Haven't blogged in many moons. I'm finding more and more folk who are just plain stymied by all the nutrition information out there! I'm not an expert, but it sure would do me good to share my insights, my snafoos, my goals and some research I've done over the years. Taking good care of our body temple, nourishing our mind and spirit....These are our own responsibilities, and in all three areas, it requires planning, and application on a continuum.
Changing everyday habits can be a fun experiment, or a drag; it all centers around attitude.
For anyone reading this, I would say that loving yourself the way God loves us is Paramount. What I hope to do is give you practical ways in which to do that. Most folk are trying to lose weight. If that is your goal, then stop thinking about being "skinny", or fashionable. Think differently. Begin with the goal of loving yourself healthy. Until next time, I'll leave you with the quote of the week from a sparkling friend at the last church potluck- "Ice cream is my gateway drug!"
She declined the cold offer of sugar laden chemicals...I succumbed to temptation, and suffered for it! Aha! What do I do after I blow it? I drink a ton of water and start over at the next meal with wholesome plant based far and ride my bike a little farther!
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Injury Recovery!
I decided to blog again....and this
time folks, it's about me. Last year, I was injured on
property....was on my feet 8 hours, running myself crazy trying to
help the tree service personnel who needed a foreman that day, due to
their boss being called away on urgent business. That injury was to
my feet....I guess your arches can fall in a day! I wanted to get
some help with the pain, as it was increasing to unbearable levels by
Autumn, and it had happened in the Spring. I knew that I did not want
surgery and drugs, but what were my alternatives? I did not know what
was up; was it arthritis? God knows I have had my share of car wrecks
and clumsy mishaps.
Finally, I found the Miracle Man, Dr.
Zac Leslie at Willow Creek Chiropractic in Palestine! I was so
blessed from the first day of thorough exams and testing. I gazed at
his degrees in clinical nutrition, exercise physiology, seminary and
yes, chiropractic. His methodology was smooth and streamlined. The
office offers exercise therapy, exercise guidance and quality
supplements as well. This doctor lives what he preaches! So rare. Dr,
Zac is a humble man, and encourages his patients to take
responsibility for own their health. Showing me how to get a great
night's sleep, the importance of proper hydration, adequate
nourishment and which supplements are right for each patient.
Well, guess what? I had really been
making excellent progress, with my new orthotics and feeling so good
about that, and then on the evening of February 28th, I
slipped and fell upon a deep hole dug by my dear Hunny Bear, our beloved golden retriever. I despaired! The agony! My left knee took
the impact, bruising to the bone...ack! The pain! Yet, I knew that Dr.
Zac could help me get myself back to healthy mobility. More than ever before,
I realize the importance of keeping the body toned and limber as we
age. So, here it is just 2 weeks later, and even though the hospital
said to give it a month or more in the wheelchair, I am slowly
walking on my own...with good posture, too, mind you!
I highly recommend a book that Dr. Zac
gave me, called “Chiropractic First”. Before invasive drugs, or cut
and burn,FIRST adjust the nerve center of the body, learn proper
posture, develop healthy breathing patterns, hydrate wisely, nourish
your cells with whole plant foods, and stay in a rhythm of
restful sleep, retiring and rising on a schedule. No matter what is
going on in your life, take time to exercise! Prepare instead of
repair, and when you must repair, search out the best chiropractic
care that you can afford. There are no shortcuts! No matter what Big
Pharma and Carnation Instant Breakfast ads tell you! Until next time!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Redmond Clay Miracle!
I am the Dolly Mama, and this is my miracle story.
But a week ago, I received my co-op order from Azure Standard, of a 6# bucket of Redmond Clay. I was going to use the clay as a cleansing supplement. I had read about the benefits of sodium/calcium/bentonite clay in my favorite cook book "Nourishing Traditions", by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig.
The book had said that "the proper way to take in minerals is through mineral-rich water". So, I started drinking the water in which some clay had settled to the bottom of a mason jar, just as instructed.
Not the end of story!
I read online that you could use the clay topically as a thick, gel like mud mask on skin problems like acne, poison ivy, bee stings and all kinds of rashes like eczema! So, Sunday in the late afternoon, I rolled up my capri's, and laid out on the back deck with clay that I had mixed in with some aloe vera juice. After awhile, I had the husband get me some Glad® Press 'n Seal. I wrapped my legs in it & went to bed. After a night's sleep, I went out to the deck & hosed down my legs into a white bucket. Man! Was the water in that bucket ever dirty! My legs felt great! Smooth and absolutely free of lesions! The scars were still there, but the itching & pain & rash had disappeared! All I can say, is that this is just the beginning! I am in love with Redmond Clay! The crazy thing is, here it is Thursday, and I have no itching! No visible signs of eczema, no pain, nothing. Tonight, I am wearing a pretty dress and cute sandals. No hose, no leg make-up, nothing but a pedicure and cute sandals. It's been a long time, and it is all natural, all wholesome, from the earth and inexpensive. God bless www.redmondtrading.com
Sunday, May 26, 2013
BABA GOUNAJ!!!!
