Y2 – Day 211 – What a Wonderful World

I am 55 today and happy!  Thank you to G for gifting me with a music jewlery box reminding me of this absolutely perfect song by Louis Armstrong.

“What A Wonderful World”

I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom, for me and you.

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.I see skies of blue, And clouds of white.
The bright blessed day, The dark sacred night.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.The colors of the rainbow, So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces, Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying,
“I love you”.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow,
They’ll learn much more, Than I’ll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Oh yeah.

Y2 – Day 210 – Current Events

What is taking place, has taken place before.  We are bound to repeat lessons and history we have not learned from.

“Those who cannot remember the past

are condemned to repeat it.”

George Santayana

Learning is changing.  We learn to change our perspective through love and forgiveness.  Forgiveness is the means to Truth.  Truth and Sanity equal Peace.  Marianne Williamson once said in regards to the Middle East, “The road to spirituality is not a reason for apathy.” But we need to learn/change and rise above the same reaction to the same thing.

“The world is a dangerous place to live;

not because of the people who are evil,  

but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”

Albert Einstein

Where would we be if we were not advocates for animals, children, the downtrodden and the meek?  How could we live with ourselves?

But, personally,  I would love for everyone to just put their weapons down and come to their senses.  What barbaric, cold and casual answer is War?  Could we put our efforts and money into cleaning up the planet instead?  Educating and feeding the masses?

I believe a conflict or judgment is actually a call to Love, as the course instructs.  Taking sides just infuriates all parties and misses the solution to any problem.  I am not the judge and jury.  I am not the victim or aggressor.  But I need to do something and not be apathetic.  I need to support whomever has a vested interest in it and how I do that is in a peaceful manner. That is just who I believe I am.  I instead, want to  “rise above the battlefield” as Marianne suggests and “reach for a higher truth in our minds.”  In this respect, I do not need to be private or quiet about my response and I am letting you in on what is happening in my brain.

Carl Jung spoke of ego’s impediments and proffered, “Humanity’s biggest problems cannot be solved; they must be outgrown.”

“The problems of the world will not be solved on the level of thinking we were at when we created them,” wrote Einstein.

It is my humble opinion, we need  “a new kind of thinking as a basis for the creation of a new kind of world.” – MW. –  “War, quite simply, is insane. For those of us who wish to be part of the solution to war — not part of the problem — it is time to change our own minds, to accept a healing of our own war-like thoughts, in order to create a new field of possibility.”

And, As M. Williamson suggests, I need to be a spiritual activist. It is all I can do.  Spiritually, we are all one.  We are not separate.  I can be of service to those touched by the horrors of war by not accusing or withholding forgiveness in my own mind, by eliminating the idea of violence, revenge or war, in my own thought system.

“When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound

to that person or condition by an emotional link that is

stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to

dissolve that link and become free.”

Catherine Ponder

I sometimes believe I am not evolved enough, not brave enough, not capable of shedding resentments, complaints or criticisms but I must have that ideal and seek this connecting thought if we are ever going to get past our own littleness.

Let it begin with me, today, and I know there are countless souls praying, meditating and sending thoughts of peace awareness and peace possibility wherever they are – to all lifeforms.

 “One person with commitment accomplishes more than a thousand with an opinion.”

Orrin Woodward 

 

Y2 – Day 209 – Humility

I realize that not a lot of people even know what this word can mean to them.  So often humility is confused with humiliation.  Humility is the state or quality of being humble.  Only I can humble myself but others can humiliate me.  Humility is about remaining and being teachable.  Humility is finding joy in being of service to others like as in the case of Mother Teresa.  Humility is giving the right to people to be wrong or to have their own opinion without interrupting their own evolution.

A humble person is the opposite of being a know-it-all and humility is the antonym to arrogance.  Having humility, you choose to do the right thing instead of choosing or needing to be right.  You drop your agenda and live with integrity.  A humble person sees themselves truly with warts, scars and defects as well as with gifts, talents and a sense of purpose.  The humble work on themselves by behaving into right action not just thinking about it.  They understand it is an ego-deflating process.

Instead of a sense of entitlement or victimhood, the humble are grateful and helpful.   They live forward but understand backward.  They have walked the razor’s edge of self-indulgence vs. self-care and choose to swallow their pride in order to move forward without regurgitating the past.

