All that energy and love stuff

Whatever you do for yourself is what you are offering up to the whole.  We are all equals.  When you place someone on a pedestal-above you-better than you-that makes you lose connection.  We are all equal in vibration. We all give off energy and receive energy.  Everything in this Universe is comprised of energy- actions, inactions, emotions, choices.  Everything vibrates energy. Nothing is static.

What exactly is a vibration though? A vibration is a subtle fluctuation of energy emitting from our being and influencing the atmosphere at that moment in time.  We have the ability to shift or change our vibration.  So what does it mean when we talk about raising the vibration? Raising the vibration is a way to elevate our experience as a human.  When we raise the vibration, we make a conscious choice to shift what we are giving off.  It is a conscious choice to return to love on a daily basis. It is a great call to action to make this world a better place than what it was when we arrived! Not only are you committing to consciously be your best self for you but you are doing it for all of those around you and the entire world!  To do so, takes practice and commitment and entails recognizing the parts of your life that are causing harm and then facing them head on!

Raising the vibration lifts the energy of the body and is also a way to heal the body.  It is a lifetime practice and not a one time action.  Consistency is key! It starts with a self practice of doing the work for yourself and then, in time, others are influenced just by the shift you have made in your choices and behavior.  When you make this commitment to constantly work on choosing a higher way of being, you step back into the presence of love and allow love to be your teacher and guide.  Raising the vibration calls you to ask, “How can I be a better vehicle of love today?”

Raising the vibration usually comes after a spiritual awakening.  What is a spiritual awakening? You may think it is some phenomenon; something that will never happen to you or it is just something you read about In books or see in a movie. Sounds quite otherworldly sometimes.  Or like you have to be at a Buddhist monastery or on sabbatical in India meditating and practicing yoga all day.  There is nothing wrong with any of those things but a spiritual awakening can happen to all of us in our everyday life….with OR without warning.

A spiritual awakening can happen after an emotional trauma or it can just happen! It leads to raising the vibration after experiencing something emotionally heavy.  You realize you are part of something greater and you have the power to make it better.

A spiritual awakening is a moment that brings you “home”.  An a-ha! moment-that moment when you start to see the world so differently than you have seen it before - when you realize you are your own self but you are also connected to a greater force. You realize your actions not only affect yourself but your loved ones, your coworkers, your neighbors, your community, your state, your country, the entire world!

A spiritual awakening is an instant wake-up call to wanting to live in a more purposeful way; wanting to make a difference. The way you have been seeing the world has been with blinders on and instantly you now see it in a completely different compassionate light.  You don’t fit in with those around you.  You are not understood.  That is because you are now awakening and seeing things, without question, in alignment with love, with your soul, your natural state.

We are ALL equals having our own temporary human experience.  We are a soul inhabiting a body as the vehicle for that experience in this school we call Earth.  A spiritual awakening does not make you better than anyone else.  A spiritual awakening is part of your soul’s journey and does not have to (and it usually will not) look like anyone else’s.  Some of us have had that awakening and some have not.  Some of us will and some of us will not. Regardless, we are all equal energetic souls made of pure love and light; extensions of creator energy (whatever you call that-the Universe, Source, God, etc.)

There is one thing spiritual awakenings have in common and that is you will know when it occurs.  There is no wondering or questioning if you had one.  Life as you know it, how you approach it, and how you feel about it will instantly change.  Love and compassion for ALL sentient beings overcomes you out of nowhere. The judgment and criticism and questioning is gone and the ego is no longer in control because you KNOW who you are! And it is not fleeting.

When my maternal grandmother died in April 2013, my heart was shattered. I lost my sense of self; who I was. I was living in a depressed state and the things I would normally find joy in were now meaningless to me. I wasn’t angry. I was empty. I was void of all feelings. When I realized 17 months later that she was still with me through various “non-coincidences”, my heart began to heal.  That was not a spiritual awakening.  That was accepting that a woman who was my world for just shy of 40 years shed her temporary human body and was still very much “alive” and with me; just in different form.  Because of the bond we had in the physical, our soul’s energetic bond remains just as strong.  Love and energy are never ending.  For those 17 months, I gave into the ego self-the master plan for failure-and was living in a low-vibrational state of fear instead of in alignment with my true nature; love.  But, as I said, that was NOT a spiritual awakening.  That was the true beginning of being aware of my soul’s journey. But, of course, I didn't know that then.

My dad was my best friend, my plus one.  I was always a “daddy’s girl” and proud to say so.  Dad battled cancer for 21 years and the last seven days of his life at home under Hospice care were the most emotional.  Seeing my hero in such a frail state, heavily medicated and dependent on me and my mom was nothing short of agonizing.  I cared for him, loved him and equally prayed each night for God to take his soul home and make him whole and free again.  I was honored to be at his side, reading a Bible verse to him as he took his last breath that morning.  I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else.  He was there when I took my first human breath and I was there when he took his last.

My dad was kind.  That word.  Kind.  More people referred to him as kind than any other word and that was huge.  My dad was the kindest man I have ever known and when I say kind I mean 24/7 365 kind.  He exuded kindness….to ALL people. I remember always thinking he was too kind for his own good because I witnessed him getting taken for granted so often; even by his own brother and parents.  My dad would put everyone before himself without any consideration or hesitation.  He would always go out of his way to help others or make them happy without expectations or reciprocating efforts.  I would often get frustrated because I would see him being treated poorly or not being appreciated and he would keep doing it.  He always saw the good in people even if they treated him poorly over and over and over.  Dad was a forgiver and a believer that people are innately good.  I remember heated conversations we would have because I loved him so much and was trying to protect him because he wouldn’t protect himself.  I even referred to him as a “welcome mat” and it wasn’t a term of endearment.  But Dad was Dad and kept loving and giving and being kind until his last breath.

