Earth Day is April 22, and I like to celebrate by hosting the Earth Day Reading Project, a meme where bloggers share what books inspire them to live or garden more sustainably. This year will mark the second annual Earth Day Reading Project, and this just happens to be my 100th post! What a great way to celebrate! I look forward to reading about the books that inspired and continue to inspire many of you.
This year, I have a small giveaway for bloggers that participate--moonflower seeds and cypress vine seeds. I will have a random drawing and pick as many as I have seeds for. Bloggers that are picked in the random drawing will receive either 2 moonflower seeds or 5 cypress vine seeds. In your comment, please specify which one you would be interested in.
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| Moonflower and Cypress Vine |
If you want to participate, here's how:
1. Write a blog post about a book and explain why that book:
- inspired you to live or garden more sustainably - or -
- is one you would recommend to others for living or gardening more sustainably - or -
- inspires your love of nature.
2. The book does not have to be about green living, and it can be fiction or nonfiction. You may include a magazine or newspaper.
3. Post a comment here with the link to your post.
4. The Earth Day Reading Project runs from today, April 1, to April 30, so you can include your post at any time during that period.
My Selection
My selection for this year is The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne. I fell in love with this book as a child as did many children. With rich and humorous characters, A. A. Milne creates a world of adventure, kindness, and regard. It is a fantasy fit for children, for sure, but there are many subtle lessons that teach us about respect and tolerance. Many animals that would never get along in reality find a way to get along in his tales. They are quirky and adorable, cute and cuddly, mischievous and annoying--perfect characters for children.
Now, as an adult, I am still fascinated by these characters. The simplicity of reason and the mundane habits of normal 'people' still makes me smile and feel comforted. However, the one thing that has always charmed me most was the 100-acre wood. Here was a place that extended far and wide and provided a home for these innocent creatures. Some parts of the 100-acre wood were strange and frightening, some parts were familiar. In many ways, this wood was like the wood near my home. The forest near my home was not quite as enchanting, but it was a place to discover, to play, to sit and think. It was a place to observe animals, climb trees, and wander on magical missions. I learned how to respect nature through this book and through my own meanderings through the forest I called my own. Even now, my husband and I joke about one day finding our own 100-acre wood.
Just recently, I was presented with an artist's piece of heaven that happens to be 100 acres. This place is exactly what I would want as my 100-acre wood. She has cultivated it along with nature and created a haven of gardens and woodland paths. She is in her 70's now and is not able to keep up the work required to maintain the garden and farm. And so, she must sell this quiet and beautiful place in Canada. If only my husband and I did not need to be near a metropolitan area for our professions, I would be very tempted to make an offer. Below is a video of this lovely garden and wood. It is about 20 minutes long, so save it for a time when you can enjoy it.
Sometime after the end date for the Earth Day Reading Project, I will summarize all the posts and list all of the books. If you would like to read the posts from last year, here is a link to the blogs and books.
Earth Day Reading Project - 2011
If you would like to add the Earth Day Reading Project badge to your post or blog, here it is.
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Enjoy, and Happy Earth Day!
Here is My Garden Notebook - April 2012.
© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter
Winnie the Pooh is another one of my childhood favorites. I love those books that are as meaningful to children as adults! I do hope you find your 100 acres. It is always good to have a dream and vision. And, Congrats on your 100th post! You are such an inspiration!I will definitely participate...I have just the book. (Would love to try some cypress vine seeds. I have never grown those before and I love attracting the hummers!)
ReplyDeleteThe cypress vine attracts lots of hummers...I am looking forward to that. Thank you for your kind words. Someday it would be nice to have that special spot...the 100-acre wood.
DeleteHere is the link to my post http://gardeningsoul.blogspot.com/2012/04/founding-gardeners-earth-day-reading.html#comment-form
DeleteThanks, Karin. I am so impressed by your selection...a great find. I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you, again, for participating in the Earth Day Reading Project.
DeleteWhat an excellent video of the remarkable woman artist. I was really mesmerized by her life, her farm and all that she refurbished. Also, there are so many parallels to my life it was almost eerie. I almost want to visit her in Kingston, not that far a drive for me either. I too grew up in a privileged family and found myself distanced by my choice in two marriages. Another thing that really jumped out, was her life changing look at the earth by reading Rachael Carson's book, Silent Spring. Like her, I feel at home at the farm, by the lake, in the woods. I too was a tomboy, nothing like my mother wanted in society pink little dresses. Thanks for this and I may just try to meet her. Too bad her farm is not on this side of the border though, I would love to purchase it.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite amazing that the two of you share so many similarities. I was a tomboy as well with two brothers and very few girls as neighbor children. I loved it! I wish we could purchase it because it has many, if not all, of the qualities we are looking for in that 100-acre wood. Perhaps we will find another when we are ready. If you do visit, I would love to hear your impressions.
