Samurai Saga: How to Make a 5 Year-Old Cry

Photo Credit

In case you didn't know it, the Power Rangers are still around. In my younger days they were the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Today, they're samurais. They still wear bright costumes, move their arms while talking, and beat small AND giant bad guys. They are also my niece's (Pudding Cup - PC) favorite new TV show.

A week ago PC Skyped me from her dad's iPod. It was a good time, but it was dragging on and PC was making me sick every time she flipped and flopped the iPod. Her dad had decided to nap on the couch, so I decided to plant a seed of annoyance in his daughter's head. My goal - get her to drive her parents crazy by asking for Kung Fu lessons.

During my Skype time with PC, I "called" a random phone number. Would you believe it was Kevin, the blue Power Ranger?? Turns out he lives in the SAME city as PC, and he said she could come visit whenever she wanted ... after she learned Kung Fu.

That night and into the next day, PC asked incessantly for Kung Fu lessons. She also wanted to call Kevin. And every time the phone rang she asked if it was Kevin. Then she dropped the bomb: "Mommy, will you miss me when I move into the samurai house?"

Photo Credit

Obviously I oversold the phone call. While asking for Kung Fu lessons would be funny, I didn't want to plague my sister with a child who wanted to drive through every neighborhood in a major US city in an attempt to find the samurai house. It was time for Kevin and the gang to get an emergency call out - to Oklahoma.

At 8 a.m. the next day I got the call. Hysterics. Sobbing. "Why did they have to MOVE?!? I'll never get to see them again!!" After assuring PC that her favorite super heroes would still be on TV, I switched to damage control. I didn't feel the least bit guilty about PC bugging my sister, but when the kid is so upset that she has to lay in her room to try to calm down enough so she can make it to the birthday party?? Aunt Karin needed to help.

Later that day PC assured me she was feeling better, and that night at dinner she told her grandparents the sad news about the move without shedding a tear. Because she held it together so well, I decided she needed a reward. On Tuesday evening, PC got a special Amazon package in the mail - two Samurai Power Ranger books! Kevin sent them to her because he felt bad about not getting to meet her; now she has two books to remember him by.

Aunt Karin has certainly learned her lesson.

Midgie Missed Me

I know family members shouldn't really have favorites, but at the Beery home sides have been taken. Bucket loves Matt, and Midgie loves me. Bucket will hang out with me if no one else is around, but as soon as Matt walks into the house I'm chopped liver.

Midgie, on the other hand, prefers me and me. While I was gone for two weeks she pretty much ignored Matt. When I got back, she started stalking me:

Even thought it sounds like she wants my attention, it's more than that. Midgie has decided that we have a "spot". She doesn't just want me to pet her - she wants me to follow her to "our spot". I wouldn't mind so much of we had a nice spot, a cozy or scenic or comfortable spot, but that's not the case.

This kitty likes the bathroom. Fabulous. Look at her - rolling around, purring, looking for some lovin'. She's just weird (she is, after all, a Beery).

Speak Up - VOTE! (MI residents only - sorry!)

It's that time of year again, folks. Time to vote!

The Michigan Primary is right around the corner, and it's time to do your homework and cast an informed vote. If you're not sure what's on the ballot, don't worry. I'm here to help. The first thing you need to do is figure out what the heck is on the ballot, so visit the Michigan Voter Information Center (click here).

You just need to enter your name, birth year, and zip code, then you'll get a look at your local ballot. Since this is the presidential primary, you may only have a list of presidential candidates (most other issues will wait until November).

I'll admit, I was a little confused when I went to the MVIC link - the first two Republican candidates noted have officially withdrawn from the election, but are still listed. Um, okay. And if you're unclear as to why there's only one candidate noted on the Democratic side, please contact your local high school government teacher.

