Welcome to the ezine produced by SGI Buddhists that prompts the positive, kindles the constructive, highlights the hopeful and leaves you feeling - well, up!
Published on Saturday, 19 September 2009 19:00 | | 
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How I love Switzerland, writes Julia Stephenson. Ten years ago, when I was writing my first novel and desperate to escape all distractions, I decamped to Geneva to finish it.
I rented a small eyrie in the Hotel At Home in the Paquis district (my garret was surprisingly cheap; it was only later I realised this was because it was in the red-light district).
Published on Saturday, 12 September 2009 19:00 | | |
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Many people thought we were mad keeping chickens on our small London roof, writes Julia Stephenson, but three months on our girls are thriving and laying delicious eggs that are keenly appreciated by all. So, what’s next?
Well, keeping bees of course! The Queen’s grocer, Fortnum and Mason, has set a trend with hives on their roof that are producing delicious honey with, according to Fortnum’s resident bee expert, notes of 'chestnut and lime, to reflect the trees in the city. Our bees will have feasted on buddleia, lavender and bergamot.'
It sounds irresistible.
Published on Saturday, 29 August 2009 19:00 | | |
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With the school holidays now in their final furlong many parents are quite worn out, writes Julia Stephenson
Two months of feverish activities have left some mums on the verge of psychotic breakdown and seeking relief with large glasses of medicinal Chardonnay by bath time.
Published on Saturday, 22 August 2009 19:00 | | |
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Four years ago I received planning permission to convert my loft into a spacious bedroom, writes Julia Stephenson
I was also granted permission for three wind turbines, eight solar panels, a wood-burning stove, a hen coop and raised vegetable beds as part of my ambitious plan to create the first carbon-neutral dwelling in Sloane Square.
This victory presented a new dilemma. Who could I ask to do the building work?
Published on Saturday, 15 August 2009 19:00 | | |
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Over the years I have been so successfully indoctrinated about the dangerous effects of sun exposure that I have become adept at nearly avoiding it altogether, writes Julia Stephenson.
I shudder at the sight of fellow Brits who immediately shed all their clothes at the merest glimpse of sun sizzle but now health experts suggest these sun strippers have been right all along.
Published on Saturday, 08 August 2009 19:00 | | |
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Burning left-over food and supermarket waste to provide energy sounds like a good idea writes Julia Stephenson. Wind farms, nuclear generators and coal powered gas stations are controversial so anything that can create energy out of rubbish is a great idea. Isn’t it?
Yet the news that that Tesco is sending 5,000 tons of leftover meat a year to be burned to generate electricity for homes created shock waves with vegetarians and meat eaters alike. It seems that green washing has reached a new low.
Published on Saturday, 01 August 2009 19:00 | | |
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Every Wednesday, Farmaround, an organic vegetable box company, delivers a large box of British vegetables straight to my door, writes Julia Stephenson
They offer great value and I feel
happier knowing that the farmers involved in the scheme get paid a
proper sum for their produce – unlike those that must face the
nightmare of dealing with capricious supermarkets who can terminate
contracts on a whim and reject vegetables if they are the wrong size or
shape. It’s also a relief to know that the contents of my box have not
been sprayed with pesticides.