~ Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY

Wellesely's* SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip.

*(MOM's Mascot)

~ TODAY'S Menu Special

Pesto with Rice Pasta

1 package rice pasta

3/4 cups walnuts (Click here for benefits)

2 cups fresh basil leaves

3-4 garlic cloves pressed

1/4 cup olive oil/virgin, cold pressed

2 teaspoons umeboshi vinegar (Click here for benefits)

Place walnuts in food processor or blender; add basil and garlic; blend to thick paste.

Gradually add olive oil. umeboshi vinegar until smooth and creamy.

Serve over pasta with salad.

~ Mmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"The Spiritual Muse often wears disguises when teaching us lessons." MOM

~ MOM's JISIT Hall of Fame

In my April 12th post, I introduce the concept of being a

"Joyous-Idiot-Savant-In-Training. (Click here for post)

Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphins; those incredible uplifting, mood elevators. We've been blessed with talented comics through the decades. Many of my younger clients haven't had the opportunity to see them in action.

Today, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant in a clip from their 1938 movie, Bringing Up Baby. Take a look at Katherine's shoes.... styles are cyclical!

Click here for trailer.

~ Today's Menu Special

Summertime Fare

Beans, Rice and Vegetables

Adzuki Bean Soup (Click on title for nutritional benefits)

Serves 4-6

2 cups Adzuki beans

Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil

8 cups water

1 strip Kombu Seaweed (helps to dispel gas)

2 large carrots cut into 1/2 moons

1 large onion chopped

3 stalks celery chopped

3/4 parsley chopped

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root grated

3 garlic cloves minced

2 tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids

2-4 tablespoons Mellow Miso

Wash beans, drain well; put aside.

In large soup pot, saute onions in olive oil on medium-high heat; until onions are translucent.

Place beans, water, kombu, garlic, carrots, celery and Braggs Amino Acids in pot. Bring to boil for 10 minutes, cover and cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes or until adzuki beans are soft.

Turn off heat; when soup is simmered add miso and cup of soup in blender.

Blend and stir liquid back into soup.

Garnish with parsley.

Long Brown Rice and Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups rice

1/2 pumpkin seeds

2 1/2 cups water

Rinse rice.

Bring rice, pumpkin seeds to boil. Lower flame, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Serve rice with vegetables on top.

Steamed Kale and Daikon

1 bunch organic Kale, washed and sliced

1 large Daikon Root, washed and sliced.

1/2 cup water

Place kale, and daikon in stainless steel or bamboo steamer; bring water to boil.

Steam vegetables for 8- 10 minutes until kale is green and crisp.

Remove, mix vegetables and serve on rice with Tamari Ginger Sauce.

Tamari Ginger Sauce

1 cup water

1 cup tamati

1 tablespoon, fresh grated ginger.

Heat mildly and serve on vegetables.

~ Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY

Wellesely's* SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip.

*(MOM's Mascot)

~ Mmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

An observation....

Each of us no matter who we are or what we do, are all on a spiritual journey. And with this shift of consciousness we begin to “see” how everyday we are meeting teachers and are learning lessons. In doing so we can begin to fully embrace the magic of our lives here on earth.

~ Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY

Wellesely's* SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip.

 *(MOM's Mascot)

~ MOM's JISIT Hall of Fame

In my April 12th posting "Give me a J...." I introduce the concept of being a Joyous-Idiot-Savant-In-Training (Click here for previous post). Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphines; those incredible uplifting, mood elevators. We've been blessed with talented comics through the decades. Many of my younger clients haven't had the opportunity to see them in action. 

Today, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Betty Hutton and Eddie Bracken in the 1944 movie trailer Miracle of Morgan's Creek.

Click here for trailer.

~ Mmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

Just a thought... 

"Fingerprints are the soul's signature" MOM

~ Mmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

FYI: The Car = Your Life

So there you are in your car's driver's seat, barreling down a windy road. You're busy turning the steering wheel left to right when you realize it isn't attached to the vehicle. Mmmm...  perhaps it's  time to STOP, LET GO and TRUST in your HIGHER POWER ; who happens to be a great mechanic.

