If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.

posted by Patty James @ 7:32am, Wednesday 12 May 2010.

The above has been said about the organization Greenpeace. What do you think of when you think of Greenpeace? A bunch of crazy people following whale boats in international waters where they aren't supposed to be and maneuvering their small Greenpeace boats in front of their massive ships? That's my first thought. Activists, for sure. A little 'out there,' perhaps, but I have always been happy that they are around to do what they do. So now, let me introduce you to my friend Amy.

I met Amy a few years ago in a professional aspect. I assisted her with nutritional counseling and through this process, we became friends. Last fall, we had lunch and it was wonderful to catch up. She hadn't seen me since all the changes happened in my life (meaning since the idea about STL-she had seen me since other changes) and so she wanted to hear about that. I also wanted to know more about her life. To give you a visual, Amy has shoulder length black hair and always looks very well put together. Sweater, jacket, perfect coat, jewelery and a gorgeous scarf. One of those women who dress like this without thinking (a mystery to me...)

Amy is 'Solutions' for Greenpeace. Nothing radical looking about her, whatever that means. She's smart, well-connected and works with people and companies to try to solve some of our biggest problems. Amy's world (among other things of course) is.....refrigeration. Yup...refrigeration. I admit, I might never have given this as much thought as I should have until our conversation last night. Amy sits down with mulit-national companies like Pepsi, Coke, and Walmart, to name just a few, and together they are all (!) working with Amy to solve this huge world wide environmental problem. I believe she said that 17% of all greenhouse gases come from refrigeration. As she explains, when developing worlds start to use refrigerators, air conditioners and vending machines, our world might not survive it. This is not to say that they should not have what we have, but it is to say that something has to be done. She has a solution developed by Greenpeace and then improved upon by someone (she has a funny description of this man, but suffice it to say that geniuses are often a little nutty.) Well, all of the above mentioned companies are working with Amy and Greenpeace to solve this problem. It is very complicated (servicing the vending machines is a big issue) but if everyone pulls in the same direction, the problem can be solved. I was fascinated. Walmart was the big surprise for me. They are actively trying to improve their carbon foot print according to Amy. Good to hear (I say a bit skeptically, but with hope...)

She was interested in STL and what I have been up to personally as well as professionally. I have to tell you there is no real distinction. It's not like I have two different aspects of my life. What I do for work is how I live. I just thought of this as I wrote it...interesting. Anyway, she was a perfect cheerleader and knows that everything will work out for STL and my personal life. Amy is trying to save the planet and I am trying to help children with their health, one at a time. As Mother Teresa said (paraphrasing), 'One cannot do great things, just small things with great love.' I do small things, my friend Amy does big things-both important. Later, she looked right at me and told me that she thinks that out of fear of being hurt, I have put a little wall around my heart. Wow. I think I am very open, loving and friendly, but she feels a hesitation from me. Food for thought today and actually last night walking home. She's right, I have done this, still doing this. Self preservation. Haven't you? Don't we all? I am going to try to stop. Requires honesty with ourselves and others....scary...

Amy also told me that her other home on The Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia is there for me to write my next two books. She doesn't see how I can write and worry about housing expenses. It's mine from September through next April if I want it. She warns me that there is only a wood stove, so I could never let the fire go out (cold-little insulation) and would need to sleep in the living room and get used to wearing sweat pants in the house. The dogs are welcome, internet and phone are there as well. I am thinking seriously about it. I would need to be home from September through Christmas to visit with my family before they forget me, but would jump in the car (not RV) and blast there-perhaps a 4 day all day drive. January until May. 4 months of solid writing. Thinking it through right now....

So today I am organizing Boston which is where I will be this weekend. I am also finishing an article, but the biggest part of my day is kids interviews at my friend Nancy Easton's home -2 streets away. There will be 8 kids and parents there. As it turns out I am teaching a cooking class (dinner) before the interviews. Is this so much fun? I can't wait. She has a film crew coming as well (no idea from where.) We are deciding on menus right now and I can not wait to hear about how much money they made at the fundraiser Monday night. She said some very sweet things to me in an email last night. She said I calmed her and centered her and that after being there from the beginning of Wellness in the Schools, she was so happy I was able to be there Monday. She wants me to live part time in NYC. So part time in CA., part time in New Orleans and part time in NYC. The other time would have to be on a beach somewhere. Fun the think about....

Yesterday I walked across the Park to the Met and visited Vincent. Incredible. Every time I visit him, I learn something more...Enjoy...


He said he didn't want to paint the peasants in any way other than naturally. I hope you can read this...




I never knew these were oleanders.

We know that Vincent used so much paint, but look at the right hand corner..no paint at all on what looks like a linen canvas. As it turns out, there was a lot of unpainted canvas. I have never noticed this before.





Look at all the paint...



All Vincent Van Gogh's and many more. I was in heaven.