Permaculture in Action

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Gift Giving at Christmas



 Mark and I were given this book by participants from a past Permaculture Design Course. It's full of great ideas for living simply, perfect for someone starting out on the path of sustainability. My daughter from Melbourne was asking all about growing her own food and it prompted me to get the book out.

I said to Mark that I thought it was a really good and practical book and that we should buy it for everyone for Christmas, and he said why buy it for people who would never look at it . ( he actually said something about me being a hippy and people rolling their eyes and throwing the book into a corner) and I said well maybe we should buy (or make) presents this year that we think are worthwhile and add something positive to the world and then find people who would appreciate them, whoever 'they' may be. Just a thought!

11 comments:

  1. Kate, I had to laugh at your comment about your husband calling you a hippy! Just yesterday my sister called me the same thing. I have decided to take it as a compliment and I hope you do the same. From one hippy to another, I hope you have a great weekend. xx

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  2. Yeah, I am a hippy too and proud of it . I have been doing little things just to spread good thoughts ....if I am visiting a hospital I leave a copy of 'Well Being ' magazine so that some sick person might pick it up and find a new way of living healthily instead of relying on doctors , I take some gardening mags to the op shop and they always get snapped upand sometimes if a book has really inspired me, I leave it on a bench in town with a note that says 'Read me' .
    I know what Mark means though , it is hard preaching to people who don't want to be converted , but you just have to chip away at them so they don't notice. I have been making my own christmas presents for people and they love it... it's probably the first step to them getting your organic book because first you make stuff , people get impressed and wish they could do it .... then they turn into hippies....then you give them the book.

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  3. I too make most of our Christmas presents. I think there is nothing nicer than something home made or a great book. Yes maybe I too am a 'hippy'.
    I'm reading a fantastic book at the moment called 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' It is such a great book that people probably call me crazy when I go on and on about it!

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  4. Dom and I would well love a copy of that book! And I do think you're a hippy, but like Tracey said above, it's intended as a compliment. The world needs more hippies like you and Mark.

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  5. Oh Kate, that is funny!! There are obviously still plenty of us around - my kids often say to me in a slightly patronising manner, "Yeah Mum you're just a hippie from way back!" I don't mind and just hope that all my hippie ways rub off on them for when it's their turn to keep Mother Earth green for their children.
    Besides, I love being thought of as a hippie and wish I had been around in the 60's when it all began!

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  6. Thanks Guys. You're all wonderful

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  7. I love that your making your presents and can't wait to hear more about it! As for hippy, I have been trying NOT to seem like a hippy all my life, despite some very hippy tendancies! In the last few years I have changed my tune and embraced hippyness. Reckon I'd even drive a combi painted with flowers if I had the time and the money to burn!!!

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  8. Your thought made me smile. Giving gifts to someone who would appreciate it would be nice. I often spend a couple of hours making gifts for family and Little Eco's friends - and then barely get a thank you. Most people just don't appreciate the effort. So perhaps, as you suggest, I should 'find people who would appreciate them, whoever 'they' may be'.

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  9. Hi Kate, I have that book- it was one of the first to get us started on a simpler life (also the one i made cordial from). It has so many great ways to start to simplify and make you feel like you are making a difference even if in just a small way and is quite a modern book. You know sometimes a gift like that may not be appreciated at the time but may plant a small seed and later they may dust that book off from being in the corner and start to give it a go.

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  11. Hi Kate, if you send me your email address (to permaculturepathways@yahoo.com.au) I'll send you the Transition Sunshine Coast EDAP pdf. Cheers, Sonya

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