Get some meat on them bones!

There are no shortcuts to greatness.  I believe this with every fiber in my being.  Greatness, success, happiness, evolution these terms are all used in a general way to pinpoint when we have ‘arrived’. 

One’s ‘Ah-ha’ moment, as Oprah refers to it, is not something one stumbles upon by happenstance (though it can often feel that way when it does), or by cutting corners, mimicry or cheating your way to the end result.  I truly believe that this isn’t even something one can plan for in the traditional sense of the word.  This, of course, goes against every generic inspirational poster I’ve seen in a school or an office that clearly encourages a strict plan of action leading you to the finish line.  I do prefer a different breed of motivational poster to be honest.

The question is : Who’s plan?  Your parents?  Peers?  A marketing ploy?  The educational system’s?  A Love interest?  Are you following the direction of the plan or path that is in fact, yours?  That is the key. 

Let’s take the task of creating a truly great dinner and apply the same methodology to life in general.  How can we best attain Greatness in this?

For starters, the journey begins with a question:  What do I want for dinner?  I find if I get too specific when I first start, I limit myself to some really wonderful opportunities and experiences at creating and enjoying a truly great meal.  If I clear my mind the answer to that question is always very simple and similar:  I want something enjoyable (delicious), good for me (nutritious), stimulating (something new), and balanced (challenging but not daunting).  Are these questions very different than the one’s we could ask ourselves about life?  Are the answers very different?

Next, I have to asses my Needs, What do I need to accomplish this Great Meal?  I need to find the source for the ingredients, I need the direction or instruction to know how to prepare them, I need a safe place to create, and I need the time to allow myself to complete each step as well as the time to enjoy it myself, and share this experience with the loves in my life.  Each meal may have very different needs, from time to skill to resources; taking inventory to really know those needs will ensure you are enjoying each step along the journey.  If your time, patience or budget won’t allow for Duck L’Orange, then trying to cram it into your life is going to prove disappointing for certain.  So, your needs will change your wants as the two should flow seamlessly into one another.

Once you have taken these first two steps, the next is keeping yourself focused on the point of greatness, which is ultimately to enjoy the experience as a whole and learn something in the process, and share this with those near and dear to our hearts.   That being said let me share with you an example of a recent “great meal” shared at my table.

With recent additions to my schedule, increased workouts, gearing up for the upcoming semester, and travel beginning to pick up at my workplace paired with the recent construction starting up at home, dinner has been a rather relative term the last few weeks.  I found myself eating steamed broccoli, or some popcorn when at home long enough to eat there, and was unpleasantly surprised at just how frequently I found myself eating out over the last week especially.  I decided I wanted to take a night at home and cook a real and hearty meal.  I’ve been steering ever so much more meatless of late, and I thought about how long it really has been since I even purchased meat or poultry and I was shocked to tally in my head that we are coming up on about 2 months!

“I’m sure Faith’s kitchen fans are not all veggies, I really want to get some meat on them bones!” I heard myself say to well, myself.  I decided on chicken and that I had the time to venture to the butcher and get myself some free range chicken for this meal.  I wanted something hearty, and I really wanted to share a meal with my husband that we would both thoroughly enjoy as a gesture of thanks for getting the work started on my office and studio upstairs with the help of my cousin.  Between the two of them, the work has been nonstop this week and I really am excited to have a complete space to create and learn and just be me.  I wanted to express gratitude for that!  I wanted that home-cookin’ flare without the additional home-cookin’ fat so I decided on an oven baked version of traditional fried chicken.  I also had recently purchased a personal favorite, and wonderfully versatile bunch of Sweet Potatoes that I love prepared simply.  Sweet Potatoes have this rich and complex flavor to them that just becomes increasingly more so in the oven.  I also have been getting experimental with Kale.  I am always striving to add more and more leafy, fibrous greens to my repertoire. 

As a true Thank You gesture, I also decided I could simplify the two compliments to my chicken recipe and allow myself the chance to indulge in a nutritious dessert as well. I found an old recipe for Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread and used that as a jumping off point for a new creation of my own.  Just picturing a little New England seaport, with small family run boutiques, bakeries, and cafes serving mostly couples away for an extended weekend of romance was enough inspiration to come up with an indulgent sweet treat.

