brooksidebuzz.com

I am here in our hideaway in Utah getting hit with a winter wonderland. 18 inches pouring in, WOW!!
My husband is pacing,  the kids disorganized,  ski clothes in piles everywhere.  4 sons of mine all the same build try and figure out what belongs to whom. We have gotten in last night after being in CA after a truly magical, intense weekend. We spent it with dear friends as a surprise. The wife turned 40 she was supposed to be in New Zealand, drinking wine and reflecting about the beauty of life. She is vibrant, beautiful, strong- willed, so funny.  I want you to get to know her yourself. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and I won't say more for the moment. She has much to teach. Her blog is her mission at this point in her life. Her life force is felt with every word you read. Laugh, cry and learn. Let me know the difference she makes in your life.    xo ginny
Brooksidebuzz.com

Feeling cool and oh so very happy

Life is funny sometimes. In the evening  today I was in the hair salon, feeling like a lady, an hour later I was riding my bike on a dark, cold, Florida night to yoga with my son. There was no basketball practice tonight, very unusual, and he could finally get to his favorite yoga class. We both love the organic, yogie experience of biking there. I felt like the coolest, hippest, happiest mom around, taking pleasure in living outside the box, riding away in complete darkness, after a fantastic class. We rode through the quiet streets talking about life and in my mind I was marking it as one of those moments in life I would always carry with me...ah the sweetness of life and the gratitude in marking the moment.  xo ginny

Feeling cool and oh so very happy

Life is funny sometimes. In the evening  today I was in the hair salon, feeling like a lady, an hour later I was riding my bike on a dark, cold, Florida night to yoga with my son. There was no basketball practice tonight, very unusual, and he could finally get to his favorite yoga class. We both love the organic, yogie experience of biking there. I felt like the coolest, hippest, happiest mom around, taking pleasure in living outside the box, riding away in complete darkness, after a fantastic class. We rode through the quiet streets talking about life and in my mind I was marking it as one of those moments in life I would always carry with me...ah the sweetness of life and the gratitude in marking the moment.  xo ginny

my candida

Tuesday morning and it's oh so delightfully cold! I just finished a beautiful frigid run, with a dear friend and soon I will go to a 9 am yoga class. After I am having lunch with a dynamic group of women, (only 2 that I know) all involved in yoga as well as in different fields of expertise. A friend put us all together and I am so looking forward to it!

On my well being front...I had a severe attack of the candida Thursday, yet traveled out to Utah on Friday. Best thing I did. I always spend a lot of time on my clients but you know the saying...I had not fully focused on healing myself. I spent the 4 1/2 hours traveling out there rereading the candida cure. Our first stop was Wholefoods, where the staff was incredible helping me attain all the herbs and cleanses I needed. About 6 in all. I left carrying bags out of the store and hope.

Needless to say it isn't easy to follow the regimen, but I am feeling like I am so on the road. I still have been having some moments of pure pain, but all is settling down. I cannot have any fruit, yeast, alcohol,  dairy, gluten, or any products where sugars may be lurking. I guess if you asked me to roll it out I am a sugar free, gluten free, dairy free, yeast free, pescatarian. Yet instead of seeing it as limitations, I am embracing it. I feel so much better, and so aware of everything entering my body and how it makes it feel. To listen, to truly listen to one's body is an amazing experience. I have to be honest as well, my weight was driving me crazy, there was no drop from night to morn, I was eating very small amounts of food as it was painful and yet the scale showed me to be at my highest. 3 full days on herbs and do me good food, and more of it, than I had been able to digest before, and I came home 6 pounds lighter.

Main stream medicine for the most part still does not recognize Candida, I only hope people learn to seek out knowledge and keep looking when you know something is wrong, listen to  yourself, and trust in oneself. xo ginny

Miss. Bear's Detox

Good morning all! 

Hope everyone is off to a beautiful beginning of another day in our challenge. I am off to a 9:15 yoga class today, but before that I will take Miss Bear for a lovely walk. She has been detoxing this week after a heavy week of wreaking havoc and getting into all kinds of trouble. It has been so interesting to watch this beautiful dog get some success into eating some food she shouldn't have and than like us humans, craving more bad food and more and more of it. Her stomach notably expanded, she was in a constant frenzy of hunting for anything!. She became very quiet and when wasn't foraging had no interest except in sleeping. Interesting how animals and humans react the same way to indulging in things we shouldn't put in our systems. 2 nights in a row she got sick, and was scratching all night as her allergies and intolerances flared up. 

The last 3 days have been spent cleaning up her diet severely. 

She is back to her beautiful personality this morning with a happiness and energy to her movement. Funny what we can learn from our dogs. She told such a story this week. This Friday she is heading out to Utah where she will cimb mountains and play in snow and eating only her raw food diet. So glad she is taking me along!

xo ginny

PS. Do you think your dog has food intolerances/allergies? Just like humans, this is very likely. Read more about Dog Food Allergies here. 

My Friend's Strength

It is the Sunday night after Thanksgiving and I cannot sleep. I am tossing and turning. The lovely Miss Bear feels my restfulness and is at my side slamming into the bed for reassurance, all is ok. (and yes, Miss Bear only moves in big heavy lumbering motions)
The reason I cannot sleep is that I have a dear friend who just had a dbl masectomy and is suffering so. She keeps a blogsite of her ordeal and I just read several days worth before going to bed tonight.
My friend is teaching wisdom and inspiration as she struggles so, her candidness, power and strength overwhelming in the face of her battle. She keeps looking for SL (silver linings) and finds them in so many simple pleasures. The giggles she shares with friends, the all encompassing strength of her small daughter's strong, wrap around leg hugs, as this is the best way for them to love right now.
I feel such pain and love for her tonight, in such a raw way.
Why do bad things happen to extraordinary people sometimes? I don't know, no one does.  I know my friend is seizing the moment in every way she can. Sharing, making those of us with the gift of her friendship more aware every moment of what can happen in our lives. Mindfulness in its roughest form.
I love you my friend, Good night. May dreams at least keep the pain at bay til morn.
xo ginny

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just about here, I am setting my table and cooking away. Not only for the day, but for the boys arrival into town.
I have been following and making my menu primarily from the NY Times link that for the past three weeks has been posting incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes from top chefs across the nation. How far we are coming. In today's NY Times Health section on pg 5 ( Link will be forthcoming on FB page) The article is titled A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Even for Carnivores, it says and I quote; " Interest in vegetarian cooking is surging, even among those who eat meat." Please read the whole article.  Also the recipe link will be reposted on FB.
In my house it is interesting, my husband, my mom, a friend all adore the vegetarian dishes. (My husband has really come to embrace it,  but it definitely took time)  My father, who used to think I was the most fabulous cook is so disappointed in my cooking lately. He likes old fashioned meat and potato dishes. This is just not my way.
Thanksgiving I will compromise, there will of course be turkey and traditional dishes, but just as many if not more dishes of all beautiful colors and textures bringing health, and hopefully having my kids sort to embrace what I hope they come to embrace as the traditional holiday food. Kale, and butternut, chickpea stew, zucchini pancakes, roasted brussel sprouts, cous cous, quinoa, fresh cranberries and orange zest, stuffing full of veggies...I could go on and on.  Hope your thanksgiving is beautiful. Remember to eat well and to sit back comfortably full,  and not more so, so the day after is a day of grace and not regret.
xo, ginny

Mindful Organics' 30 Day Challenge on Facebook

Last week I decided to start something easy and fun. To address the numerous Facebook posts/questions I get in regards to maintaining and healthy, clean diet- I thought that posing a community challenge would be a great way to get people involved, talking and participating in the easiest, mildly committal manner possible- an online challenge via Facebook.


