Feeding the Inner Wolf

I know, I haven't paid much attention to my blogs lately. I've been involved in so much lately that when I do have time, frankly I'm too tired to think. Once you become used to that, sadly it can become habit.

A few days ago I ran into the following and remembered it because a friend had forwarded it to me quite a while ago. I found this so meaningful I decided it worthwhile to pass on here. We all - everyone of us - have our inner wolves. Personally, I wish such morsels of wisdom were part of school curriculum as I think this particular little parable would be very easy for young children - or anyone - to grasp and utilize. It is not 'over their heads' yet has such profound spiritual meaning.



Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret,greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, falsepride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Hopefully the Good Wolf is the stronger in most of us. But to be honest, most likely a little of the Evil Wolf is also there...fed just enough to keep it alive and in the way at times.

How much of which wolf rules you? Which one are you feeding most? Do you recognize where some of your energy/feed is nurturing the wrong wolf?

Food for thought?

Hope - When It's Not A Good Idea

I mentioned in my last post something about hope:

Hope is limiting...it intrinsically involves a certain degree of doubt.

The dictionary defines hope as 'something we believe will happen', or 'a feeling of confidance that something we desire will happen'. But is that really so, or is it 'I wish something will happen, but there is a chance it won't'? In my talks with others, I sense that is closer to the use of 'I hope' rather than the rather pat dictionary definition.

We hear about hope a lot when we are growing up, don't we? I hope this, I hope that...and if you had any sort of religious background, then you most likely learned about faith, hope and charity.

I don't want to touch on faith or charity here. It's the middle word...hope in the religious context.

Most likely you learned that hope means to trust in _________ (fill in blank with whichever word you prefer) to take care of a problem or fulfill a desire.

The aspect I see from this is releasing oneself of any responsibility and dumping the problem on a Superior Entity...and so we 'hope' that Entity will take care of the problem. We also know, it doesn't always workout as we would rather and this is the 'doubt' I was addressing.

I also believe that the Superior Entity (Power that Be, God, whatever) helps those who are envolved in a serious effort to help themselves. This is a non-denominal principal that existed long before any religon.

Shouldn't we do whatever we can to help ourselves - especially on a mental level? Creative visualization techniques, autogenics, NLP, EFT, contacting our own higher self etc. are all important tools that do not interfere with religon. They are important tools of empowerment. And for me, this empowerment opens up my potential and strengthens my relationship with The All Powerful of which we are all a part of. I am doing more than just crossing my fingers, or folding hands, shooting off a prayer, then tell myself or others..'I hope dear God will...blahblah and etc'.

When I say 'I hope so' I really am saying 'It would be nice if it happens...but...I have a little doubt.' Or I may say 'I hope so' in a social context, to be polite. But still, I reserve it for those feelings that have doubt.

I have tremendous faith in Life and the good it has in store for me. I never 'hope' things will go well for me. I take an active part in it...and I know/feel things DO indeed go well for me. And the gratitude aspect is always a part of it (see my posting further down on Gratitude).

How do you use 'hope'? What do you 'hope' for? Wouldn't it better to replace that word with 'I want', 'I desire'...and use your mind to affirm and create?

Sorting Out the Wants from the Don't Wants

I haven't posted here for a while, naughty me. So much to share and so little time to actually sit down and...share!

Today I am though. I ran across a very good article whilst researching subliminal messages/autogenious training/autohypnosis (more on this another time). It is off the InnerPower4Success blog. I haven't cruised around there much, but did notice several other entries I hope to get to later.

Here's an excerpt from Positive Attitude Impacts Success:

Psychologists tell us that the key to dealing effectively with life is what they call the “cognitive control method.” The cognitive control method says that you can really think about, and concentrate on, only one thing at a time, either positive or negative.

Successful people are no different from you or me. They have one outstanding characteristic, however. They consciously choose to think about what they want, rather than what they don’t want. And, as a result, they are continuously taking action toward their goals, rather than spending their time thinking and worrying about the inevitable challenges and difficulties that face them every day.

Dr. Karl Pribram, the respected neuropsychologist, has found that human beings have holistic mental pictures stored within their brains. His discovery was that the “law of attraction” is alive and well and working within the mind of every human being. Dr. Pribram discovered that any visual image, imagined in complete detail, sets up a force field of energy that begins to attract into your life the people, ideas, things and even circumstances that are consistent with that image.

Text in bold is my own enhancement.

I've often said that when we are young and are lacking in real life experiences - we think we know what we want...but we can't really know that unless we've somehow lived through what we (later find out) we don't want. And that is where experience comes in. You can't know what you don't want unless you travelled down those rough roads and have a few years on the tachometer. I still hold that observation as true.

However, today my aspect has shifted. Although I still think it is important to have it clear in our minds what we 'never want to go through again' - we should simply accept it as our personal fact (as in 'I don't like rhubarb') and just leave it at that. In other words - not concentrate on that...keeping it in front of us all the time. Otherwise we are keeping the negative to the fore and this is counterproductive.

Why bother to think/concentrate on what we don't want?? Is that creative? No, it is limiting and worse - it somehow keeps attracting that very negative around us.

Think about it...we are wasting our creative energy by thinking/concentrating about what we don't want to materialize and in this way, we keep it 'alive and going'. The same goes for concentrating on lack (I don't have enough of------- fill in the blank).

Why not utilize the same effort and energy concentrating/creating in our minds the state of what we want instead? Makes sense, doesn't it? Afterall, we achieve absolutely no positive change by concentrating on lack of (this includes also the 'don't want' aspects).

What we do achieve is more limitation on ourselves and thereby attracting/keeping exactly that which we don't want. We are in fact using the principals of creative visualization - but not for a positive purpose. The principals themselves are neutral. It is up to us to understand how it works and utilize it FOR us and not AGAINST us.

Not bothering to concentrate any longer on what we don't want is somehow releasing. It helps us drop the mental hold we had on those situations/persons we discovered we don't want anymore in our lives. It is theraputic. In reality, that 'not bothering' about something any longer is the first step in breaking a negative cycle. We no longer 'bother ourselves' about something negative because our brains are now occupied with something far better and mentally healthier for us - creating a better personal reality. Creating abundance, health, motivation...whatever it is we need.

The benefits of thinking, breathing and internalizing what we want - to the point that sometimes we find ourselves almost 'living as if' is the real key to attaining our goals. No matter what they are. The senses have got to be involved when we relax quietly somewhere and begin to create (visualize). The desire must be so sincere and sure, that we feel it like a stirring around the solar plexus or a tingling that moves upwards or a happy shudder. For everone, it is a little different.

For myself, the major goalposts in my life materialized out of my pure intent and feeling/knowing that such-and-such will happen. They did not materialize out of hope. Hope is limiting...it intrinsically involves a certain degree of doubt. Visualization, a form of selfhypnosis/autosuggestion - all are powerful tools to help us shape our reality.

I know what I want. Do you? Can you define what you want without using limiting words such as don't, if only, if I just had, I'll never....?

