We’ve been talking about doing some type of review of sustainable alcoholic beverages here at canvas for some time. As with many things in life this took time to come together. Our first panel tasting is tonight and we’re all excited. As we ready for the evening the jitters creep in.

Although we have our format together, the first tasting will be a work in progress since most of us are lay people in this vain. We hope to share some great new sustainable products with our readers. As with any review beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I hope our first tasting is a beauty that I’d want to drink myself or share with my friends. [Read more →]

It’s interesting to me how Earth Day is just short of a Hallmark Holiday these days. I almost feel like Corona is ready to take the day over, like they have Cinco de Mayo. Sad, but true. I’m trying to be an optimist saying to myself that this recognition is better than no recognition at all. I guess time with tell.

Last night we watched a Planet Green, Focus Earth Special, featuring six individuals who are making a difference today. I was watching this special with my daughter, Candice, while my wife, Adele, put our son, Jake, to sleep. After Adele put Jake to sleep she joined us for the balance of the show and proceeded to share this story.

She told us that Jake said he didn’t like the rain he heard outside his window. Adele said she told him the rain is good. It helps the flowers, plants and trees grow, it helps give us the water we drink, it’s good for the Earth.

“I don’t like the Earth,” Jake said.

Adele replied the “Earth is good Jake, it’s where you live, and that’s why we have to take care of it.”

“Why?” Jake asked.

Adele responded, “because the Earth needs us to help, that’s why we recycle and pick up garbage and not throw things. That lets the trees and flowers grow so you can see them.”

“I like the Earth Mom!” was Jake’s response.

Wow… imagine if it were that easy with everyone.

Fast forward to this morning…Jake walked outside with me headed out for the day, as we approached the walkway between our house and driveway he said “What’s the Earth Dad?”

I showed him the dirt, the trees, the flowers starting to come up and I could tell by the look on his face and the way he touched the ground he got it.

Earth day in the eyes of a little boy who is 2.75 years old is precious. Jake doesn’t know it but he already has some good habits. He recycles, he helps pick trash up around the curb of our house and he loves the dirt!

Reflect this Earth Day

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

I can ride in warm rain but not cold rain like today…ughhh. Looking forward to the May flowers. Week two bike commute will commence after this rain delay.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

Today is the final day of my first week of commuting via bicycle. I’m happy to say today’s weather is very conducive to riding. It’s the first day this week I didn’t walk into the office with a shiver and feel like I needed to being wearing gloves.

It’s also been an interesting week and I learned a few things such as:

– Mulch is a predominant morning smell this time of year

– Even a 5 to 10 min bike ride can help clear your head and decompress you

– Most drivers don’t think twice about cyclists

– My hard seat hurts my butt

– I need to shed pounds so the lack of shock absorption isn’t so dramatic

– I’ve enjoyed my rides

– I’m looking forward to next week

Give it a shot if you can, you may find as I have you’ll start looking forward to the ride.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

Note: If there are any cycle shops that would like to sponsor my trek or this blog contact me LOL

I’m still pedaling to work four days into week one. I find my wind is starting to come back, yea. Seeing the sunshine this morning was a great thing, although deceptive.

As I headed out on my bike I wondered where the warm weather is? The wind chill on the bike makes it a few degrees colder and I certainly didn’t feel like we’re half way through April. I’m looking forward to the warmer, not hot, rides.

I had an appointment this morning in Huntington and my wife, Adele, asked if I’d be biking to it. My answer was no, for two reasons. The first was that the appointment was a lengthier ride up hill, which I don’t think my wind is ready for yet. This lack of wind head visions of Steve Carrell, in the 40 year old virgin, flying through the side of a truck bouncing around in my head. As Jake would say that would be “not so good.”

Proudly I didn’t abandon my ride, after i finished my appointment, I picked up my bike and headed into the office. Pedal, pedal, pedal.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine