May 23rd, 1 a.m. my little boy came into the world. His name is Hodayah Aketriel and he is truly a precious holy being and angelic soul!
My life will never be the same……I have entered into the mystery of motherhood. Unlike anything I could have ever expected or foreseen – my level of respect, awe, and reverence for all Mom’s has just reached a new height. I knew, but never really knew how much it takes to be a Mom and what Motherhood is really all about. I’m sure I still don’t have an inkling of it, but am much closer than I was ever before.
How do I Live Vision (my life’s VISION while being there to support my child also living his life’s VISION) as Mother????? I pose this question because I have found days come and go and all I seem to have time for is feeding, changing, cuddling, etc. all Holy and beautiful things – but what about making raw foods, writing a blog, reading books, dancing, music, etc. I know there will be time for these things in the future, but it is important that I am in line with purpose/vision now and to stay in line with my essence while providing for my son.
In just a month and a half (almost) of being a Mom I have learned many things about staying grounded in me and being everything for another like patience, trust, and embracing this moment fully….What I have witnessed from the outside and am now understanding more fully from the inside is that Motherhood gives one a kick in the but to the opportunity of truly living in the heights of integrity. How so? Because in order to find the balance between myself and this new being who needs me fully to be for him I must push through challenges like never before, I must be there for him in every way – from eating foods that will serve him and me both, to waking up whenever he needs to help him in ways he cannot yet help himself, to overcoming my fears of inadequacy, low self esteem, self distrust…..these things have always been there, but I was never forced to look at them or even more so look past them and move beyond – I must drop my ego and be a life and vitality for one who solely depends on me for all his needs – there is no room for fear (even though the feeling comes and goes – I must continually let it go to be present and of service). There is no room or time for laziness, what must be done, must be done.
Another way Motherhood is giving me a new opportunity to “Live Vision” is by showing me how strong I am. Even when it feels like there is NO way I can muster the strength to get through this (the birth process for one) I have no choice and must go beyond myself to push through and fulfill that which I have begun. This gives me a reference point for the fact that I ABSOLUTELY have the strength – it may be the hardest hing I have ever done, but I can do it – this is something that I can use now for any situation I come across on my journey of life.
I have been finding the teachings of Abraham very helpful and inspiring at this time. If you haven’t yet heard of her Esther Hicks gives inspirational Q&A sessions as a vessel for truly inspired universal teachings by an Entity that calls itself Abraham. It may sound wacky and I don’t go searching for “channels” or “psychics” or Universal teachers – I am actually an observant Jewish Woman, but when I hear truth I hear truth and I listen. This has touched my soul and speaks to my essence as truth. I highly recommend checking out some videos on youtube. For now I want to share a couple of videos that have been very helpful. This first one is on Parenting, and supports taking full responsibility for yourself, your emotions, your happiness as the only way to truly be able to help your children…please check this out:
This next one teaches one how to stay in alignment via the thoughts and feelings we hold…..so important:
Both of these videos have been very supportive in a more graceful transition into Motherhood while allowing the space for my individuality in parallel to the Unity.
I am thrilled for this new life and all that comes with it. I am totally IN LOVE with my family, and fall more and more in love every day. As I write my baby is squeaking and squirming all bundled up in a Moby wrap on my chest. When Hodayah cries, I love him, smile and let him know all is well, when he is being mellow I may meditate with him, take a walk, say some prayers, work a little on a blog post, check out the beautiful changing face of my son…whatever it is – I am doing my best to stay easy, open, relaxed and in love.
It will be a joy and pleasure to keep you updated on our journey together and my journey as a raw foods chef – for now I can’t imagine how I will get out there professionally again, and yet I know after a few months everything will be different – I will have more time, or routine – in any case what will be will be and I am embracing life fully!
In my next post I want to talk to you about what has been going on with my diet from getting pregnant to where I am at now – and where Hodayah is at. There is a lot to say there and a lot of exciting choices for forward movement that I am sure will be of support to some of you reading the blog.
For now sending you warm cuddly baby love from the bay!
I have been meaning to come back and write a blog post…so no excuses here we are. The newest news with me and Living Vision…is that preparing to be a Mommy is rapidly approaching….well the preparation is happening, but the big event is right around the corner!!!!
My focus has been on getting attuned with the process that is magically and magnificently happening in my body right now. The more time I take to be at home, clean, center, meditate, the more excited I am for all that is coming into being…the more connected I feel with this brand new brilliant and ancient being that is forming it’s new shell in my womb.
Although lately I have been feeling more and more of the raw food call, I am still not back to a mostly raw food diet. Many reasons for that, but mainly I am glad that my cravings are more and more for fresh green veggies….celery….I can go through a head of celery in a day, and that’s not juicing it…….I just love munching on celery! Dandelion has been becoming a more regular part of my diet, and chocolate has been falling to the wayside a bit…..still just a bit, I am and will most likely always be a Xocolatle Lover!!!!
So on the pro raw food chef scene, my life as a Mom to be has been taking precedence and rather than the focus being on the site or new food creations it has been in the home. However, there have been a few happenings; Since I sent out an email a while back for some food delivery I have received many, many requests from people for a raw food shipping service. That is something I will be seriously considering once my new family has adjusted to the new format…of life together. In the mean time I’ve had one client requesting desserts to be shipped to Los Angeles. This has been ongoing weekly for the past month or so. I am getting quite well acquainted with this and every cake that I have shipped has arrived safe, sound and in it’s full flavored goodness!
Although soon enough I will not be able to do this (due to the growing belly and soon to arrive beam of light), it has been a great learning and sharing opportunity. Here are some photo’s of the desserts I’ve shipped down:
German Chocolate Cake
Hazelnut Torte after safe arrival
Tiramisu after safe arrival
Chocolate Halva Petit Fours
Tiramisu Birthday Cake
It seems anything is possible! So, if you have an idea for me, a request, or an off the wall question…shoot em’ over. You never know I may just be up for the challenge……or not, but I am always open to hearing your ideas!
You will find some updates on the website pretty soon, a new recipe to try and some great new e-book opportunities. Keep checking in and be patient with me as I get more comfortable running the blog/website and adjusting to Mommy hood.
Constantly sending out all Love, Blessings, and Gratitude!
2 1/2 Cup Soaked/Rinsed Almonds 1/4 + Cup Raw Tahin 2 med. – Lg. Cloves Garlic 1/4 Cup + 2 Tbs. Olive Oil 1/4 Cup + 3 Tbs. Lemon Juice 3/4 Cup Water 3/4 + tsp. Himalayan Crystal Salt
Place all ingredients (only half the water) in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade.
Blend ‘till creamy and smooth. Add water as necessary for desired texture. Adjust salt and spices to taste. Store refrigerated for 5 days.
Enjoy with your favorite raw crackers, fresh veggies, on top of a salad – the options are endless and SO delicious
It was such a blessing and honor to have the chance to go out to New England and Boston, meet the raw enthusiasts on the East Coast and share some Living Decadence with such lively folks!
It was in the merit of Leah the Woman in the picture above that this trip and events happened in the first place. I give so much honor and respect to her for all she does and all that she did to make this tour happen. Thank you Leah!
I wish I had more pictures to share, and if you are one of the people who attended the workshops please, by all means email me with copies of your photo’s! What I can tell you is that I shared some brand new recipes and the folks of New England and Boston , MA were the first to taste or learn these new sweet treats.
What were they???? Well there were a few old favorites like Lemon Meringue Pie, Tiramisu, Coconut Cashew Whipped Cream…we went deeply into the art of using Irish moss and I certainly hope everyone left feeling confident of their ability to work with this phenomenal gift from the sea. But what I unveiled for the first time was a number of Petit Fours that I have been refining for a while.
What is a Petit Four you ask? Well the name means “Small Cake” and that is precisely what I was going for. Throughout the trip we covered 4 flavors Including; chocolate halva, lemon chiffon, orange spice, and maple pecan….yummmm! Sadly we didn’t have time to complete the maple pecan in the 5 hour marathon on Sunday, but with all the technique shared the folks seemed well equipped to go home and try it out on their own. Below is a picture of the first Halva Petit Four I made…I have the recipe in pics so perhaps I will post a series of pictures walking you through the steps.
