Posted on

sacred places

An amazing world opens to the one who reads the book SACRED PLACES How the Living Earth Seeks Our Friendship by James A. Swan. In SACRED PLACES we read about the deep connection and love the American Indians had and have for the earth, And read stories of the many ways nature has of communicating with us, and we learn that at times those who seek the earth’s ancient places have found unusual experiences that have significantly changed them. We begin to understand that the earth truly is our friend, and for us to not know this-to never give a thought to this-to not have utmost respect for it, tells a lot about us, about our civilization. When we are looking for answers, when we find ourselves depressed, when we need a friend, when those things we rely on fail us, nature is there waiting. We need to know this, and “…acknowledge guides from the various earth, air, water, fire, plant and animal kingdoms.” -Guenn Nimue. It has things to teach us that are impossible for us to imagine. And in the book are amazing stories of how the earth calls for protection to those who are listening.

Simply by reading SACRED PLACES I began to feel a greater connection to the earth. I know this is a small start, but it is a start. I also began to understand that for us to not seek what it offers is our huge loss. How does one feel close to the earth when it’s not been one’s lifestyle? I want to find out. I have to admit that when I first bought the book, I wasn’t sure why. I left it on a bookshelf for quite a few months. Then one day I began reading it. It took me awhile to be comfortable with it. But as I read it became more and more meaningful. The words ooze with power from the pages and give the reader a sense of wonderment.

“Simply be aware of the oneness of things.” -Lao Tsu

Posted on

eat pray love by elizabeth gilbert

I think eat pray love is a very appropriate title for Elizabeth Gilbert’s book. She touches upon the many different feelings she experienced during the dissolution of her marriage, a new relationship with great possibilities but not meant to be, deep depression, and a new beginning. All right! Her words don’t weigh heavily on the reader; you sense she has no intention of wallowing in them, and she’s funny, very funny. She has a way with words, and. as you read, you get a feeling that eventually she’ll get to a better than ever place. She shares so many personal experiences and private thoughts, and in telling and sharing, we learn also.

After her divorce, the author decides to travel to three countries-Italy India Indonesia. In those three countries Life speaks to her as it’s never done before. In Italy she seeks out those small restaurants serving the best this and superb that, and those amazing meals become the highlight of the day. We can almost taste the food as she describes them. And when reading the paragraphs explaining her love of the Italian language, there was this urge that began in me to sign up immediately for lessons too. Better yet, hop on a plane and follow her footsteps to enjoy the food, speak the language, meet the people, see the sites, find inspiration in the beauty all around, while loving and enjoying life almost every step of the way and realizing the present moment is where it’s at.

I’ve not finished reading the book; I want to linger. She’s now in India. And it promises to be just as wonderful – in a very, very different way. I’ve only skimmed the surface in telling you about eat pray love. Giving too much information is like telling the ending of a movie before you’ve seen it. I wouldn’t do that to you. www.elizabethgilbert.com

“If you don’t like where you are,
change what you are. -Henry Knight Miller

“Faith dares the soul to go further than it can see.” -William Clarke

“I slowed down my pace and let the Angel of Good Fortune catch up with me.” -DO LESS, ACHIEVE MORE – Chen-Ning Chu

Posted on

i can’t wait . . . .

Last week without asking for anything I was handed some interesting items. For one thing, Emi gave me a DVD of The Secret. Although I have an inkling of what it’s about, there’s nothing like seeing the real thing. I want to know what’s causing all the hoopla, why so much publicity over this book, since for years there have been many books about this topic on the market. So, for a few reasons, I’m eager to watch this DVD. Thank you, Emi. I can’t wait to watch it. www.thesecret.tv

Then Alicia sent me a book from Raleigh. One she highly recommends called Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Interesting title for what looks like a very interesting book. This on the back cover, “If a more likable writer than Gilbert is currently in print, I haven’t found him or her. . . . Gilbert’s prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit, and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible.” The New York Times Book Review. Thank you, Alicia. I can’t wait to read it. www.elizabethgilbert.com

And lastly, Sumi gave me her book, Sunfood Cuisine by Frederic Patenaude. Someone gave it to her a few years ago, and it’s not for her at the moment. That someone was, you guessed it, me. The last time I was at Sumi’s apartment I couldn’t help noticing that the book looked untouched. Now I’m the proud owner of it, and perhaps I’ll whip up some delicious meals and perhaps I’ll bring them over for Sumi to sample. Thank you, Sumi. I can’t wait to use it.

