Brummet's Conscious Blog

-- Quote of the Day -- "Worms are the missing link that makes sustainable agriculture a reality". ~ Sherrel Hall of the Vermiculture Firm, Environmental Recycling Systems - Alpine, CA -- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Today's Sunday Gardening segment of Conscious Discussions radio focused on the importance of keeping organics out of landfills, building healthy soil, vermiculture and humus, increasing micro/macro biological life & more - Click on the hyper-linked show title here or look to the right to find the Conscious Discussions -- Prize Draw !! -- This week's prize draw (June 1-7) is for a copy of Alice Shapiro's book of poetry: Cracked: Timeless Topics of Nature, Courage and Endurance - 2 packages of science-fiction posters signed by author, Richard Risch (Beyond Mars-Crimson Fleet). Email: LDBRUMMET@YAHOO.COM with “prize” in the subject line for a chance to win. Deadline: Sunday morning - June 7th. Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from thei...

-- Quote of the Day -- “ The patient has to realize that they are going through an emotional and physical challenge, they’ve got to be more patient with themselves and accept what’s happened. …With that they have to understand that some of the medications are affecting the way they think, they way they sleep, the way they feel. …To be aware of what is going on and be in good communications with the team of specialists. …Progress can be made in baby steps at a time. It is not always the big gains – it is the little things that we do every day to enhance our success and achievements. …Lower your stress, and lower your expectations of other people. What is patience? It is the true understanding of the way things are, for now. …Allow time. …we have an immediate and urgent need, when we are in pain we want it to go away .” ~ Rosemarie Rossetti - April 14, ’09 Today's quote was taken from an interview with Rosmarie Rossetti on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show focusing on the t...

-- Conscious Discussions -- CJ Scarlet, appeared on our radio show on Dec 4, 2008 to discuss her Kindness Cure Campaign and the Healing Tree Foundation. Today, we continued this earlier conversation on A Legacy of Global Kindness - to hear about the progress of the campaign and how individuals can create personalized stimulus packages and regain control over their lives. We’ll also talk about her new book Neptune’s Gift and her experiences in the world of writing. To access today's interview simply click on the hyperlinks here or look to the right for the Conscious Discussions talk radio show. -- Announcements -- * The June issue of the Brummet's Monthly newsletter goes out today! We have over 500 opt-in subscribers and are always interested in hearing from new subscribers. Simply visit our site, click on " contact " and let me know you'd like to receive the newsletter - it is as simple as that :) * New contest begins on Monday (June 1st!) Find Dave & Lil...

-- Eco-Event -- Recycling Council of BC Zero Waste Conference Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, Whistler, BC - Canada Info: www.rcbc.bc.ca -- Spring into Lawn Mowing -- Ahh. Spring arrives with the beautiful twittering of birds preparing their nests for the unborn. What - can't hear them? The low rumble of lawn mowers not only drowns out natures' symphony, but also disturbs skittish wildlife and sleepy neighbors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some older gas-powered lawn mowers produce in one hour as much air pollution as a new car does in eleven hours. Lawn mowers newer than 1996 have to comply to new exhaust emission standards, which is a fantastic place to begin. However, these standards are not yet satisfying for the health of the world. Gasoline-powered mowers produce a cut that results in greater water loss and increased disease problems in lawns. Although many are now made with four-stroke engines (much less polluting than two-stroke engines)...

-- Quote of the Day -- “… I always tell people that, you know, we get these glimpses of magic and wonder and wonderfulness and it is really important to keep them alive and take them with us. …Whenever I went anywhere I didn’t want to just visit, I wanted to get involved. …Leave no Trace is a passion of mine, when our family goes out our goal is to find a bag we can use to clean up the trail and fill it up. We can also ask the ranger if there is anything we can do in the office or something that we could do to help. …Leave no Trace behind should be our standard wherever we are, whatever we are doing. …It is amazing you can volunteer for an hour, a day, a week - whatever you can do .” ~ Sheryl Kayne - April 28, ’09 Today's quote of the day comes from an interview with Sheryl Kayne on the Conscious Discussions talk radio show that aired on April 28, 2009 - in which we discussed Eco-vacations & Clean, Green Spaces Check out the archive when you have time :) -- Announcement -- We...

-- Quote of the Day -- " Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after. " ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh -- Contest Winners -- This last week's winners are John and Agnes who will receive a copy of Dianne Ascroft's fiction novel: Hitler & Mars Bars & a copy of Laurie Cameron's book: The Journey from Fear to Love The next contest begins on June 2nd so keep an eye on this blog for details on what we'll have available. -- Note -- * I am out of the office for the day - taking some time to catch up on the garden and yard chores, Tuesday is filled with appointments but I will drop in the blog to leave a brief posting... like today's. All communications will be replied to, please be patient with me over the next few days while I play "catch-up" :) Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles ...