~ Today's Menu Special

Mellow Yellow Squash Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 large sweet onions~chopped

8 yellow squash~chopped

1 leek~chopped

7 garlic cloves~chopped

5 sprigs lemon thyme

6 cups low/sodium-free chicken broth or vegetable broth

1/2 - 1 tsp. Celtic salt to taste

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

Goat Gouda cheese shaved, pine-nuts and chopped parsley for garnish

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil~medium heat.

Add onions, leek and cook; stirring until onions are translucent and soft.

Add squash and leaves of lemon thyme~cook, stirring for 5 minutes.

Increase heat to medium-high; add broth, salt and garlic.

Cook with partially covered pot at low boil for 25 minutes until the squash is soft.

Allow soup to cool and puree in covered blender; return to pot and heat.

Add lemon juice.

Garnish with cheese, pine-nuts and parsley.

Makes 8 cups

Click on above title for a description Yellow Squash's nutritional value.

~ Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY

Wellesely's SUNDAY FUNNY is now our weekly comic strip. Above is MOM'S COSMIC DINER's mascot and his favorite cartoonist.

Click on above title for a romp in the Bark Park.

~ STRAIGHTEN UP and FLY RIGHT!!

So here I am walking my walk, talking my talk, blogging my blog... yet, something is amiss. At the glorious age of sixty I'm needing to pay more attention to my spine. And if you're younger than me please don't scroll away from this post. More than ever, younger people have bad posture from the hours spent sitting in front of the computer with the screen lower than eye level.

Our spinal column is the brain's direct and most efficient "information" expressway; messages travel to the rest of the body as it maintains radiant health. When we have straight spines our chest cavity is opened and our internal organs are positioned correctly and can function to their optimum capacity. Consider the alternative; when the back is rounded the shoulders come forward, squeezing and constricting the inner organs. 

Before I teach my yoga, tai chi and meditation classes, I always instruct my students on how to create perfect posture:

STANDING

• Toes and heals are aligned with ankles under hip bones.
  
• Weight sinking into heels as if standing in wet sand.
• Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.
• Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.
• Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).
• Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head.

SEATED 

• Toes and heals are aligned flat on floor with ankles under kneecaps.
• Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.
• Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.
• Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).
• Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head. (Don't lean back into chair).

  

I have a theory... as we age we begin to "fold" forward into the fetal position. I don't know about you but I rather look at the heavens than at my feet.

By bringing this consciousness to the body and making corrections throughout the day will help you to STRAIGHTEN UP and FLY RIGHT!

Click on above title for background music as you correct your posture.

~ MOM's JISIT Hall of Fame

In my April 12th posting "Give me a J...." I introduce the concept of being a Joyous-Idiot-Savant-In-Training. Laughter cleanses the body from toxins lodged in the bottom of our lungs and it also releases endorphines, those incredible uplifting, mood elevators. We've been blessed with talented comics through the decades. So many of my younger clients haven't had the opportunity to see them in action. Today, MOM'S COSMIC DINER welcomes Abbot and Costello.

Click on the above title to watch.

~ Today's Menu Special

New World Avocado Dip   Serves 2-4 people 

2 ripe large avocados

1 large onion chopped

1 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup  lemon juice (optional)

Olive Oil

1-3 teaspoons Braggs Amino Acids (depends on how salty your taste-buds are)

Pepper

In medium size bowl mash up avocados then add and mix in lemon juice... put aside.

Heat olive oil in frying pan add onion and tomatoes with Braggs Amino Acids, saute until onions are translucent. 

Add to avocados and stir.

Pepper to taste.

Serve on bed of arugula, garnish with a sprigs of parsley.

Great with crackers, bread or sliced veggies.

Avocados are amazing fruits and here's why...

• This fruit is jammed packed with nutrients! Avocados are a good source of vitamin K (36% DV), dietary fiber (29% DV), vitamin B6 (20% DV), vitamin C (19% DV) and copper (19% DV).
• One cup of avocado has 23% of your DV for folate, a nutrient important for heart health.
• Avocados are sodium and cholesterol free.
• The avocado, pound for pound, has more energy than unprocessed meat.

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"Life is like shifting sands but... sometimes you need a snorkel." MOM

~ The BIG Picture

In my Mind Over Matters Workshop we fine-tune our attitudes with "THE BIG PICTURE". Whenever we seem "stuck", hyper-focusing or "looping" the same thoughts in our minds, why not see this particular time as... one piece of the puzzle that is the entire story of our life. 

