HAPPY NEW WHAT?

Well, its the last Sunday of another year. Some of us might be laying around like bloated walruses because of too much celebrating. You might be laying on your back on the couch, staring at the ceiling, as you listen to whatever you've indulged in crawling slowly through your intestinal track, the chemicals from the processed foods leaching though the walls into your system.

Slowly, your body wakes up, and manages to put up natural barriers to the garbage you've poured into your bloodstream. The body is reacting differently to each new chemical. It is happy one second, and taking a nose dive the next moment, trying to shut your brain down into a sleep induced state to protect itself from further assault.

Many of you have been engaging in our national pastime of the "New Years Resolution", aka "setting yourself up for failure".

I did something last night I should have done at the beginning of my vacation. I started to read a book by a teacher. You've read about my teacher, Thich Nhat Hahn, before. He is the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk who lead the Vietnamese Buddhist Peace delegation to the Paris Peace talks.

One of the meditations he teaches is "walking meditation". I'm far from an expert in the practice, but the idea is to just walk. Yeah right, that's simple. No, its far from it.

Normally when we walk our mind is at odds with the practice of walking. We think of buying the groceries, arguing with our partner, what we didn't do, what we have to do, or what we don't want to do. We don't walk. We don't feel our foot as it connects with the ground. We don't feel the weight of our body as it applies pressure to the ground through our foot. We don't feel our body settle in position for the next step. We don't really walk.

The purpose of "walking meditation" is simply to become one with the walk. Instead of thinking of everything else in our lives, we should be doing nothing but walking, and being in the place we are at the moment.

I heard David Wolfe talk once about how he uses every moment of his life to the fullest. When he eats a meal, he'll read a book, cramming as much of his life as possible into that moment.

But can we honor the author of the book by also eating? How can we honor the chef by splitting our thoughts between the book and the food? In my opinion we do a disservice to both by splitting our attention.

Like walking meditation, we should practice to live in the moment by honoring that act we are participating in the moment before us.

When we take a bite from an apple we should think of the taste of the apple. We should savior the the juice as it rolls off our tongue, and realize everything contained within the small piece within our mouths. The apple is not just a fruit, it is the people who nurtured the apple to its ripeness. It is the tree, and the ground from which it grew. The apple is the rain, the clouds, the sun, and the stars. When you ingest the apple you ingest a small portion of the universe to nurture yourself, and become one with all that exists...

Whatever you do, make sure in the coming year that you honor the act. If you're preparing a raw food meal, leave the kitchen television turned off, and give yourself totally to the preparation of the food.

If you're eating your meal, just eat. Make sure that you start digesting your food before you take the next bite. Give honor to the food, and realize where it comes from, and who has made the food you eat.

Realize how we are interconnected with all that is, and for the upcoming year, try just living. You might just discover how fun life really is when you go with the flow.

When I spent a week in Estes Park, Colorado several years ago, at a week long retreat with Thich Nhat Hahn, he taught us a mantra, or prayer, which helps me to center.

I have arrived, I am home,
In the here, in the now,
I am solid, I am free,
In the Ultimate I stand.

May you discover the peace and happiness that is your birthright in the upcoming moments of life.

A GLOBAL MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A good chef, be they raw, or cooked, are only as good as their utensils. A dull knife is good for mashing, not slicing, a tomato.

How many knives do you really need? I'm one of those people who believe that one really great knife is all you need for a kitchen. That's why I bought a Global 10" Chef's knife.

I got my knife from MetroKitchen.com. This is one fantastic internet supplier. My purchase was shipped the very next day, and delivered right on time. I called customer support because I lost my email showing the shipping date. I was out of town at the time, but they were able to tell me that the knife had been delivered! MetroKitchen.com is listed by Global's U.S. supplier as an approved Global dealer.

But what about my nice little paring knife for small things? Use the tip of the blade! You don't need to have a drawer full of knives. You need one really great knife.

Oh, and a first aid kit. The first aid kit is really important. Yes, that's a bandage you see on my index finger. Didn't even feel the blade slice through the fingernail, and take off a small piece of the finger. It was a nice bright red to go with the holiday season, but I didn't feel much of anything. A great knife, and a first aid kit will make for a great holiday for your budding Chef!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

IT SLICES, IT DICES, IT AMPUTATES

Just a real short update for the holiday season.

If someone gives you a knife, thank them.

If you've never used a real knife before, take it slow. You're probably not the same caliber as an "Iron Chef".

Even if you're an "Iron Chef" learn your knife before you decide to play Speed Racer.

Keep the band-aids in the kitchen.

Lay down with your finger above your head until the dizziness passes if you're too stupid not to take it slow until you become familiar with your knife.

If one of your friends and family find the piece of fingernail that you cut off along with the tip of your finger, tell them that they won the prize, and hand them a $50.00 bill.

Make sure that you ask for a Global knife. I've never been able to dice, chop, or slice like I've been able to do with my new 10" Chef's knife. Global is great.

Time to change the band-aid. Blood is starting to seep through.

Peace!

Merry Bah Hum...You got me what? Well....

I'll admit, as will Keely, that I just don't get into the whole Christmas thing anymore. Maybe its garbage on the radio like: "You can buy more Christmas with your money when you shop at ...". Maybe its due to all the crass consumerism. Maybe its realizing that all those that get together an smile one day will be back to their sniping and growling the next day.

Katie and Kara asked everyone not to buy them gifts this year. Emily, Rocky and Max sent homemade Christmas cards using the Internet to save paper, stamps and energy (and the insane trip, and wait at the post office too!) These are people that I really respect, and care for, because they're not afraid of stepping outside the box. (Besides, if there was a historical Jesus, does anyone really think that such an advanced soul really cares what the person behind the pulpit says you should do, as they pass the plate for more money? Jesus didn't need a multi-million dollar mega church with surround sound! No, the only message the Jesus I remember learning about as I grew up in the Methodist Church was a person who talked about loving each other, not about worshiping him as a deity!)

OK, Ebeneezer, get back on track.

I've got to go grocery shopping today. I'm not looking forward to this trip. I really could do a juice fast for the next few days, but no, friends of ours went and totally messed up my holiday. Well, they didn't really mess it up, I needed something to try out the Global 10" Chef's knife that I got for a holiday I don't really celebrate (Hey, I didn't say I wasn't a hypocrite! I'm Buddhist, not perfect! That's not right. We're all perfect. We just don't acknowledge it. But that's another blog.)

Yes, the woman who is responsible for throwing the economies of various third world countries into disarray with her eggless salad recipe has come up with a Christmas Recipe Book. Our little Holiday Elves, Heidi & Justin Ohlander worked overtime to get a new Christmas ebook out just in time for Christmas.


Keely would love to make everything in Heidi's book, but its just not going to happen, unless she goes shopping like I'm going to do in a few minutes, and makes it herself. But the Mango Cranberry Chutney looks so wonderful! No, you know my feelings on that issue, buy the book. I'm not publishing any recipe unless they say I can. I think we should all support this great people who are trying to advance raw foods, and their own lives at the same time.

I've got a couple of recipes that I've been wanting to make while I'm on vacation. I've got to make Rawcaroni Salad today or I'm going to start breaking things, and there's a Bok Choy Asian Salad recipe I found on GoneRaw.com. I can't forget the Hazelnut Pesto Shredded Brussels Sprouts! But this recipe book will be getting a workout over the next few days. I've already made the cheese ball. No, I take that back. I've already eaten a large portion of the cheese ball....

Wait. Did I say I was on vacation? Yes, I'm hibernating until January 2, 2008 (or longer, depending upon the lottery!) I'm planning on sleeping, reading some great Buddhist manuscripts, and just being a royal pain in the tush to Keely (nothing new there). We're going to spend some time with Katie and Kara, and eat out (don't you dare assume that I'll be eating anywhere but Ha Long Bay!)

I'm also going to be fixing some of Kristen's Raw wonderful recipes from her holiday ebook (note to self, buy her new ebook "Kristen's Raw: The EASY Way to Get Started and SUCCEED with Raw Food". No, she didn't ask me to say that. Kristen does great work, and I'm always willing to help out a friend), and planning on taking part in the Raw Divas next round of the Body Enlightenment System set to start in January (more great friends. Even though one isn't sticking to the 10:30 rule. Send that picture lady!).

So, if you don't hear from me in the next week, don't worry, Thomas the Blog Rat isn't far away! (Yeah, who's the real rat in the family?)

OK, the baby doesn't have anything to do with raw Christmas recipes. But, just like ever child in the world, she is what Christmas is supposed to be all about. A child only knows how to love (I know, and fill a diaper!) Besides, you all need a reason to say: "Awww" if you already don't have a reason!

Happy Holidays!

Nothing But Pictures! (Well Almost)

Keely and I were honored to spend Thursday night with our friends at Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen in Columbus, Ohio. P.A. and his wife Christina fixed some of the best Vietnamese food to share with invited customers that you'll find outside of Viet Nam!



Most of the staff got to take the night off. It was great to just sit and talk with several of the wonderful staff. That's Annie on the left, Beth (aka "S&C" Straight and Curly") in the center, and Kim on the right in the front row. Of course we couldn't leave out Christina and Kim's sister!

Just when you thought you couldn't eat anything else, there's desert! Oh, My, God!



Boy, Chirstina loves having her picture taken doesn't she? Me? I hate having my picture taken, but who's that she's holding? I'M AN UNCLE! I'd say that's a little lady who will outshine her mother (and have her father standing guard at the door. Remember, that when she's old enough, and the little boys who'll be interested in her are old enough, her Dad owns a BIG Chef's knife, and I'm a lawyer. So treat her like the lady she is!)!

NO, NO! KEELY, GIVE THE BABY BACK TO CHRISTINA! I'm afraid I'll have to bail my wife out of jail one of these days!

Yes, Beth, we know you got your hair straightened. Yes Beth you're teeth are white! Yes Beth, you are the best waitress that Ha Long Bay has working for them!

Yes, Bob. Sera, Christine, Annie, and Kim are going to stuff you in the blender for that last line when Sera and Christine get back. But Fresh & Giggles went on vacation (Oh, I'm really dead meat now!) and we miss them. Face it ladies, you're all great. OK, Sera, you're the best! (Dad)

PLEASE, check out Ha Long Bay Asian Kitchen when you're in Columbus, Ohio. Of course call ahead if you've got a large group. You'll find them located at: 8489 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, Ohio. Their phone is 614.436.4087.

DIVAS DELIGHT!

Its me, Thomas, your favorite Blog Rat. Bob's still not up to par. Right now he's laying in the middle of the floor looking like a seven day old Whopper that's been sitting in the sun because it got dumped out of the garbage can. His arms and legs are splayed out like a starfish. That boy's so rancid right now, I wouldn't touch him if he was the only thing left to chew on!

The good thing is that Bob's on the second day of the Raw Divas Three Day Green Smoothie Challenge. He's actually been really good. He's been having smoothies for all of his meals. The bad thing is that since everything goes in the blender, there are no crumbs for me around the house!

He's gone through so much spinach in two days, that even Popeye would be scared. There's a banana shortage in Columbus, and they have had to make 2 trips to the grocery for frozen fruit.

The Divas picked a great time for the Green Smoothie Challenge. Bob was getting more and more run down. Dr. Laura, the best Chiropractor (she'd have to be to put up with Bob) was shocked that in 24 hours he was just as bad as if he hadn't been there the day before.

Bob's learning the hard way that you can't play games with your body. If you give it mixed signals, it will jump up and slap you in the face. The body wants consistency. It wants good clean food. It wants rest, and a stress free life. Bob has a tendency to care about things when those in charge seem to be out in la la land. He's learning that jobs aren't really that important. Your health, friends, and life are more important. The job is nothing more than a means to an end. Luckily he's only got an overnight trip out of town, and then he has until January 2, 2008 before he feels he has to do anything. He's got his mega millions lottery ticket. The boy knows that before the reality there must be the dream! (If he'd only dream me up some cheese!)

Hopefully Bob will be back soon. I'm tired of playing stand-in for him. My little paws aren't that great on the keyboard, and there's no cheese in the house.

