I continue to purge my home of old papers - collections of hopes and dreams now outgrown - (and that's okay because there's never a vacuum; I've got new hopes and dreams to keep me happy). This is the job of the century because I have worked hard through the years to find spaces for them so I didn't have to deal. Well, time's up baby!!
So far, out have gone three packed bags of paper for recycling, and 2 packed bags of shredded. One could say, "why in the world would she/I keep that?!" Wellllll...... and that's just the point, isn't it? Why would I undermine myself by not facing what I need to? This job would have been much easier had I done this very long ago. Nevertheless, I'm not whining, I'm doing - disciplining myself, accomplishing something that only I can/must do.
I have been reintroduced to some papers with ideas and info on them that I am so glad to see again; things that spark my life, my interests. I just found a piece of paper with my mom's handwriting on it. She had written down a "Recipe for Happiness". She passed away over three years ago, and it's nice to have a memento of her beautiful handwriting. So, here I will share it with you:
Recipe for Happiness
2 heaping cups of patience
2 hearts full of love
1 dash of laughter
2 hands full of generosity
1 head full of understanding
1 Tablespoon courtesy
Mix well with humility. Sprinkle generously with kindness and plenty of faith. Spread over a period of a lifetime. Serve to family, friends and strangers.
I know that a lot of people are depressed these days. I have been, too. The feelings of helplessness are such a burden that it seems too difficult to get through. I don't care what the world tries to tell us. I know that in each of our lives there is a door that will open to make our lives better. I reached my point when my back was finally up to the wall. Each one of us can make a difference. And all the efforts of us all will make a difference.
Remember this: There is no such thing as - "you EITHER do this/have this....whatever 'this'" (fill in the blanks), "OR you do this/have this...whatever 'this'". There is NO either/or. There are many options to pick from and choose. Don't feel alone, because many millions of us are in choppy, stormy waters together. Stop beating yourself up for why you are where you are. Stop hurting yourself. Put all of your efforts to turning your life-vessel toward smoother waters, by taking thoughtful baby steps. Intent - just having INTENT is huge and strengthening.
Have my finances improved? Hell no. Will they? I finally got myself believing that I am capable of more; so my answer is a baby-step answer - I am casting the seed of my resume on the waters; I am optimistic.
And that is the key to what I'm trying to say - we desperately need genuine optimism. Choose something, anything, to feel okay about and build from there. It all comes down to this: CHOOSE. We're always making choices; that's the engine that makes the day go like it does. We can choose to be helplessly adrift with confusion, and we can choose to take hold of our moments and improve them. (I'm talking to myself here, as well - I'm no guru! lol), and we can choose and choose and choose. Perhaps the Recipe for Happiness will help.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 03, 2010
Don't tell me we can't make a difference!!
The morale of the employees where I worked quite a while ago was very low. The secretary to the Administrator came up with an idea - every payday each employee will receive a newsletter that is just for fun. No heavy memos, no do's and don'ts - just interesting, humorous and helpful info. It was hugely successful. After the first issue, the job was given to me and I went for the gusto; had a blast with it. I was even told that a couple of employees looked for their copy of the "Payday Prattle" in their pay envelope before they even looked at their checks.
Where I now work, the situation has reached the same point, but for different reasons. One major reason is what millions of Americans are having to deal with financially these days. Knowing who is to blame for today's anxieties, and the vast manipulation-machine to profit certain organizations at the expense of most of the people, is one thing. But the shared concerns without enough voices of encouragement are bringing vast numbers of us down emotionally, mentally and even physically. Underpaid and overworked - sound familiar?
How far down do we need to get before we cry out 'ENOUGH!!' It is my firm belief that all of this can turn around, not because someone in so-called high places has given the nod to bring relief to the rest, but because WE are awakening to what has been done to us and done with us. Of course, there is despair. There should be. We've been led down a horrible path, thinking we're all okay. Once we have come to the realization that no one in higher places is going to help us, but instead are robbing us blind, WE can make the difference and bring about an upswing.
First, we've got to stop thinking of ourselves as weakened, too weakened to rise. It's all about making a choice. Let us choose to not be discouraged. Let us choose to help each other, encourage each other. Yes, WE can make a difference, WE can make a change. I say, let those who are greedy, bloated with self-importance, conceited, uncaring, people ultimately fall over from their own weight. It will happen. Let us focus on becoming wise to their manipulations and cease to support them, and uplift each other.
