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 […]
“Gay”… “Straight”… “Bi”…
If this doesn’t question conventional wisdom, I don’t know what does.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]