This Birmingham Woman May Get Arrested for...WHAT?

Friday, May 1st was Ana Sullivan's birthday.   But not even the gorgeous weather we've been having could brighten up this major birthday bummer...

On that very day, the City of Birmingham gave her a "present" in the form of a notice.    It was a warning that if she didn't correct a certain something within 14 days, a warrant would be put out for her arrest.

The offense?

Flowers.

These flowers to be exact:

Coreopsis 

Ana planted them in her front yard, located in the Avondale neighborhood, along with some cosmos and poppies.

What's the catch, you may be thinking?  Certainly, there is something else going on, right???

I went to her house to check out the situation and get a closer look.  Surely, someone cannot be arrested for flowers!

Here is what I saw:

Ana's house with lots of pretty flowers

To be fair, the flowers are in the "right of way" which is technically owned by the city.   I'm still not sure about the damage the flowers are doing to threaten a warrant. 

This is the view from the front porch.  Nothing offensive here as far as I can see.

Sure enough, here's the letter:

I asked her about the jasmine that covers and shades the front porch, thinking that maybe there are some laws about that.  She said, no, that it has been there for years, and that was not what the letter was referring to, (to which I agree).   She also disclosed to me that this time last year, while attending her daughter's end-of-the-school-year party, she came home to see her yard (oops, sorry, the right of way between the sidewalk and the street) cut -- yes, CUT DOWN.  Last year, she was given no notice, no warning, and a neighbor confirmed that indeed it was someone from the City who had done it.

At least this time, the City of Birmingham had the decency to allow her to cut them herself?

Ana is currently in touch with several members of the community to get to the bottom of this.  The woman at the phone number on the citation loosely claimed that it was the "undergrowth" to the coreopsis, not the yellow flowers themselves, but Ana was quick to point out that those too, were flowers (cosmos) that just haven't bloomed yet.  Plus I'm not sure how this logic plays out in accordance to the 2-to-4-inch rule mentioned in the letter.

It seems that there are a couple of species in her yard that are supposedly federally protected as well...which could make this whole thing even more interesting.



HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Spread the word!    Change takes all of us!  Ana is also concerned that 14 days is an unreasonable amount of time to figure out what to do and what her rights are.  If you can help, please email her at m.anasullivan@yahoo.com 





Remember...  
A few years ago in Los Angeles, Ron Finley was arrested for "guerrilla gardening" (this time it was food) in those patches between sidewalk and street.  ARRESTED...for gardening. 

But because of the outrage of the community, the pressure caused the city to change these ridiculous laws!  Now you can grow veggies (as well as flowers) in the areas technically owned by the city.  Note that Finley was planting in food deserts; it's a good thing that men like Finley are working to make our cities healthier and more livable!  

Here's his Ted Talk if you need some mad inspiration.

When a Feng Shui Cure is NOT a Cure (a.k.a. My Feng Shui Nod to Football Season)

It's football season!  And you know what that means in the South.

That it's football season!  And people are really happy about it.

For that reason, I thought I'd share a true story about a client and a football helmet.

To begin:
This particular client had a working knowledge of feng shui, so much so that her entire home office (which was also located in her Money section) had just about every knick-knacky feng shui cure known to man in there.

Like this:

...wealth gods?

...some kind of money tree?

...no clue...just don't go there.

And, of course, the famous lucky cat:

Hi, I'm a lucky cat...(and I'm kind of random.)

Now, if this is your style, then great.  BUT these items do not necessarily promote good feng shui.  Especially if there are so many of them that it equals the c-l-u-t-t-e-r.

When I explained to this client that
#1. clutter is not good feng shui, I don't care what the kind of luck it promises,
#2. having SO many cures actually reveals to me that she's afraid of losing her money rather than implementing a cure and trusting that the cure will work, and
#3. a lot of these gimmicky things that are labeled as good feng shui are actually just that --

gimmicks...

...so we both went to work clearing out most of these so-called cures and leaving only the really awesome ones to represent healthy wealth and finances.

It felt great!

But we weren't finished.

Now, as we were clearing out objects, it became more and more apparent what was working and what wasn't.  (You know, the ol' peeling layers from an onion analogy.)  Lo and behold, a certain something was calling out to me.  She had a large bookshelf in her office, and it was very close to her chair and desk, and on the top of that bookshelf, amongst other items, was a football helmet in a glass case.

