state of being

Praying For...Gayle, whose 11th birthday is this week. It's so hard to believe she is in her last year of childhood...I pray that she will choose to grow her faith in Jesus Christ, stay close to her family, find friends that support her values, and turn from sinful, rebellious wolves in sheep's clothing, which is my prayer for all my grands and children all over the world...that the enemies of truth and right and more specifically the enemies of Christianity will be stifled in their efforts but blessed as they soften their hearts...that the servants of God will be blessed and preserved in their efforts to expand the kingdom and save souls.

Ponderizations..."And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Mark 4:40. I fear for this and worry about that. Does it every help? No...This statement of Jesus gives me pause. Where is my faith that He can bind up wounds and heal hurts?

Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I feel so great, a state of being that has eluded me for a couple months. My pain is under control except for the frozen shoulder. I forgot all about taking turmeric and black pepper capsules for inflammation, which I began again. Also, my order of chickpea miso arrived a week or so ago. Miso and rice veggie soup each morning does something wonderful to my allergy problem. Gut swelling is totally gone, when I eat this each day. The large amount of vegetables satiates my need to eat and eat and eat without excess consumption. It takes a long time to chew up a large bowl of veggies. Some sort of mental need is filled that doesn't go away with a full stomach. Like a puppy, I must chew. Weird! We added cayenne to hubby's ginger/honey shots with even greater success.

Cucina Fresca...Around here we really love Mexican food. Because we lived away from the Southwest and its great Mexican restaurants for most of our 34 year marriage, I learned to make most of my favorites at home. After I got ill, I further tweaked my recipes to exclude oils and animal products. Now we are hard pressed to find Mexican restaurants we like. Hubby asked for quinoa tacos, which I haven't made for ages. I wanted change up the recipe to add my shamburger, but found I was out of nearly all the ingredients. That's when the best new recipes are born.

Shamburger Tacos (soft or crunchy)
serves 3 or 4

6 medium mushrooms, minced
3-4 cauliflower flowerets, minced
1/4 t each garlic and onion powders
1 T water
1/2 c quinoa
3/4 c cooked black beans
8 oz can El Pato Jalapeno Salsa
4 oz water
lettuce
tomato
orange bell peppers
avocado (if you are at your best weight and have no heart disease)
cilantro
salsa
2 limes
unfried refritos (mashed seasoned pintos)
12 corn tortillas

2-4 mangos

Cook quinoa, el pato, black beans, and water in a rice cooker. Meanwhile, mince mushrooms and cauliflower. (I've found this quite easy with a regular chef's knife and enjoy it over the food processor of blender method of mincing mushrooms.) Put the mince in a small dry frying pan over high heat with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. When they start to sizzle, turn it down to low. Add a Tablespoon of water if they are sticking. When all liquid has evaporated and it is browned, remove from heat and set aside. Shred lettuce, dice avocado, tomatoes and peppers, and mince cilantro; toss this together like a salad. Cut up mangos and quarter limes. When quinoa is finished, stir in the mushroom/cauliflower mixture. Heat tortillas to soften or crisp them in oven. Serve as fajitas with small dishes of shamburger, unfried refritos, salsa, mango, lime, and salad on each plate with the tortillas on a common covered platter. This is a fun meal to eat as each person assembles their tacos as they go.

joyful noise

Praying For...all me dear ones and children all around the world, may they have peace, plenty, health, hope, safety, security, and faith.

Ponderizations..."Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms," Psalm 95:2.

Garden Gate...I purchased two hibiscus, which I'll plant Friday. Ever since I was a little girl, hibiscus has been a favorite. All along the south wall of my school cafeteria where we stood in line for food, hibiscus bloomed beautifully and enticed little girls to put them behind the ear. Of course we were forbidden to pick the flowers. After all if every little girl in the 1200 student, 1-4 school picked a flower, it would have been stripped.

Movement...digging dirt is excellent physical exercise and medicine for the soul. Walking the dog is a real pleasure. The new Essentrics videos for posture, pain, mobility, and bone strength are helping me get back into movement, too. In fact, I feel so good, I want to ride my bike again. However, I don't think I'll ever walk the dog far from home again after being stalked by coyotes in the wee smalls. They don't bother me on my bike.

Sound of Music...with the new Essentrics videos, my stiffness is lessening. I hope I can pick up my violin and uke again soon. If not, I can still sing hymns in the mornings.

Teaching Little Children...When I was at my worst physically, this volunteer project is what kept me going. I love, love, love teaching and watching these babies blossom into capable, competent, peaceful creatures.

Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I am neither a trained doctor nor medicine woman; I am simply a student of natural, nutritional healing. As many who read my blog know, I adopted this way of eating under my doctor's advice because of multiple allergies that led to auto-immune issues. When others eat wheat, soy, oils, animal excretions, or dead animals, they don't have immediate, violent reactions similar to ingesting poison. Mostly, oil and animal products do their damage silently; the person suddenly presents with arthritis, vascular or kidney disease, cancer, or acne out of the blue so they think. I suppose one could argue that I'm lucky my reactions are so violent, because following a plant-perfect lifestyle isn't a hard choice. In my family, one particular individual with many health maladies insists on making unkind comments about my diet whenever we eat together. You can just bet if I were a diabetic, he would be very supportive of a special diet; his mother died of complications from diabetes. Why do people insist on rudeness, when gatherings might be so pleasant otherwise? I try to avoid and ignore this constipated, obese, arthritic, diabetic person with heart disease, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis, when on these rude kicks, secretly reciting my mantra: "Eat like that, look like that, feel like that, die like that." This mantra is kryptonite for my resolves not to eat what amounts to poison.

So, if the above person wants to understand why my current doctor speak on the diet he prescribes for those with autoimmune problems, watch this:



Cucina Fresca...In the winter, I drink green smoothies for lunch, because I just get too cold drinking them for breakfast. Instead I make all sorts of hot breakfasts from savory or fruity polenta to various oat dishes to fajita sweet potatoes to veggie miso soup with rice to this savory low-calorie, oil-free, cholesterol-free, stick to your ribs lentil dal with or without idli.

Rice Cooker Curry Dal with Rice

1/4 c each brown lentils, brown rice, and red rice (this is the cup that comes with the rice cooker and not a standard US cup)
water to the 2 line in the cooker
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 inch chunk ginger root, minced or grated
1/2 inch chunk turmeric root, minced or grated (optional)
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 serrano pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1 T curry powder *
1/8 t pumpkin pie spice (it's pretty close to garam masala but usually fresher in the store)
6-8 curry leaves, chopped (use twice as much if dried)
2 wedges of un-peeled Kabocha or other sweet winter squash
1/4 c moringa or spinach
1/4 fresh, minced cilantro


Put lentils, rice, onion, garlic, ginger, pepper, water, and spices in cooker. Top with squash wedges skin side down. Cook on brown rice setting. Stir in moringa or spinach and let steam with lid closed for a couple minutes. Put into two bowls. Garnish with cilantro and coarsely ground salt. *-I've tried lots of varieties and even mixed my own, Spice Hunter is the best one I've tasted by far.

sigh to excitement

Here are Dr. McDougal's teachings in a nut shell, which even a child can understand.

I had a heart breaking experience a week or so ago. My sweet great aunt invited me over for lunch. We've been out to dinner and lunch a few times over the last year or so. She is always so upset when I order a baked potato and broccoli or a salad. She tries to push all sorts of unhealthy foods on me, some of which I'm allergic. So...she invited me and my mother over for a luncheon of vegetable soup made especially so I could eat it and to meet her visiting cousin. My mother explained my dietary issues (no wheat, soy, dairy, oil, eggs, or animal products of any kind), so I didn't think to worry about it. Luckily, I felt impressed to eat before I went. The cousin, who is quite nice but also quite obese, prepared the food without heeding my mother at all. The onions in the soup were sautéed in butter before being cooked in beef broth with meat balls. She also prepared deviled eggs, celery with peanut butter, cornbread with butter, a huge dish of nuts, cheese and crackers, pumpkin dump cake made with four eggs and half a pound of butter, and raw carrots with ranch dip. I ate carrots sans dip.

Even though the visiting cousin prepared all the food, poor Aunty was beside herself. I told her how happy I was to be there to visit, and I always eat something ahead of time just in case. I asked her not to worry, but she couldn't rest. Finally, I told her in great detail what happens to me if I eat offending foods--including swelling of everything under my rib cage, abdomen, face, and throat leading to pain, vomiting, and SOB followed by digestive issues, acne, and joint pain as allergens travel through my body. I told her I remember eating and enjoying many things on her table, but now must I view them as non-foods. I simply cannot eat things to spare a person's feelings; they are poison to me. She settled down a bit, but I fear she has been offended beyond forgiveness. One would think a diabetic would understand dietary restrictions, but it hasn't been the reality in this case. Come to think of it, meals like the one she served are probably the reason for her diabetes and other health issues.

I'll stick with potatoes, rice, beans, fruits, greens, and vegetables, which make me feel great and keep my weight in check.

great week

Praying For...Quinn and children all over the world to be blessed with peace, plenty, happiness, health, and love...that he will learn to be honest, slow to anger, quick to listen, and love the truth...that he will enjoy school and work diligently to do his very best work...that he will love Jesus and always strive to be like Him...that he will enjoy life and try to find joy in all the experiences that come his way...that he will come to enjoy doing hard things, because learning from hard things make one wise and smart...that all God's children will recognize Him and strive to follow Him.

Ponderizations..."And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:7. Peace is a joyful thing.

GC Sermon of the Week...A Plea to My Sisters By Russell Nelson spoke deeply to my soul.  It is ok with God just as it is with my husband that I am a strong woman with an opinion who loves to serve others. I never did fit the doormat role. It is good that I am happy, that I am anxiously engaged in a good cause, that I spend a good portion of time researching my ancestors, that I love my family, my husband, and God.

Genealogy Gifts...over the last few years but especially this year, there has been a huge effort by millions of volunteers to digitize and make accessible vital and other valuable records of the past. Because of this, I have found hundreds of people that fit into my ancestral lines, mostly spouse (maiden names) and children. A relative of mine, notorious for contention, questioned my actions and called them foolish; he stated that there are some verses in the Bible that say we shouldn't worry about genealogy. Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9 both speak of this, but not in the way said relative imagines. Paul warns Titus of foolish genealogies, which signifies those that puff one up or take one away from worshipping God. Paul warns Timothy not to give heed to genealogies which don't edify God. My whole reason for keeping these records is to edify God and tie these loved ones to our family. All through out the Old and New Testaments, genealogies are recited to teach principles and confirm prophecy. With these ideas in mind, I know God wants me to spend part of my time engaged in this work. All of His children are important to Him; all of my family is important to me--not because being a decedent of royalty or rapscallion brings me any notoriety or puffs me up. Keeping genealogies out of love is not foolishness.

Teaching Little Children...I've been praying about a little problem with the hodgepodge reading instruction materials at my school. They does a fantastic job of teaching phonics for short vowels and some consonant blends, but it leaves too much undone; they are so disorderly. The other day, while searching for metal inset extension ideas, I came across a self-correcting, Montessori-inspired, complete phonics program and rainbow letters I'm so jazzed to get it up and running. My readers at the second grade level just can't continue to progress until they know all the vowel spellings and consonant blends. All of them need more cursive and manuscript practice. My goal for them by the time they get to first grade is excellence in spelling, penmanship, and reading. I could write volumes about teaching language in a Montessori environment. I think my favorite part of this volunteer experience is helping children become independent readers, as I have with dozens of others. It always amazes me to witness this miracle.

Garden Gate...We got a Lemon Meringue mango which is supposed to taste slightly lemony. We also got two elderberry bushes, so I can make my own elderberry syrup eventually. Finally, we got a tree called loquat, which is supposed to be sort of like an orange flavored peach. Next, we hope to acquire star fruit, more berries, more comfrey, more tree collards, more garlic, marigolds, and lupine, runner beans--permaculture by design.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman..."Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food...Walking is man's best medicine...Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease...Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity...A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses...Everything in excess is opposed to nature...," Hippocrates. His ideas have taken on great meaning in my life.

I read a testimonial of plant based healing this week. I could relate to one of her statements. “Just to live without nausea from day to day is such an incredible blessing.” I only get sick now if I eat one of my triggers. People say my WOE is such a sacrifice. While I do miss bread, pizza, tamales, flour tortillas, and pastries from time to time, I don’t miss super nausea, vomiting, or wishing I could vomit after eating. I feel so free and happy and vibrant, which isn’t a sacrifice at all. Plus, I love inventing new recipes using legumes, whole grains, veggies, greens, and fruits. My food is still delicious without the health debilitating side effects.

Cucina Fresca...lentils are extremely high in iron, a nutrient I have struggled to get enough of since age 12 whether eating meat or not. I have oodles of recipes to make them delicious. This week I decided to try cooking them in the rice cooker and came up with this recipe; it reminds me of rice a roni which I used to eat at least weekly. Next I'm going to change up the spices to make this into tacos or enchiladas. My husband finally told me he hates quinoa, so I've been looking for an alternative for enchiladas and tacos.

Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf

1/2 c brown rice
1/2 c red rice (or more brown rice)
1/2 c brown lentils
1 portabello mushroom, small dice
1 tomato, diced
1 carrot, small dice
1 green onion, minced
1 stalk celery with tops, minced
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1/4 t cumin
1/4 t italian herb
1/2 t salt
bay leaf
1-2 c minced spinach or moringa leaves (reserved)

In the morning, put rices and lentils in the rice cooker pot with the proper amount of water for 1 1/2 c brown rice. Stir in all other ingredients except reserved. Set the timer to be ready for dinner on brown rice setting. Now dinner or lunch will be an after thought. When it is done, put the reserved spinach in the rice cooker to steam and close the lid while you prepare a salad and/or non-starchy vegetable. Open rice cooker, remove bay leaf, dump into a serving dish, fluff, and garnish with coarse salt and black pepper. This makes large portions for two or side dish for four. It is easily doubled multiplied.

the mirror

Praying For...Quinn that he will learn patience, gentleness, and civility in his childhood, making him a builder of the Kingdom...a return to civility in Western Culture...family gardens so that neighbors around the world can grow food, serenity, and beauty instead of engaging in violence...

Bibliophilia...sent If I Ran the Horse Show: All About Horses by Worth, Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner, and Spooky Riddles by Brown to Quinn. He enjoys the Suess early reader books quite a bit, as they are not as daunting as Magic Tree House. Suess early readers and MTH are about the same reading level, but our soon to be first grader likes shorter books for personal reading. I'm screening a few that might be good for Gayle, Sammy, and Oakley. Re-reading Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster. It has a greater impact now that it's relevant to my experience.

Movement...biked most days this week with one ride being 11.5 miles...still going strong with essentrics...not sure though if all this exercise is so good, while I'm trying to recover from that horrible flu. Well, I guess I'd rather spend what little energy I have improving my health than something of less value.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I thought I would never get a message, but all the sickness last month left me with a very stiff neck and numb arms. I was quite surprised how professional message therapy is. It felt every bit as businesslike as any doctor's office, except the staff went out of their way to be pleasant and friendly. And it feels like I get more for my money than a 10 minute chiro adjustment. I'll make this a regular thing; I think.

Cucina Fresca...I've been experimenting for some time and came up with a popcorn snack for Joseph that works. I put 1/4 c popcorn in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 2.5 minutes. Then I sprinkle on a bit of salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. At only 131 calories, it is idea to stave off my hubby's snack attacks without damaging his health. I'm so glad I discovered sun dried tomatoes. They are great cooked into my quinoa salad and in my herbed polenta.

Garden Gate...In hot, dry environments, raised beds dry out quickly and may damage tender plant roots. So I dug new sunken bed in the garden, where I planted garlic cloves, garlic chive seeds, bee balm seeds, daikon radish seeds, and boking 14 comfrey roots. Or rather I completed the bed next to the house on the north side, since it encompasses my espalier apples. Daikon's long tap roots (which are mostly not going to get harvested) are wonderful for breaking up heavy clay soil sort of like implanting compost three feet into the ground. Comfrey also has taproots that can get 10 feet long. Not only does the root bring up minerals from deep in the earth, it brings up moisture. When we chop and drop the plant, in essence we compost without the hassle of composting. Comfrey mulch/compost holds moisture in the ground, encourages earthworm proliferation, and enriches soil humus and fertility. When used as a mulch, it has nearly the same composition as barn yard manure with a slightly higher level of potassium. It can be used as animal fodder for chickens, goats, and rabbits, which we don't have and don't intend to acquire. It is an excellent medicine to heal wounds and broken bones of all sorts. (Many people are afraid to plant comfrey, because it's invasive reputation. Russian comfrey or Boking 14 isn’t invasive with sterile seed. It stays were you plant it.) Comfrey should be used in all stages of soil building and in every part of a permaculture garden. Rabbits hate the smell of garlic, so the chives repel the little pests. Tomorrow or some time this week, I'll go get a bucket of earthworms from the bait shop for this bed.

Grandma's Girls...we had our first girl's luncheon or hen part without Grandma and Aunt Kathy. At first it was a bit awkward until I mentioned it felt a bit awkward. Everyone acknowledged that truth and then settled down to the business at hand--the grand gab fest. I love these daughters, step-daughters, and daughters-in-law of my dear, little grandma. Aunt Kathy's memorial was yesterday. Since she was adamant that she wanted a party instead of a funeral, we celebrated with a pot luck luncheon memorial. It was wonderful to visit and eat and look at pictures of Kathy. There were even a few taken in Japan, where she spent the first three or four years of her life. The last time we visited, she told me she didn't consider herself Japanese. How could she, when she was an beloved, intrenched member of our family? Only the mirror told said differently. Kathy was similar to my grandma in that everyone loved her. She was pretty outspoken, in contrast with Grandma, but somehow it was never offensive. She was so happy and positive. Cancer is a horrible enemy.

big week

Praying For...Cole, a very nice almost young man. With very little of the little boy left about him, he radiates light and truth and joy. As he moves into his tween years, I pray he will not take the path of rebellion, that he travel in Jesus' way, that he will know the joys and safety of living as Jesus lived.

Jesus' Word..."Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid," John 14:27. It is true; the peace Jesus gives is not peace as the world understands it. At this moment, I think of the peace He gives through the temple. I know my family will be together forever if we all choose to accept the grace of Christ's atonement and keep His commandments, because we've been sealed in the temple. That brings me much peace.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...You know; it's not just eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and herbs that can make a person feel great. Doing things you love that bring you wholesome joy, you get a boost in happy hormones. This boost in turn gives you more desire to do more interesting and important things; so the cycle goes. My list of wholesome joyful recreation includes: painting watercolor, sewing little ditties, puttering in the garden, reading real books, writing on real paper, playing my instruments, walking in the woods (or any nature really), studying scripture and other thoughtful books, biking on trails, and pursuing homemaking like I used to do.

Also, read more about using yarrow, rosemary, and nettles in the hair. Apparently, for best results, the infusion needs to be messaged in and left on. So...my herbal shampoo has changed to only bouncing bett, cardamom, and fennel seeds. Then I condition with apple cider vinegar and honey. Then I message in the afore said y, r, n infusion. It works pretty much the same, but will supposedly help with some of my hair issues after a couple months. Even if it doesn't, I like the way my hair looks, except it doesn't like this dry climate yet.

Bibliophilia...My grandma and I share much in common. We both raised large families, because we wanted to raise large families. Both of us love Jesus Christ and talking about it. We like to visit loved ones and read...this week I went to visit. Currently, visits to Grandma are kept to about five minutes, because she cannot cope with anything longer. As soon as I got there she asked me to go to the thrift store near her and buy a bag. Since she can't visit, go anywhere, or watch movies anymore, reading is her last way to pass the time. Her poor little body is shrinking away. Without any energy, she still has her mind. It's rough to watch. At the thrift store, I bought an Avi book and a Janette Oke book. While I haven't yet read the former, the latter was a typical JO read, simple, clean, and a bit preachy. As usual, I enjoyed every minute of the fluff. After spending the week unpacking boxes, putting things in order, and taking things to charity, I needed a bit of fluff to help me relax.

Garden Gate... putting in a secret garden: espalier apples, mulberry bushes (not trees), mango, grapes, hibiscus, tree collards, runner beans, kiwi, bee balm, gogi, yarrow, lupine, cajanus cajun, and strawberries with dwarf trees according to a high density plan. I love to play in the dirt. Hoping to get in grey water, too, but maybe not quite yet.

Cucina Fresca...Some have warned that I will tire of my high salad lifestyle. Maybe that is the case if you make the same one over and over and over. Since I love fruits and veggies, I like to experiment. With salad, it's even easier to come up with good recipes than with cooked food. First, it's pretty hard to mess up a salad. Second, their are hundreds of ways to vary this, so far, favorite dish. This week I made a salad from romaine, mango, tomato, green onion, yellow bell pepper, carrots, fresh basil and parsley, snow peas, unsalted mustard, dash of cayenne, fresh OJ, fresh lemon juice, and a generous shaking of Mrs. dash seasoning. It was so good to be almost sinful.

Movement...After nearly 4 months, I'm still going strong with Essentrics and doing some of the harder workouts. A couple weeks ago, I tended my grandchildren (6 and 8) in another city. We toured the city at breakneck speed all week, because busy children are happy children. I was tired and thought I would crash for a week as was my MO in the past. After a Sunday nap, I felt fine. Last week I moved house ahead of my husband, driving 1400 miles alone in 2.5 days. This also didn't make me crash nor did my unloading and unpacking, while maintaining my daily workouts. I continue to walk and bike to spend less time in mindless, meaningless night time vegging. I can say with surety that the benefits are not flash-in-the-pan but sustainable and cumulative. AND I love the convenience of Essentrics TV especially while traveling. Just like Amanda's book says, I think I'm aging backwards.

Teaching Little Children...I got to teach Primary today to five very well behaved six year olds. They were cute as can be and so very smart.

really, finally gone

Praying For...Claire, who is growing to be a refined little lady at her ripe age of six. I pray that she and all of my grands and offspring will gain and keep strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All other hopes and desires for them pale in comparison to this one.

Jesus' Word..."...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction," 1 Nephi 15:24. Because I need all the help I can get, this promise calms my heart. The word of God is like a beacon through this foggy, strange world in which we live and will help us find the power or grace we need to resist temptations of the evil one.

Bibliophilia...Besides the scriptures, I've been reading Amazed by Grace. It explains this principle so well and is exactly the way I've always thought of grace. I'm so excited to read a recently acquired book about some of my Native American ancestors from my mother's line, Guardians of the Valley: Chickasaws in Colonial South Carolina and Georgia. So far my genealogy traces my mother's side through the Chickasaws and my father's side through the Powhatan found around Jamestown. Apparently, I can find out more about the Powhatan in the Shawnee Heritage book series by Don Greene. Read a cute book, which I also sent to Claire, Twig. We also sent Dover Owls coloring book.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...while taking my grands to plenty of crowded places over spring break, I contracted conjunctivitis. Yuck! Sure it will go away by itself after seven to ten days. However, I didn't want to have burning, red, goopy eyes for seven to ten days. Of course I was out of my favorite Dr. Christopher Eyebright Formula, containing eyebright herb, goldenseal root, red raspberry leaf, mullein flower, bayberry bark, fennel seed, rue flower and cayenne pepper. As any good herbalist would do, I researched some other possibilities. I made a thick infusion of fennel and flax seeds for an eye wash. Immediately, the burning was gone. After only a couple more applications the infection was gone. This is a good one to know about.

Lastest Amazing Feat...I drove 1400-ish miles in 2.5 days without incident or injury. After a bath and two hour nap, I felt perfectly fine. Is my illness really, finally gone!!!

Movement...with near zero internet access for over a week, I was getting a bit frantic about my lack of exercise. This morning before church, I spent a glorious 45 minutes stretching and sweating. It was lovely. I still can't believe this seeker of shade and rest LOVES to exercise now.

Cucina Fresca...Ingredient specific recipes can be intimidating and expensive. On the other hand, master recipes allow one to use what is on hand or in season. Plus, the cook can experiment with confidence. If you've read my posts at all, you know I've been cooking oil-free, nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegan for years now. Master Stir Fry (Steam) Recipe is no exception. Since I developed an allergy to soy and try to limit salt, I also had to experiment quite a bit to find a flavorful stir fry. This one seems to fit the bill. Because it makes such a nice flavor, I start out with a similar veg base mix to my marinara and master soup recipes.

In a large frying pan or wok, layer 1/4 red onion, sliced carrot and celery stock, 1/2 diced roma tomato, 1-2 sliced portabello (or a handful or two other) mushrooms, half a garlic clove, a bit of minced ginger, per person. Cook over high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add a tablespoon or so of water, cover, and turn the heat down. Soon the mushrooms and onions will release their fluids. Remove the lid and continue to cook. This mixture is ready when everything starts to break down and brown. This makes a healthier substitute for the umami or savory salty/soy flavor everyone loves in Asian foods. Now, add a tablespoon or two more water to deglaze the pan. It is time to add two or three handfuls of body veggies, of which the possibilities are endless. Steam, covered until just tender crisp. Now, you might add the juice of lemon, lime, and/or orange or rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a more Chinese flavor. Red or Green curry paste, honey, or chopped peanuts lend a Thai influence. Steamed, pureed cauliflower with S&B oriental curry powder turn it into Japanese curry. Garam Masala and Madras curry powder OR curry leaves and sambar powder take you to India.

Body Veg/Fruit Suggestions:
snow peas
broccoli slaw mix
broccoli flowerets
rabe
red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
cilantro
thai basil
green onions
spinach
chard
collards
head or napa cabbage
bok choy or other Asian cabbages
japanese eggplant
hot peppers
baby corn
Morninga leaves or pods
summer squash
Steamed, diced pumpkin or sweet potato
julienne carrots, jicama, or turnip
plums
mango
grapes
pineapple
apricots
peaches
bean sprouts

This is filling enough to eat as a weight stabilizing meal on its own and is my go to if I find any pounds creeping on. It is delicious over brown, black, or red rice or Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles. The latter is excellent to keep the heat out of the kitchen in the summer, because they only require a ten minute soak in hot water instead of boiling. If you want even more flavor, top with tabasco, sambal oelek, sriracha, or other spicy condiments OR a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Enjoy this creative master recipe and incorporating more nutrient-rich foods into your healthy, cruelty-free way of life.

Grace and Angels

Praying For...Gracie our youngest grandchild and birthday girl...that she will know and love Jesus Christ...that she will be safe and secure...that all adults in authority over her will treat her gently, see her potential, encourage her talents, and give her proper boundaries...that leaders of nations will respect the sanctity of childhood and the family...that Jesus will come and bring peace.


Jesus Word..."Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," Hebrews 4:16. I heard Grace explained in a very understandable way today. The grace of the resurrection is for everyone to ever be born on earth. The grace of the atonement is for anyone who accepts and acts upon it...I like this explanation.

Bibliophilia...Grandma and I are reading the Bible again this year. Each night I love to fall asleep to Alexander Scourby's beautiful reading of the King James version...re-read The Family Nobody Wanted...reading Amazed By Grace by Sheri Dew...while visiting this week, I worked with Quinn to discover what sorts of books were a good reading level. Although he's only in kindergarten, he reads about 2.5. However, 2.5 books the length of Magic Tree House intimidate him. We tried Cat in the Hat Learning Library, and he exploded in his desire to read. There are 32 books in that series. Likely, by the time he's done with them and some other Dr. Seuss, Magic Tree House and Box Car children will be just right.

Grammy Time...loved tending Q and S...loved seeing the other grands, too...but attending Oakley's baptism was special beyond words...She was so happy to make her first covenant with God, because she knew exactly what it was all about. At baptism, we promise to do our best to live the commandments, walk in Jesus' way, and repent our sins, while God promises to forgive repented sins, to allow us to have the Holy Spirit as a constant companion, and to allow us to live with Him again.

Miracle of the Week...on the way to Oakley's baptism, a California driver cut me off. The only way to keep from plowing into the rude driver was to break and swerve, which caused me to go up onto two wheels. How the car didn't roll can only be explained by ministering angels. Maybe this experience so close to Oak's baptism made me more sensitive to the Holy Spirit during the service. When the Spirit touches me, I often find myself in tears. It was so hard to leave these loved ones behind and drive to the airport.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I'm so grateful that I was led by my Father in Heaven to nutritional healing and movement...I've come so far because of adopting nutritional healing that mirrors the Word of Wisdom. Onions, mushrooms, beans, and greens are the secret to getting lean. Of all the satiating starches I've experimented with, beans seem to be my best choice. Plus, I love them. With the addition of movement, it's as if I've been given a new lease on life. My Heavenly Father loves me. It will be so nice to get home, where walking and biking is so much easier with the trails, bike lanes, and lovely, early-morning weather. I also can't wait to play in my garden.

great gratitude

Praying For...Quinn, who fell off the monkey bars and busted his arm, green brake. According to Mom, he was a real trooper. It's going to kill him to be sidelined from karate. Thank goodness falling on his head didn't cause any head injury besides a little scratch. I pray that he will have many experiences in his life with good people that will encourage him along the strait and narrow way...that leaders of nations will stop usurping human rights for power and gain...that mankind will pursue charity, peace, and good will toward all--even their enemies...that all will be softened and understand the joy found in following the true Prince of Peace; it's only Charlatans who pervert the ways of the Lord and deceive others into believing their wrong ways are the way of Christ, including the Crusaders and terrorists for some supposed religious cause.

Bibliophilia...Reading Two Years Before the Mast by R. H. Dana Jr with my seniors. Arm chair gardening with The Tao of Vegetable Gardening: Cultivating Tomatoes, Greens, Peas, Beans, Squash, Joy, and Serenity by Deppe and Backyard Winter Gardening: Vegetables Fresh and Simple, in Any Climate Without Artificial Heat or Electricity the Way It's Been Done for 2,000 Years by Warnock. Sent Quinn another Magic Tree House book with its corresponding research guide.

Jesus' Word...The Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking place this weekend. I look forward to it and study the words of these messengers from Jesus Christ with great gratitude.

Cucina Fresca...With my new way of eating (is it really new after all these years), I rely more on simple flavors than complicated recipes. With my own sort of French-style Mother Sauce recipes, I spring into oddles of possibilities with seasonally fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Their Sauce Bechamel or Veloute is my Cauliflower Kream, used to make any sort of white or cheesy sauced greens, pasta, potato, rice, casseroles, or soup. Their Sauce Tomat is my Basic Tomato with or without garlic, used for pasta, soup, or casseroles. Their Sauce Brune is my Onion Mushroom used for brown gravy, asian dishes, or soups. I like this easy, French inspired way, because it lends itself to my creative nature. Plus, with our current gypsy status, these sauces allow me plenty of options with only a few easily obtained ingredients.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...no, I'm not a doctor of any kind but a student of natural and nutritional healing. Because I'm sensitive to most chemicals, I've searched for years to find something with which to wash my long hair without fall out or scalp reactions. Lately, I've been using a homemade, herbal shampoo with shiny, bouncy results.

Bouncing Bett Shampoo

2 c distilled water
1 T rolled oats-sooth, nourish, and heal skin, gentle condition-use every third time
1 T Bouncing Bett (soapwort root)-gentle cleansing
1 T fennel seeds-scent, strengthen hair shaft, anti-itch, skin healing, gentle condition
1 T flax seeds-nourish follicles, strengthen hair shaft, improve elasticity, stop loss, encourage growth, gentle condition
2 T lavender flower-scent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic 
1 T nettle leaf-stop loss, encourage growth, balance oil, increase circulation
1 T rosemary leaf-stimulate follicles, encourage growth
1 T yarrow blossom and leaf-stop loss, encourage growth

Bring water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and add soapwort root, oats, flax, and fennel. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining herbs. Cover and steep until cool (over night works pretty well). Strain and squeeze through a nut-milk bag. Use immediately by messaging gently into scalp and roots. Let it flow down length of hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse well. Comb a couple drops camilla or apricot oil through hair ends with a wide tooth comb, gently handling hair as if it were a precious cashmere sweater.

let's inspire

Praying For...Gracie, our little firecracker...all my grandchildren are growing up in a world where civility has been replaced by cruelty and cunning...I pray that somehow they will be granted happiness, health, safety, and a bit of wonder during childhood...that the leaders of the nations, communities, schools, and families will open their eyes to the destruction they wield to the power they have to inspire greatness, joy, and peace among their members...

Bibliophilia...lately my studies have focused more on the divine...I'm enjoying Jesus the Christ by Talmage for the umpteenth time. This time through I'm taking it slowly and savoring the Spirit.

Pen and Brush...found some video drawing lessons that I'm enjoying quite a bit. This man was trained by Bruce Mcintyre of Drawing Textbook and Disney fame. As much as I love DT, I enjoy the energy of Mark Kistler. For now, I'm putting watercolor on the back shelf until I learn to draw better. It is simply impossible to paint something beautiful without good drawing skills. DH and I love to draw together for FHE and FDN.

Cucina Fresca...Rotini con Piselli e Asparago...AKA Nana's Ninja Noodles II

5-8 oz whole grain spirals (tinkyada brown rice tastes the most like traditional pasta)
1/4 c minced red onion (can substitute green onions but put them in after the carrots are tender)
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1-2 carrot, diced
a couple twists freshly ground black pepper
1 T powdered dehydrated mixed vegetables
1/8 t red pepper flakes
4 T tomato paste
1/2 t Italian herbs
5 oz fresh or frozen asparagus (sliced 1 inch pieces)
10 oz fresh or frozen peas
1 T minced basil
1 T minced parsley
2 T nutritional yeast (optional)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cut up veggies. Add the pasta and peas and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes; five minutes before it is done add the asparagus. While pasta is cooking. Water saute onions, garlic, carrots, pepper flakes, and herbs over medium high heat adding more water as it is absorbed. Don't let it burn. While veg are sauteing, make a simple green salad (lately I've been enjoying romaine with red bell peppers--pretty but simple). It takes about 7 minutes for the veggies to soften this way. Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water. Stir in tomato paste, nutritional yeast, and 1/2 c. hot pasta water into onions until a sauce is formed. Toss pasta and sauce Gently fold in the cooked pasta, peas, and asparagus, adding more reserved pasta water if necessary. Transfer to a heated serving platter and garnish with a tiny sprinkling of coarse salt, parsley, and basil. Toss and dress the green salad. I like maple mustard dressing: 1 T real maple syrup (or honey), 2 T salt free mustard, 3 T rice vinegar OR 2 T high quality balsamic vinegar+1 T water.

Movement...so glad my injury is mostly gone...In the mornings, I continue to foam roll, stretch, yoga, and lift light weights. Throughout the day, I walk and walk and walk. My natural tendency is toward a sedentary lifestyle, but I don't want to contribute to another injury. Strength is the enemy of painful atrophy that contributes to the types of injuries that the over 40 crowd are most susceptible.

Dr Ginger, Medicine Woman...I'm not a medical doctor but a student of nutritional and herbal medicines. Each year I look forward to Dr. Greger's annual nutrition findings. This year is no exception. With such strong evidence, I can't understand why anyone would indulge in health robbing 'foods.' Sure those things are tasty, but are they tasty enough to live with chronic pain and disability for years or worse die before your time? I've seen what cancer, alzheimer's, arthritis, vascular disease, diabetes, and obesity do to people. I don't want to go there if I can help it.

 

after the hiccup

Praying For...Tyson, our adorable, 6-year-old, Lego maniac...that he will be healthy, happy, safe, loved, and know Jesus as his Savior and Friend...that his childhood will be magical and unaffected by the evils of this world...that the leaders of nations will learn to negotiate and discover solutions that benefit mankind instead of plunging into war, instead of seeking power, instead of oppressing their citizens, instead of strapping future generations with mountains of debt.

Jesus' Word..."And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given." 2 Nephi 2:26. This doctrine is especially important at this point in history. Everyone wants to play the blame game. Yes, outside circumstances can INFLUENCE choices, but they don't DETERMINE them. Every human is given knowledge of right and wrong. Deep down we know what is good and right and true. The trick is to grow that knowledge, hold onto those feelings, and CHOOSE the better part in spite of the temptations and buffetings of the adversary.

Bibliophilia...one of my tutoring children is making tremendous strides in reading and math. He suggested I read the City of Ember series. Although I didn't want to read it, because the movie stunk, I read it to encourage this boy. I love it. True, the writing boarders on twaddle, but the plot and theme makes the first two classic quality. I haven't read the second two. Sent Tyson several books for summer learning: Maps (a beautiful children's atlas), Afternoon on the Amazon (Magic Tree House), Rain Forests (Magic Tree House Research Guide), Cool Creations in 35 Pieces (a lego guide book), and Life of Fred: Apples (a humorous approach to the study of math that doesn't feel like a math book). Of all my grandchildren, he's the only one who doesn't LOVE workbooks. He will do them but doesn't think they are wonderful. Nevertheless, the desired affect of furthering academics can be had without workbooks.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...My preference before herbs and drugs is nutrition based medicine. Lately I've been trying to include a large amount of greens with each meal, which rejuvenates endothelial cells that line blood vessels. This allows them to produce life-giving nitric oxide, the world's strongest vasodilator, which prevents stickiness, stops and reverses plaque, and dilates blood vessels. Additionally, eating lots of greens regulates appetite, which in turn normalizes weight. Every day, I eat arginine rich legumes. An enzyme that builds Nitric Oxide, arginine only does its job when derived from food. I've read that arginine supplements can actually cause more heart attacks. Then of course onions, garlic, and mushrooms fight cancer and make food taste outstanding. Iron rich mushrooms strengthen while calming the immune system, which is great for people with auto-immune problems such as RA, lupus, pernicious anemia, SC, Crohn's, Addison's, eczema, leaky gut, diabetes, etc.

Cucina Fresca...At breakfast I eat at least half pound of salad before my oatmeal. Dinner has evolved into my green smoothie meal with another half pound of greens...usually only a green smoothie but sometimes I also eat a yukon gold potato--these potatoes are so delicious they need to toppings at all. Lunch is my big meal now. My newest food innovation is yummy plant food bowls, which I call Super Bowls. Basically they are some sort of veggie/legume stew over whole grains, sweet potatoes, or Yukon golds over savory, tomatoey, oniony greens garnished with lemon, lime, ACV, and hot peppers.

Super Bowls for 2

1/4 c lentils
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
handful of some chopped, non-starchy veg
1/4 onion
1 clove garlic
1 T veg powder
1/4 c dehydrated spinach
1 t oregano
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t red pepper flakes

Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for 1-2 hours. 20 minutes before lunch time, get two pans going. One should be 1/2 c. quinoa cooked and a cup of water with 1 T veg powder. The other should be half an onion, a small clove garlic, a diced roma tomato, and 2 mushrooms water sauted over medium heat. After about 15 minutes, add 1 lb chopped kale or collards or green cabbage and a bit of water; steam for 5ish minutes. Layer greens, grains, beans. This is sooooo good, rib sticking, and healthy to boot. The legume part of this recipe can be varied to make many different lunch alternatives. India-brown lentils, change spices to curry use rice...Turkey-red lentils, change spices to paprika (lots) and red pepper flakes, use potatoes (or sweet potatoes)...Ethiopia-yellow split peas, change spices to garlic, ginger, red pepper, and turmeric/add lemon juice at the end, use rice...Japan-azuki beans, change spices to ginger, garlic, wasabi, and wakame/add snow peas, use rice...Italy-small white beans or lentils, change spices to rosemary and garlic/add tomato paste at the end, use potatoes or pasta...Mexico-lentils, add chopped tomato and mild green chilies/top with cilantro, use rice or potatoes...Frence-green split peas, change spices to thyme, use sweet potatoes or rice...Teotihuaca-baby limas, add chipotle paste or powder and lots of mushrooms, use garnet yams (which are really sweet potatoes)...SW US-mix of red and brown lentils, keep spices but add chili powder, serrano pepper, and smoked paprika, use rice or sweet potatoes...

Movement...after that little hiccup with my B12 levels (pernicious anemia started way before my vegan years), my energy has returned. Hurray!!!! Now I can get back to morning Ginjoga (my rolling, stretching, balancing, strengthening invention) and 10,000 steps-a-day. I'm looking at this desk for studying to keep me from being a couch potato.

so happy

Praying For...Cole, the nicest, nine-year-old, little professor in the world...praying that he will be happy, healthy, safe, and remember the love of the Savior...that somehow he can escape the evils of this world and become a force for good...that leaders of nations will cease their violence, lies, intrigues, and traitorism against their own nations and people...that people around the world will love their neighbors and themselves enough to be involved, honest, civil, dignified, kind, happy, and gentle...that everyone will band together to protect the innocence of childhood. Let's all choose to be happy!

Bibliophilia...Sent Cole My Side of the Mountain, New American Cursive II, and Editor in Chief 1 to encourage and support his homework habit over the summer. He's so smart; it doesn't take much to encourage him. I'll also send him a math workbook soon. I'm so happy my husband supports my book buying habit for myself and the grands.

Jesus' Word..."Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken," Luke 21:26; "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold," Matthew 24:12...Another school shooting, the wife of an American citizen condemned to death for Christianity, the President of the US and leader of the free world trading 5 war criminals who will certainly carry on their work against liberty for a deserter, traitor, and collaborator. Iniquity abounds and we turn a blind eye. Why? If we allow ourselves to fear, our hearts will truly fail so we wax cold in our love of our fellow men. We are shaking in our boots, because we know we can't do anything to stop the momentum of this run away train. But we can...we can make our little corners of the world better places. We can pray for leaders of nations and our neighbors around the world and our families and ourselves. We can demand officials do what is legally and constitutionally possible to impeach and remove from office traitors, liars, and collaborators, starting with President Ohdidheactuallyusurpconstitutionalpowersagain. But...in all this we need to remember there are more God-loving, flower-growing, music-loving, tender-hearted, soup-making, peace-loving kinds of people in the world than the evil, obnoxious, and loud kind.

Cucina Fresca...I've talked about Kik Alicha before. While definitely a peasant meal, it is beyond delicious. I made it again this week with all fresh ingredients: 3/4 c. yellow split peas, 1/2 large onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 pinky turmeric, 1 knuckle ginger, zest and juice of 1/2 medium lemon...simmer the split peas, onion, and garlic until soft stir in turmeric, ginger, zest, and juice...serve over brown rice or enjera, if you are lucky enough to have a source of 100% teff enjera near you or you can make it. Garnish with cilantro. Also this week I stopped making soup for breakfast again. Eating huge green salads (about a pound to a pound and a half) and a baked potato for breakfast, I feel better than I have in my whole life. I am not hungry half way through the morning either with very few calories. It's doing more for my digestive issues than any other choice I've made so far.

Yorkie News...I know this little one will return to her home someday, but I am having a blast with her. The other night we went to the lighthouse beach. Because of the perfect weather, slight salt breeze, and warm temps, I grew homesick for Oahu. Sometimes I wish we had never left. But that's another story. The little Yorkie loves to chase birds. Spying a great blue heron, she gave chase. Since she's smaller than a squirrel, the heron simply got out of her way by going a foot deeper in the water. Miss Yorkie was so excited, she jumped in the water. Terriers are not water lovers by any stretch of the imagination. The look on her face in the cold water made us roar with laughter. It's a good thing we take an old towel to the beach to clean her up after an outing. Jason's sweet little Yorkie makes me so happy.

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...Although I'm not a licensed doctor, I study and practice natural healing or nutritional herbalism in my home. When May rolled around, pollen from trees and super tall grass was so thick it was visible flying through the air and left heavy deposits on decks and cars. I did not experience hay fever...AT...ALL. The low-fat, whole-foods, plants-only nutritional healing thing actually works! This week I began to notice a slight tickle in my ear and throat that in the past was the starting bell to immune misery. Immediately, I began taking Dr. Christophers Immucalm, which helps the immune system be both strong and calm so that it does not overreaction to triggers in the environment. I experienced a literal miracle, since the tingling stopped and no eye swelling, SOB, or itching throat, nose, ears occurred. It's amazing what a dirty diet can do to the body. Likewise, it's amazing what cleaning up the diet and using herbs now and then can accomplish. Immucalm is astragalus and marshmallow roots, which anyone could easily mix up themselves from single powdered herbs. I find buying the formulas a nice convenience. This discovery makes me so happy.

Duds...just learned that Keds Champion Originals come in W and WW...I've always wanted to try them but could never get my deformed wide feet in the shoe. Keds are the only tennis shoes cute enough to wear with casual skirts and dresses. I'll likely send away for a pair or two to try them out. I can't wear heavy leather birkie maderas anymore, although I used to love them. One, they changed the fit and support when offshoot Footprints took over the design. When I was a little girl, I wore corrective shoes. Although they were ugly, they were perfectly fitted to my feet. I simply cannot squeeze my feet into ill-fitting shoes after growing up with a proper fit. Some say wide feet are caused by going bare foot. Au contraire, they are caused by genetics. I was born with them as were my mother, grandfather, grandmother, and great grandfather. Two, they are too hot for the desert, which will soon be my home again. The thought makes me happy.

time is rolling on

Praying For...Cole, who is at the very end of childhood...that he will be safe physically, mentally, and spiritually from the evils and pitfalls and temptations of the world...that those suffering burdens will know peace...that rulers and leaders will stop their blood thirsty power-seeking and instead pursue peace...that the children of the world will be cherished and nurtured as they should be. Jesus' Word...He is Risen...is there any greater message! Cucina Fresca...while exploring the cookbook, Pasta E Verdura, epiphany hit. Cooking veg in this manner sans oil, butter, and cheese can be made even more healthy by also eliminating the noodles. As we age, we need less calories to fuel the body or at least that's been my experience. Greens and veggies make one lean. So...I'm experimenting along these lines with ideas from this book. Cauliflower is a favorite around here. Slow cooked and caramelized onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes are delicious tossed with steamed cauliflower and topped with diced tomatoes, minced parsley, and chiffonade basil. This is my own creation, but the book gave me the inspiration. It's amazing how satiating and enjoyable a pound of deliciously prepared vegetables can be. Likely, I'll never stop wanting artisan breads, because of addiction. However, I don't need things like that to feel full anymore. Sound of Music...I did it! I've been contemplating the purchase of an ukulele. Last week I did and found it fun/easy to play. Sometimes there are down periods in my days here. It's a lot easier to pick up a ukulele than drag out my violin or seek out a piano. Plus, the ukulele doesn't hurt my neck or hands, when I play it. Primary songs and hymns are a little beyond my skill level but not for long. Teaching Little Children...Lately, a new little girl has been attending Primary. I'm thrilled that she comes. When she's not throwing a tantrum, she's delightful. Because she is so disruptive, the Primary President and I have come up with strategies to work through her tantrums. My poor parents had to deal with my tantrums, but they were nothing compared to the ones this little darling exhibits. It must take huge amounts of energy to act out in this way. I hope by working with her with gentleness and kindness we can show her a better way to deal with disappointment and frustration. True, we only have a couple hours a week, but just maybe we can help in a small way. Garden Gate...it really works! I read you can plant the stem end of cabbage and grow a new plant. My baby cabbages are an inch tall after only two weeks. From seed this would take months. Apparently, this works with all sorts of cabbage, romaine lettuce, celery, and green onions. My gogi bushes are about two feet tall now. I've begun harvesting from the tree collard. The morninga trees are a couple feet tall, too. The ginger is four feet tall. Whew! Right now my attic green house is a jungle. Downstairs, the sprout garden is in full swing; each day we harvest 2 lbs of salad type sprouts. It is so easy and inexpensive to grow sprouts. When we were still buying spinach for smoothies, I spent about $50 for a week. I spend that much for 6 months worth of seeds. With ten minutes a day of 'labor,' I save our family approximately $2800 per year on spinach. If I also count the $4-6 per day I save on frozen fruit for the smoothies, that's another $1800. I love making a dime scream for mercy. We don't make smoothies with sprouts but instead eat them alongside a bowl of muesli. Sprout salads are a weird but tasty addition to breakfast. Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...ever since I was a little girl, I've been plagued by kidney infections. I had a doozy this week with back pain and migraines. After a couple days of cranberry juice, distilled water, and Dr. Christopher's kidney formula, it's all cleared up. I love know about self-healing.

heavenly

Praying For...Gayle, our 9-year-old dancing queen...she is so serious about herself and her jazz dancing; she's pretty good, too...praying that somehow she can grown up with beautiful memories of childhood...that she will be happy, healthy, safe, and know Jesus as her Savior and friend...that the leaders of her community, country, and world will consider her future before making decisions...that children everywhere will somehow have the necessities of life and other blessings I seek for Gayle.

Teaching Little Children...Every time I finish teaching on Sundays, I feel exhausted but spiritually high. I'm so grateful that God called me to do this and whispered the direction I should go to help these sweet but spunky children. They are so earnest and are now starting to ask some really deep gospel questions. I spent several minutes clarifying the resurrection of the dead after one little boy asked about it. As I made one point, he would ask another question. Then another child would make an inquiry. Finally, I dragged a glove out of my bag and showed them how the lifeless shell (the temple body) only works with the living spirit (represented by my living hand). They got it. Then the first little boy asked if we were going to have to dig out of the ground to get out. I said no, God will open the graves so He can resurrect us. "...they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened..."Doctrine and Covenants 88:97. He was quite relieved at that.

Cucina Fresca...Mollie Katzen's newish cookbook, The Heart of the Plate, inspires me to be more creative. Although she is a vegetarian, her recipes contain dairy, eggs, and way too much oil. She's tamed down the fatty foods in this new book; her older books had a lot more of these health robbing substances. Because I've been cooking low-fat, whole-foods, plant-based for so long, it is easy for me to convert her recipes for health. I made her Tunisian Lablabi. The flavors were different than any I've ever eaten before, although the ingredients were found right in my kitchen. First, slow-saute an onion, carrot, 1/2 t cumin, pinch red pepper flakes, and clove of garlic in 1 T water for about 30-45 minutes. Next, stir in 2 c undrained garbanzo beans (these had been previously soaked and slow cooked until quite tender), 2 t lemon juice and a bit of zest, black pepper, salt, fresh parsley, and 1 c chopped kale. Simmer until the kale becomes tender but still bright green. Mash some of the beans to thicken the broth. After filling a soup bowl, top it with minced roma tomato. Heaven...When I served the leftovers the next day, J said, "This is as enjoyable to eat as my grandma's cabbage rolls." Better praise than that cannot be uttered. It's that good!

Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...really just a student of herbalism. I like the idea of using herbs as a regular part of life, as part of my food as opposed to capsules, teas, and tinctures. My newest venture into this idea is the spicy breakfast oats we eat daily. For ages I have put spices reminiscent of pumpkin pie, mashed banana, diced apple, and vanilla into the mix. Now I add hawthorne and ginger, which enhance the taste wonderfully. Everyone knows what ginger tastes like. Hawthorne is mildly spicy/citrusy. Hawthorne treats and prevents diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as congestive heart failure, angina, irregular heartbeat, blood pressure irregularities, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain. After I started taking it my mitral valve prolapse reversed. Ginger is amazing for relieving arthritis, muscle, menstrual, lower back, and stomach pain, circulation issues, nausea, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, bronchitis, and chest pain. It is protective against dementia and cancer. And the benefits go on. Anyway, neither of these can hurt me but can do a world of good.

Silver Screen...watched a heart wrenching but lovely movie, Korczak. In Polish with English subtitles, it chronicled the life of Henryk Goldzmit, who wrote under the name Janusz Korczak. Doctor, teacher, writer, and champion of orphan children, he sacrificed all for his principles. Anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the Holocaust of WWII should watch it. Anyone who's been swayed to believe this atrocity never occurred, should watch it. As a little girl, I watch documentaries about this time in history at my father's insistence. I've seen the pictures of walking skeletons, gas chambers, box cars, and mass cremation ovens. It happened. But...some beautiful people acted to save humanity in their own small corners of the world. It inspires.

Naturalist Notebook...I spent quite a bit of time tramping in the woods on gloriously sunny days accompanied by a little soccer ball sized pit bull. No, really she's a Yorkie, but don't tell her. Walking in the forest makes me strong. I saw blooming, crocus, daffodil, flowering plum, and I think hawthorne. Tiny green leaves are poking their heads from their bud coats. And this morning...I heard the first songbird of spring! Sure, we'll have plenty more cold, dreary days, but who could complain living in a heavenly place like this!

Reposted from The McDougall Newsletter January 2013

The Smoke and Mirrors behind Wheat Belly and Grain Brain

The Atkins Diet lives on in the current bestselling books Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD and Grain Brain by David Perlmutter, MD.

Robert Atkins, MD, creator of the Atkins Diet, was upfront with his recommendations to eat a diet almost exclusively made up of meat, poultry, cheese, butter, fish, and eggs, with very little plant-foods. The first Atkins Diet book was published in 1972; since then well-informed people have come to understand (through their own readings and personal experiences) that eating an animal-based, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is wrong. They have learned that following this eating pattern causes epidemic diseases, including type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and common cancers; and that the livestock industry is at the root of climate change. Many people are also wrestling with their conscience as they deal with the moral issues of animals being killed unnecessarily for food, supporting the horrors of factory farming, and depleting our oceans. Therefore, a diet book titled Eat More Animals to Lose Weight would meet a mostly unfriendly audience.

Wheat Belly and Grain Brain take a backdoor approach to the Atkins low-carbohydrate method. As the titles of these books suggest, wheat causes a big belly and grains damage the brain. Within their pages you learn that all starchy foods, including rice, corn, and potatoes—the traditional foods consumed by billions of people throughout human history—are now unhealthy and must be minimized or, better yet, avoided altogether. If you believe these authors, then what is left to eat in order to meet your energy requirements? Meat, dairy, fish, and eggs (the original Atkins Diet).*

In order for the authors of these two books to pull off the monumental task of luring otherwise intelligent people into inherently dangerous diet plans, they have had to (1) ignore the bulk of the science, (2) exaggerate the truth, and (3) make false associations.

Ignoring the Science: Low-Carbohydrate Diets Contribute to a Higher Risk of Death and Disease

Low-carbohydrate diets can cause weight loss, but weight loss should not be the primary goal of individuals, medical doctors, dietitians, insurance companies, or governments. The goal is to live longer and stay healthy. Three major scientific reviews show that low-carbohydrate diets increase the risk of sickness and death.

1) The 2010 Annals of Internal Medicine published the article "Low-Carbohydrate Diets and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality." Their conclusion: A low-carbohydrate diet based on animal sources was associated with higher all-cause mortality in both men and women, whereas a vegetable-based, low-carbohydrate diet was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality rates. 2) The 2012 British Medical Journal published the article "Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diet and Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases in Swedish Women: Prospective Cohort Study." Their conclusion: Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, used on a regular basis and without consideration of the nature of carbohydrates or the source of proteins, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 3) The 2013 Public Library of Science journal published the article "Low-Carbohydrate Diets and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies." Their conclusion: Low-carbohydrate diets were associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality and they were not significantly associated with a risk of CVD mortality and incidence. There are no comparable studies suggesting high-carbohydrate (starch-based) diets increase mortality, cardiovascular disease, or other common diseases. (Any negative references to carbohydrates in these articles apply to simple sugars, not starches.)**

Exaggerating the Truth about Inflammation

Promoters of low-carbohydrate diets, those high in meat, dairy, fish, and eggs, claim dietary carbohydrates are packed with inflammatory ingredients, and that inflammation is at the heart of virtually every disorder and disease. The evidence linking carbohydrates to inflammation is convoluted, theoretical, and largely limited to an uncommon condition, Celiac disease.