Basically, you have to join the Group called "Mindful Organics' 30 Day Challenge" and are required to follow for 30 days- the challenge.  This month's challenge is the Pescatarian challenge.  No beef, chicken, meats- other than seafood. Also, no refined sweets, processed foods, white carbs, alcohol. Essentially a healthy vegetarian diet plus fish! Plus, a requirement of exercise each day for at least 45 minutes. 


Each group member is required to 'check in' each day by simply sharing a post- talking about their day and how they ate/exercised, sharing recipes, tips and words of encouragement. After the course of 30 days, all successful participants will receive a Mindful Organics organic tote bag (valued at $40) and not to mention probably the gift of some shed body weight and perhaps a healthier and more energized system!


Stay up to date on our challenges through our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/mindfulorganics


Here is my latest Challenge post that I wanted to share:


What fun this is. Yesterday morning I started with a beautiful run on the Venetian Causeway. I love listening to great music on a run. I always feel so incredible running, on such a natural high, I love to smile and say good morning to everyone I pass. It makes me feel so good, especially when it lights up someone else's face. People don't expect to be greeted, how very sad. 

I was in heavy production mode baking samples of ginnybakes yesterday, fulfilling some brand new large orders, exciting. Hopefully ginnybakes is moving into a commercial kitchen soon!! Dinner was the chick pea soup stew from the recipe site Annhy passed it was absolutely delicious. Funny thing is I looked around the table, I had added poultry for my men and a salad and thought the meal would have been even more beautiful had I just served the Stew with a great hunk of great bread and some fresh cheese. It was not necessary to add the additional protein the soup had everything we needed. My husband and one of the boys couldn't get enough and it was very chunky. I am learning as always yes, simpler is always more pleasing. 

On that theory, tonight for dinner I am making Roasted Squash with quinoa and nothing else! I bought 2 delicata squash, but you could use any smaller squash that you can stuff.


Roasted Squash with Quinoa1. Preheat the oven to 400' (always use a really hot oven when roasting vegetables)
2. Cut the squash, halve it lengthwise and seed. 
3. Brush both sides with olive oil season insides with S&P and roast 45 min, cut side down on a roasting sheet. 
4. Meanwhile make quinoa, same as basic rice directions though always rinse your quinoa well, first. 
During the last few minutes of the quinoa cooking- add 2 tablespoons golden raisins. Let cool. 
5. In a separate bowl- whisk together: 1 tbl sherry vinegar, 1 TBL honey, 1 tsp olive oil- and add to the quinoa.
6. Season to taste with S&P and dice well, one granny smith apple (the tart flavor is nice with the sweet of the raisin), add 1 minced shallot, 1 minced garlic, 2 TBL chopped mint 2 TBL chopped parsley and 2 cups arugula.
7. Toss gently and fill each squash half and enjoy!!

Spicy Grilled Eggplant recipe

Fall is my favorite season, and who can resist it with all the fresh bounty coming forth from the earth? I love the fresh vegetables all being drawn in from the garden.  The CSAs are starting up, and at our local CSA (Community Supportive Argriculture), our green bags are beautiful and overflowing with colors.

Here is a recipe that was tucked into our produce this week,  I made it- and the family loved it.  xo ginny

Spicy Grilled Eggplant with Red Pepper and Parsley

(Makes 2 servings, recipe can be doubled or tripled. Adapted from a recipe in Williams-Sonoma Complete Grilling Cookbook.)

1 medium globe eggplant or 2-3 long Asian eggplants
1-2 tsp. salt, to remove water from eggplant (not needed for Asian eggplant)
1-2 T olive oil, to brush eggplant for grilling
1 T chopped parsley
1 T chopped mint
(You can use 2 T of either mint or parsley if you don't have both.)

spicy sauce:
2 T olive oil
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. garlic puree (from a jar) or finely minced fresh garlic (or less if you don't love garlic)
1 tsp. Aleppo Pepper (or less, to taste. Use whatever kind of red pepper flakes you have.)
1 tsp. Spike Seasoning (optional, but highly recommended)

Remove stem end and wash eggplant, but do not peel. Cut eggplant into slices 1/2 -3/4 inch thick, being careful to make all slices the same thickness. (Cut Asian eggplant on the diagonal to get bigger slices.) Put eggplant in colander in single layer and sprinkle with salt. Let drain 20 minutes, then turn over and sprinkle other side with salt and let drain 20 minutes more. (If you're using Asian eggplant, they don't need to be salted.)


While eggplant drains, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic puree, Aleppo Pepper, and Spike.

Preheat gas or charcoal barbecue grill to medium high. (You can only hold your hand there for 3-4 seconds at that heat.) Remove eggplant from colander and put each piece between two papers towels and press with your hand to squeeze out water. Wipe eggplant dry and brush both sides with olive oil.

Place eggplant on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side, rotating after a few minutes on each side if you want to get nice grill marks. Watch them carefully because they go from nicely browned to overly dark quite quickly.

When eggplant is done, remove from grill and place in large plastic bowl. Pour in spicy sauce, and gently stir eggplant to coat with sauce. Let sit 10-15 minutes so eggplant can absorb sauce flavors. Chop mint and parsley while eggplant is resting in sauce.

To serve, assemble eggplant on serving plate and sprinkle with mint and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lewisburg

This past Monday my husband and I celebrated our 24th anniversary. Pretty cool, especially since the two of us still feel like kids. We spent the weekend in West Virginia, and I was anxious to go apple picking, something I did do as a child and I looked back upon with a longing to do again.
We picked Morgan Orchard after traveling through beautiful country roads full of the colors of fall heading from Lewisburg, a small fascinating little town. Lewisburg has the feeling of being a small southern town entrenched with Civil War history, yet upon further exploring you begin to realize you are in a most magical, unusual place. The town was discovered after the Vietnam War by liberal Northerners, who seeked a place for their Back to the Land Movement. They lived in communes in the start up days, caring for each other's children as they grew their own food. As time progressed they incorporated themselves into the community. The arts are multifold, library stunning, and most alluring to me was the holistic, organic side and feel of the place. The gourmet market, Bellaluna, was filled with grass fed beef and chicken, all organic products. Even vital choice canned wild Alaskan salmon could be found there. The cheeses were from grass pastureland, alpine regions known for their higher omega 3 contents. The wines all organic. I went hunting down a yoga studio I saw a street sign for, it turns out it was 3 floors up on the most beautiful, creaky, old wood floors. The type that announces their connection and history to a place. The yoga studio had a sign on the door that Barbara had eye surgery and she was so sorry, for the interruption in yoga practice for her students. As I peeked in the door, I could see the peacefulness of her studio, simple floors with big windows looking out. The sparseness, was it's beauty. She was clearly living her passion. I could feel it without meeting her, just seeing part of her soul through her environment.
I was climbing down the stairs as gentleman popped out of his office. Within 2 minutes, I was sitting in a big armchair in his office having neuropathy done. Again a person living his passion, anxious to share. I was in my element, so much so, that I forgot I left my husband on the street saying I would be right back. He finally found me, baffled and yet could see my peace. To be so surrounded by people living their lives, doing good, healing work. Selling products that worked for our body and land. What a gift Lewisburg gave us on this our anniversary. I could go on, I haven't told you yet about the apple picking. Some stories are just meant to meander, to begin and end as they do... xo ginny


Though I never told you about our actual apple picking here is a great recipe. I plan to make for my boys tonight. Enjoy
Don't forget add extra cinnamon for it's protection against insulin and glucose spikes. Great for the management of type 2 diabetes as well.

