2012.

We started off the year right with a 50th birthday celebration for my lovely father. A dad is the most important man in a woman's life and he sure is just that.

 

I turned the BIG 2-3 and celebrated with the whole fam.

 

Jon entered his senior year at Augsburg. He will graduate in May! We are looking forward to that. Hockey ending, on the other hand, will be hard.

 

I learned so much from the fabulous ladies at Love and Life Architects as LoveLife Design Concierge. I was blessed with the opportunity to work in such a fascinating industry along with Miss Kailen Rosenberg, who was hailed by the one and only, Oprah Winfrey, as OWN tv's Love Ambassador.

 

The Peace Project was an idea that came to Jon and I in the beginning of the year. It started with a complaining session about how our little hometown was lacking in the healthy food department and evolved into something much more that coincided with the 150th anniversary of the U.S.-Dakota War. In short, we devoted most of the winter preparing, planning and researching the rich, Dakota history that once was. 

 

In March, Jon and I celebrated 5 years (that's HALF a decade, people) of 'official' love on St. Patrick's Day with a small road trip to Mankato, Minnesota. Mostly to do research at the Blue Earth Historical Society and to commemorate the Dakota 38 that were hanged there. Although we are not Irish, we truly are lucky in love.

 

On Earth Day (April), The Peace Project planted one of our first labors of love, our sign that stood in previously conventionally farmed soil right on Highway 24 for all to see. Boy, did the questions start rolling then.

 

June brought Jon, Jason and I away from the U's West Bank and Augsburg to the comforting area of Bryn Mawr. Wooden floors, large park right across the street, on-street parking, squirrels in the ceiling, plenty of windows, small-town feel that we have been looking for (minus the squirrels, of course).

 

July brought tons and tons of, zucchini. I am now a chocolate zucchini cake master.

 

In August, Jon presented our project in front of a whole crowd of students and professors in Berkeley, California.

And plenty of weekends spent canning salsa, stewed tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and enjoying the occasional bloody mary.

 

Too many trips to the Animal Humane Society, since we live 2 miles from one now. Hopefully 2013 will bring what we've wanted for too long.

 

September brought curing onions, basil pesto and plenty of pickles.

 

The Peace Project sold our bounty at both the Litchfield and Minneapolis (West Broadway) Farmer's Markets. What a fun experience to be able to connect with people that are looking for fresh, local produce and are SO thankful to be recipients.

We joined the Wirth Co-op membership committee to help raise awareness and gain members for a neighborhood co-op that should be up and running by Earth Day 2013.

I jumped into the grad school ring, from east coast to west coast, getting some great advice from like-minded individuals. Although the educational path is set, I have some soul-finding to experience before I can think about hitting the books again.

October brought the most ample amount of squash that I have ever seen in my life, and naturally, a bunch of puree-making, seed-saving and pumpkin-carving.

November and December: lots of holiday celebrating, seeing friends, a new job as a Practice Coordinator/Chiropractor's Assistant for a holistic office just west of the metro (so exciting, btw) seeing family, life-changing dreams, bronchitis, and then returning bronchitis, lots of antibiotics, cookie-baking, snow and life-changing conversations.

On December 26, 2012, the year came full-circle, our hearts were with the approximately 67 Dakota horse riders as their 330 mile journey came to an end on the 150th anniversary of the largest mass execution in U.S. history. On that day in 1862, 38 Dakota men were hanged from a single gallows platform in downtown Mankato. An unplanned, 40 mounds lined the medicine wheel garden to grow our three sisters (squash, corn, beans).

Mitakuye Oyasin, We Are All Related.

The best is yet to be in 2013, the year of Little Crow. Wishing you all peace, love and happiness in the new year!

Calypso Bean

Of all the wonderful things in the wonderful universe of God, nothing seems to me more surprising than the planting of a seed in the blank earth and the result thereof.  

Julie Moir Messervy

The Black Calypso Bean, otherwise referred to as orca or yin yang is an heirloom variety. I purchased the seeds through Seed Savers Exchange, who say that the beans were originally found in the Caribbean. Besides being one of the best for baking and soups, this full-of-flavor bean wears a dramatic outer shell, which is just, awesome. Many of our high school friends back in the rural homestead have followed in their parent's footsteps and taken on conventional farming. It's a bit of crazy-making conversation when we find ourselves together, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms. One night on 'the town,' Jon, still in his garden jeans, discovered a few Calypso Beans from a test picking earlier. We weren't surprised when there was little interest in the beans that we had proudly harvested. A few minutes and a few changes of subject later, a gentleman approached Jon and I and through his heavy, Mexican accent he spoke, "Those beans...can I see those beans?" He must have noticed us admiring them, or rolling eyes at them, depending on who he had been watching.