I think I'll nibble on his toes and see if that will get his butt in gear. No, forget it. He's too far gone right now, even for me to touch. Rats do have their limits. We're actually much cleaner and nicer than most would have you believe. Rats are people too, don't you know! Besides, he owes me for all the work I'm doing right now.

Don't forget to check out the Raw Divas. They've been a lifesaver for both Keely and him. Divas rule!

ON OUR MENU WE HAVE....

Bob's rather under the weather this week, so I'll be sitting in for him as his alter ego. You can call me Thomas, I'm a little bit of a rat at times.

If you haven't noticed in your own life, the world appears to have sped up lately. We're running around like chickens with our heads cut off (that's one hell of a picture for a raw vegan to think about isn't it?). People seem more and more frustrated. Tempers are frayed, and those around you just might be participating in the most petty dramas that we've seen in years!

It's so easy to slide back into old habits and roll in the mud with those tossing the dirt. It's so easy to make pigs out of ourselves at parties, and partake of all sorts of sweets and foods with the idea that one day isn't going to matter. Oh, then there's that one day at the in-laws, and the one day at your best friends, and the one day at your church (or other place of worship), and the football game, and, and, and.......

Ever heard of Ben Stein? He was in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", and does the Visine commercials. I just heard Ben say on television that based upon sales figures this might not be the best Christmas in recent memory. Earlier this week, I heard a commercial about how much more Christmas you'll be able to buy because of a store's low, low, prices.

Bob hit on this issue in his last blog. Christmas isn't something you can buy. It isn't based upon sales figures, or even whether you go to church or whom you choose to pray to. Christmas is a season where people get together to take a breather from life. It is a time to take stock of yourself and those around you. It is a time to extend the olive branch and seek resolutions, instead of starting revolutions.

Christmas is time for you to look at your own life and make decisions as to what you want for your future. Take a breather. Reach out to those around you, and thank them for a year of learning, a year of support, a year of life.

When you get together, its true that a piece of cheesecake, or a hot toddy won't hurt you in the overall scheme of things, but isn't fresh fruit shared with those you love much better.

Come together as this year ends to give thanks for yourself and those who take part in your play called life. Rejoice at all that you have given and to what others have given to you.

Just remember that a real gift asks for nothing in return.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and whatever you do, don't make a pig of yourself. Bob will be back later this week after his Green Smoothie Queen's Three Day Challenge.

Boy, Bob needs a good cleanse! Even the pigs won't go near him right now!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HAPPY WHAT!

Did I just wish you a "Happy Holidays"? Why didn't I say Merry Christmas? I'm being unAmerican!

This time of the year is not just for Christmas, nor is it a holiday season that is specific to just the United States (No, not everything revolves around my country. Just because my last name is Bush, doesn't mean that I'm trying out for one of Dorothy's escorts!). I haven't counted the number of different holidays, but one thing I know is that all the people who gather together to spend time with family and friends, all want one thing: Peace. So why shouldn't I wish everyone who gathers together during this time of year, and prays for "peace" a Happy Holiday, instead of a Merry Christmas? To me it just doesn't matter, one way or another, just as long as the end result is a lasting peace on earth for everyone, no matter your race, religion, culture or sexual preference. We are all interconnected, no matter our beliefs.

Besides, you forget, I'm Buddhist.

So, a happy Dia de los Santos Inocentes on December 28 to anyone in Spain, or of Spanish decent. There's Boxing Day, which I believe is the day after Christmas in England. Happy Hanukkah of course. Then there is the Islamic celebration of 'Eid-ul-Fitr on December 16, 2007, and Kwanzaa. I can't forget my friends in Viet Nam (This is the correct spelling, for anyone questioning my ability to spell.). I wish we were with you for Tet this February! Whoops! I forgot Bodhi Day which honors the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also referred to as "The Buddha".

And to those of you who celebrate no religious holiday, but choose to celebrate your life and love for each other, our love especially goes out to the two of you, too, (and anyone else who have been discriminated against because of their love, and beliefs. Someday the injustice will be corrected. Of course in our hearts there is nothing but acceptance of that which is meant to be.).

To our old friends, to our new friends, and to our friends we have yet to meet, Keely and I send our love to you this holiday season. Remember the words of a wise seagull who once told a student:

If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we've destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?

(Thank you Mr. Bach for your wonderful book about a seagull who learns to fly!)

Yes, I'll stick with Happy Holidays to everyone! To me it seems the right thing to do!

What do you mean there's nothing about raw food in this post? Doesn't inner peace come from providing that which we inhabit with foods that are nutritious? Raw foods result in nothing dying. Raw foods are about peace and life!

Oh, yeah, the neat graphic is courtesy of Crystal Cloud Graphics (there, I've fulfilled their request for allowing me to use their wonderful clip art! Click on their name, and check them out!)

Remember, there's nothing better in the world than Peace. If you don't believe me, just ask a child...

Happy Holidays, and peace my friends.

I FEEL SO LOVED!

I received this wonderful email on Saturday!

"Ave, gentleman!

I miss you in the morning, I long for your sweet tender touch. If I denied it, I'd be so remiss. I miss you in the afternoon, I long for your smile. Darling, I am waiting for you so much. I miss you in the evening, when the blue black curtain falls; I stare in your eyes and wish that you would kiss me. I miss you in the night time; I long to hold your arms. Please write to me, my only one, and fill my heart with love. I wrote this to you, These words come from my heart! I am looking for a soul mate! Find me here: "UKRAINE BRIDES ONLINE"

Waiting for your reply Sabryna B"

I feel so loved to know that my soul mate is just a click away in the Ukraine! Yeah, right. I didn't just get off the boat folks!

The Internet can be used for good, or ill. This email is a perfect example of one of the latter uses.

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of bride, Viagra, penis enhancing, multi million dollar offers. I'm tired of unsolicited emails offering the best vitamin enriched, sleep aids, or the best raw foods on the planet!

Yes, I used the words raw foods. Do you really think that our community is immune from the leeches that slither the electronic highways? No way! They seek out people to prey upon in forums, and chat rooms. They phish, and try every trick they can to empty your pockets of money!

