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A New Life

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

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!

Chaya

 

Progressing in Pregnancy

Monday, May 10th, 2010

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!

 

Quick Update & Love for Dominic and Elaina Love

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

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/

Elaina_Dominic2

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.

With all the love in my heart,
Elaina Love

Click here to donate

https://shop.rawfoodchef.com/ElainaDonation.html

With great love and appreciation,

Cherie Soria, Dan Ladermann, and the entire Living Light family


Raw Union Festival

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

This past weekend was the “Raw Union Festival” a wedding for two leading spokes people in the raw food movement, conscious life movement, intentional awakened living, on and on…you know – all the good stuff movement. The festival part was basically for the ultimate betterment of all life and directly for all who came to be an active part of the festivities which included lectures by many of the cutting edge raw foods spokespeople including of course Angela and Matt themselves, but also Elaina Love, Annie Jubb, David Wolfe and many more, awakened cosmic activists and inspired conscious creatives, live food demo’s with Melissa Mango, Christian Bates, and not to mention little ole me…hee,hee, Healers, yoga with none other than Rainbeau Mars, positive and moving musical performances, moving art and constantly forming alters, permaculture lectures, raw food booths, hemp clothing and just some of the most radiant beings on the planet – Holy Macadamia Nuts, was this an activated wedding & festival!

With Massive importance I want to mention the AMAZING crew of volunteer kitchen and ground staff, the wedding caterer herself Solla was the most gracious, playful, positive, kitchen sprite ever! What a Blessed and radiant woman,
SollaI am SO honored to have had the opportunity to share space with her and connect to a new yet ancient soul sister if ya know what I mean.
Follow this link to check out more about the line up.

Angela Stokes now Angela Stokes Monarch and Matt Monarch gathered together between three and four hundred people to attend and enjoy their ceremony of celebrating the union and acknowledgment of an eternal bond and commitment to one another and it seems through that union to the whole of the world by way of fulfilling their destiny and living life in a continued spiral of awakening.

Raw Union Wedding Cake 020

I’m sure there are tons of rawkin’ folks out there posting blogs all about this phenomenal event. Now, I will share Raw Union through the lens of what was going to be a Demo Chef turned Wedding Cake Chef, and an overall delighted and honored soul that got to participate in bringing together a truly enchanted weekend of Love and Light!

When I first heard about this wedding event I knew that it would be a great honor and joy to share an offering of my skills as a demo chef (in all honesty there was a voice in the back of my head thinking – “Wow, I wish I could make their wedding cake – I know it would be the very best ever” and at the same time, I knew how special it was that the Boutenko family would be making it and for sure they would do an outstandingly incredible job!). I sent an email to Laura Fox (producer of this event and powerhouse of a woman, inspiring, and opening the doors of vitality through her blog, radio show and radiant personality), with photo’s of my food art and an idea of what I would love to share in a food demo. She wrote me back with a big YES – Yay, and I began to prepare recipe ideas to share with all! Time went on, life was busy as always and before I knew it the week of the wedding had arrived. It was Tuesday afternoon and I was being Oompa Chaya at Coracao Confections when I took a break, checked my email and there was a note from Angela Stokes asking if I would Love to make the wedding cake, for some reason the Boutenko family had to leave to Russia and wouldn’t be available to make the cakes. You can guess what my response was right??? Well just in case you couldn’t guess it was a quick and big YES!!!! It would be a complete HONOR!

From that point until the actual clean up after the wedding it was a non-stop process to pull everything together. With a booked schedule and two days to create wedding cakes for 350 I knew sleep would be minimal and energy would be high. From gathering ingredients, equipment, tools, adjusted recipes, getting a ride, packing clothes, still preparing for the food demo that I was on the bill for (which I felt strongly about following through with, because I knew folks would be looking forward to it and I am a stand for being true to your word), and making sure all of my regular work details were covered the flow seemed to be magically seamless…this was obvious Divine coordination, as the whole of the Festival was!

I arrived at Angel’s Farm just outside of Medford Oregon around 9:30 pm Thursday night (I could tell it was a special place, but would soon become aware of just a small portion of how special it was, this is definitely a revolutionary place that I would love to spend more time at). The hustle and bustle was on in a BIG way, kitchen crew still working on into the night until about 11pm, this was all for the wedding day which was the Summer Soulstice Sunday the 21st.
I got settled that night, had a brief introduction to sweet Solla, kitchen crew and my sleeping bunk. I do have to mention, as I headed out the first night to find a bathroom, I heard the sweetest sound, it sounded like the vibrations of life, support, growth, love, nourishment…I kid you not. I thought perhaps there were some people creating simple meditative tones, I could hear this from my room, as I walked, soft, sweet and comforting. I looked for where the sound was coming from and was led to a greenhouse filled with wheatgrass, sunflower sprouts, and other sprouts. There is much to learn about Angel’s Farm, I believe the name says more than one might think. I didn’t have a chance to ask about it, but it seems they are using harmonious vibrational sound to assist and support the growth of their foods. It was constant and soothing throughout the weekend, a subtle sound in the background…so sweet!
angelsfarm

Friday morning I greeted the kitchen around 5:30 a.m. and began making date paste, by pressing medjool dates through a champion juicer fitted with the solid plate. Champions tend to get very hot, so between pressing and cooling I was making almond milk, almond pulp, hazelnut milk and hazelnut pulp. Around 7 a.m. the kitchen Queen Solla delighted me with her presence and all the kitchen angels began trickling in. Before I knew it the buzz wuzz on. Everyone was so supportive of one another, playful and in the highest spirits. Ginnette, Rawbin, Marie and Sergey were the first folks I met. Everyone holding their posts, Sergey a raw pastry chef who I used to work with at Cafe Gratitude made coconut cream pies for three days straight…WOW! Solla held a consistent spirit of love, calm, peace, playfulness, expertise, whimsical creativity – there are not enough words to express how impressed I am by Sweet Solla of Iceland, Raw Food Chef Extraordinaire! The team continued to grow over the next day and the support just increased with grace and flow. Ginnette is not only a raw chef but also a massage therapist and did her best to keep everyone rubbed and loved.

The wedding cakes on my menu were two Chocolate Hazelnut sheet cakes serving around 200 – 250 all together, and one three tiered lemon coconut wedding cake serving around 150-200 all together. Friday was all about getting the bases made, the frosting poured and everything set up in the fridge. These were non stop days for all the kitchen staff, yet we kept each other well nourished. I made a big Green Smoothie of mostly parsley with some apple and apricot for breakfast, another green smoothie was offered up later for lunch, there was always a big beautiful salad made for all volunteers and someone would throw together a dressing out of thin air. I didn’t have time to stop for food, but Miss. Stokes Monarch seemed to psychicly know exactly what I needed when I needed it and brought me a deeply nourishing green juice that she made with her own bride hands….how thoughtful and insightful!Green Juice 001

Well 8 pm came around out of no where, and for those of you who don’t know I hold the Shabbat or Sabbath which meant by sundown Friday I had to be finished with all my work and ready to observe the day of rest until dark on Saturday. It just so happened that everything I wanted to be finished with before Shabbat was miraculously finished with just enough time to make a simple Shabbat dinner for all, shower, change and call in the Holiness of this day of rest! Phew….16 hours of work and the next 24 for pure rest, prayer, relating and Love!

For dinner I made a big batch of almond hummus and a nice big green salad. It was enjoyed by all those who were willing to wait a bit so I could say some traditional prayers, call in the angels and sanctify the day through some prayers over the meal. It was so special to share this practice with all those open hearts who joined!

The night continued with song, family and relaxation…just how it should be if you ask me. I didn’t sleep much that night or my whole stay until after the wedding. It was about 4 hours a night until Sunday when I got around 10 hours and have been exhausted until well right about now! But it was well worth it, and during the festival, it was as if we were in another dimensional space where sleep and wake were not the same as in the outside world.

The gift of Shabbat is rest, and the acknowledgment of all that life is and the perfection and completeness of it, rather than during the week when we are adding, building, creating, re-creating, constantly going etc. What a gift it is, the additional gift during this weekend was the fact that I had a chance to experience the festival itself, whereas if I didn’t observe the Shabbat I would have definitely worked through the whole thing. I had a chance to rest in bed, here some lectures, including David Wolfe’s, which was so inspiring and insightful. I was especially inspired by the ideas he shared in regards to the cosmic energy impact on different foods and on us through those foods. Very deep stuff! The pinnacle of the day I must say was having the opportunity to share in the song and blessing circle that was Angela’s Bridal Shower. It was guided by Annie Jubb who is truly a powerful and transparent woman and leader, the songs were led by an expansive and earth connected Momma who’s name I am not recalling. She guided us in simple and timeless songs, sung by women throughout the ages, some of which were traditionally never heard by men. This sacred circle of wise women truly helped me and I’m sure many others to reconnect to their innate knowing, and power centers.
Womans Circle Raw Union

Weddings, gathering and reuniting of souls in community is a great gift and healing for all who choose to join. This weekend accomplished that in a very powerful way. After dark Saturday night it was back to work. This time not only on the wedding cakes, but I had to prepare for my demo which was scheduled for 1:30 Sunday afternoon…..how that was going to be possible I had not a clue, and my attention was just on love, trust and allowing the process with ease and grace! Bedtime was around 1 am and wake up 5 am…yes crunch time! Woohoo!

Now it was time to decorate these massive cakes. My vision was for “Enchanted Garden” wedding cakes. I was assigned an Angel to be by my side, her name was Angie and the first task I gave her was to collect me a wide variety of beautiful wild flowers. Little did I know she had a special connection to plants and gardens from childhood. All things truly work out perfectly when you stay in trust. As the day progressed so did the art, and a bit of nervousness. Nonetheless there was a constant flow of support reminding me to breathe and offering service. Wow!
Raw Union Cake Decorating
As 1 pm came around, I quickly prepared to teach my class, and fulfilled that obligation with joy and nearly a 50 person audience. One of the kitchen Angels video taped the whole thing. I will post it later along with the recipe so you can make your own Blueberry Meringue Pie if you like???

The rest of the day moved very quickly, I didn’t get to see the whole ceremony, but what I did see and hear was absolutely gorgeous. One thing I would like to mention about the magic of the day was how Saturday was all cloudy, it felt like rain and knowing Oregon that was a definite possibility. By the time Sunday came around the clouds were broken up, the temperature was perfectly comfortable, and the sparsely clouded skies were a treat to the eyes and senses.
Raw Union Wedding Cake 010
David Wolfe officiated the ceremony, there was an opera singer who could shake the heavens, and just as the ceremony was being completed with a kiss we brought the finished wedding cake out for the first cut and taste by the bride and groom. I create that feeding one another the first slice of this live wedding cake was a symbol of feeding each other vital sweetness that would be the beginning or continuity of an eternity of life and sweetness.
Raw Union Wedding Cake 014Raw Union Wedding Cake 016Raw Union Wedding Cake 018Raw Union Wedding Cake 023

Here is a close up of the finished tiered wedding cake:
Raw Union Wedding Cake 027

After watching and throwing rose pedals, it was back to the kitchen. The raw cake was in the sun for a bit and had to be replaced into the fridge until after dinner. During the dinner, I was completing decorations for the last two sheet cakes and they were finished just in time to serve for dessert. Here are the “Enchanted Garden at Midnight” Chocolate Hazelnut Wedding Cakes:
Raw Union Wedding Cake 029Raw Union Wedding Cake 036Raw Union Wedding Cake 031

I did have a chance to taste Solla’s food. Not only is her personality outstanding but she makes food to match. All the flavors were delightful, simply beautiful and oh so satisfying. The rest of the night was filled with music, and celebration. By the time I was done cleaning, my feet were ready for a break, but I thought after all that work, I better push a little further and boogie just for a bit! That’s exactly what I did, until it was too cold and I could stand no more. Then it was off to bed, and I was out from 11 pm ’till nearly 10 am on Monday! What an incredible weekend. I look forward to many more like that.

I LOVE this community/family, I am definitely going to go and hang out with Solla in Iceland, Matt and Angela in Ecuador “the valley of Longevity” ahhhh Yeah! And many more raw adventures to come.

Thanks for taking a journey into my experience, I hope you had fun, and check back soon for videos of the event, class and recipes…Yummmm! I love you all, Chaya

Wondering about “Raw” Agave Nectar? Me too.

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Many people have been confronted by the question of whether or not Raw Agave is:

1) truly raw
2) truly low glycemic
3) the same as corn syrup
4) cut with corn syrup

Well I don’t have your answer, but I have the same questions and have heard many conflicting reports. For the most part it seems the majority of people I speak with and the majority of what I have seen online says that it isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. I am not going to say it is or it isn’t, and will continue to investigate until I have clarification.

Some of the view points I have heard is that most agave nectar’s on the market are highly heat (could be below 118) processed in a similar way that corn syrup is processed. Separating the starch from the sugar and leaving a much sweeter and more refined syrup. The other thing that I have heard is that truly raw agave is completely clear and if your agave is brown or amber it has definitely been heat processed. Finally what has been termed low glycemic agave nectar is only the agave that comes from the blue agave plant.

