journey to raw health

I am so very filled with Gratitude knowing that my days are literally numbered at my present place of employment.

I have been grateful for this job for the past 3+ years, but, admittedly, have been praying for a reprieve the past several months. I know my limits… and I am damn near reaching them with my “employers” and most certainly my supervisor.

I attempted to approach her today on the possibility that I could grocery shop on Saturday AM for the fresh vegetables & fruits that I would like to eat on my 2 sixteen hour days each Saturday & Sunday. The block staff that work on Sunday also enjoys fresh produce in her daily lifestyle, so, we were happy that we ate many things similarly. Needless to say, in an indirect way,  my supervisor told me today that the standard American diet does not adhere to the federal guidelines for maintaining good health so, if I chose to eat a vegetarian diet, or, if I preferred romaine lettuce over the standard ‘head lettuce’, I could provide my own meals for my 2 consecutive 16 hour shifts. They would not approve of my purchasing ‘red’ bell peppers vs. green , spring mix vs. head lettuce. I left knowing that it is a good thing that I am planning my escape. They are dysfunctional  and I can choose to surround myself with folks that have a similar lifestyle philosophy.

ALL of the clients in the house are on either stool softeners or laxatives or both. Why? Because the majority of their meals are meat based with little to NO regard of how much fiber is in their diet.

If ever you should wonder if the amount of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables you have in your daily lifestyle diet has anything whatsoever to do with the quality of how well your digestive system functions on a daily basis, rest assured, that through my own personal experience and that of my 3 years working with ‘special needs’ folks, watching what they are fed, along with the meds they are given… there is indeed a correlation between diet and health!

So, yes, I am filled with Gratitude, knowing that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with my so called ‘job’ with the special needs folks. It has become crystal clear that I can not help them. The system does not support my providing a healthier menu, unless I want to provide it on my own dime… and a dime doesn’t go too far these days!

I look forward to my adventure to Texas for my ‘official’ training…

I visualize what my therapy room will look like, the new floor, the LIBBE, an appointment book filled with clients. Regular folks, ready to reach for a higher level of health. Risking to listen to their inner voice that perhaps tells them that the masses don’t know what they are talking about., that it is okay to look for a ‘natural’ method to help them regain or maintain their health., that drugs do nothing to help or restore them to health. That their bodies never were, nor ever will be deficient in drugs.

They will come to learn that eating as close to the earth is the best way to eat, that revving their engine (heart) is a good thing and that ‘milk’ should only be consumed by the young of that species. That fruit trees give unconditionally year after year, that vegetables are a wonderful roughage and that the body thrives without processed white sugar, flour & salt.

If ever I believed that I create my own life, I am excited beyond belief of the one I am presently creating. It is literally falling into my lap. This I take as a sign that I am on the right path, moving towards my ‘purpose’. When things flow, there is little to no resistance,  this is when I KNOW that I am moving in the right direction. The energy of the anticipated personal growth consumes me. I wonder why I took so long to manifest this part of my life. then, I accept that it all unfolds in Divine Order, which leads me back to

Gratitude.

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Life is funny. Your really have to pay attention to what you think  about, because, as sure as night follows day, our lives follow our thoughts.

I tend to have many thoughts, I seem to have many interests. To me, the good news is that the ones that really get me excited all seem to be health related. Ever since my own health journey began in the early 70′s, I have wanted to know how to comfortably inhabit this form so as to be able to enjoy life inside of it.

When things in this human machine don’t work efficiently, too much of our focus has to do with fixing the machine rather than enjoying it. Such was my life until I began to explore other options of care besides the ones taught to me in my youth.

Eliminating  the consumption of hamburger had such a huge impact on how my digestive system functioned that it seemed I could not ignore studying the human body.

Along the way, I have been a purveyor of organic produce along with growing some of the most beautiful sprouts & greens in two businesses. These were in  Florida, where, in between being “the sproutlady”, I also became a Licensed Massage Therapist and Licensed Colon Hydrotherapist. These professions interested me because I needed to improve my diet & lifestyle, I needed to be touched and I needed help with my digestive and elimination systems of the body. I got what I needed by helping others with those very same needs.

