Announcements:
- Gardenmama is hosting an incredible giveaway from Natural Suburbia. It ends today so head on over.
- Yesterday the new edition of The Rhythm of the Home came out. I'm very happy to say that I contributed an article in this edition. There are so many talented women who have written for this. Please enjoy and be sure to spread the word.
When I think of Suzy and the starting of one small change, it brings to mind an idea of the Kenyan people called "harambee", which means "the spirit of pulling together for the common good. The journey that my family has been on since the beginning of the year with one small change, has led us to believe that our acts are so important. By taking a moment and reflecting on our patterns and habits we have joined a grassroots movement via the blogosphere to preserve our planet for future generations. While at the same time making new friends who are on a similiar journey just like us.
This month's one small change is inspired by the first African woman Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Muta Maathai. Growing up in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Wangari had a deep love of the people and the land around her. Trees make her smile. Wangari planted trees to give her beauty, shade, and the over all refreshment of the spirit.
Being the only female with a Ph.d in Africa at the time, she was held in the highest esteem as a wise woman. People often sought after her for advice. Many women would come to her to solve their problems.
As each woman would come with their issues, a tree seed would be given as an answer to their inquiry. Always high praise was given to their outer and inner strength, their courage, and how this particular tree seedling could solve their problems.
In 1976 Wangari Maathai started a grass-roots movement of planting trees to establish peace in Kenya. The trees prevent soil erosion, filter water and air, and provide firewood,food, and timber for shelters. The women are credited with embracing this movement and reclaiming their rights as "Keepers of the Earth." The Green-Belt Movement has planted more than 30 million trees in Kenya and other African countries.
This months one small change will see us planting trees. Each person on planet earth needs 15 trees per year to be supplied with enough oxygen to live. There are 5 people in our family so we will need to plant 75 trees.
For a little family tree planting fun, please head on over to Jump Into A book, where we are experiencing Wangari Maathai's tree journey by jumping into the book Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson. This book touches the heart and spirit of this woman leaving us all empowered to make One Small Change.
For more info on Wangari Maathai and the Greenbelt Movement:
Wangari Maathai Nobel Laureate
A lovely video of the country she planted ….10 minutes long but worth it. Presented at the Nobel Peace Prize.
Short trailer to the movie taking root.
Today's photos are courtesy of Taking Root Films and The Green Movement.
A Place Like This 
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