When we have this awareness we can bring a new and powerful perspective on what seems to be an overwhelming problem. Our thoughts have a immediate effect on our body. Feeling stuck is being in a state-of-contraction (tightness). Our muscles will begin to tighten up (shoulders, neck, lower back), blood vessels will constrict (headaches), our digestive organs will become sluggish (stomach-ache, indigestion). HELP IS ON THE WAY... by consciously remembering this specific time is a small piece of the entire picture of your journey; you'll create a feeling of expansiveness. And the body will be in a state-of-ease.

Here's a helpful TIP to remember this concept. When in this "stuck space" you can hold or visualize a jigsaw puzzle piece in your hand. This will change the thought pattern and bring awareness back to the BIG PICTURE.

"In reality... the only thing we can really control is our attitude." MOM

~ Today's Menu Special

Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Tofu / Parsley Sauce

Preheat oven 375 degrees

1 portobello mushroom per person 

2 cups of tofu /crumbled

1 large onion / chopped

2 "handfuls" parsley / chopped

Olive oil

1 cup walnut pieces

1 cup water

1-2 tablespoons oregano

1-3 tablespoons Tamari or Bragg's Aminio Acids (more depending on taste buds)

Pepper to taste

1 pear chopped (optional)

Clean mushroom top with slightly damp paper towel then tap mushroom to release any debris or scoop out inside of portobello. Lightly coat both sides with olive oil.

Set aside (cap down) in baking dish.

Coat frying pan with olive oil and heat on medium/high. Add chopped onion and 1 1/2 tablespoons Tamari. Stir for 1 minute then add crumbled tofu, oregano to onions, stir well and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add parsley and 1  1/2 tablespoons of Tamari and black pepper. Add 1/2 cup water and continue to cook for 1 minute. Add walnuts stir and cook on medium heat for 1 minute. (You may want to add some water if there isn't enough liquid.) Remove from heat add chopped pear and stir. 

Stuff portobello mushroom with mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Serve on bed of salad greens mixed with Balsamic Vinegar. 

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"It takes a lifetime to release the mask." MOM

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

   "Out of mouth...

   

      Out of mind..."

"A sense-of-humor helps as we age." MOM

And to all you special MOMS here, there, everywhere ~ especially you, Claudine... Thank you for gently sprinkling this world with sparkling, light energy and LOVE.

~ A is for Attitude

My yoga teacher, Swami Satchidananda's teachings were succinct yet profound. One of my favorite visuals for attitude adjustments is the following:

Whenever you point your finger (physically/mentally) at someone as you place blame on them, take a moment to observe that hand.

• The thumb is pointing upwards reminding you there's a higher power.
  
• One finger (index) is pointing away from you.
  
• Three fingers are pointing back to you.
  

MAJORITY RULES! Look at yourself and how you can fine-tune your attitude.

~ Mmmm, Tasty Little Nuggets

"Laughter is like a cosmic, champagne bottle uncorked..." MOM

Coming soon to our diner ~ Every Saturday evening, join us for a Laughing Meditation with MOM. It's a great way to bubble-up your inner sparkle.

Click on above title and join in the laughter with "Sunflower Priestess". (MOM says she's a total JISIT!)

 

~ Chapter 2: A Housewife’s Spiritual Journey and the Teachers She's Met Along the Way

Tai chi is often described as the grandfather of all the martial arts. I remember sitting in class when one of my fellow students asked Mrs. Chow what he should do if someone were to attack him from behind. Mrs. Chow was quiet for a moment, then looked at him with a serious expression as she loudly exclaimed, “You run!”

After our laughter subsided she explained, “We’re not here to learn how to fight. But if you need tai chi for defense, it will be there for you.”

Many years later, one of my fellow classmates came home from work and was letting her three Rottweiler dogs into the house from the backyard. The last dog unexpectedly attacked her. She ended up in the hospital with severe bite wounds on both her arms requiring over 100 stitches.

When I visited her in the hospital, she told me tai chi saved her life. As the dog lunged toward her, he aimed for her throat and chest. Without thinking, she found herself doing “Repulse the Monkey,” a series of steps that involve the constant raising of one’s arms to cover the face and torso area while stepping back. I finally understood the wisdom in Mrs. Chow’s comment all those years before.

To "meet" Mrs. and Mr. Chow and listen to an audio interview, scroll down on right-side and click on their photo.