Introduce Yourself

[Green Talk]

If you are new to the Green Talk Ning, introduce yourself in this discussion. Tell the other members a little about yourself, such as your interest, what you would like to discuss, your occupation, do you blog, or whatever you want others to know. Heck, self-promote! Anna

[Angie Goodloe]

Hi, my name is Angie Goodloe. I started the blog Authentic Mama so I can inspire moms to maintain (or find) their authenticity, have direction, purpose, and inspire their wild creativity- all this alongside their kids! Not an easy task I know. I am a mom of 2 kids ages 2 and under (a 2 year old daughter and 7 month old son as of this writing). My goal with this blog is to give moms the tools and inspiration to be fulfilled. These challenging economic times provide us with a gift- a reminder to stop going along with the status quo, find our real purpose instead of attempting to make ourselves happy with material items. I will provide tools to hone your intention in the right direction so you can live your best life possible- and be a great role model for your kids!

My passion is holistic health, herbs, nature, and simple living. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, herbalist and nutrition consultant. I graduated from The Australasian College Of Health Sciences (receiving my Master Herbalist Diploma and Holistic Nutrition certification in 2005) I received my massage license from East West college of the Healing arts of in 2003. I teach holistic courses online at www.universalclass.com. You can find details about my herbal adventures at www.herbalistpath.blogspot.com as well as local herb class updates, links to courses and more.

[James Babcock]

I am new here, I am retired and am looking for information on container gardening, if that is the right term. I don't get around as well as I used to and have some back and shoulder problems. I am pretty well open to any and all suggestions. I live in east central ND but I have a small farm In SD where we want to retire when my wife finishes up working.

[Green Talk]

James, have you considered having raised beds made for you that are tall? In addition, Gardener Supply has alot of container type gardening supplies as well as information about how to garden in a container. You can go back to Green Talk (www.green-talk.com) and the Gardener Supply logo is on the right hand side. I buy alot of products from them.

Plus, all of the customer service people are gardeners so you can call them as well. Most people put herbs, tomatoes, lettuce in containers. I even heard you can grow sweet potatoes in a container.

Also check out this information about a raised bed with a little sitting room:
http://landscaping.about.com/od/landscapinginsmallspaces/ss/raised_...

Also see this article about using containers: http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/containerindoor/c...

Hope this helps. I use raised beds. Anna


James Babcock said:

I am new here, I am retired and am looking for information on container gardening, if that is the right term. I don't get around as well as I used to and have some back and shoulder problems. I am pretty well open to any and all suggestions. I live in east central ND but I have a small farm In SD where we want to retire when my wife finishes up working.

[James J Jacks]

Hi!, my name is Jim Jacks. Currently, I work at General Motors as a Virtual Engineering Manager on the Volt program and I am active in green products and green living. The one thing that excites me about my career is that it allows me to reduce the amount of materials and physical properties used to analyze the products that GM manufactures. During these trying times at GM it is important to remember that all employees can assist GM in reducing, reusing & recycling.

In 2005-06 I participated in the Solar Decathlon as the Business Coordinator for Team ALOeTERRA and learned about the products and materials available to consumers. Since that point, I've been researching opportunities to apply green products to my everyday living and can hardly wait till the weather gets consistent here in MI to allow me to commute to work (30 miles) on my mountain bike.

[Green Talk]

James, what you do is very exciting! Keep us informed about the Volt. I love that you ride your bike to work. What an example. Welcome aboard. Anna

James J Jacks said:

Hi!, my name is Jim Jacks. Currently, I work at General Motors as a Virtual Engineering Manager on the Volt program and I am active in green products and green living. The one thing that excites me about my career is that it allows me to reduce the amount of materials and physical properties used to analyze the products that GM manufactures. During these trying times at GM it is important to remember that all employees can assist GM in reducing, reusing & recycling.

In 2005-06 I participated in the Solar Decathlon as the Business Coordinator for Team ALOeTERRA and learned about the products and materials available to consumers. Since that point, I've been researching opportunities to apply green products to my everyday living and can hardly wait till the weather gets consistent here in MI to allow me to commute to work (30 miles) on my mountain bike.

