Empathic Writing Journey

SOME SEASONAL POTPOURRI. When you see mistletoe, what comes to your mind? We typically associate it with winter, festivity, and kissing. But did you know that mistletoe is a parasitic plant? It exists by attaching itself to a host tree, and then absorbing water and nutrients from it.I think this is a very timely and appropriate reminder -- during this time of year when people get even more consumptive than usual -- to not behave as parasites... sucking the life out of the planet we indwell, as though the Earth was nothing more than material resources for our decadent, unconscious pleasure.I know... that message isn't sweet like a sugar cookie, but I only share it 'cause I love you, and our shared home. Which brings me to... AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR URBAN REGENERATIVE DESIGNERS. LOVIN' THE BIG METRO CITIES WE'RE IN. In permaculture circles, there's an unfortunate tendency to regard cities as inferior places to be. Congestion, pollution, senseless zoning restrictions, too much concrete and