-- Reuse in the Workshop -- The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers… The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination. Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers. These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jar’s contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “ (Universal Leadership Energy Environment Design): It began with coming home from the hospital and realizing that 80% of the two story home was inaccessible to me. …We began designing a universal design home – a ranch style without stairs or elevators… accommodating our home offices and lifestyle. …We started thinking ‘why don’t we share what we’ve learned with other people with disabilities? ’. …The breakthrough was through a Master Mind group – it was at that moment that they told us ‘Why don’t you build a national demonstration home and get corporate sponsors? ’ …Universal design needs to be addressed, so that the home is usable by all people, without the need for adaptation or any special design. So think of a house for people of all abilities no matter what their physical limitation – they can get into the house without steps, the hallway and doors are wide enough… the kitchen is set up with various heights of countertops and space for someone seated to mov...

-- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Today's Guest: Sheila Radha Conrad is a writer, speaker, psychologist, author of the Life Mastery Skills Book & the founder of the Life Mastery Skills program. Her work focuses on helping people thrive in life’s set-backs – be it financial, professional, health; we all face these challenges many times in life. Sheila the role we have to play as to the type emotional response we experience, and using the challenging times to explore ourselves, re-evaluate our passions and goals for the time we have on this Earth. Look to the right on this page for a link to take you to the Conscious Discussions radio show. -- Positive Eco-News -- Around this time last year, if my memory serves correctly, I recall reading about the Regional District for the Kootenay Boundary Region, volunteers and partners working together to plant hundreds of trees near the City Landfill to help clean our air and nurture the soil. Numerous volunteer teachers got together this ye...

-- Quote of the Day -- " I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, and instead of one harvest, a continued one thro' the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table. I am still devoted to the garden. But tho' an old man, I am but a young gardener. " ~ Thomas Jefferson -- Announcement -- I am honored to announce that I was approached by Chelle, the author of the Women In Charge blog, for an interview on her site. We had a lot of fun doing the interview a few weeks ago, and I felt that Chelle did a wonderful job in creating today's article from that co...

-- Positive Eco-News -- According to Recycling Product News magazine; spring 2009 issue, a recent study showed that discarded electronic circuit boards can be processed into an asphalt modifier that makes high-performance paving material that is cheaper, more durable and more eco-friendly. Circuit boards do contain toxic metals such as lead and mercury but today’s recycling industry can easily separate these from the valuable glass fibers, plastic resins and other components. -- Conscious Living Tips -- Occasionally here on the blog I offer tips like these to help inspire our readers & help them realize just how easy it is to make a difference. Our book, Trash Talk, is loaded with tips & information on reuse, recycling, reducing, refusing & gardening, among other things.... see the link for this book on the right side of this blog - by purchasing your own copy at Barnes & Nobles or your favorite book supplier, you are helping me keep this blog, our newsletter & two ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “ Freelance writing is really like being an independent contractor. …Just as if you were a general contractor, you are getting your own gig …and then doing all the work that it takes to get that assignment finished for someone. …It’s very time consuming. It is important to check your facts. …I would say that the one common thread with all the genres of writing is that they are all a craft; they all require attention to detail and continuous pursuit of excellence. If I am going to write I want to write well. …The different genres ARE different, each with their own demands – some require more fact checking than others. ” ~ Joan Scott - April 9, 2009 I chose this quote for today from the Conscious Discussions talk radio show, because writing is foremost on my mind at the moment. I have 2 projects currently in the hands of an e-book publisher, another book revision project coming up & 2 projects that have been waiting for me to get to them for far too long. Th...

Recently I have had a lot of messages from our blog readers and radio show listeners regarding their appreciation of the work Dave and I do, the information we share and the support we give to others who are making the world a better place. This has motivated me to focus on the concept of the value of the average individual - as I often say on Conscious Discussions radio, the hero that we are seeking in society is no farther away than the closest mirror. *** Prize draw deadline this Sunday, May 17th: Email: LDBRUMMET@YAHOO.COM with “prize” in the subject line by Sunday morning - May 17th for a chance to win one or more of these prizes: Richard Risch's book: Beyond Mars, Crimson Fleet (science -fiction) 5 science-fiction posters signed by the author Timothy Fleming's historical-fiction CIA thriller: Murder Of An American Nazi -- Quote of the Day -- “ I think there is also a big misconception among people; there is a lot of apathy out there and there is a lot of people may want...

-- Quote of the Day -- “… Coaching is not therapy, advice or counseling. It is about accountability – walking hand in hand to the place that you have defined for yourself. …Drive to the place that is waiting for you to arrive – and guess what you have to manage the wheel too! …when your awareness has you looking at the warning lights, when it says you need new brakes we want to be aware of that. But sometimes we can’t see that and don’t realize we are in overheat mode. So a coach will help you through that and help you determine whether you will be fooled by that in the future. Some people just leave their car by the side of the road! Wow – there goes your life, your dreams that have now become nightmares! …You don’t need to know any more than you already know – let’s go and and get what you want .” ~ Joe Palmer – April 2, 2009 -- Today's quote was taken from a Conscious Discussions talk radio show interview with Joe Palmer - To access this discussion on how to Be Who You Were ...