[Cathy]

Hello! I live in Roanoke, Virginia. I drove my motorhome here about 12 years ago with my three children from Alaska to be closer to my parents. My kids were born and raised in Homer where I lived for 20 years. I divorced just before moving and have lived in Roanoke since. I married a GREAT guy 5 years ago -- on Earth Day! I've been working as a teacher and Admin. Assistant since moving here....time for a major change. Now to kick the kids out....

Kids moved out! I started a home staging/redesign business over a year ago because I've been done this sort of thing on the side for many years. I decided to have the first sustainable staging business in my area because I have the perfect opportunity to reuse and help others to learn to reuse things and recreate, or what I call "upcycling"--making it better than it was upon recycling it! I present a lot of workshops on teaching people to be better consumers and READ the ingredients in everything they use as well as tips for organizing, decorating, and making gifts to give.

The market is still fairly slow here and people are not wanting to spend money on anything, so business is slow. But I'm working on the completion of my website (a never ending process), networking with other women business owners in our area, learning HTML and WordPress, *sigh* connecting with other green businesses, and enjoying my family and 11 month old grandson. All in all, I am much busier than I'd like.

I'm new to all this blogging, but learning that as well as Twitter and I know somehow, in some way, this is all supposed to help boost my up the list in google....just haven't figured out all the hows. I'm ready for a vacation!

I hope this finds all of you in good spirits, enjoying doing what you do.
http://www.final-touchdesigns.com
Please check out my site and give me feedback on what you think. This is the first time I've designed and built a website. I hope everything opens and does what it's supposed to do....
Cathy

[Green Talk]

Welcome Cathy! I think what you are doing is great. Perhaps attach some pic of your staging on your profile or to the front of the ning so people can see what you do. As for website, Green Talk community, what plug-ins do you like the best?

You can start a wordpress group or green decor group to start discussions there as well.

On a side note, I use thesis which is a theme that you can buy but gives you a lot of flexibility and great community. It is not expensive. Anna

Cathy said:

Hello! I live in Roanoke, Virginia. I drove my motorhome here about 12 years ago with my three children from Alaska to be closer to my parents. My kids were born and raised in Homer where I lived for 20 years. I divorced just before moving and have lived in Roanoke since. I married a GREAT guy 5 years ago -- on Earth Day! I've been working as a teacher and Admin. Assistant since moving here....time for a major change. Now to kick the kids out....

Kids moved out! I started a home staging/redesign business over a year ago because I've been done this sort of thing on the side for many years. I decided to have the first sustainable staging business in my area because I have the perfect opportunity to reuse and help others to learn to reuse things and recreate, or what I call "upcycling"--making it better than it was upon recycling it! I present a lot of workshops on teaching people to be better consumers and READ the ingredients in everything they use as well as tips for organizing, decorating, and making gifts to give.

The market is still fairly slow here and people are not wanting to spend money on anything, so business is slow. But I'm working on the completion of my website (a never ending process), networking with other women business owners in our area, learning HTML and WordPress, *sigh* connecting with other green businesses, and enjoying my family and 11 month old grandson. All in all, I am much busier than I'd like.

I'm new to all this blogging, but learning that as well as Twitter and I know somehow, in some way, this is all supposed to help boost my up the list in google....just haven't figured out all the hows. I'm ready for a vacation!

I hope this finds all of you in good spirits, enjoying doing what you do.
http://www.final-touchdesigns.com
Please check out my site and give me feedback on what you think. This is the first time I've designed and built a website. I hope everything opens and does what it's supposed to do....
Cathy

[Robert L Stockham]

I am Robert Stockham. My partner and I started an Interior Design firm in Cleveland, Ohio. We do commercial and retail interiors and specialize in green and sustainable designs. We want to make all the stores (and everything else) we design green without going over budget, while still making them dynamic. We are working on a pocket park program to help install mini educational parks in the city.

[Green Talk]

Robert, now I understand why your photos are so good. You have an eye for design! Make sure you let us know the newest green design trend. I often write about green fabric and furniture on the main website, Green Talk. I hope you comment and share your thoughts with our readers. How cool what you are doing with the parks. Would you like to write a guest post about it for Green Talk (the website)? Anna

Robert L Stockham said:

I am Robert Stockham. My partner and I started an Interior Design firm in Cleveland, Ohio. We do commercial and retail interiors and specialize in green and sustainable designs. We want to make all the stores (and everything else) we design green without going over budget, while still making them dynamic. We are working on a pocket park program to help install mini educational parks in the city.