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.