Servings:6
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/4 cup tahini, plus more as needed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
1 pinch ground cumin
Sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup brine-cured black olives, such as kalamata
Directions:
1) Prepare a medium-hot fire in your grill.
2) Preheat an oven to 375°F.
3) Prick the eggplant with a fork in several places and place on the grill rack 4 to 5 inches from the fire.
4) Grill, turning frequently, until the skin blackens and blisters and the flesh begins to feel soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
5) Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and bake until very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
6) Remove from the oven, let cool slightly; peel off and discard the skin.
7) Place the eggplant flesh in a bowl.
8) Using a fork, mash the eggplant to a paste.
9) Add the 1/4 cup tahini, the garlic, the 1/4 cup lemon juice and cumin; mix well.
10) Season with sea salt, then taste and add more tahini and/or lemon juice, if needed.
110 Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and spread with the back of a spoon to form a shallow well.
12) Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle with the parsley.
13) Place the olives around the sides.
14) Serve at room temperature.
Servings:6
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/4 cup tahini, plus more as needed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
1 pinch ground cumin
Sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup brine-cured black olives, such as kalamata
Directions:
1) Prepare a medium-hot fire in your grill.
2) Preheat an oven to 375°F.
3) Prick the eggplant with a fork in several places and place on the grill rack 4 to 5 inches from the fire.
4) Grill, turning frequently, until the skin blackens and blisters and the flesh begins to feel soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
5) Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and bake until very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
6) Remove from the oven, let cool slightly; peel off and discard the skin.
7) Place the eggplant flesh in a bowl.
8) Using a fork, mash the eggplant to a paste.
9) Add the 1/4 cup tahini, the garlic, the 1/4 cup lemon juice and cumin; mix well.
10) Season with sea salt, then taste and add more tahini and/or lemon juice, if needed.
110 Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and spread with the back of a spoon to form a shallow well.
12) Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle with the parsley.
13) Place the olives around the sides.
14) Serve at room temperature.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Make your own Probiotic Kraut!
Here is the deal:
Boil 3 cups of filtered water. Add 2 Tbsp Sea Salt. Set aside to cool.
You take a typical head of cabbage, about 5#.
Fresh picked, fall harvest, organic works best.
Carefully tear off the outer leaves; set them aside.
Core it, quarter it, and shred it in the Cuisinart.
Get out a big clay bowl. Look around for a smashing unit. A pestle, a potato masher, whatever.
Then measure out about 3 TBS Sea Salt .
Throw a layer of cabbage in bowl, then sprinkle in some salt, repeat for all.
Just keep pounding it all the while.
Really tear it up!
Then put all of it in a small crock pot, including all the juice in the bowl.
Set the cabbage leaves on top of the juice. There should be at least an inch, if not more juice above the crushed cabbage.If not, pour the cooled salt water over top.
Next, fill the a big Ziploc bag with the rest of the salt water, and maybe a little more water. Place it on top of everything, making sure that the bag completely reaches all the side surfaces. Put the lid on the crockpot.
Set it in a dark place, or just put a few towels on top.
After 21 days, look inside! I should smell like sauerkraut and be a nice buttery yellow color. Jar it up in a wide mouth Mason jar and keep tightly sealed in your fridge.
Have 1 tablespoon or two with lunch and dinner.
Looky here for some great resources and interesting facts:
Boil 3 cups of filtered water. Add 2 Tbsp Sea Salt. Set aside to cool.
You take a typical head of cabbage, about 5#.
Fresh picked, fall harvest, organic works best.
Carefully tear off the outer leaves; set them aside.
Core it, quarter it, and shred it in the Cuisinart.
Get out a big clay bowl. Look around for a smashing unit. A pestle, a potato masher, whatever.
Then measure out about 3 TBS Sea Salt .
Throw a layer of cabbage in bowl, then sprinkle in some salt, repeat for all.
Just keep pounding it all the while.
Really tear it up!
Then put all of it in a small crock pot, including all the juice in the bowl.
Set the cabbage leaves on top of the juice. There should be at least an inch, if not more juice above the crushed cabbage.If not, pour the cooled salt water over top.
