Monday, December 30, 2013

Less than. Greater than.

A Poem

In an attempt to make things workable for all parties involved,
I am afraid
I am making you More Than.
More emotion
More heart
More truth
More meaning.

In this attempt to balance the past with the present
and in making you More Than
I am afraid
I am making me Less Than.
Less than desireable
Less than loveable
Less than attractive
sassy
adventurous
witty
detached
enough.

Why do I do it?
Is the sacrifice of peace and acceptance with self
worth the attempt to give my child something
I did not have?


Greater Than, Less Than.
Who is really to say?

When the veil comes down, maybe it really is you who feels
Less Than.
Less than a father.lover.husband.boyfriend.friend. partner.
And in your attempt to tip the scales in your favor...or even just into balance
you make me Less Than.

I reason with myself over a sink of dirty dishes.
Listing the reasons for and against.Mostly against.
Lack of spirituality, 
what I perceive as a confused sense of sexual identity and tendencies.
chemical dependency.
A talent to often conceal the truth
Emotionally remote
Disconnected

But in a Greater Than looking glass
none of it would matter.
You would still be worth more than 
all the peppercorns in Madagascar.
And I could be mostly satisfied.

Today,
I woke up
from dreams
that cleared the way
for me.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Being True to Myself

This past year I attended a convention.

At the convention, like the last one attended I bought myself a stone with the words printed in gold, "Be true to yourself."

I felt this would be important to me this year.

I have had to leave many people behind and cut ties. It is not easy. It may appear and feel cold hearted to those on the receiving end of my decision.

It is what it is. It is what I've needed to do.

This butterfly has needed to make changes to grow and transform and fly.

Ultimately, I know I am going to soar.

I am listening to my inner guide. I am getting better at it.

I am getting much more comfortable with it and I am no longer afraid of others.

That is why I have also taken the brave step to let my natural color grow and shine through.

I am going to be comfortable letting the world know..."THIS IS ME," with all my
shortcomings, strengths, beauty, weaknesses, creativity, quirks. This is ME.

I am very excited about what is happening within me
and what is to come.

I am being true to myself.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sunday

Woke-up
Made Cofee
Made vegan oatmeal pancakes
Completed two hours of lessons, paper-grading, test-making
Dressed for Fete Paradiso on Governor's Island
Decided to get iced coffee and lunch for my girl instead.
Mama-Daughter pedicures
Bought a chuck roast & all the fixings.
Came home.
Put together the potroast...cooking now as I type.
Prepped the ingredients for collard/black-eyed pea soup.
Swept kitchen floor.

To come...
More school work (one hour now, one more hour later)
Grocery delivery
Yoga
Relax with my girl...dinner...movie....shower.

BED.

We didn't make it to church or to the last day of FP but it has been a beautiful, productive, and cozy kinda Sunday...Just what we needed after running around from activity to activity yesterday. 


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Courage to be me

After three weeks of no poo...just using a baking soda and water to wash with an apple cider vinegar rinse, I am wanting to use shampoo.

I don't know why, really.

I guess I'm trying to figure out what my next move will be concerning my hair.
After that horrible reaction last time in the salon when I had it highlighted and dyed, I don't think
I should ever dye it again. I'm scared. Not being able to breath and getting dizzy is very scary.
Having to take prednisone and my inhaler for two days later was also scary.

Is it worth it to go through the fear? I've been reading some scary things about the
chemicals in hair dye and how many people have had adverse, even life-threatening and life-ending
experiences. I don't want that to happen to me.

How important is it to have blonde hair? I feel like it compliments me and looks pretty, but I
also sometimes feel frustrated by the cost, time, and toxicity of the process...all in the name of
vanity. It's certainly not consistent with my spiritual beliefs or the other facets of my life:
yoga, clean eating, natural childbirth and child-rearing, natural and homeopathic healing.

Hair dye.

It just doesn't seem to fit.

I will meditate and pray for the strength to figure out a natural, less toxic solution or to be brave enough to let my natural color grow out.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Some Summer Love

Souvenir from the SI Yankee game in June.

My two girls in the rooftop pool at the Chelsea Hotel in AC, NJ


Doing what we do in LI, NY

It's been an okay summer. 
Nothing like last summer, my "Summer of Love, 2012."  That would be our best summer ever.
This summer just felt like extended time off from work.
Lots of transitions.
Lots of spiritual transformation which is always good, but sometimes can feel awkward.
Lots of "in-betweens."
Lots of differences from summers past: 
No camp for my girl...Instead Vacation Bible Schools, which were awesome; one I volunteered at...GREAT EXPERIENCE.
I had a foster baby son who I ache for daily. 
That has been difficult emotionally.
We had a six-year old come and go. 
We were okay with that.
Lots of fireworks and beaches.
Lots of time with friends. 

The weather this summer was hot, oppressive. The air feels strange.
Looking forward to going to the shore next week.
The ocean water will be refreshing and cleansing.
Looking forward to a full-moon kirtan in the city.
...A visit to the Ganesha temple tomorrow and Oneness Fountain Heart restaurant on Tuesday.
Movie night, dinner, and cupcaking making with sweet friends today.

Summer vacation is almost over.

I feel like asking, "When is summer going to arrive?"

Namaste, Friends. 
Love and Light. 
xoxo


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Guru Moon and Cleansing




I was telling my daughter this morning "full moons always mess with me," as
I dropped the sugar bowl while trying to scoop a teaspoon into my morning java.
Last night we had the Purnima Moon, which is known as the "Moon of the Guru."
In India, people visit the temples and leave puja in appreciation and
veneration of their spiritual teachers.


The energy of this moon left me feeling very drained yesterday along with where I
am in my cycle, I just had no energy. Later in the evening, I decided our home needed a good smudging, or
cleansing with sage. I had not done it in a very long while. I don't even remember the last time.
All I know is our home has been filled with many different people, especially
when the baby was here. So many beings all bringing their energy
with them and going through the rooms of the house.


The baby brought along the spirit energy of addiction and as he was still
withdrawing, it was a difficult energy to absorb. What it felt like spiritually,
was an intense pressure that entered and could not be relieved. (This is another story
best left for my other blog about fostering.)


While I wafted the white sage smoke through our house room by room, I prayed
continually and I envisioned peaceful energy and angels entering our home
all within white, glimmering light. I told a close friend that the energy in our home would
lift and the heaviness would not be here with the morning
and so this is how it feels on this pretty, rainy, gray morning as I stare out the window
while typing this.


Last night, I took the opportunity of the full moon to meditate and just sit.
I love the feeling of "settling" I get as soon as I sit on the cushion for meditation.
It was a wild ride of a meditation last night. Again, more cleansing.
I know that I am processing a lot this summer and it all runs
through the tape of the consciousness and when it is played itself
through...it is one long "aaaahhhhhhh."


It felt so good to process, feel the feelings, sense them,
acknowledge them, and let them go.
Today, is a new day.


Thank you Guru Moon for bringing the
necessary energy I needed to do a much needed
spiritual cleansing, both inside and out.






Friday, July 19, 2013

Change, Liberate, and Expand

August is going to be a whopper of a month astrologically speaking...especially for me and my fellow Taureans. According to a Belgian astrologer I follow, Venus, Pluto, Jupiter, and Uranus are going to square in our heavenly sky and these planets "...want to CHANGE, LIBERATE, and EXPAND" us.

I've been feeling it already and I say
LET IT BEGIN!
I am so ready.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Too Much To Blog About


Not sure where to post life updates anymore...here or on my other blog about
my experience as a new foster mama.

Right now, there is too much to blog about really. That is, too much personal stuff to share.
It has been the most BIZAAAR-OOO summer and it just feels...not sure there are even words for it.

No trips to beach yet.
A few trips to local parks that are new (to us) to mix it up.
Not much summer reading although I have a stack piled up against my bedroom wall waiting.
This could have had something to do with the baby, ya think?!

Lots of trips to bookstores...the small (favorite) local one and the big corporate one.

Maybe it has something to do with the heat. We have spent a good part of it indoors.
Newborn preemie baby boy.
Reorganizing and re-arranging every nook and cranny of our home. This is something
I've never done before and I'm finding it OH. SO. SATISFYING.

I thought I'd be going all out with visiting gurus who were and are in town. 
Missed a BIG one. I just couldn't get myself there for a number of reasons.

Hoping and Praying to make it to the Ganesha Temple this weekend for 
a special visitor and Indian meal in the delicious canteen, but we'll see if it happens.

Booked two beach vacations for August and am quietly looking forward to them.
Making all sorts of odd iced tea and juice slushees with my magic bullet, which I adore for everything culinary.

Priding myself on not using my stove or oven to make tasty lunches and dinners during this buster of a heatwave.

Enjoying how my girl is loving our little almost two year old neighbor...she teaches him things and 
they splash together in his little pool. Sigh. Adorable.

Lots of yoga as always, but lately I'm re-connecting with my old love Body Sculpting.
Yeah, I want to be Strong. Cut. Super Strong. Healthy. In Super Shape.

This summer has kicked my ass and 
taught me so much so far. 
Yeah, I've seen what I thought were some of my own limits.

Then pushed past them, gratefully.

I'm ready to own my own strength.


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Before Bed...



Some nights we watch a show together. Sometimes, I put her to bed and rub her back.
Other times we talk, and sometimes, we do a little bit of both.

Tonight, I attempted to read Little House on the Prairie again and 
she still stands firm on her opinion. ("It's boring. Sooooo boring.)
Oh, well. I picked up a reader that the was gifted to us from the local 
Montessori last summer and we decided we'd read about Beethoven.

My oh, my...this girl asks the best questions, "Did he hear music constantly after he 
went deaf or only sometimes?" We were going to listen to "Ode to Joy," but it 
grew late and it was already past her bedtime. I'll put that on the bucket list with 
the cicada research for the summer, along with the gardening and planting 
workshop, which we will accomplish this time around.

Afterward, we read some psalms. Her request. "Let's read the Bible." 
We spoke about God's unconditional love and the power of creation.

I love these quiet times together before bed and I'm so 
grateful that our routine we were so consistent with in the early days
is still (for the most part) in place. 

Sweet Dreams, My Pretty Princess. 

Love, Mama

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

My Earth-Mama Life

Just in case you are interested in what I've been doing over at my other blog.

To be continued...

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Opulence




Two posts in one day?
Yes.
I couldn't help myself.
I became mesmerized by this image
when I happen to stumble upon it this evening on my quest for a scent.

Opulence.
Gold Dust. 
Twinkling Effervescence.

I am on a quest for pure
Sandalwood...
 beautiful
airy,
natural,
deep
soft
realistic

Mysore.

(Unfortunately, it has become very rare and pure mysore is hardly, if ever used anymore.
We have depleted this gorgeous natural resource from Mother Earth.)


Bang a Gong

This week, I am counting the days till the weekend. I am planning on attending a moon ceremony at a kundalini yoga studio and will experience my second gong bath meditation.

In one word.... B L I S S!


A gong bath meditation is one of the most relaxing, beautiful, peaceful,
healing experiences you can give yourself.


Above gong bath meditation image courtesy of this website.


 
Gong sound can be used to rebalance and tone the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. It is an excellent therapy for stress related issues, depression, fatigue, anger and hostility, feelings of fear, separation and loneliness, along with many other conditions related to the lack of balance and harmony in the body.

Some more benefits include:

•induces an instantaneous state of meditation by calming the mind and stopping the internal dialogue

•creates an immediate state of relaxation and release of tension

•stimulates the circulatory and glandular systems

•rebalances the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies

•helps clear energetic and emotional blockages

•regenerates the parasympathetic nervous system

•awakens higher states of consciousness conducive to healing and transformation


I feel fortunate to live in close proximity (equal distance in opposite directions) to two studios that provide this form of meditation.

I am learning and discovering so much along my path to peace and healing. I hope you enjoy hearing about my journey as much as I enjoy sharing it.

Shanti. Shanti. Shanti.

Peace, Peace, PEACE.


Sunday, June 2, 2013

GLOWING & GROWING


I finally joined Yogaglo after much back and forth on it. 
I do pretty well with my practice in my little home studio,
but it was time to refresh. With summer approaching there
will be much more time for asanas, pranayama, & meditation. 
I am enjoying this site immensely. If you are not familiar with it, 
you really must check it out. They even offer a free two week trial membership.


KUNDALINI is changing & transforming my life, my aura, my energy;
my being.  I am moved to share and spread its light & healing power. 




In other news: Babaji is in town this week! 

Friday, May 31, 2013

Bonjour, Juin!


This photo was taken last June when we went to spend the day at my beautiful SIL's 
beautiful Mama's house. Her and her partner's house is set in the most tranquil, luxurious 
community; surrounded by gardens and yes, they have a lovely pool.

Last summer, my Willow gained so much confidence in the water! 
She is all ready for her formal lessons this summer, too.

Last summer was the summer I dubbed, "Our Summer of Love," because that is 
truly what it was. It was the BEST summer in so many incredible ways:
We loved, we grew, we traveled, we rested, we explored, we played and created A LOT.
We sang a lot of kirtan and we played a lot of musical instruments while we were at it.

This June we will be kicking off our summer with a calendar that is already packed with Sunshine:
My Willow will be getting an award and honored at a very special brunch this weekend! 
I could not be more proud of her!

My precious Grandmother's birthday...such a blessing. 

Wonderlust Yoga in the City! Whoo Hoo! Can not wait to join in the 
L.O.V.E. with so many other yogis!

Birthdays and more birthday parties to attend & celebrate.

A very special concert to attend with my dear brother.

Finally attending Smorgasbord with my love. And more time together at Ganesha Temple, Oneness Fountain, our secret art museum & biking in the North Fork together.

Kundalini! Looking forward to so much more time to attend the center, practice, learn,
meditate and to ELEVATE!

Swimming holes that we discovered and are ready to explore further in our magical place
in the woods.

I have a feeling this summer we are going to continue to grow all of the 
seeds of the body, heart, and soul that we planted and cultivated
& cared for 
last summer.

Summer of Love Deux
here we come. 

Jai!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

"In a Land Far, Far, Away..."

My Love & My Light at Sivananda 

Once Upon A Time...
I met a person that I must have known in a different life
because I recognized him from....somewhere.

We shared a connection.
We filled those gaping holes our parents tore through us.
We patched each other up and we made it better...
for a short while.

And that first night we talked about having a child
because that was one of the important reasons
we were brought together.

And so she was created.
The most wonderful collaboration of us and 
our Almighty Creator of the Universe
Maker of all things
the Earth, Sun, Moon, Stars

And so she is here
and she grows.
And she  has the purest heart I have ever known.
I am so honored that Almighty 
entrusted me with her life.


Every day I am given the blessing of watching this Willow grow.
Every day I love and she loves
and we grow
together.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Random Thoughts on Food

(I love how she does this with her favorite green olives.)

-Even an organic lemon tastes better, so yeah...I'm buying 
organic produce ONLY. I've decided that for our family, for our quality of 
life and overall health, it is the best decision...and totally worth it. 

-I reluctantly visited the local nutritionist/kinesthesiologist back in January.
I knew it would be a costly endeavor, and nothing was promised, 
but I had tried every thing else (medically speaking) and needed to get to the bottom of the food
allergy issue.

I couldn't say more about this intuitive, intelligent healer. Even her office is different in every way.
Turns out gluten is the big culprit for me...along with some other suspects that I was
already aware of. I've been gluten free since then, and I feel and look better
than ever.
Recently, I tried sneaking some gluten back into my diet and it was not pretty. 
I'm gluten-free and staying that way. Turns out it's actually a lot easier than I thought. 
There are so many gluten-free options out there for us GF's! 

-Canned beans are great in a pinch and we use them weekly, but I've been
taking the time to rinse and soak my beans in the morning while I make breakfasts
and our lunches. By the time I reach home they are ready to cook. 
The taste pay-off (and cost) are quite noticeable. I love the texture 
and flavor so much better! 

Thank you Great Creator for all of the food that sustains and nourishes us all! 





Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Teatro de Mexico

I wanted to add a photo to this post and maybe I will... tomorrow.

I came upstairs on the later side this evening. Little Girl should have been in bed already,
but the school year's coming to an end and the light outside at 8:15pm doesn't help any.

All bets are off when it comes to the target 8pm bedtime lately. It's okay. She's such a sweetheart
and only gets a little grumpy once in a blue moon.

Tonight, she had set up the Teatro de Mexico on the floor in my room...the one her paternal grandmother gave her as a gift for one of the holidays. She was a little young at the time to fully enjoy it, but I put it aside in our art cabinet because I knew one day she would love it.

She had the three room/backdrops set up and all of the paper dolls posed in each "room." She was
playing on the floor with the dolls when I came up. She just looked so innocent and content. I didn't
like enforcing the bedtime but I know she is tired and so am I.

The new interest in the theater is sparked by a favorite "Monster High" doll who is fashioned
after a Day of the Dead sugar skull design, but I'm still glad she is finally playing with it and enjoying it.

The quiet playing in the evening hours is something I will miss as she grows up.

My Girl, you have given me so many sacred gifts...gifts that only I have been blessed to witness. Organically, spontaneously, you live and express, you love and share, and imagine and create. You have given me so many precious moments that could never be put into words. They are simple and they are so special to me.

They are born from you joyously living your life...your life with me...our life together.



Friday, May 17, 2013

Willow & Other Random Thoughts on a Spring Friday


One of my favorite pictures of my girl from last spring. 
We went to a dinner meeting at the local museum and we were both in awe
of these butterflies. Later that week, I had a butterfly tattooed on my right wrist.
The design is for Hawaii, my mother, my daughter, butterflies, dreaming, 
freedom, flight, breathing, and all delicate, lovely, things that float on air.

Today, lots of random thoughts floating around. So glad I still have this space to come 
to and jot it all down. Thinking about hiring a designer and giving this little space
a renovation. I'm also considering buying a really nice camera for myself. I've been falling
in love with photography again. For me, it's all about the color and the narrative
of the photo. That's why I love this one. It captures her. I loved her long hair.
We just cut it again. China-doll bob. She looks more like
the baby version of herself again.. Last year, I called her my "Willow." 
My girl from a seventies post card.

Thinking about...
Summer vacation finally in my sight...Last day of classes June 10. 
Plans for all of our weekends until we go on our first of a few vacations. 
So many new things too: Reiki/Energy healing, Kids Yoga, exploring places
we haven't been to before. Lots of ART: Making, Seeing, DOING.
Thinking of: Him. Always him. His skin. His hair. The way he knows me.
Reading so many books...too many to count; all at once...as usual. Some titles: Cannery Row, Mutant 
Message Down Under, The Life History of a Star, & Patanjali & Ayurvedic Yoga.
Sculpting again with craft-store clay. Lots of animals, eggs, body parts & mandalas.
Purging clothes and all things no longer used, loved, or needed in our home. Feels amazing!

This day is lovely, comfortable. 
Enjoying a new favorite waffle sandwich. Yes, sneaking gluten again. 
Waffles, Earth Balance, Ground Flax, Strawberry-Apple Puree
washed down with a cup of an organic coffee that actually has flavor! Yum.

Later tonight, we kick off this weekend with my girl's Spring Concert.
She will be singing and playing recorder. 
I will drink in every moment.
Loving this Spring.




Thursday, May 16, 2013

Birthday


It was a kick-off my shoes, feel the cool grass on my bare feet kinda day.
Today I celebrated myself. 
It was an average day...only with sprinkles on top. 
It was my kind of day, just the way I like it.
Woke up bright and early. Saw the sun come up.
Drank a glass of my favorite juice.
Crawled back in bed and dozed off for a little bit.
Woke up my girl when the familiar song of the alarm rang once again, softly.
"Happy Birthday, Mommy." 
She never forgets. It's always the first words out of her mouth: 
Merry Christmas.HappyValentine'sDay.HappyEaster.
Whatever Holiday. Whatever Special Day...
My sweet, sweet, girl knows. She always knows.
Always give love. 

Saw him bright and early. 
Listened to some music.
Walked to work and enjoyed all the 
Happy Birthday Miss's.
The singing...the smiles. 
Love those kiddos. 

Later, after a good day's work...
meditation...always meditation. 
Free-floating joy suspended on the thick, airy 
clouds of my comforter.
Get up.
Dress up.
Meet up.
Favorite Indian Spot.
Comic Books.
Donuts.
Cranberry Candles.
Wishes.Wishes.Wishes.
Morebirthdays.MoreLife.MoreHealth.MoreHer.MoreHim.
DreamingBigger.NewHouses.Vacations.Art.Creating.Yoga.
Meditating.Chanting.Breathing.Loving.Togetherness.
Living. All rolled into one
E X H A L E!

Topping it all off cuddling on the couch watching 
season finales while she sleeps in her bed,
the one she jumped into way too late.
Hope she passes those tests tomorrow.
There wasn't too much studying.

There was a whole lot of living and celebrating.
Today.
My day. 
It was perfect.

Thank you, Heavenly Father.
Praise God.
Jai.Jai.Ma.


Monday, May 13, 2013

No Recipes Required

I'm so happy today's temperature allows for a soup-making day for us. Monday nights can be busy. It's the night I post the weekly homework for all of my students. Later in the evening, there are other weekly obligations to fulfill. It is a cool, breezy day outside where long-sleeves and sweatshirts were required. I set out to start preparing dinner in the kitchen and instinctively grabbed our large workhorse of a pot and was making soup before I knew it. Throw in some oil, chop some onion, throw it in, carrot next, kale, cabbage, some frozen mixed veggies, some dried lentils and wild rice...Stir, stir, stir. Add some spices and add the veggie broth and wine...Stir, stir some more. Chop and add fresh parsley. Now it's bubbling away on our stove top and the house smells heavenly. Little girl asked for some organic nuggets till soup's ready because the smell is making her hungry! Can't say I can blame her.

I've realized in the past few weeks that I can pretty much make delicious soups, stews, and cookies without recipes. I feel like shouting, "Look Ma, no hands!" It's a pretty great feeling to know that I am only referring to cookbooks or online recipes these days when I'm in need of creative inspiration or some flavor/ingredient compatibility. Really loving vegetarian dishes now that the weather is warming up. On my list of restaurants in the city to visit: Caravan of Dreams (for the umpteenth time!), Pongal (Great veggie-Indian), & Alta. In Queens right next to my beloved Ganesha Temple...there is Sri Chimnoy's delicious and delightful Oneness Fountain Heart Cafe that I am yearning to revisit.

In more food related news, I'm looking forward to the return of our local farmer's market this week and with the new juicer for my birthday, I'm excited about smoothies and green juices in the very near future.


Any culinary delights to share?

Saturday, May 11, 2013

There Is A Season...

                          

Waiting for someone to die is not easy.
It lays there dormant inside your mind and heart but comes out in strange ways.
Somewhere I hit the pause button. 
It has effected sleep and effected future planning. 
Fear slips in unexpectedly and builds a nest within while I sleep. 

The co-sleeping has quelled it a bit. 
When I wake up, I role over and see your sleepy shadow
and I drift back into the lead-like dreams.
They are neither good or bad. 
They are just what they are.

Hearing someone's strong voice weaken and breathless
is a sound that frightens me.
I have never been good or graceful in this area.
I want to be.
I've been praying for strength.
I have been reminding myself that I practice.
Sat Nam.
Om Tat Sat.

God.
All is Truth.
We are Eternal.
There is nothing to fear.