The other new item I got to teach was an off-set tri layered mousse. The flavors are Chocolate, Cherry and Amaretto, here’s a pic of that one:
What a lively and fun crowd it was. We had a lot of fun, ate way to many sweets and I’m sure have all spent a couple days balancing out with some deep greens! If your ever in the Boston area please stop in at Rawbert’s Organic Garden Cafe. Rawbert hosted Sunday’s class and has a beautiful raw cafe with a full menu of savory, sweet, smoothies, juices and more. You will satisfy every part of your being at this colorful and inviting raw foods restaurant!
Now that I’m back in the bay, I thought it would be time to slow the pace. Well, the pace is still somewhat of a speed train (I’ll call it a “light” rail) moving right along – but I am going to settle into the bay as my baby is growing and needing a little more of a settled environment for this time in it’s evolving. I think I need the settled environment to be more present with the process. Some pics of my pregnant body will be coming soon….growing and growing and growing!
Stay in touch for upcoming events, classes, and more. All of the recipes above will be made available for purchase on the website soon. If you would like to purchase them before I have it posted just shoot me an email! Sending you love and light of the highest caliber!
It has been some time since I have written a real post here on the Living Vision blog. My intention is to begin regular posts, calendar updates, keeping you up to date with what I’m up to, what’s inspiring me and what new raw goodies I’m getting my hands into.
(Me and My Sis before the wedding)
The newest not so new, but still really very new news with me is that I’m 6.5 months pregnant….yup it’s true! It’s 6.5 months true and obvious if you were to look at me, but this is the first time I’m putting anything about it on my blog. I got married on August 9th and got pregnant very soon after! Many people may be wondering how it’s been, where I’ve been and I’m sure the big question of what I’ve been eating.
This is my first pregnancy and I really didn’t know what to expect although I had many ideas of what I thought pregnancy would be like. First of all, I thought because I had been 80-90% raw I wouldn’t deal with any of those wild cravings that many people talk about. I guess that is somewhat true right now, as I seem to desire the same types of foods as I have for a long time – I just want more of them and there is a bit of a carb monster that comes out and wants bread….we’ll talk about that soon. The first big SHOCK for me was the first tri-mester. I never actually vomited, but I was uncomfortably nauseous almost all of the time. Being that I love food this didn’t keep me from eating and eating actually helped sometimes. However the shock came in when I would think about eating the types of food I was used to eating; a green smoothie in the morning, big salad or kale salad for lunch, some more fresh mostly green stuff for dinner with perhaps some steamed quinoa – oh and of course you should all know I have a BIG sweet tooth, so some sort of sweet throughout the day – well the thought of any of these and actually any raw food made me more nauseous than ever! The thought, the smell, just looking at them, and I mean any raw food. I couldn’t stand the thought of anything green all the way down to a nut or a seed. So for the first three months the bulk of my diet were home made soups, sourdough bread and butter. You better believe I was THRILLED beyond imagining when kale once again sounded appealing to me.
At this point I have transitioned back to eating a lot of raw foods along with some cooked ones. For those first three months I did not touch a thing that was green (other than celery, green leaves and some herbs I would add to my soups) and nothing that was raw! Pretty dramatic coming from a mostly raw food diet for a number of years. I went with what my body could handle rather than trying to force an idea upon my bodies natural process, and I feel great about my choices. Now if I crave some bread, I’ll have it – I do my best to choose the most whole grain organic and ideally sourdough bread available (there are a lot of great bakeries in the bay area that are focused on organic wheat to wheat free to gluten free artisan sourdough breads – it’s awesome!). But now my body does crave kale, seaweed, fresh romaine, celery and cucumber juice, etc. I attribute this to having fed my body such nutritious foods for so long that now my body knows what to ask for when it is looking for more of this vitamin, that nutrient and those minerals.
To sum it up on the food front, I am not 100% raw or vegan, I do eat some organic cheeses occasionally (preferably goat and raw) I also eat fish right now about once a week, some bread, some steamed quinoa and a lot of fresh fruits, veggies, and still a few too many sweets – but at least they are mostly raw, vegan whole foods that are home made with tons of love! I’m sure I will go back to being 100% raw at some point for some period of time, but this is my journey a continual progression to making the best choices within my own personal circumstance. I feel blessed, loved and fully present on my path!
