à la carte spirit by ilona fried
ilona fried
It’s Easier to Clean a Creek than a Closet
After extracting, sorting and hauling pounds of garbage in a creek clean up two weeks ago, I thought tackling my wardrobe would be a breeze. Ha! While nothing in my closet is rusty, stinky or heavy, many of my clothes carry invisible baggage that makes deciding what to keep, sell or donate like navigating an … Continue reading
What does it mean to commit? Part II
My first post on commitment generated several comments and the topic is one I frequently ponder. In recent readings and listenings (of podcast interviews), I’ve gleaned a few snippets worthy of contemplation. Commitment occurs in a context, and for people who end up in an environment or relationship that is not conducive to their thriving, … Continue reading
Cleaning up a Creek, Cleaning up Karma
Lured by a free breakfast, lunch and an REI t-shirt, I volunteered to help clean up the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, 25 minutes from my Denver apartment. In theory, picking up other people’s garbage is not appealing; in reality, it was revealing. Armed with hats, work gloves and black and orange bags (for trash and … Continue reading
Forking Over My Utensils
Last week I spent four nights at a private home while attending the Wake Up Festival. I saw photos and read the description (“simple, sustainable”) before booking the room. Still, I was surprised by the modesty of the place. “They really have nothing,” commented a voice in my head as I surveyed the living room, … Continue reading
The Power of Nature
I’m still thinking about the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, about 250 miles southwest of Denver, which I visited by accident a few weeks ago. Although I’m an avid hiker, I don’t frequent this type of park, and it was heartening to see who else was there. I chatted briefly with an Orthodox Jewish man … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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