Five Minute Friday - Grow

It's that time of week again.  Joining up with Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.  Time to stop, drop and write.  Today she asks for our best five minutes on:

GROW

Ready?  GO!


At this very moment, something is growing.
Right here, right now.
In you
and me.

Love
or hate

Forgiveness
or resentment

Peace
or fear

Health
or disease

Faith
or doubt

Passion
or complacency

It grows
nurtured or neglected
an untamed weed
or prolific garden.

We feed it
fuel it
for better or worse.

What are you growing?

STOP.

One Moment at a Time

Well... so much for my November blogging streak.  I feel like I'm coming into the confessional booth:  Forgive me readers, for it has been 4 days since my last post.  But really, I have a feeling nobody even noticed so I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  It was a busy week.  Last weekend my sister was in town visiting, then I got some lovely food poisoning, then I was out of town for the last 4 days.  I probably could have written a post at some point, but I decided giving my kids my undivided attention and catching up on some much needed sleep was going to have to come first.  Anyway, it's good to be back.   Here's a post I wrote earlier this week.
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If you've been to Nordstrom recently, it's likely you have seen this poster:

Even though I saw this posted on facebook a couple weeks ago, when I saw this plastered all over Nordstrom's windows and doors this week, it really made me stop and think.

First I thought about it from a business perspective.  It's a great marketing campaign.  Ultimately businesses want people to buy whatever they're selling.  In order to do that, you need people to be talking about you, wanting what you have and walking through your door.  So why would one of America's largest department stores choose to hold off on the Christmas cheer (and make a point of telling you about it)?

I don't know.

I'm sure there are numbers behind it (like the amount of sales that will be generated on November 25th and the weeks to follow).  Or maybe they are capitalizing on something else. While others are decking their halls earlier and earlier each year, they are choosing to go the opposite direction. There's something to be said for that.  A sort of reverse psychology.

Then I started thinking about the line, "We just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time."

Celebrating one holiday at a time.

One season at a time.

One day at a time.

One moment at a time.

It's genius.

I've spent most of my life looking ahead.  Doing a, b and c because it was going to lead to d. There's nothing wrong with "d", nothing wrong with looking ahead. In fact, it's a good idea. But here's the goal:  look ahead, plan ahead, be excited for what's to come, but don't ignore the here and now.  I'm getting better at this whole "enjoy the moment" thing.  It's amazing what you see when you're actually present.  I think in this fast-paced, everything is at the touch of our fingertips life that we live, there's a lot to be said about taking things one "holiday" at a time.

Slow down.

Look around.

Enjoy today.

Celebrate.

One moment at a time.


Happy Thursday,
Kim 

From Cold Sweats to Hot Tea

Good news.  Bad news.

The bad news is that I broke my November blogging streak yesterday.  Lesson:  Don't put off writing your blog post because food poisoning will throw the rest of the night for a loop.  Oh I don't even want to think about what caused it.  Please don't say it was from my all-time favorite Portobello mushroom sandwich that I ate while watching the football game last night.  Was it the hot pear and cinnamon cider I drank too much of?  I know it can't be my sisters to-die-for vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.  I think I ate 3... or maybe 7 (hey, they were little, and by far the best vegan baked good I ever ate).  Whatever the culprit, I was in no mood to write.  Let's just say it was a longgggg night.  Ugh.

The good news is this morning my sister rushed to the market and bought old faithful:  ginger root.  She grated that thing with love and whipped up the most potent cure-all tea ever.  It burns like crazy going down and you just know it means business.  And that brings me to today's post: I heart ginger.

This morning I was reminded what an incredible friend we have in ginger.  I mean, hello, the Chinese have been using it for thousands of years (and they know medicine).  I did a little Googling and was quickly reminded how much I need to incorporate ginger into my diet on a regular basis.  Besides its commonly known use for nausea and morning sickness, ginger may also help to relieve arthritis pain, ulcerative colitis, menstrual cramps, fevers from colds and flu, headaches and sore throats.  The list goes on and on.  It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent which seals the deal for me.

There are so many ways to incorporate ginger into our diets.  Even if you can't stomach freshly grated ginger tea, I highly recommend giving ginger a try in your cooking.  I found some great ginger recipes from the Whole Living website.  Check it out and tell me what you think.

Who would have thought a night of cold sweats would rekindle an old love.

Enjoy,
Kim 

Five Minute Friday - Unexpected

Joining Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.  Time to stop, drop and write.  No editing, no overthinking or second guessing.    

Today she asks for five minutes on...

UNEXPECTED

Ready? GO!

It's natural - 

to make plans

to set goals

to envision the future.  

I made them, set them, envisioned it.  

