Garden Gatherings

Did April actually happen? Where was I? My parents used to comment that the older they got, the faster time seemed to pass. Well, I’ve become my parents!

My days are full and mostly fun, but I must remember to stop and smell the roses, or lilacs or iris––whatever is blooming in the season. I rejoiced as my older daughter gave birth to her second daughter on March 20––our little spring baby. And granddaughter #1 is an explosion of excitement and curiosity at two-and-a-half-year-old . What a joy, this grand-mothering season.

Each day reminds me the value of total, exceptional, whole health. The days do pass quickly and I want to be present and involved in each one. I did not miss April . . . I just did not write about it. I was enjoying the moment(s). I hope you too, are taking care of your health and well-being so that you do not miss any moments.

I’m off to NYC to visit my younger daughter. We expect to share many memory making moments––maybe I’ll write about them. Stay healthy. That’s life’s greatest gift. Oh, and stop and smell a few flowers along the way.

Are you ready? It’s time for hearts and flowers, chocolates and wine, and romantic dinners by candle-light. Valentine’s Day gets much attention, both positive and negative.

I would like to propose that we celebrate this “lovey” day all year long . . . every day! It would do our hearts good.

Prescriptions for a healthy heart go beyond one day a year of pink and red cards, flowers and candy. What if each day we slowed our pace just a notch or two actually lived in the present moment in gratitude and peace?

What if we put the Valentine Day effort and energy into every day? Ok, at least 5 out of 7? And we extended that effort beyond our spouse, or children?  What about aging parents? Or the new person in the neighborhood or in the office? They might appreciate a box of chocolates or flowers for no reason, other than you are cultivating a happy, healthy heart.

We all know the dietary guidelines . . . by heart . . . and they will improve our physical heart health if we follow them. Science also shows that living deeply in the moment brings a positive transformation to our physical, emotional and spiritual health.

So, come on, have a heart, won’t you join me in making 2012 a heart-felt year. 

Who will be first on your list to spread the cheer? Share a laugh or two? To say ‘thank you’ to? Or to forgive? Trust me, it will warm their heart . . . and yours.

Happy Heart Day!

Remember when you were young and you prayed for school to be closed for a snow day? Well, I felt that way today as I cancelled and rescheduled appointments for the next couple of days.

Denver is having its first real snow storm of the season. My backyard measures 18″ of the wonderful white stuff so far. Tomorrow promises more.

I’ve enjoyed the time to catch up on business tasks, long over-due communication with long-distance friends and sipping wonderful warm drinks! Tomorrow, I’ll play in the back-yard with my new snowshoes, boots and poles.

But for now, I’m headed to the kitchen to bake some cinnamon-y apples . . . yum. Here’s the recipe in case you are so inclined to join me.

1. Wash, peel, core & slice 3-4 medium apples
2. Place slices in buttered glass baking dish
3. Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries
4. Sprinkle with 1-tsp. cinnamon
5. Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts if desired
6. Cover baking dish with foil; bake at 350-degrees until apples are tender, but not mushy.
7. Serve in dessert bowls. If you have real whipping cream in your refridgerator, add just a drizzle over the  hot apples. Enjoy!

Happy Winter!

Well, it has been quite a year. . . and here we are, planning, preparing and perhaps praying the day before Thanksgiving. Where did the time go?

As you plan and prepare, I challenge you to ponder all your blessings. I’ve already heard several comments (complaints) that some are ready for this “family event” to be over! That’s just sad.

Even in the most dire circumstances, surely we can come up with a few things we are thankful for.  Count them. Think about them. Give thanks for them.

I would love to hear from you in this season of gratitude . . . what are you thankful for? My list is long, but at the top are:

• Healthy parents (in their 80′s) who will be at my Thanksgiving table
• A granddaughter who will turn 2 on this holiday
• Family, friends, great health, warm bed, an old vehicle that still works, and a Creator God that always provides

May you savor this season . . .and truly be grateful for it’s abundance!

Yes, it’s autumn. And that means apple season. We are blessed in Colorado to have several apple growers and nothing tastes better than a fresh, crisp tree-ripened apple.

Did  you know this about apples?

• They are so packed with fiber that you get nearly 20% of your daily dietary needs in one medium apple.
• They require you to chew and chew and chew which allows your body to feel full before eating too many calories.
• The natural fruit sugars in an apple gradually enter your bloodstream keeping blood sugars and insulin levels balanced so you don’t experience hunger highs and lows.

The apple offers many health benefits  and I challenge you to go beyond an “apple-a-day”  and eat three or four or even five apples during this Fall Season. Help your body prepare for the heavier foods of winter with the gentle internal cleansing that apples provide.

More apple wisdom next time . . . stay tuned.