Where I now work, another payday newsletter is begun. The employees are wait-and-see, I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it; afraid to believe, to hope. Understood. Each of my co-workers desperately needs TLC, and so do I. The stronger employees need to bring real cheer, not false, irritating cheeriness. Little surprises, fun things, good jokes - anything to begin to uplift. It will take time, but it will happen. And the good Force of the Universe, the God of all (as I call Him/Her) will become evident as not having gone anywhere, but is right where you are.
Remember Susan Boyle's walk on that stage for the first time? Only one person - look at the vast difference she has made in the world. ONE PERSON!!! I'm tellin' all of you - BELIEVE! Envision a better way and walk over the unkindnesses as just so much dirt. We're better than that; and it's time we begin proving that.
We are all capable of receiving ideas - think about it - something will come to you to do. It's a beginning - a new beginning.
We're all good people and we deserve to be treated with respect. Our banks don't know what that means; credit card companies don't know what that means. We do!
Where I now work, the situation has reached the same point, but for different reasons. One major reason is what millions of Americans are having to deal with financially these days. Knowing who is to blame for today's anxieties, and the vast manipulation-machine to profit certain organizations at the expense of most of the people, is one thing. But the shared concerns without enough voices of encouragement are bringing vast numbers of us down emotionally, mentally and even physically. Underpaid and overworked - sound familiar?
How far down do we need to get before we cry out 'ENOUGH!!' It is my firm belief that all of this can turn around, not because someone in so-called high places has given the nod to bring relief to the rest, but because WE are awakening to what has been done to us and done with us. Of course, there is despair. There should be. We've been led down a horrible path, thinking we're all okay. Once we have come to the realization that no one in higher places is going to help us, but instead are robbing us blind, WE can make the difference and bring about an upswing.
First, we've got to stop thinking of ourselves as weakened, too weakened to rise. It's all about making a choice. Let us choose to not be discouraged. Let us choose to help each other, encourage each other. Yes, WE can make a difference, WE can make a change. I say, let those who are greedy, bloated with self-importance, conceited, uncaring, people ultimately fall over from their own weight. It will happen. Let us focus on becoming wise to their manipulations and cease to support them, and uplift each other.
Where I now work, another payday newsletter is begun. The employees are wait-and-see, I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it; afraid to believe, to hope. Understood. Each of my co-workers desperately needs TLC, and so do I. The stronger employees need to bring real cheer, not false, irritating cheeriness. Little surprises, fun things, good jokes - anything to begin to uplift. It will take time, but it will happen. And the good Force of the Universe, the God of all (as I call Him/Her) will become evident as not having gone anywhere, but is right where you are.
Remember Susan Boyle's walk on that stage for the first time? Only one person - look at the vast difference she has made in the world. ONE PERSON!!! I'm tellin' all of you - BELIEVE! Envision a better way and walk over the unkindnesses as just so much dirt. We're better than that; and it's time we begin proving that.
We are all capable of receiving ideas - think about it - something will come to you to do. It's a beginning - a new beginning.
We're all good people and we deserve to be treated with respect. Our banks don't know what that means; credit card companies don't know what that means. We do!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Organic Consumers Association
I receive this organization's newsletter, and I thought it would be nice to share what they sent to me. It cost nothing to receive their newsletters and it's worth the effort as far as I'm concerned. The information from this quote, and the understanding of the native Americans must be taken seriously to get on the right road to the healing of Mother Earth. These are not simple, happy thoughts to make us feel good: they are vital, right and healthy ways. In these very difficult times, it is wisdom and right to find everythng that unites us and minimize our differences. There is a legacy of pain, betrayal and abuse we all must turn away from and find ways to unite to save our planet. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
"Indigenous Perspectives on Thanksgiving
"Giving daily thanks for nature's gifts has always been an important way of living for traditional Native peoples. The six nations of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora), who live in New York State and parts of southeastern Canada, express their thanks in a recitation known as The Thanksgiving Address. Sometimes referred to as "the words that come before all else," this address is spoken at community gatherings, ceremonies, and even at some schools to start the day. The words express thanks for fellow human beings, Mother Earth, the moon, stars, sun, water, air, winds, animals, and more.