And yet...

in a moment

just one phone call

and it's all moot.

One word, or two

and everything changes.  

Life is forced to

pause.

This was not my plan.  

But here I am.  Here I am.  

Sitting.  Listening.  

Believing that this is not something to "make the most of."

No, this is bigger than that. 

Bigger than what I can cram into this 5-minute post.  

I'll consider for a minute:  what if the unexpected is what I'm intended for.  

My purpose.

Unplanned.  

Raw.

Beyond my expectation, filled to overflowing kind of purpose.

Could it be?  

STOP. 

A New Day

Last night I went to bed feeling overwhelmed.  Frustrated by the ups an downs of AS, annoyed by the pain that won't seem to go away, anxious about the future and decisions that need to be made.  I tossed and turned throughout the night, counting down the hours til little ones would need my full attention and worry would have to take the backseat.  At 3 a.m. I realized that if I didn't do something to get out of my "slump" it may just decide to stick around.  So, I did what I normally never do.  I set my alarm so I would wake up before my girls. 

I rolled out of bed while it was still dark, still quiet, determined to start the day focused on promise, not pain. I curled up with Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts.  Ann is an incredibly gifted, poetic writer that challenges you to live a life of radical gratitude.  It was just what I needed.  Once again, perspective changes everything.    

And then I decided to write.  Not on my keyboard, not for the world to read, but the good old fashioned way, with paper and pen - just for me, just for God, just because.  It was healing.

And in perfect timing, the quiet broke.  One by one, I heard, "Mama."  Beautiful.  Music to my ears.  "Mama." I was ready for them.  I was ready for the day.

We headed to the kitchen and big sister helped make our morning green smoothies.  

Fresh spinach and kale...

Almond milk, banana, flax seed and greek yogurt.  I'm currently on an almond milk kick.  It is high in Vitamin D and Riboflavin and tastes delicious.  I haven't gone completely dairy free, but I choose my dairy sources carefully.  Right now, I opt for plain greek yogurt in my smoothies. High in protein and calcium and low in sugar = winner.  I also add 1 tablespoon of flax seed which provides additional fiber and an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids.  

Delicious.  Seriously delicious.  Big sister kept asking me if it was a green "vanilla milkshake." Baby girl cried when her glass was empty.  

Morning Green Smoothie:

- crushed ice

- 1 cup almond milk

- hand full of spinach

- hand full of kale

- 1 banana 

- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed

- 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt

Blend and enjoy!

Before rushing out the door, stopped for a minute to appreciate the mid-November sunshine.

Sometimes we just need to stop, make some adjustments and chose how we want to move forward.  There is still pain, still decisions to be made, still ups and down, but my body, mind and spirit are ready to take on a new day - and that makes all the difference.

Kim 

Back to Basics

So...last week I learned how to sit.  And stand. And sleep and squat and lift and carry.  Yup, I got play by play instructions and a handout to study.

I'm not joking.

Tomorrow I go to part 2 of "Six Efficient Movement Principles" with a physical therapist.  I wish I could roll my eyes and tell you what a waste of time it us.   I mean, come on, I know how to sit.  But actually, it was an amazing hour and I learned a lot.  And for some reason I was holding back tears the whole time.  I'm not exactly sure why I was so emotional. Maybe it has something to do with the following:

*  Let's be honest, AS's goal is to fuse my spine together (thus the nickname "bamboo spine").  I guess I'm trying to fight what they say is inevitable.

*  I appreciate black and white practical tips.  I like having concrete things that I can do, things that can make me stronger. It helps me not feel so powerless.  Still, I didn't think tips on "how to get up out of a chair" would mean so much to me.

*  I think of myself as strong - physically, mentally, spiritually. Recently though, I've had to redefine "strong."

*  Sometimes I sit at the doctor's office, lay on the table at physical therapy, and think "Is this really me?"

*  Keeping a straight posture has become harder to do these days.  I'm not sure if I'm just inflamed or if something else is happening.

*  I'm learning how to modify everything - from the way I type to the way I play with my kids to the way I grab something off the top shelf.   A part of me embraces the "new normal" but the rest of me just wants "normal" back.

For someone who used to go 100 mph and juggle too many balls at once, this whole slowing down thing has not been easy.  I guess I have a lot to learn.  Thankfully, there's time.  And I'll just take things one step at a time - literally.

Standing Tall,
Kim 

When 5 = 35 (turning wristbands into opportunity)

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I wanted to share this clip of Starbucks President and CEO, Howard Schultz.  I think it is a fine example of businesses and corporations taking a step toward social consciousness.  Hopefully others will follow suit.  In the meantime, the next time you go for your morning latte, pick up a $5 Indivisible wristband. Let's help create meaningful jobs that pay a living wage.  

