I come from the school of, “when you know better, you do better.” And, I feel strongly that we can do better. I have lived as firm in my convictions to a sustainable life, as a person in modern society can manage. What is frustrating, is how challenging it is to live in a way that aligns with my values. I simply wish to live a healthy, low-impact life, and to raise my children with their peace intact. I also believe that it is in the best interest of society for everyone to share in the bounty of health. This is my work.
I am a mother. I have five children, ranging in age from high school to preschool. I am now 2+ months into having a few hours to myself on weekdays. I am working actively to launch a career of my own design, so that my children will have the opportunity to experience a full version of their Mom, and I will have the privilege of fulfillment.
I have been in the trenches, parenting, for more than fifteen years, and it has been quite the ride. I went from being a busy single Mom, raising two kids, working two jobs, and going to school full time for two years, while finishing my degree in Environmental, Earth, and Ocean Sciences, to teaching 6th grade, operating a science lab, and directing an after school program.
I got married, and we grew our family. For the past 7 years I have been home, caring for our children, and trying to live a sustainable life. We raised chickens, and we grew a garden. We employ reusable totes, glass bottles, and reusable containers. We buy in bulk, and cook from scratch. We buy most things second-hand (benefits; the chemicals have been rinsed away, we save money, and we avoid plastic packaging.).
I do my best to live a consciously minimalist life, and I hope to share what I have learned.
For the past 3 years I have worked diligently to restore my health. I exercise most every day, try to drink lots of water, and eat a healthy, mostly vegetarian, diet. I meditate a bit, and do some yoga.
The most transformative tool on my path to wellness has been the exploration of art. Nothing has ever done more to help to quiet my inner critic and tumult, than art has. I credit art with inspiring confidence within me. I credit art with the sustenance of my soul. I credit art with my peace. My hope is that all of us, who need to heal, can make a way to find and sustain our peace.
“The Glass Exchange” is a project designed to bring communities together with art and sustainability. I ask that community member hold onto their glass bottles, we then gather together, paint the bottles, learn about infusing them with intention, and together we will “put more love on the table.”
Our town loses money paying for the disposal of glass, so this initiative is really a no-brainer. I love the idea of mutually tangible experiences connected in the digital realm. So ideally, people can gather anywhere, and be connected digitally, while we practice the art of sustainability.
Peace,
TNT
Ms. Is 