In design my meal would be a wholesome, healthy yet substantial meal with some Faith Kitchen flare, I then assessed my needs to get there.  I knew I had just purchased fresh Kale, and Sweet Potatoes and something told me to pick up a small cut of Gruyére Cheese, another of my favorite things.  Gruyere is a type of Swiss cheese in origin, yet it is remarkably similar to the French Beaufort in flavor and texture.  It has a naturally salty flavor to it, while also creamy and nutty, gaining more complexion as it ages.  I have paired this with Sweet Potatoes in the past and decided the match was meant to be.  I also knew that I had to experiment further with Kale, instead of simply stuffing it in my pita pocket sandwiches, or wilt over pasta, rice and barley dishes.  I decided to try a method my Mom introduced me to last Mother’s Day.  She called them Kale Chips, and I remember they were simple, tasty and quick … so off to research and experiment I would go!

For the chicken, I used a mixture of Plain and Panko breadcrumbs.  Plain tend to stick better than Panko, yet I just love the crunchy and hearty texture of the Panko so I thought I would play with combining the two.  I also added Herbes De Provence to fill the house with enchanting aromas and add to the already tender cut of chicken thighs.  I deboned and trimmed the fat to ensure even cooking and subtract some excess fat from an already fairly calorie-dense cut of poultry. 

Since I allowed myself the thought and mindfulness to use what I already had, I only had to purchase 2 ingredients on my way home from the office:  Chicken Thighs and Applesauce … or so I thought!  Midway through my prep, I realized I had no Cooking Spray left, and fortunately John was en route to the hardware store next to a grocery store and I caught him in time!  It wouldn’t have been the end of the world, but every little healthy bit helps.  I was pleased to know I had set aside the time to really enjoy the process of creating something special for myself and share it.  I started with the muffins, as I let the chicken rest and I played with additions and alterations as I studied the old fashioned Maine recipe.  I knew I wanted to do muffins instead of a loaf of bread, and that I wanted a lighter version, however I wanted something really special so I decided to add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts to the equation and I substituted the vegetable oil for a mixture of Canola Oil and Applesauce.  I did a small batch at a time to ensure texture and moisture.  I was so very lucky to hit the mark the first time, and after seeing the empty tray in the lunchroom of my office today, I can say the majority agrees with at least the muffins: Greatness Achieved!

Now for my boneless chicken thighs to begin their journey into Faith’s Anti-Fried Chicken!!  Breaded chicken is probably the best sort of example for not taking shortcuts there might be in the kitchen.  There is no way around it, to make a crispy coated breaded cut of chicken whether you fry or bake, its going to be messy and have a lot of steps.  In my opinion, baking it isn’t only healthier it does help eliminate some of the mess as well, but you still have to do it right.  This means 3 steps to coating, not including anything you want to add to your flour or breadcrumbs.  This means whisking eggs, dredging in flower, greasing the pan and carefully handling the chicken.  It’s a labor, but I believe a labor that should only be borne of love.  So if you really won’t enjoy a thing about the process, then when you assessed your wants and needs, I would hope breaded chicken didn’t come up in your checklist.  Once the pan, now sprayed with organic cooking spray, was lined with beautifully breaded chicken thighs I could start the simple sides to compliment.  I like to let the chicken rest after breaded just about 10 minutes or so to let the coating really set.  This was perfect timing to prepare the Sweet Potatoes.  Simply sliced thin, layered with Saigon Cinnamon and Sea Salt, then drizzled very lightly with Macadamia Nut Oil (can use Olive or Almond), and topped with freshly grated Gruyere, this came together in no time and both dishes could be placed in the oven together.

It actually worked out so the first batch of muffins was ready as the Chicken and Gratin went into the same degree oven.  The Gratin cooks for 25-30 minutes, and in its place goes the Kale which is arranged simply on a baking sheet tossed with minimal Olive Oil and sprinkled with Sea Salt for the remaining 10-15 minutes of the chicken cooking.

As most of this meal was experimental, yet I allowed myself to look at what I wanted and set aside what I needed to do it, I find it really amazing how everything came together perfectly and felt almost effortless as well as perfectly timed.  I have found this true for most things in life, that when we force things without the right motive, or we just wait around expecting things to take care of themselves we miss the chance to truly experience doing something great and enjoying every minute of it!

