Polar Bears, Christmas Trees, and Voluntary Simplicity

I made some more dry-felted wool penguins (from pure natural wool from my sheep).   And this year I made wool polar bears, to represent the North Pole.   Go to check out the holiday window display at the  North End Gallery (Leonardtown, MD) to see my world "globe" with the bears at the North pole (with a shrinking icecap) and penguins down south.  Here are a few of the penguins, bears, and cubs before they left my house:

They will be on dislay at the Gallery until the end of Dec.
 

Frank planted a grove of Norway Spruce Christmas trees over 10 years ago (for our own holiday tree harvest).  However, we have a couple extra trees that we want to remove this year.   They are totally organic trees (not sprayed with anti-desicants, pesticides, etc.) but they are also not sprayed with flame-proofing...so don't let them get too dry in the house.  Many people with pets or small children want organic trees now because they worry about them ingesting toxic chemicals from today's trees.   If you know of an organization (church, school, or needy family) that could use a most beautifully grown 10' tree, we will be happy to cut it and give it to the person(s).  We are only parting with 2 trees this year.  301-862-3421
 
In light of the conspicuous consumption that the holiday season often brings, I thought is might be time to start a local chapter of a Voluntary Simplicity group.  I would like to offer our house (since Frank may have allergy problems with other settings) for the gatherings.   We could have potluck dinners.   I will be happy to offer our locally grown garden food to entice participants to share in the bounty of great local food.  Others could bring something simple to supplement.   Dress would be extremely casual and comfortable.  We could discuss ways to simplify one's life, save money and energy, get off the rat race, think of better ways to live abundantly but in a sustainable way.  Basically, let's find a better way to find happiness but without impoverishing future generations or third world citizens.  I may have a good video on handmade in America that we might be able to launch the first meetings with; That would tie in with the holiday gift-giving topics.  I thought once a month would be good.  Call or email if you're interested.   Also, would you want to start this month?  Or wait until Jan.?
 
Finally, Erica Wilheim has a 6T/6H 40" floor loom (maple wood, perhaps with sectional beam) for sale, if anyone is interested.  Her number is 301-934-4520.   I can try to help advise or get more info if someone is interested.