"Here is an excerpt that offers thanks for the food plants:
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans, and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them, too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
-Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
"American Indian peoples' connection to the natural world has been maintained through generations of observation, in which people developed environmental knowledge and philosophies. People took actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of their communities and the environment, with which they shared a reciprocal relationship. Today, Native knowledge can be a key to understanding and solving some of our world's most pressing problems."
-From American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving (PDF), an educational resource created by the National Museum of the American Indian"
"Indigenous Perspectives on Thanksgiving
"Giving daily thanks for nature's gifts has always been an important way of living for traditional Native peoples. The six nations of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora), who live in New York State and parts of southeastern Canada, express their thanks in a recitation known as The Thanksgiving Address. Sometimes referred to as "the words that come before all else," this address is spoken at community gatherings, ceremonies, and even at some schools to start the day. The words express thanks for fellow human beings, Mother Earth, the moon, stars, sun, water, air, winds, animals, and more.
"Here is an excerpt that offers thanks for the food plants:
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans, and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them, too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
-Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
"American Indian peoples' connection to the natural world has been maintained through generations of observation, in which people developed environmental knowledge and philosophies. People took actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of their communities and the environment, with which they shared a reciprocal relationship. Today, Native knowledge can be a key to understanding and solving some of our world's most pressing problems."
-From American Indian Perspectives on Thanksgiving (PDF), an educational resource created by the National Museum of the American Indian"
Friday, November 12, 2010
Life's 'Hell's Kitchen' - So much pain for no reason at all.....
Last evening I watched Fox's TV show "Hell's Kitchen". It seems to me that Chef Ramsay is angrier every season. The level of his anger, and of the contestants, appears to base itself on an exceptionally high standard, which is, and is not, being met by the contestants. They are yelled at, called stupid cow, or somesuch very close to that. I am stunned at the level of shame and disappointment they carry, and with the others the level of ego that sees everyone else as beneath them.
Gosh, if we just had that sense of dismay over how we are treating the earth, how women and children are being abused and exploited, how nations are tearing away at their own people, and peoples of other nations......well, maybe some changes for the better would take place. But to have a fit over unblanched green beans and undercooked pasta made me realize how vain it all is. The well-to-do are treated like priests and goddesses and they act as though they are; yet, in two days they poop and pee out what they had for that dinner; but the pain given to the cooks lasts much, much longer.
All I can see is how utterly thankful the homeless and hungry people in communities across this nation and around this world would be if they could eat undercooked risotto, overcooked scallops, not-quite-done green beans, sticky pasta, and under-cooked anything else. People are starving for some morsel of food!! Think about that when you watch Hell's Kitchen.
If I could live my life over again I would get a culinary degree and make beautiful things. But it serves no useful purpose to be abusive or allow oneself to be abused. It's amazing and saddening to me that people will rise to the occasion only when they're screamed at, called names, and threatened!! Isn't it frightening to think that we have come to this? - that the ONLY way people will rise and excel is through humiliation???
Most of us know, or think we know, what BDSM means. I thought I did until I researched it online. Even though it's supposed to be a kind of play-acting with consenting partners, it slips into a bad place many times, and the 'receiver' of the punishment was not ready for the level of "discipline" exacted by the 'actor'. BDSM = being restrained (submitting to bondage), unable to defend yourself. You've trusted the person who restrains you; then you are disciplined by being flogged, whipped; pain is inflicted as punishment; then you are humiliated. There is no relief given. There is much more involved, and I know I've oversimplified this. But the basics are there.
Watch what people do to you in your life, just as in Hell's Kitchen. Who loves to keep you beneath them? Who seems to like 'cracking the whip' at your expense? Who seems to feel the need to punish you, make you answerable for everything you do, misjudges you? Who brings you into feelings of humiliation? - and keeps you in that painful emotional/mental state of constantly trying to please them while attempting to regain some self-respect and balance. It is assumed you are consenting to this. Those people NEVER want to know you, to know what really makes you tick. They don't love you - they just know the words. These people appear so very angry, but in fact, are afraid and have feelings of inferiority. They absolutely must make everyone around them feel misery, less than normal. Deep inside them is someone who CAN'T get out as they will be seen for who they think they are - inferior. Ever try to dish out a compliment to them? - They tend to insult you for it. They talk a good 'humanity', but act like tyrants. It is so very sad.
