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pauline

Pauline called. She’s a very funny person. She’s also a great storyteller. Her humor seems endless. I don’t know why she’s a nurse and not a stand-up comedian. Although if there’s a nurse you’d want if you were a patient in a hospital, she’d be the one.

She called on a rainy, windy Saturday morning. “I love this weather.” she said. “It’s a perfect reason for staying in and enjoying staying in, instead of running around with a list of things to do.” She’s right, you know. Maybe the weather should indicate to us when it’s a perfect time to stay in. Some of us need this kind of direction. Otherwise we don’t know when to stop. Listen to what the weather is saying. It’s a small way, too, of getting closer to nature.

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a stranger and a train ride

He mostly talked; I mostly listened. It was a conversation with a stranger, and as you know, sometimes the most revealing conversations are with strangers. Then you say goodbye. Strangers tend to say things that are new to the ear, or, if not new, said in a different way makes it seem new. Staying not too close to home allows strangers to enter one’s life in a most curious way.

He started talking about fear. He said that word is written more frequently than ever before, at least that’s what he feels. He was afraid that a certain something was going to happen to him. He said that it controlled him, and he’s trying to not let that happen. I asked if he knew whether that word was in all languages of the world? He doesn’t know, but that it sure is prevalent in ours. At the time, I had a point in asking, but it turned out to not be as important as just letting him talk. He was deep in thought and looked straight at me when he said, what stops many of us from doing what we’d like to do is fear. Then it was time for him to leave the train. And poof, he was gone. It sure was a heavy night for him.

I watched him walk up the aisle, and, for some strange reason, thought he was the perfect person to meet tonight. He chose a subject that was immensely interesting. Now he’s gone and I ponder it. I know he’ll be just fine and that’s the way I’ll remember him.

“We have no reason to mistrust our world, for it is not against us. Has it terrors, they are our terrors; has it abysses, those abysses belong to us, are dangers at hand, we must try to love them. . . How should we be able to forget those ancient myths about dragons that at the last moment turn into princesses; perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave.” -Rainer Maria Rilke, “Letters to a Young Poet”

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homespun foods, beacon, ny

Not too far from the Beacon, NY train station at 232 Main Street is Homespun Foods. Jessica is the owner and chef, and if you were to stop there you’d notice Homespun Foods was planned with loving care, and the offerings are fresh and always deliciously consistent. On the menu is written, “I wanted a place for people who love food, who like to talk about food, and who want the ingredients to cook good food.” On the menu it also says she was a manager and trainer at Whole Foods in NYC; she knows what she’s doing. A garden patio waits for fine weather and for people to enjoy the outside. www.homespunfoods.com

While I sat eating the bread pudding-truly, it was good-I could see Jessica in the window of her open kitchen. She was using the biggest whisk I’d seen so far. There was a smile at the corners of her mouth as she beat the contents that was in the bowl. It’s obvious that she likes what she does. We started talking and she told me the story of when and why she began preparing bread pudding. She said that she used to own a bakery shop in Seattle and at the end of the day there was always leftover bread. What to do with the bread? That was the question. Bread pudding finally came to mind, and suddenly there was a demand for her bread pudding, now she needed to purchase more bread.

Everyone likes Homespun Foods. There’s no rushing here. Just sit a bit with your drink of choice, listen to the music, go out to the garden, and when the food comes, enjoy.

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cast iron skillets

My pan of choice for cooking is made of cast iron. Not the pre-seasoned ones. They’re no fun. I found my 8″ cast iron skillet at an antique shop. It wasn’t looking too good, but I had plans for it. Every cast iron has to be seasoned before using, that’s part of the getting acquainted stage before it begins serving up delicious meals. www.castironcookware.com/lodge-original-finish.html

My father used to fill his cast irons with vegetable oil and place them in the oven at the lowest temperature for hours. However, my friend, Vicki, who’s from a big family in Arkansas and who’s mama cooked only with cast iron took matters into her own hands when her eyes rested on my new acquisition. She reached for a bowl filled with walnuts, took one and opened it, and around and around she went with the walnut pieces on the bottom and sides of my cast iron. That cast iron was smothered with walnut oil when she was through. That and her elbow grease brought it to life.

I have a habit now of finding old cast iron skillets and whipping them into shape. Since I’m an olive oil addict foods tend to not stick. After cooking I just wash the cast iron in lots of hot water and, if necessary, a light scrubbing with a sponge-no soap, then onto a high flame it goes for just a few seconds to rid it of any moisture.

Looking for an easy meal? I’ve got one. The ingredients aren’t written in stone and you can’t make a mistake by adding or subtracting. An 8″ cast iron skilled seems perfect for two eggs.