My spiritual awakening occurred after an emotionally traumatic event.  The transition of the first and best man who ever unconditionally loved me.  The man who loved me the most.  The man who adored me before he ever even met me.

My dad transitioned in November 2017.  My life as I knew it changed.  Not as many would think though.  Not like the depression I encountered four years earlier.  It all suddenly made sense.  He LIVED! I mean really lived his life.  Every single second of his life, he lived with no regrets.  He never met a stranger.  He loved with his entire being.  For 44 years, I had been letting the ego self control me.  For 68 years, he led with his heart and never questioned who he was.  Now, I would continue that legacy and with no effort really.  When the light of his human experience extinguished, mine began to shine brighter than ever.  My soul’s purpose in this lifetime would soon be revealed after a lot of diving deep, addressing my core wound, forgiveness and healing.

We are all here helping each other “home”.  When we accept that we all have varying journeys and that love, without judgment, is always the answer no matter the question, that journey becomes such a magical experience for our soul!  So make that conscious decision today to return to love on a daily basis; to raise the vibration for yourself and all those around you, for the world.  Doing so will not only improve your temporary experience here on Earth but you will also leave the world better than it was when your soul arrived! How can you be a better vehicle of love today? 

My 10 Day Challenge to Love the Green Monster

I"m sure many of you have heard of the global Celery Juice Movement that has been going on for decades. I may be late to the party but what is time anyway? Time really is just an illusion and what is meant to happen will happen for each of us when it is time; in Divine timing.

A few days ago, I decided to watch a lesson from Anthony William, the Medical Medium, as part of the Hay House HEAL Summit and, while I knew of the celery juice craze, it wasn't until listening to the Medical Medium himself that I decided to try it out for myself. I even got Hubs to play along! 

This morning, we started our 10-day Celery Juice Challenge. I wanted to go for 30 days but I have to be out of town for some of that time and lugging the juicer and all my paraphenalia just wasn't gonna be advantageous. So we will try it for 10 days and see how it goes. I truly feel that this will be a part of my daily regimen from now on.

I HATE celery.

I hate the atrocious smell. 

I hate the stringyness of this herb (yes, it's an herb; not a vegetable). 

I hate the taste of celery. 

I hate the crunch when it is mixed in with something else.

I have just never cared for celery at all. With that said, this is going to be super fun for me isn't it? So why am I doing it then? Well, when celery juice is consumed by the body in the right way, it is a powerful healing remedy. Drinking 16 oz of celery juice on an empty stomach daily is shown to improve digestion, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lessen bloating, cure allergies, clear up skin, help with weight loss, stablize moods, bring about mental clarity and many other wonderful things! In fact, there are many people who are even healing from acute and chronic disease by drinking juice from celery!

The Celery Juice Movement is a grassroots movement and many will probably "poo poo" it because it isn't backed by funding or any interest group. No studies have been done and no scientists are singing its praises. But I don't need that. In fact, I'd rather not have that. I know, first hand,, that the body has the ability to heal itself and that we must make proper choices in helping it survive.Food is definitely a tool to use in healing the body. By switching to a Whole Food Plant Based lifestyle a few years ago, my cholesterol dropped along with my weight and I also started to FEEL better. In the past year, I have started to slack and, man, can I feel it. So to jumpstart my body back into healing and to free it of toxins, pathogens and inflammation, I have decided to try celery juice.

So, what exactly does this 10 Day Celery Juice Challenge mean? Starting this morning, we will consume 16 oz (ok, I set myself up for success so I only did 8 oz this morning and the Medical Medium said it was ok to work up to the 16 oz) of juiced celery on an empty stomach.  Doing so will strengthen the digestion of foods that we eat the rest of the day. Because of its complex, nutritional makeup, we will not blend it with any vegetables or fruit. I will just take a deep breath, infuse it with reiki, be grateful, and suck it down! 

I read that one package of celery will yield about 16oz and sure enough it did. In fact, it probably yields about 20 oz but I stopped at 16oz today. First thing that is VERY important, is to cut the bulb off and then wash each stalk very well. Or you can get organic but I would still wash it, even though they say you don't have to do so.

Next, I took a measuring cup and placed it under the spout of my juicer to make sure I would know exactly how much 16 oz would be. Then I just started feeding those stalks of celery into their vat of death! Maybe it's me, but there is something that makes me feel accomplished when I watch a vegetable, fruit or herb turn into liquid in a matter of seconds.

Even though the smell was simply wretched, just with this simple transition from a solid to a liquid, I kept going. I was going to do this, damnit. If I went WFPB in 30 days, I can suck down a glass of  daily celery juice. 

My health is worth it. My body deserves it. 

I am in control of my health. No one else.

Celery juice is medicinal; not caloric. That fact made me happy. Why? This juice is not going to BE my breakfast. It will be an appetizer to my breakfast. My lovely smoothie or my mason jar of overnight oats and fruit loveliness will still be a part of my morning. Phew! But I do have to wait 15-30 minutes after consuming the green liquid before I indulge in said deliciousness.

Today, Hubs was at an appointment so I juiced my portion first. I was surprised that it didn't take much celery to get to 8 oz of juice. I'm also super happy that a big bag of celery is only $1.42 at Walmart (gag, I hate that place with a passion). Of course, fellow shoppers were probably wondering what on Earth I was planning to do with such an overabundance of celery. But, hey, I don't judge. I expect them not to and if they do, well, that's their problem; not mine. I didn't question you when you hoarded toilet paper. Leave me and my green stalks alone. Many thanks and much love to you. 