The Michigan Primary is February 28, so MAKE TIME TO VOTE! And if you're not in Michigan, make sure you know when you're supposed to vote - it's your chance to make a difference1

Book Review (and Giveaway): Replication by Jill Williamson

Someone is covering up multiple secrets…


Martyr—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of fifty Jasons kept in a remote underground facility. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to “expire” in less than a month - to see the sky.

Abby Goyer just moved to Alaska, and she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up in her room asking about the stars.

As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures—the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have.
-------------

I love Williamson's Blood of Kings fantasy, so I jumped at the chance to review her new book, Replication. Yes, it's a young adult book written about cloning (not my particular cup of tea), but that doesn't matter when the author is as talented as Williamson.

I started the book with the plan to read it over the course of a week or two, but I couldn't put it down. The story pulls you right in, right into the lives of Marty and Abby. You do have to suspend some level of rationalization to believe that for some reason a high school junior can outsmart a bunch of scientists, but isn't that what fiction is all about?

If you or a young adult near you enjoys sci-fi, you'll love this book. In fact, it's so much fun that I'm going to help you enjoy it - I'm going to give you my copy! Leave me a comment and with your name and email address for your chance to win! I'll pick a winner at the end of the month - good luck!

Mega-Meal Monday

I got this cool menu board from my sister for Christmas. It's been a lot of fun, but I'll be honest - I don't actually cook the meals on the days that they're scheduled. I tend to fix everything in two days. This week, I went for Sunday and Monday. I've dubbed today Mega-Meal Monday. I wasn't actually planning on making such gigantic meals. It just happened. Here's how things worked tonight.

It started with a box of soup.

As you can see by the price tag, I got a good deal on this quart of soup. It's a yummy, sweet soup, but it's not very filling. I could eat the whole quart and still want to eat. The pretty picture on the cover gave me an idea. I chopped up some onions and bell peppers, sauteed them with some garlic, then browned a pound of ground beef. Toss in a few hands full of spinach, some salt and pepper to taste, and viola!

This is quite possibly one of the tastiest soups I've ever made. I just wish I'd measured everything out so I could duplicate it. (I'm sure I can make it close enough)

Even though the pan is huge, it won't feed Matt and I all week, so I had to whip up something else. Matt's two favorite things in the world are macaroni and cheese and tacos. My mom turned us on to this casserole, which I, of course, have modified.

A couple of boxes of Annie's organic mac & cheese, one pound taco meat, some of the sauteed onions/garlic/peppers, a handful of shredded taco cheese, 1/2 jar of salsa. Mix. Bake. Magic!

Just look at that ooey, gooey, greasy goodness. I think I'll let Matt eat the bulk of this one. 

Between the two meals, we'll be full all week. Bon appetite!

Book Review: Mind Over Madi by Lynda Schab

Madi McCall admits her husband lacks a little in the romance department, but all in all, he’s been a good husband, a good father. Now, though, she suspects Rich is having an af  air with Fawn Witchburn, the mother of one of his fourth-grade students. To say Fawn shows of   her “assets” more than should be legally allowed in public is an understatement, and Madi’s insecurities kick into high gear. When, in a heated moment, she asks Rich to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues of love and trust she’s tried so hard to avoid. Issues that trail all the way back to her childhood and make her act like a total moron.


--


Mind Over Madi is the debut novel of my on-line friend Lynda Lee Schab. This book touches on a sore spot for many women today - the insecurities that come from living in a world focused on appearance. Madi not only struggles with her insecurities, but also with the crazy way she acts while trying to deal with her issues. Can she figure it out in time to save her marriage? Take a peek and find out!


--

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards  (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring)  and from there  went on to write  articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &  School)  and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and  www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but  her passion has always been fiction.  

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart.  Lynda admits  she has a lot in 
common with  the character of Madi. Not only are they both  addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games,  they  struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. 

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com.  Mind Over Madi  received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan. 

Is it a cold, or is it the flu?

Well, I didn't make it past Christmas without coming down with a cold. I debated whether or not I should go to work. I mean, I didn't feel great, but I can't stay home every day I'm not feeling 100%. Since there weren't many people in the office, I risked it. Then I came home and opened my latest copy of Fitness Magazine. 

Guess what I found?

This chart (see below). Just tell it your symptoms and it will help you determine whether or not your fighting the flu or just a cold. I figured this is a good time of the year to share it.

(And if you've never used a Neti Pot, GET ONE! I used it daily when I was sick and made the cold so much more bareable!)

Isaiah 12 - for 2012

Photo Credit

In case you haven't figured it out, I believe in God. Even more than that, I believe that the Bible is His word, it is truth, and if anyone will accept it as such, God will not only save you, but guide you through every step of your life. That doesn't mean life is easy and nothing bad will ever happen, but God will always be there. He just loves us all that much.

I like to talk to God, too. I call it prayer. Not the kind of praying most people do (Dear God, I need this and this and this. Thanks.), but an actual conversation. I pour my heart out, then I listen.

Each year on December 31, I ask God about the coming year: how can I prepare? This year I didn't have to ask. I didn't even have to wait until New Year's Eve! Friday night at church, God showed me a few things about 2012 and my life.

Photo Credit

1. Twelve. That's an important number this year. I'm not sure why, but it is. Twelve is the perfect number, signifying perfection of government, or of governmental perfect. It also reappears in the Old and New Testaments on multiple occasions: 12 sons of Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles, 12 gates of heaven guarded by 12 angels. I don't yet know why 12 is important this year, but it is.

Photo Credit

2. Isaiah 12. I don't read Isaiah very often. I tend to think of that book as containing long chapters of prophecy or woe that my brain doesn't wrap around very easily. I couldn't shake the feeling, however, that I needed to read Isaiah 12. Wow. I've decided to adopt this chapter for the year. I've been obsessing over music and worship for the past few weeks. I know that reading this chapter wasn't just coincidence.

Isaiah 12 (NLT)

In that day you will sing; "I will praise you, O Lord!

You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me.

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!

In that wonderful day you will sin: "Thank the Lord! Praise his name!

Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!

Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make know his praise around the world.

Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy!

For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you."

That's what 2012 has in store for me. I'm excited to see how this year plays out. I pray that you'll see God's plan for you in the new year, too.

Polish Cream ... The New Irish Cream

Photo Credit

Not everyone's lucky enough to be Polish. For those of us that are, we've endured years of bad jokes and mistreatment just because of our fabulous heritage. It's a well-known fact that being Polish doesn't make one dim-witted anymore than being blonde makes one doltish. I'm not too humble to say it - I'm a pretty intelligent Pole.

However ...

Every now and then I have my moments. Last night was one of those such moments. Maybe it was my genes (maybe it was the glass of ChocoVine). Whatever happened, I set out to make Irish Cream. I now have a half-gallon of Polish Cream. I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Here's how you make Polish Cream.

Photo Credit

1. Start with a perfectly wonderful Irish Cream recipe:

2 eggs
14 oz. condensed sweetened milk
2 cups half & half
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. almond extract
1 t. instant coffee
1 T. chocolate syrup
Up to 2 cups Irish Whiskey

Whisk eggs in a bowl. One at a time, add each ingredient and whisk until smooth. Pour into sterilized glass container and store in refridgerator for up to three weeks.

2. Discover that you don't have all of the ingredients.

3. Make substitutions:

2 eggs
14 oz. 50% something condensed sweetened milk (purchased at a thrift store, the label is in Spanish, so the 50% thing is a mystery)
1 cup half & half
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. almond extract
1 t. Ghiradelli's White Mocha powder
2 t. instant hot cocoa mix
1 cup vodka

Whisk eggs in a bowl. (Sip wine) One at a time, add each ingredient and whisk until smooth. (Sip) Pour into whatever plastic pitcher you can find.