Nice!

Posted on

kitchen confidential by anthony bourdain

I’ve eaten at Les Halles a number of times. It’s one of the places Anthony Bourdain can be found when he’s not traveling the world seeking new dining experiences. And it’s always been a positive dining experience.

Now I’m slowing reading his book KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL. It’s outrageous, brutally honest, funny, informative, off the wall, all-the-way genuine, and a little sad. Did I say it’s entertaining? It’s that, too, and a wee bit shocking – depending on one’s sensibilities. The author shares with us, shall we say, his “growing pains”- the lows and the highs of his years in the restaurant business. You might pause, once in a while, after reading a particular paragraph, and wonder whether that bit of information will somewhat diminish your dining pleasure. We’ve all heard restaurant stories, though maybe not to the degree written in this book.

One thing is perfectly clear, the life of a chef, restaurant owner, and all the people whose efforts contribute to the plate of the delicious-looking something brought to our table, is not a piece of cake, as Anthony Bourdain tells us in numerous ways. If you have thoughts of opening a restaurant, better to read Kitchen Confidential before taking one step in that direction. Then you can say you went into the business with eyes wide open.. – www.leshalles.net

Want to know about the bread placed in front of you, the weekend brunches you so enjoy, Bigfoot, and lots of other tidbits? Kitchen Comfidential will give you the low-down. Lol, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Posted on

the lemonade diet, stanley burroughs

What’s with the lemonade diet? Is the internet the reason that the number of people doing it keeps increasing? Word travels fast! Are you one of those who have done it, are doing it, or are in the process of thinking about doing it? Note to remember: those who’ve been on the lemonade diet say good things about it. Not only that, they want to incorporate it into their lifestyle once or twice a year. People I would never have imagined doing it, are doing it.

It’s really simple. You don’t have to register at an expensive spa. It can be a private affair in your own comfortable home-one on one with yourself. Stanley Burroughs’s thin yellow book is your support for the ten days, or so. Once you do the lemonade diet (The Master Cleanser) you’ll understand the reasons people who have experienced it, want to do it at least once a year. I know I do.

Posted on

it can get complicated

I don’t talk about politics anymore. Do you? In the past, I’ve noticed people walk away from me after a conversation where opinions were flying. I had a nagging suspicion they were doubting my sanity, but not theirs. No, not theirs. I do wonder whether someone out there knows anything about that most complicated of subjects. The question is: how to have an intelligent conversation having so few facts, but believing that somehow we know what’s going on. So, I made an agreement with myself to keep my mouth shut. Bill Maher can talk all he wants. Not me.
www.billmaher.com

I’m doubly damaged, in this area, because of a few books I’ve read. They’ve confused my thinking beyond a reasonable doubt; never again will I see the world in quite the same way. I realized one day, however, that that was okay. It doesn’t have to be what it once was. If I can manage to keep quiet, and nod my head every so often so that it seems I’m attentive, I’ll do just fine.

The first book that lead to doubts about my sanity after reading it was THE BIGGEST SECRET by David Icke. And there was another, RULE BY SECRECY by Jim Marr, and all those magazine articles that keep calling to me. It can get complicated, but then again dabbling is fun, and tends to greatly open the imagination.
www.davidicke.com

This world is full of possibilities, and, for some of us, keeping it simple is the best way. Paying attention to the possibilities in one’s own life, and making it a superb life, can touch people, and affect the world in ways not imaginable. Then when one’s own life is in exquisite shape, we’re then able to look at the world with clear eyes, and make wise decisions about how to best serve it.

“Silence is the key that unlcks the vast resources of the universe.” -Venice Bloodworth

“Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy

Posted on

the lemonade diet

Food’s important. One way to find out just how much influence food has over one’s life is to go on a fast. A fast teaches many things, mainly about one’s self. One day in a bookshop I noticed a little yellow book, more like a booklet. It was called The Master Cleanser by Stanley Burroughs. I bought it, and the book stared at me from my bookcase for one year. Then this holiday 2006 Stanley Burroughs and his lemonade diet was mentioned, and my daughter-in-law, Alicia, with eyes wide open, decided then and there to do that cleanse. So, of course, not to be left in the dust, I seconded the decision, as in, me, too, -both of us.