Wheat about outside of the kitchen…..even outside of the kitchen I’ve been spending a lot of time inside many kitchens. For the past 7+ months I have been the bakery supervisor for Cafe Gratitude. For the first three months of my pregnancy I didn’t say anything to anyone, just to make sure all was solid and healthy before spreading the good news. Being that raw food made me nauseous I wasn’t having the easiest time.
As bakery supervisor I worked in the Central Kitchen where the bulk of the food is made for all the cafes. It’s an AWESOME place with such incredible people however, the smell of dehydrated crackers, kimchee, and even just raw pie crusts was pretty much the worst for me at the time. But C’est la vie, such is life! Periods come and go…..that phase passed and I was able to focus, enjoy being in such a creative position and share with all that there was a new life forming in my tummy!
As much as I have LOVED being a part of the Cafe Gratitude community it was time for me to move on and focus more here, in Living Vision, in sharing more with the broader community. I also began working again with my dear friend Elaina Love in running her website Pure Joy Planet, and co-creating other raw, vital endeavors. All of this is also in preparation for greeting the new soul who will be entering our realm of the outside world sometime around the 3rd week of May.
My official last week as bakery supervisor was last week, however I will have the honor to lead one last all bakery meeting and lead a “wedding cake workshop”. So that many of Cafe Gratitude’s bakers will be well equipped to continue the tradition of awesome, beautiful and professional all raw, all vegan wedding cakes! After that I will no longer be an employee of Cafe Gratitude, although it is likely I will still hold some classes with them.
What’s on the Horizon for Chef Chaya??? Many things actually. I am in Los Angeles right now where I taught a raw dessert workshop to a Jewish communities “Woman’s Circle”. This felt very full circle for me being that my initial inspiration for becoming an amazing raw dessert chef was being in Israel and feeling a major disconnect between “Kosher” and “Health”. The information I shared was very well received and it seemed many were inspired to learn more…YAY!!! To top it off they LOVED the white chocolate blueberry tart and amaretto coconut bars with a chocolate and almond crunch topping…oh yeah baby!
This coming Monday the 22nd of Feb. I will be the speaker for Monday Night Live which is held at the Cafe Gratitude location in Healdsburg, CA. The subject will be “Living Vision: The Many Journeys of a Lifetime”. Very different from my normal dessert demo’s, this time I will be telling the story of my life, how I got to where I am now and what Living Vision means to me. I would love to see some of you out there, so please come one, come all, get a drink or a meal and sit down for an intimate evening of sharing!
The first week of March I am heading off to the East Coast to teach some classes, a beginner, intermediate and advanced raw dessert class. I love meeting new raw communities and sharing fun recipes and techniques that people always get excited about. The advanced class will be especially fun. I will teach sheet cakes for up to 80, decorating techniques, 3 flavors of petits fours, and tri layered mousse with Amaretto, Cherry and Chocolate.
One of my favorite things about traveling is seeing new health food stores and trying out the raw foods at new restaurants. That will be easy as the advanced class will be held at “Rawbert’s Organic Garden Cafe”….I am certainly looking forward to trying a few meals there!
I sound a little busy, well I’m not done yet at the end of March I will come back to L.A. to give a demo at the “Green Lifestyle Film Festival” as well as cater some out of this world raw desserts for their banquet.
Enough of the movin’ and groovin’, after that I will be settling down for a bit…or more being that my belly will be much larger and I will need to slow down. I’m still teaching private classes, holding consultations, running Pure Joy Planet, and running Living Vision. So I will be settled but still a busy little bee!
Check back soon, there is more to share. and make sure to take a look at the calendar to hear about upcoming events!
Filling Ingredients: Fresh Hand Made Coconut Milk, Coconut Meat, Medjool Dates, Fresh Vanilla, Soy Lecithin, Coconut Oil.
Enjoy a few pictures of Chef Chaya-Ryvka’ s Raw Vegan Creations and remember you could have your own for Channukah, Shabbat, a birthday, wedding or any occasion:
Hi Friends and Family. It has been quite a while since I have updated my blog and a busy season it has been. One reason for this that some may know and others may not is that I took on being the Bakery Supervisor for Cafe Gratitude about 4 months ago. It has been fun, I love them and it has kept me a little too busy to keep up with Living Vision Blogies. I am committed to keeping things fresh and new, to share the inspiration that floods through and perhaps even some of the challenge that keeps me on my toes.
