I am a total food snob. I can also count towel, veterinary and paper product diva as well, among the many quirks that make me...well, me.
You are what you eat, albeit cliche, is beyond a doubt, the simplest way of explaining the importance of what we consume. Eating well and being particular about the ingredients you choose is the surest way to heal whatever is ailing you. Whether it be diarrhea, headaches, skin problems, or even a broken bone - it is not a cure-all, but an imperative element in the body's natural ability to take care of itself.
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So, the next time you need a boost in energy or are feeling a little under the weather, try adjusting your diet and you'll be doing your body a big favor. Just spend more time preparing your meals from ingredients that were carefully selected and you will notice a difference.
For example, I was craving a greasy gyro yesterday from a local hole-in-the-wall joint downtown. Instead, I went to the grocery store, chose lots of fresh fruits and veggies. I made my own flat bread, baked some amazing and juicy chicken breast and put together supercharged sandwiches! I slept better and felt stronger than I had in a long time.
The healing power of food goes beyond Mom's chicken soup, so spend some time honing your own inner food snob and see how much better it can make you feel.
Following are some recipes I came up with yesterday, sans cookbook, that satisfied every one of my senses, making me feel worlds more energized and generally healthy.
Chicken Gyros
2 Chicken Breasts, boneless & skinless
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Fresh Dill
1/4 tsp. Oregano
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tsp. Minced Garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Brown the chicken in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients when the chicken starts browning, finish cooking it for a minute or two, then transfer to the oven at 375 degrees until done all the way through, about 30 minutes.
Tzatziki Sauce:
1/2 Cucumber
1 Small Container of 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
2 tsp. Chopped Fresh Dill
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 tsp sugar
Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate for 1 hour
Flat Bread:
2/3 Cup Warm Water
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 Package of Quick Rise Yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 Cup Flour
Mix the above ingredients very well for 2 full minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Add enough flour to form a ball, about 1 1/2 - 2 more cups. Knead for 8 full minutes and then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, forming small balls the size of an ice cream scoop. Flatten them into 1/4" thick circles and let rise 10 minutes. Cook on each side in a hot skillet, until done all the way through. Keep warm by wrapping or covering with a towel.
Greek Salad Filling
1 Cucumber
2 Tomatoes
1 Red Onion
Crumbled Feta to taste
Kalamata Olives to taste
Dressing:
Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 Olive Oil
1 tsp Chopped Fresh Dill
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp honey or sugar, whichever you prefer
Mix the ingredients for the dressing well and chop the vegetables coarsely. Combine the veggies, cheese, olives in dressing and let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
Assembling your Chicken Gyros
Build your delicious sandwiches by adding a few pieces of chicken on top of a hot piece of flat bread. Add some chopped romaine, then a scoop of veggies and top it off with a spoonful of tzaziki sauce.
Fresh Air & Positive Thoughts
Fresh Air & Positive Thoughts
When I started this adventure, the one promise that I made to myself, was to just inch along. (Thank you, Lianne. Forgive me for not reaching out. Trying to find my way back home in more than one way.) And, I have done that and seen how, even in the face of adversity, that fierce optimism and patience can produce the greatest positive energy.
I think that taking time to really breath in that good karma, letting it penetrate your entire body and spirit, can be very healing emotionally and physically.
Sometimes, when the arthritis in my hip and knee is bothering me, the fastest thing I can do is breath deeply, visualizing that I am pushing fresh oxygen through those joints, making them feel better. It usually curbs the pain immediately.
Like washing your hands really well can instantly calm anxiety, so can the conscious and deep expansion of your lungs with positive thoughts relieve aches and pains and even bigger issues when practiced regularly. So, next time you're not feeling well, try a dose of meditation - just breath deeply and visualize nothing at all except fresh air pulsing through your veins. Imagine it traveling right to the spot that hurts and washing it completely with healing and happy thoughts.
When I started this adventure, the one promise that I made to myself, was to just inch along. (Thank you, Lianne. Forgive me for not reaching out. Trying to find my way back home in more than one way.) And, I have done that and seen how, even in the face of adversity, that fierce optimism and patience can produce the greatest positive energy.
I think that taking time to really breath in that good karma, letting it penetrate your entire body and spirit, can be very healing emotionally and physically.
Sometimes, when the arthritis in my hip and knee is bothering me, the fastest thing I can do is breath deeply, visualizing that I am pushing fresh oxygen through those joints, making them feel better. It usually curbs the pain immediately.
Like washing your hands really well can instantly calm anxiety, so can the conscious and deep expansion of your lungs with positive thoughts relieve aches and pains and even bigger issues when practiced regularly. So, next time you're not feeling well, try a dose of meditation - just breath deeply and visualize nothing at all except fresh air pulsing through your veins. Imagine it traveling right to the spot that hurts and washing it completely with healing and happy thoughts.
