Starting again after so many month's off. I've been busy and don't have a lot of access to a computer. Here's a recipe that I've been asked about several times. It's one that I got from a friend of mine last year. It's so easy that it can be made up in no time at all. Also, I don't measure anything so I'm sure you'll be able to guesstimate pretty well for your own taste.
Fennel and Mushroom Salad
1 bulb fennel, chopped
5-6 cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
1-2 T olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced or more to taste
salt & pepper
Mix together and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
I started growing my own fennel after moving back to the States. A lot of times I cut off the stems with the leaves and flowers, wash them and throw them in my smoothies. It makes a nice liquorish flavor.
If you want to read more about fennel, here's a good link by Herb Wisdom. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Day 2 of Green Smoothie Cleanse
Last fall I did a cleanse with a Christian coach named Ginny Edwards. We have a really nice closed FB group where we can share our experience and support each other. This has been very interesting to me. Though I lean toward Buddhism, I also enjoy some of the Christian values and love the community.
Today is day 2 on a 21 day cleanse with this same group. I realized that I'm eating way too much fat; eating too many nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados. A little is fine, but my consumption is too high. I can feel it in my heart. Hence the cleanse.
I'm not sure if I can be fat free for 21 days. Especially since my father-in-law is having his 80th B-day party at a Chinese restaurant. I hate eating at Chinese restaurants. There's nothing there I can eat. They won't let me bring my own food. So my idea is to bring my smoothies with me and drink them on the way to the mountains, or once I get there so I won't be tempted. If I can bring them to the table, I will.
Today, life is good. I will keep my goal of drinking smoothies and juice this day.
There are parts of ourselves that are so unwanted that whenever they begin to come up we run away.--Pema Chodron
Today is day 2 on a 21 day cleanse with this same group. I realized that I'm eating way too much fat; eating too many nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados. A little is fine, but my consumption is too high. I can feel it in my heart. Hence the cleanse.
I'm not sure if I can be fat free for 21 days. Especially since my father-in-law is having his 80th B-day party at a Chinese restaurant. I hate eating at Chinese restaurants. There's nothing there I can eat. They won't let me bring my own food. So my idea is to bring my smoothies with me and drink them on the way to the mountains, or once I get there so I won't be tempted. If I can bring them to the table, I will.
Today, life is good. I will keep my goal of drinking smoothies and juice this day.
There are parts of ourselves that are so unwanted that whenever they begin to come up we run away.--Pema Chodron
Friday, July 6, 2012
Parasite-free cleanse day 8
I'm on the 8th day of my parasite cleanse. My stomach has felt so bloated I haven't felt like eating. Today is the first day I feel more normal. The bloating has almost gone away. I'm fitting into my jeans again. I wore my sweat pants for several days to be comfortable.
I haven't seen any parasites yet. But the instruction page said that the formula "shreds and dissolves parasites so they may not be seen."
The instructions also say to be immaculate in hygiene. Trying to keep my finger nails clean is a challenge. I tend to do a lot of yard work. I have a veggie garden in a plot at the community garden at our church. Gloves help but you can't feel the weeds or plants like you can with bare fingers. There is so much lettuce and greens that I'm throwing them into very thin smoothies. Hopefully that will count as a liquid/juice diet. I've hardly taken in anything including juice for the last week due to the bloating. At least it's better today.
One thing I've been thinking about is that I've never absorbed vitamins very well. Marcus Rothkranz says that if your pooh is the color of your food, you're not absorbing the nutrients. Are the parasites eating the nutrients and/or making it difficult for my body to assimilate them?
My husband is a good sport to be doing this with me. I appreciate his participation. Now for the dog.... It's time for me to go to the vet to pick up pills for her parasites.
The distance is nothing; it is only the first step toward it that is difficult.
I haven't seen any parasites yet. But the instruction page said that the formula "shreds and dissolves parasites so they may not be seen."
The instructions also say to be immaculate in hygiene. Trying to keep my finger nails clean is a challenge. I tend to do a lot of yard work. I have a veggie garden in a plot at the community garden at our church. Gloves help but you can't feel the weeds or plants like you can with bare fingers. There is so much lettuce and greens that I'm throwing them into very thin smoothies. Hopefully that will count as a liquid/juice diet. I've hardly taken in anything including juice for the last week due to the bloating. At least it's better today.
