Gracie's Raw Day

Monday Monday :)

2012-01-08T23:28:00.000-06:00

Soo here we go again! Gonna get up and make juice and face the day thinking Green and healthy.. NO JUNK! :) ok there I blogged like I told myself I would do.. keep good thoughts in the mind and goals in the front!

Wow 2012!

2012-01-01T11:32:00.000-06:00

So! Here is sit :)Facing a new year with promise and hope of a better year than last. I am hold hard in my heart many things. First I DON'T want to give in to being a defaulter! No I hate that just letting my life roll by and waiting for stuff to happen. I know what it is like to move forward and do things that I want to do but I want more of it. In order to accomplish momentum I must MOVE! Went out last night and looked at the stars.. I should do that often! Gives a beauty and perspective of simplicity that I want. I want to shine steady and be all that I can be. I have made a determination that I must do things for myself and that, although I love doing things for others, my goals for myself will only get done if I organize my time and do things that best suit me.

So I am going to make every day count and set myself in motion and put all effort into living my life the way I want to.

1. Eating Raw
2. Exercising
3. Learning

Sounds simple right? It is!!!

Diana, Stay focused and don't let the dreaded nothingness take you away if it sneaks up on you or attacks? GO OUT AND WALK! No more excuses!
I promise!

Been a few!

2011-11-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

Mmmm Ok been a few days but still working the juice!! Stress has been fairly constant but keeping the nutrition coming in is VASTLY important. I have been feeling strong urges to exercise again and that is a good thing. My feet will be ready soon. I also need to make water a very inportant part of what Im doing. I'm tired tonight and I will not try to solve tomorrows troubles with today's energy!

Stress and Juice

2011-10-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

So how does one do the best they can to come through very stressful situations and have the least amount of damage to the body and soul? One way is Juicing! Had and having a really hard week and lost nearly an entire nights sleep. I would not have been able to make it through it without the support of my good eating.

Working it!

2011-10-18T21:54:00.000-05:00

Everyday is a step toward a goal of health and energy. I am struck by how much I want my friends to be healthy and walk this path with me and I need to be diligent for myself and my friends too!

Momma Mia ENERGY!

2011-10-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

YEAH BABY YEAH!

FORGOT! I really did! I Can't get over the energy surge and getting up out of the chair with greater ease and grace! hehe. It's only been 3 days and I woke up this morning like I used to, I was clearheaded and ready to go. I came back to the computer to blog and do research on some sustainable urban gardening (whole other project) and I keep looking at the clock thinking DANG IT, I would normally be trying to eek out every drop of sleep just to make it till I nap in the afternoon. I'm not tired and I'm actually re-programming my thinking to break out of the "I need to sleep" feeling. SO! Time to get up and juice.

I bought a copy of Mother Earth News yesterday and although it has changed from the oversize newspaper to a slick full color magazine, It still holds within it all the things I remember and the overall feeling of stepping away from the "norm" of societies expectations of use, buying and living. TOTALLY unacceptable! On to new and better things!!

Another effort to change the body and the mind.

2011-10-15T08:37:00.000-05:00

So is there really a law against trying something again and again once you have failed? WAIT WAIT!! I looked it up and guess what? there is NOTHING ANYWHERE that says I cant keep trying to get things right with my life with Raw Eating. If I fall down and have the inclination to try again, then I can, I will and I do!

It is fascinating to me that some people do it on the first time. I mean whoa.. Others it takes a few times, and the rest still strive and fight the good fight. Where do I want to be? Well, I have already passed the first effort so, I accept that I am not in that first group. OK I can handle not being perfect! Really! It's impossible to think you are in the last group because time lies before us so that is not really an option or it requires a permanent decision to stop and fail and even that is an unknown...
I guess then that where I am is in the middle with most people making the best choices we can, fighting our demons and striving to once again to gain balance and succeed at what we feel is best for us. OK I accept that too. So now what?

When I found Raw, it was a real journey of gathering knowledge. It was fun and every day was filled with new people and recipes and Ideas. I had to glean off what I thought was the best path to me.. Mix and Match with others philosophies of what Raw Eating meant to them and what they were successful with. I found that I was rather toward the beginning of this wave of the raw trend and that in itself bares reflecting on in future posts.

Sooooo.... Where does all that leave me at this moment? Starting again naturally!
Well, then off I go! This time around though, I have someone to share my raw journey with! It makes a huge difference even just mentally to have a comrade in arms to understand the joys and not least to forget MAKE THE JUICE!

So Amy? here we go girl! let's head on down the highway and strive for the best we can do!

Well Well Here I am :)

2011-05-14T06:29:00.000-05:00

A slow gloomy Saturday....

SO why on a day like today would I feel so compelled to finally go back to my Raw ways? Well... I sat down for a few minutes and really asked myself how I feel. I Really did a mental check on where I am and where I want to be.

I think back to the 90 days of high raw I was on.

Amazing changes... Yes I want to be there again.

Lane has been my inspiration and my Dad an unwavering encouragement and support. I Imagine Lane stepping away from the life he had to eating what makes him healthy and strong.. Wait I taught him that!!! I look at my Dad at 86 Still learning and drawing knowledge to him. What's my excuse????

No more excuses... none! I have no reason for not living my convictions.

So today... this minute... this gloomy Saturday.. I begin again. Never too late to begin again.

I will use what I know and continue to learn and use the support of those who love me and have the vision for a different and better way to live.

Yes I begin.....

Guess it's time

2009-05-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

A year has passed - almost too much to imagine. So much has happened Mostly good some awesome but some that I couldn't imagine I would have to face. I saw this picture and it made me think of New, Fresh, Clean and what better way to feel about yourself? Raw? Wow it's been far and away in my practice but near and dear in my heart. It's a strange thing about doing anything that is good for yourself, you have to ask yourself WHY is it such a struggle sometimes? hehe I mean I a good person, I do good for others :) WHY NOT ME? so I am working my way back... Blogging for myself, Raw, Swimming.. Learning and growing... Yeah .. It's time

The Passing of Days + The Eating of Raw

2008-06-18T15:01:00.006-05:00

Each day holds within it, if we choose, a chance to live a lifetime of memories. The memories that we choose to draw into our mind are selected sometimes by our desire to try and change the present, to make it easier by reassuring ourselves that what we did or chose was the right thing or maybe even to punish ourselves for past mistakes. Memories are our anchor to the past. Sometimes they can give us comfort in who we are and how we got here and other times they can lock us to self destructive thinking and shackle us to a place of misery. Many times our memories aren't even accurate!
All too often, I drag into my thinking the thoughts and feelings of the past and I allow them to wash over me and drag me under. When I choose to eat Raw, it is like a battle front for me. It keeps my mind clear and focused. It helps me to reach out and allow my mind and heart to accept new and positive thinking. Some days I have to go farther and lean on the guidance and friendship of others to help me threw some low spots because nothing can replace the support of a caring person.
Eating raw, Cleansing, exercise all help me to battle against bad thinking and everyday is a new chance to make things just a bit better.

Reaching Out

2008-06-17T07:48:00.004-05:00

I came home from my fabulous swim this morning and I sat down in front of my computer. I opened my E-mail and looked at my favorite sites you know, the one's that make you smile and feel comfortable, make you laugh, or give you the information you seek. I wrote at a couple of blogs before starting on my own and as I was writing at the Renegade Health Show, I was brought to a place of searching out within me, what I am grateful for (Thanks Kevin). I went in search of a picture to speak of my feelings and as I was looking at pictures of people hugging each other, I found the Hugs Free Site. I have seen the guy before but never gave it much more than a passing amusement as most do I am sure. However, I challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone and watch the video and I am so glad I did. At first as I watched, I felt uncomfortable for him standing there holding a sign and everyone passing him by, I thought how sad that everyone thought he was just being weird, then it clicked... no.. not sad for him... I put the shoe on the other foot and I instantly felt the freedom of what he was doing. He was offering a free gift with no strings. The people to feel sad for were the ones that passed him by and gave up the chance for that fleeting moment of comfort from a caring person in this troubled world. Every day we have a choice to reach out or stay closed off and I want to be the kind of person who would walk right up and take the hug and turn around and give one away.
So to all who read here, friends, family and strangers a Big Hug to you all!
Gracie

Raw Focus

2008-06-14T07:27:00.004-05:00

I woke today feeling amazing and totally grateful for the knowledge of Raw food and what it has done in my life. Not so very long ago when my eyes opened in the morning, I was fearful of moving too quickly because of the pain my body would generate. Today, I sat up and stood up in one swift motion without even thinking. No pain, no stiffness, just up and going. There isn't a day that goes by now that I am not completely focused on what I can do and learn about my chosen way of living. I feel totally empowered and there is so much information to find and share with others.
I have been motivated and impressed by so many people but there are some that have touched my life that have a special place for. Angela Stokes is one of those people. Her dedication to those who face and battle obesity is so empowering. One of the things that she does is to write down daily what she intakes and that has inspired me to do try and do the same for my own benefit so I will start today :)

I am going to make Onion Bread. I made some last week and I took it to work where everyone wanted to try it and they ate it all! haha That's O.K. sharing Raw Living Food is a pleasure.