Ready and eager to let the healing begin, I pour my glass of celery juice and am super excited. Then for a brief moment, I think, oh man, I hate celery so much. What am I doing? Am I going to be able to fathom drinking this stuff? What if I vomit? What if I just can't do it. Then I realized what I was doing and shut down my ego brain. "I am grateful for this healing juice. I am grateful for consuming this juice quickly and reaping its benefits. I am grateful for the ability to heal my own body." 

Deep breath, down the hatch!

Dear God....

 That was SOOOOOO disgusting. 

The smell alone almost made me vomit. 

But I did it! I drank every last drop of it.

And then I quickly filled my glass up with water, swished it around and downed it like college girl me did a shot back in the day. 

Those 15 minutes I had to wait before consuming something delicous couldn't go by fast enough. All kidding aside, I actually waited 30 minutes. If I am going to consume this stuff, I am going to at least make sure I do it right so that it will work and benefit my body.

This 10 Day Celery Juice Challenge feels good already. It isn't going to be that much of a challenge except to increase my daily intake from 8 oz to 16oz or even more at some point. When I know that what I am doing is not harming my body but healing it, it's a no brainer for me. 

What I just realized, and this is how my world works, is that celery is green. Well, that's not anything you didn't already know, right? Well, sure but do you know what is important about celery being green? Green is the color associated with the heart chakra. Green is also associated with Archangel Raphael who is the archangel of healing. Yeah, there are no coincidences in this life. Everything happens exactly as it is supposed to when it it is supposed to according to our soul's path. 

So here's to you, celery juice! 

I love you, you wretched green monster!

Let's do this!

 

2021 - the year of change

Well, here we go. 2021. The year everyone has been waiting for. The savior of all years to release us from the dumpster fire that was 2020, right? Well, what if I told you that 2021 is all about change. Yep, change. That word that most humans dread.

2020 was a year that most people want to forget and wish never occured. I understand that for many reasons. Personally, 2020, did not negatively affect me at all and for that, I am grateful. 2020 was a year of foundation. What does that mean really? A year that challenged us to our core - made us think aobut who we really are, what our relationships are made of, the validity of our jobs and careers, what truly makes us tick. From the very start of the pandemic, I chose to refer to this time as a "healing of the earth". It was God's way of reaffirming to all us arrogant humans who REALLY is in control. Not the government. Not the legal system. Not public safety. Not humans at all. God woke us up and said, "Hey, don't forget about me. This is still MY world and I am in charge. Not you." Our foundations were rocked. Mine, however, was solidified and made even stronger.  Why fear lockdowns and quarantines? If you aren't comfortable in your own home, there is something deeper going on than the govenrment "making" you stay home. Many accepted this realization and started to do some inner work and relationship work. Others, well, are still in denial. It's ok because everyone is on their own path and it will all unfold as it is supposed to.  Early on in the healing of the earth, I began to focus on love; not fear. Love is who we are. Love is our natural state. If we stay aligned with love, fear is not possible. Fear actually only exists in the past. So if you stay in the present moment, fear is a stranger. We are all souls having a temporary human experience.  2020 was all about rising up or bowing out. Many, many souls chose to exit stage right and I hold no judgement for them. Others, such as myself, saw this as an opportunity to love, guide and provide love in service by rising up to the call of a new Earth. 

So now it's 2021. The first day of 2021. How are you going to navigate this new year? Just flipping a calendar and not writing "2020" on anything any longer, doesn't change things. There is no going "back to normal". Why would you want to? "Normal" obviously wasn't working. Why not focus on what you learned in 2020 and carry it forward into 2021? Why not focus on love and remove all hate, judgment and fear and make 2021 not only a better year, but take a part in making this world a better place? How do you do that? Don't make the same mistakes that you made last year and the years prior. Mistakes are just opportunities to learn but if we keep repeating them, we clearly aren't learning are we? Stop judging others because they think, say, look, do or feel ways different from your own. We are all one. We are all extensions of God - pure love and light- here for soul growth having a temporary human experience. Those experiences are all unique to our souls and not a single one is better or worse than another. 

If 2020 was the year revolving around foundation and 2021 is the year of change, what can we expect? Well, the core of who we are was shook and revealed in 2020. With that came a lot of uncertainty, fear, loss, confusion and questions. For others, it may have even brought clarity, freedom and self worth. But more change, now? Well, yeah, because when you have such a shock to the foundation, massive change is bound to occur. The question is how will you react to that change? Will you be negative, abrasive, judgmental and scared? Or will you embrace it and use it to your and your fellow human being's advantage? YOU are in control. Remember who you are and act like it. This is ALL happening FOR you; not TO you. Will you be a victim to change and 2021 like you were in 2020 or will you speak your truth, align yourself with love and become empowered and aware? 

Gratitude in 2020

Everything is a blessing or a lesson. Everything. 

Yes, even in 2020 - an unprecedented time - the year of a worldwide pandemic, the year of COVID-19, the year of masks and shutdowns and quarantines.
Yes, even in 2020 - the year of the Earth's healing, the year of transformation and rebirth and self-reflection. 

As humans, it is easy (often without even thinking) to complain and immediately see the worst in a situation. It is also then easy to be that hamster on a wheel or even start that downward spiral that typically comes next if we aren’t aware. COVID-19 is real and while, thankfully, my immediate family has not been personally affected, I have many friends and family of friends who have been and my heart truly aches for them.

