The Magnifying Mirror

Half joking I asked for a magnifying mirror for Christmas a year ago. You know, just wanted to make sure I got all those chin hairs that were getting harder and harder to see with my aging eyes. That mirror, a gift from my daughter, has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

As a child of the 60's in a small Nebraska town I grew up with carefree summer days, riding my bike (without a helmet) to the municipal pool most afternoons. Like my buddies, I'd get a bad sunburn, peel and have golden brown skin for the duration. Perhaps you know where I'm going. We never thought twice about sunscreen. In fact, as a teen, baby oil ruled as we 'layed-out'.

Fast forward a few decades and while looking for those pesky chin hairs I found a dark spot on my otherwise unmarked nose. I didn't think too much about it, but enough to mention it to my doctor on a recent visit. He sent me to the dermatologist who said the basal cell carcinoma had probably been growing for five years. I'm on the other side of the surgery now with a skin graft and a couple of scars as my reward. I know it could have been worse and I'm grateful for the gift of a magnifying mirror.

As I thought about the mirror and the scarring I couldn't help but think about the internal pain we suffer. That which is barely visible on the surface, but left unchecked grows deeper and more destructive. Like the skin cancer opening it, extracting it might feel worse and more painful initially. But that's where the healing begins.

Sometimes professional help is the only road to recovery. I wouldn't pretend to know the first thing about surgery for skin cancer. Counselors, pastors, therapists may be the only way to begin for some. Sometimes a good friend with a listening ear, God's word and prayer can open a deep, deep wound and begin the healing. Quiet times in this noisy, busy world can break through the surface of a heart that is breaking.

Exodus 14:14 from Subtle Prints on Etsy

When it comes down to it there is only one answer, People need the Lord. In this scarred world we live in He is the answer. I'm living proof. 

My advice is use sunscreen, wear hats, and more important take time to be still. Take time to let God be your magnifying mirror.

Linda <><

March On

The month of February slipped by in my house and, quite honestly, I'm glad it's gone! Don't get me wrong, here, in the Pacific Northwest it was a beautiful, unseasonably warm, dry month. But there was that painful Seahawk loss and then flu hit our home and hit it hard. Might have had something to do with sharing those sticky Skittles at our Superbowl party. In fact, the whole neighborhood has been sick.

On the bright side, we celebrated my better half's birthday(and Valentines day) between bouts of flu with our sweet children and a great home-cooked meal, including an incredible chocolate blood orange tart made by my daughter. I also got to make my Cabbage Burgers which I make every year for my aunt on her birthday. Since we can only buy traditional 'Nebraska' cabbage burgers in Nebraska they are a real treat for her. They are a labor intensive treat!

Cabbage Burgers or Runza

I am grateful to have accomplished anything when, for the most part, I just wanted to sit and sleep! The 'tidying up' continues and I've begun listing my de-stash.

Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Make  in Cage Free Fibers

Yesterday, feeling rested and refreshed, we took a walk through the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington and discovered more blooms than usual for this time of year! 

Pacific Bonsai Museum

I'm grateful God is with us through the tough seasons. Really, if we didn't have hard times, how would we truly understand the wonder and depth of simple, joyful times?

Philippians 4:11B by GodsWordandWorld on etsy

Here's to a productive, joy-filled March!

Linda <><

Honey Ginger Cream Soda

I took one of those online quizzes a friend had posted on Facebook. Supposedly, it would tell me my secret obsession and all I had to do was pick pictures. Simple, right? I just knew, like most of the online quizzes it would be way off. You'll never guess what my secret (not so secret) obsession is. My results concluded that my secret obsession is food! Not, as I might have hoped, love or faith or even nature.

The truth is, those who know me well know how I love food. As a normally reserved, quiet soul I can talk all day about food!

Today I want to share my own latest concoction. If you like ginger you will love it. My ginger loving friends all agree, it's a tasty, satisfying drink.

Ginger is not only tasty, it's got a long list of health benefits

Honey Ginger Cream Soda

About 1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger,

 pealed and chopped

1 cup coconut milk (or half and half)

1 tablespoon honey

club soda or sparkling water

ice

Place the first three ingredients in a blender (I like the Magic Bullet for this) and blend until good and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Pour through a fine strainer. Put 1/4 cup in a tall glass, add ice and carefully top with the club soda, as it will foam up. Makes about 4 servings.