So now, today, life is changing again. And I am tickled. After over three years of avoiding the healing professions, I am committing to re enter that world. I am taking the knowledge that I have acquired along my journey and joining a local Naturopath in her new location. She has invited me to be the Colon Hydrotherapist. So, I will be going to Ohio in November to take the training on the Cadillac of colon hydrotherapy machines, The LIBBE, and getting my certification. In the meantime, I will be helping my fellow associates readying the new space for the Wellness Center to move at month’s end.

Someone needs to pinch me…

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I had the opportunity, or misfortune, to experience the loss of a loved one at the rather young age of 15, when my boyfriend died of injuries received in an automobile accident. I was a passenger in that car. That experience changed my feelings about the passing of those we risk to love. At first, I willingly gave my love to anyone, hoping something would be returned. As time passed, children came and grew, husbands came and left., my heart became more guarded. I recognized my belief that someone I dared to love would leave me, and so it was. My thought became my life. I loved and I lost.

And then my dad passed on September 28th of last year. I started hanging out in Farmville on facebook. Totally shutting down my emotional self, I used Farmville to take me away from where I was. I stopped making any entries to this blog. I kept my grief inside. I examined and re-examined the relationship I had with my father, turbulent times bubbling up begging to be addressed and put to rest. I recognized how much of my life I had replicated that father/daughter thing with other people, trying to correct what I felt had been somehow wrong the first time.

I stopped blogging yet continued to read and learn about the Law of Attraction, releasing the past, creating a vision of what I want my life to be. It was easy to recognize how challenged I was to create my Perfect Day., and stay focused on it or anything for any length of time.  I began to see how familiar it was for me to work very hard for little money. And I saw how lazy I could be., and reclusive.  Did I have self worth issues?, still?,

My sister introduced me to someone that is learning about web design, etc. She  is allowing me to use her as a sounding board of where I am headed with this blog. We are trying out a new header on my little ‘print on demand’ store , and I have been playing around with putting the art on different things.

I finished another mirror with a flower overlay. It seems I enjoy making the mirrors most of all. I like the idea that the world is a mirror of our thoughts, or maybe better still, it is a mirror of our heart. Is that why I am so fascinated with working with mirrors and stained glass? Am I reminding myself to open my heart if I want the world to appear to be a more loving place?

opening your heart… do you think it’s like riding a bike?

once you learn, you never forget…

My relationship with my father was a turbulent one… we learned many lessons with each other. And today, as I type this, I can say that I loved my dad, despite all the conflict between us. No matter what our differences were, I loved my dad and my dad loved me. Can I say that is a great thing? I do not know. All I do know is that I had many challenges with my dad, and before he passed, I know that I forgave him & myself for what ever harm we had caused each other. What more could I possibly ask for?

I will go on, one day at a time, making the best choice available moment to moment, remembering the talks I had with my dad, and loving the best parts…

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it was so refreshing to listen to the simple advice this gentleman spoke, I had to pass it along.

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Two of the most popular blenders in the raw and living foods community are the Vita Mix and the KTec.

My experience with both is close and personal.

At this moment, I would purchase a VitaMix. That is, when and if something goes wrong with the one I have.  How I came upon the one I currently use every day is a nice little story.

When I had my little market in Florida, we used the KTec Blender. Every day, many, many times, the KTec blended our smoothies and veggie blasts. I believe we all liked how the machine performed. My only complaint would be that the blades would seize up in the jar, causing us to have to replace the jar. They were $49.00 each the last time I checked. I would order 2 at a time so we would have a back up.

I still have that machine. It is in a box in my kitchen pantry. I would need to order a new jar if I wanted to use it. I was in that dilemma several years ago. I was staying with my daughter in Atlanta, looking for my own place. There was a yard sale at her neighbors house across the street. I wandered over.