AM -
12 Raw Almonds
2 VERY LARGE Strawberries

Snack - Green smoothie - Made enough for the whole day
bananas
raspberries
strawberries
oranges
baby spinach

Lunch - Nori rolls with Avo,Carrots,Cucumber

Snack - 2 pieces of Raw Nib Chocolate YUM

Dinner - 2 ears Raw white corn, 6 HUGE white mushrooms, 1/2 Avocado, splash of Olive Oil and Pink Salt - This has GOT to be my current fav meal.

O.K. Now THAT was awesome!

2008-06-11T19:01:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, when I cleaned out my Bus and ended another years driving, I pondered my goals for my Summer Swimming. As I have posted, my goal was to be able to swim 3 miles in one day before School started up again. I was at the Y by 5 as usual and it felt kind of strange to not have to stop to get to work so, I did my mile as I have been doing and I felt really good so I kept swimming and before I knew it, I had done 52 laps! That is a mile and a half! So.. Yeah 1/2 way to my end goal of the Summer! Well, That made me feel fantastic so I left feeling quite good.. I got home did a few things, read my favorite Raw sites, ate a huge salad and took a nice easy nap. I woke up feeling great and as I was doing a few things and I looked at the clock.. Hmmm yes there is time to get back to swim again.. Something clicked inside and that gave me the needed momentum I needed. I got in the car and went back to the Y, set myself up with all my swimming gear and got a lane right away. I started just planning to do my mile to get as close as I could to the morning. I finished my mile.. looked at the end of the pool and determined to do what I thought I could not do. As I finished the final lap, I was just bursting with joy. I! ME! I swam 3 miles in one day! 108 laps! How did I do that?? And the best part? I did it on my very FIRST day of Summer Break :)
I know from the bottom of my soul that I could not have done that eating a Standard American Diet. When I was heading back for the second round of swimming I ate 3 bananas on the way and when I came out I sat in my car, opened up the 1/4 watermelon that I brought with me and I stuffed my face full of perfect goodness. I ate it like a pig.. yes I did! hahha I pondered how amazing it felt to eat to feed my body all the right things it needs to do and continue to do what matters to me. A true hunger.. Feeling every bite and every drop of liquid giving life to me. Raw is Right.. Oh yes friends! It is right :)

Raw still surprises me

2008-06-07T06:49:00.004-05:00

In the last few days my thinking about Raw Eating has made a quantum leap however it snuck up on me very quickly. As you have been reading, I have been swimming and loving it. I have set a goal that by the end of the summer I will be swimming 3 miles per day thats 108 laps or 216 lengths! Well, Yesterday I shaved 2 minutes off the 1 mile time and I know that it is due to my Delicious Raw eating. So, after being quite pleased with showing more hussle and feeling pleased with it, I went on my way to work to drive a field trip of 5th grades to the park (where btw I had to watch them eat hot dogs, chips and cookies provided by school! *faint*) however their day was cut short but a severe thunder and lightning storm and I returned them to school and was left with 2 hours to myself before my next driving run.. What to do??
I drove over and grabbed a fresh juice from my local juice bar and I magically felt myself drawn back to the pool. Could I actually do another mile? I mean just up and do my whole mile again ? DOUBLE what I do everyday? I was daunted for a few minutes. Played the mental battle. Drank my Carrot,orange, banana juice and said ok I am going for it. Even if I do 1/2 I will be thrilled. I showed up and the girl behind the desk there looked at me like "what are you doing back here? She even asked me if I forgot something. hehe I said no.. I'm going to try another mile. She smiled and gave me that kinda "what? are you freaking crazy" looks hehe
I went through my same prep routine, walked out onto the pool deck and took a deep breath. Ahhh 2 Lanes open. I got in and stretched, looked down to the end of the lane, looked back at the clock and started. Did the 1/2 mile felt good, started smiling.. kept going.. looked at the clock.. I was dead on with the morning's run..Yes I can do this! OMG yes I did it!! I swam a second mile. I made my last length at all out speed and felt the flood of energy wash over me.. Oh yeah it was good. The rest of my day I spent walking on air hehe

Gearing up for 3 miles

2008-06-03T10:29:00.004-05:00

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined when I started swimming at the end of April, that I would be where I am today doing a bare minimum of one mile every morning. I am startled by the changes in my body. I had forgotten the fact that I used to be strong and athletic as I once again gain muscle and the beginnings of some definition. Swimming has opened the doorway back to where I want to be. So Between eating Raw and my daily trips to the Y, my energy level has soared and I actually see myself reaching my goals and I can hardly wait for the next day.

Swimming a Mile

2008-05-26T09:58:00.002-05:00

OH OH OH! What an amazing thing. I have been loving my daily swim. I have been very surprised at the changing my body has been doing. I have never been a great one for exercise but now I'm hooked, addicted! All last week my daily progression of adding laps surprised me. By Thursday, I could have done the 36 laps (72 lengths) to finish the mile but I ran out of time. So Friday I got up and determined that I would swim faster and start a little earlier. I didn't even do any warm up laps I went straight to it. SO! One hour and 1 minute later, I had done what I never thought I could do. I felt utterly fantastic. I smiled and shed a few tears in my goggles. The best part? getting out of the pool not even winded or breathing hard.. Never thought I could do it and yet lap by lap they ticked off and I did my last lap at full bore.
This could have only been possible with eating the way I do. I had been consuming almost only green smoothies that week so the energy levels were up there and fueled my swim.
I can't wait to get back in the pool tomorrow and try again. This weekend has been kind of rough with detox but not unexpected. I have upped my water intake and rested and taken herbs to assist in cleansing. I have the cold symptoms for a while then bang feel great then back again to the chills and such. I embrace them all because I know why it is happening and that I will be better for it.
I see better things ahead for me with exercise. I see longer swims and picture myself hiking to places I would not have gone before.
LOVE the body changes too..

OH week 3 in the water!

2008-05-06T13:03:00.003-05:00

All I can say is WOW. I can't get over the difference in my life with getting up and getting in the water at 5 am! I never thought that I would crave exercise EVER! Now in the afternoon, even when I have been up since 4 swimming for an hour, I could go back and swim another hour! All I can say is that it's the Raw food. Yup! It gives me the energy and clear headed desire to move my body. Raw eating feeds my mind as well as my body and I have never had such a clear vision of my health before. I am looking forward to joining the 50 mile club and I hope to finish it much sooner than the year they give you. It is 36 laps per mile x 50 so... you do the math how many laps that is hehe. pssst that is 1800 *faints* hehe Ah I know I can do it, I did 15 Laps on one day I should be able to do 20 by the end of this week and I swim 5 days a week :) So easy right? That's only 18 weeks!

