Rain Or Shine!

Rain or shine we are conserving water and working to keep our local water just a little cleaner.

This past week, we had one of our many Rain Barrel Workshops with the Cumberland River Compact. We sent about twenty people home with at least one rain barrel to catch their rain water. Our goal in continuing to have these workshops to continue to remind people how easy it is to make a difference. The more people who have rain barrels, the better. I have two set up side-by-side in my back yard (right beside my compost bin, so that one overflows into the other when full.

I continue to bring in my little girl to this because we want everyone to know that kids are just as capable as we are to learn about water conservation, preservation, and enhancement.

The Cumberland River Compact

The Cumberland River Compact's goal is to "enhance the water quality" of the Cumberland River. One of the major issues that cause pollution in the Cumberland River is runoff water. This is water that is filled with dirt, debris, and other "stuff" that comes of our houses, roads and yards each time it rains. The idea behind these rain barrels is control. If we capture as much water as possible, we can use it at our disposal, and keep it from running off into our lakes, rivers, and streams.

Other Benefits

Another one of the great benefits (sort of an unexpected side-effect that's also a benefit), is a lower water bill! In the summer months when we have less rain, a rain barrel helps to have water readily available to water plants, food, and lawns. If you have not had a chance to get to one of our Rain Barrel Workshops, please try to make it out. If you live outside the area, contact your local watershed and see if they offer ways to help conserve rain water.

The Way Our Workshop Worked

Twenty people signed up for our workshop prior to the day of the workshop.

We met at Warner Park Nature Center on Highway 100 here in Nashville. Our attendees got a brief welcome from one of the Naturalists at the park.

When she was finished with her information, we headed outside for the hands-on portion of the workshop where our attendees assembled their barrels. My little one walked around and gave encouragement to people as they assembled, then loaded their barrels. The entire workshop runs about an hour.

If you've been to one of our Rain Barrel Workshops, please let us know what you thought! If not, please let us know how we could make it easier for more people to attend.

Shine Some Light

Shine the light of hope on the world around you by changing your perspective.

What is your light?

I was looking through my emails, and through a chain of links ended up on a website called BringLight.com. It got me thinking yet again about the power of positive thinking. It seems the past two weeks I've been inundated with emails from poor souls who don't have any passion in their lives, or don't know how to dream. How did we all become stuck in a world with no hope?

Do we really have no hope, or is the problem in our own perspective? Life balance is teetering on a tightrope of work, work, and more work in our society. We get caught up in doing all the time and sooner or later, the day has flown by and it's merely been a day of survival. Community gets thrown by the wayside as we hurry to get our errands run, our chores done, and the bills paid. When we get together with friends, our talks quickly go to the long list of "to-dos" and becomes a competition on who has put more hours in at work, or has the wildest child, or anything else that puts us in the martyr role.

Our tunnel of work becomes so long that all we see are the dark items on each side - we lose sight of how we can "bring light" to the end—the reasons we do what we do.

What is the goal of making money? What is the goal of buying groceries? Working? Carting kids to events? Lugging the whole family to church? Isn't it all to achieve a better, more fulfilling life? Isn't it all to embrace the "light" in all of our lives? Our children, our spouses, our friends, our parents... the music we love, the nature we relish, the time spent learning about new places, people and causes. Don't we all have something to be thankful for?

When you look outside your window this summer, and see the green leaves and the buds blooming, how can you say there is no hope? Even the plants are excited about this new day. When you are surrounded by negativity, your tunnel gets longer and longer as your bright light of hope gets muddied in the mess. But remember, no matter where you are, there are rays of sunshine peeking through, both figuratively and literally.

Take the time to notice them. Embrace each light in your life, no matter how small. You'll find the more you notice them, the brighter those lights become.

Do Something Nostalgic

Bring your ancestry into your daily life.

My 95 year old grandmother passed away last week. She lived a good, long life full of love and laughter. Even though my Gram and I were close, particularly when I was young, there was much I didn't know about her until the funeral.

Listening to stories and looking at old black and white photographs of her, my great-grandmother, my great-aunt, my mother and her sister, I discovered myself. I gratefully found my place with the women in my family. What can you learn about yourself from your ancestry? Don't wait until someone dies to uncover the mysteries of your past. This summer do something nostalgic!

Quick Tip:
Scan old family photos so you can share them with relatives.