To prepare for the lemonade diet I went over to Fairway at 2127 Broadway in Manhattan for supplies, and there I saw the biggest, juiciest organic lemons. I put thirty-two of them in three plastic bags. Then I got the best quality Grade B organic maple syrup, and organic cayenne pepper. Hopefully, I had enough of these three items to last the length of the cleanse. A woman nearby asked what I was going to do with all the lemons. I told her; she continued asking questions. Finally I had to take my book out and show it to her. She copied the name and author and thanked me with much gusto. I think she was the right person at the right place getting information that was important to her. www.fairwaymarket.com

And that was the beginning of a new understanding for Alicia and me. The new understanding being the influence food plays in one’s life. Alicia and I had very wonderful and different experiences while on this Master Cleanser lemonade diet for two weeks. However, after all was said and done, the one thing we’re both clear on is that we have great respect for food, and the enjoyment of eating.

Try it; you’ll see.

Posted on

osho

A couple of years ago I was in Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center and had a book by Osho. A salesperson tried, when seeing the book, to convince me that I didn’t want to read a book by Osho. He was getting all caught up in his words in trying to convince me of this. I left not understanding what he was attempting to say. Obviously he had strong opinions about this.

I didn’t buy the book but, I found it again in a used bookshop and bought it without someone looking over my shoulder. The book is called COURAGE THE JOY OF LIVING DANGERIOUSLY. It’s probably not what you think it is from reading the title. But it’s an interesting title. It’s fun to read and it’s stimulates the mind to see life in a different way. And no matter – if it resonates, if it dances, if it feels right, opinions contrary to yours – get it, do it, enjoy it. www.osho.com

Posted on

the master cleanser

If you’re one of those people who feel timid when anyone talks about the human body, particularly about detoxifying it, you probably won’t want to read this. Before you click off though, remember we’re all in this together; we basically have the same system, and if yours needs an overhaul, you might want to stay with me for just a bit. I’ve known about the Master Cleanser for awhile. I began reading books on how to detoxify the body, dipped into colonics when I took a course in Florida, and into detoxifying at OHI in the San Diego area. And the little book, The Master Cleanser, stayed steadily on my shelf waiting for the right moment when it would have its chance to be recognized.

Now I’m remembering that little book. Let’s imagine spending from ten to forty (yes, 40, if that’s what you want) days on a simple program that will leave you with a clearer mind, more energy, aches and pains gone, and an overall feeling of exhileration upon completion. Yes, I’ve heard about the extraordinary benefits of The Master Cleanser, and still it remains just that – hearing about it. That’s not good enough anymore. If you’re still with me, you’ll need your little book, The Master Cleanser, and you’ll want to read it carefully. Then you’ll need a big supply of organic lemons, cayenne pepper, grade B maple syrup and filtered water. www.optimumhealth.org
www.mastercleanser.com

Are you in?

Posted on

one to be savored

Have you been to a beautiful quiet place lately for at least two weeks without the usual kind of interruptions and entertainment? It’s soul satisfying. A place surrounded by trees, with a deer or four, wild turkey, chipmunks and birds passing by, with the sky so dark at night and stars brightly shining, and no one close enough to drop by. You’re all alone to decide how the course of the day will go. You’ve read J. Krishnamurti’s or E. Tolle’s writings, or another that teaches how to listen and observe. It’s serene. It’s enjoyable. There’s no television, radio, or ways to catch-up on the news. The news of the world is according to how it’s presented in each country. Things are not always as they seem. This being the case, we’re not exactly all on the same page. Let it go. www.jkrishnamurti.org www.eckharttolle.com

Before TV, video games, and all the things that manage to keep people in one spot for hours, life was lived outside more, and people didn’t need the medication that seems to go with today’s lifestyle. Obesity wasn’t an issue, and I doubt anyone commented on someone’s breast size, nose size or thigh size in those days. Certain things were as they were. Life was not as complicated. There were thousands of items not known at that time that are in use now, and people were fine without them. As was the environment. Tomorrow I leave. They’ll be no more mention of life in the country – at least for a while. But perhaps for you, a vacation is around the corner, and if there’s a choice to be alone, you need to know that it’s not lonely. It’s truly a delicious feeling; one to be savored.