Heavenly Things

These days I’m preoccupied with the enormity of the long term implications of the Gulf spill.  Our very real petroleum dependence is tied to our use of plastic, the pack-man  of all living things.  To draw back from that is imperative if we are to survive as a species as I see it. 

Until the spill, I and most everyone I know, were not really aware of the numbers of oil rigs – day in and day out – sucking the core of the earth dry all over the world.   What  fills the empty space?    Although drilling has gone on for some time, the degree of this incredible rape of the earth and the products produced from this abuse has taken place in less than 50 years.  We have been complicit in this experience and we can change it.  We must do so asap.

In the last two or three years particularly, the politically correct focus on the non use of plastic bags, because of the awareness that they are not biodegradable, has had an impact.  In my little store, this year in particular and before the spill,  I observed the numbers of people who refuse bags in general.  We use mostly paper bags with one plastic bag option for those who request it so I was very aware of the change.  My guess is that 75% of my customers refuse bags – plastic or otherwise.

That being said, Heavenly Things from Art to Zen is a barely a drop in the ocean of life and if it is being done on this level, just think of the quiet revolution that could take place if we stopped using plastic whenever there is an alternative. 

Peace, Lynne

Writing Settings ‹ Heavenly Things — WordPress.

There is a saying, “if you want to know what you love, think about losing it.” 

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this lately with the threat to our beautiful Gulf of Mexico.  I moved to St. Pete while in high school.  For those of you who know me personally, that is quite some time ago.   Unlike those who are born here or choose to move here from elsewhere, I ended up here by default you might say because of family.   I took it all for granted.  All I could see for a long time was the heat and I prefer a cooler climate.  I’ve long since changed my limited point of view.  But until the spill threatened all we hold dear, I didn’t know how deeply I felt about how blessed we are to be living in this unique and special place in the world. 

In prior years the Gulf waters off St. Pete Beach was pristine and clear.  You could see jelly fish swimming while  crabs scurred across the bottom sand.   Although not as pristine perhaps as it once was, the Gulf with its beautiful sunsets are  still paradise to many.   I do remind myself often that those who are not so lucky to live here go through some expense to come here to vacation and soak in what is ours to enjoy daily.  Now, the beauty that is our special place in the world, is in very real danger that will impact our lives in great measure. 

To that end. as a reminder, every piece of plastic is made from petroleum, it is in our food and in our prescription drugs.  My opinion is that focusing on oil relative to global warming is real – but the actual dependance on oil is due to our over use of plastics and other petroleum products.  The extraordinary use of plastics did not occur until the 60′s and if we follow a time line in that direction, I think we will have our eyes opened some.

Peace, Lynne

July 12, 2010

It’s been over a year since my one and only blog post.   It was hard to communicate for a time, there was so much uncertainty about the survival of my store, Heavenly Things.  By the end of summer there were so many lost businesses in our beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, and of course, specifically impacting me was the sad demise of Jannus Landing Productions.   

But, Grace has reigned, the store is standing and I am looking at a light at the end of the tunnel.   I’m happy to say, there are new businesses opening again in downtown.   Some in our Jannus Landing neighborhood.   Messineo’s Gourmet Mrkt just opened across the street next to Starbucks, the Bishop has expanded its nightclub and purchased the Oyster Bar across the alley from them on Central, there’s a new Moroccan food restaurant featuring belly dancing, and the Cuban Cigar store opened a Cuban coffee bar with Cuban pasteries on the menu. 

The best for us is that Jeff Knight took over Jannus Landing and turned it into  Jannus Live- the hottest thing going downtown – saving the oldest outdoor venue in the state.  Some die hard “Landing” devotees lamented that it wasn’t going to be the same funky place anymore.  Well, they were right.  It is now better than before!  No portalets – clean bathrooms for starters.  I could rant the praises of the venue  but you can go to www.Jannuslive.com to see for yourself.   You can’t hear the surround sound though unless you attend.   I am very psyched to see Flaming Lips October 13th.   Coming up are a couple of fund raisers – check out the Jannus Live site for what you might be interested in supporting.  All good rock and roll for sure.

Peace, Lynne