Gratitude - A forgotten virtue

It seems lately the subject or word 'gratitude' keeps popping up. I recognize that as one of Life's litttle ways to bring my personal attention to a particular topic - for whatever reason.

Believe me, I am not an ungrateful person. I have sooo much luck in my life and so many good things that have happened to me - and for that I am grateful and more. But I recognize that sometimes I need to reinforce that.

The kind of gratitude I feel and mean is a pure and simple one - a childlike one. The kind that feels joy and gratitude at the uncommon (for here) sight of a squirrel, for example...and of course for so much more.

I DON'T mean the the kind of gratitude that certain religions interpret - that kind of degrading, groveling 'oh thank you that I may exist, have a bit to eat and a little air to breathe for I am sooo undeserving and insignificant'. You know what I mean. The type of 'religion' that teaches to concentrate on lack (for that will bring you the riches of heaven etc etc) and that abundance is somehow sinful and we should feel guilty about.

I won't go into the various interpretations of Who or What defines The Power That Be. Mine, most certainly 'ain't' (assuming here the southern fanatics will understand me better) the bearded, revengeful, patriarchial, fear instilling kind.

Nope. My heart and soul holds and connects to something far beyond such human characteristics. I don't think we can define 'It' by human limited standards. But anyway...

...this is a wonderful article on gratitude from a newsletter I get:

Hèllo Patricia,
Asoka Selvarajah here. Haven't been in touch for a while. How are you?

Anyway, in these slightly troubling times, I just wanted to sharea thought. it may be one you've heard before but it does not hurt to repeat it. Gratitude.I try to be grateful for whatever I can be grateful about. Who Iam, what I have, the good things around me.

In a world where the focus is increasingly upon lack and danger, it's also a good thing to be grateful for whatever gifts youenjoy. For some, it might be good health. For others, a nice home,children, your parents, a great job, inner peace. You know what it is for you. Of course, if you're hard put to find anything, you can be gladabout sunny days, green trees, a bird or squirrel you mighthappen to see.

So many people are worried, and let little things get them downand be major issues. That should not be your way. Always try to show gratitude. Not only is it the right thing to do, but in doing so, you open yourself up to receive more abundance into your life. If your hand is open, you can receive more. If your fist is clenched tight shut, you cannot. It's as simple as that.

If you care to comment, I welcome your feedback on the blog at: http://tinyurl.com/fljzmRegards,Asoka SelvarajahDo You Have The Power Of The Optimind? Find Out Here...===> http://www.innercirclesecrets.com/optimind.htm <===

Chet Day's Natural Health Circus: Double Chin Exercise

Chet Day's Natural Health Circus: Double Chin Exercise

Do Unto Yourself As You...

...do unto others.

I know - that's not the way it goes. But it does in this really timely article I found from one of my favourite newsletters . Sounds a lot like a bit of advice I have tried passing on to others at one point or another in my life. Advice that I take to heart for myself. Now and again I have to remind myself, but it is important to forgive oneself for being human. I don't mean that as a broad excuse to allow oneself free license to get away with whatever. I do mean to finally forgive ourselves for the thoughtless things we did, the accidents here and there, the less than kind way we were.

Every now and again I think of the time when I was about 7 and I hid another little girl's house key until she cried. Then I took it out and playing with it (key holder and all) throwing it up in the air, it fell awkwardly down the side of a hill and we never found it. I know she really got into trouble. I have long forgiven myself this childish incident (getting her into trouble and loosing her key) but somehow I still hold it against myself that I was even capable of doing such a thing. It was mean. Oh well...

...we are all a work in progress (except those who think they are perfect - they stagnate) and I still have a little work on that one.

But I have learned that it is crucial that we are 'nice' to ourselves. I don't mean pamper ourselves with a special treat - that too is important - but use kind words then we talk to ourselves. Think kindly, talk encouragingly with ourselves instead of 'how stupid', 'you idiot' or 'I'll never get this'...or worse.

We have to be nice to that inner child. Some of us grew up with far too strict standards, others with verbally abusive peers or parents. Physically we grew up, but the inner child still carries the pain. Not easy to forgive the others - for also being human - but we have to remember that too.

And we have to be just as kind to ourselves in word and action...as we most likely would be to others. Aren't you more important than a stranger or someone you know? I hope so.

Be ALSO nice to the most important person you know...YOU! In reality, YOU are all you have.

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On a different note and also from the same source...here is something for double chins:
Chet Day's Natural Health Circus: Double Chin Exercise

Good night. Sleep tight.

Absentee Returns - Bits and Interesting Quotes

My, how time flies! It has been so long since last I posted. That was due to several unrelated situations, not the least being not having a computer for more than 6 weeks in summer. Add one rather last minute visit from relatives and another sudden visit, well...I really got out of blogging.

Plus, frankly...the person I had initially intended this blog for as a (hopefully) inspirational excuse to routinely get on the internet (and check email more than once a month)...wasn't supportive of my efforts in this and other areas. But oh well, one can only offer help. If the other gives back only appreciative lip service but doesn't apply - or at least try - helpful suggestions...one can only back off. In the end, there is no one else but ONESELF to lead and form the life one has.

Like I say...albeit in a blunt way...expect crap, receive crap...but then don't complain that life is sooo unfair. It is...it usually gives us what we expect (ask for). Sooo,
duhhh, wouldn't it be a clever idea to start with the mind? Change attitudes? About self and life and genuine goals????
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This morning I was up and out when the first rays of the sun were breaking the morning sky - still it was darkish whenn I went for my (Nordic Walking) walk out to the lighthouse. It was wonderful and inspiring as it always is for me. I was out by 07:30 - now that it is autumn. In summer I'd be out by 06:30 - 07:00 and back 45 min or so later. By then the sun was just beginning to make its heat felt. But now, it is coolish so early. No matter, still it was short sleeves...knowing I'd warm up soon.

I remembered a quote I thought I'd add and then I looked up a few more to share with you (known and unknowns out there!).

"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something." I THINK this is from 'Life's Little Instruction Book' . Don't know why that one popped into mind.

Here are more I looked up:

Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition. Timothy Leary
(No comment other than a big grin!)

An eye for an eye will make the whole world go blind. Mahatma Gandhi

The pure unadultered love of one can nullify the hatred of millions. Mohandas Gandhi
(Huuhhhh?? Would that it was that easy. Perhaps it is not meant literally, but in a personal 'feeling' and not reality.)

Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but thank him for not having given it wings. Indian
(Umm....'Indian' who/which? Never mind, this quote is definitely from an optimist. It's another good one.)

It is a good answer which knows when to stop. Italian
(Hmmm...I would benefit from this one. 'Some men' neither like an answer nor an elaborated one...if it is an answer they don't like to hear. However, applied in general, this is a useful quote to ponder on.)

And that's it for this morning. I'm hungry for breakfast now!

Law of Attraction and Our Meddling Ways

Lately I keep running across reminders about the Law of Attraction, one of those universal laws. There is a good article called The Secret of Doing without Doing. Here is an excerpt that addresses timing and visualization:

Put simply, you should take no action on anything until you have visualized
your desire and made it real enough in your mind that your next action (step),
whatever it is, seems like the most logical step.