1 sliced onion (size is your choice)
a few garlic cloves (peel, slice lengthwise and remove and discard stem which is in a lot of garlic cloves)
1 sliced zucchini
2 eggs, scrambled with 2 tablespoons of water
Celtic salt and freshly ground pepper (optional)

Sautee first three ingredients on medium heat, stirring often, til cooked to your liking. Pour eggs over sauteed vegetables. When eggs have settled, lift sides to determine whether eggs are cooked, if done to your liking, turn over and continue cooking. If you’re a novice flipper, cut mixture in half with spatula and flip over. Everything cooked? Slide onto plate. If there’s salsa in refrigerator place around rim of egg mixture.

Some “purists” write that salt shouldn’t be added to eggs before cooking. Some “purists” write that salt shouldn’t be added to eggs while they’re cooking. I’m not a purist. I add the salt whenever my hand reaches for it and the eggs always taste good.

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in just ten years . . .

I read that it takes ten years to develop a skill. I wonder, does this mean any skill? Often, in the past, I would come across information of this sort. Information that could come in handy in a discussion. Do I ever manage to file it so that when I need all of the information I’ll have it? No. So be it. Let’s say ten years it is. For some situations it could be ten years, plus experience, unless the experience is included in the ten years. Think about it, ten years is not a long time, and during those years of studying we’re using the skill and getting better at it. And some learn faster than others.

Are we skilled yet? No? What skill do we want to have? Such a big choice, many fields – serious skills, all consuming skills, enjoyable skills, shake-up-the-world skills, shake-up your-world skills. What will it be? Imagine in ten years time a skill we’ve been steadily learning can impact our life in ways we can’t yet imagine.

Imagine that.

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dan ho

Dan Ho, in a New York Times (19 October) article by Ginia Bellafante, is called “. . . an emerging prophet of household governance.” He has a new book, “Rescue From Domestic Perfection” and a new show scheduled for January on the Discovery Health channel. After reading the article, I have a feeling it’ll be informative and fun. There’s a tranquil feel about his look.
At forty he’s reinvented his personal and business way of living. He’s even lost 120 pounds in the process. He’ll talk fitness, too, on his show. His message is that we should be creative and use the things we have, and that perhaps the things we’ve stored can see daylight once again. If not, it’s time to give ’em up. I think he’s impressive. He once had stuff, lots of stuff. These days he says he’s free of all but the essentials. And he says he feels free. This article captured my attention. If his show is as interesting as the article about him was, get ready for a different viewpoint and a real treat.

I’ve decided to watch only movies, no television for one year. Therefore, his show will be out of my reach for now, but perhaps you’ll watch and let me know your feelings about The Dan Ho Show.

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the ticket machines

I was standing in a very long slow line at Grand Central Station a few weeks ago to buy a ticket on the Hudson Line. A not too shabby homeless man was working the line I was in. All of a sudden he pulled me away from what I was thinking as I heard him say to us, “Why are you all standing here? There are a bunch of ticket machines across from Gate 33, and you won’t have to wait long.” That made me think. I followed his advice and, although the line was long there it moved quickly, and before I knew it I had my ticket. I had passed those ticket machines countless number of times, and never saw them. Hmm! Where was I? www.grandcentralterminal.com

I owe that homeless man with the good advice.

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a bus ride

I don’t mind riding buses, actually, “don’t mind” is not good enough. I like riding buses. The experiences I’ve had on buses in other countries is part of the reason why. It’s relaxing to be on a bus for at least thirty minutes, especially in a small town. Simply following the scenery can put one in a meditative state. It’s one of the quiet moments of the day. When people are alone they tend to simply look out the window. I think many riders like the quiet moments on a bus before resuming the day’s activities. One bus driver had a passion for politics and spoke on this subject the entire trip. Traffic was light, the driver was knowledgeable and fair-not angry or opinionated. I know this is difficult to believe, it’s true though.

A lot of Mexican people travel by bus. They’re polite. In fact, I think they could teach a course on manners to many of us in the US. A lot of the time there are one or two people who use their cell phones incessantly. Everyone around them hears their most intimate thoughts expressed. It can be quite entertaining. The high-pitched voices of giggling teenage girls, and the teasing ways of teenage boys have to be accepted, unless, of course, things get out of hand. Rarely does that happen. To tolerate this, all you need to do is remember your own teenage life.

Yes, riding a bus can be entertaining and relaxing.

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on losing weight – “make life what you want it to be”

My heart goes out to anyone dealing with obesity. It can’t be easy. Could it be not easy because there’s too much information-too many books, too many “experts” with different opinions, too many magazine articles, too many family and friends giving advice, too many tv shows speaking about the big “problem” in America today. Too much junk food in the supermarkets. Too many chemicals added to foods.