Next, fill the a big Ziploc bag with the rest of the salt water, and maybe a little more water. Place it on top of everything, making sure that the bag completely reaches all the side surfaces. Put the lid on the crockpot.
Set it in a dark place, or just put a few towels on top.
After 21 days, look inside! I should smell like sauerkraut and be a nice buttery yellow color. Jar it up in a wide mouth Mason jar and keep tightly sealed in your fridge.
Have 1 tablespoon or two with lunch and dinner.
Benefits:
Fermented vegetables are important for healthy nutrition, loaded with the wonderful bacteria that God intended our digestive tract to have; much of which gets destroyed with the antibiotics in the meat we have eaten from the grocery store...which is why I am getting my meat from Diamond B Ranch in Palestine, and the Azure Standard Co-op. You can get organic cabbage from the Co-op, year-round.
Natural fermentation is one of the oldest means of
preservation. Lactic acid bacteria subject the vegetables to a fermentation
process. The vegetable becomes preserved, it develops a pleasantly sour taste,
and it is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially
Looky here for some great resources and interesting facts:
Websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Kneipp
Books:
Making Sauerkraut by Klaus Kaufmann and Annelies Schoneck
Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of
Live-Culture Foods [Paperback]
Sandor Ellix Katz (Author), Sally Fallon (Foreword)
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges
Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats [Paperback] Sally Fallon and
Mary Enig
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Reacting or Responding?
Anybody out there ever have an angry boss, or co-worker, friend, family member or neighbor? Were they insulting or rude to you? How did you handle it? I know that I have handled it in poor ways in the past, but happily, living on this ole ball of wax always provides plenty of opportunities to hone the needed skills of dealing with offences! After much practice & the desire to remain wholesome-hearted, I have some hope for you.
First of all, Jesus promises us in Luke 17:1 that offenses will come. What a promise! Bet you won't find that in the handy little Bible Promise Book you got at graduation! The word here for offence is "skandalon", meaning the bait for a trap. Try to see the angry guy's anger as bait for a trap that the enemy wants to see you fall into. The best thing to do is forgive him right away & then remove yourself from the angry person. If that person has to be in your environment continuously, then create your own inner atmosphere of joy and peace by focusing on what God thinks of the the sucker. God loves him, regardless of his confusion. He is being used as a pawn by the Dark Side & he does not even know it. That is why I call him a sucker (just in my thoughts, mind you). Don't get suckered in! It could end up giving you high blood pressure and ruin your tender heart! Here is a great meditation for you:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
The Proverbs offer up some practical advice on how to handle sticky situations. Realize that folks that are forever angry about one thing or another will sooner or later hurl it in your direction if you hang out with them long enough. This little verse sums up how important it is to be choosy about who we allow as our close friends, after all you can forgive someone, but you know that you cannot trust them!
"Make no friendship with an angry man & with a furious man thou shalt not go; Lest thou learn his ways & get a SNARE to your soul." Proverbs 22:23 (KJV)
Try to look at someone else's insults as a test. God can get you through the test. Father is after one thing: To conform you into the image of Jesus, and for His children to become one, even as He and the Father are one. (John 17:) Don't let anyone steal your joy or your peace. Do not allow unloving thoughts or unforgiveness to darken your heart. You want a pure heart, not one all messed up with drama & pain. Even if you do not feel like forgiving, do it anyway by faith. Start praying for the person who always ends up hurting your feelings. They obviously are confused about how much God really loves them. It may not seem like an answer, but it will keep your heart calm and at peace.
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16
The confidence you have in how much God loves you does not change because someone else is not agreeing with the truth concerning how much God values you. Realize that God does not love them any less than you. Their misery can become your own if you choose to answer them. Instead, tell God all about it. Really see how much they are missing out on the righteousness (right standing with God because of Jesus' sacrifice) peace and joy that they COULD have. Prayer is a weapon of love which will keep you steady until they are ready! Build compassion and understanding for the person so bound up in hate! But at the same time, walk wisely. Choose NOT to be offended. The drama is theirs. Pray for them.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
The next point is not to answer an irrational individual. It will only lead to strife. "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." Proverbs 26:4 They are only satisfied when they can see you fall. Maintain your dignity. Be humble and at the same time confident in your God to protect your heart. Ask God to search your heart to make sure that you are not holding unforgiveness toward them. If so, take a look at 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
So to sum it all up, the choice is whether to respond to the Lord and have a heart of love and peace, or to react to the angry person and fall headlong into a pit with the trap in it& mess your heart all up. The trap of anxiety and turmoil, resentment and hate is a scandal indeed.
