Committed

I found the title and cover design corny, but I'm a fan so I bought it, read it and enjoyed it. Even before I'd opened the book, a friend said it was so like me--not wanting to marry again after having been there, done that, and been utterly traumatized and devastated by it. But, unlike me, this woman had to do it again, after her fiancee was deported from the United States.

To cope with her situation, she decided to find out all she could about marriage through history and across cultures. It's an interesting and funny read, as usual. I learned a thing or two about marriage--not enough to make me consider it again at this stage in my biography--but enough to convince myself yet again why it's an institution that needs major reinvention.

Read it.

SNAIL MAIL LOVE

See that? It's a stamp. When was the last time you had one of those on your desk? I have a fresh one from a dear friend. I held the envelope with respect and anticipation before I broke the seal and eased out its contents. Ahhh, what a treasure.

I miss snail mail.

CAN POLITICS BE TRULY GREEN?

Please click on the image to see it up close. Even if Nicanor Perlas is not your candidate, his knowledge of the environment and how it is related to everything will deepen your understanding of the world. So, if you are a true greenie and care about the future of our country, share this and show up.

WHITESPACE GREEN MARKET

The Whitespace Green Market started last December--a brainchild of owner Monique Villonco, with the help of daughter, Cris, and a handful of like-minded, strong-hearted women. I've only missed one market, but am back in the loop and shouting it out: THIS IS A GREAT MARKET! One doesn't get overwhelmed with too much stuff because the merchandise is carefully chosen. It's a great space, airconditioned, high ceilings, lots of light, (really clean and pretty bathrooms), and the food is great. Most of the products are green and earth-friendly, and more and more vendors are joining. Margarita Fores has her commissary in Whitespace, so she serves a delicious lunch buffet at a great price. This market happens every last Sunday of the month, so be there on February 28. It's a great place to meet up with friends and family. The market starts at around noon and ends at 7pm.

Fabulous T'nalak merchandise from TADECO.
LEYENDE: Local and organic health and beauty products.
A forever favorite: MESSY BESSY!
Ultra-soft, hand-stitched leather with recycled airplane tires for soles. CUTE & COMFY!
Natural, woven products. Very special.

Thanks to Girlie Rodis for the photos! See you at the Whitespace Market (2314 Chino Roces Ave, formerly Pasong Tamo Extension. Look for the green gate)!

BABYGANICS IS HERE!

I don't know why these images are so teeny-tiny, but just click on them to see. Congratulations to Rustan's for helping to mainstream organic and earth-friendly products. I prefer to use local when I can, but that these products are available here is already cause for celebration. It's proof that products that keep our families and the earth healthy, are no longer just for treehuggers! Hooray! There are other products available in the line so visit when you can.

To Kindle or Not to Kindle ?

Isn't that the question? I love to read and by that I don't mean that I love stories. I LOVE BOOKS. I love the way they feel and smell, the very act of turning a page, the sense of accomplishment and sadness of seeing how close you are to finishing a story, the anticipation of the next chapter, looking forward to getting back into the story at the end of the day--I love it all.

I also feel that books ought be shared. I love passing on good reads to friends and receiving the same from them. In this way, the Kindle seems so selfish. How can you pass it on? And yet, it does save a ton of paper. It's incredibly portable. You don't have to brave traffic to go to the bookstore only to find that the title you want is not available. Still...I can't imagine not holding a book!

There was a time I loved collecting books. I enjoyed looking at shelves and shelves and shelves of my books. Today, I give away novels yearly. I think that's a more responsible kind of ownership or, perhaps, stewardship. It's also a way for your purchase to be not just about you and your reading pleasure, but about sharing the joy of reading with others.

A few days ago, a friend emailed an article about Bookcrossing. I have been looking for something like this for years! Because of Bookcrossing, I've decided to hold off on the Kindle, yet again. I like the idea of having my books travel the world. I like the idea of sharing books with total strangers with whom you share nothing but a passion for books and stories.

Books are not just about reading. How they have changed hands, absorbed a tear or a drop of coffee, been hurled at a wall in anger--they are stories in themselves. I will try to keep books alive by being a part of this book-sharing community. I'm not saying no the Kindle just yet, but I remain fiercely loyal to books and all they mean.

CAN'T MISS THIS!

As usual, please click on the image for it to make sense! Gisela Wielki is a Christian Community priest who has been visiting us for 7 years! Imagine that. She has enriched our personal journeys a thousandfold. If you're raring to explore new roads this year, this would be a great place to start. See you there.