A Week of Swimming

2008-04-27T08:06:00.002-05:00

Oh What a fabulous week! I started getting up at the crack of early each day (4:30am) to get myself to my local YMCA and put in an hour of swimming before work. I made it Monday-Friday and I am feeling amazingly good! I have kickin energy my whole day and I have been sleeping better and earlier haha. I stretch well when I get in and I was quite amazed at how good I did for spending my winter basically doing nothing. I am already ready to add some heavier cardio so I decided to swim M-Wed-Fr and Tu-Thur on the treadmill. On week 3 I think I will ad some light lifting on the circuit trainers. I am really amazed at how the Raw eating has flowed into the exercise so easily this time. Next week I will be adding more Green Smoothies to the equation as well and work at keeping the hydration and cleansing a high priority. The drive is about 20 minutes and that is a perfect time to focus and visualize what I am doing and it really puts me in a zone for accomplishing what I want to do each day.
I am also getting ready to list what raw food I eat during the day and it is mostly for myself so that I can see what I am eating and how it effects me.
Serenity and Bliss

Ahh The Sun

2008-04-23T11:15:00.003-05:00

Oh yesterday was so nice. It was over 80 for the first time and everything just seemed to explode with green and delicate fresh colors. Once again I am back on track with my Raw eating. I have been almost 100% now for 2 weeks and all I can say is WOW what a difference in how I feel. Energy is up and working out has been a joy instead of a pain. How I wish I could spread flowers like this Spring fairy, casting beauty around me. I will try to do that in my mind with good feelings and see if I can effect others that way with a smile. I am so thrilled to be heading back into the summer and the fresh local produce.. Raw is Right :)
Serenity and Blissful

Gentleness of Flavor

2008-04-19T09:17:00.003-05:00

As I step back from eating the things I shouldn't and head back to Natural Raw eating, I am once again struck by how the taste of my food changes. I eat less, I chew more and the delicate flavors once again fill a different place in my eating experience. I am still so amazed at how we so easily numb ourselves and our taste buds with food. It is so much over kill that even though we taste, we miss so much and the more complicated the food combinations the worse it is. I was eating a salad made with mixed baby greens and it had fresh dill and cilantro in it and it was so amazing to chew it and allow my body to absorb the wonderful smell and taste. In the past I have poured dressings over my salads and it was a habit to drown them. Now, I put as little on them as possible and trying to keep things as simple as I possibly can. As I cut and prepare my food I also try to take time to smell what I am cutting and really check the colors and enjoy the entire process. I am going to try to take my time and make my preparation of my food as enjoyable as eating it!

Spring and Vivid Swirls of Color

2008-04-07T11:02:00.003-05:00

Spring has gently eased it's way here to me. I can say that I am very grateful to feel the warm sun on my face once again. This has been a very long winter both in the season and in my life. Spring shows me that I too can once again regrow and repair and that is what I am doing. I will cherish the breeze that makes the little jonquils dance. I will look for the shimmer of the dew on the new green grass. I will greet the warmth of the day and the cool stars that glimmer in the sky above. I will take Joy in painting Swirls of Vivid colors on the once bare walls. Serenity And Blissful.

Will Winter EVER End?

2008-02-18T09:13:00.003-06:00

O.K. UNCLE! I can't remember a time when I was so ready for winter to exit stage left. I'm going to pamper myself today. I think that of all the times I need a hot cup of tea to comfort me it is today. I am going to make sure that I appreciate Spring this year. I am not going to let a soft warm breeze pass over me without a quick sense of gratitude. Winter has many joys and bright spots but not today. If I had a choice I would flip a switch and stand outside and watch the flowers grow. O.K. enough belly achin.
I am gearing back up for my journey back to raw. I am reading, gathering ideas and motivation and that alone has brought me much comfort and encouragement. I will put my best effort into being good to myself.

A Fresh Start back to Raw

2008-02-16T12:13:00.006-06:00

Yup I did it! I fell right off the earth itself! Into the black abyss too mind you. Nah not really. But some days it felt like it. Like always, the lowest point can be the fresh start in the right direction and if you are positive and hopeful then it can be like a rocket ship out of the hole.

I know that Raw is Right. I know that eating and thinking and living Raw way is what I want to do.. Staying the course always a challenge but isn't all of life that way? So back in the saddle I jump. I have 4 days off of work and I am taking the time to organize my thoughts and set goals that I can manage.
My main goal is to regain the health (both mental and physical) and energy that I enjoyed on Raw. I am also going to work on how best to avoid dropping off at high stress times and I know that preparing for them to occur is what matters the most.

It has been a great morning going back and re-finding the things I love about the Raw lifestyle. There are old friends and familiar faces still working and living their Path and that is a great comfort to me. I see new people finding Raw an beginning the journey and that too gives me hope and I regain the wonder of finding it for myself the first time. I see some new products and new recipes and Ideas and that also encourages me.

So, Cheers to new beginnings!

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-02T08:48:00.000-05:00

Got up this morning and the Sun was so bright and cheery I had to get up. It is important to me to keep my focus with my eating. It is far to easy to lose sight and direction if I just "default" to routine. It takes time and thought to keep my Raw Vision working properly. With Work and Family and stresses around, it is just so easy to slip into a place were I eat the same things and don't change up and make what I eat interesting and enjoyable. Shopping more often can be a hassle at times but well worth it. I really want to enjoy the last of the summer produce that is still coming out of the Farmers Markets.

Going Back to Work

2007-08-26T10:52:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time again and back to driving I go. I have my thermos ready for my Green Smoothies to take on the bus. I also have a nice lunch box that will hold all the stuff I need to carry with me. It's funny that it was always so easy to just stop by and grab fast food but to eat to healthy you have to really prepare and plan for it.. It's worth it though. I am going to keep Almond, raisins, goji berries, cashews to nibble on.

Driving kids to school might seem like a job harder than most people would want to do but I have found it very rewarding. I also try when I can to encourage the kids to eat more fruit and veggies :)

yamcjw

Day 63 Refocus!

2007-08-22T10:12:00.000-05:00

Never surprising to me that I fall off the horse and cant seem to get back on for a while. Life is just changing a bit and I am putting my energies into some things that need to be done. I found myself really missing witting here for a few moments and writing down thoughts and finding pictures that make me feel good. I am the new mom of 2 adorable kittens and they have been keeping me busy. I have never been a cat owner and it is VERY different than owning a dog. I am really enjoying their antics and I am also very glad I got 2 because I can see them interact and cavort.
I am in the middle of refocusing myself food wise and getting ready for the change in the weather which is always harder eating raw when it is cold outside. I will do a bit more research on how other people cope with it.
I have 3 lbs of Chia that I am going to start using and I want to take advantage of the Summer veggies that are still out for sale at the farm stands.

Days 54-58 Whoa!

2007-08-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

Ahhh Back again. Just had to spend a few days getting things together. I have been cleaning and getting rid of unnecessary stuff in my life and let me tell you.. It Feels Great! I threw stuff, boxed stuff to give away ( a particularly pleasant task) and reorganized what I wanted to keep. Several times I held something back and had to tell myself that I had ZERO reason for holding on it it. Gone.. gone from my mind, from my worries. I feel lighter and I really want to do this with everything! I don't wanna be a keeper any longer. I want to walk into the spaces of my home and have simplicity and peace. Yes I am going to have that!! It might take me time to get through it all but I will and I will be so much better for it..

limcjw

Day 52 + 53 A Road Less Traveled

2007-08-11T10:30:00.000-05:00

Last couple days I have been thinking about what steps I can take to fine tune my lifestyle. I think the best word to use for what I am looking for is Simplicity. I want my life to be simple and free from stress. The starting point for me is my home. I want to eliminate all the things around me that are completely useless. I hold on to things because "I might need that" or "I can't live without that". I see pictures of homes that have very little in them and they seem so peaceful and calm. Of course some things like this tub take lots of money, that I don't have, but there has been to be simpler ways to accomplish the same things. I want to reduce the clutter and mental clutter from my house and mind.

SIMPLICITY

ligcjw

Day 50 + 51 Lost Day

2007-08-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

Never can understand how a day can just disappear but yesterday did! I guess I will accept that there are just days that need to come and go without me. I have eaten nothing today and I feel pretty good actually. It really is the funniest thing to me that in the past, I would have gone to food to seek out comfort and now, eating nothing, clears my head and I don't feel bad I feel BETTER!
I LOVE red Cabbage and I always have and well ANY cabbage in just about every other form too! I was on The Sunny Raw Kitchen and saw the Fermented Red cabbage and instantly wanted to have a batch of it on my counter! When I am out today I think I will look to see if there is any cabbage at the farmers market!

Day 49 - A Sunny Disposition

2007-08-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

I had to run out yesterday to pay some bills and exchange my cable modem. I was very careful to observe others during my travels. SO many people look so lost, unhealthy and unhappy. I wanted to say, LISTEN!! PLEASE!! If you would just eat better, that could help you so much. I want to tell them, Stop eating dead food that does nothing for you! I guess this will always be a frustration for me. I hate seeing people with carts full of nothing of value to them or their loved ones. I guess living my convictions is all I can do and hope that others will find and learn how what they eat can profoundly change the quality of their lives. Eating live raw food is not boring or tasteless. Eating things that are alive make you feel alive!! Everyday is an adventure to step outside of the bonds of our food culture and say NO WAY I am not going to be caught in that trap.

Today's Food:

1 liter Green Smoothie (raspberries,strawberries, mango, Coconut water and meat and Dandelion Greens) I put extra water in it today to make it very light and refreshing

8oz Mushrooms
2 cucumbers
1/2 cup Chopped Cashews

Day 48 - Pick your own!