When we flashed the beans, his eyes lit up with intrigue, "Where did you get these," he rang out. We explained to him that we had purchased them through the Seed Savers Exchange and he went on, "The last time I had seen these beans, it was over twenty years ago in Mexico." He proceeded to mention something almost inaudible with regard to his family. Realizing it was a bittersweet moment full of cherished memories, but of loved ones left behind was when we found all of our hearts sinking. "Take them," we insisted, "Plant them. Then you will have some to share." The man smiled from ear to ear and through his smile came the gracious, yet quiet, "Thank you."

This moving moment is one that will not be forgotten: we will never take for granted the power of an heirloom seed.

Tribute to Taoyateduta and the Occasional Zucchini.

On July 3rd, 2012 we remembered Taoyateduta (Little Crow), chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux: a leader, a teacher, a legend. (1810 - July 3, 1863). We traveled about six miles north of Hutchinson, MN to offer our very first zucchini as a tribute. As day turned to night, we noticed that the moon was painted red.

Earth Day 2012

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees." Qwatsinas

As a whole, the world celebrated Earth Day 2012, this past Monday. One special day, named to honor and recognize the miraculous planet that we live on. My hope is that most of us try to recognize, honor and respect the earth every day. As for me, my connection with nature and our mother earth is only becoming stronger. I have been a city dweller for the past 5 1/2 years, but mind, body and soul have pretty much stayed in the rural countryside, where I was born, raised and lived for all 18 years of prior existence. I'm longing for it and I can no longer ignore it. 

I miss the woods, trees, the fields, the birds, the green, the stars in the night sky, dirt, the crunchy leaves, butterflies and the sun. I miss it all and more. For me, it's time to transition back to the basics, back to my roots, but in my own way.

Earth Day 2012 was extra special, because after weeks of devoted composition, The Peace Project's first 'sign' of life, a true labor of love, is standing proudly; no turning back now!

Living and Breathing...

the native culture.
Before, it was all in my head, floating around like some dream cloud. But slowly, slowly, it's becoming real. Jon and I took a little weekend trip to Mankato, MN. We celebrated 5 years of love on St. Patrick's Day and wanted to do a little something special. We ended up mixing business with pleasure and actually spent the majority of our milestone day researching at the Blue Earth Historical Society. Nerds, right? We love it. Although it's basically been a second, full time job, we couldn't be more passionate about our little brain baby.

Here's what's 'dangerous' about this project. The Peace Project; the four As: call to action, awareness, activism and accountability. The more we learn, the more we expose ourselves to, the more we explore, the more we. are. changing. Personal change and growth is inevitable, but it's a turn off for a lot of people. We have learned that there is a fine line between preaching and practicing. We have also learned that there is a big difference between planning and doing, although they are both fully dependent on one another. Thankfully, we have developed a major support system through many impromptu emails, phone calls and in-person meetings; it's great to connect with those that are willing to listen as well as share what makes you tick. As more paths are crossed and more ground is covered, the inspiration only increases. Did I mention we are about a month away from planting season!? 
POTENTIAL MEMBERS: If you, or someone you know, is a Litchfield, MN native, is able to commit/tend to a garden plot for the spring/summer and partake, open-mindedly, in a series of workshops throughout the growing season, we want to hear from you!

Email Kelsey & Jon at: thepeaceprojectmn@gmail.com

Follow us on twitter: @plantpeacemn
'Like' us on facebook: www.facebook.com/plantpeace

Things.

You guys, I have been so busy lately. Good busy, to the point where I am almost OK that I am neglecting this blog; just OK though. As much as I love, love, love unleashing my inner mind and often nonsensical thoughts via head in the clouds, my head has actually been so far UP in the clouds lately, that it's been a little difficult to come down, down, down and take a second or two to fill you in on Kelsey lately. Grounded and balanced; It's good to be most of the time. But mostly, light bulb moments don't give a $#&*! as to what stage you may be at in the game, they hit you. Hard. The thing is, things are great.
Life is great, work is great, love is great. But no matter what, I always have something on my mind and that is my unsatiable urge to attempt to change certain things. I say attempt, because I am not one to expect nor acknowledge to fulfill such a task. The thing is, I know what I know and I know that I am here for a reason. I am constantly reminded that life is way too short and the time is now. Our project is coming this Spring. It has consumed me, invaded my mind, set up shop in my heart and will be my mission, because it will not be escaping me anytime soon. Things can change. Social responsibility, accountability, awareness, activism: They've become some of my favorite things. We have the land, we have the support system, the tools, the passion, the determination, the dream...but we will not succeed in our vision without help. It's funny how things change; in life, in love...in the environment..in the economy. Are you asking questions? If not, the time. is. now. Apologies in advance for simply being M.I.A., but it's time to cultivate knowledge and other, miscellaneous things.