Sour Cream Apple Pie
Recipe makes 1 pie
For the topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 


For the filling:
1 1/3 cups sour cream
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eeggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 large Granny Smith apples (about 2 1/4 pounds)


ginger whipped cream as an accompaniment


Make the topping: 
In a small bowl blend together the butter, the sugar, the cinnamon, and the flour until the mixture is combined well and chill the topping, covered, while making the filling.


Make the filling:
In a large bowl whisk together the sour cream, the sugar, the salt, the vanilla, the eggs, and the flour until the mixture is smooth, add the apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin, and stir the filling until it is combined well.


Spoon the filling into the chilled shell, smoothing the top, and crumble the topping evenly over it.  Bake the pie in the middle of a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until it is golden and the apples are tender, transfer it to a rack, and let it cool completely.  Serve the pie with the ginger whipped cream.


Easiest Pie Crust Ever
Makes 1 pie shell
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil
2 tablespoons cold milk


Measure flour, sugar and salt into an 8-or 9-inch pie plate and whisk to blend.  Beat oil with milk and pour over the flour mixture.  Use a fork to mix just enough to moisten the flour, then press into bottom and sides of pie plate.  Use the tines of the fork to press into the top to form an edge.  If baking without filling, prick all over with a fork and bake at 425 degrees  for 15 minutes.  If using for a fill-and-bake pie, follow pie-recipe directions.

Goodness Gracious Granola Bars!

As promised, here is the recipe for the oh-so-simple but deliciously good granola bars I whipped up for the event at Temple Beth Sholom last weekend.

I have always made my own granola and granola bars because it's actually quite simple and most store bought granola bars are sadly chock full of food no-no's from high fructose corn syrup, corn flours and even added coloring.



Almond Apricot Granola Bars
1/2 cup almond butter or other nut butter
1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup or agave nectar)
1 cup crispy brown rice cereal (pref. organic)
1 cup of granola
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
vegetable oil for greasing the dish

1. Put almond butter and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the melt together; whisk to combine
2. Put the crispy cereal, granola, almonds, apricots and salt in a bowl and add the melted mixture of almond butter and honey' stir well to combine
3. Grease a 7- or 8-inch square baking dish with a little oil and line it with plastic wrap. Spread the granola mixture evenly into the dish, pressing down gently, and cover with more plastic wrap. Refrigerate until set, at least one hour.
4. Once set, remove by lifting up edges of the plastic wrap out of the dish; peel off the plastic and cut the bars into any size or shape you would like (use cookie cutter shapes for the kids!)

Yield: about 16 - 20 granola bars.

Now that's good, healthy snacking!

Gardening

I just spent a beautiful hour in the garden before the sun rose. It was quiet, cool and so very peaceful. The lovely Miss Bear at my feet,  and Sam our cat there as well. Pretty magical having both my pets as serene as I,  just being in the moment.  That is the magic of creating your own garden. I left it when the sun starting to warm us, carrots, eggplant and potatoes  planted this morning. I feel so accomplished, a quiet joy. This weekend I will be at Fairchild attending workshops and buying some seeds and seedlings. This is the time in our region for planting.
 As The Miami Herald captioned this week- Save The Planet, fuel your body with home-grown vegetables. The vegetables and herbs you grow at home taste a world apart from the ones you buy in the store that have been traveling upwards of two weeks to get to your local store.  The taste is deeper, richer, the benefits of knowing you are eating things fresh from your own soil without pesticides, should give you such joy, peace of mind and good health.
 What you are doing for our environmental goes beyond words, we make the difference, our actions each of us, have such an impact on our planet.  Questions? Ask me, if I can't answer you I will put you in contact with someone who can. This year my seedlings and seeds are coming from Natural Gardening Company. There are lots more great companies out there,  please order organic let demand lead where big business goes. Once again you honor me by visiting my blog. Thank you. xo ginny

community

I am still making my way through the Sunday magazine section from last week. I am enjoying each article. They all point in the same direction as to food creating community. It is so true, I feel it everytime I do a workshop. This past week Mindful had an incredible raw food workshop, and it was interesting because so many of the attendees had crossed paths before. Connections from life were discovered. Many were yogis from the same studio, had met at previous community events whether thru Mindful Organics or other sources. I find the people that are drawn to my company are intelligent, passionate people who I get so excited to meet. I learn as I give.

This week we have our 1st meeting for our CSA, a green smoothie workshop at Green Monkey after yoga Friday night at 6:30 Miami Beach location, I am teaching on Food and the connection to breast cancer Thursday at a local corporation. We have Nov 13, a Yoga and smoothies for kids workshop. Join a CSA, attend something like what I have mentioned through me or any community event, Nov 19th at Green Monkey we are showing the movie What's Organic about Organics? Sit on pillows with us, enjoy our raw vegan snacks, be part of a dynamic group. There is a fabulous night planned for local eating by wonder chefs under the stars and moon, at the Botanical Gardens this Friday night . Fairchild is having its edible plants weekend this coming weekend. Join in to community, become impassioned and dig into the earth, start your gardens. Do something, anything that helps our understanding of food as the core of relationships to eachother and the planet.

I know these are Miami area events mentioned, but trust me if you look all kinds of things are available in your area too. xo ginny off to teach tots about Whole Foods-love my life.

Eating Together

I quote from The New York Times Magazine section today. It is The Food Issue.

Over the centuries, we've moved from huddling around a fire to gathering around a hearth to sitting around a table to clustering on the Web. But food is what has always brought us together-for sustenance as well as for conversation. In the last decade, the movement toward buying locally has, perhaps inadvertently, resulted in the creation of new communities. Conversations are started when people ask questions of men and women who grow, make, cook and serve their food, as they are when they seek out others with similiar tastes. One result is a multitude of new-and often surprising -connections. Strangers are chipping in to buy a whole steer together. Orthodox Jews are eating wood-fired pizza next to West Indians and hipsters. Graphic designers are trying to revive an impoverished county with an all butter crust. In one city 100,000 people have converged to eat street food and learn how to butcher, pickle, home-roast coffee and brew beer. In this, our third annual food issue, the hunger to connect is stronger than ever.

The Food issue is incredible and I for one am so proud to be forging ahead in this movement.

I will refer back to the articles this week. Perhaps we can work together as Mindful's FB community to see how we can make more of a difference, maybe in each of our own communities we can begin with a communal table once a month where we share in ideas, passions, and breaking bread together. Maybe as individuals we can make a commitment to ourselves to have animal free Mondays, or decide to slowly move into more dinners cooked with fresh, simple ingredients instead of ordering in. What a gift to ourselves, children and communities if we too could start to gathering around the table together with delicious smells we have created with our own hands. Maybe it is time to understand cooking at home is the greatest gift we give to ourselves and the ones we love. Just some thoughts, please share yours.

xo ginny

Get Slow

Leave your watch on the bedside table.

Check email only twice a day.

Take the scenic route.

Light candles before you start to cook dinner.

Make up rituals.

Say a silent word of thanks and make eye contact with everyone at the table before you start eating.

Make a handmade present for a friend.

Set aside private time every day, give yourself permission to just be.

Spend as much time as possible outdoors in natural settings.

Pay attentiom to the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons.

Sit for a moment with your eyes closed before you turn on your computer.

Take a few moments before you climb out of bed in the morning to remember your dreams and think about what you want from the day.

When your cellphone rings choose if you want to answer it.

Factor in extra time when estimating how long something will take.

Always jump at the chance to play with a child.

Create a garden and spend time seeing all the changes.

Never pack your schedule so tight that there is no room for a short walk.

Take a left where you generally take a right.

Congrats on completing your juicing!!

I hope you are filled with joy within you. To complete a detox is always an overpowering feeling. Please treat this new feeling with gentleness and care. This is a gift of a new day. Honor thyself and put food in you that works for you. If it doesn't it has no place in your life.

xo ginny

DAY 3- Juice Recipes

You will have these juices at: 9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm.

Day 3 consists of two different juices. Let's call them Juice 1 and Juice 2. You will drink 2 of each, at set times. For example: Juice 1 and 9am and 12pm, and Juice 2 at 3 and 6pm.

Juice 1- Yields 2 juice servings
6 carrots
2 apples
1 orange
1/2 large beet
2 stalks of celery
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Juice 2- Yields 2 juice servings
4 kale leaves
2 bunches of parsely
2 handfulls of watercress
8 broccoli spears
1 pineapple
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Remember to listen to your body. As you have been nourishing your body only with pure, clean fruit and vegetable juices and cleansing itself of toxins and heavy foods- you may (0r may not) be feeling lightheaded or tired. If you do- then let yourself rest. Practice slow-moving stretching or Yoga poses while focusing on steady, deep breaths.

Drink plenty of water between juices. Add lemon to the water for flavor- and even feel free to drink decaf- natural herbal teas.

As I have suggested before- if you are hungry- then eat only either a 1/2 avocado, plain, or 10 almonds. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly and mindfully.

This the last day of your Detox cleanse.

Tomorrow you will want to slowly introduce solid foods back to your system- I will post something later about the best food choices- so you don't put your body into shock!

Hope you have been feeling lighter and more radiant, so far...

DAY 2 RECIPES

You will have this smoothie at

9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm

This recipe makes 4 servings

6 cups almond milk -I like the 40k unsweetened vanilla flavor by blue diamond

2 cups of coconut water

8 leaves kale - I prefer lacinato. (you may also use swiss chard) chopped

5 cups mango

2 1/2 cups ice

optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend together until smooth.

If you are someone that needs variety you may sub pineapple or blueberries for the mango, in one or 2 of the shakes. You will only be able to make 2 at a time due to the capacity of the blender or vitamix.

Our detox day 1

I am sure with excitement and trepidation we begin this detox. The fear is how we will feel and whether we can do it. Take away the fear and relax into it. Your body naturally will take over feeling the effects and releasing toxins. It is your mind where the battle occurs. Let go, forgive your doubts and believe in the power of oneself.

Feel the juices going into your body, down and down and think of all the beautiful gifts and benefits you are releasing.

Here is to you- for cherishing yourself. xo ginny

DETOX SHOPPING LIST

Here is the official 3-day Detox shopping list! Print this baby off and get thee to the grocery store! PS. I always choose to buy all organic produce- to keep things as clean as possible.

What you will need:

- a strong blender, or a VitaMix or a good juicer

What to buy:

- 1 bag of Carrots

- 2 bunches of Celery

- 1 bunch of Watercress

- bag of Spinach

- 4-5 Apples

- a good bunch of Kale (Lacinato variety)

OR Swiss Chard works too

- 1 English Cucumber

- 1 good sized Beet

- 1L Almond Milk (I like the 40calorie Unsweetened Vanilla Flavor by Blue Diamond)

- 1L Coconut Water (I like Vita Coco or ONE)

- 3 Mangos, cubed

- 1 Orange

- bunch of Parsely

- bunch of Broccoli

- ice

- 2 avocados

Optional, but strongly recommended items:

- 1 Bottle of Flaxseed Oil (a good quality oil will be refrigerated, in store)

OR 1 Bag Ground Flaxseed

If you have any questions, post to our Facebook wall and I will respond.

Recipe for Day 1 juices will be posted later today.

I recommend you blend your juices the morning of- and make sure to keep your juices cold and refrigerated and ready for the prescribed times at which you will drink your juices.

9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm.

Lets get ready for tomorrow

Tomorrow, I hope many of you will be in joining in our 3 day detox. To make your detox easier, I suggest today you eat very clean. Leave the caffeine out today, as well as any alcohol, processed foods or heavy meals. Eat smart with mindfulness of your goals tomorrow, and the next couple of days. Start in with a plan, understanding detox has its moments. Hunger plays a large part the 1st day, possibly with headaches and fatigue. Understand and acknowledge this is your body speaking to you as it cleans out the toxins. By wed you will wake up with energy, feeling incredible and so proud of yourself! To add even more to your detoxing pick up a tongue scraper and a dry body brush. Scrape your tongue each morning and evening. Before you shower use your dry brush scrubbing your dry skin in circular motions starting with your feet and moving upwards. This exfoliates your skin and wakes up the lymphatic system aiding the detoxing. An added benefit over time if done everyday is it leaves our skin firmer and softer. Please take it easy on the exercise the next 3 days, walking, and yoga are your best choices. Keep yourself scheduled light. If possible take a nap or rest in the afternoon. Take a hot bath with baking soda and epsom salts to relax you before bed. Sweet dreams, and better health to you. xo ginny

Detox day 3

Today is the last day of our 3 day detox which we will repeat again next week, for those that want to Clean Up again, or were not able to join us this week. Today hopefully you are feeling energized and feeling so much better if you were experiencing alot of detox symptoms. (the fatigue, headaches, and for some, a feeling of over all coldness) I am really proud who joined, it is not easy, especially the first time. When you start eating solid food tomorrow I ask that you do so gently. Start with a juice for breakfast, or one kind of fruit. 3/4 of a cup of fruit is a good amount. For lunch and dinner, keep it vegetarian, primarily raw though some quinoa and steamed vegetables is also clean and very easy on the stomache. A great big green salad would finish the day perfectly.

We will begin on Monday for those that would like to. Ingredients will be given again and we will follow these same juices. If you prefer to have them made for you, you can pick up or have them delivered. We are beginning to slowly offer this service. Please contact info@mindfulorganics.com. Annhy will receive your emails and handle your requests and questions. Feel empowered! xo ginny

day 3 detox

You will have these juices at: 9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm.

