Acting Locally, Changing Globally

It's really interesting, this movement to "Going Local".

Not really surprising, given the (intentional) escalation of our fuel costs, but the movement started some time ago. No one can really say for sure how long it's been growing, but growing, it has been.

From the Mom and Pop water store to the 5 and Dimes, we see these stores come and go every year. Those with the best business savvy make their marks forever in their communities-those without, well, they learn some hard lessons and usually they pick up the pieces and do it all over again.

We call them "Entrepreneurs" and they come in every shape and size. The latest gaining in momentum are the farmers. Those supporting them, called "Locavores".

Of course, one of my greatest goals (or at least a piece of it) is having my own garden. It's an adventure for me to just think about it. A small plot of land, carefully tilled and cultivated. Singular rows passing across a rolling hill just below my wrap-around porch. Clouds above the landscape promising to bring the life-giving substance we call rain.

The smell of horse manure wafting on the breeze actually CAN be comforting!

It's an expression of independence, my garden. It is so much a part of my life, I may even give it a name. What do I call it? What name could do justice to something so special?

I suppose I'll wait a while and its name will come to me. Like my wrap-around porch will, in time.

These locavores, they're the ones that buy the locally produced foodstuffs. The range is figured at 250 miles, by the way. Has to be closer than that to be considered "Local". I'd cut that back a bit if I were part of the Bureau of Weights and Standards, but if it helps a family farmer or a vintner out, go for it!

They are 'Earthy Entrepreneurs', to say the least. Counting on the good earth and the palates of strangers to support their families, they somehow eke a living off the land. They change the world by changing one life at a time. For me, I want to change the world too, but I want to do it quick!

That's what's happening with The Armadillo Dollar. One by one, people are beginning to realize that their lives can be better if they do little things, one at a time. Whether it be eating food that comes from a local source (not countries that may or may not care about us) or putting a little shield around their bank cards, when they make these changes, they feel better.

And isn't that what we're supposed to be doing? Feeling better one little bit at a time?

For me, I'm going to get back to work, inviting people to visit our website and learn about what they can do to feel a little more secure living in this all-too-insecure world one small bite at a time. In the end, I intend to invite you all to my first harvest.

I plan on needing the extra hands!