Voting is extremely important in our democratic republic. Votes set decision makers in place to set precedents or over-turn dated ones. In a time where democratic principles are being vigorously challenged by centralized power, voting for those that will protect the interest of the people is invaluable. 

Fall is always a good time to reflect. The coming months allow for lots of rest and focus towards the what's next. My core values are rooted in how I treat others and myself. Mindfulness is number one. Observing and being present, spending more time outside the brain rather than inside. It was easy to choose first as the lens of presence provides clarity to everything else.  

I hardly ever receive important mail. Opting paperless definitely draws some ire towards companies that print non-stop flyers that go directly to the recycling or trash. Its a trashy look for that company and at this modern age of digital information, quite embarrassing 

I collected seeds from a few different trees in my yard and nearby neighbors. They are native trees that tend to be difficult in propagation. I am hoping some of them make it to saplings! Planting trees is a humbling reminder that we are not more than stewards of the land we inhabit. 

Environmental factors are a big impact on personal health. When it comes to products in the home there are many opportunities to limit exposure to toxic compounds commonly found in household products. We make nearly all of our cleaning products from just a few ingredients and suffer no reduction in cleaning performance or needless inhalation of fumes. 

I am only in the beginning steps of getting involved in my neighborhood. I attended the most recent meeting observed how it currently functions and look forward to being more involved. 

I have composted in the past but never had a great system to do so. I still am not pleased with my compost set up, I just toss food scraps into various compost piles in the yard. I absolutely notice how much I am tossing and thus implementing a more permanent solution. I intend to use the compost for all the goodies in my garden!

Walks with Riley here remind me to slow down and enjoy where we are, rather than rushing from one destination to the next. 

The Columbia River is the nearest natural water body. My property runoff heads to the storm drains. Fertilizers and other chemicals can cause environmental harm in runoff. I choose to be 100% chemical free in my yard and roof to prevent unintended discharge. I am also choosing specific plants for my slopes which bind soil and prevent excessive runoff. 

Vacuuming! Something about roaming the house with this magic power eraser is a blast for me. Also gardening and cooking. I listen to music and dance about the kitchen or am gleefully giving attention to each living thing in my yard. Few of may favorite ways to be non-idle.