Straight Talk about the U.S. Food System from a Preteen

Please watch this. Birke Baehr's passion about the problems and solutions surrounding the food system in this country is contagious and very inspiring - and he's only 11! -Carrie

A Spiritual Lesson from a Mother Hen

There's something very sublime, spiritual almost, about connecting with life around us. If we listen carefully, we learn lessons coming from the most unlikely of places. Landscape Architect and Environmentalist Grant Jones says that studies tell us all the time what common sense used. He believes we can cut to the chase by just listening to nature and observing. The other day I posted a little STORY of moving the chicks into the house to avoid an arctic blast which came through our area. The other side of the story is enlightening and I want to share it with you.

Carrie managed to move the chicks and the mother back to their home outside and when released back into their coop, the momma (Hopper), first out, did a little dance for joy followed by a the scratch, scratch, shuffle, peck that chickens do. Hopper called for her chicks who came out with equal elation to their old quarters. They were happy to be home.

These birds will never know what we did for them. They will never know that we possibly saved their little lives. All they know is that we put them in a tiny container and took away their Hilton of a coop. All they remember is a temporary period of cramped quarters in less than ideal circumstances.

Sometimes we ask God, "Why me?" when we hit a rough spot in our lives. We go kicking and screaming the whole way through phases of our less than ideal circumstances. To me, the story of Hopper and her chicks reaffirms the truth that I first discovered as a private in the Army. I believe in a god who I trust above me to be in charge of the circumstances of my life. I believe he is looking after me and that I'm being cared for even when I'm not always comfortable in my situation. I can take peace and solace in that and thank Hopper for reminding me of that lesson. -Jason

Where to?

Last I checked, Dallas had over 2 million citizens. According to the city’s website, we have over 27,000 residents within a one mile radius of our house, yet, I feel so alone in our quest. There are some out there, no doubt, who share our values, but by and far we are missing a sense of common drive with out neighbors.

I checked out the other day and my milk was placed in a bag and given to me before I could ask them not to. That may be a force of habit, a directive by the supermarket, or just the fact that nobody asks them not to do that. Point is, they obviously don’t subscribe to Carrie’s philosophy on do’s and don’ts of using bags. I look out the window and see six lanes of traffic. Hampton Rd. must carry tens of thousands of people over the course of the day moving to and fro in their cars. Seldom do I see a bicycle.

I’m obviously longing for a time when neighbors knew each other and took care of each other. Building a house was a community affair and “going into town” consisted of a day trip each way. Where are the people we are supposed to lean on during the hard times and celebrate with in the good? Where is my community?

Stop Doing That!

I have to hand it to the human race. We are the only species which can create a problem, then create a "solution" to the problem. Except the solution becomes a problem within itself and we must have another "solution" manufactured.

Why not just stop doing what caused the problem in the first place?

50 Years ago: A man goes to the doctor and says, "Doc, my arm hurts every time I bend it like this!" The doctor looks at the man and says, "Then stop doing that!"

Today: A man goes to the doctor and says, "Doc, my arm hurts every time I bend it like this!" The doctor looks at the man and says, "I have just the prescription!"