2007-08-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

Ok picking my own stuff is really cool :) There is a farmer local to me that leaves certain parts of her fields for you to pick. if people don't pick it she will and lay it out on the table so either way it's fresh fresh. The stands around here are flowing with goodies. I bought a big basket of green beans that were set down in front of me from the garden behind.. Ok how cool is that?? Man they were good!

Today I Ate:

16 oz Green smoothie (pineapple, orange and spinach)

1 cup grapes

8oz Mushrooms
3 Sm cucumbers
1/4 cup of Raw Cashews

6 oz Raspberries
1 mango
1cup blueberries
gmrcjw

Day 47 Uphill Climb

2007-08-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

There are days that just seem like an uphill climb. Sometimes I have to remember how bad I used to feel and I need to use that as a motivation for my daily walk through Raw. It is easy to forget pain and discomfort, I mean who wants to think about it? I remember a day when sitting up in bed was the worst part of the day. Now I sit up and stand with one motion and I am ready to go. I have a long way to go but I know that I am headed the right way and that is extremely comforting.

Tomorrow is another day and I choose to eat Raw.

dwmcjw

Day 46 - Shhhhh

2007-08-04T19:59:00.002-05:00

I love the picture of this Kitten. So relaxed. No issues to keep it sleepless. I want my sleep to be that good! But alas it takes effort to get to that point. Leaving behind the worries of the day can be tough but not impossible.
Eating Raw aids in that a lot by not over burdening your body with things that make it toxic and allowing for deep healing to take place.
It is my choice what I eat. Every day and every mouthful I am totally responsible.

Today I Ate:

.5 liter Water
8 oz Celery Juice

1/2 cup Almonds, Dates, Raisins

4 Roma Tomatoes
1 Medium Vidalia onion

Handful of Green Beans fresh from the garden

Large Baby Green Salad with 2 Roma Tomatoes

.5 liter Water

Ibiycjw

Day 45 - Heat and Water

2007-08-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

Well here comes the Indian Summer. Since I have been eating Raw I have noticed quite a few changes in myself. I adjust much better to the heat and cold as long as I take in the right foods. Today, I am going full fluids at least until evening when it cools off. I just don't feel like being burdened with digesting a ton of stuff. I actually feel quite comfortable now going from smoothies and water to eating larger more complex meals and I like that I am not in that "3 meals a day" thing anymore. I have been using Chia seeds off and on but I think I am going to try and use them on a daily bases to add to my hydration.

Today's Intake:

1 liter of Water

Smoothie with:
1 Young Coconut with meat
10 Strawberries
1 Lg Piece of Aloe Vera pealed

2 Tomatoes (one yellow one red)
1 med Vidalia onion

1 Piece of Raw Fudge

Baby Greens Salad
8oz of Celery Juice

Ncjwly

Day 44 - Physical Day

2007-08-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Every year for my job I have to have an annual physical which screens me for general health, hearing, vision(20/20 and read the last line on the chart) and drug use because I work with kids. I enjoying going because Being Raw makes me so healthy that all my tests come back perfect and My Dr. is amazed! She says that at my age of 46 I should have naturally occuring health issues that I don't have ANY of :) Not that makes me smile.. She is a vegetarian herself and interested in Raw so we chat until she has to bustle off to another patient. Never thought I would enjoy going for a physical but when I have the control over my health with what I eat it is PURE pleasure to defy my years.

So far today I have had:

1 cup Strawberries
1/2 liter of water

After my physical:
3 Ears of corn cut off the cob
1 Medium tomato
1 Small cucumber
2 Tbls homemade Hummus
8 oz homemade tomato juice

8 oz glass of Watermelon Juice

1 Small Cucumber
1 Med Tomato
2 Tbls Home made Hummus

1 Raw Fudge Brownie

cjwdmm

Day 43 - Taking a New Turn

2007-08-01T08:49:00.000-05:00

I am thinking that I would like to change my Blog format a bit. I have been using my blog for assorted ramblings and fancies. I am looking to have a bit more structure. I have never been very good at remembering and listing what I eat. Writing it down always seemed too much work but I see many advantages to it. Not only does it show me when and where I might make changes, but I can match it to how I am feeling and either avoid or utilize the food combinations.

It is my goal to continue a deeper level of cleansing, which I know I need, and to gradually go there. Keeping track of what I eat, and how much, will assist me. Journaling here will also help me gain discipline which I lack in this area. I have been writing my Blogs at night and although a good time for me, once I return back to work mornings will be a better time so I will have to either try and remember or write it down. I have also been thinking that planning ahead a bit more might assist me with eating a better combination of cleansing foods. I will try a couple different ways till I find what is right for me. Here Goes :)

Inyscjw

Day 41 - Unday

2007-07-30T22:11:00.000-05:00

Nothing much today but enjoying the sun and rest. Nothing much happened and I suppose it was a good day because nothing stressful or bad happened..
Tomorrow I have a few things I need to do but for today I will just say I enjoyed my Unday.

Sunshine
Strawberries
Sleep
Smoothies

It was a good day :)

cjwrmw

Day 40 - One Can Dream

2007-07-29T22:12:00.000-05:00

As I was shopping today I though of how nice it would be to have all my veggies washed and cut for me.. I looked at some of the items that were and they looked terribly sad indeed! I figured that part of the deal about eating Raw and Fresh is that you must also accept the fact that you will on a daily basis have to "FIX" the veggies hehe. I guess that it really is a small price to pay but some days it seems a Ginormas task. I think that making more than you need is good too but if you make too much then they end up looking as sad as the Carrots and Celery that sit in the bags for weeks.

One could also wish to have someone do it for you or have enough money where you could have them made and delivered. Funny to think that if I won the lottery (which I don't play anyway) That I would have my veggies cut for me! haha Guess Raw really is a high priority :) Anyway I imagine that the dip in this picture is some glorious raw mixture and I would sit myself down and eat it till I popped. After all.. One Can Dream!

dwmcjw

Day 39 - Gratitude

2007-07-29T00:14:00.000-05:00

There are sometimes when I see something and it touches me. It can be something very simple that I see every day or it can stand out in my mind as something very special. I walked outside tonight to put something on my porch and I looked up and the stars were out so bright. Had to stop for a second and take them in. Left me feeling lighter in heart and grateful for them.
I want to focus on the good things that I have. They so many times get cast aside and it really is such a sad thing.. I mean what is not wonderful about sitting on a porch swing holding hands with someone special. Isn't that what songs used to be written about? I want to keep my life simple. There is no shame in a simple life well lived. Not sure who said that but I believe it is true.

tmsbcjw

Day 38 - Farmers Market

2007-07-27T23:26:00.001-05:00

Went in search today for the tomatoes I was craving and found them! It was just today that my favorite little farm stand went up and opened for business. It is a self serve most of the time which also pleases me that there is still trust in the world. I put a little extra in for her bags and such that she leaves out. She had 4 different kinds ranging from yellow to some very small cherries the size of a marble. I bought them all :) it was about 3 lbs worth and her price this year is .40 cents a lb. I bought some pickle cucumbers and one large yellow onion.. I stopped off at the next farm on the way home and bought some bi-color sweet corn he had just picked. When I cut it off the cob it was so easy and amazingly sweet.
So for about $5 I bought enough for 2 meals and It sure as heck tasted better than Fast Food.
The Quest for the tomatoes is done for now till I run out which could be tomorrow hehe

Found some Fiji water on sale so going to work on water intake.

BBcjw

Day 37 - Rain Rain

2007-07-26T23:42:00.000-05:00

Rained hard today but I am sure that the farmers rejoiced. We were getting on the fringe edge of drought and I know that some places people are really struggling. I am grateful that we are not. I had a few things come up today so I didn't have time to look for tomatoes and at the end of my day I was really wanting them! Gonna try again tomorrow.
I have found that I go to my freezer a lot and use my frozen juices and greens and I do believe that I should make and stockpile them for when it is not so easy to get the local farmer's stuff.
Found some Mangos that knocked my socks off. Funny how they can vary so much in taste. These were solid red and just perfect. Would love to find them again.
Bought 12 in a case for under $4 Wish they lasted longer.
Still working on water intake.. why is that always such a struggle?

tyfcjw

Day 36 - Oh oh Tomatoes!

2007-07-25T23:12:00.000-05:00

I have a real need to find some wonderful fresh home grown Tomatoes. It's just about getting time for them all to spill out onto the roadside stands and little tables by the road. I'm gonna head out tomorrow and see if I can find a bunch of them and drown myself in tomatoes for a few days. I wish I could find all the kinds that are in the pictures I put up for today. Who knows what I will find.. We are almost to the best time of the year for all the local stuff and I can't wait!