I have heard so many mention how they are anxious for 2021 to begin so this will be over. The mere flipping of a calendar will not make this disappear. Oh, and neither will THE election. But this isn’t a blog about politics or differing beliefs and I am not climbing up on the soapbox. Those pedestals are quite full right now. That’s not who I am, anyway. 

Who I am is a woman of pure love and light and gratitude. Gratitude. Yes, that is where this blog is going, friends. But thanksgiving and November are over, you say? Well, yes, they are but gratitude is a permanent state for me. Why? Because we attract what we focus on and what we believe. I choose to remain in a state of gratitude in order to attract more things into my life for which to be grateful! Who wouldn’t want that, right?

So, let’s go back to January 1, 2020 and reflect on our blessings AND our lessons and be grateful for each one because they happened FOR us; not TO us! I’ll start. I am grateful for:

1. the start of my work as a Hospice volunteer in January. I am grateful to have spent about two months (before she broke free of her earthly chains) with a lovely elderly lady whose family trusted me with her care. I am grateful for the beautiful friendship I found with her granddaughter as a result of my first patient pairing. There is nothing better than the feeling I get as a Hospice volunteer!
2. seeing “Grease” at the Riverside Dinner Theater with my mom in February.
3. sharing dinner with my cousins, Rosemary and Jack, in late February not, at the time, knowing how much I would truly appreciate that fellowship.
4. my first mentor turned family friend transitioning in late February and being able to spend much-needed time with her family for two days and hold a “normal” service. While the gathering was surrounded by sadness, it was also full of love, allowed me to catch up with Nicole and others and spend valuable time with Jan’s family.
5. Hubs and I making the trip to Raleigh the first week in March to see the Zac Brown Band. Little did we know it would be the first and only live show we would see in 2020. What an incredible time!
6. our first (and what turned out to be only) wine dinner of the off-season at the Salt Box Cafe.
7. my mom being able to spend almost two weeks of time with us in the OBX as, just a mere few days after taking her home, the pandemic was in full force.
8. a dear friend reaching out to me for help on a whim when a mutual friend’s husband was hospitalized. Subsequently, I am grateful for his trust in me (as we had never met in person) to connect with his energy to provide reiki healing and prudent messages to his wife. I am also eternally grateful for his willingness to continue to connect with me in spirit to reassure his wife of his love and appreciation.
9. Hubs being able to make a quick trip to Ohio to visit his mom, not knowing it would be the only trip home this year.
10. seeing the writing on the wall (even though I adored those babies) and quitting my part-time job at a dog daycare.       Now.... all of that occurred PRIOR to the pandemic. Let’s continue on through the rest of the year.  I am grateful for:
11. Hubs having a secure, federal government job in which he has always worked from home.
12. having such dear friends who I consider family that live close to Mom to assist in grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments during this time. Mom is high-risk, having incurable lung disease, and my heart was able to rest due to the love of Sue, Sunday, Melissa and Phil.
13. being nudged to expand my awareness and energy work to a broader public collective in the form of “Spiritual Warrior Soul Daughter”. As a result, I have come in contact with beautiful souls and have been able to provide “love in service” to more than I ever imagined.
14. listening to my intuition and reaching out to a friend in which I had cut a connection to many years prior. While I was quickly reminded why that relationship had to end, and severed it for good this time, it also served a bigger purpose. As a result, I was introduced to a new soul sister in Colorado with whom I periodically send distance reiki to help in her cancer battle. While old wounds surfaced, it was for a higher purpose. TANC
15. being offered and accepting a part-time job with the local winery in June. Wine has always been a true love of mine and this experience paired perfectly with raising the vibration for myself and that of strangers. Being able to give people a sense of normalcy this year was invaluable!
16. my already resilient marriage growing even stronger as Hubs and I appreciate our lives and fall in love more every day.
17. being able to frequently support our friends (who are like family) who own and staff restaurants through takeout and curbside deliciousness. Shout out to Salt Box Cafe, Two Roads, South Beach and Mom's Sweet Shop!
18. breaking personal records in supporting John’s Drive In and Fishheads this season! The wait is usually so long at both we are lucky to get in one time a year. This year we went to EACH three times!
19. trips to my home away from home, Colonial Beach, to safely meet my mom. While it was not as often as a usual year, I am beyond grateful we had the special and few opportunities we did; especially to celebrate my dad’s birthday.
20. making a quick stop at the new Backporch Winery in King George while in town and making a new friend in the NN Wine Diva! What a wonderful visit we had-the view, the wine, the staff- to serve as a quick escape from reality.
21. enjoying three bushels of blue crabs this summer- two at CB and one from my new local friend, Steve, in Grandy.
22. the opportunity to provide weekend dog-walking services through Hospice to a lovely lady who is homebound and lost her husband in March. While she profusely thanks me every time, it is I who am the thankful one to have the privilege of caring for her precious girl and now for her as well.
23. having participated in my happy place, Winestyles of Montclair, virtual Zoom tastings. Being able to see my friends and be part of that Friday night from afar made my heart smile so big! I am also grateful for special packaged to-go orders just for me!
24. living at the beach so that I could easily clear my mind and be present in a state of gratitude when it was often very challenging.
25. the thriving mental and physical health of my family.
26. Nami growing in confidence and being a well-behaved good girl staying home alone for hours at a time while not destroying the house or eating Alvin.
27. Alvin overcoming a very scary and overwhelming health issue.
28. our beloved and devoted team of vets, staff and dog gurus who have helped us in so many ways with Alvin and Nami- Kate, Jennifer, Dr. Belton and Samson, Dr. Johnson and Brewer at Blue Pearl, vet tech Amanda and my forever angel-on-earth vet, Dr. Bakanas.
29. being offered, and then falling in love with, Sycamore Brewing Pumpkin Latte beer!
30. hurricanes and tropical storms staying away from the OBX this season (God bless those who were in those paths)!
31. finding the perfect blend of CBD oil and Benadryl to ease my Nammer’s mind for a calm car ride.
32. not waiting until May 2020 to get married, as that was a strong option back in June 2019!
33. Emily, and her local apothecary, for keeping me healthy with her magical Elderberry syrup, tinctures and teas.
34. Shree, my friend and Reiki Master, for always being the epitome of all that is love and light in a world that can often seem harsh and dark.
35. owning over 100 bottles of wine at any given time in our home. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
36. Harris Teeter in my town because Walmart on a normal day not during a pandemic is disgusting and suspect.
37. saying goodbye to my local government government career (especially EMS) a year ago in November.
38. my grandparents, as much as I miss them, not being in the physical, during this healing of the Earth.
39. afternoon visits with my soul sister keeping the barkeep staff entertained while enjoying margaritas, beer, nachos and remembering to LIVE in the present.
40. Nami faithfully serenading us to the sounds of a Drake White song. It never gets old.
41. the handsome, intelligent, funny, loving, rational man that I married is not only healthy but still by my side. Every second of every day I am grateful to be his wife and share this life with him.
42. NC Coast and Aqua for making the trek to Duck worth it-not only with fantastic meals and cocktails but in a safe and beautiful outdoor atmosphere overlooking the water.
43. Chef Amanda for satisfying our Salt Box cravings with special orders to stock our freezer and delectable cakes for both of our birthdays!
44. celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary on the outdoor porch of Salt Box Cafe-our first dining at a restaurant in eight months.
45. time in my backyard flower garden and having hydrangea bushes for the first time. Hydrangeas take me back to my childhood at my grandparents’ house.
46. my Redskins growing in confidence and talent each game thanks to Coach Rivera and for not only handing the Steelers their first loss on national tv but sweeping and stomping the Cowboys! HTTR4life!
47. discovering beautiful souls with phenomenal energy crossing my path, including but not limited to, Lauren, Jordan, Brandee and Heather.
48. having a tormented and loving soul in South Africa find me on social media and not only request my assistance in her healing but  become one with whom I have formed a long distance, beautifully energetic connection with like no other.
49. the friendship in my beautiful hair guru who continued to provide her services at home during the earlier shutdown and for Hubs becoming my very patient and excellent hair artist.
50. all of the souls, on this plane and beyond, for trusting me enough to communicate with me the messages that their loved ones so desperately need to hear. I am also grateful for those loved ones here in the physical listening and believing in my abilities.
    