How can you know the next logical step? Here is the test that you can give to yourself before taking any action: If you focus on what you desire and still feel overwhelmed or anxious, then you are not ready for any action. You know you are ready when it feels like the next logical step is effortless. There is no effort, no strain and no pain.

The whole article is really concise, but I found those above paragraphs to be 'The Key' . And it is this key that is sometimes missing when practicing visualization and the Law of Attraction. I think I have been fortunate in that in my life, I think I have just instinctively sensed when that moment came to initiate the change I visualized all a long. It was always a feeling of 'now is the time'.

But I also remember, there were times I had a very strong sense of that, but ignored it. Or worse, squelched it for some 'logical' reason or other. In other words, I talked myself of a powerful, motivational moment. I interfered with the natural course of progress by concentrating too much on the 'how' a desired state could materialize rather than on the knowledge that it will happen...and I don't need to know how. I just needed to 'feel' it like it was there already.

Life always arranges the circumstances for us to achieve that what we truly desire. We don't need to worry about that part.

Things work for me, somehow. And even more so as the years go on. I think concentrating on the inner works of intent and positive energy gives us the sense of timing. Until that moment comes all WE have to do is prepare a little when necessary and internalize our visions...as if they are all ready happening. HOW circumstances are arranged for us, just isn't our concern. In fact, it is wasted energy that interfers with the process.

Life means well with us...if we'd just stop interferring and complicating things for ourselves.

Upcoming visits...

By next week my aunt will be here visiting from Germany. Then just before she leaves, my cousin, her daughter and son-in-law will be coming for a week and be staying with me. THAT constellation will be a first.

Guests are inspiring. And I am getting around to replacing things I've gotten used to seeing, but that in the back of my mind, were annoying. Like the large area rug in the living room or the covers for the terrace chairs and lounger. Reggie's been busy repainting the covered barbeque area, touching up the iron work, and in general being helpful. Without me saying a word! Surprise, surprise! Well, I think he really is feeling better thanks to our osteopathic naturalpath (what a mouthful).

And of course I am keeping in mind what meals to prepare .

Guests are fun...and motivational. Besides, I get to enjoy all the (new) goodies once they are gone!

Vanilla and More

I have found, or rather was contacted by the site owner of The Vanilla Shop in Madagascar to exchange links. They have the most amazing array of products, some unusual such as balsamic vinegar with vanilla (I can get into that). Amazing are the realistic prices too. I shall be ordering from them, especially the beans in quantity. Oh yeah...and the vanilla nectar too! Loveitloveitloveit! I've written more on vanilla at my other (food) blog here.

On another note...looks like I shall be shopping around for another Fuji digital camera. The one I have, I used quite a lot, mostly for my web photos and it is now showing tempermental signs of old age (gee, at 5 years old - and how old is my Pentax SLR....ummmm...30 years??). But that's equipment of today. Sophisticated and shortlived. Good side is that now they make them smaller, mightier and cheaper.

Weather here has been up and down...mostly down. Gets cold, can't make up its mind, turns warm then rain and wind. Pooh...and I don't mean the bear. However, my garden is not complaining. Herbs are pert and doing their green thing. Walks (when I can!) show me how fast Mother Nature gets on with it in Spring, especially after rains. Lush overgrowth everywhere.

Tomorrow I may go visit the poppies. Weather permitting, of course.

The Serenity Prayer - an applicable version

The Serenity Prayer has accompanied me most of my life. In fact I even cross stitched and embroidered it twice, one for Mama and one for me. I still have it framed in my kitchen. It makes a lot of sense, albeit tricky to follow sometimes. It is a jewel of succint wisdom, as universal and non-denominal as the Golden Rule. Even if you don't believe in 'God' as a single entity in a patriarchal or even matriarchal sense, IT still makes sense.

'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference'.

Here's a version I came across that is a good, practical reminder to me. I am the first to admit I do have a problem accepting 'certain people' in my life. I am working through that part (we humans are a work in progress, you know) because I see how it physically expresses itself in me (neck, shoulder tension/pain) but most of all the WASTED energy I'd really rather use to fine tuning myself.

'God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,
the courage to change the one I can,
and the wisdom to know it's me.

Yup. A timely reminder. All part of my personal 'work in progress' project.

Life is grand...and so are you.

A Waxing Story

Not everyone is as lucky as I am, that is - when it comes to body hair removal. When I go to Carmen's cosmetic salon here in the village, she makes jokes about 'removing my 4 hairs'. Ok, it's a slight exaggeration. Last count I had 15 or so (!) almost transparent, fine hairs, mostly on the front of my legs and a few on the calves. I thank my celtic/germanic gene pool for that.

Sometimes I actually remove them myself with those cold wax strips.

So did the lady who authored this hilarious piece you have got to read. Warning! Use the bathroom first and put the tea/coffee mug somewhere safe.
Click on this link: A Waxing Story

Random Stuff and More Quotes

I've been busy this past week. Tweaking my other sites, Epicurean Table and the Epicurean Digest - the later having been rather orphaned for quite a time. Between that and just doing what needs to be done, time has really escaped me. That does happen easily working on the computer hours at a time. I've not even walked much since a few weeks, but this also due to keeping an eye on Reggie. He is better now, not tops but better thanks to my Osteopath. Tomorrow we have another appointment, mostly for Reggie.

I came across a few more quotes I'll share:

There is an Indian belief that everyone is a house of four rooms: a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual room. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not complete.
-- Rumer Godden--House of Four Rooms

Pure logic is the ruin of the spirit.
-- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another."
-- Luciano de Crescenzo

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On a more earthly note, a few days ago I created the most delicious tasting Chervil and Chive Soup (that link takes you to the Menu page). I went shopping into Carrefour, a French supermarket chain...and of course I can always find the herbs I need there. Fresh tarragon, chervil...very exciting for me as these are difficult to find here in Spain. So I created the soup and last week I made Coq au Champagne...ok, I didn't have a coq but the chicken was also really delicious. That recipe is one I created years ago in Belgium...I needed just a hint of tarragon for that.

And last week, thanks to Hartmut my Osteopath, I found nearby him a young Dutch couple who sell organic herbs and plants...organic meaning they use their own compost ONLY...and he is a great photographer and professional chef that used to work in Italy for one of the top chefs. Wow! Did we hit on, the four of us. Really interesting exchanges. She makes her own soap from the plants they have. And it is so good, lathers and nourishes. We chatted about websites (mine/theirs), food, herbs, Italy, photography, herbs, growing things organically, herbs ;>D

I'm excited about this contact, I feel good things about it. Besides, anyone who gets happy because someone (me) talks about nepitella and its importance to Italian cooking (especially with porcini), or digs up a calendula plant for you and grows a herbal garden and can get you/grow for you any herb you want is for someone like me...a very appreciated person. I think the nature spirits arranged our meeting.

Herbs take you to unexpected places.

