something's on the brain

My mind is under a heavy influence of spring fever. For Pacific Northwesterners this year in particular the rain has taken its toll- and it continues to persist- the weather only bleeping from the rainy dogma with a sunny respite here and again, giving us nothing to bank on. Yet wait! There is a sign that spring and yes maybe I can say summer- is on the horizon! My body has been craving the foods of spring, things like lemons, asparagus, eggs, and.......rhubarb! Which on an aside and slight detour- listen to these cravings they are a primal instinct that our bodies were blessed with. Its the way that our body awakens us to each season-listen!Yes folks- rhubarb is growing in a sunny spot near you! I have been on a rampage of rhubarb concocted everything. Nothing tastes more like spring than this weird weed looking thing. This tart and sassy fruit will give you a kick in your mouth and awaken your body to recognize that sunnier days are ahead- and lets face it-thats a promise we can all be thankful regardless of circumstance or position. Im not particularly qualified to give out medical advice- but I have served a heavy dose of remedies through philosophy pertaining to food. All the same you can take it on authority from the resident CG that a few doses of this delightful and primitive stalk from the earth will change and lighten your perspective.

**CG suggestions for rhubarb: compote, muffins, pie, tart, crepes, pair compote with roast chicken/turkey or pork tenderloin, the possibilities are endless!!!

**AND A NEW USE JUST DISCOVERED (as seen in picture): toast with chunky peanut butter, honey and rhubarb compote....beyond delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am over the moon about this epicurean manifestation!

place , place- whats in a place

Over the course of this past year I was on an exploratory mission commissioned by myself- to determine my calling. The mission was daunting but was expressly understood that once
accomplished would furnish the most compelling results. I ventured out into the wilderness of no schedule, no 8-5, nothing but the expanse of life and the world in front of me.I had no map, and the arrow in my compass seemed to be spinning round andround. So I walked in circles- I looked under rocks and marked trees with a bit of flagging taken from my fabric. I meandered down promising paths and took in the gorgeousness that a new view afforded. As soon as the newness faded, I would pursue another trail and be mesmerized and in awe once again. When dark came- it enveloped me in dis pair- leaving me questioning if the sun really would come up to furnish me with light and provide the clarity I needed to make the trek. Then as it always does- it rose with brightness that yielded a surge of energy to keep me moving. The terrain at times was steep and it hurt to climb. Sometimes it was rocky and I would fall and I questioned my strength to get up. Then I would pull in deep- and climb my way out. The questioning of myself did not subside and persisted with every step that yielded no blatant results. In an effort to uphold my commission I kept moving. I had a good time along this journey- offering up my own comic relief. I would roll on the ground in a laughing hysteria at the image of me tromping through the muck and tumbling down hills-dirtying my designer gear. Then as profound as the simplest of things are- I realized that my worn path was circling around the same place. In the circle was a clearing. I decided to veer from the path I had treaded and walked inside to see more of what the clearing offered. As I walked farther in I got a supreme case of deja-vu. One step closer and waves of calm and peace cascaded over me like a waterfall. This place that I stumbled upon -was home.

The journey I took was of value. Had I not wandered along the outside- I could not have seen the clearing. For me- the source of my quest was what begged me to heed. Home is the launch point- my springboard. I found that by splitting myself in two and exposing my heart was where I found peace and understanding of what and where I needed to be. For me it was the exposure of looking inward rather than out. Start with you- it is the place.

"a"-game

I am a genuine enthusiast for excess- being a proper American and all. Balance has always been a hard objective for me to achieve. I know I'm not alone here. My behavior is compulsive, its obsessive and at times borderline neurotic. So goes my love and relationship with food and body. I would be lying if I said I have mastered that delicate relationship. I have skeletons hanging in my closet that expose themselves from time to time.

Some people are born with a clearer understanding of how to navigate balance. I am always a little envious of those people. I have a dear friend that I am constantly in awe of her gentle glide through life- approaching everything with modesty and grace. However, long ago I realized this works for her- it doesn't work for me. My philosophy of life and petal to the metal attitude- has created who I am. So now I have an appreciation for the people that I will never be- and rightfully so.

I try to find balance in what works for me. Its taken a while to get to that point. Recently I have been a bit excessive in consumption-and I haven't burned as much off as normal- and now I'm feeling the effects. In an effort to get back to where I feel my best- I'm taking bit of a break from my indulgent self- and pairing back..doing a little detox to jump start the bod. This consists of a detox tea- (Republic of Tea- "Get Clean" is awesome), Odwalla Superfood, and homemade smoothies, and a lot of water, through the day and a normal meal in the evening (oh and I never leave coffee out!) Coupled with some good intense workouts. This is one of the ways I get back to my center.

I was jogging this afternoon with a friend and he was mentioning that he always knows how to reach down and get to his "A-game". His reference was in regard to his physical ability for training and competing. The comment got me thinking about my current efforts in getting back to my a-game. I encourage that if you don't know where you feel the best body and mind- start listening to what your body is convincing you of. Once you know how you feel optimally you will always know how to get back there, maintaining that balance all the more. The swinging back and forth will lessen and becomes much more manageable. We only get to go a 'round once on this gorgeous earth- so live vibrantly, live beautifully, live strongly. Be the master of you.

I highly encourage anyone regardless of the title to read "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano if you haven't already. The philosophy in it is so amazing. This book literally changed my whole perspective on food and body.

Regardless of how you feel- NEVER EVER- self deprecate. A barrage of insults of yourself are far more unattractive than the way you look. Confidence is your most gorgeous attribute. Evaluate and change. Move toward your goal- and love yourself every step of the way.