There is one thing I think you should all be aware of as an opportunity to share some seasons love, prayer and support. My dear friends Elaina Love and her son Dominic are going through the challenge and transformation of a lifetime. Dominic has been working with Western Medicine for about a year to heal from Leukemia. Just over a week ago the doctors told them they could do no more and gave him a couple weeks to a month to live. Elaina now is able to do what she has wanted to from the very beginning which is turning to a raw vegan detox diet along with many holistic and cellular therapies to allow his bodies natural functions to potentialize and come back to homeostasis. They are currently at Hippocrates Health Institute and are experiencing massive detox. Please learn more and follow their story by going to Elaina’s Blog: http://elainalove.wordpress.com/
Also, please visit her website: http://www.PureJoyPlanet.com browse through her store of healing goodies and check out the option to donate for Dominic during this HUGE transition and transformation. The cost for just the first 3 weeks exceeds $20,000.00 and Elaina is with him the whole way – which also means she is not able to work as she normally would be. So we are calling on the community to help in any way they can right now, prayers, love, light and financial support as little or as much one can offer!
Here is a more thorough description and update from Living Light and Elaina. There is a link at the bottom of this article to donate to them through Living Light as well:
Dear Friends,
Here’s an update on Elaina Love and her son Dominic.
Dominic is at Hippocrates, continuing to fight for his life. Support for Dominic and his mother, Elaina Love, has been heartwarming beyond belief. People all over the world are forwarding our plea for prayers and donations to their raw e-lists, and we estimate that over 100,000 people have received our bulletins. So far, Living Light has received over 600 contributions and even more importantly, people throughout the raw world are expressing their love and concern through prayer and well wishes for Elaina and her son.
As most of you know by now, after Dominic was diagnosed with leukemia, doctors recommended chemo, radiation, and bone marrow transplant as his best option. He seemed to be improving for a while, then just before Thanksgiving, he took a turn for the worse. That is when the doctors told Elaina they could do no more for him and gave Dominic one week to a month to live.
Naturally, Elaina did what she wanted to do from the beginning, but could not until now – she rushed him to Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida. She didn’t know how she would pay for Dominic’s treatment there, but she went on faith. That is when her Living Light family stepped in and created the Love Fund to help pay for Dominic’s expenses. Incredibly, within the first 24 hours, we had received over 200 donations ranging from $5 to $250. Since then, the money, love, and prayers have poured in abundantly – we have been overwhelmed with the response. Just today, we received word that a benefactor will pay $2000 of Dominic’s medical expenses and financial support is continuing to flow in. At this point, we are happy to report that we are close to raising the entire $20,000 that Elaina estimated she needs to cover their travel to Hippocrates and the services Dominic requires in attempting to save his young life. Of course, we believe that Elaina will need more than her original estimate, since she will not be able to work in the foreseeable future. Dominic will need her support full-time and the initial 3 weeks at Hippocrates is just the beginning of his new healing journey. After his stay at Hippocrates, Dominic will still require continued medical support. Nevertheless, we are beside ourselves with a feeling of gratitude and appreciation that the raw community has rallied to help one of our own. Thanks to all who have contributed in whatever way they could (including those who are sending prayers, or forwarding these messages, even though they could not send money).
A few hours ago, Dan and I spoke with Brian Clement from Hippocrates, who has taken a personal interest in Dominic, both as a father and as one whose life has been devoted to the care and healing of those who are engaged in a struggle for life/health. He says it is always difficult to see the results of cancer treatments that don’t work and which make the situation worse than it was before, but it is so much more heart wrenching when it is a child who is suffering. He has offered a partial scholarship to assist with some of the fees incurred by Dominic while at Hippocrates. So we extend our gratitude to Brian and Anna Maria for their generosity in helping our beloved Elaina and her sweet son, Dominic – who, at 14 years of age, is having to fight for his life. Naturally there are still significant other fees that must go to the medical support at Hippocrates, which Brian has no control over, but Brian and Anna Maria’s willingness to assist financially will help tremendously!
Many people focus on the differences that we, in the raw and natural healing community, have in terms of what we think is THE BEST diet – but in this effort we have come together. Everyone is praying for Dominic – and he needs all the prayers he can get. Dominic needs a miracle – so please take a moment out of your busy life to pray for a miracle.