Cooking is a beautiful, creative act of giving to others - to those you know and even those you don't know. No one NEEDS to abuse, but to motivate in other more positive ways. Inspiring others to become more than they ever thought they could be is much more difficult than screaming them into better performances through inflicting intimidation, humiliation, and fear.
Gosh, if we just had that sense of dismay over how we are treating the earth, how women and children are being abused and exploited, how nations are tearing away at their own people, and peoples of other nations......well, maybe some changes for the better would take place. But to have a fit over unblanched green beans and undercooked pasta made me realize how vain it all is. The well-to-do are treated like priests and goddesses and they act as though they are; yet, in two days they poop and pee out what they had for that dinner; but the pain given to the cooks lasts much, much longer.
All I can see is how utterly thankful the homeless and hungry people in communities across this nation and around this world would be if they could eat undercooked risotto, overcooked scallops, not-quite-done green beans, sticky pasta, and under-cooked anything else. People are starving for some morsel of food!! Think about that when you watch Hell's Kitchen.
If I could live my life over again I would get a culinary degree and make beautiful things. But it serves no useful purpose to be abusive or allow oneself to be abused. It's amazing and saddening to me that people will rise to the occasion only when they're screamed at, called names, and threatened!! Isn't it frightening to think that we have come to this? - that the ONLY way people will rise and excel is through humiliation???
Most of us know, or think we know, what BDSM means. I thought I did until I researched it online. Even though it's supposed to be a kind of play-acting with consenting partners, it slips into a bad place many times, and the 'receiver' of the punishment was not ready for the level of "discipline" exacted by the 'actor'. BDSM = being restrained (submitting to bondage), unable to defend yourself. You've trusted the person who restrains you; then you are disciplined by being flogged, whipped; pain is inflicted as punishment; then you are humiliated. There is no relief given. There is much more involved, and I know I've oversimplified this. But the basics are there.
Watch what people do to you in your life, just as in Hell's Kitchen. Who loves to keep you beneath them? Who seems to like 'cracking the whip' at your expense? Who seems to feel the need to punish you, make you answerable for everything you do, misjudges you? Who brings you into feelings of humiliation? - and keeps you in that painful emotional/mental state of constantly trying to please them while attempting to regain some self-respect and balance. It is assumed you are consenting to this. Those people NEVER want to know you, to know what really makes you tick. They don't love you - they just know the words. These people appear so very angry, but in fact, are afraid and have feelings of inferiority. They absolutely must make everyone around them feel misery, less than normal. Deep inside them is someone who CAN'T get out as they will be seen for who they think they are - inferior. Ever try to dish out a compliment to them? - They tend to insult you for it. They talk a good 'humanity', but act like tyrants. It is so very sad.
Cooking is a beautiful, creative act of giving to others - to those you know and even those you don't know. No one NEEDS to abuse, but to motivate in other more positive ways. Inspiring others to become more than they ever thought they could be is much more difficult than screaming them into better performances through inflicting intimidation, humiliation, and fear.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Jessica Seinfeld’s Roasted Chicken
Whole chicken
T & ¾ salt
¾ t crushed black pepper
3 T olive oil
lemon
sprigs rosemary
lb carrots (cut into 3" sticks)
lb parsnips (cut into 3" sticks)
lb small red potatoes, halved
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. On baking sheet: toss carrots, parsnips and potatoes with 2 T of oil, 4 sprigs rosemary, ¾ t salt, and ½ t pepper.
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Season with remaining S & P. Rub with 2 T of the oil. Pierce lemon several times and stuff into cavity along with 2 sprigs rosemary. Tie legs together with twine. Nestle chicken among the veggies and put in oven with LEGS TOWARD BACK of oven. Roast (stirring veggies once) until chicken is cooked through. 55 – 60 min.
I got this from TV. She has a new cookbook out. Anyway, I think it looks good; I'm trying it tonight. I'll let ya know!
Whole chicken
T & ¾ salt
¾ t crushed black pepper
3 T olive oil
lemon
sprigs rosemary
lb carrots (cut into 3" sticks)
lb parsnips (cut into 3" sticks)
lb small red potatoes, halved
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. On baking sheet: toss carrots, parsnips and potatoes with 2 T of oil, 4 sprigs rosemary, ¾ t salt, and ½ t pepper.