Lady Bug Lady Bug Fly Away
June 27, 4:42am
Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away
I used to love lady bugs when I was a little girl. It feels like yesterday that I was whispering to them my secrets and then shooing them away to their burning homes.
I remember having an imagination that could carry me away to other worlds altogether. My mother bestowed upon me this fantastic gift of creative thought when I was tiny - maybe only 3 or 4.
My earliest memories are of being in the theatre, where my mother was a part of a pantomime troupe. It was there that I learned to put on theatre make up and eventually became a professional clown, continuing this tradition of inspiring other children's creativity.
Fort Richardson National Cemetery
My first love, the father of my children, died January 11th, 2009. He is buried at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. I visited his grave today.
I laid with him, held his gravestone and told him about the boys. I was happy to see a Father's Day wreath on his grave. Being a father was the most important thing in the world to him.
When we received the box of his personal things he had on his person when he died, there were pictures of the boys in his wallet and on his keychain, as well as the pocket watch the boys had bought him years earlier, appropriately inscribed "World's #1 Dad."
The sadness of your children losing their parent is a dark personal experience. A tragedy that causes indescribable grief.
I miss you Sean. The boys and I will always love you.
I laid with him, held his gravestone and told him about the boys. I was happy to see a Father's Day wreath on his grave. Being a father was the most important thing in the world to him.
When we received the box of his personal things he had on his person when he died, there were pictures of the boys in his wallet and on his keychain, as well as the pocket watch the boys had bought him years earlier, appropriately inscribed "World's #1 Dad."
The sadness of your children losing their parent is a dark personal experience. A tragedy that causes indescribable grief.
I miss you Sean. The boys and I will always love you.
Lions (mooses sounded funny) & Bears & Nieces, Oh My!
I couldn't have imagined it'd be possible to love these nieces of mine like I do. All 3 of these girls are amazing!
They're each incredibly different and special. The youngest being a 40-year old dictator trapped in a 6-year old;s body. This body by the way, being the spitting image of my sister's. All of the girls look like her in their own way.
The middle child is just like me. OMG, it's been scary seeing the similarities. She is so clumsy and light-hearted, while being incredibly tender and courageous. A perfect balance between naiveté and being keenly aware all at the same time.
Just like me, when she saw a field of dandelions, her knee-jerk reaction was to skip towards it, exclaiming exactly like I would, "look at all those flowers!"
The oldest is just as unique and beautiful as the other 2 girls. I have had the least time with her. At 14, she is a tough nut to crack and communicating with her has not been easy for me. Being honest with her was the best thing I could have done though and I hope she realizes how much I really am listening to her.
Even when everyone else is laughing and talking, I can hear her back there, making hysterical little comments. It doesn't seem like people notice she is saying much, but I am listening and think she is so funny.
I tell each of the girls how important they are to me every time I see them and am so glad I have had this opportunity.
My mother has afforded me this chance to see them and for us to get to know each other, I am grateful for every minute I have had with them and appreciate everything she has done to facilitate that.
I know we all have our own opinions and feelings as to why these girls haven't always had an ideal life. I know there is guilt and resentment on a lot of people's parts. But, there is no way to go back and change anything.
The only thing we can do now is make each day count. Spend it doing something good for ourselves and others. Take a little time to talk to new friends and enjoy our surroundings and family as much as possible. And treat those around us like we know would make them feel happy and loved.
They're each incredibly different and special. The youngest being a 40-year old dictator trapped in a 6-year old;s body. This body by the way, being the spitting image of my sister's. All of the girls look like her in their own way.
The middle child is just like me. OMG, it's been scary seeing the similarities. She is so clumsy and light-hearted, while being incredibly tender and courageous. A perfect balance between naiveté and being keenly aware all at the same time.
Just like me, when she saw a field of dandelions, her knee-jerk reaction was to skip towards it, exclaiming exactly like I would, "look at all those flowers!"
The oldest is just as unique and beautiful as the other 2 girls. I have had the least time with her. At 14, she is a tough nut to crack and communicating with her has not been easy for me. Being honest with her was the best thing I could have done though and I hope she realizes how much I really am listening to her.
Even when everyone else is laughing and talking, I can hear her back there, making hysterical little comments. It doesn't seem like people notice she is saying much, but I am listening and think she is so funny.
I tell each of the girls how important they are to me every time I see them and am so glad I have had this opportunity.
My mother has afforded me this chance to see them and for us to get to know each other, I am grateful for every minute I have had with them and appreciate everything she has done to facilitate that.
I know we all have our own opinions and feelings as to why these girls haven't always had an ideal life. I know there is guilt and resentment on a lot of people's parts. But, there is no way to go back and change anything.
The only thing we can do now is make each day count. Spend it doing something good for ourselves and others. Take a little time to talk to new friends and enjoy our surroundings and family as much as possible. And treat those around us like we know would make them feel happy and loved.