Lovetown, USA!!

I am ecstatic that the news has finally surfaced. I am even more so excited that my wonderful boss, mentor and friend, Kailen Rosenberg, will be a part of this extremely unique and challenging social experiment. Not to mention, after viewing this video made by the residents of Kingsland, Georgia during the nomination phase of the process, I am looking forward to watching deserving people be blessed with such an amazing opportunity.

Below, is what was released on Oprah's site on Monday: 

"After a nationwide search, OWN and BBC Worldwide Productions have selected Kingsland, Georgia, to be transformed into Lovetown, USA. Two expert matchmakers including the real-life "Hitch," Paul Carrick Brunson, and Kailen Rosenberg, with more than 200 successful marriages to her name and hailed as a true "love whisperer," will take over Kingsland for 30 days, helping eight singles embark on a journey to find true love in their own backyard.
From the local mayor to restaurateurs, bosses and even married couples, everyone in the town will be involved. This one-of-a-kind social experiment is the biggest dating challenge in TV history—examining the effects love can have on the DNA of one American community."

Visit http://www.oprah.com/own/Lovetown-USA-About-the-Show#ixzz1jYcNXFCU to learn more about the show and to share your thoughts with Kailen Rosenberg and OWN.

For all you twitter enthusiasts, be sure to follow @kailenrosenberg, @lovearchitects and @loveandlifeXO for Kailen Rosenberg, Lovetown, USA and Love and Life Architects updates!!
Photo.
Photo.

It's Not About You

My lovely boyfriend showed me this article, given to him in one of his classes. Written by David Brooks for The New York Times, the piece establishes what college graduates are now facing as the enter the unstructured job market and inherit a massive amount of federal debt. It also explains that more and more students are finding their calling based on problems that they have faced in their lives thus far, as they are now rooted with that calling to solve the problem instead of finding a generic career that puts food on the table. This article resonates with me, because I find myself so eager to go to grad school and, hopefully, my summer trip to the Canada/Seattle area will confirm that. As a recent grad, nearing the anniversary of my first year out of academia, I find myself unsatisfied with where I am at, I am disgusted at the job market and think there really is no better time to go back to school - to ultimately, boost the value of my degree, but moreso, to learn.

A week after I graduated with my Bachelors, I already had a long list of field books that I wanted to check out from the library. Social Psych. fascinates me, and I am determined to get there, one way or another. For myself and for my future. Today's employers do not respect college grads like they used to - without experience, a degree doesn't mean a thing. Money will always be an issue. Education, on the other hand, is something that can never be taken away.

Today I Ate a Rainbow.

Making fruits and veggies even more fun.
This blog, The Vegetarian Salmon, is pretty much like a bible to me. The author is very observant, strong-willed and keeps things simple. Every now and again, she mentions her vegetarian one-year-old (crazy, huh?). It gets me to thinking what it might mean some day, for my children. Something tells me I will not force a particular diet on them one way or another - with or without meat consumption, but it opens my eyes to the correct, healthy way of going about it.

Although she is raising her daughter, little Serafina, in a veg manner, she is definitely more concerned about a balanced diet, as she switches up her meals so much so, that picky habits are almost nonexistent. Impressive. She shared information about an interactive way for children to be more involved in their diets and teach them healthy habits, all in the name of fun! Today I Ate a Rainbow has gained a great amount of attention due to one of their most popular products, a magnetic, refridgerator chart that allows children to mark when they have eaten a red, orange, yellow, green or purple fruit or vegetable. Something good for the adults to get in on, as well. It's brilliant.

Happy Earth Day!

Now, if only I resided along these coordinates of the Earth...
Ahh, well, a girl can dream - Minny will have to do, for now.

Can you tell I have been dreaming about Hawaii since I've left?

Location: Wailea Beach, HI 

I am disgusted.