Corn
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Onions
Garlic
squash

Yummy!

FBftwcjw

Day 35 - Dog Days

2007-07-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

I feel in the air that the wind is changing and although it is hot it is starting to get that feel of season switch. I am dreading the cold in a way because my body does change it's need and eating raw is more of a challenge not to go back to cooked. I miss hot soup or stew and last year I fell hard with one bite. This year is going to be better and different because I am so very much more prepared and my body has been so much more tuned to it. Not that is not going to be a struggle I am just confident that Raw is right.

mylcjw

Day 34 - What Happened to SUNDAY?

2007-07-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

The internet is a funny thing. Sunday it just needed to rest I think haha Monday is here and starting a new week is always a good thing for me.
Started today thinking about my last week of Raw and what changes I would have made and how it is different. I am getting much fuller on less and I am enjoying that. I think that the reprogramming of my "mind to appetite" is underway. I love the idea of eating just enough for my body to be healthy and not cram too much food in so that it works so hard just to digest. That can happen with Raw too so I am really trying to focus on limiting my sizes and with Raw it seems to be happening automatically.
Not sure why but my thoughts are leaning to the fall and my favorite colors, weather and season. I am also looking forward to the next few weeks and the farmers stand going up :)
When the Sweet Corn is ready I might just grow a tassel off the top of my head!

lyacjw

Day 33 - A Shade of Blue

2007-07-21T17:49:00.000-05:00

Some days are just better off Blue. Today is one of those days. I sit outside under a blue morning sky. I look up as I eat my Blueberries and wonder again for the 1000th time if the way I choose to eat is right. I feels right to me. Why then is it that a lot of the time I feel like a solitary island in a vast ocean? I knew good and well that eating Raw was going to be different and many times difficult not only because I myself would struggle to accomplish it, but that others would not understand why I do it or even agree that I should. It is tough to hold the course I set for myself. What holds me to my decision has to be about me. How does it make me feel? What benefits are in it for me? Those answers are the reason why I do it. I feel better. It makes me happier. It's feels right. I have to hold to those reasons in the face of other's opinions. I am not used to flying solo nor do I feel that I am any too good at it. I like to please people and standing alone with something I choose to do is a rather vulnerable spot. Never easy and sometimes... Rather Blue.
idlucjw

Day 32 - Re Focus

2007-07-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Another day the sun rises and there is once again another chance to make things better :) My mom once told me, "Never solve tomorrows problems with today's energy". It's the truth. So here I am with new energy to solve todays problems hehe.
I woke this morning trying to organize my thoughts and feelings and sometimes that is a clear path and other days it just doesn't seem that easy. Since going Raw though the better days outweigh the bad and that is my goal. I have learned may things through the awesome people that contribute to the Raw community. Some are things I want to avoid, others are important lessons that have taught me valuable ideas about what I want to do to make living my life better. I have never been a follower of any one persons teaching, I much prefer to glean what is logical and what I feel is appropriate for me. Trying to walk any one path of someone else just doesn't make sense to me. I think one of the biggest and most important ideas when it comes to Raw or every area of my life is Gratitude. Everyday, I need to be grateful for what I have and where I am at this moment.
Yes! that takes the bad spin off the day when I stop and take off the pity party hat and really embrace all the wonderful things that have happened to me. Another Really important thing that I need to do is to stay connected with other people who are walking this same path. Even though I'm not in the same room, reading Raw Food Talk, going to websites like The Green Smoothie Experiment, Rereading my books from Angela Stokes, or talking with anyone that understands what I am trying to do and supports me, is absolutely necessary for my success. It is far too easy for me to alienate myself and that is not the right thing to do EVER.
Blogging is important for me too. I do this for myself and I am tickled when someone else stops by and reads it.
TYcjw

Day 31 - Greener Juice

2007-07-18T23:43:00.001-05:00

I am finding that during the hotter days that I am liking a greener juice. I am quite fond of something fruity and even greens in it but for some reason the greener the better. Getting a good blend of them is not always easy so I am still experimenting but celery is really hitting the spot so I build it around that. I have never grown my own wheat grass but I think it is time :) I have also been pondering what I will do once the cooler weather arrives.. things always change then too I might start having to think that far ahead. Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can stay green all day!

toycjw

Day 30 - Rose Smelling

2007-07-16T23:53:00.000-05:00

It's such a funny thing to be walking along through my day and doing the things that are expected and all of a sudden you can have a passing thought of something that will make me smile and refresh me. Nothing big really just a moments reflection on something pleasing. It's important not to miss these moments. If we take time to be grateful and really let ourselves enjoy them it makes us better people because it leaves less room for the stress and troubles. Thinking of a place traveled to, a long job or repair done and over, the taste of a piece of fruit or a well made salad with a favorite topping. Who says this isn't what life is made of too? after all most of us spend more time in these simple moments, why not enjoy them??
So, who ever said stop and smell the roses was right. Goal? Stop and smell em!

otbwycjw

Day 29 - It's Easy Being GREEN!

2007-07-15T16:38:00.000-05:00

Kermit was lucky! He started off green. Today's Smoothie just seemed extra good today. Made about 2.5 quarts and that took me from morning till about 3:30pm Then it was about time for something to knosh :) I made a huge salad made with Organic baby Greens, avocado, mushrooms, pine nuts and a little Olive Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar. Mmm

I found out today that Trinity Water is not longer being sold. It's a HUGE disappointment to me :( They are embrangled in a law suite of which I know nothing of only that they are not bottling or selling it any longer and it is doubtful they will until a time that whomever will own it begins to sell it once again. One of those situations that I hate to see happen to something that is such a pure product. I have used it for years and I guess I didn't notice it slowly disappearing off the shelves till it was gone gone. *sigh* I hope that Trinity Water will once again start flowing and that the new owners will keep the standard as high as they once were. The site is still up for information. TRINITY WATER

foalcjw

Day 28 - Mushrooms!

2007-07-14T14:29:00.001-05:00

Totally enjoyed a big salad today with some nice fresh mushrooms. I can't imagine a better replacement to meat. They taste naturally smoky to me. Putting some sliced in a bag and dropping in some Olive Oil and spices and tossing them out into the sun for a while is just so tasty and satisfying. There are many ways to handle food replacement and some are easy and some take a bit of creativity :) So nice that our Raw friends are always willing to share their ideas which is so cool. They also make a great rice replacement if you chop them right :) Yummy!
moocjw

Day 27 - Smoothie Lessons

2007-07-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

Was showing my friend today how to make a smoothie. She is so eager to learn about Raw and it is a joy to watch her experience things for the first time that I have been taking for granted. While watching her I saw with my own eyes the learning process of the taste buds. At first, the different flavors were so strange to her. I started slow and had her try a few things solo to see if they were pleasant. I enjoyed myself so much at having her taste things that she had never had. The mango wasn't so much of a hit but that is not surprising as it can be very exotic for a newbie :) I cut her her very first fresh Pineapple (which she loved) and showed her how to blend up Baby Spinach in her blender. So after a little bit of this and that we came up with a combo that she liked. She, like so many people, are totally unaccustomed to really tasting fruit in its natural form and for those of us who eat Raw forget quickly how different our own tastes once were. Such a pleasure to show others how good real food can be.

TOYCJW

Day 26 - Sharing Raw

2007-07-12T21:01:00.000-05:00

Having the chance to share Raw with people is a wonderful thing. Sometimes it takes time for things you tell them to really sink in, but it is a really great moment when they finally see a larger picture other than eating Raw food as a "Diet".
I feel somewhat in need of some fine tuning with my juices so I am going to add a few of the strained juices out of Angela Stokes Juice Feast Book. When I run on lightly hungry I seem to feel my best and it is easier to stay there when I can just take a nice juice to take the edge off.
Running through a bit of detox again I think so all the better to let the body rest from lots of solid food.
LYCJW

Day 25 - Berry Bliss

2007-07-11T11:28:00.001-05:00

Blueberries! From time to time part of the adventure of raw is delighting in tasting a fruit that is new or tasting it again with surprising results. When Fruits and Veggies come in to their season and when they are naturally ripened or picked, their flavors are all they should be. I Used A big box of Blueberries this morning in my Green smoothie (well Purple actually) and their taste is still lingering with me. A pleasant memory :)

It's a cool day and sunny. It's a terrific break from the heat and it makes me feel a lot better.