One thing I've been thinking about is that I've never absorbed vitamins very well. Marcus Rothkranz says that if your pooh is the color of your food, you're not absorbing the nutrients. Are the parasites eating the nutrients and/or making it difficult for my body to assimilate them?
My husband is a good sport to be doing this with me. I appreciate his participation. Now for the dog.... It's time for me to go to the vet to pick up pills for her parasites.
The distance is nothing; it is only the first step toward it that is difficult.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Parasite cleanse
I've been having physical problems for over 50 years and decided to change my ways of eating, exercise and cleansing. Eight years ago, I became a raw fooder. I was promised the end of many diseases, no more sunburns, high chance of not getting grey hair, getting younger, etc.
Well, I did get rid of my IBS, cysts in my breasts, sinus problems. However, I've still got grey hair, I get sunburned in the tropics but not in the US. I work outside and haven't been burned yet. I'm told I look great and young for my age.
Still, I have hyperthyroid problems which lead to heart palpitations. That happens when I go off the raw diet. I am stiff in the morning and find it hard to get up from the floor. I exercise regularly, jog, weights, etc. Two years ago, I got a pain in my back that hasn't gone away. It's limited my exercise and makes stretching difficult.
So why didn't the raw food life style help me with those problems? I have no idea. So I decided to do a parasite cleanse starting today. I'm using Mark Rothcranz Parasite-Free formula. It says that on the first day you take one cap 10 mins. before lunch. Lunch today was a green smoothie. Tomorrow, I take 3 caps. That will be tricky. I'll be at the church yard sale helping out in the kitchen. The food will be Mexican. I'm planning on bringing a green smoothie with me. They don't understand my diet. I don't have the words to explain it to them. Their culture is not the same even though they've been in the States for years.
My husband agreed to join me in the parasite cleanse. He doesn't eat raw food except for salads and fruit. He likes his cooked food. At least he's willing to take the pills. I figure he's filled with parasites since he's never had a cleanse. I have. When we were in Panama, I took parasite pills which I got free from a health clinic. It worked. I got rid of some weird stuff. I'm guessing they were some kind of worms. I'm hoping my cleanse this time will get rid of what I got in Panama. Perhaps I've had them all my life and never realized it. There's so many kinds, it would be hard to know. Anyway, he's always eating undercooked food. He loves raw fish and rare meat.
Monday I will begin the juice fast for two weeks. Today I'm doing a liquid diet. Maybe tomorrow, too. I'll do my best to keep from eating Mexican tacos, a weakness I have.
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”--Dalai Lama
Well, I did get rid of my IBS, cysts in my breasts, sinus problems. However, I've still got grey hair, I get sunburned in the tropics but not in the US. I work outside and haven't been burned yet. I'm told I look great and young for my age.
Still, I have hyperthyroid problems which lead to heart palpitations. That happens when I go off the raw diet. I am stiff in the morning and find it hard to get up from the floor. I exercise regularly, jog, weights, etc. Two years ago, I got a pain in my back that hasn't gone away. It's limited my exercise and makes stretching difficult.
So why didn't the raw food life style help me with those problems? I have no idea. So I decided to do a parasite cleanse starting today. I'm using Mark Rothcranz Parasite-Free formula. It says that on the first day you take one cap 10 mins. before lunch. Lunch today was a green smoothie. Tomorrow, I take 3 caps. That will be tricky. I'll be at the church yard sale helping out in the kitchen. The food will be Mexican. I'm planning on bringing a green smoothie with me. They don't understand my diet. I don't have the words to explain it to them. Their culture is not the same even though they've been in the States for years.
My husband agreed to join me in the parasite cleanse. He doesn't eat raw food except for salads and fruit. He likes his cooked food. At least he's willing to take the pills. I figure he's filled with parasites since he's never had a cleanse. I have. When we were in Panama, I took parasite pills which I got free from a health clinic. It worked. I got rid of some weird stuff. I'm guessing they were some kind of worms. I'm hoping my cleanse this time will get rid of what I got in Panama. Perhaps I've had them all my life and never realized it. There's so many kinds, it would be hard to know. Anyway, he's always eating undercooked food. He loves raw fish and rare meat.
Monday I will begin the juice fast for two weeks. Today I'm doing a liquid diet. Maybe tomorrow, too. I'll do my best to keep from eating Mexican tacos, a weakness I have.