Every so often, you get gifts for your journey.  The one I got was my little brother stopping over, and having enough for him to enjoy also.  It was his birthday and I have to admit I lost track of the date, I was able to save some face and treat him to what was most likely his 2^nd dinner of the day, and send him home with some muffins too!  I was gifted the chance to not be a crummy sister and have a birthday meal ready for my brother.  I also had a card and a gift handy too, but that’s because I spend too much money at gift and card shops.   And now to the recipes .....

Faith’s Anti-Fried Chicken

4-6 Chicken Thighs  Trimmed, Deboned

1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

2-3 Eggs Beaten

¾ Cup Plain Bread Crumbs

¾ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

1 Tbsp Herbs De Provence

Organic Canola or Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Preheat Oven to 350°F

Grease 9x11” Glass Baking pan with Cooking Spray

Place Flour, Bread Crumbs and Eggs in separate bowls for coating prep

One by one, take chicken and dredge into Flour first, then Egg Wash, and finally Breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

Line pan with coated chicken and let rest for 10-15 minutes before placing into preheated oven.  This allows coating to set and stick to the chicken more evenly with less crumbles.

Bake for a total of 40-45 minutes.  At 30 minutes, turn chicken to other side for remaining time.  Always check the thickest part of largest piece of chicken for doneness.  Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Simple & Sweet Gruyére Gratin
1-2 Sweet Potatoes (Yams)

1/3 Cup Gruyére Cheese, Grated (Can use discretion here)

Sea Salt and Saigon Cinnamon to taste

½ Tbsp Macadamia Nut Oil (Almond or EVOO okay too)

Preheat Oven to 350°F

Slice Sweet Potatoes into thin ‘chips’

Lightly toss with Oil until coated evenly

Layer overlapping into an 8” square glass baking pan until bottom is covered.  Sprinkle evenly with Sea Salt and Cinnamon, Grate Gruyére over layer until just covered (a little goes a long way). Repeat 1-2 more times until remaining Sweet Potatoes are used.  Can make as many layers as you like, just keep the layers themselves thin and even.  This is a rich, flavorful side, and is a bit calorie dense so I usually do no more than 3 layers of potatoes.

Bake Covered with foil for 18 minutes, can remove foil for last 2 minutes.  20 minutes total.  Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serve.

Baked Kale Krisps

1 Bunch Kale

½-1Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp Sea Salt

Preheat Oven to 350°F

Remove Kale from thick center stems with a knife, shears or your hands, and cut into small bite sized pieces.  Toss with Oil on a baking sheet or cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt.  Can line with Parchment Paper for easier cleanup.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.  Serve Immediately.

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Muffin Love Affair
This is a lot of love, made about 22 muffins, so you can cut if you want a more intimate encounter.

1 Can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz)

4 Eggs

1/3 Cup Canola Oil

2/3 Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce

2/3 Cup Water

3 Cups Sugar

3 ½ Cups Unbleached All Purpose Flour

2 tsp Baking Soda

1 ½ tsp Salt

½ Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Nutmeg

½ tsp Ginger

1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

2/3 Cup Walnuts Roughly Chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F   Grease Muffin Pans with Cooking Spray/Oil and Flour or line with cupcake cups.

In a large bowl, combine Pumpkin, Eggs, Oil, Applesauce, Vanilla, Water and Sugar until well blended.  Will be a loose liquid consistency.

In another bowl, whisk Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger.  Stir Dry mix into Pumpkin mixture until just blended.

Add Chocolate and Walnuts. 

Spoon mixture into prepared pan and fill almost to the top.  Bake for 35-40 minutes in oven. 

Test with a toothpick, muffins are done when toothpick in center comes out clean.

Pretty tasty Thank You for much appreciated house rennovations!

Damage Control: Rain, Recovery and Reviving back into Reality

Happy Monday!

So you've got yourself on a roll, so to speak, on track and feeling good!  Everything in moderation, seeing results and feeling inspired to continue ... and then it happens (dun dun dun) a crazy, sporadic, unplanned weekend of loves, laughs and living!  Oh gasp, what to do?? 

Here's a thought: Enjoy it!

Obviously life isn't all about indulgence or the party, if it were we wouldn't have jobs, or gyms or therapists - wait a minute that sounds fantastic!  On the other hand, it isn't all about getting ahead, aquiring assets or moving up the social ladder, if it were we wouldn't have bars, impulse shopping websites or stock options - hey that sounds pretty great too!   All joking aside, life is about give and take and when all you do is give, you end up with nothing left.  That said, when all you do is take, that which you take from will eventually wither up leaving you with nothing.  This is true in all things, including love, learning and most of all living.

