something to think about

A friend just sent this to me and it really gives you something to think about;

Here's another thought on my mind this week..."Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". (Now picture a big huge reddish colored heart....) Ain't that the truth. I challenge myself to just listen a little more, and get out of my own way. Discovery and compassion come forth just a little bit more. Who cares if someone finds out a battle of mine, it just pulls us a little bit closer thru the universe. Namaste.

Fair Trade

Do you know what Fair Trade means??? Many of the items in my store are Fair Trade products. Please know what a difference you make in the lives of so many when purchasing a Fair Trade Product.
READ:

Fair Trade is a growing, international movement which ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a living income), long-term contracts which provide real security; and for many, support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales.

The empowerment from fair trade lifts families from poverty through trade, not aid, keeping food on the table, children in school and families on their land.

A key principle of Fair Trade is to ensure that the artisan or producer of the product being purchased is paid a fair price for their work, in the local context, enabling them to make a decent living. But this is by no means the only aspect of Fair Trade.

The following are some of the other principles covered by the phrase "fair trade":

• Creating opportunities for advancement for economically disadvantaged artisans and producers.
• Prohibiting child labor and forced labor.
• Providing prompt payment for work done.
• Guaranteeing that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.
• Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for artisans and producers.
• Limiting working hours to reasonable numbers.
• Establishing long-term trade partnerships, assisting producers with management skills development, product design, improved access to markets, and providing financial and technical assistance.
• Encouraging sustainable use of natural resources.

Please join us in promoting socially responsible and conscious consumerism….while at the same time sharing fun and funky gifts and goods with family and friends.

WAYS TO SUPPORT FAIR TRADE:

If you'd like to buy products that support your values, but lead a busy life and don’t necessarily know how, here are a few tips on how to support Fair Trade:

• Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on items like coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, bananas and rice in your grocery aisles.

• Over 100 million pounds of Fair Trade Certified coffee has entered the US market since 1999 and growing an average of 75% per year. Other fair trade products are also booming: tea grew 175% in 2005 and cocoa grew from 14,000 lbs in 2002 to over 1 million in 2005.
  
  

• Shop for fairly traded clothing, gifts, jewelry and home décor.
  • Fair Trade handicrafts and jewelry account for 20% of the fair trade market, second only to fair trade certified coffee according to the Fair Trade Federation. Such as http://www.KarmaEssence.com
    
    
• Frequent coffee shops that sell Fair Trade coffee and tea.
  
  
• Educate yourself and pass on the news about fair trade.
  

Enjoy the day! Roz

Need I say more?????

Flipping through Time Magazine’s November supplement Style & Design I discovered the Westfalia Verdier Solar Power. Created by Alexander Verdier, this hybrid camper is outfitted with solar panels that provide electricity for the on-board accessories while the vehicle is stationary. There is an on-board computer and a GPS (Global Positioning System) that calculates the optimal position for the solar panels which are dubbed “Sun Tracker.”

Some other improvements from the 1960’s version include, a pneumatic suspension, which lowers the vehicle and sets its structure on the tires for improved comfort and a better stabilization in the stationary position. The sliding half-door on the passenger side has an integrated folding staircase which makes the second stage area accessible from outside the vehicle. The passenger seat is transformed mechanically into stairs so that the second stage area (top level) can be easily reached from inside. A swivel cooking range makes it possible to cook outside as well as inside. And of course, there’s a multi-media computer with a wireless Internet connection.

To really see how cool this “van” is, check out out a video by clicking here.

Life is....

As I sit here drinking my morning coffee, I can't stop thinking about how much I hate cancer!!!! What a horrible disease!!! Why???
I need to start each day with a positive affirmation. Today's is;
"I will enjoy every minute of everything I do today!"
I will try to keep to my affirmation as the day goes on.... I'll let you know how that works out for me.
Life is weird and uncertain and unfair...... Where's does Karma fit into a world with Cancer?? No one deserves to deal with Cancer, ever..... ~sigh~ I'll keep on trying to figure it all out~
Enjoy the day!

Beauty

I am just sitting here enjoying the beauty of the day. Took a bike ride earlier. The air is so nice today. The clouds are perfect. The trees are at peace..... AHHHHH What a beautiful day!!!!

How nice to be in the moment and take in our surroundings. Everyone should take this time see all the beauty that is around us.

Affirmation: I am grateful for all the Universe has to offer me today. ~namaste~