Adjust the amount of ginger to your liking

I'm a big fan of local raw honey

Straining it makes your drink nice and smooth

Store the remainder in the refrigerator 

As we enter the hectic holiday season don't forget to take time to eat healthy, relax and enjoy the true meaning of the season! I'll leave you with some photos from our weekend hike. A lovely walk on the boardwalks of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Twin Barns

Boardwalk on the delta

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons

Jonathon Livingston

Linda <><

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A Burger Stack

I come from a family that loves to cook. We debate whether it's an art or a science. Most of the time I like to use a recipe, at least for the first run through. Then I'll experiment and tweak. In general I like to see the tried and true proportions for any given recipe. How about you? 

This week I looked around the kitchen and came up with a burger meal with ingredients I had in my garden and kitchen. I eat very little bread, so I wanted a bun-less burger interesting enough that I won't miss the grain. This combination did it!

First, on a cool July morning I roasted eggplant to make Baba Ghanoush. I also roasted an orange bell pepper I had on hand.

Then, I roasted slices of cabbage from my garden. I grill roasted them by wrapping them in foil.

I grilled the burgers. I love the ground bison from Costco. That's when I caramelized some Walla Walla onions also. 

Then I stacked from bottom to top as follows: roasted cabbage, burger, Baba-Ghanoush, onions, grainy mustard and roasted pepper. I had a Capprese salad on the side. Didn't miss the bread, it was yummy! 

Do you like to follow recipes or create or a little of both? I admit, sometimes when I decide to 'create' it bombs. This time it was mouth watering!

Have a great week and remember

Linda <><

Greek Salad with Farro and Kale

Greek salad is a quick, healthy salad with lots of variations. It's also one of my husbands favorites and can easily be made as a main dish. We've been creating this version or something like it quite a bit lately. Throw in some chicken to make it even more protein packed.

2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

(or a pint of halved cherry tomatoes)

1 large cucumber, chopped

1/4 to 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup  Kalamata olives, halved (or to taste)

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 big handfuls kale, roughly chopped

1 1/2 cup cooked farro

2 tablespoons dried oregano 

olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper

feta or crumbled goat cheese

Mix all ingredients up to the oregano and add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Top with cheese. Serve intermediately or chill. It's better the second and third day. 

We also like it with brown rice or quinoa instead of the farro. I slice my onion with a simple mandolin slicer, one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. There are no exact amounts to make this salad perfect. It's much better with home grown tomatoes, but I've got a long wait for that. I usually put the tomato and pepper starts in after Mother's Day. Here in the Pacific Northwest growing tomatoes is an art and the season is short. Wish me luck! And have a great Mother's Day weekend.

Doodle of our backyard on my daughter's Economic's notebook

Linda <><

I Heart Almonds

In honor of American Heart Month 2014 and, of course, Valentines Day, here's one of my favorite quick snacks. Almonds are a tasty, healthy snack.

This is a fast way to roast almonds. The amounts for all of the ingredients is completely adjustable. The time required for roasting depends on the amount of almonds.

Microwave Smoked Paprika Almonds

1/2 cup raw almonds
(I get the big bags at Costco)

olive oil in a spritzer
smoked paprika
salt

Place the almonds in a plastic container with a tight lid or a ziploc bag. Spritz with olive oil to cover. Sprinkle with a good bit of paprika and some salt. Cover and shake to cover the almonds evenly.

Spread almonds on a microwave safe tray or plate. Microwave about 2 minutes, until almonds are hot and fragrant. Let cool and enjoy.

On a side note, but also heart related, I'm teaching my daughter to drive. Emma is my sweet 25 year old. She has Aspergers and tried learning to drive in her teens, but it didn't take. Now she seems more motivated. As a college graduate, she sees the advantages all to well, the independence it provides and the edge it might give in her ongoing job hunt. She's really doing quite well, but the heart of every parent teaching their child to drive(no matter the age or circumstances) gets a workout. 

Have a happy Valentines Day and take care of your heart every day. Eat right, exercise, pray and love well. 

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalms 37:4

Linda <><

In 2014

Space Needle from Chihuly Garden and Glass

Some folks hate January. The decorations are down, the festivities are over for another eleven months or so and all there is to look forward to is picking up those stray pine needles you missed and cold weather. I love this time of year. There is so much hope, time to de-clutter, make resolutions and plan for the upcoming year. Do you have resolutions or plans? I do!

Putting them out here where all can see makes me feel a little bit vulnerable and, hopefully, more committed as the reality of 2014 bares it's ugly face. One of my favorite verses is Lamentations 3:23:

Great is his faithfulness;

    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
(New Living Version)

I know full well that if I mess up one day(or week or month) I can start fresh!