4. Substitute Polish Cream for wine. Sip.

Remember when...

Remember when I used to have time to write here? I'd post witty, wonderful essays about my life, your lives, and the occasional Delta Airlines employee. I didn't outline anything. I rarely thought much about what I'd say until the words rolled of my ... fingertips. But now? There's just too much pressure to be funny.

When you only have time to post every six weeks, every word needs to count. You can't be boring when people only visit you nine times a year. One dull post and BAM! They abandon you for your sister's blog. The pressure is intense, but that's because the competition is astronomical.

Who would want to read my infrequent musings when you can find out about Stuff Christians Like. And let's be honest - I've discovered a couple of fun recipes, but my sister posts her culinary delights almost daily (not to mention encouraging words and craft ideas).

What do I have to offer? No, seriously - I'm asking. What makes this blog worth visiting?

Way back when I created this sarcastic dumping ground, blogs weren't a big deal. I mostly posted for my family, who lives on the other side of the country. I didn't want to deprive them of a single smart-ass moment of my life, so I started putting my thoughts out there for everyone to enjoy.

But now what? I'm one, insignificant voice in a sea of louder, more obnoxious whiners.

That's pretty much it. There's no real point to this post. I considered ending it with a carefully worded, well-thought out conclusion, but why? If rambling, pointless articles are good enough for Yahoo! Contributors, they're good enough for me.

Christmas Prep

I'm a little late in getting ready for Christmas this year. This is the first time I've worked full time while also writing, so time is scarce. I love making (not baking - making) snacks, though, so I spent all morning (and part of last night) whipping some things together and getting the house a little more decorated.

I started with haystacks. It disturbed me slightly to see how badly the butterscotch chips melted. They didn't really melt into liquid - more of a giant, butterscotch blob. Ew. I added some milk help thin it out, then dropped in a bit of coconut oil to make sure they set. They aren't pretty, but Matt like's 'em.

This morning I started the Chex Mix marathon. I love making different kinds of Chex Mix! On the stove you see Cheesy Ranch and Original mix. Off to the side, I was preppy the Snickerdoodle mix. I prefer the oven to using crock pots (and pretty much avoid the microwave as much as possible). Seriously though, it's winter and it's Michigan. There's nothing wrong with keeping the oven on for a few hours.

After the savory, it was time for the sweet: Snickerdoodle, Muddy Buddies (not pictured), and Candy Corn Corn. Last year I made Cinnamon Popcorn - melted Red Hot candies over popcorn. This year I couldn't find any more Red Hots, but I dug up a bag of Candy Corn. Really, it's this easy: melt 1 stick of butter and 1 bag of candy corn. Pour over popped pop corn (I'm not sure how much that is - it' filled the roasting pan). It's kind of tasty. I'm giving some to my Candy Corn Connoisseur friend for official judging.

I still had a lot of Chex left, so I made my favorite: Taco Check Mix. This year I added Hot & Spicy Cheez-its ... yum.

While I worked in the kitchen, Matt decorated the living room. For his birthday this year, he received a brand new advent calendar - by Lego. So far we have a bench with a coffee, a fire, Christmas tree, presents, fisherman, snowball catapult, police man, thief, and jail.

Matt also put some ornaments on the tree. It's been up and lit since Thanksgiving weekend, but it took a while before we got around to decorating it. This year we inherited many of my parents' organized ornament boxes, so he just grabbed two and started hanging - the tree is blue and crystal this year.

With one exception - the 2011 Van Buren Christmas Ornament.

I'm still here ...

... and I'm sore.

More on that later ...

Book Review: Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

This is the story of Eden and Clay, a couple who married because of a pregnancy, then split when the baby died. Five years later Clay gets a tip that their daughter is alive, so he picks up Eden and they go undercover at a ranch for orphaned girls to find their child. As they try to find their little girl, their time together rekindles their romance. Can they reunite their family after all this time?