It looked something like this:

I asked her about it.

She said, "Oh, I don't know.  It was some gift or award or something.  I just didn't know what to do with it."

Ding, ding, ding!!!  My little clutter alarm went off.  She could care less about this helmet so why the heck was it taking up space in her home?

Now, here is what happened.

We took it down.

And let me tell you, it felt like a gush of wind had come into the room. The energy shifted so much from that one item, that my client literally had to sit down because she was dizzy.  I was used to this kind of shift, but boy, she didn't know what hit her!

gush of wind   (Hey! Feng Shui is literally "wind, water")

It was BIG.  I noted that the helmet was representing a burden "hanging over her head," and that it's presence had taken on some major energy.   I explained that her money situation was "overbearing" in some way and had become a "weight on her shoulders."

By removing the helmet and shaking that energy up, we lightened the feel of the office...and therefore, her money situation.

I'm happy to say that her finances, which had been in major crisis, took a huge shift and are getting back on track.

And that football helmet has found a new home at the Goodwill. Thank goodness.

It's Crape Myrtle, Not Crape Murder!

What's wrong with these pictures?

Unfortunately, we see a lot of this around the South this time of year.

These are Crape Myrtles.  They are typically beautiful trees with smooth trunks and blossoms that occur in the mid to late-summer, with colors ranging from white to lavender, red to pink.  They are such a refreshing sight in the heat of the year, and I have an affinity for them.

So it absolutely makes me cringe to see them in this shape!

I heard someone refer to it as "crape murder."  And from what I've learned from this type of "pruning," they are spot on!

Arborists and tree specialists refer this kind of cutting as TOPPING.  Topping is, for the most part, very bad for your tree.  So why are so many people doing it?  Why is it so accepted around the region?

I still haven't fully figured it out, but my best guess is because they want to control the shape of their tree.  For example, in the photo above, the crape myrtle was planted beneath a power line.  Duh.  Next time, choose a better spot for your tree.  Planting the right tree in the right place is the first step in ensuring your tree has a long, healthy life!

Another reason I believe people top their trees, is because, in a few months, the topping will become barely noticeable.  Instead, there will be several sprouts coming out of the branches where the cuts occur, giving the tree a full look again.  The tree does this because it's in emergency mode, so in reality, those extra branches aren't really so pretty after all.    Here's an example of a topped tree where the branches have grown in:

Notice the "knobs" where the tree sprouted out new branches due to stress

Therefore, an amateur will say something like, "But it grows back."  Yes, but at what cost?

A good rule of thumb is to not prune more than 25% of the crown (branches) of the tree at one time.  When you top, you prune 100% of the tree's crown!  Not only does it look hideous and choked for those few months while it's growing back, it also causes the tree tremendous stress!

In fact, the Arborists' Certification Study Guide (ISA) lists Eight Good Reasons Not to Top your tree.

1.  Starvation.
2.  Shock.
3.  Insects and Disease.
4.  Weak Limbs
5.  Rapid New Growth
6.  Tree Death.
7.  Ugliness.
8.  Cost.

Beware of tree services that practice bad pruning.  Think about it: if the tree grows back at this accelerated rate, then guess what, you have to call the tree guys again to come cut it again.  I smell a money-making scheme.

But now that you are educated on the matter, you can insist that they only prune a quarter of the tree's crown in order to keep it in its natural form.  Tell them that hacking off branches like that are not proper pruning techniques, to boot.  If they try to talk you out of it, call another company that has a certified arborist on staff.  Or heck, call me!

When properly cared for, trees will give back exponentially.  Here are some crape myrtles in their natural form taken after their bloom....   Pretty, huh?   They are known for their graceful shape -- let's keep them that way!

Crape Myrtle in its natural form 

Rows of Crape Myrtles at the Birningham Botanical Garden

Was I Wrong about the Trees at Park Lane?

I'm having a moral dilemma, and I need your help answering the question above.

Since I posted my last blog (Man-Made Tornado To Come Through Birmingham), I've been on a whirlwind of conversations, meetings, and even an interview with Fox 6 News.

I guess I stirred some things up -- it turns out that people actually do care about trees -- and they care about how this development is going to affect the community.

But I need to confess: There are some things I left out of that blog.  And there are some things I have learned since.  

To begin, I knew good and well that some of these old and beautiful trees on Park Lane property were not in the best condition.  

magnolia at the mercy of a power line on its right side = why it's important to plant the right tree in the right place!

this one needs some love

After all, they are old.  My grandparents aren't in tip-top shape either.  You know?

The problem is this:  in an urban environment, trees may have to be eliminated if they pose a risk to people.   This is proper practice and very much a part of urban tree care.  (And a great reason to take care of your trees when they are young.)

Also, I was fully aware that, as part of the development, they are intending to fix the stormwater drainage issue here.  Park Lane is deemed a flood zone.  Therefore, they are planning to raise the grade a couple of feet in order to tend to this problem.  In order to raise the grade, one must, well, start over.   Tree trunks buried under two feet of new soil just won’t do.  The tree will die. 

So, while we may want to say Cutting Down Trees & Development is bad, bad, bad, it's just not that simple.

In fact, a lot of folks think that Lane Parke is a really good idea – loss of “green” or not. 

Fred Spicer, the Executive Director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was kind enough to speak with me.  The Gardens are directly across the street from Park Lane Apartments. Luckily, the developers have included him on some of the decision-making, and Fred had a lot of information to impart.  

one of my favorite trees at the BBG -- a gorgeous Ginkgo -- stunning yellow color in the fall

pretty roses at the Birmingham Botanical Garden

Fred says, “Lane Parke has the potential to benefit the Gardens and the community in terms of visitorship, connectivity, and tourism,” while taking care of some stormwater run-off problems in the Gardens and at the Park Lane site.  

He also believes that the traffic issues in Mountain Brook Village could possibly be cleared up as a result of this development.

After hearing his reasons and taking some time to consider, I agree with him.  Lane Parke has the potential -- if it's done right.

But if it isn't, then what we are left with are a bunch of knocked-over trees and bulldozed historical buildings.  

I’m talking about Smart Growth.  And I’m not referring to trees.  Smart growth is a popular term in modern urban planning, and I see it as a necessity given the rate at which “development” is taking down trees and putting up buildings -- buildings that sometimes end up empty after a few short years. 

The way I see it, ALL growth needs to be smart…

…especially in the heart of Tree City USA.

I reiterate:  I see the potential in a new and improved Mountain Brook Village, including functioning walking paths that connect the village to the Gardens to the Zoo to Jemison Trail to the YMCA, including large shade trees IN the parking lots, including bike lanes and bike racks, and picnic areas, with cans for recycling, please.  

currently in Western parking lot;  not best functioning

Mountain Brook Village would be a great place for people to come spend the day -- shop, eat, visit the zoo, visit the gardens, enjoy the wooded Jemison Trail.  Park their cars, walk, ride their bikes, and be.  It truly would be community-building.  (Right now, it's just hot and traffic-y.)

In fact, studies show that pedestrian-friendly areas profit more.  Why?  Because people are moving slower, enjoying themselves, browsing -- and buying.  

Now, with all my questioning and conversing, one thing that I have found:  there is conflicting information in regards to this development.  Add to it the fact that Park Lane is in Mountain Brook boundaries, but Park Lane Road is part of Birmingham, things really get tricky.

Not to mention the newspapers (the primary source of information a few short years ago) are shutting down left and right, and emails, blogs, Facebook, and smaller publications are doing their best to take their place.

“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” In the Age of Communication, no less.

I know that it's not exactly in Lane Parke's marketing plan to shout out that over 200 trees are being cut down to do it, but think of the shock and sadness of the residents as they drive down Park Lane Road when those trees are gone!

in front of the apartments along Park Lane Road -- this one is in good shape!

 So.  I wrote that blog to inform all of you.  

That's all.  It wasn't really my job to tell you.  I did it anyway.

And you responded.  In a big way.  After all, trees are our lifeline.  I think perhaps on a subconscious level, we're all getting a tiny bit alarmed at the rapid loss of all these beautiful beings.  Rightfully so.   And at what cost?

mature liquidambar on Park Lane site

 At the end of all these musings, all I can say is that what I have found is that this development has a lot of moving parts, and there is no simple answer.   Was I wrong about the trees?

Well.  They are still alive.  They are still giving.  Life-giving.  So no, I don't think I was "wrong."

