When it's all new

Today, we picked up a rescue dog to add to our home.  Her name is Lea and she is a white whippet.  She is a little afraid of her new surroundings, but slowly, you can see how she begins to trust us.

I imagine that dogs, like people, adapt to their surroundings.  But watching Lea sniff around, hesitate about jumping on the couch and generally wonder what she was supposed to do next, is akin to how humans adapt in situations.

It's hard to jump right into a situation and just give pure love like a dog.  But watching her made me wish that us humans were more amenable to new situations and wish they too, could act friendly and loving to new people.  I suppose it's the old adage of "why can't humans be more like dogs?"

I admire Lea's ability to love us up without hardly knowing us.  She seems appreciative of her toys and her soft bed.  She may be a little shy, but she sure knows how to settle into a cuddly comforter.

I think I will try to learn to trust myself a little more and thereby, trust others.  Thank you Lea, for the rich lesson today.

MissB

Potatoes...yams...who knew?

I love yams.  But I woke up this morning to startling news.  I've confused sweet potatoes and yams.  Oh no!  Sweet potatoes are rich in anti-angiogenic (anti cancer fighting agents) while yams are not. (For more information on anti-angiogenic foods, see the "video bar")

Sweet potatoes originally came from Central America, from a genus of morning glory.  They come in various shades and are rich in beta carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin c and fiber.

Here is an easy and healthy sweet potato recipe, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potato Leek Casserole

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
3 medium leeks
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons minced, fresh rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium size Sweet Potatoes (peeled/sliced to 1/8" thick)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 vegetable broth

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Coat a medium casserole dish with the olive oil.
Heat a skillet with the grapeseed oil over medium heat.  Cut the dark green tops off the leeks, and discard.  Have the leeks lengthwise.  Make sure to thoroughly wash dirt off leeks.  Chop the leeks and saute with the garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until soft.
Arrange one-third of the sweet potatoes across the bottom of the casserole dish.  Spread one-half of the leek mixture on top of the sweet potatoes.  Then arrange another third of the sweet potatoes across the leeks.  Repeat, ending with a layer of potatoes.  Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.  Pour the vegetable broth over the casserole.  Cover and bake 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of "Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook" by Kim Barnouin

Break your heart wide open

A friend recently told me that she recently learned more about life while dealing with the death of her father.  A birth, a death...some things in life are meant break your heart wide open.

Sometimes life seems so difficult with work, people, stuff.  But when you stop and take a look at what is happening in a limited scope, then you can really see through things and come to a deeper understanding.  I call this "mini-mouse" vision. 

It may sound trite, however, if you take just a few moments in silence to experience one thing (a friend's conversation, a cherished photo) then perhaps, you will truly feel everything about that moment.

I hope it breaks your heart.  Then it will be wide open.

MissB

Eat your chocolate too!

Eat to Defeat Cancer

(Click on link above)

I'm always on the lookout for simple, healthy tips for cancer-fighting/healthy foods.  So when

I stumbled across the "Eat to Defeat Cancer" site from a friend's Facebook post, I was thrilled!  A list that tells you what to eat and includes wine and chocolate (in moderation, of course)!

As a cancer "thriver", I strive to eat foods that fight the Big C, but are exciting to my palate.  So, to help me keep on track, I tacked the list to my fridge.  So easy to use, especially when you follow a vegetarian diet.

I love this site because it provides evidence as to why certain foods are good for you.  They also include recipes.  Dr. William Li's is the foundation's leader and when I sent a donation, he wrote me a thank you note!

I urge everyone to take a peak at the list and give some of the items a try.   By the way, persimmons are in season....try one!

MissB

A Story That Doesn't Need to Happen

Do you ever have times when your mind just runs and runs, like a "hamster on a wheel"?  Before you know it, you are worrying about something that has not even happened yet!


I was reminded that you don't have to worry.  It sounds so simple, right?  But when I thought about it more, it makes so much sense.    As our circular world spins around us and difficulties crop up, it's hard to halt that inner voice and whirl of worry.  It's especially true as we deal with work, media, family and friends and the hardships that just happen, no matter what we do.

An old African proverb tells to stop worrying about a "a story that does not need to happen".  The story goes that if you are walking through the savanna, and you think a lion is hiding behind a tree, you are only imagining this.  It is a story that doesn't need to happen that way.

So simple.  Perhaps it may help you find comfort in difficulties that happen you.

MissB