Going to pack a lunch and head out to visit my Lil friend Bonnie and talk to her about eating Raw. She is such a kind soul and so willing to listen and learn. Always a joy to spend some time with her.

Sunshine
Water
Breathe
Skin Brushing

Day 25 - Colors are Wonderful

2007-07-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been very drawn to the color orange and the many hues surrounding it. No clue why but I feel calmer and happier. While cutting my fruits and veggies, I pay close attention to the colors of my food and enjoy that I have such a beautiful variety.
Another hot day with a chance of Rain. I want to find a really good rain barrel and catch it. It makes my hair so much softer when I rinse with it.
I love pouring it over my arms and splashing my face too.
Not feeling all too good today with the Monthly Complaint, going to take extra good care of myself today. Maybe make some Raw Fudge :)

Rain Water
Skin brushing
Orange
Music
Coco Nibs

Day 24 - Weather

2007-07-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

The Sun was shining so hot today. I walked outside and it greeted me with a WAKE UP! I sat in my chair on the deck and sipped my chilled watermelon juice. Delightful. I sat there and felt pretty good except that my monthly Moon cycle is approaching and I am feeling a bit offish. I pondered the Sun and the Moon.
Went out shopping for greens and fresh corn and ran into a whopper thunder/lighting storm.
Hail and raindrops as big as nickels fell. The water came up nearly to the top of my tires. Made it home safely and looked at the Thermometer, it said 68. When I left my house it was 99. As I carried in my green goodies I wondered what a marvel the human body is. A 31 degrees difference in temperature and my body just took care of adjusting for me, just amazing.
The sun just popped out again through the dark clouds and pinpointed some of the lush greenery outside it almost looked like a painting.
I want my moments to be filled with gentle thoughts. I want to really enjoy simplicity. There is time enough for busy and doing.
Wonder if the stars will be out tonight :)

Day 23 - Ouch! Hey what the?

2007-07-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

When you give your body natural, organic raw food, It feels better!
Now, I have been going along for a good long while here with virtually zero pain, BUT there are days when the body will be ready to release bad things that have been living there deep in the cells.
OUCH! Where did that pain in my knee come from? It felt like an old injury. I hobbled around and if I hadn't woken with it, I would have sworn that I banged or bruised it.
But, I have been through this before and I know what it is and it has a name. A Healing Crisis.
What is that? Well, It is your bodies way of repairing old injuries and illnesses. Your body now has the health, power and resources to fix it properly.
Do you think it could do that when you fed it junk all the time? No Way!
So, now that I eat what is easily digested, good for my body and feeds my nutritional needs correctly, My body will now go back and do all the old work it missed the first time around.
I have to accept that about healing. I have to know that I will have to endure some discomfort for the sake of repairing things within myself.
So after having gimped around all day yesterday, what about today?
I woke up expecting my knee to hurt and guess what? It didn't :)
There was no soreness, stiffness or any sign that anything was the matter the day before. Yes a healing crisis. I love knowing that at a deep inner level of my body, I'm being repaired right this time.
Flu symptoms, aches and pains, Scars hurting or even opening, skin tags, general discomfort, emotional jags these can all be symptoms of your bodies quest for normal and balanced.
Take time to listen to what your body says. Be really good to yourself on days that difficult healing is taking place. Eat lighter, Drink more water, Brush your skin, get out into the sunshine, Breathe, don't let anything stop you from eating ALL the right things and above all EMBRACE it. Know that it is making a better healthier you.

Water
Green juice
Sunshine
Watermelon

Day 22 - Food and Emotions

2007-07-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

I am still learning (both personally and research) how food effects the emotions. Fine tuning what I eat plays a major impact on how I feel from moment to moment. Even making juice that is 100% Raw and healthy can lead to a swing in my emotions either good or bad. Using juices blended with others seems to lower the times that this happens. If I am really down and I drink a glass of Orange juice, It really helps me short term, but the goal for me to to completely balance myself so that these negative swings are gone or few and far between.
I Like reading other's Raw journeys. It gives me a great perspective on where I might want to go myself and perhaps what to avoid. I have been very happy buying Angela Stokes' E-books and they have been so helpful to me. I especially love the part where she writes "what I would do different next time". I like to learn from others and glean from them the fruits of their wisdom and follies. Raw is a journey for sure. Not a destination there is still so much to learn and do and change and discover!

Sunshine
Music
Water
Skin Brushing
Watermelon

Day 21 - Through the Eyes of Raw

2007-07-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

When out shopping it is always fun to people watch. Today when I was at the grocery store, I decided to really look at what people are buying but more than that, to really see them. So many baskets filled with things that will only in time rob them of their health. It made me sad to see what they picked to eat and even sadder to know how many years I wasted doing just the same thing. I am so glad to have found that eating things Raw, uncooked and living makes me feel just that. So much to see through the eyes of Raw :)

Skin Brushing
Sunshine
Water
Cherries
Mangos

Day 20 - The Raw Path

2007-07-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

I am so grateful for finding a place outside the Standard American Diet (So SAD). It has been really fascinating see the changes that are happening to me. What's the difference? Everyday, when I wake without pain and my movement is free and easy, I know that I am doing something right. I look forward to another day of eating living food that is going to help me to live better rather than take me down the path of limitations and disease. I am doing this for me :)
I love walking into my kitchen and seeing the foods around me and knowing that they will make me, a BETTER me.

Simple eating - Stress free That's the way it should be.

Yes, this is where I want to be.

Gratitude
Water
Mangos
Skin Brushing
Sunshine

Day 19 - Variety and HAPPY 4th

2007-07-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

I have been pondering the different choices of eating and looking at Raw food.

There are days that eating one single thing all day is totally sufficient and relaxing. It gives my body a break from having to work against breaking down many different elements during digestion.
Other times, something complex and stimulating is necessary giving the old taste buds something to really dance over.

Learning what I need to eat is becoming easier and listening to my body is becoming more clear. Fighting off cravings is really more simple than I suspected and many times a glass of water with a lemon in it,will kill off the memories of the food that is haunting me.

Delighting in simple flavors and portions that match my nutritional needs is an important goal for me.

Day 18 - Stress and Orange Juice

2007-07-03T09:46:00.000-05:00

In every moment of my life, I choose what I will do. Every morsel I put in my mouth, every thought, Idea or feeling is mine and belongs to me and no one else. I am the one that must decide what is important and how I will allow it effect me. To eat something that drains me of my life and slowly ebbs away all my energy is pure folly.
Orange Juice is wonderful when I am stressed. Seems to put me in a better place for a while. I slowly cut off the peal and smell the orange oil as it hits my knife, the air, and my hands. I cut it up into pieces and take the seeds out. I put them in my blender and add pure water over the top and hit the button. I watch as the jar changes to a soft pale color. I use the whole orange. I feel that so much lost by just juicing only. Like an Orange Whip Smoothie.
O.k. for this moment, this is good :)

Thinking about things to chase away the blues
Remembering how much I have
Thinking about how far I have come
I choose to enjoy what I do

Day 17 - Bells and Chimes

2007-07-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

A while back I was reading about Bells. I started studying about the differences and how different cultures use them. I found that the different pitches could make me feel different. I ran to my local favorite thrift stone and started plinking everything that was round. It was so much fun to pick up a metal bowl and listen to it. I found one that really blew my mind. It was a low, stainless steel fruit dish from Sweden. I picked it up and held it at the bottom and gave it a gentle ding. The vibrations from it made my face tingle and it was very soothing. I bought it for $1 and I also bought a bag to carry it in for another 1$.
I have collected a few more but none are as wonderful as this one. It is like it is "tuned" to me :)
I took 2 chopsticks and wrapped them in wool yard and made something to gently sound my Bowl. Lovely
I have see then ones on the net for $$$$$ and it makes me happy to know that I got what I wanted for so little always a highlight in my book.
Hungrier today, it's also cooler out too

Skin Brushing
Sunshine
Water
Breathing

Day 16 - Skinshine

2007-07-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

Over the last few days I have noticed a change in my skin. The skin brushing is always good but I am starting to see a nice change in my face. I have been through a fair bit of detox and more to come, but the color of my skin is looking more healthy. I have continued washing my face with mango and mashed bananas and for everything else (including my hair) I am just using Baking Soda. It was weird at first because my hair felt kinda strawish after but when I keep using it it softens up as soon as it dries. If I need the ends conditioned, I just rub olive or coconut oil in and it's shiny and nice.
I have not been very hungry the last couple days and my quantities are way down and that suites me fine. I do need to add more water however and that is always a struggle for me. I really need that natural thirst to kick in.
I bought more celery today and I am going to make a pure green smoothie in the morning with lots of pure water in it to drink during the day. That should cure the Salt Cravings I have had recently.

