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