How does one begin to shed pounds? Get information, perhaps at a bookstore or library. Prepare to stay until a book that feels right captures your attention. If one is suggested, be sure it feels right for you. It could take time to get the right information. Observe your body and be aware of the foods you eat. Are some foods causing allergies, e.g. soy, dairy, nuts, wheat? Feeling bloated or uncomfortable in any way after eating? What did you eat that’s causing it? Watch closely.

Let go of guilt. Let go of guilt. Let go of guilt. You need to put your energy into losing weight, not badgering yourself. No time frame needed either. It’s your life. It will take time to establish a new way of eating, and step-by-step learning is a way to be comfortable and confident and to understand how you want to go about losing the weight. Ask yourself how you became obese. Keep asking. The answers will come. Understanding will help keep the weight off. It’s a journey. People who are thin have no magic pill. For them, too, it’s a journey – eating the right foods and finding an exercise program that’s manageable. If one person has lost and maintained that weight loss, so can you. Once established in this new way there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it.

Agree with yourself that carrying excess weight has been a burden, and you want to get rid of the burden. You can begin the weight loss while learning about the how of doing it, or learn and then proceed. Discover what the best way is for you. Talk only to people who support and uplift you in this endeavor, and people who make you laugh. Find ways to keep yourself laughing.

Begin a love affair with fruits and vegetables. You were hoping perhaps this sentence would take a different turn? Start experimenting with the many, simple, delicious ways there are of preparing fruits and vegetables. There’s a well-stocked health food store with friendly, knowledgeable employees, books, and a good selection of organic vegetables and fruits waiting for you. You just have to discover where it is.

No more embarrassment about having this excess weight. Simply learn what it will take for you to lose it. The old way of living needs to be abandoned until the new way takes root. That could mean spending time at the library or bookstore instead of watching TV, and, if taking courses is your style, do it to add to your knowledge. Learn what works for YOU.

Do it your way and be in control all the way. Others have succeeded. You can too. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Get back on and keep getting back on until you don’t fall off anymore. No fuss. Understand that any new endeavor takes time to master. Some can do it more quickly than others. No comparing your progress with another. It’s not fair to you.

It’s not going to be easy. It does get easier as you go along. There are lots of things in this world that are not easy. People are diving right in and learning the how of whatever it is they’re trying to accomplish. All you need is a good enough reason for wanting to do this.

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” – Goethe

“Make Life What You Want It To Be” – on a poster at the library in Beacon

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winter’s coming

Hmm, I’ve mixed feelings when looking at the gorgeous foliage. It’s beautiful. There’s no denying it. The fallen leaves are a golden carpet on the ground. I passed a wooded area today, and the trees were decked out in a beautiful costume matching the golden carpet on the ground. And I see winter peeking behind the foliage.

You can always tell the ones who really enjoy cold weather. They say that they feel invigorated and they look dressed for summer no matter the temperature. They make me feel a bit warmer with their light clothing and, in passing them, I usually say to myself, “Look at that. What’s the matter with you?” And with all my might I try to like the cold. These people are my cold weather inspiration. They keep me on my toes. They give me food for thought.

I know there are endless ways to greet cold weather and keep the body warm – adding lots of cinnamon on steel cut oats, or other foods that marry well with cinnamon, as cinnamon is supposed to rev up circulation, and eating hot and spicy foods. Mexican delivery men ride bikes in very cold weather wearing light clothing. I’ve seen from restaurant experience that their intake of spicy foods “warms their innards.” As I thought more about this, I began to remember that as a child I wasn’t a cold-weather wimp. I’d roll in the snow with friends, clothes soaked, mittens so wet they could be wrung out. And there was ice skating on the bitterest of cold days, playing games like Whip with wind and face meeting. The word cold never mentioned til it was time to go inside and strip the wet, cold clothes from our bodies.

After all those years of frolicking in the cold and snow, whatever happened to me? Actually I think I know, and I don’t believe it has anything to do with age. I’ve met some old young people, and seen some young old people. I feel it’s this, in my childhood there was no weatherman on TV announcing the cold and telling us to bundle up because it’s mighty cold outside. We had no one whispering in our ears morning, noon and night. No stores crammed with “cold-weather gear.” Sure, we had clothes for winter, but nothing that would suggest we would freeze and needed to worry about the cold. This and similar reasons is what happened, I feel. I decided this year to do what we all did once up a time. Get dressed for a winter’s day, go outside and enjoy whatever kind of day it happens to be, no matter the temperature. It’s time for a shift in mind and not let the word cold have an impact. I’m not gonna let it happen anymore. Winter, I’m waiting for yer.

In the sky there is no east nor west.
We make those distinctions in the mind,
then believe them to be true.

Everything in the world comes from the
mind, like objects appearing from the
sleeve of a magician.

-Buddha, Lankavatara Sutra