Definition:
Gratitude is being thankful for what you have and what others do for you or give to you.

Read:
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
by Mem Fox

Talk:
What does Wilfrid decide to do for Miss Nancy?
What does Wilfrid give Miss Nancy? How does Miss Nancy respond?
Your Big World: What do you have to give to the elderly people you know?

Act:
Relive a memory from your past by doing a favorite thing with your family - play a game, sing a song, or eat a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice-cream together.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Book Review: Meet The Author

Read an interview with an inspiring author that we think is really COOL! Interview with Lee Welles

For the past few weeks, we have been talking about Lee Welles' Gaia Girl books. After reading the reviews I felt inspired and wanted to talk directly to Ms. Welles. Her two books have hidden codes in the illustration and there are also puzzles and games in the back. Welles has truly created books for children that encourage creativity and explorations, inspire change, teach our children about the world - what each of us choose to do daily with our kids.

Interview With Lee Welles

What inspired you to write your Gaia Girl series?

I had been reading about Gaia Theory and had a classic writer's moment, "What if..." I wondered what would happen if the Earth were a living creature AND could talk. I decided kids would hear it because they are much more open seeing and hearing things. I wondered how the Earth would present itself and the whole scene unfolded before my eyes. For those that have, or will read book one, [Gaia Girls Enter the Earth][], this is where a young girl meets Gaia, in the form of a talking otter!

Can you tell us a little more about the Gaia Theory?

Just as we have many living creatures making up our living bodies (think about the good bacteria, the pro-biotics, so necessary to digestion), we are one small living thing that makes up a part of a larger living thing. It is symbiosis as seen from space. The Earth meets a lot of the criteria of a living thing. Consider the way it maintains a relatively constant oxygen level - a bit less, no aerobic creatures, a bit more and you have explosions! It is a delicate balance of life maintaining the conditions for life.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I'm happy to say it is hard to chose just one! I had many favorite reading places - in trees, in our barn, along the creek - anywhere I could tuck away and get lost in a good story. However, when my cousins would come visit the farm in the summer, we were outdoors more than in - catching fireflies, having salamander races, catching pollywogs and crayfish, swinging on the rope in the barn, building forts and swimming in the pond. I treasure all those memories because they are the foundation of my love for nature.

How do you hope your writing will inspire our children for change?

I hope my writing will remind kids of all the magic that is just outside the door. Nature is never boring and doesn't require an outlet. The natural world also reflects back to us things we need to know about ourselves, it is a wonderful teacher. My greatest hope is that, in the long run, the next generation will see the value in wild places and our deep-seeded need to touch and experience those wild places.

If there's one thing you could say to children about saving the world, what would it be?

Saving the world is the same as saving yourself. The world is very old and has been without people before. We are the animals that figured out how to "get around the rules." What will we do with that knowledge? The grown-ups have, for the most part, gotten it wrong. The kids can get it right!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Think before you shop. Every time you spend a dollar you say, "Yes" to something. It is like throwing a rock in a pond, there are ripple effects when we spend money. As you get older, pay attention to your ripples. See how nature gave me that nice analogy!

Send us your child's favorite and most creative outdoor activity and we will send you one of Lee Welles' famous books!

michelle@coolpeoplecare.org

In The Series

Book Review: "Gaia Girls Enter The Earth," part I
Book Review: "Gaia Girls Way Of Water," part II

Food Allergies: Going Out To Eat

Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

Often times, having food allergies can feel extremely isolating. I have felt like I cannot go anywhere because my food allergies are so bad. Feeling like you cannot go to friends houses or out to eat feels very limiting and pulls away from relationships, but you will be surprised at how many people are accommodating. You and your children do not have to stay home just because of food allergies. Over the last few years, I have learned a great deal about ways I can be around others and not be "impaired" by my allergies.

I have actually called friends that I am to have dinner with and told them about my allergies. They made me a salad with all that I needed and a dish that had none of my allergy foods. When I go to my parents' house for supper, they know what I can and cannot eat and I usually bring side dishes of my my own. So we are taken care of when we go out to friends' houses. All you have to do is ASK!

Going to restaurants is much the same. Many restaurants these days offer Gluten-free options or menus with ingredients so you can choose exactly what you want with ease. The key point is to ASK. If the restaurant does not offer a menu, simply ask to speak with the chef and request a meal with the specifications you need. You can also call in advance to see what restaurants have to offer.