DeleteCongrats Michelle on your 100th post...I am looking forward to participating again this year in the Earth Day Reading Project. I will also proudly display the badge on my sidebar...I am currently reading a couple of books and will have one post by next Monday. Perhaps even another after that..we shall see...these will be about new books that have inspired me...this is one of those projects I look forward to every year now! Looking froward to viewing the video as well!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna. I look forward to reading about your selections for the meme. I am glad you will be participating.
DeleteHere is the link Michelle for my post!
Deletehttp://gardenseyeview.com/2012/04/09/the-climate-conscious-gardener/
Thank you, again, Donna for participating in The Earth Day Reading Project. I cannot wait to read your selection and apply some of the ideas to my gardening. Your commitment to the earth and nature is evident in your blog, your gardening, and your other writing. It was a pleasure to read about your garden and your goals as you add more sustainable methods to the loads you have already implemented. Happy Earth Day!
DeleteOh, very tempting, Michelle. Those are great giveaways ! I might just feature that little book I've been reading. And congrats on your 100th post ! :)
ReplyDelete(ps. fyi, Kim will be 84 in October. The farm is only 30 min away from Kingston, ON. (pop. 125,000). Think about it, Michelle ! lol)
That would be great, Miss M. I look forward to reading about your selections. Thanks for the extra info regarding Kim and her farm. I do wish we could purchase it...the price is very attractive as well, but we are not able to at this time.
DeleteDear Michelle, I am so happy I have not missed your meme this year and plan on participating. Congratulations on your 100th posting. How wonderful you picked one of my favorite books, which I am now enjoying with my grandchildren. My childhood playground in England was Cannock Chase -- a real 100 acre wood. I look forward to watching your video. P. x
ReplyDeleteI am glad you will be participating, Pam. Cannock Chase sounds wonderful, and how nice that you were able to grow up playing in such a large and beautiful place.
DeleteI participated in this last year and it was fun!! I'm glad you're doing it for a month so I have time to think/write about books that I've found inspirational. :o)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you will be participating. For books, I think a month is a good amount of time to give everyone a chance to gather their thoughts about a book or books. Enjoy!
DeleteOh, wouldn't it be wonderful to have your own 100-Acre Wood! Winnie the Pooh was always one of my children's favorites, too; somehow I missed out on these books as a child, so it was a delight to become acquainted with them as I read them to my own children. I will definitely participate again, and I'm glad you chose this book, because I have a similar one in mind. I'll come back later to watch the video--looks like the perfect way to relax!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to enjoy Winnie the Pooh as an adult. I think those books are timeless and ageless and fit for everyone. I look forward to reading about your selections. Enjoy!
DeleteCongrats on your 100th post Michelle! Well done - it's been such a privilege getting to know you via your blog in this past year! I'll be back with my Reading Day post soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. I look forward to reading your post.
DeleteGlad you are doing this again and I look forward to the results.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carolyn. I think it will be fun.
DeleteWhat a fun challenge and will be a great list when it is done- now I have homework
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Deletecongratulations on your 100 number, I will continue reading you your good work
ReplyDeleteUn Saludo
Thanks, Jordi. I am glad you enjoy it.
DeleteCongratulation on the 100th post!
ReplyDelete100 acre wood? That will be heaven!
I think so, too. Someday...
DeleteI may not post about it on my blog, but The Secret Garden still inspires me.
ReplyDeleteLoretta, that is also one of my favorites and inspired me as a child. To this day, it still inspires me.
DeleteI watched the entire video. Quite a story but I see why at this stage in her life that she must sell. Too bad none of her children can take it on to keep Blue Roof Farm in the family. I guess none of them inherited her love of the land.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to participate in your Earth Day reading meme. I have a book in mind that inspired me here on my 8 acres (couldn't handle 100) but for the life of me can't remember the title or the author. I'll have to do some searching on google. It was so long ago that I read it but I still remember some of the scenes.
I am so glad you enjoyed the video about Blue Roof Farm, Marcia. And I look forward to reading about your book selection.
DeleteCongratulations on your 100th post. How difficult it must be to turn your back on such a beautiful place, however a time comes when one has no option, I haven't watched in full as yet but won't those dogs just miss a place such as this. Not surprised that you would have been interested, so would I, hmm, not so very far off the ladies age when I think about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alistair. I would think it must be heartbreaking for her to leave such a place, but I understand why she must. My parents had to reduce their farm from 30 acres to 15 acres...just becomes too much.
