Blessed Sun

For anyone who has been following me for any length of time, 
it will come as no shock that I am NOT winter's biggest fan. 
And the fact that I am truly excited by any celebration 
marking the return of the sun should be equally unsurprising. 
 
So I wish you all a blessed Imbolc, joyful Candlemas and happy Groundhog Day! 
From now to Spring Equinox, it only gets better 
- never mind that raging snow storm "they" say is just around the corner... 
the warm weather is coming, I tell you! 

Image: http://media.photobucket.com/image/sun/PATRICKMCCRUM/SUN.jpg?o=0

Cultivating Genius

I am so proud of my 13 year old son - The Artist. He is working so hard right now to put together a portfolio of creative pieces for an audition in 10 days time to a high school with a specialized visual arts program. Whether he actually gets in or not, the process behind the attempt has been such a valuable experience, that it almost doesn’t matter.

The Artist is not particularly interested in sports (although he does have a wicked golf swing). And academics have never been his thing. But his wild imagination and eagerness to express it through pencil and paper is truly phenomenal. And as a mom, it makes me so happy to know that my child is passionate about something worthwhile.

We should all be so lucky to have an activity through which we can shine – regardless of how others may perceive it or whether or not it might actually take us anywhere concrete in this mundane life. True passion is about joy and it is rooted in the soul. And when we follow that kind of calling, it can only be something positive.

Back to Basics

After all the excesses that seem to define the holidays, I love the simplicity that follows in January. Difficult as it was for me to go back to work this week, I do feel somewhat refreshed from having had a few days to myself. And I am verging on excited with thoughts of all the new projects I know are headed my way – both in the office and at home.

I’m most enthusiastic however about returning to a healthy eating plan and lifestyle. Call it a resolution, if you will, but I just don’t think I can stomach any more bouts of the extreme eating that punctuated the majority of my holiday events - so at this point, it really doesn’t feel like much of a sacrifice!

My prescription: Matcha green tea soy lattes at breakfast instead of coffee; protein at every meal (no mean feat for a vegetarian!); no nasty white stuff – flour, sugar, starchy veggies; lots of greens, berries and filtered water. Five days in: so far, so good.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Recipe for Matcha Latte
¼ tsp matcha green tea powder + 2 tsp organic honey + 1 cup organic soy milk

Combine matcha and honey in a mug until it becomes a dark green paste. Heat soy milk – stove top or microwave. Pour ¼ cup heated milk into mug and stir until smooth. Pour in remaining milk, stir and enjoy!

Image: http://www.japanesegreenteaonline.com/matcha.htm

Hello, again...

It’s been awhile since I’ve visited any of my blogging friends or posted anything, I know. And I’m sorry for that. It’s been a tumultuous time, for a few reasons...  but I think I may have finally landed on my feet. Fingers crossed!

Despite the holiday rush, this year the season seems particularly magical to me. Maybe it’s because I’ve finished my shopping early and am now more focused on preparing for celebrations with family and friends. Or it could be because it’s been a relatively long and warm fall - so this morning when I woke to find a light snow falling it made me smile, rather than cringe; afterall, what’s Christmas without snow (at least in the Northern hemisphere)?!

Wishing everyone a blessed Winter Solstice and a wonderful Christmas!

160 - The View

Backward views 
All remembered
Through distorted lenses:
Magnified or diminished
By varying degrees.

Looking forward,
Conscious of
That creeping haze: 
Our only escape. 

Sunday 160 is a creation of Monkey Man. If you’d like to participate or check out other 160s visit him here! 

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24117329@N06/2780334551/

Opal Wing Creations

I wanted to share with you some of the beautiful handcrafted works of jewellery designer Naomi Assenheim. You can find more of her gorgeous pieces at Opal Wing Creations or on Etsy.

"Green Evolution" - Sterling silver, variscite.

"Unity Consciousness" - Sterling silver, 14kt gold, blue opal, blue tourmaline.

"Found Treasures" - Sterling silver, Bronze, fresh water pearl.

Reflection

You turned your back,

And the whole world

Disappeared from view,

Its purpose suddenly faded

In sepia-tinted memories.

You walked away,

And I saw myself alone

Rooted in unforgiving earth,

A diminished spirit,

Resistant to forward motion.

I turned inside

To look beyond illusion

Searching for my connection;

The glow of inner knowing

Reflected back to me in love.

I now stand tall

To view beyond the clearing

A universe possible and true;

The mirror of my heart

No longer shadowed by you.

Images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrigu/237043616/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vangorkumphotography/5593491421/