"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”--Dalai Lama
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Reading labels
For some reason I was under the impression that Larabars were raw. Where did I get that impression? In many bars they have only 3 ingredients which is great. Usually dates, a nut and a fruit or salt. Peanut Butter Cookies, for example, are dates, peanuts, and salt. OK. I can deal with that and eat it. However, it doesn't say it's raw. The bar is labeled as vegan and dairy free. Another bar consists simply of dates, almonds and unsweetened bananas. That, too, I can deal with and will eat.
I did find that not all of them are equal. While shopping with my mom at Target, I found Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bars for $5 for a box of 5. Being excited that I could pick them up for so cheap, I bought them. What I didn't realize was that the chocolate was not raw cacao. It's made up of "unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla." Well, that's what happens when one does not read the ingredients and assumes that just cuz one bar is vegan, raw, and dairy free. I will not make that mistake again.
What will I do with all the bars? Well, I decided to take them to church and serve them during coffee hour to all those who don't care what they eat. It will be my contribution to the church.
Can I make my own bars? Why of course. According to Test Kitchen Tuesday, I can easily make them so I will. This way, not only will I know they are raw, I will save a lot of money. Angela of Test Kitchen did the math and the savings will be tremendous. She calculated that it would cost between $.29-$.58 a bar vs. $1.29-$1.49 a bar.
The chief ingredients in the composition of those qualities that gain esteem and praise, are good nature, truth, good sense, and good breeding.
Joseph Addison
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Days & Easter: A reflection
I was listening to sacred music this morning and the song "Days" somehow ran through my head. For some reason I heard it as sung by Elvis Costello. Then I remembered that it was a Kinks song.
As I read and reflected on the lyrics, I thought of the joy and sadness the song brings to mind. It talks about sacred days. For me that would be days of being touched by Christ, by the Holy Spirit, the joy of feeling a closeness to God, to the Creator, to the Source of life. I've had several experiences over the years which I call Holy Spirit experiences. Though I don't have them daily and sometimes it seems like years between, I remember each one very well, with clarity and deep feelings of joy. Even though there are times when I don't feel right and all things seem to be going wrong, I know that the Holy Spirit, the Creator is with me always. Those would be the times of sorrow for me. Yet, I am not afraid, I have those times, those days when I know Spirit was with me, guiding me, blessing me, keeping me safe. I am not frightened of what is going to happen in my life. There are sacred days in my life which will be cherished forever. For today, "Days" became a sacred song to me.
Over the last 4 months, my life has been in turmoil with no job or home; nor have I had much computer access. I've been living with family or friends. Right now I'm in Watsonville living with a family I just met. My husband started working at All Saint's Episcopal Church and Cristo Rey only two weeks ago. This period has been a real test in faith. For those months between being a missionary in Panama and having a church in Watsonville seemed quite trying. We had no real income and only faith to live on along with the kindness of others. Thankfully, I have Jer. 29:11 to keep me going. "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."
Here's Ray Davis singing "Days."
Days lyrics
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.
Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.
I wish today could be tomorrow,
The night is dark,
It just brings sorrow, let it wait.
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.
Days.
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.
Days.
Just the very nature of our birth, we are on the Spiritual Journey.--Father Keating
As I read and reflected on the lyrics, I thought of the joy and sadness the song brings to mind. It talks about sacred days. For me that would be days of being touched by Christ, by the Holy Spirit, the joy of feeling a closeness to God, to the Creator, to the Source of life. I've had several experiences over the years which I call Holy Spirit experiences. Though I don't have them daily and sometimes it seems like years between, I remember each one very well, with clarity and deep feelings of joy. Even though there are times when I don't feel right and all things seem to be going wrong, I know that the Holy Spirit, the Creator is with me always. Those would be the times of sorrow for me. Yet, I am not afraid, I have those times, those days when I know Spirit was with me, guiding me, blessing me, keeping me safe. I am not frightened of what is going to happen in my life. There are sacred days in my life which will be cherished forever. For today, "Days" became a sacred song to me.
Over the last 4 months, my life has been in turmoil with no job or home; nor have I had much computer access. I've been living with family or friends. Right now I'm in Watsonville living with a family I just met. My husband started working at All Saint's Episcopal Church and Cristo Rey only two weeks ago. This period has been a real test in faith. For those months between being a missionary in Panama and having a church in Watsonville seemed quite trying. We had no real income and only faith to live on along with the kindness of others. Thankfully, I have Jer. 29:11 to keep me going. "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."
Here's Ray Davis singing "Days."