Crown Roast - Picture Perfect

Have you ever had a nice old fashioned crown of ribs roast? I hadn't, which is why I organized this year's Easter dinner at Can Roig - one of our gourmet restaurants out in Cap i Corp, just in view of the sea. I felt it was time I experience this classic roast.

The chef, Juan, schooled in one of the top schools in Barcelona liked the idea when I spoke to him some weeks ago. And just to be certain, I downloaded three photos - each a variation on the theme. I am sure he enjoyed doing something different and off his menu.

I find this photo stunning but it doesn't quite do justice to what is now very past tense.

"Unfortunately" explained the waiter, "we couldn't find a bigger lamb, so instead of filled with vegetables, we present it this way. We hope this is no problem?"

Of course it wasn't. The crown was resting on four good sized medallions taken from the leg cut and deboned. There was also wild asparagus and broccoli. The center bouquet is mint, rosemary and sage flowers...the white you see are the paper cuffs, hand made. Obviously, he did not have them on hand...because this concept of serving lamb is definitely not a Spanish thing to do. Definitely an exception, much appreciated though.

By the way, did I mention it was one of the most delicious meals we've had in a very long time? Need I say the lamb was tender and flavourful, the roast vegetables a delight? There was also a side bowl of superb classic brown sauce (oh thank goddess, we've been spared the obligatory English mint sauce!). Lemon sorbet with Cava (Spanish champagne) was the perfect closure to a very memorable meal.

Divine dining, we did. Very repeatable.

Easter - Sugar Eggs and Tosca

Do you remember these panorama, pressed sugar eggs from your childhood? Nostalgia and running across the kit (can't remember if it was Belgium or in Germany...or did I order it?) prompted me to try my hand at making 'sugar art'.

I made these eggs about 3 years ago. A few are faded because I had them out too long past Easter and the sun bleached them somewhat. But they store well and I bring them out each year.

Tosca, a true admirer of edible art, was highly interested. Fortunately and unlike Russo, she has no interest in sweets or chocolate...in spite of Reggie's sweet tooth and chocoholism.

I hope your Easter is/was enjoyable no matter what your spiritual followings. For me, its a spring thing with much symbolism and I honor/respect those around me here in Spain for whom it is a major holiday - more so than Christmas, in fact. What do I take from it? A sense of renewal and a reminder to move/improve forward.

Green blessings to you!

Things You Need To Know...

. The dye used to colour the bright red uniforms of British soldiers (think 1700's or so) was made from the root of 'madder', a type of cleaver (Galium family).

. The herb referred to in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' that was for remembrance was rosemary.

. Americans consume about a third of a pound of pepper per capita annually.

. Caraway is the most popular herb seasoning for bread in ...Germany and Austria (why are we not surprised).

. One of the most used herbs in Spanish cooking is laurel (bay leaf) followed by thyme and rosemary.

. Stuff fennel in the key hole to keep the witches out!

...and now you will all be able to sleep better tonight! ´ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

:D

Traditional Easter Braid (Osterzopf)

This afternoon after discussing with Mama who's doing which cake when, I decided to make a yeast cake - a traditional German one. This version has ground hazelnuts and grated apple as the main ingredients for the filling. The eggs were coloured raw as they bake with the cake.

I know Mama likes a good, fresh baked yeast cake so she took home half. Tomorrow I'll be baking a regular cake but one in the shape of a lamb, the other of a rabbit.

Why not...afterall I've got the forms. Mama will be making an egg shaped one from another form of mine. So Sunday after our lunch, we'll have plenty of cake for dessert. I groan already.

The second photo is one I did last year. No filling in that one.

It's an Easter thing to do ;>D

Alpha, Beta, Theta...Have a Snortfull

Here's a little herbal trivia for you from my notes:

Increase your beta brain waves and heighten awareness by sniffing stimulating essential oils, such as rosemary or peppermint.

For promoting relaxation, a sense of well being, activate the alpha and theta waves by sniffing on lavender and sandalwood.

It's not a bad idea to carry a homemade sniffer with you depending on your situational needs. A small bottle (like those used for liquor samplers or digestives) with a little cotten stuffed in it and a few drops of EO (essential oil) is all you need.

Carry a rosemary or peppermint one when you need to be more awake/aware at work or driving and another with lavender or sandalwood for when you suspect a stressful situation (going to a meeting, dealing with aggressive situations/authorities).

Does it work? I think it does, of course subtly and like many things believing it will is a real boost. Just remember that EO's should be used judiciously and when a true need is there and not just for making the room air 'smell nice'. They are, afterall a powerful medicine.

I made one for my cold and head congestion. A personal blend of thyme, tea tree, and peppermint oils - a homemade Vicks sniffer. Just unscrew the cap, close off one nostril and SNIFF. Wooooo! It worked and I am certain the anti-bacterial properties of the oils (especially the thyme and tea tree) helped keep my head cold in check.

More trivia: the ancients used a crown of rosemary to honor academics. In ancient Greece, students studied with a sprig of rosemary behind the ear believing it helped them study better and increased their power of memory. Now we know WHY it works, something the ancients didn't - rosemary stimulates the beta waves helping memory, concentration and even mood.

Which is why, never take a bath with rosemary bath essence and think you can "sleep easier after a bath". Wrong. It WILL stimulate you. Save it for the Monday mornings.

The Eggs Have It

Easter is upon us and besides chocolate bunnies for Reggie and bringing up a few Easter decorations, my thoughts are on eggs...which I love anyway. Mama enjoys the holiday bits and, well, if it makes her happy I play along. So, we colour eggs et al. Some Easters together, other times - suddenly Easter is upon us and we do our thing separately until time to exchange our baskets.

But none of the above has to do with my tip for today...except that I doooo appreciate eggs, eat them at will and have no cholesterol problem - which is a lot of rubbish anyway. I get mine free range and ultra fresh.

So, do you know how to tell fresh eggs from not? Here you go:

Guidelines To Ensure That You Are Consuming Fresh High- Quality Eggs
You can go to the American Egg board for a great overview of eggs.

Always check the freshness of the egg right before you consume the yolk.

If you are uncertain about the freshness of an egg, don't eat it. This is one of the best safeguards against salmonella infection.

If there is a crack in the shell, don't eat it. You can easily check for this by immersing the egg in a pan of cool, salted water. If the egg emits a tiny stream of bubbles, don't consume it as the shell is porous/contains a hole.

If you are getting your eggs fresh from a farmer it is best to not refrigerate them. This is the way most of the world stores their eggs; they do not refrigerate them. To properly judge the freshness of an egg, its contents need to be at room temperature. Eggs that are stored in the fridge and opened immediately after taking them out will seem fresher than they actually are. Eggs that you want to check the freshness of should be kept outside the fridge for at least an hour prior to opening them.

First, check all the eggs by rolling them across a flat surface. Only consume them if they roll wobbly.

Open the egg. If the egg white is watery instead of gel-like, don't consume the egg. If the egg yolk is not convex and firm, don't consume the egg. If the egg yolk easily bursts, don't consume the egg.

After opening the egg you can put it up to your nose and smell it. If it smells foul you will certainly not want to consume it. (Duuuhhhh? - my comment)
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And there you have it. Anyone for a soufflé?

