Awareness in Postcards 4

It was a revolutionary idea, and a Southwestern College art professor brought it to our city. Earth Day. I had no idea what he was talking about. Bob Matheny was a noted artist and teacher. I was a 30 year old college student with two jobs, two small kids, and an artist husband who lived life his way.

I didn’t know the earth needed saving. Yes, I lived and worked in LA during the worst of the smog years, but I didn’t understand you could do something about the smog. I who drove a 54 Oldsmobile and a 53 Chevy Carryall named Maxwell Silverhammer, just lived moment to moment. Drugs and alcohol were taking over my life, and the alcohol would stay with me for another thirteen years.

Today I am slightly more awake. I truly appreciate Matheny, for his crazy ideas have become a part of our everyday lives. My two vehicles meet the California emission requirements…amazingly. We recycle more things than we put in the trash. We use water carefully, mindfully. All these things don’t seem at all revolutionary now.

How has Earth Day changed your life? I’d really like to know.

• Himself: He’s been a pretty funny guy lately. Getting skinnier too.
• Herself: Passover begins today. I’ve learned the hard way that I cannot do a full workout, back exercises, and go to work too. Work, stretches, Gently. Keeping moving is all important. Three days till we move out for 4 days. Tenting does that to you.
• Reading: One last Longmire.
• Gratitudes: Lots of thank you’s.