Most people are not well informed about food allergies, so some restaurants may require more explanation than others. Getting an allergy card may be helpful for restaurants, too. If they are not informed, it's important to talk to them about a few things.

Reminders To Restaurants

• Cross-Contamination
  Make sure to ask the chef or waiter to cook your food in a separate pan from foods that you are allergic to - on a clean cooking surface. Many places offer salads with croutons and mix them in a large bowl. Ask for clean mixing utensils.
  

• Sauces
  Many people do not know that things like soy sauce, bouillons, and broths have gluten. Many sauces have butter, cream or lactose in them. Make sure to ASK what is in any sauce. If you are aware, you will know what to look for.
  

Questions You Can Ask

• Does the salad come with croutons? If so, can you please leave them off?
  
• Are your salad dressings made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are your soups made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are marinades used? Are basting sauces used? Is a grilling-baste used?
  
• Are your sauces made in-house?
• Do the foods get dusted with flour prior to cooking?
  
• Is the oil used to make your fries also used for other breaded items?
  
• Do you use imitation bacon or meat substitute on anything?
  
• Are your mashed potatoes from a mix?
  
• Do you use imitation crab meat or seafood?
  
• Will the ice cream have a anything on it?
  

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me
Food Allergies: The INs And OUTs Of Them

Cool People In The Community: Tennessee Educates

From the classroom, into the real world - students and teachers are learning more about how we can save the world around us.

Here at CoolPeopleCare, Inc. we are always eager to see other people out there making a difference. When we met Tami from Project CENTS, we knew this was something our readers would want to hear about. Project CENTS is a Tennessee based program that seeks to educate and inform students about sustainability and conservation. Tami is the Coordinator for Project CENTS and is out there seeking to make the world a better place.

Can you tell us the story of how the Project CENTS program came to be?

Project CENTS is an inter-agency partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. C E N T S stands for Conservation Education Now for Tennessee Students. During the 1980's, and 1990's, thousands of teachers and non-formal educators were trained in environmental education materials used nationally such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and Project WET. The program fell under the budget cut axes of the late 1990's.

Since 2005, with the reinstatement of Project CENTS, time tested lessons from Project Learning Tree, Project WILD and Project WET have been correlated to state curriculum standards, enabling teachers to enhance students understanding of the natural world while working within their required curriculum.

What inspired you to work with CENTS?

I came to CENTS directly from the classroom. My last assignment of my 21-year teaching career was in Biology and environmental science at Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville. During that time, I realized that it was imperative to connect book learning with the real world outside the classroom, but there were lots of obstacles to doing this. I saw the Project CENTS position as an opportunity for me to work on removing some of those obstacles.

How does this program differ from other Conservation programs in the state?

Project CENTS is the only conservation education program at the Department of Education. I work directly with teachers.

How does CENTS get kids in the community involved with hands-on experiences?

Project CENTS is a program for educators. Educator workshops give teachers experience with new ideas and activities that are designed to get students outdoors.

What is the biggest shock kids have when they begin to see issues around conservation in their communities?

For most of the high school students I have known, the shock is that the adults in charge aren't doing more to protect natural resources and change policy to support sustainable practices.

How could people get more involved in helping this program?

If you are looking for ways to facilitate children's experiences in the outdoors and/or help them understand natural processes, come to a Project CENTS educator workshop. Groups of educators (formal or non-formal), can schedule a workshop specifically for their group. Workshops are appropriate for classroom teachers, scout leaders, youth leaders, after school and day care teachers - anyone who works with students ages 4-18. Tell your child's teacher or principal about Project CENTS Educator workshops. Check Environmental Education In Tennessee for Summer Workshop opportunities.

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E-News

For information about scheduling a workshop, e-mail Tamara.Coleman@state.tn.us

Do Something Intelligent

How can you keep building your kids' intelligence even though school is out?

Being out of the routine of school doesn't mean that we have to be out of the routine of thought. In fact, there are plenty of nontraditional ways to learn. Hiking in the woods can become a lesson on the flora and fauna of the region. Catching fireflies can be an introduction to entomology. Discussing political campaigns can be a study of America's democratic process. We must seize the teachable moments and follow-through with a plan for acquiring more knowledge. This summer do something intelligent!