Wished for Wisteria

Besides bouganvilla, wisteria must be one of my favourite climbing plants and one that I always aspired to have gracing a wall of my house. For me it is a romantic, elegant plant with the similar grace of willow trees. I always have an emotional reaction to them.

We planted this pale wisteria about 3 years ago and were told that it can take 4 years to bloom. Promptly that year it gave us two stunning clusters. The next year about 20 and this year it is just magnificent. We couldn't begin to count the clusters. It has made it up to the upper terrace as you can see so we enjoy it sitting out on the table.

The other wisteria, more blue, is in a large raised bed by Reggie's office in the back garden. Perhaps it is not so happy there and gave us in the second year a few clusters as it did this year too. Well, we are grateful for that too and praise it. Perhaps its roots are restricted, as it doesn't climb much.

Unfortunately, wisteria blooms only for a few short weeks a year. But it has become an event we look forward to!

Herbal Walks with Canine Guide

A few days ago I went out to Cap i Corp again to one of my favourite places to gather certain wild herbs. Sometimes I take Tosca with me, my favourite herbal walk companion.

This time, while I was gathering tender, young fennel fronds (somewhat out of the photo and more to the back) I noticed that Tosca found one of her favourite munching herb - Daucus carota aka. wild carrot or Queen Anne's Lace. She loves it. Next time you buy carrots with the tops still on, you'll think of Tosca.

Plucking and tugging with her teeth, she goes about her business while I go about mine. The difference is that while I am amused by her, she's not amused by my herb choice. Not a fennel fan.

In our area, wild fennel and wild carrot grow everywhere. And one can note where they grow, the thyme and rosemary do not...the latter preferring dryer ground. (You can find lots of information here on fennel, written by yours truly. I gather it to make my version of a Sicilian speciality - patties made with dried bread, parmesan cheese and chopped, blanched fennel fronds. They are sooooo tasty!)

Other times when we are out and about and she is curious what plant I am paying attention to, she'll wander off on her own investigations. When I have a look at what she has found... it is the same herb I had shown her...fennel excepting.

Tosca, the herb hunter.

Busy Updating

I have finally updated my Epicurean Table site with the seasonal menu (and of course vegetarian suggestion) and other updates. Much of it 'maintenance' work and I am still at it...since this morning until this evening. With breaks of course...little walk with Tosca, lunch, this and that and almost two hours at the pensionista dance. Not much going on there though this evening. So I came home early, puttered...and finished up tweaking my website.

Still have a little more to do tomorrow. Hopefully no more than an hour on a little reformatting articles.

What weather we had today, up in the 30's. Lunch on the terrace was lovely. This evening Reggie said the House Dragons (a small family of gekkos) - the female came out of hibernation and took up her place behind the decorative plate on the wall of the terrace. A stratigic position as the lamp just above it attracts late night snacks!

Mi Mimosa

...and here it is today in its full glory, bees and all busily buzzing about to and fro. Yes, this tree buzzes or so it seems until you look a little closer. Note the difference in the photo montage of 'How Does My Garden Grow' post.

I too, have been really busy these last days, mostly readingreadingreading until my eyes cross. But I have been out for my long morning walks (Nordic Walking about 45 min, that is to the light house and back) and in the evening a shorter walk with Tosca - since She-the-Sled-Dog and the Nordic Walking sticks do not function together well.

Amazing what 6 kilos of terrier-power can do. She could easily be lead dog in the arctic races...and drag the team on to win. She just needs a heavier fur coat.

Are terriers trainable (to walk)? Some, with difficulty, yes. Australian Silkie Terriers? No. She listens rather well to me, until she is out in the captivating magic of 'Out There' meaning 'walkies' where there are stray cats, other dogs, untrustworthy 'other humans' and exciting scents.

By the way, leashes are for humans to attach themselves to their lead dogs. Otherwise they'd (the humans)get lost, you see. Or silly you, did you really think they served any other purpose? ;>D

Ask 'Madam'...whose favourite 'thing' is 'On a Mission' power walking with me in tow.

Mimosa Tree

Mama's mimosa tree coming into bloom is one of the reasons to look forward to spring for. It is glorious - preceeding that may be a few bulbs coming up such as daffodils and crocuses - but a mimosa tree in coming into bloom is simply a spring delight.

I can watch hers progress from our terrassa.

Hers is a different type to mine (see right) which always blooms after hers, as if not wanting to distract. The type I have distinguishes itself not only by the much different leaf, but in the fact that it grows quicker and stays in bloom longer. The 'yellow pom-poms' are larger and the tree has a delicate 'weeping willow' character to it.

In the second photo you can see the progress of just a few days later. Ah, and the scent is faintly sweet too.

How does my garden grow...

...with lavender, iris and mimosa tree too! I had to share with you what is blooming, or some at least. The mimosa tree photo is from last year and it (the tree :D) is much taller now. I'll photograph it tomorrow, it is just starting to burst into bloom.

Note the lemons behind the iris? This year the lemon tree is laden with so many lemons as we have never seen before. Reggie does baby it all year and so far we have not had to spray it - except with a weak solution of dishwashing liquid and water to rid it of a pest or two.

The golden plum tree, bursting in snowy bloom, buzzes with bees going about their bustling business. Snowy bloom, I say...and today was 34C in the sun? heh heh!

The pool had maintence on it, tiles regrouted, a few water vents replaced and finally refilled. Very inviting blue.

Spring has spronged in my part of Spain!

Loved this one...

I have to share this quote from probably the oldest working pediatrician:

Dr. Leila Denmark, a pediatrician, who "sort of" retired at 103 in 2002:
Quote:

"Anything on earth you want to do is play. Anything on earth you have to do is work. Play will never kill you, work will. I never worked a day in my life."

-Dr. Leila Denmark, 100, USA's oldest practicing physician.

Don'tcha jus' love it?!

Preoccupied and More Quotes

I've been preoccupied lately by a new project that really takes up my time with reseaching and reading a lot. I can only say at the moment that it involves another website - this time I want to have the background work really honed so that it is optimized in the best way for the search engines. Already have a domain name and designed a logo (which I had graphically perfected by the woman who did my graphics for http://www.epicureantable.com/) . Turns out my new domain name may not be optimal. Part of the researching for that is brainstorming and keyword pondering.

Luckily, I signed up for a fantastic system that walks/talks you thru all that and eventually much will be automated. This is great, because to leave things up to one's self (keeping on top of seach engine alograms and submitting regularily, autoresponders etc etc) I find is very mood dependant - at least with me. Then I do fall into the D's - distracted, disoriented, discipline (intermittant lack of) disorder, dis-, dis- you name it.

Anyway, since I have NO idea if anyone is even reading this blog - going by the lack of commenting here :>/ I won't go into the project at this point. When I have it up and running, we'll have an online launch party, yes? Champagne and all.

