After a recent comment about the evils of plastic, a friend asked, Why are you anti-plastic? Good question. Have you noticed how many ways that concern for the environment can exhibit itself? Some people care primarily about energy and / or emissions; others care about the source of their food and what chemicals might be on it (and therefore in them).

My dad left a huge old ladder in my garage years ago. I have no idea why; probably to annoy me (and it worked). He frequently leaves unwieldy objects that he no longer wants in my garage.

The first Repair Café event is under our collective belts. And it was a blast! Huge sigh of relief. Huge. Right on, Portland! I’m not sure the Last Thursday habituées were prepared to see a sewing machine – complete with a seamstress – plus disassembled computers at the (depending on when you dropped by) hippie/ster festival (or, perhaps, debauched event) that is Alberta Street once a month in the summer.

Are you crafty? Not sly or sneaky, but good with your hands? The type who’s got multiple hole punchers and scissors and an inventory of spray paint? Well, if not, you can head to one of the Portland-area antique malls and buy repurposed art or furniture from an artist who is good at that sort of thing.