Self-Care
Vacation
All the world’s a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.
~~ Seán O’Casey
Greetings to all my precious people!!
The land of my ancestors is nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, and up until 15,000 years ago, it was completely covered with glaciers. Ireland is an amazing testament to nature and her unparalleled beauty. The landscape is magnificent, with lush green hills, captivating coastlines, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and bustling harbors. The island itself is roughly the size of Indiana and comprises 32 counties, 26 of which are in the Republic of Ireland, and 6 in Northern Ireland. Geopolitically, the island is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), an independent sovereign state covering five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. continue reading
Veggie-Loaded Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
These roasted stuffed peppers are filled with sautéed vegetables like onions, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro, enhanced with quinoa and Monterey Jack cheese for heartiness. They offer a deliciously summery flavor, appealing to both meat-eaters and vegetarians. You can prepare them in advance by stuffing partially roasted peppers and storing them until ready to bake. The recipe is versatile, allowing for different vegetables, spices, grains, and cheeses to taste! continue reading
You Are the Magic in Manifestation
Maybe the most important teaching is to lighten up and relax.
~~ Pema Chödrön
Greetings to all my precious people!!
We are definitely living in interesting times. For our own selves, as well as our country and the world, there seems to be no clean and clear message about beginnings or endings. We are always in the middle of things, slipping between past, present and future, partly in harmony, many times in confusion, being reminded that opposing ideas and thoughts can be true. There are murmurings and undercurrents of chaos, as flickers of the new are continuously emerging. Shift is happening and the emotional clarity we desire seems unattainable. continue reading
Spaghetti Puttanesca Recipe
Cook up this classic sauce in one pan, then toss with spaghetti for a simple midweek meal. It’s budget-friendly, too, making it a great meal for the family. Spaghetti puttanesca is a robust Italian pasta dish known for its bold and savory flavors. Originating from Naples, it typically features a sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili peppers, all sautéed in olive oil. This combination creates a pungent and slightly spicy dish that is both satisfying and aromatic. The name “puttanesca” is said to reflect the quick and straightforward preparation, making it an ideal choice for a hearty, flavorful meal that can be made in a pinch. continue reading
Hope in the Time of Overwhelm
Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.
~~ Mary Oliver
Greetings to all my precious people!!
My mini summer sabbatical is underway and it seems I am not well practiced in the “being mode” versus “doing mode”. Despite having a daily practice of meditation and qigong, there is still evidence of ‘busy-ness’ that feels hardwired in my brain. It is a very humbling reckoning!! The escape to the shoreline of Connecticut offered me glimpses of emotions, dreams, and memories, all waiting to be seen, heard, and acknowledged ‘when there was time’. So I am grateful for the opportunity to choose to listen to the whispers of ‘if not now, when?’ and I encourage all of you to consider the same. While our habits and routines of daily life keep us on track and serve us, there is something magical about being away from obligations and responsibilities – even for a short time. continue reading