Falling Asleep in Heaven

My Daughter at one outlook I love

Today I went to an overlook near where I live. I had a thousand things to do, but I so needed some time in nature just to listen and be.  

As I drove by one of my favorite outlooks I thought well I can see it from the car but I heard the tiny voice inside say go out and visit for a bit. So I parked, walked over to the green grass and sat down. It took me about five minutes or more to settle my brain. What I needed to do, all the candles I need to make, my busy week ahead, etc, etc, etc...

The wind from the mountain top slowly eased my busy brain and I became more and more quiet. As my silence grew my awareness of what was around me enhanced. Butterflies all around, jumping bugs which I think are the grasshoppers, the sun warm on my skin, bees carefully coming to dance around my head and a fly curious to land on my shoulder. In all of this moment of solitude I looked out to the mountain range I am so in love with and tears came to my eyes. Folks, I don't know how to explain this in any words, but it feels good. Real Joy. Raw Happiness.

As the breeze caressed my ears I began to close my eyes and prayer came easily, flowing in and out as I breathed. Then I laid down and looked up at the beautiful blue sky with dots of painted clouds. I remember. Being a little girl, laying in my backyard in New Jersey where I grew up. I remember laying their for many minutes, staring forever, wondering about many mysteries. As I laid in that sacred space today, I knew I am still that girl inside. I have wonder upon wonder and I live in a place that brings this out of me. I am excited to discover more.

As I thought good thoughts, I gently found myself closing my eyes and before I knew it I was napping in the soft, green grass. Mother Earth rocked me to sleep. It didn't last too long, as I was woken up by a screeching sound of a bird flying over the mountains. Two birds to be exact. I found out later in my research at home that it was the call of the Red Tailed Hawk. I watched them fly and dance with each other like young lovers. One would come close, the other might go off to tease a bit and then wait as the other joined them again. It was perfect choreographed dance for my eyes to watch and very touching to my soul. I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

As I knew it was time to leave and I walked to the car the red tailed hawk flew over my head, making my heart jump as its' shadow covered me. I swear it said "Thank you for visiting and come again real soon." In hawk language of course.

Peace

Homemade Crackers

Today I attempted my own crackers. Just took whole wheat flour, some unbleached all purpose flour, salt, water and oil.

The reason I did this was because walking through the store today I felt more and more removed from many of the package goods I used to buy. After picking up the crackers I do get (which are not that bad) I noticed BHT added to preserve them and I thought why can't I just make my crackers fresh when I want them. So back on the shelf they went.

I did pick up my rice crackers I get sometimes too...but they are more expensive and I realized I just couldn't get them this time at the store. So even more determination to go home and face the cracker ordeal.

Now many of you out there are probably thinking "why is she so excited?" and "crackers are so easy so what is the big deal?"...the point I am coming from in my writings on food is that these are changes I wish to celebrate. I am a person that used to eat more from boxes and or frozen microwave meals. So this is a long process for me and when I discover to do something on my own I must blog and share! I also hope that it does inspire others on the road to enjoying food in new wholesome ways. It is just so much fun and feels so good!

Out of the oven come the first batch of crackers. In my excitement I crackle the outside ones first and take a dab of the goat cheese, spreading it on and in mouth it goes. My spirit lifts! Wow! What a special delicious treat. This lightly salted cracker, combined with my down the road goat cheese brought a huge smile to my face and yes, I might have done a little jump in the air with excitement. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

As you may notice these don't look like the crackers from a box...I just cracked them a part with my hands...I sort of like the look...for sure a machine did not cut them :) and I am into modern art anyway.

The inner crackers came out a bit softer (doughy) then planned...I realize I need to make them even thinner when I roll them out to achieve all around crispy. So I will go onto making more crackers. I also have learned of adding seasonings to my crackers and seeds to add an even more delicious taste :)

You will hear about a hike I will take next week...with my crackers as a snack along side me! I can't wait to go hiking, see some nature and maybe sit by a waterfall eating some peanut butter on a cracker :)

Recipe for homemade crackers -

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (King Arthur or Organic Wheat Flour)
1 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All Purpose Flour (or Organic Flour)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil (you can find oil online that is non GMO)
1 cup water
Salt for Sprinkling (I used Kosher Salt)

Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Mix Flour and Salt
Pour in Oil and Water and mix until just blended

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface - no thicker than 1/8 inch
Place dough onto a baking sheet - not greased
mark out squares with a knife but don't cut through and then take a fork
and poke each square a few times.
Top with sprinkles of salt

Bake for 15 to 20 min. They get crisp and light brown.

After you take out let cool and then you can separate them :) Cut if you wish or break with your hands ;)

ENJOY!