This morning I want to share following quotes:

There is only one thing more powerful than all the armies of the world, that is an idea whose time has come.- Victor Hugo

To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.- Confucius

That first one really resounded with me at this particular period for me. The second one is soo, soooo true. It all starts with setting hearts straight. Would that we could (globally) achieve that. May sound irrelevant, but besides our own (hearts) wouldn't it be nice to get Hollywood, the media, those aggressive 'game' developers to take responsibility for what they are 'contributing' to society and her children...to have more 'heart' for society...which we are all part of, like it or not.

And then the politicians...do they have any?
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Closing thought: concentrate more on your heart's needs.

Take heart.

More Quotes

Ran across two interesting thoughts this evening, from www.aksworld.com at the blog:

"Fear has been described as F_E_A_R = False Expectation Appearing Real."

Unfortunately such clever anograms usually work only in the originating language. I'd love to pass this one on to my (German) Aunt. The anagram won't work, but the statement is 'real'. On second thought, I should just leave it alone (about her). Her fears are like dear old friends to her. She knows them so well and so intimately. Reality, and how she has created it for herself is just too frightening for her (another fear?). Yes, of the unknown - happiness. Well, at 85 ......

And then this one from the newsletter (aksworld.com):

Quote For Thought

In Tibetan, the word for body is "lu", which means "something you leave behind", like baggage. Each time we say "lu", it reminds us that we are only travelers, taking temporary refuge in this life and this body.

That is a lu-lu (groan...sorry couldn't resist)! Humour aside, that quote, I find is a gentle reminder.

Give yourself a hug today. Tell your body how much you appreciate it...yes even with its quirks.

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By the way, has everyone drunk enough water today??

I am still amused

Yes, I am...still amused at something that happened on Women's Day 8 March.

On that day I purchased a spanish newspaper from the paper shop and the girl gave me a bottle of flour cleaner.

"What is this for?" I asked, meaning why-are-you-giving-me-this.

"Its a free gift from the newspaper for International Women's Day."

We looked at each other with that knowing, ironic look. A look of solidarity mixed with 'what do you expect'.

She, still surpressing a stubborn grin, snorted in laughter (yes, she did). Me, I burst forth a sincere belly laugh. Nothing would surpress it and I almost doubled over. By then there were a few curious bystanders. Getting a brief explanation across, by then in English too and wiping the tears of mirth from my eyes I explained more or less following.

"Look at that! This newspaper is so caring and considerate enough to think of we women and gives us (how generously) a free bottle of floor cleaner. Instead of giving us perhaps a small textile flower (cheaper too), we get a reminder of what this macho newspaper really thinks of the value of women. Hey, what century are we in? With all the women's rights and equality (snort, giggle) every now and then we get a symbolic reminder of what reality is!"

"Typical!" I said, still laughing.

The few men there were at a complete loss (what else? ;>D), a few women grinned and I had to find the next cafe to visit the toilet.

What did I do with the bottle of floor cleaner? I told the girl to give to next man who purchases the paper.

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Thought for the day: The begining is always today.

Looking Younger - Being Younger

Looking younger is something we are all interested in - even those who loftily deny any interest in the subject. Deep inside we all are happier when we look our best and that alone makes us 'look' or 'feel' younger than our chronological age. That little boost is uplifting.

And what is aging? (I mean beyond the wrinkle!) Is it our chronological age (based on birthday)? That is far less important than our physical/biological age - in other words looking and feeling younger/actually BEING younger for our age. Isn't that more important?

Following is from various statistical sources.

Here are a few easy tips for today:

Make sure you drink lots of water - at least 2 litres and more if you are a serious coffee drinker. Every cell in your body benefits and can function more efficently. Foggy, unconcentrated thinking can sometimes be a sign of dehydration of the brain cells. Outwardly, the skin benefits, cells are plumped and the overall appearance improves. This alone can make you look and certainly feel a few years younger.

Laugh a lot... this can make your biological age 8 years younger.

Learning ...those who never loose their interest to learn and keep intellectually fit are 2.5 years younger than those who 'give up'.

Move...even just a little exercise (of ANY kind, such as walking) for 20 minutes twice a day will make your biological age 5 years younger.

And lastly (for today) our mental attitude will affect our biological/physical being and appearance. We all know people with faces like road maps pushing 70, 80, 90 + who seem far younger. I find it is their youthful attitude that makes them attractive and uplifting to be around.

We have so much we can do for ourselves/well-being. No one can do it for us. Ain't self-empowerment grand?

So are you!

Food, trivia and tips

I found following in a newsletter I receive:

"Give yourself a tropical pick-me-up with antioxidant-rich guava.
Red guava offers more antioxidant benefits than spinach, strawberries, or oranges, a recent study concluded, making red guava a free-radical-scavenging powerhouse. The phenols in red guava are responsible for the fruit's antioxidant activity. Simply peel and remove the seeds from well-ripened fruit and enjoy. RealAge Benefit: Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger."

Blueberries also are highly beneficial and when compared to40 other fruits and vegetables seem to have the most antioxidant properties .

I love guava, but only ate it when we lived in Florida. MAYBE I can find it in the Valencia food market. A phenominal place, supposed to be the biggest in Europe. Well, I suspect that is an exageration, but they do seem to have e v e r y t h i n g in herbs, fruits and vegetables. We can occasionally get blueberries here but they are from France and for the price of a small basket, one can have lunch! Well ok, a few tapas - but still...

I have endulged when they are in season and bought a basket for Mama and one for me...in pancakes (Mama) or yogurt or as is, it is a great treat. But for the health benefits, blueberry extract/tincture seems a good way to take in the benefits from a natural substance.

By the way, if you take iron supplements (or iron rich food) don't take them with calcium rich foods (or supplements) . The both will bind together in the intestines and the body cannot absorb the benefits from either. ...they get flushed. I love spinach and chickpeas, with a yoghurt sauce - a not so uncommon dish amongst the calcium wise or vegetarians (and most vegetarians think they know it all!!). Hmmm....there is so much we don't consider when eating what we think is healthy and good for us. It also shows that one must be more aware, read more on such topics and be open. That is, if you want to care for this gift (our body) we are temporarily loaned! ;>D

Trivia of the day: A medium papaya contains 200% of your Vitamin C requirement A green pepper has more Vitamin C than a orange.

Herb of the month: parsley

Goal of the day: eat something really healthy today that you don't normally eat.

Thought of the day: My own attitude, words and beliefs on the long run create my own reality. I alone am responsible for them. I alone can change them.

Verbal bad-habit-phrase to dump: No, I can't because... (this is often fear driven or just plain lazy cover up for 'No, I won't because (I don't want to). If you find yourself using this phrase - more automatically than you realize - see if you can pass a week without it. If you can't, talk to yourself in the mirror and ask yourself why. Ask yourself what you can change to get rid of that negative, self-inhibiting phrase.

Life is grand. And so are you.

Inspiring Quotes

Happy International Women's Day!

Today I thought I'd post a few inspiring quotes:

"Women are half the world's people who do two-thirds of the world's work. They earn a tenth of the world's income and own a hundredth of the world's property." WomenAid International ...warrants comment when in mixed company. Amongst we women, 'gee, why are we not surprised?'