Days lyrics
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.
Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.
I wish today could be tomorrow,
The night is dark,
It just brings sorrow, let it wait.
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.
Days.
Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.
I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.
Days.
Just the very nature of our birth, we are on the Spiritual Journey.--Father Keating
Friday, April 6, 2012
Here I am in the USA. The husband got a job in Watsonville, a cute farming community about 20-30 minutes south of Santa Cruz, CA. We're still looking for a house to live in. Right now we're staying at a guest house on a ranch just outside of town. It's still only about 15 minutes from the church my husband works at.
I've been able to go back to being 100% raw most of the time. Because we now have a paycheck, I'm able to buy superfoods. Nice! That's one thing we didn't have in Panama. There was no place to get raw cacao, spirulina, blue green algae or any thing of the sort.
I found a group on Meet Up of Raw Fooders in the area. Hopefully, I can go to an event or two to get to know people. It's not easy doing this without support. Having support is very important for the psyche. It helps keep one motivated. Also, one learns from others through community.
Just by the very nature of our birth, we are on the spiritual journey.
I've been able to go back to being 100% raw most of the time. Because we now have a paycheck, I'm able to buy superfoods. Nice! That's one thing we didn't have in Panama. There was no place to get raw cacao, spirulina, blue green algae or any thing of the sort.
I found a group on Meet Up of Raw Fooders in the area. Hopefully, I can go to an event or two to get to know people. It's not easy doing this without support. Having support is very important for the psyche. It helps keep one motivated. Also, one learns from others through community.
Just by the very nature of our birth, we are on the spiritual journey.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Moving to the States
I finally made it to California. What an adventure. I've been unable to post anything until now.
First the packing company couldn't pack until after we left. They still haven't sent us our things. We finally got the bill last week and made the payment via wire transfer. We haven't heard a thing about them sending our stuff. They don't answer my emails. All I can do is pray it gets to us.
I am homeless and carless right now. I'm living with a relative and hope this is temporary. My husband has 3 applications in at different churches. Did I mention that he's an Episcopal Priest? Well, we're hoping that one of the three will hire him to be rector so we can have an income and get our own home or apartment.
Raw food wise, I am enjoying the many greens here. I'm loving the oranges yet missing my papayas and pineapples. That's OK. Once my husband becomes a rector, we'll be able to buy those. In the meantime, I just got a copy of "Heal Yourself 101" by Markus Rothkranz. I love his stuff. I found him while watching some youtube raw food videos. I think I posted one below. Anyway, I plan on following his plan for a couple of months to see how it goes. I'm really excited about it.
The problem I have right now is cheating. Yes, I cheat. I am not 100% raw. I am more in the 75% raw group most of the time. He says, right off, stop cheating! So, that's going to be a challenge especially when we go to restaurants. That's where I do my most cheating. I let it slide that there's corn chips in my salad or some other cooked item. And I love samosas and falafels. That will be a challenge when I go to the Farmer's Market. Only in San Jose, CA would the farmer's market sell not just fruit and veggies, but lots of cooked food. Oh well. I will do my best and keep you all updated on how it goes.
Have a wonderful day! Let you life begin with joy and compassion right now.
First the packing company couldn't pack until after we left. They still haven't sent us our things. We finally got the bill last week and made the payment via wire transfer. We haven't heard a thing about them sending our stuff. They don't answer my emails. All I can do is pray it gets to us.
I am homeless and carless right now. I'm living with a relative and hope this is temporary. My husband has 3 applications in at different churches. Did I mention that he's an Episcopal Priest? Well, we're hoping that one of the three will hire him to be rector so we can have an income and get our own home or apartment.
Raw food wise, I am enjoying the many greens here. I'm loving the oranges yet missing my papayas and pineapples. That's OK. Once my husband becomes a rector, we'll be able to buy those. In the meantime, I just got a copy of "Heal Yourself 101" by Markus Rothkranz. I love his stuff. I found him while watching some youtube raw food videos. I think I posted one below. Anyway, I plan on following his plan for a couple of months to see how it goes. I'm really excited about it.
The problem I have right now is cheating. Yes, I cheat. I am not 100% raw. I am more in the 75% raw group most of the time. He says, right off, stop cheating! So, that's going to be a challenge especially when we go to restaurants. That's where I do my most cheating. I let it slide that there's corn chips in my salad or some other cooked item. And I love samosas and falafels. That will be a challenge when I go to the Farmer's Market. Only in San Jose, CA would the farmer's market sell not just fruit and veggies, but lots of cooked food. Oh well. I will do my best and keep you all updated on how it goes.