Source

Then again, what if Lane Parke became a model for green, sustainable, forward-thinking developments everywhere?  What if the new landscaping plan was gorgeous and we could have that canopy back, healthier and better within the next twenty, thirty, forty or fifty years?  What if people not only came from all over the South but the nation to witness Alabama’s smart growth in action?   (Wait.  Alabama?  Smart growth?  In the same sentence?  Now that's press.)

In that case, I think the trees here would gladly sacrifice themselves.  (Although in my heart or hearts, it still makes me sad.)  And if we could save a few more some how for the short and long term, all the better.

So many people have said, "Oh, Katie, the Lane Parke development is done.  It’s happening.”

No.  Nothing is “done” until the first tree is cut.  Moving parts or not.

In fact, word has it that they are still waiting on some things from the Cities of Birmingham and Mountain Brook as far as approvals.

So it's not "done." There is still time.  But not much.  Park Lane Apartments will be officially tenant-free this Sunday.  So take action immediately! 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1.  Letters to the Mayor of Birmingham, Mayor of Mountain Brook, and City Council members.  

     A. Express your concern for the Lane Parke development, and that you insist it be sustainable and an example of smart growth – in every way!  And until that plan is up to par, the trees and buildings should still stand.   Attend city council meetings --- this project has been delayed dozens of times so far.  Your voice counts!

    ***B.  TREE ORDINANCE – In many cities, there are strict regulations on killing a tree, even when on private property.  Write your Mayor, and insist that a smart tree ordinance be put into place as soon as possible.  (i.e. there is one sitting on the desk of the Mayor of Birmingham – let’s get it moving!)***    

          CONTACT:

          A.  Mountain Brook, Mayor Oden: lastvalhalla@aol.com

          B. Birmingham City Hall -- Third Floor

          Office of City Council (and/or Office of Mayor)

          710 North 20th Street

          Birmingham, AL 35203

          (205) 254-2000

         

2.  Become a member of the Birmingham Botanical Garden.  This is an amazing resource.  Not only is it gorgeous, they offer great educational opportunities to the public, including the children of under-served areas.   They depend on our funding!

3.  Educate yourself.  Our planet needs all the voices it can get.  The more you know, the stronger your voice.  Read, discuss, and attend your local classes.  Smart growth, urban planning, sustainable living, tree care, are all good key words to put into Google.  

4.  Get to know a tree.  Climb one.  Sit under one.  Observe one.  We, as a culture, have lost our connection to these great beings.  Reclaim it.  And encourage your children to as well.  AND OF COURSE!  Plant at least one tree before you die.  The right tree in the right place please.

To conclude, I'm going to pass on a quote a friend sent me this week.  It struck a resounding chord.

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods.  But He cannot save them from fools."     -- John Muir

Man-Made Tornado To Come Through Birmingham

Forgive the dramatic title.  But I have a point.  Read on.

In short, approximately 250 trees are slated to be bulldozed in Mountain Brook/Birmingham, Alabama beginning the first week of September.

Ironically, Mountain Brook, Alabama calls itself Tree City USA.  Indeed, the diversity, size, and number of trees in Mountain Brook is impressive. It’s a beautiful sight – in the Fall with the golds and reds, in the Spring with its blossoms, in the Summer with the (God bless it) much-needed shade.  In a way, it’s our pride and joy, right?  If there is one thing Birmingham has, it’s a lovely array of trees.

I’ve learned, however, that when there is an abundance of something, humans have a tendency to take it for granted.  We’ve all heard the old adage, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”

So you would think that when over 200 trees are to be cut down in the heart of Mountain Brook that there would be some fuss about it, right?

You’d think.  But let me ask: is the first time you are hearing about this? 

It is?  Don’t worry.  You aren’t the only one.  I attended a Tree Commission meeting for the City of Mountain Brook.  There were approximately eight people in attendance, all members except myself and another fellow.  And even some of those attendees – members of the Tree Commission, mind you! – did not realize that this many trees were to be cut down.

So, let me re-phrase.  You have heard of it.  It’s the Lane Parke development.  What you see in the photos are apartments that have been around a long, long time.  You know them.   The apartments where either you lived, your best friend lived, your parents lived, or your brother lived?  Everyone knows someone who has lived there it seems.  They are truly part of Birmingham’s history.