My first goal is to read through the Bible in a year. This will be my third time. I'm pretty sure it took my over a year the last two times, but I did read it all. By reading through it completely I get something quite different than my group Bible study or the daily devotions I share with my husband. This time, I've found an app for my phone that I can check off as I complete readings. There were several choices for the way I can achieve this and I have chosen to read it chronologically. I bought a new Bible with a gift certificate. So far, so good.

The next goal is health related. In my exercise class we are doing what our fearless leader calls "30 for 30". We are committing to cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Inspired by this neat Youtube video, 23 and 1/2 Hours, we will be connected by text and email to encourage and advise each other. My health and fitness level has been improving over the last couple of years, so I'm excited about this chance to up it another level. 

There are other things. Getting organized (hahahahaha). Cleaning things out. Actually, our plan is to go room by room and make extensive reductions. We have started, but this one is probably the most difficult. We are wedged between elderly parents(actually my father is the only one still living, he's 93) who have downsized and children who haven't completely flown the coop. Any suggestions on how best to organize a number of boxes of photographs dating from over ninety years ago to present? 

As I strive to achieve these goals and as we make our daily, weekly and seasonal plans I want this CS Lewis quote to be my mantra:

Look for yourself and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Christ and you’ll find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in. 

I hope everyone had a blessed holiday season and your January is inspired!

Linda<><

Sunset Christmas Day -- Burien, Washington

Mason Jar Gold -- Recipe Edition #1

Mom's Rhubarb Preserves
circa 2003

The basement walls were lined with Mason jars filled with pickles, peaches, preserves and tomatoes. Mom was a teacher and spent the summers gardening, freezing and canning. We would never go hungry. Though not wealthy we were rich in love, faith and, of course, food. 

Mason jars are practical, but I also have a deep sentimental attachment to these glass jars, the rubber ring and the metal band. When I left home for college and eventually marriage Mom lavished me with her canned goods with one stipulation. The empty jars were to be returned. Mason jars were gold to Mom. 

I think Mason jars are gold, too. But if I give you one please keep it! Just promise me you'll use it. The uses are infinite. In my house we use them as drinking glasses, leftover storage, salad makers, button holders and on and on. Here's one of my new favorites.

The other day I found this recipe for Coconut Chia Seed Pudding and put my own spin on it. My chocolate loving family adores this:

CHOCOLATE CHIA SEED PUDDING

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1-2 tbsp sweetener (I like honey or maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 3 tbsp cacao powder or cocoa powder
• 2 tsp maca powder(optional)
• assorted additions: fresh raspberries, dried fruit, nuts, dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, hemp hearts...

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the milks and sweetener in a jar and put the lid on and shake the jar. 
2. Add the chia seeds, cacao powder, and maca powder and shake again.
3. Refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).This is when the magic happens; it turns into a tapioca-like pudding.
4. Serve in a bowl with chosen additions and enjoy!

Can you say chocolate for breakfast?

Do you have favorite mason jar recipes? What unique use do you have for mason jars?

The Day I Stopped Drinking Brown and Started Drinking Green and Red

It was his health I was concerned about. Forcing healthy food and exercise on my husband didn’t work. Neither did nagging. I prayed. He came home from work on a Thursday afternoon last August excited about a documentary his radio station mentioned. We watched it that night and radically changed our diet the next day. Thus began last summer’s second life altering experience.

We watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and immediately Jim was ready to try it. Reboot With Joe  was free and provided all the material we needed to get started. First, we did a five day reboot, then a ten. I began grudgingly, but as the pounds fell off and I truly felt better I got on board. We both began transforming from the sloths who had a love affair with the couch to active adults, ready to run, hike, bike and kayak, all the things we used to love, but were making more and more excuses to avoid. 

People find different ways back to health. This worked for us. We aren't vegan though we've gotten a lot pickier about the meat we eat. I really like Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his ‘nutritarian’ diet. Simply put it is getting the most nutrition out of the calories we take in. Here are our biggest changes: no more soft drinks, very limited processed foods, loads of fruits and veggies, and only good quality meats and seafood. Smoothies, fresh made juices, salads, soups and roasted meals comprise most of our intake. By making these changes, I feel like doing more, I ache less and I even gave up all caffeine, unless you count the caffeine in chocolate. Because, trust me, I will never give up chocolate! I've found ample healthy chocolate recipes to satisfy me, like Cocoa Oat Truffles.

So this, last summer’s second happening, has made a most visible transformation in my life. Besides looking better after dropping 25+ pounds, I feel healthier, more energetic, even my hair and skin are thanking me! I think this quote says it all, Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels!