Points of interest..

http://www.moneydrivenmedicine.org/
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/08282009/watch.html

rawesomeness

It is with much enthusiasm that I announce my undoubtedly difficult journey to joining the growing network of raw foodists around the globe. While I cannot say that my health-conscious omnivore days have come to a screeching halt, I can bet that my indulgences in juicy lucies, mom's grilled chicken quesadillas, or dad's deep-fried turkey feasts will be fewer and farther between and (hopefully) more frequently substituted with tasty dishes like, sun burgers on black sesame sunflower bread with sun-dried tomato catsup for example. Much like going to an animal shelter to just "look at" all of the tail-wagging adorables to be adopted, there is no way I can commit to divorcing my love of milk and ice cream. Sincere apologies to those fully committed to a raw lifestyle whom I've offended with my barbaric tendencies but despite the potential hormonal additives to my pasteurized dairy drinks and frozen faves, I suppose the satisfaction and joy that a pint of chocolate milk brings to my spirit at the end of a long day is simply worth the risk to my longevity and losing the trendy title of being "raw".
My hope is to become better in the kitchen and embrace the idea of uncooking my way from fun breakfasts and smoothies to fancy fancy dinners for two and post a few faves I stumble upon along the way. My first was attempted last night. Just me, a little cocoa powder, agave nectar, coconut oil a few other healthy ingreeds with my food processor...the end result was a delicious pan of messy, heart-shaped, raw "tootsie rolls". I found the recipe on the homepage of a fellow blogger and raw enthusiast at http://www.emilysrawfoods.blogspot.com/. Her pages are stocked full of what seem to be great-tasting and very do-able recipes for fans like myself. Prep time was minimal, clean up time wasn't too bad (especially for those more seasoned cooks in the kitchen...UNlike myself) and the mystery shapes to consume made for good laughs with the roommates. I think it was a good start to what could be the greatest personal lifestyle change this year. I'm ready for a little bit of rawesomeness :)

morning meditation

On this day, I will strive to see the peace
that is everywhere and access the abundance of
beauty and joy that lie in every moment.
It is the Eternal Now that I am after.
I will strive to set aside everything I have learned
and presume to know
in order to allow new knowledge and new
experiences to flood my being.

I will strive to be a magnet for powerful,
positive, and miraculous truths, images, words, and music.
I will do everything in my power to clear my mind of
the negative energies that have obfuscated my view
and distorted my words and actions.

I will create a new paradigm that helps me
to recognize only the good qualities in every
person, place, and thing that composes my environment.
I will raise my energy and my light to the highest frequencies of
love, generosity, charity, compassion, forgiveness, and truth.
I will fill my head with constructive thoughts and images
that will help me to further my individual growth
so that I can illuminate and inspire the lives of others.

I will learn something new on this day and discover
a place I have never before encountered.
I will push myself to do or at least attempt something
that I never imagined I would be able to do.
I will be courteous to people who cross my path
and I will help those in need wherever and whenever
I find myself in circumstances that allow me to do so.

I will surround myself with beautiful nature
and touch the earth to show her my love and gratitude
for holding mine and everyone else's weight.
I will extend my love to the entire world and cosmos along with
my respect and humbled admiration of the divine sparks
of the Creative Force Energy that composes us all.

I will love because I can, give because I can,
be gracious because I can, be humble
because I have every reason to be, and speak my truth
because that is my duty and my joy.
I will practice random acts of kindness and go out of my way
to establish order within the chaos of our world.

I will write a letter to someone I haven't spoken with for a while.
I will send a message to someone I love dearly.
I will write a poem. I will make art.
I will play my guitar and sing.
I will volunteer myself to help loved ones and friends.
I will eat and drink healthy to show my body
my deep gratitude for its existence and the role
it plays in protecting my soul and spirit.

I will recite my mantras any time I feel
overwhelmed by thoughts that cause anxiety.
I will listen to someone who rarely has the opportunity to be heard.
I will be aware of my breath and the rhythm of my heartbeat.