I am recovering from a weekend of goodness, its Monday and I woke up late and a little tired.  The rain didn't really help, a rainy Monday is quite possibly one of the worst ways to set a tone for the week in my opinion.  I can't complain too much, as I spent Sunday planting flowers, bulbs and seeds in the garden so that rain was actually a much appreciated gift, well it was appreicated once I was up and had my first cup of coffee. 

I took pleasure in a weekend of laughter and loved ones, Friday night with a girlfriend and a bottle (or two) of good red wine.  A little more than moderation would call for, I also got to spend time with my two amazing cousins and ever so hilarious brother around a fire on the patio.  Note to self:  Don't skip dinner and drink the better part of not one but 2 bottles of red, unless you want to be carried upstairs or leave your guests wondering where you wandered off to powder your nose.  This led to Saturday without my scheduled run. As I am training for a race in May, I was a little bit tempted to wallow in guilt for letting myself be out of sorts, but decided it was all in good fun and good measure.  I decided to work on a gorgeous day outdoors in the garden and get some things done around the house also.  Cleaning up the mayhem of our resident squirrel population proved to be a formidable task of raking, collecting sticks and managing to fill up several trash bags in the wind with leaves and debris.  I received a text from some lovely Faith's Kitchen attendees about a girls night out later and decided to go for broke.  A few avocados and a few more margarita's later and the lovely day turned into an even lovlier night under the glow of the Super Moon.  I was actually in a little earlier and a lot more ready to take on Sunday.  I was super excited to start planting my flower beds and get working on my newest addition for this year: an organic veggie garden! 

    Sunday was just as wonderful outside, plenty of sun, and mild weather just warm enough to be out enjoying it, but cool enough to still need a sweatshirt.  I started a multitude of seeds and bulbs inside this year to plant, and had purchased some instant color Saturday in the form of Pansies, Snapdragons and my favorite and fragrant Stock.  Earlier in the week I sent out a casual invite to my friends and family to stop over and enjoy some outdoors on the patio with my ever growing group of nieces and nephews.  I spent the day enjoying the breeze, sun and dirt as everyone started arriving mid afternoon.  Before I knew it, I had a house of Medori's filling my house and yard.  Alyssa, my brother's oldest proved to be quite the messy gardener at 3 years old and is also proving to be a real 'know it all' like her Aunt Faify.  Tyler, my brother's youngest, and Lydia my sister's first child got aquainted on the sofa with the help of all the parents and cameras we had available since they are still both under 6 months and need some help sitting up.  My dad arrived and I realized that when everyone comes over, they are almost always assuming something delicious and nutritious is ready to serve in Faith's Kitchen.  Unfortunately, this wasn't the case, I decided not to outdo myself and enjoy the day.  My Dad ordered pizza all around, and in my ravenous hunger from yardwork all day I think I may have accumulated 4 pieces of pizza as my diet for the day on Sunday.  We had a truly wonderful time, and everyone settled down inside throughout all corners of the house.  I hardly even noticed just how spent I really was from the non-stop action.  I thoroughly enjoyed my descent to dreamland, and awoke rudely to reality ... that is Monday.

 

With the rain, poor nutritional choices, lack of hydration and exposure to small children just overcoming colds of their own, I decided today was recovery from the weekend day.  Water first, fruit then fiber this was my plan.  I also noticed a little tickle in the back of my throat, so I went straight for the green tea when I got to the office.  After a weekend of cheese-stuffed poblano peppers, pizza and very few green vegetables I also opted for a cup of my Dr Natura Kleritea which includes an herbal blend of Senna Leaf, Chamomile Flower, Fennel Seed, Peppermint Leaf, Rose Hip Fruit, Cinnamon Bark, Buckthorn Bark, Ginger Root, Milk Thistle Seed, Passion Fruit, Uva Ursi Leaf, Lemon.  I decided against running, and leaned towards rest.

I whipped up a simple and cleansing meal and enjoyed a movie that speaks to my heart.  I'm feeling exponentially better than this morning and I have more than myself to thank for that due to a friend that really understands give and take who I am forever thankful to have always had in this crazy life!

So for those times when you 'take off' and really enjoy yourself, but leave yourself little left for the return to reality, here is a quick and tasty meal to help bring your body back on track!