What a delightful decision that was! First, I picked out a fleece throw with penguins all over it. This would be for my grandson,  Lucas. I started a pile with the fleece. I quickly added a set of yoga videos from Gaiam. Then I found 5 empty photo frames. They were added to the pile. Next, a small, 2 drawer chest which still holds my DVD’s, etc. was placed in my pile of treasures. Well, then my eyes came to rest on probably one of the first Vita-Mix blenders ever made. It has the stainless steel blending basket and has Commercial VITA=MIXER maxi-4000 on the front of the stainless steel base. Needless to say, that was the last thing I placed in my pile of things. I found the homeowner and asked, “How much for all this stuff?” I almost fell down when she looked over everything that I had piled up and answered, “Is $20.00 too much?” I hesitated, not believing my ears, then asked if the mixer worked. She replied that if I did not like it I could bring it back. The $20 came out of my pocket as quickly as I could reach in to get it, and I carried my treasurea across the street, making two trips.

My Vita-Mixer sits on my counter today. I use it every day to make my smoothies and soups. It is not as fancy as the newer versions. There is no dial that can slowly increase the speed. I have low, medium and high. Most of the time I use low. And I love the square, stainless steel basket. I ordered new gaskets for the lid, and a new set of blades.  Personally, I hope it never quits.

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I saw my acupuncturist on Thursday. We were sharing some theories/philosophies. I asked if she had seen the film, Humanity Ascending, with Barbara Max Hubbard. She had not, but, brought into the conversation someone she follows. I went to his website. Prem Rawat of www.wopg.org is all about traveling the globe with a simple message sharing his words of peace. If all of humanity listened and acted from their own heart as a vessel of peace, we would have peace on earth.

The music on the website is beautiful.

 I was quite pleased with this unexpected, heartfilled gift from a spirit sister, Betsy Gibson. I first met Betsy when I was teaching a raw food class in the little kitchen my sister, Kris, & I assembled back in 2003. Betsy took the class, would come in and purchase produce and dehydrated goodies. We closed the storefront the next year.

 Betsy left for acupuncture school. Several years later, she has completed her education and has a wonderful healing center, Simple Balance @ www.simplebalance.net. I have been benefitting from her intuitive touch for the past several weeks.

 This is not the first gift I have been given since starting to go there. But, that is another story, for another day.

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Immune System Protectors

Summer will be coming to a close soon. School will start back and somewhere along the way, the media will begin talking about the Swine Flu again and perhaps preparing  folks for getting their ‘flu shot’. 

I have NEVER gotten a flu shot, and do not remember ever having the flu. I attribute this to eating as healthfully as I can. That means nothing that comes from an animal, nor their secretions, ie. milk, cheese, butter, eggs. I also do E3AFA blue green algae on a daily basis. This is a truly unique super food that grows wild in a lake in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I could feel it in my body within 15 minutes of consuming it. It is so easily and nearly 97% completely absorbed by the body. It contains most all the trace minerals that help us on a cellular level. It has digestive enzymes and complete proteins. And it is a vegan source of Vitamin B 12 also.  This strain of algae is unique in that it has only been found in this one lake in Oregon. That the lake freezes every year, so, only the strongest of the algae survive and continue to reproduce. This means that the algae gets better each year. And it has been on the planet since forever. Yes, you can purchase it by going here.  You will be happy you did.

If there is one thing that I want to emphasize with folks it is that it is of the utmost importance that you begin to saturate your cells with all the available trace minerals. Pack them full, so there is no room for the cells to absorb any form of radiation. Radiation mimics trace minerals, so, does it not make sense to provide your own cells all the nutrients that they need to rebuild at their optimum level?

This happens when we start to provide all the essential amino acids in absorbable form, digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion and assimilation of the foods we eat, probiotics (those healthy bacteria that keep everything working internally) and trace minerals. The lack of trace minerals are, what I believe, the reason that cells mutate into different manifested dis-eases. From physical defects to mental illnesses, trace minerals do wonders for everyone on a cellular level.

And, of course, how could I go through my daily routine without taking my daily 2 tsps. of the New Silver Solution and using the Silver Solution Gel after my shower and then on my washed hands. It is a wonderful sanitizer for counter tops, bathrooms. This stuff kills bad bacteria, viruses and fungus. I say this because it killed it on and in me. So, yes, this is my personal testamony. I believe that after years of having candida that would not stay away, and having a fungus around my nails of my hands and feet, that once I started taking the 2 tsps. internally and applying the gel on a daily basis, my hands and feet started improving and now my hands are completely healed.