Until tomorrow,
Kim

Create Jobs for USA

You don't have to look hard to find it:  "for lease" signs on the windows of once flourishing businesses, parks and squares occupied by frustrated citizens, foreclosure notices on your neighbor's front door - signs of a wounded economy, signs that something needs to happen.

I have no interest in a political debate.  I have no interest in pointing fingers, finding fault and placing blame.  I am more interested in solutions and being part of them.

The truth is, regardless of how you have been affected, the economy remains top of mind for most Americans.   For me, mounting medical bills (with the majority being covered by insurance) and $2400/month medication (also covered by insurance) keeps me thankful, yet vigilant.  

Recently I joined the BlogHer Publishing Network, a community of women bloggers who write on topics from politics to parenting in an atmosphere of integrity and respect.  Last week, BlogHer announced that they are partnering with Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) to get the word out on an amazing initiative:  Create Jobs for USA.

Starbucks and OFN recognize that small businesses are still the backbone of America.  Yet, the spiraling economy and credit crisis has stifled the growth of these businesses.  As long as small businesses remain at a standstill, so will our nation's economy.  Create Jobs for USA is not waiting for Washington.  They are not wasting time complaining and pointing fingers.

OFN is a network of lending institutions that invest in community businesses, focusing on opportunities that benefit low-income, low-wealth and other disadvantaged communities across the U.S.

And regardless of what you think about Starbucks (their coffee or their corporate presence) they have contributed 5 million dollars to seed the Create Jobs for USA fund.  Five million dollars that will provide loans to underserved community businesses, including small businesses, microenterprises, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate and affordable housing.  The goal is to create and sustain jobs throughout the U.S.  Now how can you argue with that?

To learn more about this initiative and how you can get involved, check out Create Jobs for USA.


Indivisible,
Kim 

Finding Beauty

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."  

~ Ron Wild 

The other day, my girls and I went for a walk.  I brought my camera so my 3-year old could take pictures along the way.  It always amazes me.  She stops and appreciates the smallest things, sees things I don't see, teaches me how to slow down and notice the world around me.  I love seeing things through her eyes.  There is beauty and wonder and wisdom at every turn.  I hope you enjoy her pictures.  

She loved the way the sun was shining through the leaves.

Up close.

Loving the fall colors.

"Mommy, remember this tree was green just a few weeks ago.  Isn't that cool?"  

"Hey mom, hold this leaf so I can get a close-up."  

"Can you believe how tall these trees are?  I wonder when they'll stop growing."

Trying to get the perfect angle.

"I love the shape of these guys."  

"These look yummy but I don't think I should eat them."  

"Look!!  The sky is all blue. Perfect blue."  

"I want to live in this beautiful garden."

Handing over my camera is probably one of the best things I've done.  A simple walk around the block will never be the same.  I'm learning to stop, crouch down, look up, be aware, take it all in and see the world through the eyes of a child.  And I must say, the view from here is amazing.

Finding beauty,
Kim

Cinnamon Butternut Squash Soup

I held on as long as I could, but I can no longer pretend.  

Summer is long gone and the cold is officially here.      

So what's a girl to do on a chilly November evening besides watch the leaves fall and the sun set way too early?  Well, in the spirit of embracing fall, you make butternut squash soup of course.  Now doesn't the sound of that just make you want to throw on a sweater and listen to the Carpenter's Christmas album. 

Well, queue Pandora radio and a quick and easy recipe from Crazy Sexy Life and we're in business.  

I started with one butternut squash. Isn't she a beauty?

Scooped out the seeds and set aside (I'll roast the seeds later).

Chopped into cubes.  Note:  The recipe says to peel the squash first. For me, it's easier to leave the peel on and scoop the flesh out with a spoon after it's been cooked.  It's just a personal preference.  Plus, too much peeling hurts my hands.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork.  Remember:  the smaller you make your cubes, the quicker it'll cook.

Scooped all the flesh out.  Be sure you wait for it to cool so you don't burn your hands.

Put squash in blender.  Oh, poor Oster blender, I know you're on your last leg but you have to hang in there for me.  I don't think the vita-mix fairies are visiting anytime soon so please quit smoking and making all that noise.  Thanks.

Add 1/2 cup water and blend.  You can add more water to get the right consistency, but don't overdo it or you'll have baby food.  Add 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, cinnamon and sea salt, to taste.  Blend again.  

I transferred to a pot and simmered on the stove.

Garnish with a little paprika and serve.

Find this, and other fabulously healthy recipes, here.

Happy November!
Kim