Adapted from a recipe found on deliciousliving.com.

1 12 ounce yam

1/2 chopped large onion

1/2 cup canned coconut milk

1 Tablespoon Curry Powder

1 can garbanzos

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

2 tsps. veggie base

1 cup water

3 cups fresh spinach

1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro

2 tsps. fresh lemon or lime juice

Cut up the potato and steam for @ 10 minutes.  “Sauté” onions in 1/4 cup water over medium heat.  When onions are translucent (@ 3-5 minutes), add milk and curry, stir well to incorporate.  Then add the rest of the water, veggie base, garbanzos and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add spinach, tender sweet potatoes, cilantro and choice of citrus juice and stir, simmer for 2-3 more minutes till spinach wilts and all flavors are combined.

Serve over brown rice and/or more veggies.  Serves 4 (1 1/2 cups each).  260 calories.  Yummy Fall Fare.My BFF in NY coincidentally made almost the same version unbeknownst to me.  Here’s some of her tips: You could add minced garlic after the onions are cooked and before the coconut milk.  Add cayenne pepper for spice.  Add 1 tsp. cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.  Instead of sweet potato, use a can of pumpkin puree.  Omit the tomatoes.  Very versatile, filling and bi-coastal dish!!

My daughter V, reminded me of creating a sacred space and time for eating.  I was telling her about this outrageous vegan bread (David’s Killer Bread) via Skype.  I told her how delish it is and how I used it.  I smeared one slice with hummus, dolloped a roasted red pepper on it, strategized and placed halved kalamata olives on top, topped it with another slice and what a tasty, easy, quick snack it became.

She asked, “Were you sitting down?” and “Did you eat it on the run?” or something to that tune.  Yikes!  I had to admit, reflect and confess I was standing exactly where I prepared it when I ate it.  I was distributing Target goods into pantry, cupboards and shelves… and late for an appointment.

I asked myself, “Didn’t I just hear this message this morning on my walk while listening to Marianne Williamson’s   A Course in Weight loss?”  

So, I dug out pretty, forgotten, ‘never use them for some reason’ items this morning.  I am sitting here at breakfast, eating at my Sacred Space for nourishment.  I am taking the time to breathe in between bites, replacing my spoon every once in a while and resting, relishing and smacking my lips.

Message from the Universe, received and Ritual in Place.  Thank you for jogging my memory, V, and calling me on it.  I have a fabulous forgetter but I get reminded of the things I need to be reminded of by the people who love me.  That is Grace.

Today being 11/12/13 might seem extraordinary, but what I found striking and remarkable was this morning’s day break.  It seems back in NY, it snowed for the first time this season, at the first blush of the day as well. Perhaps, wondrous things to come.And seconds later…in a different part of the sky…

Things I learned this week, thought about and want to share:

I will not fear to look within today.

Once you release and admit any “shame” you no longer fear to share your emotions.

Do I make time my reality where I dwell in good and evil polarities or do I know at this moment in time, right now, I am one with Source, you and the Infinite?

I will not respond to any argument, statement or exchange of words until I listen to my inner wisdom.

I know I am doing something willfully when I am doing it out of fear and I have an investment in the outcome. VS.  I demonstrate willingness when I do something with love and my intention comes from a place of love.

Willfulness is needing to have the power or control OVER anyone/everything. VS.  Willingness is being open to the possibilities and letting the answers come from a higher plane.

We vs. I – Wellness vs. Illness

The power behind you is greater than the trouble ahead of you.

Divine Spirit releases me from every problem.

When you change your perception, that’s a miracle.

Recognize when you have a choice, question or decision to make – Is there resistance within you?  Listen to your intuition for the highest good.

The whole purpose of any spiritual program, the world over, in all its forms, is to remove the blocks to Love.  Otherwise, be wary.

The Power of Love IS the Truth.

The Truth never needs defending or has to be feared.

If every saint has a past, then, every sinner has a future.

Forgiveness is like training wheels.  It encourages you to love.  When you can ride; speak, be and believe in the Truth, let go, beyond symbols.

What awaits you is your True Nature.

In a perfect little idyll, our alpine chalet hideaway, I agreeably accepted tender, silky orchids from my romantic suitor who ascended up the hill to rendezvous.

I organized the fuchsia gems into a vase I value because of its dear giver, J the dog rescuer, and situated the display where I will see it often for the next two days… in the corner of our scenic bathroom flanked by two windows facing our forest of pines.

After a cup of java with almond milk and stevia, I usually take a walk with a friend or go to the gym (maybe two times a week).  Then, I have breakfast.  A typical breakfast consists of a green smoothie made with already squeezed, prepared juices and a ton of mixed greens.  I add 1 Tablespoon of Maca powder because from my raw days, I felt it gave me energy and 1 Tablespoon of ground flax seed, I grind myself, routinely in small batches to keep it fresh.Or, I make 1/2 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon and fruit and nuts or 1/2 cup of Ezequiel Cereal – or – I grab an apple or a banana sliced up with 1 Tablespoon of crunchy almond butter.  Occasionally, on a slow morning, I will whip up a tofu scramble with assorted veggies.  The key is to color the tofu with turmeric or paprika or both.  It just seems more appealing.

Lunch and dinner almost but not always begins with a salad.  Sometimes I whip up a homemade dressing and add whatever spice or herb and lemon juice to cashews or tofu.Or add artichoke hearts, red bell peppers, green onions and instead of croutons (which i do add here and there) I add vegan “parmesan” (nuts with nutritional yeast – see yesterday’s post) or raw “fried” onions dehydrated I buy in convenient bags made by just pure foods or  sundried tomatoes or I marinate various mushrooms in tamari and lemon and then roast them til crisp –  and I keep it organic.

The entree is usually something warm like black bean pasta.  This company also makes mung bean fettucini and soybean spaghetti.Or brown rice already made found at Trader Jo’s in the freezer section.  I “sauté” some celery, onion, mushrooms, cabbage, peas, brocoli, etc…the list is endless, in water or veggie broth, add the rice and serve it with rice vinegar for tang.  That is a personal choice.  You could add tamari, sesame seeds, cashews, etc.Other dishes include a vegan eggplant “parmigiano” (look for a breakdown and recipe with pictures soon), cauliflower nibbles, soup or bake, minestrone or lentil soups, veggie chili and the list goes on.

For desserts: fruit sorbets, bakes, and raw cheesecakes!!!!TUNE IN