lettuce turnip the beet: truer than true

One of my favorite yoga instructors often starts class with a mention of honoring oneself. She asks us to ‘listen and be aware of what you need and to remain true to that need, even throughout your yoga practice.’ ~~Although at times, if I listened to what I thought I needed, I’d be in a whole heap of a mess, many times over~~, it is important to pay attention to what that means, and to honor those needs sustainably as much as possible, while incorporating almost every aspect of life. After all, it is all connected somehow..

For me, in this amazing place we call ‘home’, it’s not too difficult to take hints and cues given off by our beautiful surroundings, but also to be lifted up by this wonderful community. Not only are there 'mountains beyond mountains' there are also beautiful people with like-minded attitudes and interests. There’s always something going on, be it “free” yoga, dance classes, live music, events downtown, digging in the dirt, or a walk with nature; there is always a way to honor yourself also, by doing something that you love, with people that you love.

We all know that I love to have a good time and I will treat myself to some of the finer things in life (another quality I picked up from my diddy) but with that being said, eating well and living right are important ways to honor yourself too.. I do share this passion for food, good food and good spirits, with a lot of friends, and it has become a place for gathering and sharing; a 'home' in itself.

for ex. i like the good chocolate (bacon, salted, local, yum yum) don’t get me wrong, there’s no right way to eat a reese’s, or a rhesus), I have an endless 'collection' (hehe) and a love for shopping (bargain and splurge; ie: if i see an old pyrex i want, ill pay up to $20.. yes, for a used bowl.. a very cute and functional bowl at that), this winter friends traded jellies and sauces we'd made as gifts, but I'll buy books because I like to write in them, instead of renting them from the library. i treat myself to the organic and heirloom seeds; may I suggest checking out your local seed store for seeds, or even volunteering, did this last year and love sow true! -or you can get super lucky and find a sweet boy who gets them for you :) but I love, love live music and traveling. So last summer when widespread panic announced they were playing in mexico for four days to close out their tour, I was all in. and although, it was a tough ticket to get and I almost backed out, it was well worth it and one of the greatest times of my life.

*standing in the sand, roughly ten ft. from the ocean when i took this pic.. ah, vacation.

(...I started to write this post before I left for mexico, almost a month! ago, and I can’t believe its been over that long!) so not only did I treat myself to a wonderful week partying and playing with some really old and some really new friends, but before I left I was ~~preparing myself to put on a bathing suit~~ :) treating myself to almost daily yoga classes, noshing on healthy delish homemade food (*see images), downing elderberry, vit. c & warm things to ward off a looming cold. And although I did have my selfish reasons, I realized, in doing all of this, in consciously being aware of what my body and mind need, I am able to honor those needs and take care of me. And in doing so, assure I enjoy myself, and y.e.m. :)

sooo, even though I will buy nice things and treat myself, I do try to counteract that by living a healthy lifestyle. Although I splurge on the good food, I’m often supporting local businesses and because of the gardens, I haven’t bought jelly or tomato sauce in almost three years. during the summers/
falls I don’t have to buy a lot of produce and with seed saving, or volunteering, and sharing with family and friends I don’t have to seek out many seeds now (although I always see something exotic in the catalogue I must try..), and because I’m willing I haven’t bought meat in months, thanks to my other uncle who gave me his xmas deer :)

I try to split my 'me' time by doing something i love and something that is good for me, be it yoga or a burlesque dance class, or traveling to mexico to re-charge for a little while with some of my favorites!... it all comes back to me! And I truly believe that this life does give back to you thousands of times over what you put into it. and although at times I may splurge (everything in moderation), I do try to remain true to myself and honor my wellbeing in a sustainable way.

so as I do my morning, or if im running late, evening stretch, I try to remember to reach my arms around myself and (because I ~~hate~~ dislike pats on the back) give a little squeeze for being true to me.

Whatever you do to honor yourself, may it be true and beneficial to you and support the place you call ‘home’.

*i store just about everything in mason jars: dry goods, canned goods, buttons :) but recently found that lettuce stored in mason jars will keep forever! for a quick salad, add dressing to the bottom, top with veggies/add-ons, then add the lettuce. i prefer the larger jars so its not smushed. when you're ready to eat, just shake!

*new favorites to roast this fall/winter (if we can even call it that...)brussel sprouts and cauliflower! -toss with a little olive oil and whatever spices are calling to you! ...i've been loving an italian spice mix recently