Have I been ripped off? No, I'm careful of whom I deal with on the Internet. I've got my favorites like "The Raw Divas", "Raw Food, Right Now", "Kristen's Raw", "Freshtopia", "The Daily Raw Cafe", "Twitter", "The Sunny Raw Kitchen", "Gone Raw", "Karen Knowler", and my most recent find, "Give it to me Raw" (No, that last one is not a porn site! Its a great new site for people who are interested in a raw food lifestyle to connect with others of like mind. Check it out. After you finish my blog of course.). I've got many more listed on my companion site (still under construction. Sorry if I didn't list your name there, I'm working on it!).

Of course my favorite site is "Raw Diva Keely". Remember, my wife? Like any of you are going to be in front of her... unless you pay me of course! (That offer will get me a place on the couch for the night.)

So watch yourself this holiday season. Look to the left and to the right as you cross the Internet highway. We've got some great sites to support our raw adventure, but there are a few
(Note: if you didn't get that, the picture is the last word of the sentence. OK, I should have put more than one picture of a skunk to make it grammatically correct. Its a rainy Sunday here in Ohio!)

SPROUTMAN AND DIVAS, OH MY!

Yes, I know, I haven't blogged since November 25Th. Its been a week to remember. I've got to learn that work is nothing more than a means to an end. Work is not my life, nor does it control my life. I'm in charge, and if anyone else thinks that they're in charge of my life, they're sadly mistaken. (Notice an undercurrent of dissatisfaction? Oh, I'm so impressed!)

So, how do I deal with those things in my life that upset me? I've fallen in love with a business book by Robert Sutton, a professor of business at Stanford. He wrote a wonderful book called "The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't". It talks about dealing with insufferable people, and conditions in your life.

Bob lists fifteen things he believes on his blog. I love #2: "Indifference is as important as passion." Of course #15 might just be the most important: "Work is an overrated activity".

Now that I'm done with venting, its time to turn to the most important thing in your life, your body. Well, to you its your body, to me its my body that's most important, but I hope you get where I'm going.

There are two products we've rediscovered this week. One is from our favorite people, The Raw Divas!

Yes, you can now buy Diva Jugs! Oh, splurge and buy a pair of jugs! These jugs are green with wonderful uplifting sayings. If you buy now, you can take part in their new "Green Smoothie Challenge". To say that the Divas have been life changers is an understatement!

Then there's this ugly bag. Its from The Sproutman! It might be ugly but it holds tons of nutritious sprouts within a few days! Made of natural hemp, it provides a great medium to grow those healthy sprouts that you spend half of your weekly budget on at the market for just pennies.

So, if you're looking for something for Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year. Me? I wish I could be in Viet Nam for Tet. Some day. I hear its one hell of a party!) let your keyboard do the shopping with THE RAW DIVAS, and The Sproutman!

You can't go wrong by giving yourself and a friend a chance to participate in the next Body Enlightenment System, starting the first weekend of January 2008. The gift of health is always a great gift! The Divas will help you battle those cravings in 2008 too! So click on the highlighted links, and check out both the Sproutman, and THE RAW DIVAS!

Oh, I almost forgot. There's some great news from the Food Network. Emeril's prime time show "Emeril Live" has been canceled! Its just too bad that the people at the Food Network can't get interested in providing information on healthy nutrition. Except for Alton Brown at times, the Food Network is not about health, but about entertainment. (That as they say, is my own personal opinion! Yes Giada, we know that your teeth are straight and white! I've never known a person that can make a smile look like a grimace. She might be thinking of her grandfather, Dino De Laurentiis's movies! Then there's Paula Deen. I can't take a person who believes that mayonnaise should replace butter, and has a laugh that grates like fingers on a chalkboard!) Hmmm, maybe I should save this for another blog! I can be so catty!

HAPPINESS IS A WARM CORN BREAD

Blogging is not the easiest thing in the world. Sometimes you just don't have anything exciting to say. I figure why bore others when I'm boring myself.

Given that admission, and Keely getting ready to ask me to haul the laundry from the 2nd floor to the basement (When did they stop putting clothes chutes in homes? Drop the clothes down the chute, and they'd land right by the washer!), I'm going to take a "get out of jail free" card, and point you to another blog.

I've discovered "Twitter" and have been "twittering away" lately. Twitter's this neat little site where you get 140 characters to vent. You can watch what other people are doing like Sarma Melngailis of One Lucky Duck, Heidi and Justin Ohlander of Raw Food, Right Now, and Tanja Andrews of Freshtopia! (Hey, they're not all women. Justin's hiding in there!)

Then there's a new person I discovered on Twitter. She calls herself Rubyvroom. Rubyvroom's real name is Penni Shelton, and her blog is Real Food in Tulsa. Now why do I find her so exciting? Isn't it obvious? WARM CORN BREAD! Oh, man, this one almost didn't make it to the dehydrator! It has the right amount of heat and sweetness, along with that grainy consistency that you find in "cooked" corn bread.

OK, I guess that the "blog block" wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. But if it wasn't for "Twitter" I wouldn't have found Penni and her wonderful corn bread recipe. I can't wait for it to be finished! Its going to make a great addition to my snack bag for my overnight business trip on Monday to Youngstown, Ohio. (I'll go anyplace these days where I'm not stuck in a cubicle in a converted airplane hanger!)

So stop reading me and get over to Real Food in Tulsa! That Corn Bread is really smelling great! (One piece just got eaten, and its only half done!) Go make your own! I have no plans on sharing.

Thanks to Ace Cuervo, a photoprapher with the Tulsa World, who took this great picture of Penni back in 2006.

Don't forget that you'll find all of my favorite links, including Penni's blog, at More Than Anatevka, my blog about blogs!

More than Anatevka

For those of you who are unfamiliar with "Anatevka" this was the name of the Russian village in the play "Fiddler on the Roof" (I say play, because Zero Mostel was the only Tevaye in my book!) It was a place that people scratched for a living, but always seemed to find their way with each other's help. They were a community.

I've started a new blog called "More than Anatevka". You won't find my usual posts there. I just loved Connie's idea of a separate blog with all of the great links that she'd found! Check her out at Banana Island.