Have a wonderful day! Let you life begin with joy and compassion right now.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmas songs during Advent
Is it OK to listen to Christmas songs during Advent? This is something that has been an issue since my husband became a priest about 13 years ago. Before he went to seminary, we listened to lots of Christmas music throughout Advent. Somehow, over the past 10 years, it became an issue; it wasn't Christmas so no Christmas Carols until Christmas. We also celebrate the 12 days of Christmas where Christmas Carols are allowed. These end on Epiphany, the Three Kings Day which we celebrate at the church.
So here's an article by Dennis Bratcher who, like my husband until today, prefers to put off Christmas caroling until Christmas. For Dennis, it's a matter of hope, a period of hope before the birth of Jesus and the real celebration is Christmas day, the day we glorify the birth of our Savior.
For me it's about hope that the world needs to continue. Hope that our lives will improve with the blessings of God. Hope that we can do God's will today and everyday. Hope that we live one day at a time and in the now, not in the past or in the future so we miss out on today. Hope that we learn to treat each other with kindness, compassion and as equals because God loves each of us the same. The grace of God falls on each of us.
Part of my discipline is to treat each person as a person God loves. I have various people to whom I give alms. However, there's one guy who is always asking for alms, and I just want to run away from him. There was always something that truly bothered me about him. Knowing that I am to treat each person with dignity and give alms to those who ask, I decided to give him his quarter. That's what we usually give hear in Panama. Once I became willing, I didn't see him where I usually do. The other day, there he was. I reminded myself that I would give him alms and as usual, he came up to me. I gave him his quarter and he was genuinely surprised and grateful. I smiled and said "Vaya con Dios" and in that instant I could see his humanity, I could feel love and compassion for him.
So what does this have to do with Christmas music? Well, I know no one reads these posts, so I figure I can write anything I want as a diary and know they will be secret. I brought up the Christmas music because much to my surprise, my husband is listening to our iTunes' Christmas play list. We have another week until Christmas and we're listening to The Bob's "Too Many Santas," James Brown Christmas, The Bells of Dublin, and "Carols from a New and Old World." I love those songs and I hope to listen to them until Epiphany even though we will be living in the States where they don't celebrate it like they do here.
I pray that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. If for any reason someone other than me actually comes to my site and reads this, I hope you drop me a line and let me know.
May you have many blessings throughout the rest of our life and all future lives.
So here's an article by Dennis Bratcher who, like my husband until today, prefers to put off Christmas caroling until Christmas. For Dennis, it's a matter of hope, a period of hope before the birth of Jesus and the real celebration is Christmas day, the day we glorify the birth of our Savior.
For me it's about hope that the world needs to continue. Hope that our lives will improve with the blessings of God. Hope that we can do God's will today and everyday. Hope that we live one day at a time and in the now, not in the past or in the future so we miss out on today. Hope that we learn to treat each other with kindness, compassion and as equals because God loves each of us the same. The grace of God falls on each of us.
Part of my discipline is to treat each person as a person God loves. I have various people to whom I give alms. However, there's one guy who is always asking for alms, and I just want to run away from him. There was always something that truly bothered me about him. Knowing that I am to treat each person with dignity and give alms to those who ask, I decided to give him his quarter. That's what we usually give hear in Panama. Once I became willing, I didn't see him where I usually do. The other day, there he was. I reminded myself that I would give him alms and as usual, he came up to me. I gave him his quarter and he was genuinely surprised and grateful. I smiled and said "Vaya con Dios" and in that instant I could see his humanity, I could feel love and compassion for him.
So what does this have to do with Christmas music? Well, I know no one reads these posts, so I figure I can write anything I want as a diary and know they will be secret. I brought up the Christmas music because much to my surprise, my husband is listening to our iTunes' Christmas play list. We have another week until Christmas and we're listening to The Bob's "Too Many Santas," James Brown Christmas, The Bells of Dublin, and "Carols from a New and Old World." I love those songs and I hope to listen to them until Epiphany even though we will be living in the States where they don't celebrate it like they do here.
I pray that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. If for any reason someone other than me actually comes to my site and reads this, I hope you drop me a line and let me know.
