Planet pals! The Green Corner hopes you had a fine Thanksgiving holiday. We in the northeast are starting to experience the weather we are used to; yeah, that translates to cold, snowy and gray. With the Christmas holidays a few weeks away, we are accustomed to this very beautiful seasonal change. Oh, I’m lying. If I never see another snowflake, I’ll be fine. I’m wishing for palm trees and tropical breezes. Unfortunately, if we don’t confront climate change seriously, Rochester and the University of Rochester may become a tropical “paradise”. And that will not be good. So, I do appreciate the snow and the cold. It’s the circle of life!
We’re ready to close the curtains on another year, but first we have those pesky holidays to navigate. The economy for many is still not good. Jobs are scarce, prices are rising and many who are working worry if they will have a job this time next year or next month. And yet the Christmas season compels us (well, some of us, no most of us) to over spend and over extend ourselves and our pocketbooks. I’m not Dear Abby, and you dear readers are going to have to work that out. I’m also not Dear Abby in the fact I’m not dead. So do let me share some advice I received some years ago by someone far wiser than me. That wise old soul is Spongebob Squarepants. No, I’m not kidding. I really mean good, ole Spongebob and his pals. Spongebob reminded me that the best things in life may not always be free but can be cheap. Spending money on “things” may have its place, but sometimes the best times we have is playing in the box the “thing” arrived in. One time Spongebob and his best friend Patrick found a large empty box. They jumped in and created a magical world of treasure hunting, race car driving and adventure seeking. That empty box was as inspiring as a blank canvas to an artist. Do you remember the days when a simple box, some paper, some crayons and string was all you needed to have hours of fun? Growing up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Do what you can to capture your imagination again. And if you have youngsters around, you’d be surprised at the power some paper plates, scotch tape, markers, construction paper, and string can have on letting those creative juices flow.
Just something to think about while you are scraping the ice from your car. Next week, we’ll talk about buying gifts locally, so you help your hometown and support those business owners who keep us comfortable.
Clay is happy to know that the climate change than there is in my part … in Italy we can not say the same thing. In the past, this time you left the house with coats and now comes with a light jacket. Well!
Everything is in line with the festive season … people walk more easily through the streets of the city, so moving an economy that is increasingly pinning!