Feel Me, Read Me, Make Me, Eat Me

Last night the ladyfriend and I went to hear Naomi Klein speak about the link between capitalism and climate change.  Anyone who's experienced the recent snow dump and then April-like weather knows climate change is real.  Actually, anyone who understands facts knows climate change is real.  Her talk was inspiring and thought-provoking.  It is also action-provoking.  Things need to change.

The talk dovetailed nicely with an article I read about sourcing ethical wool.  Not surprisingly, it points to the fact that one of the biggest issues in sourcing ethical wool is avoiding wool processed in China.  This article does talk about the process of mulesing, which actually isn't the main issue; just the main issue groups like PETA like to point to.  I'm thinking about sending this link to my LYS since they're into sourcing "local, independent, and eco friendly yarns," but in a conversation with one of the owners she seemed to accept that most yarn for the larger companies is processed in China.  Not so local, nor independent, nor eco friendly.

I found this article from the owner of Vulpine (a great cycling clothing company) about the great helmet debate level-headed and logical.  Sometimes I wear a helmet; sometimes I don't.

One of the most overrated "holidays" is coming up.  Yep, Valentine's Day, or VD if you have a sense of humour.  Skip Hallmark and make your own pop-up VD card courtesy of Sew in Love.  I really like the sentiment of it.  Check it out.

Love your cats?  If you have one, of course you do!  Why not show your love by making them a little cozy hideaway?

Finally, last night (clearly a busy night for us - hah!) a search for a cinnamon roll in the freezer led to the discovery of a serious cache of overripe bananas so I'm making Banana Cream pie!

Have a great weekend!

On My Mind Mondays: Forward, Never Straight

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It is the first day of the winter term at my university although I don't go in until tomorrow, so naturally my mind is geared toward start-of-school/start-of-the-new-year issues.  However, these may be different than most conventional issues.

1.  Resolutions:  I stopped making resolutions awhile ago although I always have ideas about how I want the new year to go or what I wish to accomplish.  I generally say that each year I want to be more of the person that I am.  Today I read this post, and it hit a chord with me.
2. Nighttime visibility:  Yes, I'm searching for reflective tape.  My initial thought was to get black reflective tape (that glows silver in light) and accessorize a number of my jackets; however, I'm beginning to think that making my bike more visible will be far more efficient.  In keeping with my Made in USA/Canada desires, 3M makes a reflective tape in the US, which MEC (sort of a Canadian REI) sells by the meter.  If I'm putting it on my bike, the fact that it's silver isn't a deal breaker (will most likely line my rims and spokes).  I've spent a good amount of time online trying to find a good deal, but sometimes convenience and supporting a local-ish store trumps cost.  Besides, I don't think I need a 50-foot roll of black reflective tape.
3. Winter cycling:  It was -9C (15.8F) this morning and got colder as the day went on.  I used my physio appointment as a chance to continue to problem-solve stylish winter cycling.  I ended up layering a Nike dri-fit long-sleeved shirt under my new Vulpine merino jersey, which looked nice with a felted wool skirt and black tights.  I wore cycling "legs" over my tights and a neck gater, a head/ear band (do these things have a proper name?), and my Patagonia Lidia parka (no longer produced).  On my feet, I put a pair of SmartWool socks (low profile) over my tights and put my feet into my Blundstones.  I wore ancient polypro glove liners under a pair of fleece gloves.  I was pretty warm although my face froze.  Note to self (and to everyone else) - don't wear metal framed sunglasses in the winter.  Ouch!
4. My first day of class:  What will I do?  What will I wear?
5. (Totally unrelated but on my mind) - DSLR photos on blogs:  Has anyone else noticed that people who have DSLRs seem to post way too many photos?  It seems to me that every single image is precious to them.  I'm in favour of editing.  I don't need to see every moment, captured in a single frame, of...pretty much anything.