Yet, not only will they be demolishing all of these classic, sturdy buildings, but they will also be tearing down every tree you see in sight...and many more.    

Bye-bye a chunk of Mountain Brook’s canopy.  And right in prime locale too.  In fact, the Park Lane Apartments are directly across from the Birmingham Botanical Garden.  So much for Tree City USA.

Why are they doing this, you ask?  There will be stores, an inn, and some new apartments in its place.

Notice the missing tree canopy, and the weak attempt to add a tree into the drawing.  Mind you, there will be many, many cars, and those were left out as well.  Pretty building though.

And parking.  Lots and lots and lots of parking.  (I can hear Joni Mitchell singing right now.)

Not only are approximately 200 trees on the Park Lane property going to be wiped out, but because they think that widening Park Lane Road is a good idea, they will also be taking out some trees that belong to Birmingham’s Botanical Garden that line Park Lane Road.  Property of Birmingham, mind you. 

Trees on the left - Birmingham property -- will be gone to make another lane of traffic.  Is this necessary?

This photo was taken this morning, Wednesday, at approximately 8:30 AM (rush hour).   These trees are surrounding Birmingham's Botanical Garden, and are therefore Birmingham property.  They too will be cut down.  All of them.

Notice the shade in the photo.  NONE of that will be there.  The trees across the street are part of Park Lane.

So why do I care? 

Because I'm a Certified Arborist.  That means I know a lot about trees.  But much much much more than that, it means I CARE about trees.  And the more that I have learned about them over the years, the more impressed I have become. 

I will not go into the benefits of trees here (it’s too long for this particular blog).   But I am asking you to spread the word about these gorgeous, planet-cooling, shade-making, animal-housing, oxygen-producing, air-cleaning, rainwater-capturing amazing trees that benefit Mountain Brook and Birmingham more than we could ever understand.  EVERYONE in this community – from ages eight to 88 -- should know about this development before it happens, and have a chance to speak out if they feel inclined.

After all, the trees are humble.  They aren't going to shout out all the good that they do for the world.  They can't yell for a chainsaw to stop.  They can't debate, whine, plead, cry out, or persuade.

They don't have voices.

But we do.

They can't fight for their lives.

But we can.

After all, we mourned the losses of the trees in the tornadoes.

Photo Courtesy of al.com

We mourned the losses of the trees at Auburn. 

dying oak at Auburn University -- photo source

I hope we don't have to mourn these too.

please help

WHAT CAN YOU DO?  (I'm working on the best avenues, but to begin....)
1.  Please write or call one or all of the following people on the Tree Commission of Mountain Brook and tell them how you feel.
2.  SPREAD THE WORD -- Share this blog on Facebook.  Comment here.  Email me with your desire to help.  Even if you live outside of Birmingham, we need you!  Change happens in numbers.

Birmingham Bike Treasures & Ava's First Ride

So I bought a bike!  If you are looking for a used in Birmingham, call me, because I have got your hook-up!  This guy's basement is a treasure chest of bicycles -- road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, and some antiques that had me drooling -- which is why he prefers to remain anonymous.  Some of these babies are worth money!  I went over there, in the rain, last week, thinking (grumbling), "This guy better have something."  Boy, was I surprised, if not shocked, and pleasantly so.

look at this beauty - in the works

just a few in one tiny section of the basement

this bike comes up to my thighs -- built for a four-year-old -- in my guy's words: "The French start them early"

"These should be in a museum!" I said, turning around once again to see another twenty or so bikes in yet another corner of the basement, and amazed by all of them.

I asked him if he wanted to have a show.  He said, yes, he wants to have a show.  (...to be continued?...)

I really wanted the baby blue vintage Schwinn, but I went for the Specialized mountain bike in a fit of practicality over style.  If I still lived in Venice Beach, the Schwinn would be mine!

Anyway, what I set off to write about was the Ride of Silence that I attended Wednesday night.

What a lovely idea.  All over the country, groups of cyclists rode in unison, taking over the streets of their towns and cities, to honor the people who have been killed while riding a bike on the road.  It's a demonstration that whispers, "Share the road, please."  No one speaks, and the ride is supposed to be slow.

Not slow enough for me!

