Which place on Earth do you find most beautiful?

Chances are you almost definitely named a place in nature right? A lake, a waterfall perhaps, beach, forest, mountaintop or fields of flowers. Few people name buildings, highways, construction sites etc...Enjoying time in nature is a fundamental way for us to reconnect and feel at peace, away from the distractions of city life's hustle & bustle. I encourage you to spend more time outside, turn off the TV, computer and phones and go outside, enjoy the day and grow your own food. This is a wonderful rewarding ay to connect more to nature and also your own food source.There are few things in life so delightful as biting into produce you have raised yourself.Get your hands and feet into the dirt and get connected!

"Nature" is what we see 

by Emily Dickinson

"Nature" is what we see --
The Hill -- the Afternoon --
Squirrel -- Eclipse -- the Bumble bee --
Nay -- Nature is Heaven --
Nature is what we hear --
The Bobolink -- the Sea --
Thunder -- the Cricket --
Nay -- Nature is Harmony --
Nature is what we know --
Yet have no art to say --
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.

 Growing my own strawberries and finding ways to preserve them for the year....

 

 All ready to jar up & mint tea too...

 Mission accomplished...and all by 9 am

 Going camping this weekend and will be making this granola to make strawberry parfaits with too. Check out this wonderful video on how.

http://rawbeets.tumblr.com/post/905318127/raw-no-sugar-added-strawberry-jam-recipe

 Granola with Buckwheat, Orange and Goji Berries

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Dehydrate Time: 24 hours

Total Time: 24 hours, 30 minutes

Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw buckwheat groats, soaked at least 1 hour
• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup goji berries

Preparation:

1. While the buckwheat groats are soaking, soak the dates in the orange juice as well. This will soften them up a bit. Drain the buckwheat groats, rinse them well and allow them to drain again. Transfer them to a bowl.
2. In a food processor, blend the dates, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla on high speed until a soupy paste forms, about 20 seconds. Pour this mixture over the buckwheat and mix well.
3. Spread the batter evenly between two Teflex-lined dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 115°F for about 12 hours (or until they are dry enough to flip over), flip them over and remove the Teflex sheet. Continue dehydrating another 12 to 15 hours, or until the granola is dry and crunchy. Remove from the dehydrator and use your hands to crumble the sheets into a mixing bowl.
4. Add the goji berries and mix well. Store in an airtight glass container either at a cool room temperature, or in the refrigerator.

Sacred Space

When we walk through our front door, we should be able to leave the stresses and strains of the outside world. A home should provide us with a sanctuary for the soul, a haven for the senses. ~ Jane Alexander

I’ve been thinking about expanding our home instead of moving. In doing so, I’m thinking of the décor and making the space more sacred. More of what I want in my life. By making the art in your home a direct reflection of what you have and want in your life. For example: If you want a relationship, hang images of couples on the walls and indulge in some sensual sculptures.

If you want to live in the countryside, have images of fields, woods and flowers all around you. Widening my idea of a vision board so my perfect life is everywhere I turn. Sacred comes from the root word meaning whole. To be your own self, wholly you, then, is to be connected to that divine spirit---God, Mother Earth, the Universal Life Force; however you perceive it. When you say something is sacred to you, you mean it is special to you in an intrinsic way; maybe it helps you feel more whole. Depending on where you are coming from, you may discover sacred space in a church, a temple, a mountain grove, a rocky beach, an art museum, or even the historic home of Elvis, Virginia Woolf or Jackie Robinson. This thought is smile provoking, so hold it today as you walk around the rooms where you live. Where are you happiest in your home? 

Then that spot is sacred for you. Sacred space feels inspiring, peaceful, comforting, or healing to body, mind, or spirit. When that space is your own house, it is easier to feel whole and connected in your daily life.

Sacred Space
By David Stanley Bell

Away
from the drama
this daily soap opera, life?
Away
from the conformity
the patterns that seek to possess me
Away
from the gold and steel
that line these prison walls Excuse me while I go away
into myself
into my sacred space
My honor, my duty
to myself
not that I may selfishly hoard
but that I may reconnect
to the divine
in the core of my being
that I may grow and thrive
in the love and light
of all creation
only then
can I give
with quality
To survive the cloak of darkness
which gathers around me
I must confront my own darkness
and love all that I am
the sinner, the saint
the flesh, the spirit
the man, the deity
the healer must first
heal himself
I must maintain
I must rejuvenate
these flowing lines
that define
who I am
You once knew me
as who you wanted me to be
paralyzed with fears
but now
I have mended my wings
I rise above
the haze of illusion
to soar with eagles
to kiss the face of angels
and tumble among clouds
Light of the creation
I draw you in
with every breath
I share
the pangs of evolution
the ecstasy of oneness
every step I take
is a sacred action
I can shine
and overflow
for those who wish
to fill their cup
only because
I respect
my sacred space.

Copyright © David S. Bell 2005. All rights reserved

Fluffy Chocolate Mousse

¼ C. Dates

¼-1/2 C. water

2 T. honey

¾ C. avocado

½ tsp. vanilla

¼ C. cocoa or carob powder

1. Blend the dates ¼ c. water, honey and vanilla in food processor until soft.
2. Add avocado and cocoa. Blend and scrape down bowl.
3. Add a little more water for thinner consistency. Will last 3 days in the fridge and 2 weeks in the freezer, sealed.

A little Divine dish for you to delight in.....