DeleteCongratulations on post number 100! Your Earth Day project is a great one and I will try to do a post before the end of April. I watched all 20 minutes of the Blue Roof Farm.Then, I even looked the place up on the internet. I'd love to go there and meet her!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Jennifer. It is such a gorgeous place, and she seems like such an interesting person.
DeleteFrom your lovely blog name to your posts, we your readers are happy that you have come so far :) And what synchronous coincidence with your blogoversary and Earth Day project. Will find a way to join you again this year. The seeds are not native so cannot choose but do enjoy your blooms virtually.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your next 100
Laura x
Thank you for your kind words. I did not plan the 100th to fall on this post...just worked out that way...nicely, I think. I look forward to reading your about your selection.
Deletehave not exactly reviewed a book but illustrated my Earth Day post with quotes from a book that I've loved as both child and adult - Wind in the Willows. I identify with Mole :)
DeleteWhat a lovely blog! I’ve nominated your blog for The Versatile Blogger award because your blog is inspiring, entertaining and a true joy to visit.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.daylilysoup.com/2012/04/versatile-blogger-award-nomination.html
Thank you, Beth, for the nomination. I am honored. I am glad you enjoy The Sage Butterfly blog.
DeleteCongrats on your 100th! I'll plan to link in, too. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and I am glad you will be joining in. I am curious to see what you select this year.
DeleteHappy 100th!
ReplyDeleteI proudly nominate you for the sunshine award! Thank you for such warm support!
http://tangentgardening.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunshine-award.html
Thank you, Virginia. I am truly honored that you would nominate me for this award.
DeleteMichelle, your 100th post is great! Congratulations from Saint Petersburg and Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nadezda. I cannot believe I have written 100 posts. It all goes so quickly. I hope you had a very pleasant Easter.
DeleteI add my post to the Earth Day Reading Project. My choice is the book
Delete“Through the Looking Glass”, by Lewis Carroll.
http://northern-garden.blogspot.com/2012/04/earth-day-reading-project.html
Congratulation with Sunshine Award!
Thank you, Nadezda. I am looking forward to reading about your selection. I am so glad you are joining in. Have a great week!
DeleteI have bookmarked the video - look forward to viewing! Congrats on your 100th post!
ReplyDeleteIt is well worth the time. I am sure you will enjoy it. And thank you, Jayne, I am looking forward to 100 more.
DeleteSo glad to hear you're doing this again. There were so many wonderful books recommended last year that I added to my reading list. It's great to read through all the ways books have affected people so deeply.
ReplyDeleteI am glad, Marguerite. I always think it is so much fun, and I am always introduced to more books to read.
DeleteCongratulations on your 100th post! I am joining in and have posted about the book I chose. You can read it here: http://dreamingofroses.blogspot.com/2012/04/simple-plan-earth-day-reading-2012.html Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Holley. I am excited that you joined in...and with such an excellent selection. That is a book I often refer to, and I don't think I could do without it. Thank you, again, for joining in.
DeleteI loved your choice of Winnie-the-Pooh. Those tales were some of my favorites as well (along with the writings of Beatrix Potter and the stories of the mice of Brambly Hedge) as a child. I loved running around in the woods pretending it was the 100-acre woods and having Pooh and Tiger and Piglet as imaginary friends.
ReplyDeleteI've posted about my Earth Day Reading Project Choice here: http://collegegardener.blogspot.com/2012/04/earth-day-reading-project.html
Congrats on your 100th post!
Beatrix Potter's tales were some of my favorites as well. I think all of those books just stimulate a child's imagination. I would like to think that I still possess some of that child inside, so I can still enjoy all of those imaginary worlds. Thank you for joining in The Earth Day Reading Project. I have added your selection to my Amazon wish list for a future order. It is definitely a book I would like to read. Thank you for introducing it to me.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching your 100th blog post!
I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to write about a book that has meant so much to me and is with me in my heart on some down days.
I'm over the pond, so don't worry about the seeds, but if you get the chance I'd like to hear what you think about The Secret Garden:
http://notesofnature.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/secret-garden.html
Best wishes,
Tim
Thank you, Tim. I am so glad you are participating, and I look forward to reading about your impressions of The Secret Garden. It has always been a favorite of mine. Happy Earth Day!
ReplyDeleteSorry it's taken me so long to comment but I've started to read all my favourite books again! I love Winnie and Peter Rabbit but I have always been particularly inspired by the Brambly Hedge stories by Jill Barlem.... :-) You can find my post at The Pyjama Gardener
ReplyDeletehttp://thepyjamagardener.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/earth-day-reading-project/
It looks as if I have some great books to read this summer. This is a great selection. I am thrilled that many gardeners find inspiration and solace in some of these classic children's books. I suppose I do not really think of them as children's books, because they have so much more value than to be categorized. Thank you for participating in The Earth Day Reading Project!