"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow."
Chinese proverb

“Lost time never returns.”
Czech proverb

"The person who says it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese proverb

"The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men."
English writer Mary Ann Evans aka George Eliot (1819-1880)

"You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person."
Anonymous I thought this one was especially good.

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Each day is a gift, live it with appreciation - even if some 'gifts' are less than great. It just takes 24 hours to get over the bad days and we have 1440 minutes to savour the good ones.

Good days and bad days pass with equal speed. The bad ones just seem to last so much longer. Take the good days with joy, not with nonchalance. On bad days, do something especially nice for yourself - even if you don't feel like it. Take a luxury bath, light that expensive candle, go out for the most expensive cappuccino, go to a silly movie. On those days, one needs to get behind one's self and PUSH forward. Even if its just a long walk somewhere.

Life is grand. Every 24 hours we get another chance!

Of Goat Yoghurt and Laughter

Good news! My yoghurt turned out great...thickish and creamy (could be a little tarter though) and I am happy. I have about eight jars. Today I made Irish Soda bread with it instead of buttermilk...very nice and tomorrow maybe I'll do a simple almond cake using some yoghurt and honey as well. I shall be asking Blanca for more of her milk in future.

Here's an interesting link on the value of laughter. Scroll about midway down for following info:
(Laughter reduces cortisol, which is a hormone that causes stress and increases endorphins, which are the body’s own natural opiates ...)
http://www.ofspirit.com/margaretmccathie1.htm
Click on the left menu for various links to inspiring articles


http://silverreflection.tripod.com/thelightersidecopy/id176.html
Click also on the side links, especially the one on southern ladies. (Disclaimer: there are 'reflections' there also that I consider in bad taste mixed in amongst the humorous and useful - I take distance from any racist comments found on the site.)


This next one has a video. Click on the photo - the download is worth the wait. I dare you not to laugh with her!

http://laughpractice.blogspot.com/2005/09/coaching-laugh.html

There is always something to laugh about...even if only at ourselves!

Mama Goat Nurses Lamb

My walks out to the lighthouse take me past an old stable - in past years abandoned. Last year or so I heard dogs there and often saw them running free in the enclosed acres.

Then a few months ago I heard the low clang of bells - and that sound can only mean goats or sheep (a deeper, longer clang means cows). And there among the brush of rosemary and company was a herd of goats. Monday I heard the happy barking of dogs and thought the owner must be there. And he was.

Seems the stable now 'stables' goats, dogs, wild rabbits, chickens, quail and ducks. Short story shorter, he has had to throw away goat's milk when the little ones couldn't drink it all and is happy that someone (me) who appreciates it can come by for it. So today I came at the agreed time and Blanca - whose babies died - bleated softly and gave little kisses as Joaquin (whah-keen) milked her. Her utter was so full - almost 2-1/2 litres full all for me and my yoghurt.

After filtering it a few times, heating it and adding some yoghurt to act as a starter, the milk is now in the oven hopefully doing its yoghurt thing by the light of the pre-warmed oven. Tomorrow I shall see. I am excited. I love goat or sheep yoghurt - something easily found here. And, I can get healthy, free range and free of anti-biotics and other chemicals that cows are subjected to. I know what they breathe (sea air), what they eat, where they eat it and love the same herbs that obviously the goats do as well. Not a great milk fan, I do like goat's milk - sweeter, richer and easy to digest.

The lamb in the photo follows Joaquin around like a puppy. Her mama couldn't give milk, so the goats are happy to comply. Here she is getting dinner from Margarita, but she boards at night with another mama who just gave birth to three kids. This evening I held a two day old kid. I was over the moon.

Life is grand!

Body Shop Takeover?

Any of you read about L'Oreal proposing to take over Body Shop?? I did, several days ago and immediately fired an email off to the German and of course the main UK centrals. I won't bother to reprint the article re: L'Oreal /Body Shop - suffice it to say it was that 'L'Oreal is considering a proposal (of takeover) to Body Shop and not much more.

Here my email in English (same but in German sent to the central in Germany):

subject: Body Shop Betrayal?

I have just read about a possible take over of Body Shop by L’Oreal. If this happens I assure you many customers such as I will react negatively over this. Then, how can Body Shop compromise its principals and ethics? This would make your products unbelievable and taint the global image it has worked hard to achieve. Should this take over occur it signals to me the bitter aftertaste of a purely monetary interest (greed) by an already successful business. I, as adisappointed customer would react to this greed by shopping elsewhere as I supported Body Shop’s ideals and products. I would no longer recommend them with good conscience.

Patricia Conant, Spain www.epicureantable.com

and their answer:

Dear Ms ConantThank you for your query concerning the announcement by L'Oreal in relation to THE BODY SHOP. THE BODY SHOP Board issued a response, which is detailed below. Due to Stock Exchange rules we cannot provide any further comment:

'The Body Shop International PLC ("The Body Shop") Response to L'Oreal Statement

'The Board of THE BODY SHOP notes the announcement today by L'Oreal that it is evaluating a possible offer for the BODY SHOP. THE BODY SHOP has not received any proposal from L'Oreal. The Board remains confident about the future prospects for the Group and its ability to deliver significant value for its shareholders.'

Thank you for your enquiry.

Yours sincerely,
Rachel PaisleyUK Customer Relations Supervisor
The Body Shop International plcDDI: (44)01903 844554 Fax No: (44)01903 844383
E-mail:ukcustomer.relations@the-body-shop.com

So far, I breathe a sigh of relief.

Almond Panorama

Two days ago I drove up to the Santa Lucia chapel and enjoyed the pink view up there. This photo is a good example but the best view I could not take as the sun was in front of me. Good thing I did too. With the exception of the white plastic 'green houses' to the left, all the light areas, all the way to the right upper area are almond trees.

Yesterday it rained all day with heavy winds, so I could not take Mama for a ride to show her the pink wonder around us (she has never driven amongst the almond groves - either not motivated or not used to 'just doing something for the fun of it').

A few years ago the winds blew off most of the blossoms before they were pollinated and the almond industry suffered. Prices were really up. Hopefully the bees were able to do their thing early enough.

Have a pink day!

Thoughts: holistic vs. allopathic views on energy

The title sounds more complicated than where my thoughts are heading.

Didn't most of us learn in school the scientic 'discovery' that all things are made up of atoms that are in constant movement (energy)? And that the only difference between human skin, a mango or a table surface is the rate those atoms move? Albeit, a bit oversimplified, but wasn't that the jist of it?

Wow, weren't we impressed by *science* then! Today we also know that this was hardly a new scientific discovery, rather ancient knowledge as understood by Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine as well as other so-called 'primitive cultures' on most continents. Ah, but it took *science* to prove it under a microscope. Reductionist thinking.

So, why is it that those same kids, who grow up, enter medical school (where they learn that the human body is merely a kind of machine with replaceable parts - yes, I remember that) that the whole concept of human energy - with all its healing possibilities - is categorically scoffed at and dismissed as 'quackery' or these days endulgently called 'alternative medicine'.