Day 3 consists of two different juices. Let's call them Juice 1 and Juice 2. You will drink 2 of each, at set times. For example: Juice 1 and 9am and 12pm, and Juice 2 at 3 and 6pm.

Juice 1- Yields 2 juice servings
6 carrots
2 apples
1 orange
1/2 large beet
2 stalks of celery
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Juice 2- Yields 2 juice servings
4 kale leaves
2 bunches of parsely
2 handfulls of watercress
8 broccoli spears
1 pineapple
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Remember to listen to your body. As you have been nourishing your body only with pure, clean fruit and vegetable juices and cleansing itself of toxins and heavy foods- you may (0r may not) be feeling lightheaded or tired. If you do- then let yourself rest. Practice slow-moving stretching or Yoga poses while focusing on steady, deep breaths.

Drink plenty of water between juices. Add lemon to the water for flavor- and even feel free to drink decaf- natural herbal teas.

If you are hungry- then eat only either a 1/2 avocado, plain, or 10 almonds. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly and mindfully.

xo ginny

day 2 detox

You will have this smoothie at

9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm

This recipe makes 4 servings

6 cups almond milk -I like the 40k unsweetened vanilla flavor by blue diamond

2 cups of coconut water

8 leaves kale - I prefer lacinato. (you may also use swiss chard) chopped

5 cups mango

2 1/2 cups ice

optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend together until smooth.

If you are someone that needs variety you may sub pineapple or blueberries for the mango, in one or 2 of the shakes. You will only be able to make 2 at a time due to the capacity of the blender or vitamix.

Journal each day how you are feeling.

Add to the detox by using a tongue scraper (buy at Wholefoods) and dry brush, brush your skin and exfoliate before showering. Take a hot bath last thing at night with epsom salts, lavendar oil, and baking soda. Soak for 20 minutes then climb right into bed. Feel so proud of taking such beautiful care of your body! xo ginny

juice with me.

I thought this would be a great week to do some detoxing. The 19th is on the other side of the midway point of September and fall is coming. For me this truly feels like the time when the schedules are set, the back to school nights are behind, Jewish holidays and all the undertakings for that finished. College kids off, and life falls into the routine of the coming school year whether you have kids or not. The September school cycle is forever part of our lives. For me this is when I look up and ask myself what is my health routine going to be? Changes in exercise or continuation? How is my eating? Have I joined my CSA? Where is my body at, how do I feel internally?

In past years though not every year, I have changed gyms at this time went from yoga to pilates and back again. Changed yoga studios, gyms and trainers and gone from spinning to running, all between late September and late October.

This year the changes are slighter, my yoga center and teachers are secure, I am at home where I practice and love the feeling of peace and joy I get from going there. Love the sweat, love the way it relaxes my limbs, and my mind.

My training at the gym is not going through any major shifts, same trainer, at the small gym I love, where it truly does feel like the old Cheers refrain, " Where everyone knows your name." My training does not offer me solitude, but gives me a feeling of strength and vitality. I have decided to challenge myself, to keep myself aging well. My challenge is to attain a six pack before the winter holidays and to get the cut arms I admire. In my mid forties I want the challenge of keeping the body strong. To get myself ready for my new routine and to embrace all that we can embark on for our own bodies I ask you to join me in juicing this week.

Here is tomorrow's juice menu

using a juicer is best, if you do not have a vitamix or strong blender will work.

1st juice at 9 am 2nd at 12 pm

3 carrots

2 sticks celery

1 bunch watercress

1 handful spinach

At 3 pm and 6pm have

2 apples

2 kale leaves

1 stick celery

1/3 long cucumber

1/2 beet (root cut off)

You will encounter hunger pains that is your body cleaning and regulating itself embrace the feeling of hunger. It is a wonderful thing to feel, to know we don't have to over feed ourselves or beautiful body always tells us what it needs. If you cannot tolerate it, or it makes you too uncomfortable have 10 raw almonds or 1/4 Haas avocado.

Let me know your feedback as to how you are feeling.

xo ginny

Hinmahtooyah words

I ran into my most revered spiritual teacher. My waiter from Michael's genuine. That is what he does, not who he is or what he is about. Every time I see him I learn so much about my path and so much about life. I watched him for awhile through the restaurant window of where I was sitting. ( Not Michael's he was off.) He was so thin and covered in sinewy muscles, the body of youth and vitality. The smile and crystal clear eyes of someone young, strong and calm. He must be over 50 though, as I believe he received the red hand tattoo, ( I talk about in last year's blog ) at 50 and that was a few years before I met him. I wondered would he know me, seeing me not in the restaurant, he did calling me Jennifer as always. That suits me fine coming from him. He was with a woman called Morning Dove, she is very involved in spititual life leading meditation every Monday evening. Morning Dove is adopted family to him and he wanted to share some prayers of gratitude he brought with him to share on this grandparents day.

Here are the inspirational messages he passed for us to share.

My friend,

if I could give you

one thing,

I would give you

the ability to see

yourself

as others see you...

then you would realize

what a truly special

person you are.

-Barbara A. Billings

Oh Great Spirit, creator of all

Allow us to walk as with one

show us the pathway of dignity

Teach us to respect your creation

Give strength amidst times of need

Let it be known you are our guardian

Provide us with your many offerings

Forgive with grace when asked upon

Entrust us with sacred Earth's legacies

Grant us the insight to uphold your vision

inspire knowledge when asked thereafter

Bestow us tranquilty as we're forever grateful

Sioux prayer

I hope you also gain insight from Hinmahtooyah's gift of embracing and sharing. xo ginny

Fall

I can tell Fall is here though we in So Florida will not be feeling any change in our weather for at least 6 weeks yet. I can tell because it is time to think about the replanting and buying of seeds for my garden. I can envision sitting out there tending to the new seedlings. Juan Carlos is already out there supervising some changes we are making. This year we will plant and plan together, as my dear friend tends to the seedlings as much if not more than me. It will bring me even greater joy to have a partner in building our paradise.

The college kids have long gone except my 2nd son who goes to a school on the quarter system. He will be leaving Wed. How a year changes things. Last year after leaving him up there for his freshman year I fell into such a funk, a true deep sadness. I am sure you could hear that very clearly in the blogs from last Sept. It was an unbearable sadness that took its time to dissipate. This year I am ready for him to go back. I understand that is where his life is, and I must start to work more and get back into my routine which I am starting to long for. I have to say it is great having a lunch partner everyday, but sometimes you just want that bowl of oatmeal

The next year that announces fall to me more than anything is football season, or in my house FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not a football fan, I know that sounds horrible, but just never happened for me. Huge conflict occurs each football season as the 5 men ( or less these days) want to stay in the house ALL day and watch game after game. This year I have decided not to fight it, with the clear understanding I am not staying in catering to all these males. I have gone into retirement. Today was the Miami Hurricane game. They had a ball and so did I. I decided to get new make up for the fall. I thought it looked great til I walked in the door and my son Kevin wanted to know what happened to me. My husband asked if I was going to wash it all off. The next son comes in and says I look very un yogi like. Perhaps, I just look like a football widow. To the fall and all that comes with it, I think I am actually going to love Sundays. xo ginny

Aging through the eyes of a daughter

We just returned from a beautiful trip to visit my folks in North Carolina. We hadn't seen them up there in a few years. We were overdue, even though they live most of the year in Miami with us, it brings them such joy when we see them there. Their love is their place up there. A very simple home with the most spectacular property. It is their pride and joy. The first month of calls we receive each summer is all about the blooming of their newly planted garden, the grass coming in fresh again like velvet. The pond with trout jumping, and the fruit trees loaded with buds. They have had this home for 29 years and the phone calls have a life and rhythm all their own. It is their story. It is the place where they watched their 17 year old develop a huge crush on the real estate agent showing them the property. They are still friendly with him to this day, and I always smile inside when I see him. Nice memories.