So, as the list grows, so will this blog. I'll still have a few that will change on the main site, and I'll make a post when something really exciting peaks my interest.

So check "More Than Anatevka" every now and then, and see what new wonderful places I've discovered in my journey through life. You'll probably find a few non-raw blogs of interest too!

Please feel free to email me with something exciting (of a raw, self-help, or Buddhist nature please) that you think I'd enjoy. If I like it I'll make sure to give you a nod, and add it to the list!

Of course, Keely's blogs will always be at the top of this list. Hey, I've been with her for over 25 years, you expect otherwise? (Thank you dear for catching my typo!)

Don't forget to "Twitter", and to check out the Raw Divas too! RAW DIVAS ROCK AND RULE!!

WHAT AM I THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING?

Its Thanksgiving. What am I thankful for this year? Myself!

Oh, I can just hear you now! That's an attorney for you, always thinking about himself. I'm supposed to be thankful for my family, my friends, the blessings of my God. I should be thankful for the roof over my head, my job, the car in the driveway, my nation, the men and women fighting around the world, etc., etc., etc. Oh, yeah, sorry. I just heard someone say on TV, "my boss". (I'm not even touching that one!)

But the one person we always leave out is ourselves. We race around the house working our proverbial asses off (sorry to you purists, but sometimes a little profanity is needed) to make our family and friends happy. We race from grocery to grocery to make sure everyone has exactly what they want to eat. We work ourselves sick, and on the Friday after Thanksgiving, we race from store to store, fighting for that toy, or best price so that no one is disappointed on Christmas morning. Then, sometime during the next forty-five days (can't forget making sure everyone is happy for New Year's Day!), the proverbial ass will spend several days in bed because we've totally forgotten about the most important person in this whole crazy time of the year: ourselves.

I bet everyone has someone in their life who is always worried about other people. Do you really think that you can make others happy, if you don't look out for number one first? Its impossible. Sooner or later, you'll crash. You'll blow up, get sick, or even die. Do you really think that those people you love will be happy when you're sick or dead? Unless they're a selfish bottom feeding reprobate, I doubt it.

You can only make those you care about happy, by being happy yourself. When you're miserable, you make others miserable. So take a moment this Thanksgiving, and give thanks for yourself. Let others do things for you. Work together, and share in your choices today. Make something for yourself and share with those around you.

Remember, unless you take care of yourself, you can't take care of others.

Let them eat fruit, not turkey. You'll feel better, and the turkey will be a lot healthier!

I'm rather proud of this Thanksgiving meal! BURP! ('scuse me!)

Rain Drops on Roses, and Whiskers on Kittens

I thought I'd take time out to highlight a few of my favorite sites on the Internet. I was driven to this because a person that I admire left such a wonderful comment on one of my posts. So as a way of thanking her I'll start with her site.

Have you been to Freshtopia? Tanja Andrews, the host of this great site, is, well, FANTASTIC! Freshtopia has a series of videos that you can download, or just watch, showing you how to make a number of raw recipes. These aren't your usual videos that someone with a 20 year old camcorder has posted on some site. These are professionally produced, crammed with information you can use, laugh your butt off, videos that anyone interested in their health should have in their library. Tanja has a great screen presence that has you smiling within the first few seconds, and heading off to the grocery as soon as she's done. (Thank you Tanja, you've taught me so much, while letting me have fun, and laugh with you too!)

Jumping several thousand miles across the big pond, there's The Raw Food Coach, Karen Knowler. Karen lives in England and used to be the Managing Director of The Fresh Network. She is the author of several great books that you can download and start using today!

Speaking of downloading books, take a moment and jump to Raw Food, Right Now! Heidi and Justin Ohlander have you covered for Thanksgiving. Their little Thanksgiving ebook is on sale, and just can't be passed up. Justin had it right when he said that Heidi's raw egg salad recipe is used as money around the world. If you're looking for something to shock your cannibalistic friends, this is the recipe. Add a little green onion, and some raw pickles from Bubbies, and your friends will be amazed! Just one warning about the recipe. Double it or you'll be sorry!

I've written several times about Kristen's Raw. Well, Kristen Suzanne has put out some wonderful recipe books. She's added two more ebooks in the last few weeks. There's now a dehydrating and a holiday recipe book. All books are ebooks, and just wonderful! I just had some of her "maple syrup" on some raw French toast this morning. I'm purring! Oh, she's so good.

Do you like to make challenging recipes? Well, then Russel James is your man! This Raw Chef is a real challenging Chef. If you're familiar with, and liked Charlie Trotter and Roxanne Klein's book "Raw", then you'll just love Russel's site. (I figured I better include at least one man in this blog.)

Speaking of recipes, Teri, will you adopt me? I want to be one of your test subjects just like your children! OK, I'll just keep using all those wonderful recipes you keep posting on your site The Daily Raw Cafe. Now excuse me, but I have to make another batch of Basil Limeade. I've got to use up some lemons, so I'll tell you how it works. Man are you great!

There's one site out there that really isn't connected to anyone but those interested in raw foods. The site "Gone Raw" is a recipe sharing site. There are more than 2300 members, and more than 1300 recipes. Membership is free, and you even get a recipe box so that you can store your favorite recipes! I don't know who these people are who have developed this site, but their generosity and support of the raw community is to be applauded!

It was Heidi Ohlander who helped me discover The Raw Divas! These ladies have already been the subject of many posts. What can I say about Tera's bubbly infectious ultra supportive personality, and Amy's awesome work as a graphic artist in addition to her unending work building a fantastic program! Oh, these two women wear me out!

Tera and Amy are two truly life changing people. They have developed programs to help people seek their maximum health. I shy away from dictatorial, preachy people. I like people who listen and provide me with information and options so that I can make my own decisions as to how I plan to live out my life. If you want a fun, supportive, informational program, where you can learn about others, and yourself, while having a great time, then the Raw Divas are for you!

The Divas have just published their new program in dealing with cravings. I've just started to delve into the program, but what little I've read shows that not only have they done their homework, and they've got another winner!

