Monday, August 10, 2009

WXPN music festival





WXPN music festival. In a word, amazing! These shots represent only a fraction of the bands and good times experienced at this 3-day celebration of music. The Village Green picture shows all the green companies at the festival who shared their message with the music fans. We were in the 2nd booth, and coincidentally, had a perfect view of the Marina stage! My favorites from the festival...in the middle, Hoots and Hellmouth, a rock-gospel-jam-revival energy that just doesnt stop! Thousands of people crowded in to see Hoots and Hellmouth rock the stage as the sun went down over the Marina. Last pic is my surprise favorite of the festival, John Forte...powerful lyrics full of hope and inspiration...reminded me a lot of Michael Franti...Mr. Forte produced and co-wrote tracks on The Fugees The Score, plus 2 solo albums!...this particular evening he was accompanied by a philly local on a washboard! (I forgot her name...sorry!) Somebody post her name if you know!
If you didnt go, check out the archives on www.wxpn.org, and get there next year!

Hiking at Ravenswood in Gloucester MA



A good friend took me hiking while I was up in Boston filming with The Garden Girl. We hiked a miles of trails on the property known as Ravenwood, a 600 acre property preserved as open space. This property was filled with stunning views and cool woodland plants around every corner. The mosses and ferns were emerald green, and the mushrooms were popping all over! Given they had 28 days of rain in the 30 days of June, its not too surprising...but I digress. My friend loves this trail because it is dog-friendly, has great views, is an easy hike, and has lots of cross trails to keep it fresh and interesting for folks who visit often.
Filming with Patti Moreno, The Garden Girl was the main focus of the trip, so when we returned from our morning hike, off I went to Garden Girl studios. We filmed a couple segments just chatting on soil biology, soil amendments, and all things soil related. You will be able to catch them at some point on youtube, our website, or on Patti's E-zine. If you havent checked out the Sustainable E-zine, hit it up! www.urbansustainableliving.com






Glass Art on display at Phipps Conservatory



Anyone know what Orchid this is? If you saw the movie Adaptation, you may remember...it is the ghost orchid native to the everglades in Florida. Although, if you look close you will see it is not a living plant, but an amazing glass sculpture! This and many more beauties are on display at The Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA. If you have the time, its worth the trip! Plus you can check out their new Tropical Conservatory, perhaps the most energy efficient greenhouse of its kind in the world!

Organic Mechanic Summer

Wow. Its been way too long since I've posted on the blog. Between today and my last post I have been to 2 trade shows, travelled to nigara falls and colton point state park (my wife and I finally took our honeymoon), visited Boston for filming with the Garden Girl (http://www.gardengirltv.com/), and became a consultant for an EPA granted program through the Institute for Local Self Reliance. More on each of these in posts to come...
Whew! Between the late nights and early mornings, I am ready for the dog days of summer! This is a quick post letting you all know The Organic Mechanic is back in Chester County PA! Hope you enjoy the picture of Gallardia 'Oranges and Lemons' as much as this bumble bee did!