Faith's Fightin' Fiber (Steamed Broccoli and Almonds)

1-2 Bunches Broccoli

1 Cup Water

1 Tbsp Macadamia Nut or Almond Oil

2-3 Cloves Garlic thinly sliced

1/3 Cup Almond thinly sliced

Sea Salt to taste

Steam Broccoli over boiling water for 2-4 minutes (depending on desired firmness)

Heat pan on Medium heat and add Almonds, toss and toast lightly until begins to brown slightly

(less than one minute moving constantly).  Remove Almonds and set aside.

Add Oil to pan and continue to heat, add Garlic and toss until just browning. 

Add Broccoli and toss together with Almonds.  Salt to taste.  Enjoy!

Long time no see....

Its been a bit since my last entry here and I have been overwhelmed by inquiries recently about my current progress on my goals.  What goals you ask?  Well, as I am certain most questions are pertaining to my recent weight loss and fitness progress, I feel I really cannot properly answer those questions without getting to the 'heart' of the matter, and I mean that in the most romantic sense of the word.


Window of Bishops Castle in Colorado

There are so many layers to what has been key for me, that I think it only fair to share them especially for those who feel perpetually 'stuck' in a state of dissatisfaction, or unrest about any part of themselves.

We are two parts, us human beings.  One part spiritual and One part animal, these two powerful parts of what makes us human are very regularly at odds with one another.  Instinct is something our physical sense uses for survival and does not concern itself with much other than just that, survival.  It does not take into consideration the state or consequences of that survival, it does not care, instict has one job: Keep Yourself Alive.  Our Spiritual makeup is a lot less tangible and something of much debate and interpretation.  Our Soul, Psyche, Id, or States of Conciousness have much more complex influence over us.  This driving force really seems to have Ninja-like abilities to move us and flex us in so many directions without giving itself away as easily as Instict does.  Instict is powerful and hard to resist, however it is also much more easy to identify when we feel its pull.  Why do I mention this, because I feel that the closer we align our two halves, the easier it is to attain balance.  Once we find some balance, some calm within ourselves it is so much easier for us to really Listen to our true needs.  Wants and Needs are very different, if you are nurturing your Healthy Needs you will find that attaining any and all of your goals will start to feel effortless.  So let's see if I can break this down in a more tangable way.

Cleanse

Detoxification & Colon Cleansing :  I chose Dr. Natura's 30 day cleanse kit, I purchased 3 for the discount and did with friends.  This is a highly rated system that does not call for restricted diet during, however encourages eating alkaline foods that will assist in gaining the best benefits.  I will spare you the gory details and say simply that I was extremely satisfied with the results and the gentle, herbal ingredients as well as the limited interference with my daily lifestyle.

Purge : Get rid of the negative in your life.  It may be people, habits, clutter, compulsions, you will know it when you are looking for it.  If there is something habitually nagging at you that you are always trying to change or alter that ultimately makes you frown when you walk by it or think about it, get it out of your space.  I recently purged my house of things I really didn't know why I was holding onto them, clothes, gifts I didn't like but 'couldn't throw away', housewares I had outgrown, furniture I never liked, things I thought I would one day find a use for but never did.  Its empowering and gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment.... donate it to a good cause if its tangable.  Set boundaries with people or habits in your life that are toxic, that seem to always 'bring you down', only you know what boundary will stop you from being pulled in a negative direction.

Breathe

Yoga is the greatest thing I have personally found that feeds both the body and soul.  A good yoga studio will balance both and should last a minimum of an hour to 90 minutes.  The meditation piece is just as, if not more important than the physical positions.  I have done 'watered down' yoga in gyms for a while now, and until a recent trip to Colorado I did not ever experience the real power of Yoga and its pure wonderful goodness.  I was able to gain a clear head while also accomplishing Urdhva Dhanurasana or Wheel which was a first for me and has given me the guts to go for broke in each and every class thereafter.

Breathing while doing any sort of physical workout is key, I've found after understanding and implementing allowing real oxygen to fill my diaphram (thanks Lithe!), I am gaining more stamina during cardio workouts like Cycle Classes and Running.  I'm going a further distance with better results. 