My brother, sister and I all loved that place, we brought our future spouses there, making the them pass the Appalachian ski slope test, even though none of them had ever skied before. Mine actually got removed from the mountain for reckless skiing, he wasn't reckless just trying not to die that day.

We took our babies there for their first trips. Our oldest went at 5 weeks, got his first cold at 5 weeks as well.

We had a nightmare occur there, when our 2nd son was thought to be dying as he slowly lost consciousness and help was too far away to call on. My husband and brother-in-law had just left that morning. I remember my sister and I laying over him, breathing into him, pushing on his chest as we laid him out on the grass. The trip down the mountain unending, he survived and went on to have no memories of that horrible night. As his mom, his memory keeper, I hold the scars just below the surface, something I was never the same after. Life actually became more fragile and sweet. The house in NC bore witness to that as well.

We brought the cousins together there and crowded all 9 of them into cribs, cots, rollaways, couches and beds. Those were the wild days. My parents were the proud, young, vital grandparents. Very much the matriarch and patriarch of this loud, boisterious crew. Soon the babies starting growing up a bit enough to cast fishing lines that caught more tree branches than fish. My father forever patient. Always he had everything ready for those boys, even built a basketball court when he thought that would keep them coming.

Life moved forward and my parents had to survive through the death of one of their own babes. They lost their oldest daughter to breast cancer. The house once again was witness to our life, and yet was no longer just a house it was all a home should be, lending comfort when my parents needed to retreat into themselves for a bit. It was the first place they turned to when they needed to be shielded. To turn into the arms of only each other. To be each other's balm and solace.

They have had annual July 4th parties for years until their friends had trouble driving over the rural mountain roads to get to my parents home. They would chuckle at how old their friends were getting. This trip it is the start of my parents turn. The steps are getting tough for my Dad. He holds on tight and forces himself to just keep going. My mom has mentioned the roads are getting a bit tough for my Dad...tears slip down my cheeks as I think of my hero, the love of my life receding into a place that even the house can't rescue him from, just comfort him a long his journey. Love you Mom and Dad. xo ginny

Wow Gables Engineering!!

Today I gave a lecture at Gables Engineering and discovered an incredible health package they offer their employees. They are the smart ones, as they realize when they offer workshops, pilates, yoga, spinning and a full facility gym their gain is their own. The allegiance and loyalty is strong, the people I met (about 25) were so grateful and on the path to better health. Sick days are down, as well as clothing sizes. It was an honor to speak there today. What an example they are. xo ginny

The cycle circles around once again

The end of August brings that mellow, sweet feeling to many of us that have school age kids. In my house, when we are home the days just drift, the house feels so different a place of refuge from the heat, from the frenetic pace of the normal routine. Some or all of the boys are home at different times, which means several friends in tow. The house sags into the summer, relaxed look of pillows scattered, throw blankets still thrown askew after a late movie was finished, reading lamps moved to the occupants comfort. It looks lived in, a house with stories to tell.

Well 3 are back in school with one more keeping my life still in part summer routine until he heads out in mid September. I feel life pulling in so many directions, and so I have decided this year to journal to keep me in tune with where I am in my space. To remember what is important, to stay in the moment, and to kick back and relax at times and remember that I am my own refuge. My pace is mine alone to live by.

Crossfit workout

Crossfit workouts, Muay Thai and yoga are taking over the boys summer. I thought though when we headed out on vacation together, which is part made up of a six day backroads multi sport vacation, the days would be filled with sightseeing, eating (this is the Simon boys after all) and the occasional run.

Life is the awareness of your surroundings and of course we happen to take the one street in Vancouver that has a crossfit gym. Before I knew it, Steve had signed up for a family crossfit session. I took advantage and signed up for an organic facial, at Skoah Spa in the Yaletown area of Vancouver. It was a beautiful experience, and I cannot wait to try my new products waiting for me at home. I have to tell you though my competive side came out and I decided I had to try the next crossfit workout the next day. It was tough, and I worked really hard, and yet I was so proud to be there hanging in and more. Came in third out of six and would have come in second, but needed to watch my son Kev to follow his lead as to the order of the workout. Yes, my trainer, Damian might point out as his does way too frequently, that I am horrible, and worse in following directions, oh, but in determination... I am a boys mom for sure, even though facials rank really, really high for me. Crossfit, yoga, and my men...perfection. Thank you for the spirituality, knowledge and gratitude of knowing when life is truly beautiful...in whatever source you believe. Once again this week thank you for letting me flow. xo ginny

Yoga with Michael and Kevin

Ok as I told you in a blog just past the prior one, I have patiently been waiting (or so I would say) for one of my family members to do yoga with me. I have given up on Steve, though life is long and as he always tells me, I am never allowed to say never in our life together. I thought the moment truly would not come...and yet today I found myself in Flow Wellness in Vancouver renting 3 mats, and laying down mats on either side of me for two of my guys. I was so honored and excited I could barely contain myself, as my boys might have mentioned a couple of times. I decided to leave far behind my tendency to hover, leave my mothering behind and go to the place I love... my space, my me time...just me and my mat deep into my personal space. My thoughts, my breath, my private soul. They more then survived the class, they made themselves into better people this morning. They did what their bodies wanted of them, what their souls asked of them, and where their mind found peace. As I lay in deep relaxation at the end of class, when thoughts are supposed to float way , my mind went to the gratefulness of the moment, and I remembered to note in that moment in time I felt so very blessed. Thank you Michael and Kevin.

xo Mom

The Power of family vacations

As you probably know by now there are four Simon kids, all boys ranging in age from just about 22 to 15. From afar we are a powerful group, very into each other, physically strong and vital appearing. Yes I get pride out of the heads they turn when the four are together. I am their mom after all. Each of course has their roles to play.

Scott, the oldest, the Bad ass kid as he refers to himself. (mostly big talker the rough days are long gone) he is the family protector G-d forbid he believes someone messes with any of his family members, especially his mom...(maybe he watched too many G-d father movies).

Michael comes next he is the Atlas Shrug of the group. The Thinker, he even strokes his chin in that just in deep thought action. He takes care of things, actually probably more responsible then any of us except his Dad. We try to loosen him up and he tries to make us grow up. (yes a possible role reversal going on)

Mark is very cerebral, not quite here with the rest of us. He lives in his own world and likes it there. I believe though some of my deepest most interesting conversations come when with alone with him. He tries to hide it but he feels and thinks with such sensitivity, he feels everything digests it thoroughly, and slowly lets you into his thoughts with great awareness.

