When we first arrived in Brazil, I experienced a lot of culture shock. I suppose that's to be expected. When you're from Texas, any place OUTSIDE of The Lone Star State seems like foreign country - this was the Real Deal.
We did not live lavishly prior to moving here, but we, like many other Americans, took for granted the amenities many homes in The States have to offer. Things like dishwashers, garbage disposals and central air and heat are just a few.
At first, living without those conveniences regularly set me into "WHY can't this Country just . Be. Normal?" mode, but as time has gone by, I realize we just might have turned into Accidental Eco-ists.

Previously, I wasn't the most fastidious about remembering my reusable grocery bags - but when I saw these very "designerly" totes in the Brazilian supermarket, I was converted!

So, yes, I still miss a garbage disposal terribly, but what is my loss is our garden's gain. Whatever fruit/vegetable scraps, leftovers, coffee grounds (they are fabulous soil-enrichers, ya know!) we have get blended up into a scrumptious soil concoction...

Looks downright yummy, huh? ;) Yeah, I wouldn't go near it with a ten-foot straw, but our plants LOVE IT! Not exactly traditional composting, but who cares? Check out my "kitchen garden!"

Rarely have I had lavender that survived, much less bloomed!

And the rosemary....oh, the rosemary!

We've even had some surprise newbies pop up - the result of onion, ginger, and cilantro remnants taking root!

Don't get me wrong, this is not a pat on the back for me. Given the choice, I'll still take an SUV (OK, maybe a Crossover) any day over a Smartcar. All I'm saying is, without any noble intent, we've become "greener", and the thing is I DIG it! Not because I feel holier-than-thou or some idiotic sense of empowerment (because I don't), it's just nice to know we can adapt - we ARE facing unique challenges - and we (and our garden!) are thriving just the same...

P.S. - Guess who had a project-filled weekend? Yessir, now that (I'm declaring) the Rainy Season over - the paint cans and tools were bustin' a move!
Remember this ol' guy?