A proposed bill to ban photos and videos on farms without the farmer's permission. Watch this video - the thought pretty much sickens me, to say the least. Especially when those in favor of this bill claim that a lot of the undercover animal abuse is staged and they, in fact, want to pass this bill in order to protect the animals. When, IN FACT, they are merely just looking to protect their own asses. My dad is a beef farmer, although not currently, I'm obviously not 100% on that bandwagon. However, our animals were always treated like gold, they even had pet names (eerily odd, if you ask me, but it is what it is). If you do eat meat, don't you want to know where it's coming from? I am not shaking my finger at any carnivores here, but don't be naive.

This video changed my lifestyle for the better - philosophy and diet. You can even request a free copy in the mail - just email FreeDVD@peta.org - It has been about 3 years since I decided to consume no meat, with the exception of fish. I don't miss other meats at all, and hardly even eat fish anymore. Before you order that cheap, greasy, yummy, burger, do animalkind a favor and realize that we are the reason that animal is dead. Do the math: how many restaurants are within a 5 mile radius from your home, how about the meat section in your local grocery store, multiply that by towns, cities, states, countries, world. Disgusted. Now, with this many factory farms in service to feed our faces, why in the hell would they not want to monitor what's going on...funny how big brother works. Hmm. Beats me.

V-Day

I love Valentine's Day!

Probably because I am such a lucky girl and have some pretty great people in my life to share the love with. I am thankful, however, for Miss Eve Ensler (author of The Vagina Monologues), who has redirected some of the material focus of the holiday, from Hallmark to ending domestic violence toward women and girls. "V-Day's mission is simple. It demands that violence against women and girls must end. To do this, once a year, in February, March, and April, Eve allows groups around the world to produce a performance of the play, as well as other works created by V-Day, and use the proceeds for local individual projects and programs that work to end violence against women and girls, often shelters and rape crisis centers. What began as one event in New York City in 1998 today includes over 5,400 V-Day events annually."

Photo and more info. about how you can get involved, found here.

PETA

is the shit.
I am in love with their I'd Rather Go..ads. Most of them feature celebs that share the same, deep passion for animals. The ads dominate simply because they are an advocate for animals that don't have a voice of their own. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Annnnd, it's amatuer hour, folks - faux fur is far from a fashion faux pas - looks like these celebs missed the memo...ish.

Pictures via Google Images.

PostSecret

. . .best idea evvvvver.

I am dedicating this post to one of my favorite blogs: PostSecret, which is - in their words - an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. The story of how PostSecret came to be, also appearing on their site, is very interesting. Once again, it goes to show, if you have an idea - push to make it a reality. Something that seems to be so simple. The concept is amazing, to say the least. As common people are willing to share their deepest secrets to the world and have no problem paying the postage. Have you ever told anyone a secret that you have been holding in and felt like you might explode? I KNOW this is why this project is so successful - the anonymous factor. As a loyal blog follower, I cannot wait to check out their weekly additions of new secrets. The postcards are, truly, works of art - and whether the secrets are true or not, it gives contributors that sense of pride knowing that they are a part of something bigger. Who knew something as miniscule as a postcard could generate this much interest? Human beings are fascinating, aren't we? . . .Makes me think of poptabs and The Ronald McDonald House Charity - GOOD stuff. Brilliant minds.

Lady Gaga's Meat Dress..

Just plain tasteless.
The crazy lady just has to be different, at all times.
Don't get me wrong, I think Gaga is fabulous...
However, in regards to that, how does a person go from this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RwIDdfwebc
to this:

When it comes to the dress, no one is really saying too much. Of course, PETA has dug their nails into the case a couple times. Apparently the dress will be made into beef jerky - mostly because it would look 'more beautiful' aged. PLEASE.gag.me. As a Pescatarian (fish only), I am disturbed by this offensive display. Butchering and consuming an animal is one thing - donning it for 10 mins. - just to gain hype, is another. I understand that she may have had a solid message behind her choice of wearing a flank steak - evidently, she didn't want to be seen as another piece of meat, in the industry - but is it really necessary?  Gaga - ilu. but you're trying wayyyy to hard.

Image via GettyImages

Video via YouTube

Trashy...!?! More Like FLASHY!

Trash Couture - - the hip, new trend - - that is making its way out of garbage cans and into our closets.

