So as I have just returned...

from a trip to Ft. Collins, Colorado, I can't help but appreciate the focus on recycling and all things green. It reinforced my belief that beautiful and useful things (such as potting sheds/greenhouses) can be created using recycled windows and other recycled building materials!

While in Ft. Collins I found myself sitting in a waiting room that had the recent "O" magazine by Oprah. There were a series of articles about women that had chosen to start various business endeavors under the "Live Your Best Life" series of articles. The one that caught my attention was titled "From Editors to Entrepreneurs" which shared the story of two women who met through editing for various publications and eventually became inspired to move on from editing to a more fulfilling endeavor. They had worked with many entrepreneurs over the years and wanted to give it a try themselves while also finding a way to give back. They started a business selling charms for bracelets and each charm was associated with a particular non-profit organization that they then donated 50% of the net income to that organization. I thought about this for awhile and realized that I too have always wanted to have my own business and to give back to society.  My volunteerism and work with various businesses over the years inspires me to do just that. My goal, as I mentioned in my previous blog, is to donate one of my first potting sheds to a program in the San Joaquin Valley that teaches children to grow plants and work ethics in order to keep them away from gangs, drugs & alcohol. Once I get my business fully up and running, I would like to donate a portion of the net income to various charities that will continue to support our children in their growth either as mentioned above or growth during or after illness, etc... There are many ways to help children get outside and grow something so that they can grow in the process!

 I continue to marvel at the intense sense of joy I get from just thinking about this fledgling business of mine and can hardly wait to see what each new day brings!

Dana

Do you ever wonder why....

things just seem to work out most of the time? I shared in my previous blog that I have a friend who is giving me recycled windows that his business removes when they install new ones. When I picked up the first load of windows, several of them were broken. I wanted the glass replaced and said I would call them soon about picking them up, leaving with my estimate in hand.

Today when I called the kind gentleman said that they had been trying to figure out a way to replace the broken glass so that it would not cost me anything and he asked if I would be okay with used glass instead of new? My response was "yes!" followed by the thought that I wish I had come up with that idea!Given that the main premise of my business is to utilize recycled materials as much as possible, I couldn't have asked for a better solution. So again I ask you, do you ever wonder why...

With renewed gratitude to my generous donor and friend,

Dana

I was reading the newspaper this morning....

Enjoying my coffee and wondering what I would find that would interest me and there it was on page B-2 of the Telegram Tribune, an article titled "Cultivating kids in Central Valley garden". Apparently Manuel Jimenez, retired farm worker, is giving children in the Central Valley training in farm techniques and good work habits while providing them a place to escape the temptations of gang life. The following quote from Mr. Jimenez in the article particularly grabbed my attention "We want to grow kids in our gardens, because we've seen what violence, drugs and alcohol can do". Hmmm, he wants to grow kids in his garden and I want to provide kids "A place to Grow", I do believe I need to talk to him to share our vision and see if I can donate a potting shed/greenhouse to his program!

Later this morning I picked up the first batch of recycled windows!! The next step is to start designing the greenhouses. The first potting shed/greenhouse will go to my twin sister and her husband for their support of my journey. I hope the second will go to Mr. Jimenez and his amazing program!

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Dana

So much to be thankful for...

On this Thanksgiving Day I find myself counting my many blessings, family, health, and friends to name a few. I am also thankful for the seeming strangers that end up being connected to me in abundant ways! I am touched by the generousity of so many that are stepping up to help me with this venture. So to all of you Thank You and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Dana

And so my journey begins...

Creating this blog is the first step of my journey. I am mixed parts excited, nervous and peaceful knowing that this is what I am meant to do. I have felt the pull of this venture for several years now and am finally at a place in my life where I feel ready to embark on this journey!

A Place to Grow is the name of my business which is to use environmentally friendly practices to build greenhouses, potting sheds, children's playhouses, artist studios or meditation retreats. The structures will be built using mainly recycled building materials such as windows and doors. My goal is to create spaces for people to grow plants, grow themselves, or for children to grow in any and all of these ways through a sense of connectedness to our earth and a renewed sense of spirituality!

I embrace any and all comments or suggestions, thank you for joining me on this journey.

All the best, Dana