Kevin, is the most like me. He lives his life with passion, believes others around him will take care of and sweat the small stuff for him. It is that baby position. He truly works so hard though on anything he feels warrants it, he is an athlete through and through, and his smile lights up any room. He treats a woman with such charisma and charm, trouble brewing...

It is such an honor then to get to spend two weeks traveling the 6 of us. I am so honored to be their mom, and they know I feel that way. They truly cherish one another and talk all the time about how we are the greatest family. To us we are, and I hope all of you have the same good fortune to feel that way about yours. Just today I was saying to my men, feel the gratitude of being altogether here in this place at this moment in time. If I have had one major gift to have given my family it is the mindfulness of the sweet moments we live. xo ginny

Yoga and the boys

I have always wanted my boys to do yoga with me, so when one of the boy's school coach called to say that over the summer he wanted my son doing yoga to loosen and stretch my his hamstrings I was overjoyed. I have always pushed for them to add yoga to their physical regimen, but could not overcome their macho attitude towards it. I believe this started because I did not introduce my husband properly into yoga. I kind of threw him in and he was not comfortable. Unfortunately he got really turned off and never looked back. My boys picked up on his attitude, and like many other things in my male dominated household decided yoga was for women.

Things have changed...when one started another of my boys decided too as well. They are loving it. The boys are now telling their father and brothers how incredible yoga is. It is such music to my ears. They have decided it feels incredible and their muscles actually do get sore and stretched from practicing. Tomorrow, I can't wait, we are doing a power yoga class together. What a joy it will be sharing in the experience. I have waited a long time for this...I'll let you know after class about our Vancouver yoga experience. xo ginny

Musings

I came home from Yoga today and heard voices from the kitchen, and there was a very typical scene, people eating around the table. Lunch was out, kids, friends and my husband gathered. I was proud of what was pulled from the refrig as I looked around. Lots of color, lots of veggies and salad. Funny though there was a college girl there who I knew, but couldn't quite place and my son Scott, to make sure I was not going to blow anything says her name in super speed and then progresses to tell me I have known her forever. That said, I couldn't ask too many questions as I didn't know where to begin. Well within minutes all the males at the table popped up to do boy stuff on the boat. I am left sitting with this person of which I didn't even catch her name. Within seconds she is introducing herself and asking whether she should call me Mrs Simon, (that was a quick no!) I was so glad I hadn't lost my mind , but actually had never really officially met her before. Yes I am sure she has been in my house quite a bit, with four kids that is the life we encourage. Alexandra (Nani) turned out to be precious and within moments together we were baking up the Chocolate Chip Cherry Love Cookies, and talking about Mindful Organics. (I was so happy her Aunts knew my products sell at The Workout Spot in Coconut Grove)

Cooking I have decided is probably the most relaxed and at times intimate way to get to know someone. I was honored today to have Nani cook with me, and then watch in 30 seconds two dozen cookies gone. Isn't life sweet. xo ginny

Papaya and more papaya

This past year as the organic garden was going in and Juan Carlos was living at my house it seemed, ( I loved it-hope it happens again JC) we planted some fruit trees as well. Bananas, papayas, meyer lemon, key limes, pineapple, kumquats and tangerines. I was watching and watching and you the know the expression, a watched pot never boils...well I didn't look for about 2 weeks and 2 days ago I pulled off two grand papayas! Ripe, huge and just gorgeous. Well I like papayas, for their health benefits which are many, and like the taste, however for some reason I cannot get enough of these two. I believe as with the garden that when something comes from your land and you know how it was grown, clean and pure, the pride is immense and the flavors are so much more intense when no pesticides are used.

I guess the body is talking and I am listening...I have eaten both of these two papyas within 2 days. I go to bed thinking about them and wake up heading straight for the kitchen to make another papaya smoothie. My simple recipe is as follows...(though you can add any fruit you desire such as mango and pineapple with a little banana, that would be incredible as well)

1 cup papaya to 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 of a banana, 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp coconut oil with some ice blended in. I have lived on this and some fresh juicing the last 2 days. I feel like I am glowing with great health as papaya is full of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, and the B vitamins, folate, minerals, potassium, and magnesium, as well as fiber. It also carries digestive enzymes within it, similiar to pineapple. Our body has a lot to teach us about eating well. We just need to listen. xo ginny

ps if your hands turn a little orange from all the beta-carotene- no worries...

Respond Don't React

Sometimes even when we are very aware of our boundaries, and the way we want to conduct ourselves, we find someone or something that disrupts our serenity. I try and live by the mantra my yoga guru taught me long ago, respond don't react. When you really turn that phrase over and over again it takes on a huge significance in the way we conduct ourselves.

yesterday I found myself upset with a turn of events with someone in my world. It left me thinking, and took away some of my peace. I found myself reacting to their words instead of responding giving me internal stress. I slept on it and went to yoga this morning where Paul, who was teaching the class had such pearls of wisdom about not needing to do battle. Explaining that how you feel internally, not proving your point but rather surrendering is the way to release. That does not mean you bend to others battles, but rather carry the knowledge inside of knowing every thought of ours does not need to be released or argued. We can hold our thoughts close to heart, and empower ourselves with the keeping of our emotions to ourself, understanding we only need our own personal acceptance of our behavior, to honor oneself, we give better to others. Thank you Paul for the wonderful reminder this morning. I do believe where you are meant to be is where you will find yourself. Yoga this morning balanced me in all areas, mind, body and soul. What a gift. Namaste. xo ginny

summer mindfulness.

The days of summer are here. My family has left the days of working and studying hard instead we are playing hard. We are grateful and totally into the pace of summer. During summer the lights go out several hours later then during the school year. I am even seeing midnight during the week! I am struggling to get up by 8:30, the body seems to be craving the deep sleep of total stress free dreams. I leave for yoga and come back to the house still in a deep slumber. Today my niece came over and we all cooked lunch together. Michael made a great carbonera, while Jenna and I put together a great tofu scramble. All were happy. I think every moment of this summer I have been so mindful of the peace it offers. I am sitting now writing this outside feeling the soft breezes of summer, knowing I am so happy. xo ginny

Summer

Here I am again sitting with the Lovely Miss Bear at my feet. I am in my summer mode, hair is big wavy curls, face is clean and fresh, spared of any make up. Summer to me means a rest for both mind, body and soul. My soul needs nourishing, it requires quiet walks in the Utah mountains, Miss Bear always by my side, great books to enjoy and learn from. I require a quietness, a deep period of time where quiet appreciation is called for. I prefer the sweat and movement of yoga over a training in the gym. My phone is quieter, responsibilities lessen. Shorts are about as dressed as I get. I am not sure why I require such a break each year, but I never question it. I believe each of us knows what our own care instructions are and it is our own responsibility to honor ourselves. No apologies just a forthrightness. May your summer be filled with renewal, whatever that means for you. Namaste. xo ginny

A new way of life

It seems lately like I am living in a parallel universe. I have been a full time mom for 21 years and all of a sudden here I am a working mom. I am at times distracted, sometimes so filled with absolute joy at the people I get to interact with, be with, share and talk with.

