Centennial Subjects

Hip Hip Hooray! This is my 100th post!
The house is getting back to normal slowly but surely. We had very strong winds over the weekend. By noon Sunday, the power went out and one of our heavy wooden English benches blew over.
A few hours later, a 40-foot tree uprooted and is now leaning across my driveway.was fabulous! 60 is a sensational, 70 is sentimental, 80 is elegant, and 90 is nifty… so, I’m not sure what the significance of the 100th post is but I’ve been told it is reason to celebrate. For me, just being able to blog is a reason to celebrate.

I’ve always been a Luddite when it comes to new technology (see www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite for more on the subject.) Over the past few years, however, I’ve worked very hard to overcome this disability. In fact, I now can’t imagine life without cell phones, iPods and Wi-Fi!

Anyhow, what we all should celebrate is … our earth.Yes, talking about living a “green” life is trendy but it’s also an age-old problem.

During the ancient Roman Empire, toga-wearing senators discussed the toxic pollution caused by early metal production for chariots and tools.
In North America, no doubt, Native Americans were appalled as they watched the American Colonists dam rivers (causing abundant freshwater fish supplies to dwindle) and clear woods to establish cities (causing led to erosion.)And in modern times, British peers debated how to prevent another Great Smog, like the one that occurred in December 1952 and killed more than 3000 people.

Recognizing the effects of pollution is nothing new and resolving to change our evil ways is as old as mankind. ..but now, it's more critical than ever to do something to save our planet for future generations. You don’t need to go off the grid and produce your own power with solar panels and wind force to make a difference.Small changes in your home, such as substituting inexpensive alternatives to toxic home products, choosing low VOC paints or buying natural materials instead of ones that rely on petroleum, can make a difference.
Today's Home Tour photos prove that Going Green can be stylish!
My friends Hideko and Bob have lived in two different houses since we met. Both were beautiful and earth-friendly.
Born in Japan, Hideko mixes traditional Asian elements with western ones.
Wood, clay and natural fibers star in her decorating schemes.
Her kitchen is unique and "green".
Textures are used to create vignettes.A talented poet and artist, Hideko cherishes handmade items and chooses them instead of mass-produced ones.
She also creates her own pottery masterpieces.

The powder room is simple -- yet stunning. Wood surfaces have been cut and polished to fit Hideko's design, yet they look as if they "just happened".

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***
In case the concept of Green decorating has whet your whistle, Natural Home is a great magazine. Visit their web site for more doable ideas.