You've gotten all the eggs, milk, and cheese that you can. Check. You're rationing the toilet paper, you've seen every show on Netflix, and you've cleaned out the junk drawers and finally tackled the basement. Check. Even your inbox is de-spammed and folder-organized for a bright future ahead. Check. So now what? You're bored, stir crazy, and itching for a diversion, any … [Read more...] about Why You Should Buy From an Etsy Shop During the Coronavirus Shutdown
business practices
Welcome to the Salvage Economy, Full Stop
One of my earliest memories as a little girl, probably just three- or four-years-old, was finding a small patch of grass and clover growing through a crack in the sidewalk. I was immediately drawn down in to that plucky green and sassy red-tipped clover. It spoke to me and, the world being a steady wordless teacher, I didn't need to know about ideas like resilience or grit or that book A Tree … [Read more...] about Welcome to the Salvage Economy, Full Stop
New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
Many of my long-time readers, friends, and supporters know that over the years I've combined my values for clean energy, conservation, and consumer re-use, and the many essays I've written about these topics, with also running both an online and bricks-and-mortar vintage shop. This is where I also share my broadsides, poster art, and fiber arts. Adding to the stew are my passions for history, … [Read more...] about New Name: Lady Virginia Vintage
The roses of success
"From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success." —Chitty Chitty Bang Bang For years the United States cut-flower industry has taken a hit from trade polices and efforts in the war on drugs to shift coca-growing nations to flower growing nations. This has made competing floral products from far-flung locales (often in more temperate regions) cheaper to source. And why not? Low paid … [Read more...] about The roses of success
Ten low-tech responses to storms and emergencies
We live in a world dependent on electricity and we forget that being dependent on something — however wonderful that thing is — makes you vulnerable. Even getting a back-up generator isn't a painless solution for household resilience. A medium-size generator can cost $50 or more per day in fuel to run. And just hope that your local gas stations don't lose power or sell out to panic buyers … [Read more...] about Ten low-tech responses to storms and emergencies
Getting my pilot's license
Ever since we first got together my husband and I have talked about how to respond to one of our key shared interests — peak oil. For us this means, first of all, a conservation-minded approach to life — using less energy, wasting less, and relying on reusable materials such as hankies and eco-cups, carrying our own grocery bags, and growing much of our own food and cooking it ourselves. But … [Read more...] about Getting my pilot's license