Quick Tip:
Visit your local library and read a novel by your favorite author.

Definition:
Organization is keeping things in order; having a plan of action.

Read:
Clara and the Bookwagon
by Nancy Smiler Levinson

Talk:
1. What does Miss Mary have organized in the wagon? To whom does Miss Mary bring books?
2. What is Miss Mary’s plan and Clara’s plan to help Clara learn to read?
3. Your Big World: What do you need to organize - your desk, your books, your toys, your clothes, your room? Make a plan of action to get these things organized and do it!

Act:
Have each family pick a topic of interest, study it and share about it at a family dinner.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Book Review: "Gaia Girls Way Of Water"

Read this review of a great, environmentally sustainable, responsible book that your kids will love!

Gaia Girls Way Of Water

So many sequels disappoint; I approached Book Two, "Gaia Girls Way of Water" with some trepidation. I need not have worried. Ms. Welles soon swept me into "Water Girl" Miho's world as if I were body-surfing the perfect wave. Miho's parents were oceanographers; her first encounter with Gaia (now a sea otter) causes her to stay ashore the day her parents are lost at sea. Miho is sent to Japan to live with her only surviving relative, a crabby, chain-smoking, career-driven bachelor, distinctly appalled to have a dependent. The slow and rocky development of their affection for each other touched my heart.

Miho's uncle must journey to his boyhood home in Goza, where Miho is horrified to learn that there are still dolphin hunts in Japan. She befriends the local dolphins and vows to do something about the slaughter. She is helped by Gaia, who instructs her in powers over water.

I am a stranger to Japanese culture and walked every step with Miho as she moves from grief, cultural shock and bewilderment to understanding and power. Along the way we meet Sensei, who becomes her teacher, his grouchy daughter, dolphin friends like Notch, Curly, Larry and Moe, and baby Shinju, whales and sea turtle "Mama." I love it that Welles' girls are as imperfect as the rest of us, and Miho's overconfidence in her new powers costs her dearly. Again, the powers granted Miho seem a natural extension of who she is. We learn along with Miho about ocean health, bottom-trawling, overfishing, species depletion as well as the dolphin hunts. Again, no preaching. All this is embedded in a rippin' good storyline.

There's only one thing I don't like about the "Gaia Girls" series. According to the author's blog, it seems I will have to wait until Fall 2008 to meet "Air Girl." Rats! For now I'm going to don my "Embrace Your Inner Otter" Gaia Girls sweatshirt and send this along. I hope you will buy Gaia Girls books for any young readers on your list and hope you will request that your public and school libraries purchase the two books already out. I can't think of a better way to help kids and planet!

The "Gaia Girls" series is intended for middle readers, 8-12, but ANYONE "green" from 6 to 96, will love the Gaia Girls! Please check them out at www.gaiagirls.com. For more reader reviews, go to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Chelsea Green.

Next week, we will have an interview with Lee Welles and the opportunity for you to win your own copies of her two books.

In The Series

Book Review: "Gaia Girls Enter The Earth," part I

Food Allergies: The INs and OUTs of Them

Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

What Happens IN the Body?

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly thinks that something (ingested) is meant to harm the body. People with allergies truly have an over-sensitive immune system. In essence, the body then releases antibodies to the food which leads to chemicals (such as histamines) being released into the blood stream.

What Happens OUTSIDE the Body?

Histamines can be seen through the eyes, nose, throat, skin, GI tract, or lungs. Sometimes only one reaction will be present; other times multiple will appear. Many people do not realize they have food allergies because they do not see the "traditional" reactions like sneezing or impaired breathing. Digestion is becoming a more and more frequent sign of allergies to foods.

Eyes

Many people experience puffy, watery eyes as a result of food allergies.

Nose, Throat, Lungs

When a food is ingested that one is allergic to, people can begin to have a stuffy nose, impaired breathing or wheezing. Personally, I have experience all of the above as a result of eating things I'm allergic to. People with severe food allergies (such as these) need always have some sort of emergency EpiPen because it could be a life or death situation.

Skin

Our skin is one of the most frequent ways for toxins and reactions to escape. Many times when I have done cleanses, my skin is the first place I see a reaction. Nonetheless, hives and other rashes are the most common expression of an allergic reaction. Itching, bumps, or redness and puffiness around the mouth and face are very common in food allergies.

