And they're off!

The big red bus took off to La Plant today, and it was such a great moment! Knowing that I was just sitting in the very seats that the kids will excitedly bounce around in after school made me miss them.

I miss them and I know that they're in great hands.

This bus represents so much fun.

And this summer is going to be amazing.

And seeing this bus drive off this morning made me so happy. I wish I could be on it, but I'm so happy that it's making its way.

I'll be sitting in those seats again soon enough.

Safe travels all, K

Alex, Bryan, Sam, Josh and Chip- ready for the big adventure!

Chip is pretty sure that the driver's seat is where he belongs.

Happy Earth Day!!

As you know, the Just Be Nice Party is nice to a lot of things...including the earth! I am pretty bummed that we're ahead of where we should be on this globe with carbon emissions, but I am more encouraged than I've ever been in the wonderful work that I see happening around the world.

I don't have a garden, I can't compost anymore (the condo board did NOT like it) but I can support people that are doing great things to save out planet for future generations.

If you're like me, garden-less, compost-less, consider helping out one of these great organizations!

Environment Connecticut is a statewide, citizen-based, environmental advocacy group - currently trying to ban fracking waste from being dumped in Connecticut's waters- this is a VERY hot topic right now.

Environmental Working Group spends time inspiring people, businesses and governments to take action to protect human health and the environment- these guys are looking out for us, big time. FYI- if you're a hypochondriac, I do not suggest visiting their website- just give them money instead.

Riverkeeper is a member-supported watchdog organization dedicated to defending the Hudson River and its tributaries and protecting the drinking water supply. One of their big supporters was my man, Pete Seeger.

If you have organizations you'd likes to add to this list- leave me a comment so everyone can see your contribution!

Have a great day, and love your mother.

Peace, Kristen

Want to listen to my Earth Song? Just click here...

17 years later...

I used to play tennis a lot. And I used to be pretty good. My doubles partner and I were part of the team that won a state championship back in the (gasp) 90s. Barack Obama even stood in front of our banner when he spoke at my high school during the '08 campaign.

I really loved the sport for a long time and then one day, just didn't. It was pretty weird. So I moved on to other things.

Anyway, yesterday, Bryan and I thought it would be good fun to try and play, and it was!

My muscles started to remember what they were doing about halfway through and it was fun to play something that I had enjoyed so much as a kid.

I will not be playing again today because I cannot walk, or really move my right arm.

17 years from now, maybe I'll give the racquet another swing...

Beauty anywhere is beauty everywhere

Happy sunny day! To Christians, today is such a significant day. I hope that you're beautifully fulfilled by it.

To friends who don't celebrate Easter, it's such a sunny and wonderful day outside, I really hope you get to soak it in and enjoy it.

A few weeks ago I was at the Women in the World conference, and it was amazing. I cried, laughed, cheered and was inspired.

One woman who runs a foundation for Dalit women in India mentioned that the world is so small, 'injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.'

She is absolutely right.

We cannot claim that things are so far away anymore. We can't just change the channel away from the sad infomercial, or scroll past the news on Facebook. Our world is too small and technology brings us all too close for that.

We must react.

And knowing many of you- I know that you do, and so I offer this.

If it is true that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere, which I accept to be so, then the statement 'justice anywhere is justice everywhere' must also be true.

So when we work to make the world better in our town, our communities, or around the world, we are contributing to making the entire world a better place.

Kindness anywhere is kindness everywhere.

Love anywhere is love everywhere.

Hope anywhere is hope everywhere.

No matter what you believe or don't believe, I know that this is a thought and these are statements that we can all get behind.

Have a wonderful day, Kristen

Beauty anywhere is beauty everywhere.

Sunshine on my shoulder

I'm not sure if you've had a chance to get outside today, or if you're even having a sunny day... (If you are- stop reading and get outside!) I just spent the most wonderful hours walking around in Vermont, snacking a bit, shopping a bit, and the feeling of having nowhere that I needed to be, and having no need for my watch, was unbelievable.

I don't feel that way often, which is why I think I was so struck by its wonderful-ness.

I so hope that you get a chance to do that this weekend as well.

Enjoy, Kristen

Ps...the cover of the new notebook that I just bought - more new songs to come soon!