Delicious Black Bean Burgers

I do love to make these burgers!! They take very little time so it is nice for a quick, easy meal. I do eat regular meat burgers (only when I get meat from my local farms in my area, free range, veggie fed and more respected) but I have cut down on my red meat intake in general. 

This is such a nice healthy burger!! I am not much for beans in general but I do like black beans. This recipe is a combo of different recipes I have researched and then I began just adding my own stuff to it. 

Ingredients:

1 Can Black Beans (or you can use some soaked black beans. You can also find Organic Black Beans in most grocery stores)

Green/Yellow/Red Peppers - finely chopped (just one pepper or mix up colors with a few smaller ones)

Some chopped Onion - Just 1/4 of onion or 1/2 depending on size. 

1 Clove Garlic - minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 Egg (Yes, local farmers eggs if you can get them!)

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

Sea Salt or Kosher Salt 

Black Pepper 

Panko Bread Crumbs 

Fresh Cilantro

Parchment Paper

Heat Oven to 350

Drain and rinse your black beans. I let them set for about 10 minutes or so to dry out a bit.

I mush up the black beans with a fork. I add my peppers, garlic and onion into the mix. I like my black bean burgers to have some nice amount of veggies in it. You can judge how much pepper and onion you want in your burgers. 

In a separate bowl I mix one egg, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. I then combine with black beans and mix up. Above I mentioned teaspoons for measurements. I always add a bit more to my liking so feel free to experiment. I believe in working out of the borders :)

I love love love cilantro so I chop up fresh cilantro and mix it on in!! 

Then add bread crumbs as you mix to make it more firm. You can use regular bread crumbs if you wish or make your own at home. I don't buy bread crumbs much anymore as most brands have high fructose corn syrup in them. I use Panko which works just fine for my burgers. Again feel free to experiment. 

I form my mix into burger patties and set them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. If you don't have parchment paper you can still do it but lightly grease the sheet as they can stick a bit. 

Place in oven and bake approx. 10 minutes on each side.

The best part is garnishing them! I love to top with my fresh guacamole, fresh tomatoes, Salsa, Mozzarella Cheese or Sour Cream or a little of both, and some more sprinkles of cilantro. It is yummy and filling!!! If you wish to put on bread consider putting it in a pita!! Maybe add Jalapenos, Corn Salsa and well, you can be really creative with these burgers! 

I make about 4 burgers with this recipe. We love them!! Serve with some brown rice and salad! 

Enjoy!! 

Black Bean Burgers with Sour Cream, Onion, Cilantro, and Salsa toppings. Side of homemade mashed organic potatoes! Yummy dinner!!

Autumn's Strawberry Pancakes

I named these Autumn as my daughter will beg for me to make these pancakes :) I adapted the recipe from allrecipes.com and then mixed in some of my own added ingredients. This was my adventure to stop buying pancake mixes. I have not bought any box pancake mix for over a year now. When people say well isn't it quicker to just get a mix I feel this states what we seem to all be looking for...fast, faster and fastest.

It takes me about 5-7 minutes at the most to put my pancake mix together. I know all of my ingredients and where they come from and so enjoy making it for my daughter. That beats out any boxed pancake mix to me!

Here it is:

Heat up your griddle and or pan.

1 Cup Unbleached Flour or Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (I use King Arthur Flour - read about that company)
1 Tablespoon Honey (eating your local honey can help you with allergies)
2 teaspoons baking powder (I always use baking powder aluminum free)
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use Kosher salt or sea salt in my recipes)
1 cup Almond Milk (or you can use 2% Organic Milk)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg (always my local farmers eggs are now used)
Sometimes I add a dash of vanilla

Mix all together. Then I take about 5-6 strawberries (organic when I can get them and if not wash really well) slice them up and add into batter. If you feel you need more depending on size of berries add more. I like them filled with berries. I sometimes add walnuts into batter or I top later with pecans. Either way delicious. You can also do this recipe with raspberries, blueberries, and chocolate chips! Sometimes I make a couple of batters and make a few of each.

Spoon out pancake batter onto your hot griddle/pan and cook both sides until crispy and browned. Serve nice and hot with real butter (no margarine here), real organic maple syrup or Agave Nectar (my favorite now) on top. Maple Syrup can be expensive so the discovery of Agave Nectar is a real gift!! You can now find it in many stores. My daughter loves these pancakes! Enjoy!!!

Sharing Living Simplicity Joys

My organic garden in the making (with sleeping peaceful kitty)

I have decided to share some of my favorite moments in cooking/baking/gardening from home. Moving to this area has inspired me in creating more fresh food for my family. You need to know that in Florida I ate a lot of processed foods. It is something I longed to change but wasn't sure how to do it as it was just easier and quicker. I mean there were stores and restaurants on top of each other where I lived. Coming to a land I feel more bonded with has slowed me down and has made it more accessible  to make step by step changes into my life. This is a very new feat for me. I don't know much about cooking this way so I have had failures along with successes and realized it is okay and fun. There are also some perks in the changes I have made.