To label yourself as humble is an oxymoron because the peaceful, the modest and the content do not rely on other’s opinions nor the world around them.  They desire to seek and act according to a higher calling and have no dispute with other’s egos, nor their own.

The humble do not live with self-centered fear.  They are not desperate to hold on to anything nor do they fear losing anything.  All they are, is enough.  They do not chase after anyone or anything nor do they fear failure.  All that is, is more than enough.  It is not that they don’t have a calling, it is that they achieve their calling by living it.

Your attitude determines your level of humility.  The question “What can I learn from this?” helps you unfold another layer of wisdom, cloaked in humility.  Instead of asking, “Why is the world treating me this way?”, it is more about “How am I treating the world around me today?”

As soon as I get out of self/ego, I get out of fear.  When fear steps in, my faith in something divine, steps out.  If F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real and being humble is being real without fear, then humility is about seeing things as the way they really are, coming into acceptance (which does not mean approval) and comporting oneself, accordingly (and without taking any credit for it).  This concept is beyond most people’s understanding yet is just but a willing, innermost, meditative search away.

Y2 – Day 208 – Vegan Grilling

It is the middle of the summer.  Grilling is so popular this time of year so I thought about what could a vegan grill on an outdoor fire?  When we barbecued on the Fourth of July, we kept one side of the grill just for vegan fare so as not to contaminate.  That is something to keep in mind.

Simple Ideas that would work as sides for omnivores as well are the ‘obvious’ corn on the cob.  At the fair, we had seasoned grilled corn kernels in a cup, hot off the grill and expertly shaved off the cob.  This kept the kernel skins from sticking to my teeth that occurs when you are chomping on a cob.  It is a terrific way to serve corn.  The corn ‘milk’ is naturally released, so by adding chili powder, spices, salt and lime juice created a tangy sauce that married well with the crunch and sweetness of the yellow grain.

Another clear cut option is vegan burgers, whether store bought or homemade.  There are some excellent recipes on the internet and frozen patties abound on the market (just make sure they are vegan, not vegetarian with added eggs or cheese).

A good ole baked potato or sweet potato on the grill is always a delight.  I like my baked potato topped with salsa or pico de gallo.  Chopped Green onions, vegan sour cream and vegan butter is also delicious.  I enjoy a baked sweet potato with cinnamon, salt and a little olive or even coconut oil. Yummy.

More inventive, inspired fare would include veggie pizzas or flatbreads, pesto portablello mushrooms, veggie kebobs with peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cremini or button mushrooms and red or sweet onions.  No one ever thinks of it but how about fruit kebobs with peaches, plums, grapes and pineapple?  Grilled fruit can take on an exotic flair with some tamari, jam and sesame oil brushed before it hits the rack or rub some coconut oil on and make it effortless.  Pre-packaged,  marinated tempeh would heat up rather quickly and well on your flaming grill too.

You can get creative and if you have time and the inclination, you can make vegan sausages by making your own seitan as my daughter did, adding fennel and bavarian spices to make it truly taste authentic.

The joy of cooking outdoors is part of this season’s pleasures and keeping it simple and out of the kitchen makes it comfortable.  Celebrate July and August with healthy vegan eats and you can retain your bathing beauty looks.

Y2 – Day 207 – Lessons from my Attitude

I am truly a gem amongst all the gems in Life’s Jewlery Box.  I am not more, not less.  Sometimes, my attitudes or actions are incongruent with who I really know I am – as if I was performing, putting on an act – and I always feel lousy or pay for it in some way, after that.  I feel my best when I follow my “child’s” heart.   I am my most authentic self when I am closest to my Source of the Highest Inner Vibration and Animation or SHIVA – the Hindu god that stands for letting go of all forms via destruction of the ego, purification and new creation, and represents the most essential goodness.

I need to be true to myself and not make excuses for it.  Honesty, openness and willingness or HOW must be my mantra.  I rejoice when I follow through with what I truly believe in about myself or other matters.  I need to stand up for self, take responsibility for self (my actions and attitudes) and not blame it on another or circumstance, diverting attention from the only one who can perceive and change (me).

