2 posts tagged “christmas”

Gourd birdhouses

Birdhouse wedding present

Over here at the Raven Jake homestead, we are trying to practice what we preach and when I said that I had no intention of going even more broke or insane because it defeats the purpose of the holidays, I meant it. Unfortunately, we're not quite ready for a fully Amish-style gift frenzy, but special family and friends will be receiving a gourd birdhouse. I grew the gourds about two years ago and had a blast watchin' those vines shoot up a palm tree in the backyard. They've been curin' for a spell in the garage and now it's time to carve 'em and send them out into the world.

The first one (right) went early as a wedding present and the rest of 'em will be goin' out over the next couple o' weeks. Hopefully some wrens or finches will find them to be suitable accomodations for raisin'  youngsters. I've got a pile of gourd seeds and I'm givin' those out too, hoping that some gourd-gardening fever might take hold. If you want some mixed bag gourd seeds, send me an e-mail and I'll try to hook you up for the cost of postage & handling ($3 for a generous serving). I've got a New Year's Resolution to raise a garden this year, and you can bet that gourds are going to be part of that.

What Would Jesus Buy?

Folks, you know that as Raven Jake I don't get much into politics and religion, but regardless of what your beliefs are, I think we can all agree that holidays should be about sharing good times with your family, being grateful for what you have, forgiving of the shortcomings of yourself and others. Simple times, good times.

I think we can also agree that you shouldn't feel a need to pack heat at the Toys 'R' Us and that trampling someone to death at Wal-Mart is way beyond the moral pale. You might even want to go a step further and question why you're supporting these huge chain stores in the first place. With the economy in the state it is right now, mom and pop stores need all the help they can get.

So before you go shopping, you might need to fortify yourself with a bit of conscious viewing. Kinda like that "Scared Straight" program to keep juvenile delinquents from becoming lifetime thugs back in the 70s. Remember that? Same principle - going to the shopping maul at peak hours is guaranteed to kill your will to live, and let me tell you, if you ain't got your sanity, you ain't got much. So I wish you all a serene and peaceful holiday season where you can enjoy the beauty and abundance of nature in a supportive environment with family and friends.

Maxed Out

So I'm gonna suggest that everybody who's found a way to "just say no" to holiday craziness post it on up on Desert Rats. Are you making gifts this year? Found a way to simplify your life? Share the love, amigos, it don't cost a thing!