Day 40 . . . and April Intentions: Mindful Eating

And today marks my 40th blog entry. I am feeling . . . well, I'll tell you, but first . . .

Look! The Sun DID come out . . .

I sat outside (even if it was a bit chilly and windy) and soaked up all that good vitamin D.

Piper and Finn are miraculously better (at least while the sun shines).

John is happier at work (HUGE sigh).

Phoebe and Celia got the grades they hoped for at school (bless them for being studious--Oh Henry, how you've made us so happy with just passing . . . you did good for your sisters LOWERING the bar).

Our family worries are for the moment holding steady and in fact, looking optimistic.

And best of all, my eye seems to be just fine. Finnegan was right.

So here we are . . .

40 posts later and I feel . . .

Proud.

Humbled.

Thankful.

A little embarrassed.

Grateful.

Enlightened.

And most of all brave.

I think these feelings have spread to every area of my life, but most of all, I feel brave. And so much of that is do to all of you incredibly kind readers who have nurtured me and encouraged me and pushed me to continue to write. It has been life changing. Yoga for 40 days made me stronger in so many ways. Writing for 40 days has made my heart and mind stronger and at the same time so much more tender and open. I am learning that being vulnerable isn't always bad. In fact, it might be the healthiest thing we can do. The more we open up, the more we are able to see we are all a lot alike.

We all fear.

We all hunger for things we don't know if we'll ever have.

We all feel lonely and alone.

We are all lost.

And we are all beautiful.

Kind.

Generous.

And Brave.

Plus, we survived an epic drive to Denver. Phoebe got into YAGP Finals in NYC. Lots of Marriage advice. A new job (yes!!). Some Red Tent talk. A few words on aging. And a lot of simple sharing of my life . . .

A wonderful journey.

A new beginning . . . of many many things.

April marks a new month of Intentions. March was actually my most enlightening month yet. I LOVED the 10 minutes of knowledge of day (which I only did at most half the time . . .), my prayers, they're quieter and calmer, and I am hydrated. Plus, and this is the best part, I learned a new yoga trick.

So we begin again. April intentions:

Body: A month of Mindful Eating (being careful and thoughtful about everything that goes into my body and making sure I AM eating 3 meals)

Mind: Work on my book every day (I have neglected it . . . bad)

Spirit: Read Wise words (find inspirational thoughts, quotes, and wise words from all over the world and all religious perspectives . . . PLEASE PLEASE SUGGEST SOME TO ME!)

My favorite part of intentions is that I get to work on things I want and I'm excited about. Please please tell me if you have any suggestions for me about all of this. I need recipes, things to read, and writing advice. Share with me!

Here is my first Mindful Eating Share with you: Paula's Granola

My mother-in-law has the most wonderful Granola in the universe. I'm trying to have at least three go-to healthy breakfasts that ensures I EAT breakfast. This is #1 (doesn't it look amazing?)

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350.

5 c old fashion oats

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. sweetened coconut

1 c. wheat germ (optional)

Mix this all together on a cookie sheet until it's really mixed.

Then mix together:

1/4 c coconut oil (melted)

3/4 c water (warm)

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp Vanilla

Pour over the oatmeal mixture and mix in by hand until it's nice and mixed and a little clumpy.

Put in oven.

Every Ten minutes, carefully turn over with a wooden spoon for the first 20 minutes (so twice).

Turn the oven down to 250 and then set the timer for 15 minutes. Stir after the timer goes off and then set it for another 15 minutes. If it's nice and brown (see above), then it's done. If not, put it back in for 5-10 minutes until it's nice and toasted.

Let cool (completely) and then put in a airtight container or just in a ziplock bag.

Trust me, it won't last long.

Here is my favorite to eat it with (it is NOT low fat)

Thank you so much for taking this journey with me . . .

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