-- Quote of the Day -- " You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus ." ~ Mark Twain -- Conscious Discussions Radio -- Publicist Julie Shoerke joined me today on C onscious Discussions Talk Radio to delve into her knowledge of the world of publicity. We learned what a publicist will look for in new clients, when and why a publicist is used and how a new marketing plan might begin. We touched on common errors in dealing with the media, insider's tips in getting noticed, what to expect when facing a tour, virtual book tour, blog tour, contests and more. To access today's episode, Publicity - A Pro's Advice , simply click on the hyper-links here or look to the right for a link to the C onscious Discussions Talk Radio show. -- Announcement -- Dave & I were are pleased to share that Victoria Athen’s Featured Authors site highlighted our work and our first book, Trash Talk @ http://victoriaathens1.webs.com/featuredauthors.htm -- Positive Ec...

-- Quote of the Day -- Re: When someone becomes ill or injured... “… Almost anything that you do will help. …Figure out what you can do and offer something specific – such as ‘Can I come by on Thursday afternoons and mow the lawn?’ …Appoint a Captain of Kindness so that when people come up to you and say ‘What can I do to help?’ you can say, well Joan Smith is my Captain of Kindness, so you can contact her if you’d like to help. …The Captain of Kindness can ask for things that the patient may not be comfortable asking for – like money. …(Patients) appreciate getting a card from someone, but they really appreciate the person who gives them many cards – it means that person is continually thinking about them. It is hard to support someone long term, and that is why it is more meaningful. I would say, just do what you can do. …My job is to… help cancer survivors function at their highest level. I’m working with hospitals to …provide the kinds of services that survivors really need and are...

-- Green Living -- Dave and I were honored to be invited to participate in SMS Book Reviews contest recently and there were so many entries for our book Trash Talk - Thank you all for participating. I was very impressed with the positive attitude regarding greening homes and offices. Some of the entries offered some tips that they have used in their own lives and I thought our readers might find that interesting * The names of the individuals have not been included to maintain their privacy: - conserve water - use CFCs instead of incandescent light bulbs - compost our green waste - recycle - own one car - buy locally, support local farmers - work close to home - use reusable bags - garden without chemicals - use a reusable metal water bottle - use reusable shopping bags - use high efficiency appliances - use clothesline in the summer - share college textbooks - use rags and cloth napkins insted of paper towels/paper napkins - use cloth/compostable diapers - plant a garden - use natur...

-- Positive Eco- News -- You may recall an earlier post on May being Youth Month. In honor of this I'd like to celebrate a project through The Ecocap Movement , a Japanese nonprofit organization that focuses on donating polio vaccines to children in developing countries. The most intriguing aspect of this program for us, because of our passion for celebrating the concept of seeing "waste as a resource", is that they finance this operation through the collection and sale of plastic bottle caps to recycling companies. Who would have thought that plastic bottle caps could prove to be so valuable? According to the Japan for Sustainability newsletter (www.japanfs.org) "Every 800 caps pay for one vaccination, which costs 20 yen (about U.S.$0.20)." To date, this organization and their partners have collected over 396 million caps. Those of us who are avid recyclers will know that when we take our plastic bottles (milk, juice, pop, water, iced tea and other beverages) ...

-- Quote of the Day -- “ I think I was meant for this since the beginning of my time… Through the years I just had this burning desire to do something to make a difference because there are so many out there and so many that need a second chance. …I started a few years ago writing stories… reaching the next generation of people who would give these animals a second chance… There I nothing else like it out there like a relationship with a dog or a horse or a cat or any other animal that you give a second chance to – they will be loyal and loving, unconditionally, for the rest of their lives. …so incredibly grateful that somebody loves them and cares that they are there… if people would just give a shelter animal a second chance, they are making such a difference and it is just incredible what they would get in return. ” ~ Kristi Jones – March 24, 2009 Hi all! I realize I was unable to post on the blog yesterday - occasionally my schedule is just to tight. I've been busily putting t...

-- Eco-News -- Selkirk Eye-Care Optometrists – located in the communities of Nelson & Castlegar in BC (Canada) - is joining in the trend for eye-care specialists raising awareness & getting their customers to bring in their old glasses to be donated to 3rd world countries. Lens Crafters (located in Canada & the US) and the Lions Club International created a similar program in 1988 that continues today, called Give the Gift of Site . We'd like to take a moment today to celebrate these wonderful positive, proactive actions :) What happens in these programs is: Volunteer optometrists and technicians take hundreds of thousands of use the parts from donated glasses to create new ones that will suit a variety of needs, shapes & sizes. Then a group of specialists travel to developing countries to provide free eye examinations & distribute the glasses where they are needed the most. This is an incredible example of seeing "waste" as a resource that helps...