What are my most favorite sites of all? My wife's of course. Would you expect any less of me? (At least until I buy a softer and newer couch to sleep on at night.) Keely's got two great blogs. One blog deals with her raw diva travels, and the second is what she describes as her "happy little corner on the web". You'll find some of her arts and crafts there. Both sites are not to be missed!

I know that there are several sites listed under my favorites. I don't mean to slight anyone. Sunny Raw Kitchen is wonderful, as is Melissa Gilbert's "Love Raw Life". I can highly recommend all of these sites.

But do yourself a favor and go to Raw Food, Right Now! Heidi and Justin have compiled a list of Raw Blogs. Make your own list and share it today!

"Eat my pickles. Wear clean underwear. Marry a doctor."

-Bubbies' Slogan

CRAZY DRIVERS!

I don't really yell "Crazy Driver!" at someone who makes me mad as I'm driving down the road. What I really yell (which might include some hand movements) might get my blog canceled, and most definitely gets Keely upset if she happens to be riding with me. There are some things that people do that really torks me off.

I can't stand people who like to slow down just to watch. Its like they're thanking their gods that it wasn't them. Yesterday I got stuck in a slowdown while driving the interstate. When I finally got to the cause of the problem it was a man changing a tire along the side of the road. What was even more ludicrous about this incident was that the lane on the other side of the 30 foot median strip was backed up two miles. Maybe it was because the man was driving a gas hog of an SUV.

Then there are the speeders. I'll usually set my cruise control four or five miles over the speed limit. Yes, I admit that I'm breaking the law. That makes me a criminal just like everyone else. Its a generally accepted practice, but doesn't make it right. Of course, there are people that like to drive even faster, and yell "crazy driver" or worse, at me for not breaking the law enough for their liking.

The thing that really ticks me off about the speeders is that when they do come upon the police looking for speeders, they have the insane idea that slowing down below the speed limit is going to save them from getting in trouble. So the person who passed me because I was going 70 miles per hour in a 65 zone, when they wanted to drive 80 miles per hour, holds me up because they're now driving 55 miles per hour in an attempt to save their sorry butts! ARRRGGGHHHH!!!

OK, I'll explain what this has to do with raw foods. Like so many people I'll jump into something with all my heart. I've got my Vita-Mix, my Champion, my Excalibur. I've got who knows how many recipe books.! I've gone 100% raw at least three times, adding cooked foods back into my system after a period of time.

Yes, like many of you I'm a "crazy raw foodist driver"! I'll stomp the pedal to the floor and go all out ignoring years, and years, of cooked foods. Then one day that seed that has been planted over the years sprouts in my system, and I've just got to eat those french fries, covered with ketchup. This leads to the cup of coffee loaded with chocolate (and the band plays on).

One day I'll wake up and decide that my body has been assaulted enough, and I'll dump all the cooked foods. Things will be fine until that next "cooked cop" sitting along the side of the road.

See the connection?

How much do we help ourselves by jumping in feet first, and going 100% raw? We do great for a while, then we start adding things back into our diets that really aren't raw. First we might use maple syrup, a cooked food. An how about that dried herb for seasoning? Do you really think that the herb is "raw"?

Do what I'm struggling to do. Try a steady, constant, and reasonable speed in your diet. Some of you might be able to speed through life and never get caught (my money is that you've really gotten a "food citation" for eating something cooked, but just won't admit it or will rationalize your minor indiscretion).

Don't ignore what you do, or rationalize it. Just accept what you've done. If you eat a candy bar, accept it, then go on with life.

Instead of going 100% raw, take a moment and take stock of where you are. You might keep a food journal for a couple of weeks and see what you eat. Make notes as to what was happening when you ate the food. You might begin to see that you eat certain foods when you're happy, or stressed.

Once you really know where you stand, slowly start making changes in your diet. Don't shock your system with a liver/kidney flush, or a three week water fast. Pick one thing in your life that you want to do differently, and concentrate on that issue. Once you're happy with what you've done, embrace the change and move on to the next issue.

Remember the old fable about the tortoise and the hare? That rabbit ran like hell toward the finish line, while the tortoise just put one foot in front of the other, keeping a constant pace. It was the tortoise who won the race, and left the rabbit sitting along the side of the road.

BRAS and GIRDLES

Bras and girdles? What's with the title? Is my deviancy finally showing through? No, sorry, I'm not admitting to anything other than the title really pertains to raw foods.

No, I'm not commenting on the fact that it seems like more women than men are interested in maintaining their health,either. I've been going to the Youngstown, Ohio area now for twenty-five years. Keely was born and raised in the area. For as long as I can remember there's been a store near the mall called "Elmo's Intimates: Bras and Girdles".

I'm sorry, but I couldn't have thought of a worse name for a shop. When I hear the name "Elmo" I think of a Muppet. Now I'm not about to go into any store and buy underwear for my wife unless she's got it pre-ordered and all I have to do is walk in and pay for it. I'm not embarrassed or anything, I just hate shopping. But really, what woman would want to go buy underwear from a puppet? Whoops, I'm not supposed to call it underwear am I? Men wear underwear, women wear lingerie. Harrumph! Happy?

So, on Friday Keely and I finally stopped to take the picture for this post, and I noticed the smaller sign that read "100 SIZES". OH, MY, GOD! I freaked! Let's be honest. Ever since the bra was created, prepubescent males have been scared to death of the things, and this fear doesn't fade with age. But do you really need 100 sizes sold by somebody named "Elmo"?

Am I being fair? Of course not. But how different am I than any of you reading this blog?

Ever heard of the Broadway musical "Avenue Q"? Its an adult version of the Muppets (and works well with the Elmo tie in.) One of my favorite songs is "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist". In the song the puppets face their own racism.

Everyone's a little bit racist
It's true.
But everyone is just about
As racist as you!
If we all could just admit
That we are racist a little bit,
And everyone stopped being
So PC
Maybe we could live in -
Harmony!

Can we really address racism by arguing that people be more tolerant? I believe that we can't. I believe that problems of racism are more closely tied to the "ego". It is an inherent belief that we must be better than those around us, and as a result, they aren't as good as we are.