Here's what happened:

So I got my bike, right?  And I have a two-year-old little girl, Ava.  And I've always thought how fun it will be to ride her around on the bike.  After minimal research, I decided to go with the old seat-attached-to-back-of-bike, like my parents used back in the 70s.

I've been very disorganized this week -- things have been happily out of control since the Kickstarter campaign met its goal (Thank You!), so of course, at 4 PM, I'm still without a seat for the bike, and I had really been looking forward to this group ride.  The group was meeting at 6:30 in Homewood.  (Oh, did I tell you that there was to be a police escort and everything?  Love!  We get to take over the streets legally this way!)

Just as I was about to give up, I called my new friend, Stan, who is a cyclist (and arborist) in town.  As I knew he would, he came up with a plan, "Get in the car with the baby, go buy the seat, bring it back to your house, I'll help you put it on, then I'm going to my 5:30 ride that I have scheduled, then I'll see you at the Ride of Silence."

Without hesitation, Ava and I sped off to the Bob's Bikes, where I knew they had a seat.

I drove up to see Stan pulling up to my place, on his bike no less.  He was out of breath.  He must have pedaled hard.  He was meeting a group to cycle before the Ride of Silence so he had about twenty minutes to help me.

So he is putting the seat on (after a slight hiccup because he discovered that I own very few tools -- good thing my neighbor walked up at the right time!), when I realized that I have a helmet for myself, but not for Ava.

Granted, this is our first ride on my new bike, with Ava on the back.  25 lbs extra.  No big deal, right?

Yeah.  Not stable.  And I was about to ride on roads with no bike lanes.  It was a relatively short ride to my destination, but...

I went on anyway.  After all, after LA, I can handle Birmingham, right?

I lasted five minutes.  I just hated that my child did not have a helmet on!  I called the bike shop, Cahaba Cycles, where the group was meeting.  "Do y'all have toddler helmets and will you be open in ten minutes?"

The answer was yes.  So carefully, very carefully, I meandered over a busier street then through a sleepy neighborhood route.  A car whizzed by me, just as another cyclist was passing me as well.  He, in a very protective manner (gotta love the South) yelled at the driver, "SLOW DOWN!"

I had a few other "protective" moments.  At the major light, a young man in a huge truck, who was also waiting on the light, motioned to me to go ahead when it turned green.  Then, he sort of escorted me across Highway 31.  So cute!

A couple of minutes later, in Homewood, the car behind me basically stopped mid-street to simply let me go where I needed to go, which was the left-hand turn lane.  Yay!

Southern gentlemen, thank you for the courtesy.  You have no idea what it means to a lady sometimes.

(Of course, these men could've just thought I was completely nuts to be on my bike with a child on the back in a town with few bike lanes, but hey, I thought I'd give credit where credit is due.)

Got to the store, bought the helmet, and dozens upon dozens of folks had shown up (in full gear and mostly on road bikes I might add) for the Ride of Silence.  It was a lovely sight.

Of course, Ava was the only two-year-old.  In fact, I think I spotted about two children total, including mine.

But I prevailed.  We set out towards the back of the group, the blue police lights leading the way.  Silence.  Except for Ava going, "Weeeeee!  Weeeee!" (Yes, just like that pig in the commercial.)  So much for silence when we're around.

Sure enough, about ten minutes into the ride, we fell way behind on a big hill.  Too far behind.  A behind that even the cops weren't comfortable with, because they told me I needed to catch up, which, considering my circumstances, was not going to happen.

I merrily stopped, turned around, and rode home, this time more confident, and glad I made the right decision not to push it, with a baby on the back.

We stopped at the park, because Ava asked me too, and I tell you what, riding through the slow-paced neighborhoods of Homewood and Mountain Brook, the cool air on the my skin, the day calmly slipping away as I pedaled on --- yes, this is what I have been missing.  Just being outside, and breathing.  

"Cat, Mommy, meow."  Ava said.   And then, "I love bikes."  And then she went into a chorus of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

"I do too, sweetie.  I do, too."

Confession #3-- CarLess in ALABAMA????

So like I said, I've been busy.

Confession Number One: I got feng shui'd (i.e. got organized).
Confession Number Two: I got certified as an arborist.

What's my confession today?   What's Number Three, you ask?

Well, as you've seen plastered all over Facebook, I have just launched a Kickstarter campaign for a little movie I shot called CarLess in L.A.