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Season with remaining S & P. Rub with 2 T of the oil. Pierce lemon several times and stuff into cavity along with 2 sprigs rosemary. Tie legs together with twine. Nestle chicken among the veggies and put in oven with LEGS TOWARD BACK of oven. Roast (stirring veggies once) until chicken is cooked through. 55 – 60 min.
I got this from TV. She has a new cookbook out. Anyway, I think it looks good; I'm trying it tonight. I'll let ya know!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Food - (brilliant title, eh?)
Have you ever felt a bit overwhelmed when watching either "Iron Man Chef" or "Hell's Kitchen", other competition-type cooking shows and regular cooking shows? I have; but not with all of them.
So many exotic recipes are presented to us that I think it becomes discouraging to some, even just about where to find the ingredients. I love a good challenge, but these days when you need to buy that just-right ingredient to complete a recipe, and its cost is way outta the ballpark - well, that makes one feel that creative cooking is out of the picture. The cooking shows I can relate to are the ones that are pretty much down-home, usually. I am inspired to attempt those recipes because I know the ingredients are easy to find and they're winners. Now is the time, as it always has been really, for simple and simply delicious down-home and nutritious meals.
Recently, it has come to my attention that eating and preparing foods native to this continent, not a new way of life to native Americans, is a developing cuisine-idea that is news to the rest of Americans. Many foods now grown in America are not native to America, and what we normally eat today falls into that category. What I am talking about is what is truly original to this continent, and this is very exciting. More will be coming on this, with recipes to try, with ingredients not hard to find. However, I will be sharing a wide variety of other recipes, too.
That said, I will include in my Tea Room links to sites I consider very important - health concerns regarding anything we allow into our bodies, seasonal info, recipes (of course!), etc. The "etc" part will be due to my eclectic tastes, but will be what I consider tasteful, helpful, informative and fun; and when you leave my Tea Room I hope you will feel happy that you joined in.
May your days be filled with good lessons that bring you joy.
So many exotic recipes are presented to us that I think it becomes discouraging to some, even just about where to find the ingredients. I love a good challenge, but these days when you need to buy that just-right ingredient to complete a recipe, and its cost is way outta the ballpark - well, that makes one feel that creative cooking is out of the picture. The cooking shows I can relate to are the ones that are pretty much down-home, usually. I am inspired to attempt those recipes because I know the ingredients are easy to find and they're winners. Now is the time, as it always has been really, for simple and simply delicious down-home and nutritious meals.
Recently, it has come to my attention that eating and preparing foods native to this continent, not a new way of life to native Americans, is a developing cuisine-idea that is news to the rest of Americans. Many foods now grown in America are not native to America, and what we normally eat today falls into that category. What I am talking about is what is truly original to this continent, and this is very exciting. More will be coming on this, with recipes to try, with ingredients not hard to find. However, I will be sharing a wide variety of other recipes, too.
That said, I will include in my Tea Room links to sites I consider very important - health concerns regarding anything we allow into our bodies, seasonal info, recipes (of course!), etc. The "etc" part will be due to my eclectic tastes, but will be what I consider tasteful, helpful, informative and fun; and when you leave my Tea Room I hope you will feel happy that you joined in.
May your days be filled with good lessons that bring you joy.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Recipes
"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients." - Julia Child
Baked Sweet Potato with Lemon and Maple Syrup
Mike and Renée's Survival Soup
Brussel Sprouts with Cranberried Brown Butter - Source TBA
German Beef Stew - Recipe Source Unknown
Vegetarian Lentil Stew by Renée
Crockpot Chicken Chowder by Linda Larson (contributed by Renée)
Chicken Casserole by Omadanawa
Olde English Pork and Prune by Renee
Killer Chocolate Cake by Mike
Jessica Seinfeld's Roasted Chicken - Recipe Source : "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld
Baked Sweet Potato with Lemon and Maple Syrup
Mike and Renée's Survival Soup
Brussel Sprouts with Cranberried Brown Butter - Source TBA
German Beef Stew - Recipe Source Unknown
Vegetarian Lentil Stew by Renée
Crockpot Chicken Chowder by Linda Larson (contributed by Renée)
Chicken Casserole by Omadanawa
Olde English Pork and Prune by Renee
Killer Chocolate Cake by Mike
Jessica Seinfeld's Roasted Chicken - Recipe Source : "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld
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