While there are MANY more things to be grateful for in 2020, these are the first 50 that came to mind. 50 equating to 5 which is the number representing change so how fitting and, no, I did not plan to make a list of 50! While I know many of you did not read this blog based on its length, it really doesn’t matter. This was an exercise for me that brought me back to the present moment and returned my focus to that of love and gratitude. While change is always prevalent, this year has had monumental moments of change and, through it all, I promise you BEing love and finding gratitude at all times is what will always keep us going!

Much love and light to you and yours as we approach Christmas and the end of 2020. Instead of focusing on what went "wrong" in 2020, how about taking time to reflect on what went "right" and bringing that love and positivity into 2021. There are no coincidences, my friends!

My 2020 Off-Season Wine Dinner

Wine dinners, oh how I miss you. We should be in “off season wine dinner mode” right now but 2020 has other plans. Last week, while chatting with my new friend, the NNK Wine Diva, I was inspired to start blogging about wine and food again (and maybe I have nudged her to start blogging as well!)

Let's take a trip back in time. 

It was the evening of March 11, 2020. COVID wasn’t even an issue at this point. What a delightful time just with that mere fact! The next day we would drive my mom, who had been visiting, back to NoVA and while we were there we would realize that the pandemic was just beginning! But let’s forget about that for a bit, and go back to the beautiful evening, just days prior, full of wine, food and friends at a Salt Box Cafe wine dinner!

Sitting at the bar, with a packed house, Hubs and I were more than ready! Throw us in a corner at a bar where we have access to staff (and a wall to lean on) and we are golden! Tonight’s theme was “The Earth is Mine” and I was about to not only imbibe on fantastic wine and food but I was also about to wine geek out! The presenter had prepared handouts with info on soil types and wine regions and AVAs, oh my!!! Most guests were probably just wanting to eat and drink and not worry about listening but I crave and love the whole experience! Hubs was even more excited than me because we were sitting in a corner with our backs to people and I wouldn’t be able to easily run my mouth to strangers. I have been known to make new friends when enjoying wine. I get it naturally, from my dad, and am actually not ashamed to say so. I may walk in the place not knowing a single person but it won’t be that way by the end of the night.