Digestion

Reactions in the GI tract, or gastrointestinal system, are very common as well. Responses such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping can occur as a result of food allergies. I have even heard of constipation problems occurring as a result of food allergies (especially to gluten).

Food Intolerance is not the same as Food Allergy. A food intolerance is the bodies inability to break down a food (such as lactose in milk), whereas a food allergy involves the immune system. Fortunately, food intolerances are not as threatening as food allergies, but it is important to note there are differences.

The easiest way to know if there is a food allergy, as opposed to a food intolerance, is the TIME it takes to appear. Food allergies appear almost instantly. My daughter has more issues with her digestion than any other reaction, which most likely means she has an intolerance, instead of an allergy. I personally say she has an allergy because I have seen it be very painful for her and want to keep her away from certain foods.

Anyone with severe allergies (that possibly experience any of these issues at once) can have a reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening reaction. I am not here to scare anyone, but if you know anyone with allergies, it is really important to know the facts so you can help if there are any issues. I carry an EpiPen with me at all times because I have had one too many scares with food allergies.

It is said that many children that have parents with allergies should be very cautious. My husband has asthma and I have sever allergies, so we are very careful with our little girl. Just as a note, here are the most COMMON food allergies:
* Cow's milk
* Eggs
(Just as a tip, the egg WHITE is said to carry more allergens then the yolk - children under 2 years could avoid the whites of eggs.)
* Peanuts
* Soy
* Wheat
* Tree Nuts
(These could include cashews or walnuts.)
* Fish
* Shell Fish
(This includes any fish with a shell, such as shrimp.)

If you notice that you or your child have adverse effects to eating certain foods, check with your medical professional. There are ways you can help be safe around food. To date, there are no known ways to prevent food allergies. Many are adivsed to AVOID foods they have allergic reactions to. Check with your doctor for the best regimen for you or your kids, as each of us is different.

Please share your experiences with food allergies. You are not alone in this sometimes frustrating ailment. Next week, we will be talking about eating out!

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me

Father's Thoughts

This Father's Day, learn something new about the father figure in your life. Let your Father's Day gift this year be the gift of intrigue.

Father. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps it is a hairy, gorilla of a man, smelling of grilled meats, lounging on a leather couch resounding an endless array of sports statistics. Maybe an image of a small, wrinkled Mr. Magoo character comes to mind. Do you see a ghost with features not quite visible? Does the word evoke feelings of gratitude or pride or love? Does it cause you pain and regret?

As Father's Day approaches, I am amazed by the versatility of 'father.' That one word, that one identity, inspires different reactions unique to every individual. It is reflection of diversity embedded in the human race. All fathers are different and I think it is important to recognize that.

This year, instead of just grabbing that cliché gift tie or slippers for father, look at the father in your life in a different way. Have the kids ask themselves, "What makes my dad(dy) unique? Ask yourself, "What makes this man unique?" Have your children ask their father/grandfather/great-grandfather questions about their life. Find out what is important to him. Go out of you way to show your father, or whoever personifies father to you and your kids, that you are interesting in really knowing him. You might discovery someone you never knew... and a new reason to love father.

About The Author

Do Something Adventurous

Work with your kids to help them move past their fears and learn to be courageous.

What are you afraid of? Mice? Tornadoes? Failure? Success? Fear keeps us from enjoying life. Instead of allowing fear to control you, face your fear! Facing your fear may be learning more about that subject. Knowledge is power! Or it may be taking action. When we take a step of faith and try something new, we develop the strength to succeed in other areas of our life. For example, running a half-marathon may actually give you the courage to explore your artistic dreams. Challenge yourself. Do Something Adventurous!

Quick Tip:
Take a hike in a state park. You may discover that you and your family have the capacity to go farther than you ever imagined! And enjoy being outdoors.

Definition:
Courage is standing up for what is right; facing your fears.

Read:
Life Doesn’t Frighten Me
by Maya Angelou

Talk:
1. Do you think the speaker is afraid? Why or why not?
2. What is scary about life?
3. Your Big World: Many people live in fear. Their fears keep them from enjoying life. What do you think you can do with your fear so that it does not keep you from enjoying life?