May you have many blessings throughout the rest of our life and all future lives.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Human Planet Audio show
A friend of mine just sent me this link of a 7 minute slide show about people around the world. They are from the depths of the world we don't normally see. What I loved about it is the perfection of the photography, the colors, the beauty of the various places, the way people painted up their faces, the way they dressed, how the water stops in mid-air, that what was daily routine for them is what we would never think of.
As the photographer says in his narration, every one of them is just looking for shelter, love, community, food, safety, sharing. These are the needs of each one of us. By connecting to these needs, we can have compassion toward them and each other; we can be reminded that everyone is connected, everything on the planet is connected. We are all part of the same greater spirit living inside us, wanting to take care of all our needs, comforting our feelings, being heard, being taken seriously, being taken care of, taking care of others. All these actions affect others, and the connection of our actions live on in the actions and thoughts of others.
Hope you enjoy the show.
As the photographer says in his narration, every one of them is just looking for shelter, love, community, food, safety, sharing. These are the needs of each one of us. By connecting to these needs, we can have compassion toward them and each other; we can be reminded that everyone is connected, everything on the planet is connected. We are all part of the same greater spirit living inside us, wanting to take care of all our needs, comforting our feelings, being heard, being taken seriously, being taken care of, taking care of others. All these actions affect others, and the connection of our actions live on in the actions and thoughts of others.
Hope you enjoy the show.
You Are
You are strong ..
when you take your grief and teach it to smile.
You are brave ..
when you overcome your fear and help others
to do the same.
You are happy ..
when you see a flower and are thankful
for the blessing.
You are loving ..
when your own pain does not blind you to the
pain of others.
You are wise ..
when you know the limits of your wisdom.
You are true ..
when you admit there are times you
fool yourself.
You are alive ..
when tomorrow's hope means more to you than
yesterday's mistake.
You are growing ..
when you know what you are but not what you
will become.
You are free ..
when you are in control of yourself and do not wish
to control others.
You are honorable ..
when you find your honor is to honor others.
You are generous ..
when you can take as sweetly as you can give.
You are humble ..
when you do not know how humble you are.
You are thoughtful ..
when you see me just as I am and treat me
just as you are.
You are merciful ..
when you forgive in others the faults you condemn
in yourself.
You are beautiful ..
when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich ..
when you never need more than what you have.
You are you ..
when you are at peace with who you are not.
when you take your grief and teach it to smile.
You are brave ..
when you overcome your fear and help others
to do the same.
You are happy ..
when you see a flower and are thankful
for the blessing.
You are loving ..
when your own pain does not blind you to the
pain of others.
You are wise ..
when you know the limits of your wisdom.
You are true ..
when you admit there are times you
fool yourself.
You are alive ..
when tomorrow's hope means more to you than
yesterday's mistake.
You are growing ..
when you know what you are but not what you
will become.
You are free ..
when you are in control of yourself and do not wish
to control others.
You are honorable ..
when you find your honor is to honor others.
You are generous ..
when you can take as sweetly as you can give.
You are humble ..
when you do not know how humble you are.
You are thoughtful ..
when you see me just as I am and treat me
just as you are.
You are merciful ..
when you forgive in others the faults you condemn
in yourself.
You are beautiful ..
when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich ..
when you never need more than what you have.
You are you ..
when you are at peace with who you are not.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Raw Peanuts
What I found is that they are high in protein, have lots of good fats, and great for ones health. They are good for the heart, the colon, and help those with anemia.
My salads have a really nice taste with the peanuts in them. I like the subtle flavor and the extra crunch. They seem to be good with any kind of dressing that I've used so far. Enjoy adding peanuts to your salad and help your heart.
Peace and serenity are only unimaginable to those without the wings of faith.
Friday, December 9, 2011
oil cleanse
I have not tried this because I just found out about it. According to the article The Oil Cleansing Method, you mix castor oil and sunflower oil for cleansing your face and your skin. This replaces using soaps which dry skin out. I have the dryist skin in the world. It hurts most of the time due to the dryness. I tried putting olive oil on it after bathing, I'm back to using whatever lotions I can get to make it feel better. I am willing to try this method for a few weeks to see what happens.
I may be better able to do it once I'm back in the States which will be in 2 weeks. One reason is I don't have hot running water unless I'm in the shower. Even then, it's not always hot. This method is mostly for the face, but with my dry skin, I am willing to try it on my whole body.
If you find this interesting, please try it and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
The distance is nothing; it is only the first step toward it that is difficult.
