filed Under: Culture, Wellness

What Does “Natural” Actually Mean?

The word “natural” is thrown around a lot these days, by itself or within a phrase like “natural health,” “made with natural ingredients,” “natural parenting,” etc. I don’t generally use the word, because although it seems simple, it can be a loaded with implications and assumptions. However, I often struggle to find an appropriate, equally […]

By Vanessa Query — December 14, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

“Gay”… “Straight”… “Bi”…

If this doesn’t question conventional wisdom, I don’t know what does.

By Vanessa Query — December 8, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

Parenting For Free: Baby/Toddler Stuff Swap

After the birth of my son, I began to host swaps for baby and toddler stuff at a local library. The swaps became successful, so I created Parenting for Free to spreads the word about local free family events and other alternative parenting ventures. Parenting for Free encourages developing a community of families as an […]

By Vanessa Query — November 10, 2012 Filed Under: Culture, Wellness

A Critique of a Critique of Extended Breastfeeding

I’m not sure why I opened What to Expect the Toddler Years (Eisenberg/Murkoff/Hathaway, 1994/1996). Morbid curiosity I guess. The books in this series are notorious for maintaining the status quo, but they do so in a typically non-invasive way, especially if you go into it wary-eyed. Early in my pregnancy, I learned to take everything […]

By Vanessa Query — November 3, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

The Local is Political

The Local is Political

For many people, the whole “going local” thing may just be a trend (like “green is the new black,” USDA-style “organic,” etc.), but for me it’s the only thing that make sense. Since I was a kid I’ve had politically-conscious leanings, and have gone through a lot of phases in search of things that I […]

By Vanessa Query — October 30, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

To Vote Or Not To Vote

To Vote Or Not To Vote

I am surrounded by two primary views on whether or not to vote. (More accurately, I am surrounded by one primary view, one opposing view, and then a lot of people who don’t feel as strongly. I simplify, to not get too convoluted and tomey.) 1.) Vote. You must vote. Voting makes a difference. Voting […]

By Vanessa Query — October 15, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

Quote: Vonnegut On Community

Quote: Vonnegut On Community

Kurt Vonnegut has some good models/theories on communal living. “This is a lonesome society that’s been fragmented by the factory system. People have to move from here to there as jobs move, as prosperity leaves one area and appears somewhere else. People don’t live in communities permanently anymore. But they should: Communities are very comforting […]

By Vanessa Query — September 30, 2012 Filed Under: Culture

Contrarian Spirit

Contrarian Spirit

A friend of mine sometimes refers to a person or an institution as having a “contrarian spirit.” He generally means it in a positive way, but it can of course have negative connotations too. Personally, I’ve never been crazy about the label “contrarian” or anything resembling it. To me, being contrary for the sake of […]

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