Fashion is constantly evolving, as new trends are created, the old ones are out (a reference to Miss Heidi Klum). Although most trends seem to be brand new, they are usually just reinventions of the past. I find it eerie, yet amazing, that I enjoy snooping through my mom or grandma’s closets and usually find something that I would wear, just because fashion does repeat itself and most of the styles that were worn twenty years ago have come back into the mainstream market, probably a few times. A new trend caught my eye when I was watching an episode of MTV’s The City. The episode featured Ke$ha, who is a current pop star, prepping for a photo shoot for Elle Magazine.

The stylists were informed beforehand that Ke$ha wanted to showcase her infamous ‘trash couture’ look, as she has been quoted saying, “My favorite stuff that I’ve ever found has been from trash cans,” as well as, “And I bought this incredible vest off a homeless guy recently.” So, off the stylists went, as they scrounged the streets of NYC and hit up the grungiest boutiques to find the perfect accessories for the ‘queen of trash.’ After searching high and low, Elle stylist Olivia Palermo found the perfect, ‘trash-bag shoes,’ which are, as their name describes, sky-high heels, with immaculately woven, trash bag rosettes placed on top.

It was love at first sight, for the singer, and she was later quoted saying, “I wanted to make a dress for the Grammy’s out of garbage bags, but no one would let me.” I find this to be funny, because even fashion forward starlets are being told what to wear and how to wear it. However, it was definitely a sight to see these prissy, Elle fashionistas, awkwardly positioning themselves in such unfamiliar territory. You didn’t think that Ke$ha would settle that easily, did you? Pictured to the left, she was spotted, last night, at MTV’s Video Music Awards, wearing none-other-than that garbage bag dress she just couldn’t wait to show off! Now, how is that for current?!

According to my research, trash couture can be defined as combining elements of trash to produce couture clothing - simple enough. But what exactly makes someone dumpster chic? The answer to that question is really, sort of, up-in-the-air. When it comes down to it, the trend is very young, as it’s only in the introductory stage of the fashion life cycle, and isn’t even close to maturity yet. Only a few, brave souls are now rocking the style. Also, like any other trend, wearers don’t hesitate to add their own, unique elements into the equation. Fashion designers like Gary Harvey and Nancy Judd are known for producing both immaculate and imaginary garments, using recyclable materials. By using familiar objects like old jeans and wedding dresses, condoms, VCR tapes, shopping bags, aluminum cans, junk mail and bottle tops these creative (to say the least) individuals are able to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Celebrity frontrunners of this trend, include Ke$ha, Alison Goldfrapp and Lady Gaga. All of these famous faces are known for pushing boundaries, in multiple ways, and stirring the ‘fashion pot,’ so to speak. One cannot help but wonder if their love of trash is really just another ploy to gain attention and get people talking. For many reasons, I believe that it is just a matter of time before this trend goes mainstream. As I was wandering in the mall, the other day, I couldn’t help but be surprised at the lack of retailers hopping on the ‘trash couture’ bandwagon. Although the trend is fairly new, you’d think someone would step up.

Okay, I admit, the trend is definitely out there, as far as edginess is concerned, but isn’t every trend at some point in time? Celebrities, admired and mimicked by millions, are donning garbage bags and cardboard boxes, causing uproar, increasing their popularity and, ultimately, gaining interest. It’s a bit crazy to see that retailers, being slightly blind, are not even incorporating small pieces of the trend into their current inventories.

Is the recession causing retailers to be more cautious and less avant garde when it comes to what they carry in their stores? Definitely. Are they missing out on satisfying consumer demand and extra profits? Most likely. Trends spread like wild fire and if your business is the first to carry that, oh-so-in-demand, garbage bag dress, you are likely to reap the benefits. That little fish or consumer, in the sea of many, is waiting to catch the bait, or a new trend. Retailers must be ahead of the trend, in order to become the trend.

In these current times, the economy is suffering and is in a very negative state. The United States is still, actively involved in war, which has contributed greatly to the national debt. Jobs are harder to come by, since many businesses cannot afford to keep all of its employees. People are focusing their money towards what they need versus what they want.

Also, the concept of recycling is ‘in.’ Companies like Plato’s Closet and Goodwill are as popular as ever. Both online clothing swaps and clothing swap parties are becoming increasingly popular. Trash Couture makes the concept of wearing old, worn clothes trendy, as well as digging through your trash (to an extent), to accessorize, extremely acceptable – plus, it doesn’t get much cheaper than that! I believe that consumers will embrace this trend, simply because, everyone’s got trash, everyone likes to be unique now and again, and celebrities are doing it. How many more reasons do retailers or consumers need?

Images courtesy of:

The Slog

MTV Style

Inventor Spot

MashCeleb