First up, Butter Basted Monkfish in a Meyer lemon beurre blanc sauce with smoked rapini

Monkfish. What is monkfish? I’ve heard of it but never tried it. I love seafood-fresh local seafood-but when it comes to fish I tend to stick with tuna (real tuna, not that canned crap), flounder or swordfish. But, thanks to these Salt Box food genius chefs (who I am blessed to call my friends), I will try anything they prepare. I’m not a lobster fan because I think it is overrated and just tastes like whatever it is cooked in. Monkfish has the texture of lobster but the lemony flavor was incredible and I will always be a fan of smoky rapini any day! This dish was paired with Chateau d’ Anice Blanc which is a blend of Semillion and Sav Blanc from the Graves region of France. With a beautiful, summertime-like nose and a light, refreshing flavor, this wine paired perfectly with this  delightful dish! Wine geek note: The amount of drainage allowed in the soil  where vines are planted is important. Gravel is used to drain the water away and yields more minerality!

Grilled Sea Scallop with cardamom-scented cauliflower and parsnip purée over coconut rice is served next. 

Dear God, just reading the description made me salivate. Scallops are one of my all-time favorite sensual pleasures when it comes to food.  I have always been able to prepare them at home perfectly and an so grateful! I am in love with everything about this dish and actually had just tried my hand at parsnip purée not long before this night. Of course, while it was really good, it cannot be compared to Chef Amanda’s. While this dish was “lick the plate” incredible, it also improved the wine. On its own, the Dutton Estate Chardonnay Kyndall’s Reserve from the Russian River Valley of California did not impress me. While it smelled like a lovely Chardonnay, it did not taste like one and had a bad aftertaste. I hate when wine plays games with me in that way. Maybe it didn’t impress me because the grapes are grown where the Petaluma Gap opens and I dated a guy in Petalumaonce....it left a bad taste in my mouth ,just like the wine......... Coincidence? I think not. 

We are only two wines in and the volume in the room is increasing already. Geez, lightweights....or maybe there was some pregaming going on. Hubs and I were almost late so I won't assume or judge.

One thing I’ve NEVER been able to fathom is veal. I won’t even try it because the mere thought of it disgusts me. I can’t bring myself to eat baby animals. Period. So I was given the larger of the pieces on this next entree of Roasted Veal and immediately switched plates with Hubs. I tried a small piece of veal for the first time because, after all, Chef Randolph prepared it and he is a food God to me. But then I immediately forked the rest over to Hubs’ plate after I made a horrendous face. Bye Bye, Veal. I just can’t do it. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh tarragon, smashed red potatoes and roasted baby carrots however. The wine, the first red of the night, was heavenly on the nose and I fell absolutely in love with the  earthy flavor. No surprise really because it is a Lange Estate Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Anyone in my wine circle knows that I am obsessed with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. In my opinion, no one does Pinot better. I can fathom a New Zealand if need be but you can keep your California Pinot Noir all to yourself, thank you.

Oh yeah, almost forgot...Wine geek note: These grapes are growing in jory soil. What is jory soil? Evidently the magic behind Willamette Valley Pinot, that's what! Pulverized lava, salt rock and a little bit of clay and sand. It is iron rich which adds the spice notes. I swear if I ever visit the Willamette Valley I may never come back to the East Coast.

Something happened during this part of the night and it was mesmerizing. I recall texting my friend, Natalie, and telling her what happened as it happened because she is one of my those who really "gets" me when it comes to my "energy experiences".  Out of nowhere, I suddenly heard the song, "Cheek to Cheek" by Fred Astaire but, of course, no one else did. I felt a calm, content lightness come over me and I was instantly the only one in the room at that moment. I found myself smiling, sitting back and singing the words softly to myself...."Heaven, I'm in Heaven and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak... and I seem to find the happiness I seek.. when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek"  I knew the tune and could always hum it but never knew those exact words but they flew right off my tongue that night. I'm not sure who was with me in spirit but, man, it was a lovely and quite magical moment.

Italian wines have never done it for me. In general, they are too light and are fine with food but nothing exciting. I want more than fine. Water is fine and healthy. I want a party in a glass!  Next up we have a Camigliano Brunelleschi Di Montalcino DOCG from Tuscany. I do want to visit Tuscany though. Maybe, if I do then it will change my opinion on Italian wines. I'm not convinced yet. On the nose was a strong smell of rank, week-old garbage and this wine had absolutely no flavor. It was really bizarre to have such a strong aroma but weak taste. It was fine with the Duck and Pancetta Ragout over a crispy polenta cake dish but very bland on its own. Don't get me started on duck. I can't get behind duck either. I have tried duck at various places and I just don't care for it. 

There has only been one Italian wine that was appealing to me-Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Tralcetto- a red wine that I first served my parents with lamb bolognese on vacation many years ago. I fondly refer to it as "stick wine" for two reasons - 1) it has a little twig tied around the neck of the bottle with a piece of straw and 2) let's face it, saying stick wine is a lot easier than trying to pronounce that long, complicated Italian name.

I’m stoked for the next dish just reading the description-Mushroom Bruschetta with roasted shallot, chèvre cheese, fresh thyme and a truffle balsamic. My mouth is watering thinking about it even now eight months later. This is my absolute favorite creation of the night and I could have eaten 10 more! The wine, Pierre Rougon Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône region of France, smelled of rotten tomatoes, nutmeg and licorice. With a burnt taste, it had more flavor than the previous Italian wine but that’s not really saying much, is it? In the same vane, I only like French whites and I rarely will seek out any French wine. I found out early on I am definitely a New World wine girl; not Old World. Give me a Cali Cab, Oregon Pinot or Washington Merlot any day and I’ll be more than satisfied. While this wine did not knock my socks off, it became part of what I deem as the perfect food and wine pairing of the night!

Did you save room for dessert? That’s what every waiter says nearing the end of the meal, right? If you’ve ever been to Salt Box you know Chef Amanda is THE best at desserts. Hubs and I just about never get dessert at restaurants but we always get dessert at Salt Box. We will ask what the dessert options are at the start of the meal so we can make sure what we want is saved for us. Yes, they are that delicious! I have even been known to just run over to the restaurant to grab dessert to go on any given day.  

