The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. That was the year I was a Senior in high school, the Vietnam War was raging, and it was a very tumultuous period. We all wanted to be Flower Children. My DH recalls Earth Day specifically as he flew out and back that same day from Connecticut to visit Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI where he ended up going to college.
The photo pictured above is one of my favorites that I took this past summer while on a camping trip to the Connecticut (come visit us!) shoreline. I can’t imagine living anywhere that isn’t close to some type of water or anything nautical ~ specifically the ocean, but I’ll take a lake. Summer and Fall are my favorite seasons. I love the smell of the salt water, marshes, (my family disagrees with me here,) the scrub pine needles. I love the four seasons; scents of beach Rose Begosa; and sand between my toes. Nothing is more peaceful than falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Cape Cod, Massachusetts has got to be one of my favorite places on the planet. I prefer to think of it in the past tense ~ think “Summer of ’42” ~ when it wasn’t so crowded, and “discovered”. You can’t beat Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for tranquility. Ask Bill. I’m looking forward to perhaps some day camping there again with my family, charming Son-in-Law, and ‘Lil Moomette, my granddaughter.
So much has changed since 1970. I’m a Boomer now, on the verge of retirement. Not only do I not look the same, but I know the earth isn’t the same as I remember, either. As a Paralegal, my profession is focused on Energy Conservation and heavily promotes Green Clean Products, Energy Efficiency, Solar, Wind Power, Fire Prevention, Environmental Protection, Recycling, Water Conservation and more. I am responsible for researching trends on a daily basis and keeping up with current events. What I’m seeing isn’t pretty.
Do something special this year in honor of the day. Save the Earth, for your children and grandchildren.
© 2011 C. Matthews
Related posts:
- Kicking Back with the Grandkids and Enjoying Farm Day – Lutz Children’s Museum
- Rochester Museum & Science Center Cumming Nature Center Photo Journal
- $20 Stop & Shop Gift Card & General Mills Hybrid Car Giveaway: Celebrate Earth Month
- Provincetown Massachusetts: Fun Things To Do With Kids on Cape Cod
- Fun in the Snow the New England Way Lyman Orchards – Winterfest Connecticut
About Moomettes
I’m also part of this campaign. I was a Biology major because I’m truly a nature girl at heart. I’m thinking of taking my 4 year old on a photography adventure to see how many ways we can capture the outdoors. We’re also thinking of doing a litter clean-up in the woods behind my house.
I love that you are part of the history of Earth Day. I bought an NWF t-shirt in college commemorating the 20 year anniversary!
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Saying hi from SITS – nice to find someone to comment on that was alive in the 70′s
Interesting history about a very important day for all of us. I’m not perfect in my green ways, but I am so much better than I used to be and want to learn more.
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