Yet, same said medical body acknowledges that the mind (mind/thought=energy) can make us ill (just think long enough of something revolting and pay attention to how your stomach reacts) - however, the concept of learning to use the mind to heal is just not on the agenda. So yes, the mind can make us ill, but to get better we need pills for the symptoms and more pills to counteract the side affects.

I suspect the answer is that it is not *scientific* enough. Yet what about what we learned as kids?

Back to the drawing board.

Dry Brushing for Healthier, Silky Skin

This is another old article of mine that I have also added on my site here and also submitted to zinos.com as well.

My girlfriend Marlies in Tübingen introduced me to dry brushing - something she has done for years. She is a little older than I am and has the silkiest skin! Fine pored, smooth and she takes cold showers....brrrrr! Me, I end my showers with really cool water, but that is another post.

Ever noticed women 'over a certain age' (even younger ones, come to think of it) in summer with dry, lifeless, dull looking skin especially on the arms? You won't have that with this technique. And those fine bumps disappear, too. I am also told that those annoying skin tags are avoided/reduced because the skin is kept so clean they can't form. I like that!

Skin brushing is something I do most days...at least 4-5 days of the week since about a year now. I look forward to it because it really feels so good! Another advantage is that the skin care product (I use an aloe body lotion) really soaks in. I really like the idea of using shower gel only on the 'vital parts'.

Although the gel I use is also aloe based, there are some chemicals in it - so I like the idea of reducing significantly what I put on my body that may have chemicals. I only use shower gel all over and very sparingly only on the days I don't dry brush (forget, short of time...), but especially I value helping my skin get rid of 'toxic waste' a little quicker. Every little bit helps boost the defense system.

I really suggest a short handled natural bristle brush as a long handled one, unless it has a removable head, is cumbersome. Mine is a kind of sisel, I think.

Today was still a bit overcast. I hope tomorrow to make it up to the castle for a photo of the pink blush in the landscape. Reggie and I drove through Cap-i-Corb where I picked up rosemary honey...and pink dominated the scenery!

Almond Trees in Bloom!

For some, February's only redeeming values may be Valentine's Day and it's fewer days but for us it means an explosion in pink - seemingly overnight.

Everywhere one looks and sometimes as far as the eye can see the almond trees are in bloom. Pale rosé almost white with magenta centers, pink to almost fuscia almond tree's are 'doing their spring thing'.

I love living where the year is marked by what's in blossom, what is in season...oh ja, and fiestas in between.

Here, nature pays no attention to calenders. Spring has long sprung, various clovers and even wild snap-dragons are showing their lovely faces and the almond trees in full glory are the loudest to say so.

Have a look at this link for many almond tree photos but also breathtaking sunsets/sunrises et al. They are from Mallorca, but any of the photos could be from here or nearby. Right, Donna? The rustic beauty of those photos are the answer to why I live and love it here.

http://webserv.chatsystems.com/~doswell/mallorca/images_03-04.html

The foto above is one I took last year. Today I wanted to drive up to the castle and take a photo of the scenery but it was a little overcast. It must be breathtaking. Yesterday when Reggie and I went to my osteopath in Calig, driving along the way was just one wonder after another. Seems as if the landscape is dusted with pink. This year is the most impressive.

I didn't know that almonds don't self pollinate. A spanish friend of mine told me that that is why there must be different almonds together in the same area. That explains the pale, almost white tree now and again amongst the pink (the pale ones produce the flatter, broader almonds) and that often beekeepers place hives amongst the orchards.

The beekeeper in Cap-i-Corb a mostly rural area just on the other side of town where I get my REAL unheated, hand-spun-out-of-the-comb honey, moves his bees around depending on time of year. In summer they get moved up to the mountains where they are busy with the rosemary et al. Besides, it is cooler for them, he says. Nice beekeeper. So we get three different types of honey from him, orange when the oranges here are going (wow, what a scent!) and soon the mil-flor or the mixed flower honey - but you and I both know it will be mostly almond flowers.

Does that honey taste like almonds? No. The blossoms smell faintly sweet and nothing at all to suggest almond. It is the nuts that have that famous scent and taste.

Ain't life grand?

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Here's nutritional trivia:

30g (1/4 cup) provides:• 7 grams of protein• an excellent source of magnesium• an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin E• riboflavin• phosphorus and copper• no sodium• no cholesterol Almonds contain fat, but their fat is mostly unsaturated - including 60% monounsaturated fat, the “heart healthy” variety. (Have no idea where I got that info....found it amongst my notes.)

More on candles and aromatherapy candle nonsense

Well, having a cold does have its good side. I've not been out at all for a few days (sneezing my head off) and managed to start this blog AND write two articles. One is Illuminating Thoughts - Toxic Candles and the other is A Burning Question - Are aromatic candles safe? It was interesting researching for these articles and there is so much more info on the subjects than I have in the articles...so I have links within those.

Zinos.com will be publishing those articles soon (a day or so)...maybe front page...who knows. They like it when you submit purdy pitchers with the articles.

I am continually amazed at how an innocent common comodity can turn out to be so NOT good. There was a time in Frankfurt when I was burning LOTS of candles, but now I know where I got the 'sooty stuff' when I blew my nose. The real problem I am sure is in the exaggerated and continuous burning daily/nightly...which I did for a while...gee, was it 10 years ago?

Ja...and the whole aromatherapy rubbish....I don't mean the real stuff but what shows up on the shelves as such. I am always leary when a trend goes sooooo commercial. Makes me go the other way. Take a good thing and do it to death! And I have my opinions on the genuine side of aromatherapy. But that's another subject.

OK. I think I have the candle thing out of my system.

Paraffin candles dangerous

I came across this site which has information about the dangers of using common paraffin candles and why soya candles are a better choice. I must be out in the woods somewhere...I didn't know that there is such a thing as a soya candle. I appreciate the article for the warning, but I don't know if I want to support the soya industry - it is a big enough problematic industry as it is.

I think I will be purchasing more bee's wax candles. They are truly natural, unproblematic, burn cooler and longer too.

Problem is they don't come in pretty colours...like red for the candle sticks at Christmas. Most likely as it is with everything else...moderation is the key. A few coloured paraffin candles for the special occasion can't be all bad after all. But for the daily use, or when burning several at one time, I can see using bee's wax candles. I recently found bee's wax tee candles and they were worth the money. They did last much longer.

Years ago I recall someone insisting that one can go blind from the smoke of a snuffed paraffin candle (if you let it get into your eyes). I thought she was exaggerating. Now I wonder.

Hello Merri!

What do you think of my bright and shiny new - and first - blog? "Who wuddathunk" that I too would succumb to the mode and have a blog too? Well not me, but I did after all. Why? Hmm...good question. Actually, I had you in mind and your crossroads you mentioned you are at. This blog is a good way for you to just log on and jot your thoughts about your process or add comments to postings. I also hope in this way you will feel that you are not alone...that someone cares and supports you. Who knows who else may pass by and benefit as well, or add to the flow with their comments? Even if this blogging concept helps to be a positive distraction to the dreary routine and mind set of allopathic medicine - it can only be a good thing, no??