Real cooking is more about following your heart than following recipes!
December brings us the holy season of light for those who celebrate Christmas or Hanukah. It is a time of giving, celebrations and often a growing to-do list as we go about creating a special holiday for our loved ones. The winter season for me has always inspired a turning inward and a settling in, a time of reflection for true meaning beyond the glitter, ribbon and wrapping. A time many of us come together to give thanks, praise and remember the holiness that is our life. As I begin the process of decorating, organizing and shopping, I am moved to open a well-worn book with its faded cover that belonged to my late mother-in-law. Sifting through her favorite recipes as I trace their faded edges, it is as if I am beside her at the kitchen island, gold-rimmed glasses resting just above her nose, her hands moving in rhythm as she strokes, samples and stirs. Copper pots and pans simmer with the glow of fresh vegetables, garlic sizzling and butter gently sautéing. My mouth waters as the mushrooms pop and the meat marinades, each bite more delicious than the first. A conversation about the littlest of things makes for tender moments and a day I would live all over again. In this kitchen, recipes and love brought family and devoted friends together year after year. There are countless memories of Christmas past and special gatherings. Like a story being retold, memories come alive within its well-worn pages dotted with cooking oil, faded coffee ring stains, her handwritten notes in the margins, the recipes she doubled, the dinners prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning; food has the unique ability to capture moments in time. It is in remembering these tender moments that I feel the passage of time as it wraps around me like a collection of years. Each recipe is more than a memory but rather ingredients for a sweet, simple, yet rich and satisfying life. As we enter this special season, may you hold in your heart that which is most dear and everlasting! Decembers Gifts
After all, it is what we share that lives on! Dear friends, 2023 will soon be in the rearview mirror. It has been a year filled with growth and discomfort. There have been so many beautiful moments and so many challenging ones. The closing of another year often stirs up emotions deep within and long ago. Memories of those no longer with us, thinking we need to recreate the "perfect holiday," another year ending, JOY for all the good and the many blessings that fill our daily lives or sheer relief that '23 is over!!! Nonetheless, it is a place in time when we have the chance to reflect on the year past and plan for the one ahead. What are some of the things that you remember as your favorite moments? Are there things you wish you could change? What is it you would like to bring with you into 2024? A December tradition in my home is to watch one of my favorite movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” If you haven’t seen it in some time, I hope you will be open to the magic of its message. George Bailey grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, determined to make something of his life. He experiences every setback imaginable and wishes he were never born – to which his Angel steps in and gives him his wish – he is able to see life without him in it. He is terrified, deeply saddened and will do anything to have his precious life back. We often don’t see the impact we have on others and to the world around us. I hope you will take the time this sacred season to remember your goodness, remember what matters most and honor your commitment to living your “It’s a wonderful life!" The Way Forward
by Yung Pueblo You are seeing the results of your commitment and the power of your courage; the fact that your mind feels lighter shows you that you are moving in the right direction you are entering into a better life where your reactions are less intense and your mind has more flexibility and determination everything is not perfect; there are still challenges and times of struggle but you are learning not to let the down moments define you and you are more gracefully embracing change the inward journey has sparked your evolution opened your perspective to a new level of clarity and each connection you cherish now has new depth but the journey is not over as you prepare yourself for another period of growth with your highest goals in mind and the truth you feel; your inner wisdom will show you the way forward We've just changed the clocks, and as much as I miss the longer days, I am looking forward to a new season. The fireplace is stacked with last winter's wood and leaves from my sleeping garden.
Autumn is here, blessing us with golden reverie and the stillness of bare trees. The changing of the fall foliage is something to behold at the same time each year. Nature awakens us to the ever-changing beauty, surprises and the many twists and turns in life. It's a reminder that everything in life is ever-changing. Just as we come to expect the leaves will change, we, too, are preparing for a new season. "All that you touch, you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change." ~ Octavia E. Butler Every day, we change – our emotions, our thoughts about ourselves and others, our bodies, our tastes and needs change; we fall in love, we fall out of love, we change careers, and still we resist change. Yet, we resist change because we fear the unknown. In truth, we never know what tomorrow or next week holds or even what the next moment will bring. Our dilemma is we don't want things to change, but we want them to keep getting better. What if, instead of wanting to keep things the same, we brought a new perspective to the changes around us? As in nature, let's give ourselves the space in which to practice the art of letting go and shedding our leaves. To take the time to live fully in the moment while planting seeds for our future. When we contemplate that life is in constant change, we become more accepting of the changes and grow to appreciate the natural cycles that make up our lives. And begin to live more fully into the present – the only moment that life is truly happening. "Every woman that finally figured out her worth has packed up her suitcase of pride and boarded a flight to freedom, which landed in the valley of change." ~ Shannon L. Alder Notice where you are resisting change. And remember, we are not growing if we are not changing! I remember, as a little girl, being captivated by the bravery of my father - As a deep sea diver, his work took him to oceans both near and far, deep and wide, so it was not often I could watch him dive. But when he was home, he had a trick or two to share with me! With his wristwatch set for three minutes, he would plunge into the deep end of the freshwater pool, and I, with clenched hands, would wait for him to come up for air. Three minutes is a very long time without air, and to this little girl quite out of the ordinary.