I may be better able to do it once I'm back in the States which will be in 2 weeks. One reason is I don't have hot running water unless I'm in the shower. Even then, it's not always hot. This method is mostly for the face, but with my dry skin, I am willing to try it on my whole body.
If you find this interesting, please try it and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
The distance is nothing; it is only the first step toward it that is difficult.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Guided by Spirit
For the last year I've been reading "The Journey," a daily Bible reading program which was given to me by one of the members in the congregation at the church. I have found it very interesting and have even taken on some of the practices brought up in it. At the end of each reading is a question for reflections. Today's reading was titled "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which discusses John the Baptist's prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus.
Today's question is, "Have you experienced the fullness of God's Spirit working in and through you? Explain." I find this question wonderful. I have felt the Holy Spirit working in me, guiding me, and helping me. There has been no doubt that there is something that helps me move forward in my life, that gives me faith. The most recent was back in October when I received an email from a friend of mine. Here is the first part of the email:
This is my favorite Bible Verse. ...I think some times I have seen "to give you peace".
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
...
Dear Woman of God
Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness
God is able to do the impossible and is always near
He loves us unconditionally.
I though that is was a nice Bible verse and moved on with my day. Well, that afternoon I went to my Bible Study group. We were given handouts and started to read them aloud. My turn came and as I read, there it was, Jer. 29:11. Now I have never read Jeremiah before and to get the same verse twice in one day told me the Holy Spirit was giving me a message. Indeed that turned out to be the case. I found out at the end of October that my husband and I are moving to California, no job, just faith. I'm am so excited I can hardly stand it. There are so many possibilities for us. We have a place to stay and I have faith that my Higher Power will guide me through this time. My heart is filled with excitement and hope. I know this message was sent to let me know that God has a purpose for us in the next journey in this life. God has plans for us to prosper. We are blessed with hope and a future. I believe God blesses all of with hope and a future.
Today's question is, "Have you experienced the fullness of God's Spirit working in and through you? Explain." I find this question wonderful. I have felt the Holy Spirit working in me, guiding me, and helping me. There has been no doubt that there is something that helps me move forward in my life, that gives me faith. The most recent was back in October when I received an email from a friend of mine. Here is the first part of the email:
This is my favorite Bible Verse. ...I think some times I have seen "to give you peace".
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
...
Dear Woman of God
Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness
God is able to do the impossible and is always near
He loves us unconditionally.
I though that is was a nice Bible verse and moved on with my day. Well, that afternoon I went to my Bible Study group. We were given handouts and started to read them aloud. My turn came and as I read, there it was, Jer. 29:11. Now I have never read Jeremiah before and to get the same verse twice in one day told me the Holy Spirit was giving me a message. Indeed that turned out to be the case. I found out at the end of October that my husband and I are moving to California, no job, just faith. I'm am so excited I can hardly stand it. There are so many possibilities for us. We have a place to stay and I have faith that my Higher Power will guide me through this time. My heart is filled with excitement and hope. I know this message was sent to let me know that God has a purpose for us in the next journey in this life. God has plans for us to prosper. We are blessed with hope and a future. I believe God blesses all of with hope and a future.
Regrets of Dying
I didn't get permission to copy this so I'm giving you the link, too. I don't know who T Kelly is and I hope she doesn't mind me passing this piece of wisdom on. Personally, I cried when I read this. That is because over the last 7 years, I've been breaking out of decades of depression. Although there's still some work to be done, I'm happier now than I ever have been in my life.
I choose happiness and serenity. When I made that continuous choice 7 years ago, my life slowly began to change. When I realize I still have some major changes to make, I feel overwhelmed. But then I work toward that goal one day at a time, doing my part for the moment. That is all I can do for now. Things in my life are changing rapidly. I am moving to California in two weeks which has been my dream for the last 4 years. I'm spending Christmas with my family for the first time in almost 15 years.
What I see in the article below is all the regrets I have had and were depressed about. That is the nerve it touched when I cried while reading it. I know there are more changes to make. I pray I will have the courage to make them so I don't regret them on my dying bed. I will make these changes one day at a time, following the will of my Higher Power, the Holy Spirit who guides me through each day, every moment of the day. These five points happen to be how I now live my life to the best of my ability, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Top Five Regrets of The Dying
December 1, 2011 By T Kelly
For many years I worked in palliative care.
My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared.
I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it,
it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late.
Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Source: http://www.activistpost.com/2011/11/top-5-regrets-of-dying.html
I choose happiness and serenity. When I made that continuous choice 7 years ago, my life slowly began to change. When I realize I still have some major changes to make, I feel overwhelmed. But then I work toward that goal one day at a time, doing my part for the moment. That is all I can do for now. Things in my life are changing rapidly. I am moving to California in two weeks which has been my dream for the last 4 years. I'm spending Christmas with my family for the first time in almost 15 years.
What I see in the article below is all the regrets I have had and were depressed about. That is the nerve it touched when I cried while reading it. I know there are more changes to make. I pray I will have the courage to make them so I don't regret them on my dying bed. I will make these changes one day at a time, following the will of my Higher Power, the Holy Spirit who guides me through each day, every moment of the day. These five points happen to be how I now live my life to the best of my ability, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Top Five Regrets of The Dying
December 1, 2011 By T Kelly
For many years I worked in palliative care.
My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared.
I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it,
it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late.
Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Source: http://www.activistpost.com/2011/11/top-5-regrets-of-dying.html
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Raw Food Pyramid
Friday, September 23, 2011
I didn't eat much in the way of raw gourmet for a long time and lost too much weight. Now I'm eating a bit more gourmet and a little bit of cooked. Well, one thing I'm doing is trying to eat more greens. This is also an interesting video by raw food coach Star Khechara. She's an advocate for real food and not super food powders. I don't do powders because I can't get it here in Panama. I'm also trying to increase my calorie intake because I exercise more now than before. Enjoy the video!
Let us cultivate love and compassion, both of which give life true meaning. This is the religion I preach. It is simple. Its temple is the heart. Its teaching is love and compassion. Its moral values are loving and respecting others, whoever they may be. Whether one is a lay person or a monastic, we have no other option if we wish to survive in this world.--The Dalai Lama
Let us cultivate love and compassion, both of which give life true meaning. This is the religion I preach. It is simple. Its temple is the heart. Its teaching is love and compassion. Its moral values are loving and respecting others, whoever they may be. Whether one is a lay person or a monastic, we have no other option if we wish to survive in this world.--The Dalai Lama
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Building Muscle
This is an important area for me. As I get closer to 60, I am noticing how my skin is beginning to sag more. I've been eating a high raw food diet for 7 years and have been working out pretty regularly over that time. It seems like I'm not gaining much in the muscle area. Perhaps I'm keeping it from weakening. However, I would love to be more toned.
What I like about Storm's philosophy, is that he believes using light weights and many reps is key. He also believes not only in building the muscle, but training them by using some form of martial arts. What I'm practicing now, with the help of P90X CDs, is Kenpo. I can see how weak my thigh muscles were when I started, how much stronger they've become over the last 2 months. Yet, I see no physical results. Perhaps that's OK for now. Maybe it takes more time for visible results. What I notice, is that my stamina is better as is my control over some of the exercises.
I've notice that over the last month since going to the park to work out, I can do 50 reps X3 on the rowing machine and 20 reps X4 on the other machine I use. Sorry, don't know what it's called but it's for the arms and back. There are no weights on these machines. That's why the rower is so easy now.
Even if I have loose saggy skin, at least my muscles will be strong.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
What I like about Storm's philosophy, is that he believes using light weights and many reps is key. He also believes not only in building the muscle, but training them by using some form of martial arts. What I'm practicing now, with the help of P90X CDs, is Kenpo. I can see how weak my thigh muscles were when I started, how much stronger they've become over the last 2 months. Yet, I see no physical results. Perhaps that's OK for now. Maybe it takes more time for visible results. What I notice, is that my stamina is better as is my control over some of the exercises.
I've notice that over the last month since going to the park to work out, I can do 50 reps X3 on the rowing machine and 20 reps X4 on the other machine I use. Sorry, don't know what it's called but it's for the arms and back. There are no weights on these machines. That's why the rower is so easy now.
Even if I have loose saggy skin, at least my muscles will be strong.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Feel Good Tea
I just discovered this guy: Markus Rothkranz
What I like is you use garden veggies and herbs. Unfortunately, I live in Central America where the plants he's talking about don't grow. So.... I have something to look forward to when I return to the States next year. Enjoy!
What I like is you use garden veggies and herbs. Unfortunately, I live in Central America where the plants he's talking about don't grow. So.... I have something to look forward to when I return to the States next year. Enjoy!
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