Act:
Each family member write an autobiographical essay about their most courageous moment and then share it with the rest of the family.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Book Review: "Gaia Girls Enter The Earth"

Read this review of a great, environmentally sustainable, responsible book that your kids will love!

Finding well-written kids books is a challenge. Finding well-written kids books that "green" parents will be thrilled to buy for their kids is daunting. After reading the "Gaia Girls" books by Lee Welles, I felt as if I'd struck gold!

"Gaia Girls" is the best kid's series this old retired teacher has read in many years. Finally, books I can recommend with a clear conscience! There are seven books planned for the Gaia Girls Series. These chapter books feature real environmental issues, accurate science, gorgeous illustrations (and lots OF them, yay!). I'm thrilled that the heroes are girls.

I am thrilled that boys seem to like the books as well, especially the hidden codes. I am doubly happy to say that the book is printed by Chelsea Green in the most eco-correct fashion! The author walks her talk, and travels to her book signings and readings in her "greasebug," a veggie-oil powered VW!

Gaia Girls Enter The Earth

In Book One, "Gaia Girls Enter the Earth," 10 year old Elizabeth finds her family's organic farm is threatened by the economic power of a CAFO. Topics that are seamlessly woven into the plot include soil health, water quality, factory farms, non-consumerism, and the value of family, friendship and community. It is impressive that Ms. Welles accomplishes all this without preaching.

Enters the spirit of the earth itself, Gaia, appearing to Elizabeth as an otter. The powers granted to Elizabeth by Gaia are not of the wizardly variety. I wouldn't spoil your read for the world - let's just say Elizabeth is "Earth Girl" and acquires powers over rocks, trees and soil powers that seem a natural outgrowth of her true self. Yet Gaia and Elizabeth have some difficulties learning to work together.

Building the suspense: can this child wield these powers wisely to save her home?

Elizabeth's world is very real: chores, mosquito bites, distracted parents, school bully, best friend moving away. You will be drawn into her life, be on her farm. The mix of reality and fantasy is "seamless," as I like to describe the best of books. River otter Gaia soon becomes as real as older friend Will.

Come back next week for more! In the meantime, check out Lee Welle's blog. Also, in the next few weeks, we will be giving away copies of this and Ms. Welle's other book, so stay tuned!

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me

Food Allergies affect almost 12 million Americans. Over the next few weeks, we will be talk about food allergies and how you and your family can stay cool through something that can seem very isolating.

For most of my life I have had digestive problems or pain in my abdominal area. I went to chiropractors because the pain seemed to be in my back. I went to my OBGYN because I thought I might have endometriosis. I went to my general practitioner and had test after test done. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. In January 2007, I finally went to an allergist to have testing done. As I lay on the medical chair with my face in a donut, I thought, “Oh great! This is going to be the most painful thing that has ever happened to me.” Sure, it was not something I want to repeat anytime soon, but what I learned from it was astonishing.

The insanely amount of outdoor plants, animals and other living organisms I was allergic to did not shock me nearly as much as the number of foods I had eaten my entire life that I am allergic to. I went into shock, at first, because I truly thought that everything that came up on the test would be something I had to eliminate from my diet. I went cold-turkey for about a week. I was told to slowly try to eat the foods again and see if I had problems with them. After trying small amounts of foods that were on the allergy list, I learned that I had a pretty moderate allergy to any grain but rice, eggs, dairy, soy and most nuts. OK, that sounds like a lot (and it is), but I have been able to feel somewhat normal with food.

We were already Gluten-free in our home, but I soon realized that there were more precautions I would have to take. I have read many things about the implications that cow’s milk has on allergies. Cow’s milk increases inflammation and mucus production. We decided to move to Goat milk; it is the closest thing to mother's milk. It was definitely a shock at first, but over time we have really come to enjoy all the goat products.

There are differences between intolerances and allergies, but for me it really just comes down to: What can I eat that does not make my body do weird things? The same is for my little one. When she eats certain things I can see a direct correlation in her digestion and allergies, so I am particularly cautious with her, too.

Over the next few weeks, my goal will be to talk some about food allergies, share some of my experiences with products and let you know some of the secrets I have learned. The journey through food allergies is NOT an easy one, but we need not go at it alone. Please know, I am not here to scare anyone, claim medical truths about digestion, or slash anyone else’s food choices. I am here to share my experiences, and hope that if you and your family have struggled with something similar you will feel open to share!