Another product that I take faithfully is the CELLFOOD from Nutronix, INT. the company that distributes the Silver Solution. Yes, I became a distributor in March. And am very impressed with their products. I believe everyone should have Silver Solution in their home as their FIRST LINE of DEFENSE in any situation. I know it has done wonders for me, and I believe it will protect me from anything WITHOUT causing any harm, ever!

It is true, someday, my intention is to make my living from the internet. It is because of this intention that I can only recommend products or supplements that I take myself because I need them. I feel honored to be able to share the knowledge of these Silver products with folks. It is because I have been interested in health for over 30 years, experiencing living and raw foods since I first started sprouting in the late 70′s, that I feel qualified to share or recommend things. Like telling a friend of a great movie, restaurant, etc.

ultimately, you make your own choices. sometimes your choices might coincide with mine.  

These are the products I take daily to build my immune system, rebuild my health on a cellular level and give me a better outlook on life. Prior to my ingesting lots of green leafy things, I struggled with depression. I had difficulty letting go of the sad things that had happened in my life. The algae helped me heal my past, keeps me balanced and filled with hope. The Silver Solution keeps my immune system strong, warding off the bad things. But, don’t take my word for it. Go here to read all kinds of information on studies that have been done using the Silver in hospitals in Africa.

I personally feel I am ready for anything I am told is ‘going around’. What are you doing to protect yourself and your family?

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there is an abundance of fresh grown cucumbers right now. I am taking advantage of this windfall by sharing this easy creamy cucumber soup that can be made in a regular blender.

Start with 3 nice sized cucumbers. , organic, NO wax. Leave the skin on, but, slice open and remove the seeds. Place 2 of the cucumbers, chopped, into your blender. Add 2 heaping TB Tahini (sesame paste), a tsp of dried dill, a clove of garlic,minced, a tad of minced ginger, 3 TB fresh lemon juice, cayenne & sea salt to taste. Blend to desired consistency. Chop the 3rd cucumber into small cubes and place in soup after you place in serving bowls. Drizzle olive oil on top with another pinch of dill as garnish. This light and tasty soup will yield about 3 cups.

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We are in the thick of summer. And there is nothing better for lunch or dinner than a raw blended salad.

I first started to make blended salads when I had Living Greens: sprout garden, market and eatery. One of our favorite customers, Halli, would come in for her weekly grocery shopping and ask for a blended salad. I had no idea what she was talking about. But, I asked her for the ingredients she wanted in there and blended away.

Eventually, we decided to experiment with blending and came up with our own version which we added to our menu. You will find it below. Play around with the amounts that you use, everyone has different taste preferences.

VEGGIE BLAST 

1 Tomato, chopped

1/2 Cucumber, chopped

1 stalk Celery, chopped

1/2 carrot, grated

1/2 beet, grated (use a small one, beet is cleansing)

several sprigs of Parsley, without the stems

several handfuls of Baby Spinach

several leaves of Romaine or other leafy green

1 or 2 TBSP of Tamari or Nama Shoyu (depends on your personal taste)

Place all ingredients in Vita Mix or other blender and blend away.

Pour into a bowl and serve with your favorite dehydrated crackers.

Enjoy!

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months ago, I posted a recipe for Red Grape Salsa.

It is a refreshing twist to your run of the mill salsa, everyone that I have ever introduced to it has enjoyed the sweet taste of the grapes.

But, for some reason, the post seemed to be stuck on the top, so, no matter what or when I posted again, the salsa post always appeared first. Not knowing how to correct this, I deleted the post.

I am reposting the recipe below.

Fresh Red Grape Salsa

2 cups  Organic red seedless grapes (coarsely chopped)

1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)

1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped)

1 clove Garlic (minced)

2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor, pulse chop for moments until desired consistency. Eat with Sunny Corn Chips or on your favorite wrap with avocado & sprouts.

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