We are in contact with Elaina on a daily basis. Here is a recent update from her:
12-07-09
Dear Light Family,
Thank you all so very much for your generous contributions to Dominic’s healing. My heart is so touched by you all and I am moved to tears daily. It touches me to my soul to know that you all care so much and to know how much we are loved.
It is our 9th day here at Hippocrates Health Institute and Dominic is doing his best to take all the juices and eat as much of the healing food that he can keep down…I am trusting that he is being well taken care of by God and that he will come through this with excellent health. He told me this morning that he plans on living to be an old man and that he will outlive us all! I loved hearing that.
He is the bravest person I know and my personal hero!!!! One of the guests here told me today that he sets a good example for her and the others because he is so willing to do what it takes. A teacher already!
He is still very weak, and he seems to go up and down with his energy. Today is a low energy day as he has slept through most of it. I do trust and believe, and I know your love and prayers are powerful beyond measure. I appreciate your continued love and prayers, and am so grateful to all of you for the part you are playing in Dominic’s return to well-being.
Yes, my next set of raw food prep classes is coming up very quickly. Follow this link for details or just check out the calendar to your right.
Above is a picture of the demo I was teaching at Raw Union! It’s such a thrill to share what I have learned and continue to learn with all you enthusiastic, transforming souls….beautiful reflections of my own.
The upcoming classes will be fun, quick, fresh and easy foods. The idea was to share the tools and techniques that I have picked to support me in maintaining a raw food lifestyle that I, my partner, friends and family can all enjoy! So in other words something other than just your average or awesomely beyond average salad (that’s great for me, but just doesn’t cut it for my sweetheart or many different friends and family that aren’t “Raw Foodists”).
These days we are all or most of us taking in to consideration the cost of the food, the prep time, how healthy it is and how good it tastes. To maintain tasty, and deeply satisfying raw food without spending hours in the kitchen can either take great creativity or a palate that is satisfied with much more simple food. This class is about taking pretty simple foods, fresh foods (little to no dehydrating – in order to keep it quick), and learning how to put them together in ways that give a depth of texture, flavor, and overall satisfaction.
I have found there are certain staples that one with a busy lifestyle and a tight budget can turn to for great flavor, nutrition and balance. This sounds like stuff that a lot of people could benefit from, so what to do but put it out there.
This class will be 4 seperate days, 3 hours per day and each day will have a focus on Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Dessert. That way I figure we can go over many different options for that meal of the day and hopefully give you staple foods you can turn to in a hurry. Many of which can store in your fridge, be used in different ways to make a brand new recipe out of a “left over” sauce or dressing. There are so many great ways to get deliciously creative.
So if you want to know specifics check the calendar or link above and contact me to reserve a space.
Seasonal Fruit Cobbler
Makes one 9×9x2 inch pan of cobbler
Walnut Crust/Crumble ingredients:
* 3 cups walnuts
* 2 oz. Medjool Dates (weight without seeds)
* ¼ tsp. cinnamon
* ¼ tsp. liquid vanilla
* 1/8 tsp. sea salt
* Process all ingredients until walnuts are still slightly chunky.
* Save all for topping or:
* Separate the crumble in two equal portions.
* Sprinkle one portion evenly over bottom of pan and lightly compact.
* Reserve the other portion for the topping.
Fruit filling ingredients:
* 8 Cups sliced fruit of your choice (any combination of fruit or berries)
* 2 Tbs. lemon juice
* 2 Tbs. raw honey (optional)
* 1 Tbs. liquid vanilla
* 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
* 1/8 tsp. sea salt
* Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
* Taste filling to adjust flavor if desired.
* Pack the filling into pan or evenly distribute the filling on top of the crust if you chose to use a crust.
* Then crumble the remaining crumble on top of the fruit filling and gently press.
* Decorate with fresh fruit slices and serve.
(This dessert is best on the day it is made. Over subsequent days the cobbler will begin to juice and the nuts will get soggy. You may choose to keep the crumble separate and top per portion. Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.)
Variations:
Use pecans instead of walnuts for the crust/topping. This cobbler lends itself to endless variations of fruit that can be used. Be creative; use what you love, and what is in season for the best result.
