Mindful Living

It’s a small (and fairly-traded) world at Sojourns

Posted on by Richard Kirby

Several years ago, I took my youngest daughter on an excursion to downtown Birmingham for her birthday celebration. We spent the morning enjoying the McWane Center, then wandered around on a photo safari, exploring the various nooks and crannies in the city center. During our adventure, we came across a little shop that was filled with wonderful and exotic items from across the globe, and my daughter found a necklace she adored. Needless to say, I ended up buying it for her, and she wore it... Continue reading

Coffee Smoothies!!!

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I hate waste! I love bananas. I try to keep a stock on hand but regularly buying a bunch means frequently losing a few. I become quite unhappy when one or two go bad before I can eat them. When you find yourself with a spotty, just about to go bad, banana, don't throw it out! Banana's actually gain nutrition as they ripen. But who wants to eat a soft mushy banana? You will once you try this! Peel it first, and add the peel to your 'live garbage' for composting and then wrap it in wax... Continue reading

Fire starter

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Oh yes, I can build a fire. I used to believe a big, roaring campfire was something only the most seasoned outdoors-man could make. Pfff. My good friend and yoga buddy, Lauren Kilpatrick Brown, gave us a big wad of peanut hulls, orange peels, dryer lint, and candle wax as a Christmas gift. Richard opened the package and peered inside. We both sat wondering what in the world this was all about. Lauren explained that this combination is good for building fires. As we frequently enjoy camping... Continue reading

Confessions of a NeoFarmer

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Saved by the Collards I'm wrapping up my second summer's attempt at farming. How'd I do? I guess I'd give myself a C+. Ok, I really sucked. We definitely ate out of the garden so that's good, but this is trickier than I thought! My first issue was the blossom-end rot on my tomatoes. Just when my plants were looking full and lush, this began to occur. As per a few tips a gleaned from the internet, I sprinkled some Epsom salt and crumbled up eggshells and tooled that into the soil. Things... Continue reading