The final course was a Smoky Cheddar "Cheesecake" in a date and walnut crust with cherry and apple syrup paired with Casa Gran del Siurana 'Cruor' from Priorat. Based on Chef Randolph's family tradition from Western Pennsylvania of cheddar and apple pie, this dessert was decadently divine! I am not a fan of Spanish wines typically but I lean toward reds from the Priorat region. I had my first Priorat at my hometown happy place at a Chef's Table dinner for my birthday many years ago and it made a huge mark on me. Tonight's Priorat was a blend of Sancerre, Syrah and Carignan and it had me at Carignan. I can't find Carignan (originating in Spain but mostly found as blending grape in French wines) often but when I do you can best believe I will grab it. 

Overall, 2020 has not been that horrible for me. I have been forced to slow down, reflect, focus on simple pleasures and what truly matters in life. Hubs and I have actually done things we normally wouldn't do and have found more daily appreciation for this wonderful life we lead. I, of course, have missed spending time with my mom and fellowshipping with my friends. It's bad enough that we have had record high visitation numbers in our County and it's just now starting to slow down a tad. We should be in the prime of our off season - my favorite time of year! But, most of all, when the realization hit me that 2020 has taken away my off season wine dinner fun, now THAT is just simply unacceptable. Well played, 2020, hit me where it hurts. Don't worry though, I got you and I will be back, better than ever. You can't keep a good wine girl down! Cheers, everyone! 

The Woods Were Calling Her

She was a beach girl, a lover of the ocean. She desired feeling the sand beneath her feet, the ocean mist on her face, the breeze in her hair. But for two nonstop days, she had an urge, an undeniable, powerful longing to be in the woods. The woods were calling her. That had never happened to her before and she was a bit confused. She tried to push it away and grounded herself in the dirt of her yard, but it didn’t satisfy. She stopped at the ocean and inhaled deeply with her head lifted to the sky and basked in the grandmother sun’s warmth on her face. She stood in awe and in deep gratitude as she gazed upon Mother Ocean. That known welcoming sense of contentment came across her as it always does and she began to feel better. But that feeling of peace didn’t last very long and she started to sink into that spiral of unease and imbalance. The woods. She needed to be in the woods. But what did that mean? All she knew was she had this burning desire deep in her soul to be in the woods. The more she resisted it, the stronger it became and the more emotional and irritable she felt herself becoming. Short fused with no explanation one moment and uncontrollable tears the next. The woods? She lived at the beach, surrounded by water. Why the woods and where would that be anyway? Then it happened again.... that overwhelming push to be in the woods and this time she couldn’t ignore it. This time she listened. She grabbed her keys, crystals in her pocket and off she went - a woman on a mission. Suddenly, she knew exactly where to go.

She was alone and for a brief moment her ego mind warned her of potential danger but she settled into her soul and she became surrounded by the love of those who went before her as she took her first steps onto a dirt path that would take her into the woods. The solitude in nature. The sun glistening through the canopy of trees. The birds swooping past. The leaves falling from the trees onto a pond. The quiet stillness of the marshy waters. Not a single human in her presence.

She wandered without a plan and let the woods guide her. She could feel the tension evaporate the deeper into the unknown she walked. At times, she was led to stop and just take it all in and listen. This was truly being present and showing gratitude in the here and now; knowing that was all that was even real.

As the sun was fading, she felt the desire for one last turn. Not knowing why, but knowing to listen, she turned down a path which led to a wooden bridge over swamp-like waters. Before she stepped onto the bridge, she looked to her left and saw him and her body froze. It was like a bright white glowing light encompassed her being and her focus was solely on him. He was tall and majestic and absolutely stunning. They locked eyes and neither of them moved. She felt an absolute awe come over her as she watched in gratitude this mesmerizing creature. An incredible blue heron. Patience. Grace. Magnificence. Authenticity. Elegance. Confidence. Balance. Solitude.

The blue heron was calling her to the woods. She was being called to create a place in the stillness of nature to be renewed. The woods were guiding her to that necessary balance by taking time to be alone. The heron was telling her she was on the right track by being patient and sinking in to her natural way of being. She knew it was time to look within to find answers and that self reflection was the key at this time. It was time to retreat and reclaim her power as her own.

She physically walked out of the woods but, spiritually, the woods became an innate part of her soul that day. She had been barely functioning and energetically drained to the depths of her being for weeks. Her passion is her purpose and yet it became overwhelming. Spirit found a way, through nature, through the woods and the teachings of the blue heron to push her into self preservation and self care. Now, she was ready to truly refocus and remember who she was. 

Chickpea Flavor Bombs

Ahhhh.... food. Yes, it’s been a while but I’m getting my cooking mojo back. Well, I guess I didn’t lose it really. I just haven’t felt the nudge to blog about food. That whole spiritual energy work thing has kinda taken over. Well, this meal sparked my creative juices and was so delicious that I must share!

Chickpea Dumplings in Curried Tomato Sauce

Looking at this recipe may not excite you but, trust me, it is well worth the effort! No meat, no dairy, no gluten and yet sooooooo much flavor! Do yourself, and your taste buds, a favor and try this one!

I like to prep my kitchen counter with all the necessities before digging in so, first, open a German Riesling and pour yourself a glass. My dad and I always loved to cook with wine. The wine isn’t part of the recipe; it’s for the chef’s enjoyment (and it will also pair well with the end result of your hard work).