I've been thinking a lot about courage lately and all the ways it shows up in our lives. In reality, it is not only found in "the out of the ordinary moments" but even the smallest of moments in our days. It is a quality that cannot be measured and holds no bounds. The truth is that courage is what carries simple people through an average day. It is the spiritual strength that gives direction in the midst of confusion. Courage lives in you like it lives in me and takes the willingness to be vulnerable and embrace the unknown. "It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien Each of us, in one way or another, is called to courage. There are times when we least expect it that life sets in motion a challenge that tests our courage and strength. I was recently challenged by my body's reaction to an allergic response. Emergency surgery was called for without the option of anesthesia. Fear stirred up inside as I lay there, vulnerable, holding to each breath as my tears washed through me like a river. "Why this? Why now? Will my life ever be the same?" More often than not, it is our response to the unexpected that life throws us when if we look closely enough or in a different light, we just might be courageous. Courage is not an action. It is an attitude. The truth is courage can be found in the way we live in each moment of our lives. It is in accepting the what is. It is feeling the pain. It is listening and trusting. It is sometimes simply putting one foot in front of the other. Even though the future is unknown for every one of us, we often skate through our days like Olympic athletes until we are forced to boldly slow down and allow our bodies to mend and our hearts to heal. It is in the quiet moments that I am able to hold the answers... That strength comes from being with what is, and courage moves me forward. "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it's the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Ann Radmacher Courage is believing in YOU! "Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow." ~ Helen Keller
When was the last time you woke up in joy? The joy that makes you light in your heart? The joy you can’t touch because it lives inside of you? If I were to ask you how often do you feel joy, what would your response be? If you are one of the many experiencing hard times, you may feel that joy is off in some distant horizon. Where is this illusive joy? We live in times of accelerated change and more negative news than we can possibly digest. If we are to do more than strive, I believe we need more joy in our daily lives. If we are to thrive, we deserve the healing nourishment that only joy can bring. Where is this illusive joy? Joy is your natural state. You were born with it. It is organic and comes from within. It lives in your mind and body. It can be found in each breath, laugh and tear. It is the moment you invite joy in. "If you can carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment." ~ Carlos Santana Joy attracts joy: It is an energy that is constantly moving and expanding. When we share joy, it becomes like a wave in the ocean, gathering momentum. Joy attracts laughter: Who doesn't love a good belly laugh and can appreciate the healing that it brings, especially in times of distress? I can remember many a shared moment with loved ones as we waited for "the news" and cried until we laughed. Joy inspires: Its uplifting energy inspires an open mind, a curious imagination and a desire to live the life you were born to live. Joy connects us: When you feel joy in your body, you feel grounded and able to experience more energy and greater awareness. Joy is good for your health: The effects of stress on the human body have become more and more evident. The body is the vessel that houses our emotions and all that we experience. The better we treat our body, the better it can take care of us. You only have to catch a simple cold or flu to understand the impact of not being healthy. Your body is amazingly strong and resilient while at the same time extremely fragile. Joy leads to health and is your greatest wealth. Joy is not often talked about or practiced: Sadly, all you need to do is look at the high rates of anxiety, depression, drugs and suicide (made possible by a disconnection of spirit and a joyful heart). Like a gift, joy is your natural state, and you are meant to feel it. You only need to call on it and know it is always there for you. What would life be like if more and more people lived in joy, shared joy and spread it around? When we live from a place of joy, there will be a huge shift in energy and awareness, and from this place, we are creating a life filled with unlimited love and possibility. I hope you will give yourself an extra quiet moment and breathe this in. Joy can be found in every moment, each breath, smile, laugh and tear. Open your eyes to all the ways you find joy in your life. Pay attention to the ways it shows up naturally and go there often. Set your compass for joy and know it is always there for you. Henri Nouwen said it best, "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." Here's to your unlimited supply of joy! |
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