This feeling isn't limited to race, culture, sexual orientation. It is ingrained in our religious beliefs, in the way we look at sports, and even our eating habits! We rush to judgment, just like I did with Elmo.

How many of you remember the "Beef" commercials. The ads that made it seem unAmerican to eat something other than beef?

We are assailed on all sides by commercials making us feel that we are bad parents if we don't buy the right frozen dinner for our "hungry man".

Then there's the world of raw foods. There's dozens of gurus, doctors, nuts, and well meaning people. THERE'S REALLY 100 SIZES! There's a theory and strategy to fit every body (or everybody). Sometimes you feel like you've found the right fit, and sometimes you might attend an event and come away feeling like nothing but a boob. (Sorry, but I just couldn't let that one pass.)

Whatever you do, never believe that you know the answer! But doesn't that mean that you'll always be searching? Yes!

That's what ties us together. We're all in the same search for perfection. We're all striving to be happy. It matters not what our race, culture, religion, or sexual orientation might be. We're all looking for the answer to the eternal question to the meaning of life.

So let your ego sit in the corner. Look to your fellow human being in a new light. That person has a piece to the puzzle. There are no right answers, or wrong answers, and once we all realize that we're looking for the same answer, it might be a little bit easier to share.

I had the opportunity to listen to Tera Warner of "The Raw Divas" interview Steve "The Sproutman" Meyerowitz. This guy is intense! The neat thing about Steve is that he isn't afraid to question authority. He searches, and asks the hard questions. He's always looking for more information, and appears to be energized by the world around him. I highly recommend that you check out Steve at http://www.sproutman.com today!

Whatever your path, what ever you choices, just don't forget, there really isn't one size to fit all....

I'm not Kidding!

I tried an experiment with a separate blog called "You've Got to be Kidding". It just didn't work.

One of the basic reasons for me eating raw is that I believe that it makes me feel better. The second blog brought out the weights that I'd been hanging around my neck, and didn't feel good.

So, as of today, that other blog has disappeared. You can still expect a "zinger" every now and then here, but I'll leave the complaining to others. I'd rather focus on the positive. The negatives will still be there, but the more I look to finding the positive things around me, the less the negatives will want to stay and play.

Its time to give energy to that which is good and empowering, and let the negative go, and wither away....

Jacob Marley will always be rattling his chains, but there's no reason that I can't find the music in them.

Come One, Come All, To Kristen's Raw!

So when was the last time you checked out Kristen's Raw? You haven't? Well, after you're done reading me, jump over to her site! No, forget that football game. I think that your spouse, friend, whatevah, can fend for themselves for a little bit longer. Tell them that they are more than capable of getting their fat butts up out of their chairs and getting their own glass of water. Besides, a game is a game. I think that my life is a little more important than who wins the NCAA national championship (as is most everything else more important that I can think of in the world around me, especially Keely! Can I please have an 'AWWW' for that?)

Why am I so excited about Kristen? She's got two new recipe e-books out! (Thought I was going somewhere else with this one didn't you!)

Its the easiest things in life that impress me even more and more, and when I see a recipe for "raw maple syrup" I lunge!

Her two new recipe books are Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Dehydrating, and Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Holidays. Who can resist "Oktoberfest Raw German Chocolate Brownies", or a "Holiday Not-Meatloaf" which are just two of the recipes in her Raw Holidays e-book.

Oh, and of course to keep my Excalibur happy in her dehydrating recipe book there's "Green Beans with Garlic Sauce", "Sunny Italian Patties" and "Savory Crispy Zucchini Noodles". (I'd say "YUMO" but Rachel Ray just grates on my nerves! I don't like "baby talk"!)

So please, jump over to Kristen's site and check out all of her recipe e-books. She's made it really easy to buy, and download them directly to your computer. I'm sure you'll be as happy as I've been with her books. I've got them all!

On a personal note, make sure to flood Keely's websites on Thursday, November 8TH. ITS HER BIRTHDAY! (Send money and I'll tell you that she's going to be...... No, I won't tell you that she was born in 19....)

Have You Gone Raw?

Have you ever heard of the web site "Gone Raw"? No? Well, let me introduce you to a great little site that has grown by leaps and bounds. Gone Raw is a site where people who like eating raw gather to share recipes. You can become a member for free! Most of the recipes are the members own creations.

This morning I came across a recipe that I just have to share with you. It was created by the Gone Raw member "Kanayada" who has published three recipes in the last month since joining the site. I think she's got a thing for chocolate, which is fine with me!

Choco-Cherry Milk

1 serving

I just made this because I was craving the chocolate cherry ice cream recipe from this site but didn’t have any frozen bananas. It’s actually very tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon cacao or carob powder
• 2 dates
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries

Preparation

Blend everything together and enjoy!

Of course just like Kanayada didn't have everything to make ice cream, I didn't have everything this morning for her recipe. So, I made some changes too. I didn't have the almond milk or dates (I know, dates should always be in the cupboard. But the go so well with almond butter as a snack!)

Here is my version:

Choco-Cherry Milk

1 serving

Ingredients

• 8 ounces water
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
  
• 2 tablespoon cacao or carob powder (I told you I like chocolate!)
• 2 tablespoons raw honey or agave (I used the agave last night to make another batch of "The Daily Raw's" Basil Limeade.)
• ½ cup frozen cherries

Preparation

Place water, almond butter and honey/agave in blender and blend for several minutes. Strain the mixture and return to the blender. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until frothy.

Either way I think you'll find this to be a nice refreshing drink. Thanks again to Kanayada and Gone Raw for thinking outside the box!

Jumping on the Bandwagon

I look around at some of the things going on in my life, and wonder if its really worth the energy. What are the most important things to hold onto? What should I be working toward?

Of course health has to be at the top of the list. But which way should I turn? There are gurus all around me. There's raw foodists, cooked foodists, fast foodists. There's fruitarians, vegetarians, and people who believe that we should eat nothing but meat. I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round, or a gerbil's wheel, running with no end in sight!

So I stop, take five steps back and shove everything off the table. I begin with a clean slate. There's only one thing to deal with. Me.

Its time to look at the person I have to face every moment of my life in this world. I have to look at where I am and where I've been. Until I see the path behind me, and where I stand, I'll never know whether my next step in life is the best for me, and only me.