DeleteJust posted my Earth Day review, too, Michelle, and mine is also a children's book. The more I think about, the more I realize how important those childhood impressions are--if we can pass on these values to our children, the earth will be in much better hands. You can find my post at http://www.prairierosesgarden.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Rose. These books possess qualities and lessons that stay with us throughout our lives. And it is such a joy to revisit those stories, those characters. Thank you for participating in The Earth Day Reading Project!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blog!
All those lovely children's books are kind of magical, aren't they?
I had a gardening book, "The Heirloom Life Gardener" donated to my blog for a review and giveaway in February. Don't know if this would count, but I thought I would mention it anyway because I enjoyed the book so much! http://www.missladybugsgarden.com/1/post/2012/02/the-heirloom-life-gardener-giveaway.html
It sounds like a very interesting book, and I would be glad to have you participate. Simply add the link to The Earth Day Reading Project, and I will gladly count it. Thank you, Miss LadyBug.
DeleteCongratulations on your 100th post! Winnie the Pooh was always a favorite read aloud book to my son. Such a gentle book. And I always loved reading Charlotte's Web aloud too. Such a moving lesson about friendship and life and so much more. I'm looking forward to viewing the video this evening when I have a little more time. Thank you for sharing it. I'm happy to participate in the Earth Day Reading Project this year. Here is my post:
ReplyDeletehttp://soilsister99.blogspot.com/2012/04/garden-book-review-teaming-with.html
I am very glad you are participating, Dorothy. I find many of those children's classics comforting and full of rich content. They never grow old.
DeleteWhat a great and inventive idea! Anything involving books is just extra special!
ReplyDeleteMichael
Thank you, Michael. It is a pleasure to see what books people select.
DeleteWinnie the Pooh is one of my favorites too - there is so much to be learned from it, even now. A.A. Milne certainly was brilliant wasn't he? Sounds like a great book project :)
ReplyDeleteA. A. Milne was brilliant! Every time I read it I discover something new. He must have had so much foresight to be able to breathe life into those characters and that world.
DeleteMichelle, Thanks for hosting this again this year; I so much enjoyed last year's amazing collection of book recommendations. I've just posted my 2012 Earth Day Reading Project post at http://jeansgarden.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/earth-day-reading-project-a-new-look-at-american-environmental-history/. -Jean
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure to host, and thank you for participating. I look forward to reading about your selection. Your choices are always so inspiring.
DeleteSo glad to have found your blog(via the Earth Day blog party) and congratulations on your 100th post!
ReplyDeleteMaggie x
Thank you, Maggie Emm. I was glad to find your blog as well.
DeleteBetter late than never. The book I included for the Earth Day Reading Project is "Down the Garden Path". http://mary-goingnative.blogspot.com/2012/04/down-garden-path.html
ReplyDeleteLate is fine...there are still a few more days. I am looking forward to reading about your selection...sounds interesting. Thank you for participating in The Earth Day Reading Project. I am very happy to have you and your selection on the list.
DeleteI made it just in time, Michelle. Thank you for keeping the project open until the end of the month. Like you, I chose a children's book: The Oak Inside the Acorn by Max Lucado. I find it very inspirational, though not directly related to gardening. I hope you like it. P. x
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you could participate. Your selection is perfect for the theme. Thank you, again, Pam for participating this year.
DeleteAnd with one day to spare, here's mine on a nifty natural history book: http://madcrowherbals.com/2012/04/29/influences-the-forest-by-roger-caras/
ReplyDeleteMichael
Thank you, Michael, for participating. This sounds like a wonderful selection. I look forward to reading more about it.
DeleteI think I heard that you were going to do this even before April started, and I wanted to participate. And yet, I only managed to get in just under the wire. Whew! Thanks for a great idea. Here is my post:
ReplyDeletehttp://sproutsandwildlings.blogspot.com/2012/04/earth-day-reading.html
I've always loved Pooh and friends too and fantasized about living in the 100-acre wood when I was a little kid living in the city without even a backyard. It never occurred to me that Pooh might have been part of my own original inspiration for a love of nature, but it could be so. Thanks for a fun and joyful post.
I am glad you could participate. Winnie the Pooh and that 100-acre wood is something that will be with me forever, a childhood dream that remains a dream today. I am so glad you enjoy the project.
DeleteHi - If poems are allowed, here's my contribution :
ReplyDeletehttp://experiments-with-plants.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/foxgloves-30-apr-2012.html
Poems are fine! Sometimes I think poetry can express a sentiment that prose cannot. I am looking forward to reading about your selection. Thanks for participating in The Earth Day Reading Project.
ReplyDeleteLike all the pictures....look eye pleasant.
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