Sunshine
Water
Skin Brushing
Calm

Day 15 - Watermelon ahhh

2007-06-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

Ahhh Food shopping yesterday went well. Along with a lot of other great things, I came home with 2 nice organic Watermelons! Going to make juice from one right away and drink it throughout the day. I think that when I make juice I will strain it and keep the other for just nibbling on.

Very cool today and at almost July 1st it is like air conditioning :) The heat will find us soon I'm sure so no complaints. So good for sleeping.
Took my watermelon juice with me while running out and it is really wonderful stuff. Need to add a few heavier things to have when the temp dips as it leaves me hungrier than when it is hot.

Sleep
Water
Skin Brushing
Calm

Day 14 - Gathering Food Safely

2007-06-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

As I sit here and write this mornings blog, I am thinking about the shopping that I need to do today in order to bring home the living food that sustains me. I prepare for "battle" by bringing my own food packed with me and having some fresh juice and veggie nibbles handy. When I walk into the store the first thing I face is walking through the "layout". There is a zone around the Organic Produce and It is like a military frontline that you must battle through to get to what you want. There is the bakery/bread corner, next the meat department, then the cheese and the "ready made" deli/dips and chips. The Fruits and Veggies of my desire is surrounded on ALL SIDES. In the past, my eye caught all of it and I craved all of it! Now I see all that junk like land mines that I must carefully go around in order to avoid danger to my health and well being. Once there, I can relax and indulge myself in the Joy of searching for what my body needs :)

I am looking in the fridge and seeing what I didn't use up this week and I am surprised to find things there that I used to eat all the time and I didn't really touch em. Yes, my body is talking to me.
I used up all the:

Baby Spinach
Mangos
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Apples
Onions
Grapes
Avocados
Tomatoes
Pineapple
Mixed Baby Greens

I left behind some of the:

Sweet Corn
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Green Beans
Zucchini
Red Peppers

Like I wrote yesterday, There are things that have just lost their taste or appeal. I will travel through the produce today and see what looks and feels right.

Eating Raw is always interesting :)

Grateful today for:

Sunshine
Water
Feeling so much better Raw
Comfy warm Socks <---Hey! They Rock
The People that Love me
My Freedom
Music

A Deep Motivation Wins Over A Shaky Discipline - DZM

Day 13 - Taste

2007-06-28T10:40:00.001-05:00

Lately my taste buds have been playing tricks on me. There are moments when I take a bite of something and I expect it's flavor to be good and the flavor turns out to be so vibrant and wonderful. I had a Pineapple the other day that was so good it is still lingering in my memory. On the other hand, I might make something that I have had many times and enjoyed and it almost fails to be edible to me. I am going to try and listen more carefully to my body and what it is telling me. I am also exploring Mono eating. I had only watermelon one day last week and I felt so hydrated and pain free. I am going to start writing down foods and combinations because I definitely want to gravitate towards eating (or drinking) what make me feel best.
The real key for me though has been The GREEN SMOOTHIE! They have made my Raw journey so much easier.

Cherries
Watermelon
Pineapple

Need to spend more time in the sun today

Day 12 - Clarity

2007-06-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

Eating Raw brings with it many surprises. There are moments when old thinking drops off and new thoughts take their place. Sometimes it is comfortable and peaceful (happening more often) other times it can quite unsettling.

Dictionary: Unsettle

1.	to alter from a settled state; cause to be no longer firmly fixed or established; render unstable; disturb.

2.	to shake or weaken (beliefs, feelings, etc.); cause doubt or uncertainty about.

Yes that's what I feel! When that happens I feel like an alien in my own body and it is not a comfortable feeling however....
That is exactly the time to build new thoughts and ideas. Nothing brings more clarity than sitting outside in the sun with a glass of pure water or wonderful live juice in your hand and listening to the birds. For me, it's the time to let go of past thoughts that only leave me with negative emotions. That is exactly the time to embrace, without fear, those things that truly build the new me!
Raw eating is a catalyst for change. Years of overeating and wrong eating have masked or delayed my growth. What an amazing gift to have discovered that eating living food can impact my life in such a positive way. No cheeseburger and fries ever did THAT for me!

Water water water!! <----- Almost 100 degrees today Ugh
Movement
Skin Brushing
House cleaning old thoughts

Watermelon Day! Hydration is the goal

Day 11 - Fatigue Ugh

2007-06-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much energy you can get from eating raw THEN, when it comes time for your body to kick the bad stuff out, your body can nearly grind to a halt! BLAAH
The upside of that is that once that phase has passed, you are back to energy again.
**loud cheers**
I know it is a recurring theme that when we choose Live Food over the SAD, we have to endure and go through "detoxing" our years of excess out, but at least it is comforting to know that it is the same for us all, a Human condition if you will. We are not alone :)

Maybe a little nap today might help a bit

Hot today whew - Water Water Water

Skin Brushing
Stretching
Calm Thoughts

Watermelon - Grapes - Mango

Day 10 - I really can do this!

2007-06-25T10:06:00.001-05:00

All my life I have struggled with starting something and finishing it. Eating Raw ends 1/2 that battle by keeping me more mentally clear and focused. When I started this blog (100% for my own journaling needs) I thought I might just give up after a few days but I find it a really necessary daily outlet for my thoughts, feelings and stresses of my Raw journey.

I have been really enjoying reading Angela Stokes E-book A Juice Feaster's Handbook

Lately I have just really enjoyed the "drinkable" form of eating. Angela covers so much and makes it easy to understand and she also helps you to read your body and it's needs. I appreciate her dedication to document her experiences and provide clear and detailed information. I suggest buying her books and absorbing them.

The sun finally came out today so I am off to skin brush and drink my smoothie outside in the sunshine. David Wolfe said once that with everything that is available to us i.e. fruits and veggies from everywhere in the world, that we eat better than kings! I agree.

Skin brushing
WATER INTAKE
Body Movement
Calm

Day 9 - Dandelion Day

2007-06-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

One thing that I love about Raw eating is the clean up. Other than when I use Coconut or Olive oil, A quick rinse of the bowl or blender, and it's clean!

I bought a huge bunch of Dandelion greens the other day and I am working on using everything I buy and not letting it go bad and slip away on me. I have come up with a great solution for me. I take my greens i.e. Parsley, Cilantro, Spinach, Dandelion, and I wash em real good (with an organic veggie wash), then I Blend them up with Fresh Water and pour them into ice cube trays. I put them in the bag and label what green it is and the date and Hey Presto! It is great for making consistent size smoothies and ingredient control and I don't let it go bad! The other side benefit is that it makes a really nice cold drink on hot days.

Today's Smoothie is really yummy:
2. 5 Liters Worth

2 Big hand fulls of spinach
12 Cubes Frozen Dandelion puree
Pure Water to fill the blender
(I blend this up first and get it nice and green)

1/2 Pineapple
1 Kiwi
1 Mango
1 Banana
I pour some of the green juice above to blend

I added 1/2 Cup of soaked Goji Berries with soak water

I blend in 2 batches and mix them in my big pitcher
I have 2- 1 .5 liter carafes the stay in the fridge waiting for me :)

I have been reading and taking the advice of other Raw Foodists and I have been rinsing or brushing my teeth after my smoothies. Always a good Idea. I also carry some floss with me :)

Still working on water intake

Day 8 - First day of Summer? Brrrr...

2007-06-23T10:03:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe this is is the beginning of summer. Really quite chilly today and although I know better than to complain, having to scramble for socks and a long sleeve shirt near the end of June seems rather odd. Today I am focusing on water. I want my thirst to be natural and consistent. I can also tell that if I drink more that the detox and flushing will work so much better.

I am going to lunch today at my friend Bonnie's house. It's a BYOF so that works out just great for me to bring my own food with me and not have to worry or stress. I picked up a brand new lunch box at the thrift store with 2 containers in it and it is really well insulated so, carrying stuff with me will be so much easier. This is my first meal out anywhere but home for a long while and it feels strange. The one thing I have noticed with eating Raw is that once I am 100%, it is much easier to keep eating 100%. If I eat something cooked, then the cravings and temptations are way harder.

I keep in mind things that people have said about their own cravings and how to deal with them and it has helped so much.

Focus :

Water
Skin Brushing
Movement
Focus on what is important
Breathing deeply and releasing stress that I impose on myself.

I always want to be thankful. Gratitude leaves less room for worry and stress.