I ought to accept others are on another road.  I keep my eyes on my own road, stay in my own lane and drive my own transportation through this existence, the best I can.  I maintain and treat my vehicle and my soul well.  That’s when I feel my best.  My greatest attitudes and actions come from treating myself like I am special.  Self-respect trains me to stay on my own path and disciplines me to stay right-sized.  Self-care nurtures me into knowing my true purpose and balances my decisions towards those pre-approved goals I am destined to have passion for.  Self-reflection accomplishes this insight via quiet, intimate meditative and solitary moments as well as through interaction with others.

“He does not believe who does not live his belief.”
Thomas Fuller

Y2 – Day 206 – Goodbye G

Recreation is not the highest kind of enjoyment, but in its proper time and place, it is as proper as prayer. – source unknown

Since June 29th, we have had the pleasure of my cousin, G, here in California.  With her expertise in architecture, photography (Ms. Tripod anywhere) and literature, her knowledge of family lore, her unrelenting quest for travel, we have been enriched and enchanted.

Personally, I have had many funny and profound exchanges, and as always, our bond is beyond space and time.

Love you

Y2 – Day 205 – JULY Wreath

Today is my godmother’s birthday.  She is also the only sibling my father had.  I was first grandchild and much anticipated.  She adored me.  Her daughter, my cousin, G, is with me now and we called her a little while ago.  If I could give her anything, it would be to get better soon.  She has had one health issue after another the last two years.  July is our month.  My birthday is next week and G’s birthday, four days later.  This wreath is a summer wreath.  May warmth vibrate to my aunt who is living on the Southern Hemisphere and therefore suffering through winter.  May all of July bring Joy!

It is also Cindi’s 6 months of being rescued and adopted by us.  Big day!

Salal leaves, lavender larkspur, raspberry celosia, purple sinuata, yellow rice flower, purple globe thistle, ammonium, fern and three yellow roses decorate a painter’s palette of color.

Y2 – Day 204 – Resort Supper

It is becoming a thing to dine well at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and bring Cindi.  The lobby is lovely and grand, the gift shop is nearby, it is more private and quieter than eating in the bustling restaurant, and Cindi can be lying peacefully by my feet on the new, clean designer carpet.Our Repast

Edamame sautéed with garlic, lemon and salt.Vegan Basil Creamy Soup with fresh Watercress Garnish served with delicious, warm sourdough buns.Mango Pecan Fresh Greens Salad with Tofu and Creamy Honey Dijon Dressing

My cousin, G, had a Caeser Salad with Salmon and commented that the croutons were divine.

Y2 – Day 203 – Pup in Arrowhead

Having a Fabulous time in Arrowhead with my cousin, G, (who I haven’t seen in ten years) from Argentina.  Of course, we are here with Cindi.  Puptarts were had in the village at Three Dog Bakery, another boat ride for Cindi on the Arrowhead Queen where she was first mate and slept awhile, she had a few treats while we ate at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and her very first time at the Lake beach after dark where dozens of pictures were taken for her photo shoot.Beet and Spinach PuptartsCindi at dinner.Cindi’s first evening lakefront beach stroll.

Y2 – Day 202 – 2014 World Cup is Over

Yesterday, after watching the 9th stage of the Tour de France all morning, we switched over to the World Cup and settled in for a brilliant match between the last two teams standing in the Finals.  This was for the 2014 World Cup and Argentina faced Germany for another memorable face to face soccer combat.The official soccer ball for the last game to decide the World Champions was inscribed.

Presidents of both countries as well as other dignitaries awaited the fate of this final bout.  Both teams showed stamina, precision, heart and vigor.   The competition and fervor was equaled for most of the official 90 minutes but in extra time, Germany scored a superb goal  by a late substitution player (Gotze who was put in at the 88th minute). Everyone was tired by this time but the Germans grinded, grunted and weathered through tough plays, rough and bloody collisions and fought on to win, with one goal (in the 113th minute – the longest time to finally score a goal in any final game), into the side of the net.  German team members celebrating their hard won gold trophy, (handed to them by the Argentine president) they passed around, kissing it and raising it, in succession. 

Clearly, the teams were mated to play and to watch such two equally great rivals scrimmage and compete again was unparalleled for longtime fans, in either camp.Rio de Janiero celebrates as the iconic Jesus statue looks on.  Fireworks sprung through the top of the stadium as confetti fell over the crowds inside.