Talking to trees is good therapy
Talking to the trees. Sounds silly, right?
Well, don't knock it until you've tried it.
I hiked up the side of a waterfall a few days ago, talking to the trees the whole way up and again on the way down. Laughing and smiling and having fun with the plants.
"Thanks for giving me a helping hand with your branches."
"You look beautiful in the snow, white is your color."
"Let's hug." (I'm laughing just writing that one!)
I was fascinated with all of the growth, even under a mountain of snow that had been covering everything for the last 8 or 9 months now. So, not only was spending time with the trees and plants fun, but it was interesting. It got my wheels spinning, stimulated my mind and refreshed it with the perfectly cool crisp air.
Communing with nature can make you laugh, or cry, or forget about everything. It will give back to you, what you give to it. So, try spending time with the trees, tell them things and see what they have to say, you may be surprised by how good it will make you feel.
So far, so...great!
June 08, 2012
I'm so comfortable right here in this place. I am leaned back on my bed, resting under my great grandmother's quilts, in my mother's RV. She was named Peggy by the youngest grandchild and is straight out of the 70's.
I am sharing stories of my crazy adventures with my family and their friends from work. Like my niece, America, and I went to the Ice Cream Shop earlier and she entertained all of us by thinking the employee was joking when he told her about the amazing picture by our table of a man kayaking through a whale's mouth. For some reason she thought he was joking when he said that his uncle had unfortunately died in that accident 4 years prior. Good God, she could not stop laughing - the more I told her that the guy was obviously not kidding about his dead relative, the more she was convinced he was kidding...
Or when all of us were beachcombing earlier and America had wrapped some dry seaweed around her neck like a scarf. She saw a spider in it and went running around, wrapped up in it, squirming and screaming as Halley was trying to pull it off of her.
Rita is resting at ankles and watching out the window - through the raindrops, I am watching a cruise ship coming in. It's huge and beautiful as it's moving towards the dock, where it will rest for the next day to let off bus loads of tourists.
I can't wait to share stories when I'm working at my mother's donut shop tomorrow with people from all over the world. I am doing what I love for now, learning to slow down, and it feels really good.
I had an amazing day. It was full of so many hysterical situations and some drama as well. I have built more memories in the past few days than I imagined I would have by now and lived more passionately than I thought would ever be possible.
I just boiled the eggs from my niece's chickens and will be making deviled eggs for the Donut Depot tomorrow. Yum, my favorite! :) Again, doing what I love.
America was our tour guide today. We road all around the area - the scenery was so unreal, it seriously felt like it was out of a movie. This whole experience has honestly.
So, I am continuing my journey to discovering local cures from this area. I'm not sure where this adventure will take me, but it seems to be happening very organically.
Until next time, take care of yourself and don't be afraid to do what makes you happy. Take it from me, I am and it feels absolutely great!
I'm so comfortable right here in this place. I am leaned back on my bed, resting under my great grandmother's quilts, in my mother's RV. She was named Peggy by the youngest grandchild and is straight out of the 70's.
I am sharing stories of my crazy adventures with my family and their friends from work. Like my niece, America, and I went to the Ice Cream Shop earlier and she entertained all of us by thinking the employee was joking when he told her about the amazing picture by our table of a man kayaking through a whale's mouth. For some reason she thought he was joking when he said that his uncle had unfortunately died in that accident 4 years prior. Good God, she could not stop laughing - the more I told her that the guy was obviously not kidding about his dead relative, the more she was convinced he was kidding...
Or when all of us were beachcombing earlier and America had wrapped some dry seaweed around her neck like a scarf. She saw a spider in it and went running around, wrapped up in it, squirming and screaming as Halley was trying to pull it off of her.
Rita is resting at ankles and watching out the window - through the raindrops, I am watching a cruise ship coming in. It's huge and beautiful as it's moving towards the dock, where it will rest for the next day to let off bus loads of tourists.
I can't wait to share stories when I'm working at my mother's donut shop tomorrow with people from all over the world. I am doing what I love for now, learning to slow down, and it feels really good.
I had an amazing day. It was full of so many hysterical situations and some drama as well. I have built more memories in the past few days than I imagined I would have by now and lived more passionately than I thought would ever be possible.
I just boiled the eggs from my niece's chickens and will be making deviled eggs for the Donut Depot tomorrow. Yum, my favorite! :) Again, doing what I love.
America was our tour guide today. We road all around the area - the scenery was so unreal, it seriously felt like it was out of a movie. This whole experience has honestly.
So, I am continuing my journey to discovering local cures from this area. I'm not sure where this adventure will take me, but it seems to be happening very organically.
Until next time, take care of yourself and don't be afraid to do what makes you happy. Take it from me, I am and it feels absolutely great!
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