Joe and I are leaving this morning for our annual vacation at the lake, where I will remain blissfully in denial about the fact that New York Gift is less than two weeks away.

Have a great week everyone! I’ll be back on Friday.

I got my new issue of American Craft in the mail today. (If you don’t subscribe, run out to the bookstore and pick up a copy.) I just read Sabrina Gschwandtner’s article Let ’em Eat Cake (totally great article, more to come later), which led me to Stephanie Syjuco’s blog and this amazing chair. Not only is the idea stellar – making a Morris chair from recycled packaging materials – but the craftsmanship is impeccable. I’m speechless!

Today I went to the local landfill to learn about their sustainable energy efforts. Yes, that picture above is of a part of the landfill. It certainly didn’t look or smell the way you’d expect a dump to look or smell. The landfill is using the methane gas generated from the garbage to create power (which also helps control the smell and reduces CO2 emissions). They also have a small solar power cell and wind turbine.

I was also impressed with their commitment to wildlife and ecology. The picture above shows their water runoff pond, where they use cattails to clean the water. They also provide habitats for a number of bird species (and not the usual seagulls either).

I guess if you have to have a dump (and they do recycle there as well) this isn’t a bad way to do it.

So, I’m sad to report that I was feeling a little overwhelmed, and had to cut a few craft shows.  I will no longer be participating in the Columbus Arts Festival or the Three Rivers Arts Festival.  (Ohioans – have no fear, I’ll still be at Cain Park.)

There always seems to be discussion when it comes to web 2.0 about whether or not the web will destroy conventional retail.  So, I wanted to share this quote I read on Dooce today: “…yes, shopping online is convenient, but being able to walk into a store and finding what you want?  Not having to wait for it to be delivered?  How genius is that?”