The specifics:

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour

3 cups of finely chopped baby spinach (divided into 1/2 cup and 2 1/2 cups)

1/3 cup olive or avocado oil

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup dairy-free plain yogurt (I use SO Delicious coconut milk yogurt. You could use full milk yogurt if you wanted, I guess, but why? Just make sure it’s plain and not flavored.)

1 tablespoon finely chopped serrano or jalapeño pepper (I have left this out and it is equally as delicious, so your call.)

1 -15 oz. can no-salt-added petite diced tomatoes

1 -15 oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce

Spice blend

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground mustard (the spice; not the condiment)

1 tablespoon curry powder (Did you know curry simply means “mixture”? Thanks to Chef Randolph for that little nugget.)

                                            1 tablespoon ground ginger

Grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get started!

Chop the onion and pepper as fine as possible with a sharp knife. I like to have the crunch in this dish for texture so it doesn’t need to be super fine but you definitely don’t want big chunks. Place the cut veggies in the bowl.

Solicit the help of your good friend, Mr. Food Processor, for chopping the spinach. I have made this dish numerous times and finally had the genius idea of NOT chopping the spinach by hand this go ‘round. What a time saver! Add 1/2 cup of the spinach to the bowl. Set the rest aside for later.

Add 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/3 cup oil and one cup plus two tablespoons of chickpea flour to the bowl.

(Do those two tablespoons really matter? I have thought the same thing and am not willing to chance not including it so just get over it and do it.) Mix well until all is incorporated, scraping off the sides of the bowl when needed.

Use a tablespoon (and your fingers) to scoop and shape this mixture into round dumplings. I think they should be called meatless balls or chickpea nuggets. I hear dumpling and I think Asian and this is not that kind of dumpling. Oh well, I didn’t create this recipe, so not my call, I guess. Anyway, make round balls out of the mix in the bowl and place them aside. I usually get about 14 or 16. They aren’t very appealing but just wait because they are so surprisingly yummy!

Now grab a small bowl and combine the spices listed above to create the spice blend.

Believe me, it’s easier and quicker to combine them this way ahead of time rather than adding each one to the pan individually. You’ll make a mess because you are hurrying. You won’t pay attention and forget what you already put in and screw up the balance. I’m talking from experience here. Phew! Ok, yeah, that deserved a sip of wine. Go ahead.

Next, grab a large skillet/pan (that has a lid) and heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the pan and combine with a wooden spoon.

Add in the spice blend and stir. Let these beauties meld together for a minute or two. Have a sip of wine and take note of how much you’ve accomplished thus far! Ok, not the whole glass. No time for a refill just yet either. Get your grimey hands off that bottle!

Stir in the rest of the spinach that’s been patiently hanging out over there in the food processor. (Oh yeah, remove the blade first. Damn, those things can do some damage.) Use a spatula (or your finger) to get all that spinach stuck around the bottom of that container. No greens get left behind, y’all. Once it is all combined, bring to a simmer. Be careful not to boil. We just want a gentle but steady simmer.

Nope, don’t do it. I saw you reach for that glass of wine. Patience! Well, ok, fine but be quick about it. We have more work to do!

Next, nestle the dumplings/meatless balls/chickpea nuggets in the sauce.

(Nestle. What a comforting word, isn’t it? I’m a word girl. I can’t help it.) Once the round guys are all nestled in, place the lid on the pan and cook for 10 minutes......if you can stand it. I usually have to peek after about five minutes even though there’s really nothing to see. You may want to baste. Use your judgment. Make sure the sauce doesn’t start boiling and after 10 minutes, take off the lid and baste those babies with the sauce. Be gentle because they are delicate. Make sure they are covered completely in sauce. Don’t roll them. Spoon the sauce over them. Put the lid back on and leave them alone for 10 more minutes.

Now is when you get a break. Use your time wisely. Finish that glass of wine, if you haven’t already. Yeah, I saw you. Or, do what I do and clean up the huge mess you made because I despise cluttered and unkept kitchen counters! Plus, after you enjoy this meal you don’t want to ruin that happy feeling by having to do dishes! Completely destroys the good vibes.

This recipe makes enough for four people unless you are at my house in which case it makes enough for me and Hubs and one additional bowl for lunch the next day. Naan or sourdough bread is a must as an accompaniment because you will definitely want to sop up the sauce!

So now the kitchen is cleaned up, your wine glass is empty and the oven timer annoyingly beeps. Shut the timer off. Yeah, I know it keeps beeping so next time REALLY push it.Man, I hate when that happens! You showed that oven timer, didn’t you? Lift the lid off the pan, baste again and it is ready to eat!

Use a large serving spoon to gently place the dumplings and sauce in bowls. Go heavy on the sauce. If you’re like me, your brain will reach for parmesan cheese but don’t do it. What you are about to enjoy may look like an Italian delight but it actually is a rendition of a Pakistani dish so no need for cheese. (Yeah, I’ve kicked dairy in every way possible but just can’t stop the cheese addiction. I have a problem. I know and 80% is awareness. I used to say "at least it’s not crack or heroin" but guess what? Cheese is just as addictive, but that’s for another blog post. Ya only live once, so enjoy that wine and cheese every so often! Well, wait, we actually have many lifetimes, but again, I’ll save that for another post.)

OK, so dig in! Enjoy your Chickpea Dumplings in Curried Tomato Sauce and let me know what you think! Oh yeah, don’t forget to pour yourself another glass of wine! Who am I kidding? Bon Appetit!