First of all, Jesus promises us in Luke 17:1 that offenses will come. What a promise! Bet you won't find that in the handy little Bible Promise Book you got at graduation! The word here for offence is "skandalon", meaning the bait for a trap. Try to see the angry guy's anger as bait for a trap that the enemy wants to see you fall into. The best thing to do is forgive him right away & then remove yourself from the angry person. If that person has to be in your environment continuously, then create your own inner atmosphere of joy and peace by focusing on what God thinks of the the sucker. God loves him, regardless of his confusion. He is being used as a pawn by the Dark Side & he does not even know it. That is why I call him a sucker (just in my thoughts, mind you). Don't get suckered in! It could end up giving you high blood pressure and ruin your tender heart! Here is a great meditation for you:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
The Proverbs offer up some practical advice on how to handle sticky situations. Realize that folks that are forever angry about one thing or another will sooner or later hurl it in your direction if you hang out with them long enough. This little verse sums up how important it is to be choosy about who we allow as our close friends, after all you can forgive someone, but you know that you cannot trust them!
"Make no friendship with an angry man & with a furious man thou shalt not go; Lest thou learn his ways & get a SNARE to your soul." Proverbs 22:23 (KJV)
Try to look at someone else's insults as a test. God can get you through the test. Father is after one thing: To conform you into the image of Jesus, and for His children to become one, even as He and the Father are one. (John 17:) Don't let anyone steal your joy or your peace. Do not allow unloving thoughts or unforgiveness to darken your heart. You want a pure heart, not one all messed up with drama & pain. Even if you do not feel like forgiving, do it anyway by faith. Start praying for the person who always ends up hurting your feelings. They obviously are confused about how much God really loves them. It may not seem like an answer, but it will keep your heart calm and at peace.
"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." James 3:16
The confidence you have in how much God loves you does not change because someone else is not agreeing with the truth concerning how much God values you. Realize that God does not love them any less than you. Their misery can become your own if you choose to answer them. Instead, tell God all about it. Really see how much they are missing out on the righteousness (right standing with God because of Jesus' sacrifice) peace and joy that they COULD have. Prayer is a weapon of love which will keep you steady until they are ready! Build compassion and understanding for the person so bound up in hate! But at the same time, walk wisely. Choose NOT to be offended. The drama is theirs. Pray for them.
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
The next point is not to answer an irrational individual. It will only lead to strife. "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." Proverbs 26:4 They are only satisfied when they can see you fall. Maintain your dignity. Be humble and at the same time confident in your God to protect your heart. Ask God to search your heart to make sure that you are not holding unforgiveness toward them. If so, take a look at 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
So to sum it all up, the choice is whether to respond to the Lord and have a heart of love and peace, or to react to the angry person and fall headlong into a pit with the trap in it& mess your heart all up. The trap of anxiety and turmoil, resentment and hate is a scandal indeed.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Spring 2013
Well, folks, here we are in my busy time of year, looking forward to a lush garden of delights to please the palate and the senses! The greenhouse is full & bursting with color...cannot wait to pull all those baby plants out & set them in their new homes. This is the time when all happy gardeners are just pregnant with anticipation, watching the weather everyday & having worn out the seed catalogs long ago, are just chomping at the bit to let the races begin!I had the flu in January, and my right foot is acting up. Back in 2008, I was found hopping around the uneven pasture in a panic after disturbing a wasp' nest upon opening the garden shed in early springtime. I recently "over-did it" (doctor's words) And have commenced to becoming a slouchy sofa surfing slob. Actually, I just could not waste any time, so I got better at drawing out my plans for the gardens, and am actually learning how to do it on the computer instead of the graph paper like I have always done. My friend, Shirley Shaddock would be ever so pleased that I am coming out of the dark ages & into the 21st century...online!!!
I simply could not have gotten done what has been accomplished so far this season, if it had not been for my 6'3" teen-age next door neighbor, Zackary Myers. His strong back & brains have transformed the place. For someone only 14, he works like a grown man & has a superb attitude. Many thanks go to David Mapp of David Mapp Handy-Dandy Repair Service (I made that up, he just likes to be called David Mapp, I think). David & Zack built an awesome arbor for my clematis...Nelly Moser, look out!
Also, Bubba Rutherford of Rutherford Tree Service came out a few weeks ago & took out the trees that had been slain by the dreaded drought & high winds of 2012. The whole place looks different. What used to be a part shade garden out back, is now a bright open place with full access to the sun. The delphinium & hollyhock are soon to arise up from the dirt & delight the senses along with the red salvia & irises, yellow lilies, purple cone flower & various herbs.
Hold onto your rakes folks, pic-chas are soon to come!
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