April Showers Bring May Flowers...

I am awe-inspired by the resilience of people, which I shared in my previous post. I would like to make the world a better place and one of my favorite quotes is the following:

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well, to start off in leaving the world a better place, I think I will start with a garden patch!
Today, I was able to go to the Farmers Market in my town - not only did I purchase farro for a recipe I plan on making tomorrow, but I purchase three herb plants: chives, rosemary, and parsley. So, for the first time in my life, I potted these plants and am going to begin a journey in learning how to garden and take care of plants. I have been known to kill plants (oops), but I am certain that I can start this. Hopefully all goes well; I will certainly let you know and if we have success, I can add on once I have a yard! Very exciting times!

You know how I love to post recipes -- I tried two new meals this week and they were both DELICIOUS!

This is the meal I tried tonight: Steak with red wine sauce and a spinach with barley combination below. This was an amazing meal that was hearty, but not too hot to cook in the spring and summer. Something to keep in mind! Also, I was able to use some rosemary from our new plant to garnish! I LOVE that!!! I know it's easy to think that fresh herbs are the same as the dried herbs, but the fresh ones have infinitely more flavor. YUM!


I tried this meal earlier in the week and was pleasantly surprised - Chicken and Roasted Peppers in a plum tomato sauce; the key is to also have some great Italian or French bread with it to sop up all the tomatoey goodness after eating the chicken and peppers!


If you are interested in these, or any other recipes, please let me know and I can send them your way!

Compassion is Served...

Yesterday was the Boston Marathon and if you are following the news, you know that two horrific bombings took place. It is sad to say that occurrences like this are happening more often lately, whether it is the tragedy in Newtown, the terrorist attacks of September 11th, or any other senseless act of violence. However, one thing I have noticed after each of these incidences, is the overwhelming camaraderie, persistence and compassion for others.

Watching the news reels from yesterday, I watched as seconds after the first bomb, individuals rushed towards the explosion to help other human beings. On Facebook and other social media, I watch as friends, family and strangers send out prayers and positive thoughts to the victims, their families, friends and to all mankind that we stay safe, healthy and happy. Such compassion for others is awe-inspiring and moves me practically to tears. As a fellow runner, there is already a camaraderie between the supporters who watch races, the volunteers (who spend hours setting up, helping the runners, and making sure the streets are clean after the races), and the runners themselves. It is truly like a network of family members out there supporting you as you run, even though the race itself is an individual event.

Through all these incidents, I have seen another network of family members and that family is all of mankind. Yes, I have seen Americans band together in times of these acts of terror, but I see this more on a global scale and not just with mankind. Daily, I see individuals filled with so much compassion, that they are not only doing great acts of kindness for their fellow human being, but also for the animals of this world and for the beautiful nature found within.

I often post recipes, meals or thoughts on being self-sufficient and growing the food I will eat. There is a need to take care of nature and the animals within nature - whether they are our pets or wild animals - to treat all others with compassion. I was reading my Spirituality and Health magazine and I found an article with this quote:

"Until we extend the circle of our compassion to all living things, humanity will not know peace." - Albert Schweitzer (scientist and humanitarian)

That is the epitome of how I feel - and thankfully, every day I see more and more people treating others with compassion and bravery to help others. I am so thankful that God has put such amazing people on this planet. Yes, there are individuals and groups who commit these acts of terror, but there are many more people who are doing good and being selfless in their kind deeds for others.

Thank you to all those who take some time out of their day to make others happy, safe and healthy.
Keep doing what you are doing whether you are helping people in a crisis, volunteering for a good cause, sheltering an animal, advocating for animal, human or environmental rights, and much more. God bless us all.