All of Life is Love.
All of Life is Beautiful.

Waiting for someone to die is not living 
in God's grace and knowing 
Truth.

Today, I will try to live
walk
& breathe
my practice.

Today, Lord
help me not to slip and forget 
your Truth.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Kinda CoSleeping

A big, comfey queen-sized bed with a twin mattress on the floor alongside works out just fine for all of us.
Love having my girl back in our room and I think she is much more secure and settled, too.
Co-sleeping, but not in the same bed. As with most things "parent," it's about what is right for your family.
There is no "one size fits all" model.

Today, a co-worker told me she is scheduled for her second child's birth, a c-section. She said something that really hit home with me. "I could have tried to go VBAC, but what for? So I can do this? (And she reached back and made the patting herself on the shoulder motion) and then said, "Yeah. Who cares?"

I love her for that. Natural birth vs. C-section. Breast vs. Bottle? Who cares? Really and truly.
Anyone who gets caught up in that or thinks they deserve a pat on the back for their individual choice
is missing the point. No one wants their baby "ripped from their womb," (long story about that one.) As my then MIL said to me, "The goal here is having a healthy baby."

My goal is always to have a healthy, strong, secure daughter...one who knows she is loved and cared for and has a positive sense of herself as a result. If co-sleeping gives her more peace of mind, then co-sleeping it is. We're happy.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Beautiful Sunny Sunday

What a wonderful weekend. 
I feel blessed for such a good, well-lived Sunday.

Sunday, it's becoming the Sabbath day it is meant to be
in our happy home.

Today:
Had a simple, nutritious breakfast.
Played a game of "Slap Jack" (card game) with my precious daughter.
Washed and dressed and talked while doing it.

Was up and out in the cool, crispy, air after bathing in the sun under the window in her room.
Praise God, we can afford healthy food for our week!
We went to Trader Joe's and picked up everything on our list...
all healthy. My girl even picked up a healthy root beer, her favorite.

After a quick cup of tea, it was off to church, our home church.
We've been visiting the churches of family and friends for the past few weeks so it
was nice and comfey to be back at our special place.

Then home for a beautiful yoga session for this Mama...one hour
of a glorious class underneath my sunny window. 
Afterward, I made a big, healthy salad for me and my girl and we 
enjoyed it together. 

There was kitchen cleaning, friends coming over for a loving visit 
with pieces of confetti cake with homemade icing. And then I may have had a quick nap
on the couch while watching Rosemary & Thyme. 

I watched the sun going down from our large living room window and listened to Gungor, my 
new favorite worship band. Oh, they take my breath away with their 
creativity and messages. 

And I felt extra-blessed to listen to a sermon online from a friend's church this early 
evening. (It's titled: "First Things First: Relationships")
I needed to hear this before starting my week.

Blessings abound.
The kids can be heard playing upstairs and listening to our new favorite station on the radio, 
99.1. My daughter is loving her worship music lately, too! So good.

Tonight: It's breakfast for dinner or bean with bacon soup...and 
Downton Abbey after Lesson Planning for the week!

It was the perfect Sunday.
Hope you enjoyed your weekend too.

Love & Blessings, 
Cyndy

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

More Raw Veggies

I've been reading a lot about how we can get more enzymes essential for 
good health from eating raw vegetables. 

I make a mean salad with radish, cucumber, shredded carrot with a 
lemon-shallot vinagrette! We eat it at least twice a week and I often 
pack raw veggies as a snack for work.

This spring, we are planning our first container garden. 
I'm concerned about pests and the local cat and other
neighborhood "friends" getting into our stash, but hey, 
it's worth a shot...and I think it will be fun to experiment with different
organic pesticides.

We are starting small, as suggested by friends and family who are very experienced in this 
department. Sooooo
I thought we would definitely grow some cucumbers, since 
they are a staple around here...and 
some arugula (ordered some seeds from Italy) should
be interesting.

I'll update as we go along.
This should be a wonderful learning experience for us.

Any experience with container gardens?
Pointers? Tips?