Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Rebirth...

I thought it would be nice to share with you the beauty of the daffodil buds that I received from the American Cancer Society this past Sunday. A lovely, elderly gentleman knocked on my door and delivered to me two small bundles of daffodils with instructions to place them in water. Two days later, here they are in all their glory.

I was beginning to get lost in the depths of the winter season. Just when it seemed like it might never end, the weather has turned. It may only be a temporary morsel of what is to come since Ohio winters can be unforgiving, but I'll take it. I've been reminded that there is, literally, a light at the end of the tunnel.

Three more days until Spring!

Happy St. Patty's Day to all.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Say Cheese....

This is NOT the bright orange cheese powder experience we can all probably relate to from our childhood. This is the real thing! A fabulous Alton Brown recipe that can be as mild or complex as you like.

Who doesn't enjoy a heaping serving of steamy macaroni and cheese? This is a photo of my first crack at it; it was delicious. Try it; you'll like it!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Puzzle...

Strong physical and mental health goes beyond what we eat and how much we exercise. While food and exercise help us to achieve the shape of our bodies and how we feel and think, other very important factors play a major role in shaping our lives, who we are and how we look and feel.

What does it take to nourish our bodies and minds? Food and drink is the obvious answer. But as human beings, we need more than the basics to thrive. We need a sense of connection to others through developing healthy relationships. We need to feel as if we are making a contribution. We also need to feel as if we belong, a sense of purpose or meaning and connection to something bigger than ourselves – our spirituality. We try to satisfy these needs in so many different and creative ways.

But, achieving sound body and mind is a journey.

As women, we are challenged each and every day to live up to the expectations that have been set for us by our parents, friends, siblings, partners, and society. Many of us are left with little reserve as a result. We all want to be healthy, feel healthy, and look healthy – no, we want to be beautiful both inside and out. So why do we continue down a path that depletes our energy rather than journeying toward what gives us energy, vibrancy and vitality? Think about it. So much of what we do in the pursuit of health and beauty achieves the opposite effect. We want to be thin so we starve our bodies of nutrients it needs. We want to be successful so we forego sleep while we burn the candle at both ends and forego nurturing the relationships that are important to us. We want to be beautiful and so we fool ourselves into believing we can turn back the clock through painful surgeries. We do this rather than embracing who we are and what the universe has given us.

As a “40 something”, I’ve come to the place where I feel I’ve grown into my skin. It wasn’t easy, but I know now that I wouldn’t trade one scar or one wrinkle for the wisdom I’ve gained along my journey. We’ve all heard the saying, “beauty is skin deep”. Without strength of character and compassion, beauty is truly but an illusion.

I am curious to learn how many women out there feel like they’ve truly come into their own, and I’m not talking about fame or fortune here. How many of us are experiencing good health, vitality, healthy relationships, peace of mind, a sense of community and belonging? These are all pieces that are needed to complete the puzzle.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Virtue of Attitude

We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.

Speak or act with a pure mind and happiness will follow.

The wind cannot overturn a mountain like temptation cannot touch those who are awake, strong, and humble.

Fill yourself with desire.

See the false as false; the truth as true.
Look into your heart and follow your nature.

Know these truths and you will find peace.

Buddha

Friday, January 16, 2009

Treasure chest....

This NY Times article The 11 Best Foods You Aren't Eating was republished recently. It first appeared in the Times last summer.

I'm taking a poll. I'm curious to learn how many of you out there have two or more items on this list in your pantry or fridge today? Now, be honest.

I only have three, possibly five if you substitute the juice for the actual prune and the kraut for the cabbage. Yeah, I know...TMI.

I currently have sardines, cinnamon, and frozen blueberries in stock. I do eat beets and cabbage occasionally and love them both. I also enjoy pumpkin and pumpkin seeds so I'll be eating more of those and, of course, pomegranate juice is sooo delicious.

Anyway, the list is worth sharing if you haven't already seen it.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Melt away the stress....

Just take a look at these two faces....if that doesn't do it, I'm not sure what else could. Say hello to Tucker (L) and Maisie (R)....


...also known as "double trouble".

Saturday, January 10, 2009

In the soup....again

It's been snowing here pretty steadily for the past two days...it is quite beautiful outside despite what most Ohioans would tell you. It seems like a great day for a nice, hot bowl of comfort and joy, something that will make my heart purr on a cold day like today.

Foraging through my cupboard and refrigerator, I've begun exploring what I might find that would satisfy my desire. Lurking in the back of my cupboard is a jar of red lentils; that's a find! Sitting right up front, as if to say, "pick me, pick me", is a bag of dried chick peas, oh, and there's some rice, too. In the refrigerator, I found some vegetable stock, fresh kale, and a chunk of parmesan cheese; I'm pretty sure I can concoct something from this array of choices.

It wasn't all that long ago that my idea of a bowl of soup was something out of a can. I will, on occassion, resort to that alternative depending on time of day, ingredients on hand, etc., but there is no substitute for a pot of home-made soup. Depending on the type, some soups taste even better after they've been made and refrigerated for a day or two because all the flavors have had a chance to marry and, well, you know...

I'll even go as far as to say there's no substitute for a pot of hearty, home-made soup partnered with some fresh bread or biscuits. So today, I'll pursue both while I continue to watch the snow falling outside from the warmth of my little slice of paradise. I can't think of a better way to spend a wintery Saturday!



Red Lentil Soup