Honestly, I had a hard time getting into this novel. I appreciate that there's a big push to start books with action, but this story gets into it so quickly that I didn't have a chance to start caring about the characters. It took a while to really connect with them. If you want to just jump into the action, however, this is your kind of book. The plot is a bit predictable, but that's what we love about romance novels.

If you like romance, the West, and lots of little girls, this is the book for you. If it sounds like the book for you, then leave me a comment for a chance to win a once-read copy! Please leave me your name and email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a winner by the end of the week. Good luck!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Thirty-three years ago the world said hello to my wonderful hubby. We was smaller, less hairy, but as adorable as he is today. Even though he's been alive for over three decades, you'd think he's celebrating his 8th birthday. I'll post more pictures to his Yooper Stewart blog, but right now this is all I've got.

His first treat - the SodaStream - his chance to make his own soda at home. As you can see, he's quite excited to make his own root beer.

He also got some Legos (more photos to come). Then he enjoyed some play time with Bucket.

And for dinner, he wanted something special. A cup of coffee and the meat and cheese party tray from Sam's club. Put all of this with head-to-toe camo and a few hours on the computer and it was one happy birthday weekend for my Matty.

 Happy Birthday, Honey - I love you!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

It's my Mom's birthday today - don't forget to wish her a happy birthday. Love you, Mom!

Dear Aunt Karin,

Today I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter in the mail - a LETTER! The writing on the envelope was my mom's, but the letter inside didn't even need a signature. My dear little Pudding Cup, at age 5, wrote me a letter.

With Love, Pudding Cup

Please allow me to translate:

"Dear Aunt Karin,

You are my favorite aunt in the whole world (don't tell Mimi). I miss you SOOOO much. When are you coming to visit? I'll let you sleep in my room on the top bunk. Will you bring Pink and Purple with you? I want to play with them in real life.

Please come visit me soon (Babcia said she'll buy you a ticket because she's just the greatest grandma in the whole world).

With Love, Pudding Cup"

Occupy the NBA

Talk about corporate greed! Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, is worth about $584 million dollars. Kobe Bryant takes home over $25 million per year just for playing a game (not to mention endorsements, or the fact that he doesn't work year round).

The NBA has already cancelled the first two weeks of their season, and today they are expected the cancel another two. Why? So these multi-millionaires can hold out for more money - to make a bigger profit.

While these people dicker over money that they will use to buy another car or another house, the people who work at the sports arenas are out of work. Let's use an ultra-conservative figure and say there are 100 people employed at each of the 30 NBA venues - that's 3,000 people now unemployed, making NO MONEY so that people like Bryant, who never went to college, never worked a real job a day in their lives, can make another couple of million next year.

Did you know that Brian Moynihan, the CEO of Bank of America, makes about $1.9 million dollars a year in salary? Sure, he has options for more - those push him up to almost $4 million. He also spent seven years in college (unlike Bryant, who has no student loan debt). Moynihan is virtually facing a lynch mob for supporting his company's $60/year charge for a debit car. Meanwhile, the Lakers franchise has no problem charging you $37/ticket, not to mention the cost of food inside the arena. And what about t-shirts, programs, basketballs? Greed, greed, GREED!

Here's my challenge - if this occupy movement is really about ending corporate greed, if it's really about corruption, then I expect to see people camping out at The Palace, Madison Square Garden, and every other establishment that encourages, even supports, this kind of corporate greed. We need to demand that the government intervene - let Pelosi and Reid determine how much money NBA players should make. Let them set the schedule, regulate salaries, and, most importantly, stop charging us ridiculous fees for our right to watch a basketball game!!

There you go - OCCUPY THE NBA!

Or ...

Use your head. Treat your bank, your politicians, and your sports teams the same way you treated Netflix, and wait to see what happens.

Book Review: There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She’s witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.


Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She’s the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.


Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise? Could it be God convincing her that everything she’s been looking for has been with her all along?

***

This is the first young adult novel I've read by Jenny B. Jones, and it was every bit as entertaining, heart-breaking, and romantic as her adult novels. 


Finley and Beckett should have easy lives, both of them rich and relatively famous, but that's not enough to cover up the pain and struggles that they each endure. It's only God and his merciful love that can truly help and heal them. That's not to say that they don't fail. They face temptations and hardships like anyone else, but with faith in God they find the strength to endure.


Jones is quickly becoming my favorite author for contemporary romance. Her stories always include drama and romance, but they also include a gracious amount of humor - something I adore in fiction. If you're looking for a good romantic dramedy, look no further than "There You'll Find Me" by Jenny B. Jones.


*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising".

Down on the Farm

A while ago my sister discovered a farm where my niece and nephew can go say hi to the pigs and other animals - in Vegas! Not one to be out done, I now have proof for Pudding Cup and Butter Bean that there are also farms in Michigan. These are from a farm in Kalkaska, Michigan.

Butter Bean has a favorite pig named Violet (out in Vegas). I don't think these pigs have names (and I don't think Butter Bean knows they become his morning bacon...)

In this next clip, I was so far off base. Only two of the calves are actually boys, and the one that I was SURE was a bull...heffer. I never claimed to be an expert.

There's nothing quite like that dairy air.

Censorship in Northern Michigan

I've never been a big fan of the Traverse City Record-Eagle. It's a great place to find ads, but it's not so much a newspaper as it is the organization's chance to give your its opinion on things. I've thought about pitching a few story ideas there, but let's be honest - a conservative viewpoint stands a snowball's chance in hell of getting an accurate portrayal in the R-E. Even the more liberal minded folks can't get published, especially if they disagree.

My friend Samantha is a writer/editor and permaculturalist (in a nutshell - sustainable agriculture). She knows newspapers (she worked as a newspaper editor), and she knows gardening. The recent R-E coverage of Little Artshram day camp and CSA bothered her. She wrote a letter to the editor about the issue and submitted it. They told her they wouldn't run it.

If you've never read or written a letter to the editor, here are some general guidelines. The most common topics include:

Supporting or opposing an editorial stance, or to responding another writer's letter to the editor.

Commenting on a current issue being debated by a governing body – local, regional or national depending on the publication's circulation. Often, the writer will urge elected officials to make their decision based on his/her viewpoint.

Remarking on materials (such as a news story) that have appeared in a previous edition. Such letters may either be critical or praising.

Correcting a perceived error or misrepresentation.

Yeah...not so much for the R-E. Samantha didn't agree with them, so they didn't publish her letter. I trust Samantha, though, and if she says Little Artshram's practices are being sensationalized, I tend to believe her. Since the R-E wouldn't publish Samantha's letter, I'm going to. If you have questions about what's going on, I encourage you to contact Little Artshram directly. 

Letter to the editor, by Samantha:

Regarding Little Artshram, as a farmer and Permaculturalist, I have

taught alongside Penny Krebiehl (Little Artshram) at NMC and at the

Commons. Having taken the time to review all that has transpired in

the past few months, I’m convinced the coverage of this story is being

sensationalized to sell newspapers. The use of a composting toilet

resulted in articles that continue to imply humanure was used on food

crops. It was not.

This is a small, grass-roots organization under fire by a very few

interested in moving Little Artshram off of the property. Mistakes

were made, but when these errors were brought to the attention of the

Little Artshram director, the Board was notified and steps were taken

immediately to correct them.

As a small-scale farmer, the severity of the attacks on Little

Artshram concern me. Conventional farmers spray their crops with known

carcinogens and yet the one-time use of a composting toilet is forcing

the closure of a farm that focuses on community, health and well

being, and the environment. The closure of the CSA would represent a

huge loss to our community.

Record Eagle, way to bite the hand that feeds.