Sometimes at the end of the day I just want to curl up and be quiet, but that is when family life truly begins around our dinner table. It is where my husband wants my attention, when the boys are quick to call me on being absent if my mind wonders. There are days where I wonder if my friends will ever let me fully back in. Our lunches are farther, and fewer apart and yet there are my closest of friends, who are always there. Where a day is not complete with out our exchange of daily banter or deep conversation depending on the moment, day or week. These are friends that are on my journey they are not going anywhere nor am I.

When I am in doubt which is not too often a day like today comes along...

Today I had a group over made up of 10 woman. Some were clients, some great supporters of Mindful or who I met through workshops I have given to them or their kids. One a friend of a friend who has missed the mindful mornings and wanted to. She was someone who instantly warms your heart and puts you at ease. They were all so dynamic, so interesting and all claiming to be so inspired by the workings of Mindful. To my lunch buddies today I want to thank you. The inspiration comes from each of you. To making new deep relationships with women I deeply respect. Thank you for giving your time to me and honoring all of us here today by being very present, very in the moment and very candid with the sharing of dreams and aspirations. I am at times pinching myself. Let dreams continue...xo ginny

continuation

My trip continued from NY to Chicago where my 2nd son goes to school. I was meeting my niece, I wanted her to join me to spend time reconnecting with me and her cousin. I wanted a shopping mate as my 4 sons do not fit the bill.

She is as of yesterday 26, busy in school, exercising away, helping me in my intent to get ginnybakes out there. She is rebuilding a life that was put on hold for awhile. What did I discover? ...a beautiful woman who has clarity in her dreams, strong intentions, a deep love of family , and a great deal of poise and grace. I loved our deep conversations as well as relearning her nuances. We sat on a rock by the water, for a couple of hours gazing into the churning lake watching the boundless energy of dogs at play, the sun setting, the coldness coming in. It was magical to sit there with my sister's child talking about her mother's childhood. It was a bridge that brought memories flooding back of a childhood I hadn't spoken about in forever. It was time at its best. I love you Jenna Gayle.

Jody

How does this blog tie into Mindfulness...not sure you be the judge. I guess it is more on the quality of the relationships you keep and being perhaps mindful that all our relationships take work. How much do we want to put in and what truly are the rewards?

This past week I went on an a little odessey of my own. Walked out of my life for a week and went up to NY to attend an intense weekend at The School of Integrative Nutrition where I am taking a course load. Generally it is distance learning, but this was an intense weekend of live lectures. On Sunday night when the weekend was over my friend Jody, her husband and their daughter picked me up in the city and we drove out to their hometown on the Island. This is the same town we grew up in. I left when I was 11 Jody has lived there all of her life. We met I guess you could say in utero, if that is possible. Our parents were and still are close friends, by now on their journey, family...It felt like I was losing a little touch with Jod the phone calls were becoming less frequent, it just seemed like a big deal to pick up the phone when there was so much to catch up on. I knew, know and understand though this relationship is one that I will never let go. It was time for a visit. She is my history and I hers. She looked at one of my kids when they were 2 and announced OMG its your face and could tell me what picture to relate back to. She is the one that remembers all my childhood ways and I am her keeper. We are now mothers with kids starting to build their own separate life and think of their own futures. We are woman scared and anxious about the next steps, but both of us dynamic and wanting to emerge with new interests, drive and dreams. We check each others faces to see if the year that passed between visits has shown a mark. We are each others marker, both of us athletic (she is now doing the 30 day bikram challenge 2 classes a day, and a survivor of a boot camp the likes of which I never heard before). She is family, she is friend, she is my sister. She is the only one I would put side my phobias and sleep downstairs in her basement, in the guest room that seems very far from everyone else. Ties that bind, these is a gift, one that I will never take for granted. We have decided for us the best way to communicate is now texting. Technology has given us a way to reformat our communication. I am grateful we have been so busy chatting away. I love it and I love her. Thanks Jod for always being in my life.

I will continue the unfolding of the trip tomorrow as I share more of what I learned.

xo ginny

CSA pot luck dinner

Last night under the stars we gathered as a temple CSA to rejoice in a season of fresh beautiful produce. As a temple we made a choice to commit to a season and see how it went. It was not without its hitches, there was far more administrative tasks then were at first realized, and some families did struggle with the responsibility of understanding their ownership over their hosting day. You put those aside though, make your adjustments, shrug your shoulders and move on. The beauty of the season was intangible in some ways. Yes, the obvious tangibles were there, the gorgeous bags overflowing with produce every other Thursday...the things you couldn't touch? The knowledge gained by stretching outside the comfort zone, cooking and dealing with that unknown vegetable. The relationship that grows by becoming involved with people that normally don't cross your daily life except for the bond of trying to do better for our health and the planet. The relationships strengthened and the new ones formed are so dear to me, as I bonded with people sharing the same passion.

We sat outside had a beautiful evening filled with conversation, and great vegetarian food. The night ended with a beautiful moon, the feeling of warmth and love, and one exhausted Miss Bear. xo ginny

Spring Time Renewal

Passover begins tonight, the clocks have changed and I am once again lying on a table in Dr Chen's office. You see every March, I find myself sleep deprived with no explanation. For 3 years now I find myself hidden away in the little office laying on the table waiting for the needles to turn my body heavy with a feeling of dead weight. Soon my body cannot even think of twitching and my mind starts to shut down to a point of vivid pictures slowly fading into nothingness...into the ultimate state of relaxation. The warming lamps offer the body a warmth and the traffic noises from outside slowly recede. I have what you call a very sensitive system. I'm the type that gets skin rashes, hives if I am nervous, psorosis if I drink alcohol and of course added to the list- doesn't do time changes well! Well the good doctor clicks her tongue, giggles a little and always reminds me" same time each year." I have just come home from paying for the accunpuncture which for me includes the wonderful nap, and I have gone from a wreck to a creature of bliss in 1 and 1/2 hrs. Oh life is good, and now hopefully tomorrow when I turn 39 again, well rested I will include a thank you to Dr Chen as I walk the waters edge, thinking life is sweet!

Spring Time renewal

A Vegan in Word and Deed

The above title is the name of the article that is inspiring me to write this blog.

It is written about Alicia Silverstone who turned vegan 12 years ago. It is in todays New York Times Sunday Styles section. I will get to that in a moment...

I have a birthday coming up in 9 days and have to tell you I am not into the numbers game. Never felt that you should count your age by the numbers of years you have been on this earth , but rather how you feel. I feel about 34 but have decided since I seem to need to conform to society's rule that you must be a certain age I am forever 39. I feel so incredible, sensual, strong, vibrant, and I feel I glow with a happiness that starts from the inside.

I bring this up because as I was reading the above mentioned article where Alicia states that after turning to veganism she had sudden weight loss, her skin was glowing and her nails are strong and her eyes are white. She says the karma of turning vegan is amazing.

I had a client come in on Friday and she could not understand my way of eating, and yet she came in suffering from stress, low libido, and weight gain. It is difficult to get people to understand turning to clean living is not deprivation, but rather the best gift one can give themself. I'll keep talking I know changes are coming, patience...patience. xo ginny

ps please read anonymous's comment on the previous blog we are the voice of change each of us...