Gladden The Heart

Sensing a Trend

Charlotte — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:46:00 +0000

Through my work with on Alma Latina I have had several opportunities to meet various people who have great hopes for Birmingham. There are many wonderful organizations that work to support and serve our community and its residents. I have noticed, though, that there is room for more partnerships between those who have common goals.

If our businesses, public servants, non-profit organizations, and religious organizations could find more ways to work together as allies instead of being self-protective and competitive, our city’s resources would be better utilized. All parties would benefit from an increase in efficiency and effectiveness. We would all be more connected through our common goals and would be more willing to contribute our time, talents, energy, and money to those who are committed to improving our community.

Charlotte — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:46:00 +0000

Home for the Holidays: Freezer/Pantry Challenge

Charlotte — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:45:59 +0000

http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/05/how-to-find-money-in-your-freezerpantry-join-the-challenge.html

Home for the Holidays: Baby Steps

Charlotte — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:45:59 +0000

Our Little Garden

Charlotte — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:24:23 +0000

Last month John from The Backyard Pantry delivered our raised garden bed. Because life has been crazy and I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate the work+family+other roles and responsibilities situation (more on that soon), I have put off starting our garden. Until today.

After school we went over to Sweet Peas in Homewood and purchased broccoli, cabbage, parsley, lettuce, and rosemary. It took us about 10 minutes to plant and water everything. Since mid-October isn’t necessarily the ideal time to start a garden I’m not expecting this little project to be a huge success. And, I’ve never had much of a green thumb–I’m more of a gardener of ideas than of things that grow in dirt. I’d love for that to change, though.

Riley and Brady have gardened at their schools for the past two years and have absolutely loved it. So right now they think I rock. Which is nice. I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with them and possibly enjoying the fruits of our labor. We’ll see what happens…

Reentry

Charlotte — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:09:40 +0000

The transition over the last five months since I first started my consulting work has been mostly smooth(ish). We have also been adjusting to Riley and Brady being at a new school with longer hours. Our new rhythm is emerging and our days are starting to feel more familiar. I’m looking forward to writing about this phase of our family’s journey here at Gladden the Heart.

www.charlottedonlon.com

Charlotte — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:07:48 +0000

My new website is up and running. www.charlottedonlon.com focuses on my work, but also includes glimpses into other areas of life. Because it’s all connected.

How does your garden grow?

Charlotte — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Happy day! I just ordered some raised garden beds from The Backyard Pantry. I met the owners, John and Karen, at the Pepper Place Market on Saturday and was immediately won over by their genuine passion for equipping others with everything they need for their gardening journey.

Riley and Brady are thrilled about our new project. Over the last couple of years they have “worked the land” at their schools, but now we’ll get to enjoy gardening together without too much angst on my part. (Hopefully.) The beds come filled with good soil and John and Karen are glad to guide us along the way, so I think we might actually be able to see some fruits of our labor.

Even though they have received several orders recently, our beds should be delivered in the next two weeks. Apparently it’s not too late to start a garden here in Birmingham. These are some of our options:

Beans
Field peas
Rutabagas
Turnips
Cabbage
Broccoli
Collards
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Celery

If anyone has any tips, please share. Maybe I’ll repay you by having you over for some of this.

Wish us luck!

Firsts

Charlotte — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:43:00 +0000

My daughter has a new blog post about her first few days of first grade at Cornerstone.

She and I are enjoying a restful morning of writing and talking in our jammies while waiting for Tim and Brady to return with doughnuts.

Life is good.

HICA at Pepper Place Market this Saturday!

Charlotte — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:38:00 +0000

One of my clients, The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, has an exciting day planned on Saturday (August 8th) as they gear up for Alma Latina next Thursday. If you’re in Birmingham, be sure to join us for all of the upcoming festivities!