Inflammation is the consequence of injury, such as from a cut, burn, or infection. The pain, redness, swelling, and heat that follow are natural, necessary processes for healing. These symptoms and signs of inflammation resolve after the single event. However, with repetitive injury, inflammation can become long-standing, referred to as "chronic inflammation." One common example of chronic inflammation is bronchitis from inhaling cigarette smoke 20 times a day. Stop smoking and the inflammation stops, and the lungs heal (scar tissues and other residuals of the damage can be left behind).

For dietary diseases, including atherosclerosis, primary sources of repetitive injury are meat, cheese, and eggs. Once the injury is stopped, then healing occurs and the inflammation resolves. Reversal of coronary heart diseaseis seen on follow up examinations.

Research does not support the theory that carbohydrates from wheat, other grains, or starchy vegetables are the source of injury that leads to chronic inflammation. In contrast, scientific research does solidly support that the source of injury leading to chronic inflammation is animal foods.

Animal Foods, Not Plant Foods, Cause Inflammation

Animal Foods Increase Inflammation The 2013 European Journal of Nutrition published the article "Consumption of Red Meat and Whole-Grain Bread in Relation to Biomarkers of Obesity, Inflammation, Glucose Metabolism, and Oxidative Stress." Their conclusion: The results of this study suggest that high consumption of whole-grain bread is related to lower levels of GGT, ALT, and hs-CRP, whereas high consumption of red meat is associated with higher circulating levels of GGT and hs-CRP. (Lower inflammatory markers, like CRP, are associated with better health.) The 2013 Nutrition Reviews published the article "Dietary Pattern Analysis and Biomarkers of Low-Grade Inflammation: a Systematic Literature Review." A major conclusion: Patterns identified by reduced rank regression as being statistically and significantly associated with biomarkers of inflammation were almost all meat-based or due to "Western" eating patterns. The 2014 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the article "Associations Between Red Meat Intake and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Glucose Metabolism in Women." Their conclusion: Greater red meat intake is associated with unfavorable plasma concentrations of inflammatory and glucose metabolic biomarkers in diabetes-free women. Grains (Including Wheat) Do Not Increase Inflammation The 2010 Journal of Nutrition published the article "Whole Grains Are Associated with Serum Concentrations of High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein among Premenopausal Women." Their conclusion:Women who consumed >or= 1 serving/d of whole grains had a lower probability of having moderate (P = 0.008) or elevated (P = 0.001) hs-CRP, according to the AHA criteria, compared with non-consumers. The 2012 Nutrition Reviews published the article "Effect of Whole grains on Markers of Subclinical Inflammation." Their findings: Epidemiological studies provide reasonable support for an association between diets high in whole grains and lower C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. After adjusting for other dietary factors, each serving of whole grains is estimated to reduce CRP concentrations by approximately 7%. The 2013 Nutrition Journal published the article "The Potential Role of Phytochemicals in Whole-Grain Cereals for the Prevention of Type-2 Diabetes." Their findings: Diets high in whole grains are associated with a 20-30% reduction in risk of developing type-2 diabetes… biomarkers of systemic inflammation tend to be reduced in people consuming high intakes of whole grains. There are no comparable studies suggesting meat decreases inflammation or that whole grains, including wheat, increase inflammation. (CRP is a reliable marker of inflammation.)

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how animal foods injure our bodies. For example, atherosclerosis (chronic inflammatory artery disease) has been explained by the "cholesterol hypothesis" and by the "TMAO hypothesis." Another sound mechanism identifies cow's milk as the culprit. Most important for the consumer to understand is that these mechanisms consistently blame meat, dairy, and/or eggs as the source of the repeated injury and chronic inflammation. No debate here.

Relevant to the argument that inflammation is not the underlying cause of obesity and disease is the fact that treating inflammation with powerful anti-inflammatory medications does not favorably change the course and progression of the disease. To quote respected researchers, "In fact, to our knowledge, no anti-inflammatory therapy cures the majority of patients with a disease in which inflammation plays a major contributory role…" To repeat, inflammation is the result of injury, not the cause of disease.

Making False Associations: Using Celiac Disease to Demonize All Carbohydrates for All People

The main take-away that readers will get from Wheat Belly is that wheat is the major cause of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and almost all other major health problems that people suffer from. Wheat can be very troublesome for a small percentage of the population. Celiac disease is a condition that affects fewer than one in one hundred people following the Western diet. These people must avoid gluten, found in high concentrations in wheat, barley, and rye. However, to put this real concern into a global, historical perspective, consider the importance of these three grains: they have served to fuel the development of civilizations throughout human history and still are a major source of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals for billions of people. People without celiac disease, or the few other conditions that warrant elimination of these three specific grains, will find them an excellent source of nutrition.

Whole Grains Are Consistently Found to Be Healthy A recent review of 45 prospective cohort studies and 21 randomized-controlled trials (RCT) compared people who rarely or never consume whole grains with those reporting an average consumption of three to five servings per day and found by comprehensive meta-analysis that those consuming the grains had a 26% reduction in the risk of type-2 diabetes and a 21% reduction in the risk of heart disease (independent of known CVD risk factors). Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between whole grain intake and weight gain. Examples of whole grains included whole wheat, dark bread, oats, brown rice, rye, barley, and bulgur.

Even those few people intolerant of gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) can healthfully consume non-gluten rice, corn, oats, and other grains. Low-carbohydrate promoters enthusiastically demonize these grains too.

Making False Associations about Diabetes and Carbohydrates

The main take-away that readers will get from Grain Brain is that grains and other starchy foods are the cause of type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, and most of the other chronic health problems suffered in the Western world. The truth is that people with type-2 diabetes are ill with many disorders of the body and brain. But grains and other starchy vegetables do not cause type-2 diabetes. The Western diet, loaded with meat, fat, and empty calories, makes people overweight and diabetic.

Type-2 diabetes is cured by a starch-based, high-carbohydrate diet. To take this point to the extreme, the Rice Diet, consisting of white rice, fruit, fruit juice, and table sugar (more than 90% of the calories are from carbohydrate) has been shown to cause profound weight losses in the severely obese, cure type-2 diabetes, and reverse heart disease. Dietary fat increases blood sugar levels and causes people with type-1 diabetes to require more insulin.

Regardless of the effects on blood sugar, the underlying animal-based, low-grain, low-starchy-vegetable diet consisting of those very foods recommended in the books Wheat Belly and Grain Brain, is the major reason people with type-2 diabetes are so sick with heart and other diseases.

Looking Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors

The truth is that the rich Western diet makes people fat and sick. Steering people away from the few healthy components of our diet (grains and other starchy vegetables) and toward the unhealthy foods (meat, dairy, fish, and eggs) makes matters worse. People are desperate for a solution to their weight and health problems, and many of them are easily deceived. Especially when told that prime rib and cheddar cheese are good for them—people love to hear good news about their bad habits. Just as important for the rising popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, books like Wheat Belly and Grain Brain enhance the profits of the meat, dairy, egg, and fish industries.

Although these industries spend hundreds of millions of US dollars advertising "their science" and influencing national nutrition and health policies, the truth is simple and easy to understand: All large successful trim healthy populations of people throughout human history have obtained the bulk of their calories from grains and other starchy vegetables. Consumption of meats along with other rich foods in any significant quantity has been limited to the diets of fat, sick aristocrats (kings and queens)—until recently. To regain our lost health and save planet Earth, the smoke and mirrors behind popular diet books must be exposed.

*In an effort to partially compensate for important nutritional deficiencies, like dietary fiber, vitamin C, and thousands of other phytochemicals found only in plants, non-starchy green, red, and yellow vegetables (for example, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, kale, lettuce, parsley, peppers, and zucchini), and a few fruits are commonly added to these low-carbohydrate diets, including newer versions of the Atkins Diet. Only plants make carbohydrates, thus "low-carbohydrate" is in practical terms synonymous with meat, poultry, cheese, butter, fish, and eggs.

** Simple sugars, like glucose and fructose, are refined ingredients found in sodas, cakes, cookies, and table sugar. Starches (sometimes referred to as complex carbohydrates) are foods with "natural sugars," such as, barley, corn, millet, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, and wheat.