Cool Moms In The Community: Nashville Makes Bags

See how one Nashville mom is working to make a HUGE difference.

I found The Green Bag Lady through various online searches. When I ran across her site, I just skimmed over it briefly (not catching that she is doing what she does for free). When I initially contacted her, she was quick to let me know that she does not sell anything and that what she is doing is truly to make a difference.

The Green Bag Lady began in February of this year with a mission to save the world. When I first spoke to Teresa I felt immediatley inspired. She has set out to MAKE, that's right - she makes these FREE bags - cloth bags to encourage people to ditch the plastic ones that so many stores try to bestow upon us. So any of us can get our own free bag. As Teresa says, "There is no obligation except the promise that you will use it instead of paper or plastic!"

Here is a story of a woman who saw a need, had a little extra time and fabric, and took what she had and is saving the world!

What inspired you to start this effort? How did you decide to make bags in this way?

I have been using fabric bags for years. We've always had some in our main car. I would get on my husband if he would get plastic instead of using the fabric bags and his excuse was there were no fabric bags in the other car. So, I decided to make some. I am an avid sewer so this would be a simple task. I also have bins of fabric. I started going through all my fabric and getting out anything that I thought would make a good bag. I ended up with quite a bit. I started cutting out and sewing bags and had far too many for just our house. I started to think if I gave them to my students at Belmont University and asked them to please use them instead of paper or plastic that it would make them think about their plastic usage.

I brought a batch of bags to my upper level photography class and they were a hit. The students promised to use them. I had sewn tags in them with numbers on them with the idea that I would keep track of who I had given them to and how many I had given out. One of the students in my class suggested I start a blog. He started it for me. It has changed some along the way but the basic concept is still there.

I have also been trying to figure out a good way to combine my art with my sewing. This project does that in a very large way!

How do you teach your children about saving the world?

We recycle everything we can. We have a composter. We turn off lights and watch out water usage. I also talk a lot about what we need and what they want. My kids are three, six, and nine. When they reach their 6th birthdays they still have a party but we don't accept gifts. My oldest daughter has been collecting unwrapped gifts in lieu of presents for the Angel Tree at our church for the past four years. Her birthday is the 15th of December so it works well.

Last year, she initiated a school wide effort and had all the classes K-8 bring different items for the Angel Tree families. Some grades collected toys, others socks, others books, the older grades collected grocery store gift cards and over $200. She also has teamed up with the coordinator for the Angel Tree and helps to wrap and distribute the items as well.

My middle daughter who turned six in January wanted to give to children and babies. I contacted the local YWCA. She collected diapers, underwear, socks and toys. She went with me when we dropped off the items and the thank you letter from the YWCA came to her.

The kids get so many gifts from friends and relatives that to collect for someone else at their parties is a great way for them to give to people in need. We plan to continue this effort.

What was your favorite bag you’ve made to date?

I made six bags entirely out of scraps from my scrap bin. They were funky and kind of looked like patch work quilts. It was interesting to see who chose them. Either they were too funky or people loved them.

How would you encourage people the make a difference beyond this effort?

My favorite comment was from a woman at my bank. She said that she and her husband had been thinking of changing to fabric bags but had not yet made the commitment. She said that now that I got her started, she was going to purchase more bags at the grocery store and convert her house to fabric.

I have also had people tell me that because of this effort they either don't take a bag at all or they bring the fabric bag with them everywhere. That is the whole point of this project.

I have a woman in Maine that I have been emailing and she is semi-retired and wanted something to fill her time that she could feel good about. She said she is going to get out her sewing machine and start making bags for her family and friends too. I was so excited to hear that. I would love it if people all over the country dusted off their sewing machines, dug into that box of fabric stashed in the back of the closet and joined in the effort!

If people want to donate to your effort, how would you like them to do so? What kinds of things do you take?

Cotton fabrics that are canvas are the best but I make bags out of just about anything. Fabric that is very thick or stretchy is too hard to work with since I am making the bags quickly. People can contact me about donating fabric or to get a bag at GreenBagLady.org.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Many people ask me why I don't charge for the bags. The reason is that I want people to view the bags as a gift and not a commodity. I feel that people are more likely to be compelled to use them and think about the reason behind them if I give them away rather than sell them. Besides, I have always been better at philanthropy than business anyway!