Taking 5 deep, long breaths when faced with adversity, or emotional conflict has proven an effective way to keep a level head during hard times.  Ask yourself the next time you feel an uprising within such as anger, dissapointment, insult or any real negativity that tries to take over your mood:  Would I rather spend the next 5-10 minutes quietly breathing in mild meditation or the next hour or more completely upset or fighting about something?  I would say when posed that way, the answer is simple.

Listen

Once you find your 'calm' its so much easier to hear the music in your heart that is clearly what you want and what you need.  I don't think about how many calories I'm allowed to have anymore, or punish myself or enjoying something yummy ... I simply listen for what I truly want and my desire to be healthy and happy with my mind and body trump any and all unhealthy obsessing about how much chocolate I can eat or if I'm eating the 'socially correct' health food.  I listen to my own sense when reading about nutrition or recipes or workouts.  The motive is what I think is most important.  As long as I'm working out because I truly like what I'm doing and want to do it, not because I want to trim inches from my hips, I feel waves of pride and success when I'm going strong and can't wait to see what I'm capable of next time.  I've noticed that with fewer workouts, and almost zero calorie calculations recently I've not only lost weight and inches, I'm finally seeing it in all the right places.

I have been able to hear the desire of my heart and my body.  I've learned that I actually prefer to eat less meat if I really take the time to ponder what I want instead of what I should (as dictated by diet books) consume.  I treat myself and I also listen to how my body feels after each day and assess whether or not I gave my body what it needed that day.  If I gave it something not so great, or a little too much, I adjust the next day in a very natural way.  If I did a rigorous cardio routine, I anticpate the following day I will need to eat something more substantial, so I will eat very light the day before.  I also realized that I really only need to eat twice per day.  This isn't every day, and some days I may only eat once late morning and have a light snack instead of dinner .... it isn't a magic calculation, its just me really listening to if I am actually hungry instead of assuming I must be because 'its lunch time'.  I never workout if I truly do not want to, and I dedicate high energy days to meaningful workouts.  I also have been able to cease and desist all manners of 'beating myself up' for indulging in something I enjoy or listening to my body when its really tired.

Create



Painting I'm currently working on

You don't have to be Monet or Martha to fully partake in this category.  If there is something you love that brings you a real sense of happiness and enjoyment, chances are its something that holds little or no 'practical' value.  In life, these wonderful bits of bliss are usually put on the backburner.  We tell ourselves we are too busy, and there is so much to do, or we will definitely do that when we get some time off and before we know it, those things that should be what makes life ours become retirement plans.  Paint a picture, draw a cartoon, make a fantastic feast, plant a garden, decorate your bedroom, build something out of wood, make a scrapbook or a photo slideshow .... Do something because you love it, not because it has to turn out a certain way or to impress anyone,  it doesn't even matter if you're any good at it.  If its something you truly love to do, you should and it could be alone or with a loved one or your kids, purity takes many forms, but its rarely on a list of chores or scheduled in a calendar.  I spent more than a few recent nights up all hours painting, and not necessarily painting anything specific, I bought myself a beautiful journal to keep by my bed and when I have a lovely thought that can't seem to fit into a blog I write it down and savor the moment and where the thought came from.  I love creating simple, clean healthy meals for my friends and family with spring coming steadfast I invision many lovely evenings coming out on the patio sharing laughs and good wine and feeding the mouths and souls of the people I love.  I've also been starting my garden from seeds this year and its going well.  For the first time I am lovingly tending plants because I enjoy it and want to be able to bring my own harvest to my table.  I'm not trying to 'squeeze in' plants because its the chic thing to do.  Plants are very sensitive, so when you are being disingenuous they know it and won't bloom for you.

Play

Music, Sports, Games, Outside.  Get out there and do something, let loose, sing songs at the top of your lungs no matter who's listening.  Pick up a tambourine if you can't play guitar, run walk or skip down the street.  Get the air in your lungs and the sun on your face and just let go with wild abandon whenver you possibly can!