Am I being selfish? Not at all. I'm honoring my life plan. Until I confront myself, and deal with my issues, I'm not able to help those around me.

So do I turn to books? Do I turn to CDs? Do I turn to the myriad of self-help websites on the net?

No, I turn to myself. I listen. I acknowledge. I honor.

Only after I turn inward, do I turn outward. I seek out those people who best fit my beliefs. I don't go for glitz, or baubles or beads. I go for substance. I don't look for the demagogues, the people who demand my respect, I look for the well meaning people who want nothing more than to share their knowledge with the community of the people around them. These are the people who understand that through sharing comes growth.

Its time to live life to its fullest. Its time to make your own choices. Choose your own plan and don't believe the snake charmers who offer the overnight silver bullet to be found in a raw foods lifestyle. It doesn't exist.

Raw foods are a tool to change a lifetime of existence. Raw foods are not the answer to your problems. Don't jump on the bandwagon until you're ready to deal with your life.

You are the only answer to all of the challenges you face. Listen to yourself first, then listen to those around you.

Suicide in the Heartlands

No, I'm still alive. No, I'm not dying. Its been one devil of a week, and I'm not adapting well to the changes in the season, and the changes I fail to acknowledge around me. Posting had taken a back seat for a few days as I've traveled the State working, and attempted to get life under control.

This weekend four of us ventured into one of the most well known shows in middle America. Its called the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Its touted as the largest free show around. There are parades, and food. There are shows and food. There are rides and food. There is culture shock.

I don't want to come off sounding snobbish, although I probably will sound just like that, but I really felt out of place. People were gobbling down thousand of pieces of pumpkin pie, pumpkin donuts, deep fried Swiss cheese, deep fried veggies, and the "awesome blossom", which is a deep fried onion. There were tons of pumpkin fudge, and pumpkin taffy, and pumpkin pizza being sold.

I walked around the streets looking at the people with their cigarettes hanging from their lips, and their stomachs sticking three feet out in front of them.

I saw their complexions deteriorate by the second as they inhaled the grease, and drank the sugar infused lemonade and soda pop.


I'll admit that the four of us, Keely, Katie, Kara and myself, committed suicide in the heartlands. We wallowed in festival with our feed bags strapped to our mouths, and within one hour felt like lawn trout. We were bloated. We were sluggish. We were ready to curl up and sleep, allowing our stomachs to purge themselves of the infestation.

Am I glad that I assaulted my system? Did it really taste good? Was it worth it?

HELL YES!

I'm human. For this one afternoon, if felt great to get out in the clean fall air of small town America. It was nice to feel the press of the crowds and to get in touch with the people. To see the looks, and hopes on the faces, so many dreaming of a simpler time in their lives when the tons of pills, the horrors of war, and the fear of economic depression, did not weigh heavily upon their shoulders.

It reminded me of how much food is as much a method of communication, as it is nutrition for our bodies. When we venture into the world we must be the diplomats, honoring the choices others make, leading by example not by demand. Guiding not shoving. Listening, not threatening.

I'm glad I had that donut, that pumpkin cream puff, the deep fried onion rings with aged cheddar sauce that tasted like melted Velveeta, the deep fried cheese stuffed pretzel with nacho cheese sauce, the pumpkin pizza, the kettle corn, the pumpkin fudge, and the deep fried Swiss cheese, all washed down with the birch beer. The best thing we had was the bottled water. For an afternoon I was able to reconnect with my past and reinforce my choices for the future.

Oh, and yes, I feel like the garbage that I stuffed inside my system, just like everyone else does this morning in middle America. I just wish everyone else would realize why they feel like hell.

Oh God, I need a smoothie and a colonic....

A Special Twist

PINK BASIL FIZZ

1.5 cups Basil Limeade from "The Daily Raw Cafe"
2 T Agave Nectar
2 cup Frozen Strawberries
Club Soda


Place all ingredients, except for the club soda, into a blender and blend until smooth. Fill a glass halfway to the top with the Basil/Strawberry mixture, then top off with club soda. Decorate with fresh strawberry or mint!

My thanks to Teri of "The Daily Raw Cafe" for coming up with a great recipe to use as a base for this drink. The Basil Limeade is wonderful all by itself!

ASSAULTING THE SENSES

OK, so I'm not very good at puns. My attempt at humor can be more "pun"ishing than most anything else. But I try.

So what's my naughty little secret? What do I like to eat without abandon?

Salt!

.

We've heard all the bad things about this rock. It stops cells from growing. It kills food. It drives our blood pressure up, and causes us to retain water. Salt can harden our arteries and lead to a premature trip to becoming lawn trout. We even use salt to melt the snow on our roads so that we can deplete more of fossil fuels in search of more salt!

But there's one thing about salt that we can all agree on:

Damn salt tastes good!

Salt has taken on a new status in food preparation. The cardboard container with the little girl holding her umbrella has been relegated to the dark corners of the grocery store. Today salt is a gourmet item. You can buy salts of all kinds online. There's "truffles and salt" (3.5 oz. for a little over $22.00), or Murray River Pink Flake for $32.00 a pound!

I have my favorites. Himalayan Pink has a wonderful flavor. Mild, yet it does not have that harsh chemical taste. It make flavors jump in your mouth. Of course the Salish Alderwood Smoked Salt is orgasmic!




Just like anything we eat, salt can be dangerous. We must always seek a balance in our lives. I try to listen to my body. Sure there are things I might eat that are far from healthy, but that's my life and my right. But can you imagine a great Italian tomato sauce without salt?

If we can drink, and use a good wine to enhance our foods, and food experiences, there is no reason why we can't do the same with any food ingredient like salt. But just like wine, don't overdue it. Eat and drink responsibly!

Oh, and if you've got a "Whole Foods" in your area, the salts are carried back with the cheeses. Now if I can convince Don to expand his salt Rack I won't have to make the trip across town! (Go ahead and click on the link for a wonderful experience. NO, the Internet is not just for Porn!)

Now where's the shaker?

Where's Dr. Laura! LAURA GIVE IT BACK!