And WAHOOO!  It's already raised $3010!  And that's in a day and a half!  I'm so grateful for all the generous contributions.

So?  What's my confession?  
Okay.   I went with zero carbon emissions in Los Angeles for 80 days (...or more -- contribute to the Kickstarter campaign so the movie can get made and you can find out!)...

But I'm not car-less in Birmingham, Alabama where I currently live!  In fact.  I don't even own a bike here.

My trusty Trek (named Trusty) is still in Los Angeles, where I keep it for visits so that I can bypass renting a car.

Trusty's cousin (source)

But what?

Yes, I bow my head in shame as I write this.

So what kind of person dares to go with zero carbon emissions, for almost three months (plus?), in the hugest, most car-dependent city we know,  THEN dares to have someone follow her around with a camera while she does it, THEN dares to ask friends, family, and strangers for $10,000 to finish the movie, BUT DOESN'T EVEN OWN A BIKE in her own town????

I CONFESS!!!!!

I confess.

(even smaller now)  I confess.

But see.  I have my reasons.  I have a long, long list of reasons.  Well, actually, I only have three:
1.  Birmingham is not a bike-friendly city.  This means there are very few bike trails, no "share the road" signs, the streets have tiny shoulders, and drivers that are not happy to see a cyclist blocking their way.  Trust me, I've checked it out.   (Interestingly, it's the windy, mountainy roads that make Birmingham so beautiful yet dangerous to ride.)

where are these signs in Alabama??

2.  I have a precious daughter who is only two-years-old, and I don't want to take her on a bike in a non-bike-friendly city.  Nor do I want to possibly deprive her of her mother (me) by riding in a non-bike-friendly city.  In short, I'm scared.  I can ride like a maniac in L.A., but here, there's slight anxiety!
3.  I keep it local for the most part, so do I really need a bike?

Okay, so the first two are, honestly, lame excuses.  A new friend of mine, a fellow arborist and cyclist, Stan Palla of Trees for Alabama, lives and bikes in Birmingham.  I expressed to him Reasons 1 and 2.  You know how he responded?  "Get over it."

He's right.

Not that I'm going to go pedaling down 280!  Nor am I going to whizz down 31.  Honestly, I'm going to be very strategic when I ride and where I ride, because I have already heard of too many awful car/bike-related accidents in Birmingham.  I learned in LA, however, that these incidents should not deter the willful rider, but I do believe that cyclists must be smart and recognize that, while cars should share the road, they are much bigger, faster, and stronger than bicycles.

So what about excuse number 3?  Ding, ding, ding!!!

Ladies and gentleman, do not fear.  I would not have let you down.

You see, when you see the movie CarLess in L.A., you will understand what I am doing!  (And you know you want to see it -- go contribute now here!)

I learned so much in those 80 days.  SO MUCH.  And I so want to share with you and you and you what I learned because it's AWESOME.  It's eye-opening, heart-healing, and good.

Basically, a little goes a long way.  A little goes a long, long way.  And that little goes even longer if there are many doing a little.  Make sense?  Which is why I want people to see the movie.  So more people can do a little to go a long way.

So, I keep it local -- meaning, I walk.  I chose the location of my home so that I can go days, if I have to, without getting into my car.

My daughter and I stroll to the grocery, stroll to local eateries, stroll to the botanical garden, stroll to the zoo, stroll to the local walking trail.  Sometimes, I get a babysitter and stroll to the local watering hole.

So, despite my lack of biking, I am still, and will always be, as car-independent as possible.

I do drive though.  My friends are spread out across town.  My little girl's child care is too far to walk and too dangerous for biking.  And there are things I like to explore outside my little circle.  The farmer's market, for example.  And places like Lowe's and the art supply store.   But when I do run errands, I do my best to streamline them.   And Whole Foods.  And.... Oak Mountain (known for its amazing mountain bike trails).

I fill up my car (a Honda Accord) about once a month.  (Is that good?  I don't even know!)

And what about public transit, you ask?

Good question.  Let me get back to you on that one.   (...and I mean it.)

Oh, and I'm looking for a good used bike, probably more mountain bike than road bike, and something kid-attachment-friendly.  I can't wait to get out on two wheels with my little girl!  She's gonna love it.  Because, face it, there are some places I can still ride to.  No more excuses, right?