I will laugh and forgive myself when I forget
that I made these promises at the beginning of my day,
and at the end of my day I will celebrate and congratulate
myself for what I was able to accomplish.

kindness meditation
julie henderson - 2009

mmmhmmm

As recommended by a very handsome someone from class, I opted to indulge and take my Sunday late night snack drive to the Bluebird Cafe on 12th and Pike St. Turns out his appeal extends far beyond that of rugged good looks and sarcastic charm as he also has exquisite taste in frozen goods. For all folks living in or planning to visit Seattle, this quaint little nest that is the Bluebird Cafe has got to make your list of stops. Serving some of the most fun flavors of ice cream like chocolate pudding (friendly and charming ice cream server's personal fave), peanut butter (my first sample...absolutely dreamy), northwest strawberry (one of a few classics) and snickerdoodle in a cozy venue full of adorable feather-friended artwork, I am so lucky to find it just a hop, skip and jump away from campus. So yes, they know how to make ice cream..fabulous, drool-worthy, reasonably-priced ice cream but I think my new-found affection for this place stems greatly from the friendly and charming ice cream server who dished me up tonight. After chatting for a few about our mutual appreciation for Macrina Bakery (another must-make pit stop in Seattle) chocolate chip cookies, he scooped my double in a dish with a warmth I have only received from a handful of Seattleites. His welcoming personable chatter brought me back to Minnesota for a few and reminded me that contrary to most of my encounters with strangers in Seattle, genuinely friendly gems are everywhere. To avoid a disservice to all who intend to walk the streets of Capitol Hill, I must pay it forward and recommend to you what was recommended to me, swing in to the Bluebird Cafe for a friendly welcome and a dip or two of your own...you won't be disappointed :)

Bless you, Burt.

It is true what they say, you learn something new every day and today was no exception to the phrase for this girl. Long story short, I managed to trap a bumble bee in my skirt on the walk home from my clinical (Swedish WIC clinic. wonderful, national not-for-profit supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children in need) rotation. my guess is that the poor little guy (i will call him Burt) flew up my grass green threads thinking it was something potentially pollinated and amidst the choas that was my gate, he took shelter up top. It wasn't until I sat down to drive that I felt the wrath of his little stinger. Confused as all get out I frantically start swatting a search for a spider, a beetle, a random itch weed, anything that could have migrated its way up to bite or sting and nothing was to be found. It's all such a blur now but I would say after a solid 30 seconds of searching, the stinging had subsided enough for me to drive home. With the fanciful tunes of Lisa Hannigan (lovely Irish singer/songwriter. saw her in concert with J.Mraz last fall. great performer.) to distract and keep me company, I made it home. Upon climbing out of the car, I turn to grab my things and who do you suppose I find lying, helplessly taking his last breaths on my seat? Nobody but little Burt himself. His tiny wings clearly squished by yours truly, which must have felt like no less than the weight of the world crushing in on him when I sat. I can't even imagine...Needless to say, my inner-thighs will be just fine. I only wish I could say the same for Burt. Moral of the story kids? Always check our clothes for flying insect friends that mistakenly take them for flowers.

426 26th Ave E

It is official. I am a first time blogger, yes but more importantly, I am in love with my new Seattle home. After several sweaty afternoons of packing goodies from my old place and transporting them via Dot and Kat's (new roomie and potential soul mate. met at SU this year. giggle machine. absolutely a joy to be-friend and live across the hall from) make-shift U-Haul, I am ready to settle in with the new roomies, my first very own beautiful bathroom and the enchanted garden that is our yard. I am just over a mile from campus and have thoroughly enjoyed the walk only a couple of times. The daily pass of the ever-so-conveniently placed, Madison Market and Trader Joes will undoubtedly be my fuel. The neighbors have been friendly and I am especially excited to get to know the gorgeous, full-sized Macaw that perches on the front fence just three doors down. I haven't decided if I will be brave enough to ask if I can hold it but the idea has been incredibly tempting (and yes, thoughts of bird-sitting have most certainly been contemplated). Compost and garbage pick-up is every Thursday, recycling every other. I have to say that I am more than ready to become a part of the compost movement in the city and commit to making a conscious effort into my new-found disposable habits. Cafe Flora, a well-known and widely recognized veggie restaurant is one of many soon-to-be faves that line Madison St and make-up the night life of my new 'hood (yoga studio one block over included). The Arboretum, one of Seattle's most beautiful green attractions, sits less than 1/2 a mile from our doorstep and will hopefully be grounds for entertaining picnics this fall (can hardly wait for the trees to change wardrobe...in just a few short months!). With four new roommates, a beauuutiful new house to call my home for the next 12 months and fresh start to my second year living in the Pacific Northwest, there is still much exploring to be done in this neck of the woods and with only 11 months remaining on my lease, I better scoot! Hugs,