• One, I have cut my grocery bill way down by not buying so much processed foods. 
• Two, I have cut my budget down by not going out to eat as much to fast food dining. It helps that I live in a place where not many chain stores exist and the energy of coming back to the home has taking over in many ways. 
• Three, I happen to live in where there is a flourishing farmers market which not only inspires me to support buying local but also to take on my first organic garden on the land I live. 
• Four, It is just healthier for me then what I was doing. 

Michael Pollen's books inspired me along with friends that I know that eat really well and cook a lot for themselves. Michael Pollen expressed in one of his books that if the back of the package has more than five ingredients, then question buying it. Also if the food item has ingredients you just can't even pronounce and coloring, don't buy it. This is what I attempt to practice now. Baking your own treats is better than buying the packaged items in store.

I would love to share what I am learning and hoping to inspire you to join in on the fun with your cooking and gardening life.

Namaste

My local farmers eggs with peppers and onions scramble!

My homemade flax/whole wheat breads

New Bird Spotted - Orchard Oriole

Yesterday I saw a new bird at my feeder. I looked at it closely and believe it to be an Orchard Oriole. I saw this male with a female counterpart. So glad they visited!!

Liking the Lichen

I must say it is a challenge for me to read a book by a biologist. I was awful in biology in high school. I think now why it is more enjoyable is in the presentation. This biology lesson mixed with stories of lore, life and humor make it a bit easier for me to understand the creatures being presented. I think the art of dance, writing, drama is a great way to teach and pass on knowledge.

I finished reading a chapter dealing with Lichen, which before reading I probably passed bunches on my hikes not knowing a thing about this growth. Now, I see Lichen everywhere. My relationship with Lichen is born. This picture today is of my lichen right outside my own home. The one lesson that stays in mind is learning of how the Lichen live and grow, with surrender to help the union flourish. Lichen is a combination of fungus and alga or bacterium living together. Surrender is what comes to mind. To give in to one another in order to grow.

I had a friend who expressed that Lichen can be used for medicinal uses. I decided to look up a bit more and found that this did indeed take place. Lichen was also used in dyes and perfumes and still to this day (although I am not sure if they are using it from lab creations or from out in nature).  Here is a neat sight to read about Lichen. I find the life of Lichen quite fascinating.

http://autocww.colorado.edu/~toldy3/E64ContentFiles/AlgaeAndFungi/Lichen.html

As I sit out on my porch I can see the Lichen everywhere, on trees, on rocks, on my home, and now feel like I have a new friend. I am liking the Lichen!

Myself Unseen - Following the Forest Way

On top of the multiple magical experiences I encounter here in Tennessee, another gift of the Spirit enters in. It is the book "The Forest Unseen" by David George Haskell. In this book the unfolding of the amazing world we live in as shared through the observations of a biology teacher. Mr. Haskell invites the reader on his year long journey watching over just a square meter of forest on the Cumberland Plateau and his words pass on like poetry to our souls, helping us to understand how we are all so connected, I feel, bringing science and the sacred to intersect. This book is taking me on a real good journey in bonding with my home even more, to understand it and live within it fully. The sacred does exist in nature and I intend to keep on digging into the soil even more, with science and spirit hand in hand.

The past few days I seriously questioned my move here. These are what I call dark shadow moments, full of fear and questioning. I feel it is okay to go through these times, aware it will pass and also finding the truth in the darkness. I guess I question what I choose to follow because the calls inside the spirit outweigh the reality that would say otherwise. Sometimes I simply just don't understand the path. What I do know and can hold onto is that this place engages my spirit like no other home and anytime questioning rises up the immediate, urgent reply of "yes you belong" is undeniably in my face. Isn't is so true to follow our intuitive nature and to trust when we can not see? Now, I get to read a book that takes place where I and others have passed by in our hikes. I absolutely adore that this book takes place in the home that I now live in and that the premise celebrates this connection between us and the biology of the life that is within this particular land setting. What a perfect answer to my questioning. It could not get any more clearer than that.

This book engages me to step outside more into my environment, to learn, to seek solace, to be more observant, respectful, adventurous and most important to listen as it teaches me about myself even more. I challenge you to sit outside more and look at your mandala of nature around you. What do you see, hear, smell? The ecology of your surroundings can teach you so much about who you are and what you are related to. What do you love about where you live? How can you get back to living in more accordance with your land? Do you understand the biology of where you live? These are questions I plan to dive into...and hope you can find time as well.

Please feel free to share what you see in your world of nature here on this blog.