Feed

Your Mind.  Your Body.  Your Soul.  
Read : I have been devouring books on everything and anything that interests me.  From Dickens to the Dalai Lama I cannot get enough.  I'm not looking for distraction, I want to be fully engrossed in subjects I feel I can grow in and I'm all over the place with my interests.  I know the Kindle is big these days, but I have to admit, in that regard I'm old fashioned and I want the hardcover.  I want the smell of the pages and the art of the printshop, the craft of the binding.  For me, its all part of the experience and I don't want to cheapen it.
Eat : Give your body what it needs, pure nutrition.  Give it crisp, satisfying vegetables.  Give it the sweet energizing jewels of nature that are your favorite fruits.  Give it unadulterated whenever possible, and simple selections as frequently as you can.  Give it water.  Give it comfort when needed, a hot cup of tea or soup, a sweet bite of dark chocolate.
Pray:  Give your soul a rest from the every day.  Meditate daily if you can.  Turn off your television and enjoy the peace of a treasured spot, your back yard, your bedroom, a hot bath.  Pray from your soul for the good and healthy things that can be found all over this life and they will come to you.  If you are dedicating your entire self to seeking good in prayer, it is guaranteed to come to you.

Fast

Awareness and being able to listen to your needs will allow you to recognize and avoid excess.  Excess weighs us down both physically and emotionally.  It is good for both body and soul to fast when needed.  Fasting comes in a variety of options.  Through fasting, or giving up something, you give yourself the chance to explore if you are relying on that thing in an unhealthy way.  Fasting also cleanses the body and clears the mind, it will assist you with Listening and Cleansing.  Do so with caution and focus and find out what areas in your life may need more balance.

Forgive

  Ourselves and Others.  We have all been taught from early on that forgiveness is a key part of our way to happiness and spiritual enlightenment.  Until we forgive others we allow them control over our state of mind, when we do, we free ourselves from the entanglement of whatever the transgression.  More importantly, and less openly discussed when growing up is Forgiveness of Self.  We punish ourselves for all sorts of things and we do it with such ease that it just feels like we are being prudent or keeping ourselves in check.  We are all humans, we are all equals regardless of what we have done or failed to do in our lives.  If we believe that statement then the idea of Forgiveness of both ourselves and those around us is just a logical and more importantly, loving way to live out our days on this earth. When we punish ourselves for 'failures' we send a message to our core that we are 'bad' or of lesser worth.  This type of thinking will push a person to continue in more negative actions creating greater 'failures' which in turn will grease the wheel of a terrible cycle that does not end.  It only ends with forgiveness.

Measure

Take inventory regularly.  Goals are not bad things if their motives are pure.  Weigh yourself both emotionally and physically and ask yourself if you are satisfied with the current measurement.  Do so by listening, and with forgiveness in your heart.  Look at any room for growth or improvement as a positive.  Do not beat yourself up for where you are at in your journey.  It wouldn't be a journey if we didn't travel the path, without a journey we would not be human at all.  Take Measure with Self Love.



I hope this finds you at a place where it is helpful to you.  I leave you now with a simple and satisfying recipe that my Mother and I enjoyed together while Forgiving, Creating, and Feeding healthy needs.

A perfect Friday evening

Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients
2 Cups Organic Whole Grain Orzo Pasta
2 Cups Kalamata Olives, Pitted or mix with Green Olives, Pitted (1 Cup Each)
2 Cups Organic Baby Spinach
1 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp each Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley
1 Lemon
1 Cup Feta Cheese
Pepper to taste
Capers optional

Store bought Stuffed Grape Leaves go wonderfully with this meal also.

Orzo is a wonderfully fun and quick cooking pasta that goes great with just about anything, I love using it for Greek Dishes especially.  Orzo and Ouzo I always say, not really ... but maybe I should!

Directions
Boil 3-4 Cups water in a large heavy saucepan, preferably one you can fit a steamer above.  Cook Orzo according to directions (add to boiling water for approximately 8-10 minutes). 
While cooking Orzo, place steamer attachment above and place Sun Dried Tomatoes and stuffed grape leaves and steam for last 5 minutes of cooking.

Meanwhile, place Olives, Feta, Olive Oil, Herbs and squeeze half of Lemon into bowl.  Add a pinch of pepper and toss together.

 Remove Stuffed Grape Leaves from steamer.  Dry Sun Dried Tomatoes, and drain your Orzo.  Toss everything except for Grape Leaves together, add spinach while still hot and let wilt.

Allow to sit at room temperature or place in refrigerator until slightly cooled.  This dish is best served at room temperature for dinner and is also very good if chilled in the refrigerator and served as a light lunch or at a picnic.

On that note, I feel that I must be involved in a picnic soon, its a sign of spring and sounds like a wonderful way to spend the next upcoming mild day.  I hope you enjoyed, as for me I can honestly say its been a Long Time No See and I'm happy to be back!

Ascending Bishop's Castle