Being that I am a raw food pastry or dessert chef I have a lot of experience with agave and different types of agave mainly amber blue agave and clear “truly raw” blue agave nectar. What I have found using my palate as the tool of this science experiment is that for one the flavor of both is very different. The clear “truly raw” agave is not as sweet on the palate and has much more complex floral notes. Amber and dark agave have a simpler and highly sweet flavor. The other thing that I have noticed is that eating something made with a darker agave will give me a high/low that other refined sweeteners give. I haven’t experience the same effect when consuming the clear agave.

Having said that what I would like to do is share this short video of a man opening the agave plant and reaching the nectar at the center. What did catch my eye and I encourage you to notice is that the nectar he finally gets to after quite a process is clear, and seams a bit more fluid than the darker agave’s on the market.

This isn’t hard evidence of any sort, just a little more information to put on the shelf and pull down at the appropriate time. I will continue to investigate and post what I find as I do.

I do want to add that what concerns me even if agave is a low glycemic, healthy sweetener is how the process of harvesting agave seems highly unsustainable.

So here we are again learning new information, allowing us to make healthy choices for our physical shells as well as for the planet. I am not going to completely discontinue my use of agave nectar, I will choose to use the truly raw agave when it is available and all this until I have become clear on what the best choice is. However in the mean time. I am choosing to use more raw local honey (if we all were to take on a hive in the back yard it would benefit our Momma earth immensely! [I speak to myself as well]), and have heard of a raw Jerusalem artichoke sweetener, and Yacon is a favorite of mine….for the right things!

Here’s to growing, and choosing the highest level of service for all of creation!

Consciousness

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

I love taking little journeys through the roads of youtube. Some days I navigate well, other days….ehhh, not so much. Well, I took a journey a few days ago and came across this little gem. I highly suggest taking a moment to or 10 minutes, to sit back, breath deep and be ready to be inspired, or feel like your deep knowing is being felt by people from so many walks of life! Pshhhhhhh….human….consciousness….Love…….

Chocolate Speaks….a poem

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

chocolate-openpods

Chocolate Speaks

The voice of chocolate is subtle yet bold,

She sings in whispers of precision,

Amusing the senses, and awakening the slumbering heart.

With humble steps and a sensitive spirit,

May we be so privileged,

May we be permitted,

Let us lift the veil to her ancient language,

So complex and simply beautiful –

Healer, teacher, guide, friend,

Come Dance,

Come Play,

Thank you for entertaining our creative ways-

For stretching, molding, swirling and folding,

For humbly receiving and boldly teaching,

You awaken the ritual of taste & provide a medium for connection-contemplation-compassion.

You are an offering of Love Conveyed through Flavor, Alchemy, and Mystical Passion.

classes-desserts-050

Being

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Creative spark, inspiration, vision,

within each one there is no division,

Like the origin, of this entire mission - 

Creation of relation

a reverberating vibration of generation and re-generation.

Within the creation we’ve created contraptions,

that subdue our creative interactions;

As one disassociates with being in the generative present state,

then one disassociates with the creative fire – which is the underwire and fuel of all desire..

What if we -

consider the concept of living the unbridald brilliance that is the reliable constant and essence of all that is…

feeding a Holy fire that reaches and rises ever higher….

Uniting with the Creator of Creation and Creationing in and as everything;

This is the ultimate offering-

This is where one can be One – uniting in Unity

 

No more thinking about who and what I want to be rather just being and expressing the – I am That I am - being through this gifted vessel of flesh and animation. Whoever I tend to think “I am”, “should be”, “want to be”, but I’m not “being” is far and incomparibly less than who I actually Am, when I am truly expressing that essential beingness be through me.

 When I do this it is truly we – we that are one and all of the parts that have been created to be. No matter how far one runs or seeks to seperate, there is still just one – whole – complete – unified body and BEING.

If one part of the whole seeks to gain glory for that sake of the self on the back of another parts health, it won’t be long until the whole falls ill for making money off a poisoned pill may bring one a moments thrill but still….. We are all part of the whole and if one part is broke the whole will not long stay a bouyont float.

This is the ill of the world today, when one thinks that they can act without affecting the whole they and we are caught in the great illusion. Each one must shake it off – step into being and acting for the sake of all things and we as a body, a being will flourish and succeed to express the Infinite Is through this experiment of the illusion of massiveness, the illusion of parts, the experience of relating, experiencing, BEING.

 

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