I appreciate others who are following the Raw path and lend their support with great websites and Blogs they help me so much- THANK YOU!

Day 7 - Rain and Shine

2007-06-22T10:57:00.000-05:00

A much better day today :) Smoothie tasted especially good this morning. Funny thing about detox... it can manifest itself in odd ways, but listening to your body is vital. Sometimes you have to fight through it and sometimes giving in and sleeping hours and hours is the answer. I do know that my best defense is to add some B-complex and up the water. The dry brushing is getting better and better. My skin is just loving it! I am going to start charting my intakes for the day so I have a good look at what I have done and need to do.

Was tickled and surprised today to log on to Green Smoothie Experiment and find my blog on Valerie's site! Whoot made me smile :) I am still learning how to post and I actually started blogging because of her site and inspiration, her blog is so Beautiful and helpful! Thanks :)

I got new walking shoes yesterday they are comfy - Now I gotta use em.

Drank one liter of Green Smoothie

HUGE salad - left out the avocado, trying to keep the fat level down a bit so will save that for when I really need it. Made a neat dressing with Amaranth, olive oil and garlic. It's slightly crunchy and tasty especially good letting the garlic sit in the oil for a while.

Going to keep working on the salad and post more later.

** Got through the whole salad in 2 stages. I am really starting to reprogram my visual "size to consumption" ratios. After cooking for so many years for very large crowds, making raw food for one is really tough sometimes hehe. But I am really seeing a change in over all appetite. When I am not hungry now my "head hunger" is not there lurking around to convince me that I need to eat. I love my smoothies, they are such a perfect answer. GS are easy, fast, delicious and my body just loves them!

Day 6 - Tough Detox Day

2007-06-21T12:43:00.000-05:00

Yeah Tough day. Usually I love my morning smoothie and today I just didn't want it. I should have had water but didn't eat or drink anything. Not Good.
So.... I came home from an errand and got a craving for a big salad so I washed my bunch of dandelion greens added some, cukes, Red Pepper. grape tomatoes, onion and Olive Oil with Sea Salt. It's yummy and thats what I had a taste for although, I didn't even make it through the whole bowl which I always do.. not sure what the matter is but I feel sluggish and low. I think I will take a couple B-Complex. I haven't been taking any supplements but I can usually depend on B- complex to get me through a slump. Face is clear although I do seem to need a bit more sleep during the day during this detox time.

I need to get back to the pool and as my Canadian friends say...... giver~!

Going to take a little nap then dry brush outside with a shower. Really need to help my skin get rid of stuff.
Maybe more this P.M.

Day 5 - Shopping Day

2007-06-20T08:59:00.000-05:00

Just a gorgeous day today. Going to break my fast with some water with lemon this morning. Really getting use to the skin brushing and I can almost feel when I need it now. Really want to make that outside shower so I can brush and shower in the sunshine ahhh :)

I am finding myself really responding to lesser quantities of food and I am happy that my "head hunger" is leaving me. I have some waves of feeling like I need something hot and fatty but it passes really quickly and having green juice around helps a lot. I can not afford to be with out it.

I will get more freezer trays because I can see that it will make it easier for me to pop a few cubes of fresh juice and veggies in my smoothies to make them cold without watering them down. Makes a great slush too when its hot hot hot.

Need to focus on exercise. I will use that as my meditation focus today and let my mind wrap around the need for keeping my body in motion.

Going Food shopping soon and I alway hope that Woodman's some good deals on what I need.

Skin brushing
water intake
meditation
focus

P.M. - Post Shopping

Well no great fruit deals today *sigh* oh well got some great stuff though!!
Just makes me smile walking around the produce section seeing all the great organic stuff that is healing me and helping me change into the person that I want to be.

Had a tropical afternoon! I made a smoothie with my frozen orange juice cubes (hand squeezed of course), fresh coconut water, and a huge ripe mango. Wizzed it up and Whoa awesome. After I made the smoothie, I took the seed and rubbed it over my arms and face really well. It had plenty of fruit left on it and I rubbed it in good and walked outside to the deck and hosed off and then laid in the sun drying. Now you pay good money to do that stuff at a spa hehe

Looking forward to all the new meals with my new stuff. Found great fresh sweet corn that will be great just cut off the cob with some avocado and sea salt.

Day 4 - Quantities

2007-06-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

What a lovely morning. Rained a lot last night and we needed it! The morning is cool and peaceful. I slept ok last night but I can tell I will need a nap this afternoon. Maybe one in the sunshine.
I have yet to break my fast yet but I can tell that my need for large quantities of food is slowly withdrawing.

I did skin brushing this morning before my shower. I need to do far more of this, at least 2x per day. I am also getting ready to add in some oral cleansing i.e. Cascara Segrada and Senna Tea. I really want to take Angela S. Advice and really put it on a high priority.

Going shopping today and I hope Woodman's has a lot of discount veggies and fruit.

Yesterdays eating was actually pretty good. I am adding more water to juices and I still need to drink it all by itself too.

I am pleased with my progress but I am weary of falling so I am trying to use everything I have and know to keep me doing RAW.
Cuz...

RAW IS RIGHT!

Day 3 - 1 Day lost into the void

2007-06-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

Wow! Where did Sunday go? Hehe I know where it went just can't believe it did. Ran out to drop off pictures at Walgreens and had to rush home cuz it was Bronx's wedding day and the guildies were invited via live MSN feed. What fun to enjoy a wedding without even goin! Yeah missed the food and drink but oh well, got to sit in a comfy chair and watch. Wish him and Becky all the best. I did pretty good yesterday. Lots of greens in salads and stuff. I will go shopping today I think. My Bananas went bad fast because of the heat I will have to watch that.

I would like to get in the habit of listing everything I eat for each day so I can actually see what it is I did consume. Guess it might be better for me to write after the food is gone for the day but evenings are hard to write with gaming. Maybe I will just keep my list and post it the following morning. Hmmm I'll have to try it.

Started this morning rescuing fruits and veggies. a good habit to get into. I cut up 2 beautiful melons and have them chilling in the fridge. I made a 1.5 liter bottle of Green lemonade which I will drink this morning.

Really looking forward to the tomato/cuke time this summer. And OH! sweet corn... ahhh I could eat it till I dropped over when it is cut off the cob with a little avo in it.. Heaven

Ok more water today for me. It is hot and getting hotter. can't afford to be dehydrated again it feels too awful. I think maybe a watermelon is in order. that make the dries go away fastest.
Goin to try and really relax today and focus on quantities. Very Important. Reading helps. I will go over Angela Stokes books and review her success.

Day 2 - Hot Hot Hot

2007-06-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

Morning -
I woke this morning quite dehydrated Blaa!
Drank some water first thing and felt better. One of my goals to add a lot more pure water throughout my day.

I made a really nice smoothie this morning:

1 cup Blueberries, raspberries, nectarines (mixed)
1/2 Organic Pineapple
1 cup Baby Spinach
24 oz Pure Water
6 Grapefruit Ice Cubes <----- Yummy :)

Speaking of goals......
One of the things that I find difficult is to organize the things that I want to do and gather them all in one place. I hope to do that here and really help myself "gel" my desires with my Raw lifestyle.

In no particular order:

Water intake
Skin Brushing
Use All natural household products and makeup
Swimming and Exercise
Green Smoothies
Eliminate Salt Craving
Weight Issues
Bowel Cleansing Issues
Organize Kitchen and Purchase Equipment
Be Consistent with Eating and Blogging
Make a difference to others
Truly live my RAW life

The one thing that I am working on is to reprogram myself from excess. Even wonderful fresh raw food can be over done. Quantities have always been an issue for me and even though directly replacing Raw for SAD, I still consume far to much for my bodies needs and I am working on listening to my body tell me when enough is enough.
One thing that has helped me so much is taking a few moments to sit outside in my chair (reclines) and just relax and listen. The sky, wind, birds, children, the camp next door with this weeks band camp ( horns and woodwinds - Awesome), the sun on the bottom of my feet. I just take a few minutes and let myself tune out everything and I try and soothe my body and mind for a bit.

I would like to Blog morning and evening and that is my goal, we will see how it goes.

Day 1 - First Entry

2007-06-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Gracie's Raw Day! This blog is as much (or more) for me than it is for others. I wanted to have a place to go every day where I could write and journal my thoughts and feelings about my Raw Journey. I want to see it in action and take shape and I want to document my growth and learning over something that has become my life. Good days, Bad days and everything in between. Glad you are here, listen to some great space music by TC from the link below, grab a green smoothie and chill with me.