BIG NEWS - Tara & Gary are engaged!

Yes its true...I have been waiting until I knew for sure that Tara and Gary made the first announcements but I can not contain myself anymore...this is one of those mom moments that are so hard to describe. How to find words to portray the sublime happiness you feel for your own child's delight and joy is pretty much impossible. You feel the emotions like they are your own, and yet you want every second of celebration and excitement to be theirs. These two are both phenomenal individuals in their own right and when they come together they are the blending of something really very special. The kind of people you want to hang out with, share a cold drink and a good laugh. The kind of people you can depend on when the road gets tough and who you want to call on to enjoy it when its all right. They share many of the same solid qualities you want to know exist in this life, and I'm sure that these similarities are what first drew them to one another. I know it is this force that pulled them in, that will hold them tight, through their amazing journey of love and lifetime of adventure. CONGRATULATIONS TARA AND GARY - blessings for an abundance of happiness and bliss in every life experience you share. I love you!!

New favorite breakfast

I make these, cut them into small chunks, freeze half and keep the other half in the fridge. You'll never want anything else for breakfast or a quick power snack after eating these.

2 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup ground flax seed
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t cinnamon
½ t allspice
½ t cardamom
½ cup (1 stick) butter - room temperature
½ cup natural cane sugar (I use a little less and its still great)
2 eggs
½ cup honey
¼ cup carob syrup
1 t vanilla extract
1 small apple, peeled and chopped
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup chopped dates or figs
1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
Sunflower seeds - a good handful
1 cup coconut
3 cups old fashioned organic oats
1/4 cup applesauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°.
Stir together dry ingredients (flour, salt, flax seed, baking soda and spices).
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars. Add in honey, eggs and vanilla. Slowly add in dry mixture and beat together. Stir in oats, applesauce, coconut, fruit and nuts.
Spread in a lightly oiled 9x12 glass casserole dish.
Bake 30 minutes at 350 or until lightly browned.

2nd Grade Beach Clean Up Day

Did you ever notice how some things have a way of lining up in just the right way sometimes? After our own week of "cleaning up our act," it just so happened that the school had a beach clean up day planned on Monday. This beach was actually quite clean. The largest amount of rubbish collected were in the hundreds and hundreds of cigarette butts lining the entire stretch of beach. The most entertaining for the kids... a pair of guy's briefs found in the bushes! eew
Why are they called a pair when they are only one????

Live long and prosper

Jennie, I miss you already. Thank you for being such an important force in my life. You are more wonderful than even you think :) Live long and prosper dear friend!

Day 7 - Giving back

After a week of looking inward, it is time now time to take a look outward and find a place that needs your help. Nicosia Dog Shelter became my place, from the first week we arrived. I've never seen a shelter with so many beautiful, peaceful dogs. Pet ownership is not like back home. These dogs do not wear designer labels, eat gourmet foods or heaven forbid, even sleep indoors most homes. No, these animals are disposable here. Many are hunters dogs who are later left abandoned in the fields, or worse yet, the streets. Others are pets gone wrong - also just left to roam the streets. A few actually are brought in by their fickle owners who have half a heart.

The dogs live outside their pens most of the daytime hours, lazing in the shade, sharing their old bathtubs of water and vying for the attention of the few that come to visit. There are no pack issues here...everyone just finds a way to get along and wait for a new forever home. Many never get one. Having arrived with two large dogs I didn't expect to make room for one more, but pregnancy and nesting got the best of me and we took our Kimo home when he was just a little runt on the verge of starvation. He is our Cyprus poodle and the best thing we ever did. We still help out the shelter - even if its just to go show up and give some belly rubs, but it never feels like its enough. If I ever get that big "break" in life, I promise everyone right here and now...I am going to adopt them all.

So, today's theme was to give back...and once you start doing it, go and give back some more!

Day 6 - Water

I was warned that we would be water rationed while living here and I must admit I was concerned. We get water pumped in to the house twice a week so being aware of water usage has already been second nature. But I was signed on for this No Impact Experiment which meant being even more cognizant of my actions all week. I found out that I can take a shower without the constant stream of water, and realized how wasteful it was to keep it running the whole time. Try it next time, get in and get wet - and then turn it off while you're sudsing up. You'll see how much time and water you waste when its not on. Really pay attention to the water you use in the kitchen sink too. Can some of it be re-used for watering plants or other things. And please, please, please do not let your water run when you're brushing your teeth...you'll spend more time brushing and less time rinsing away all that good flouride :)

Day 5 - Energy

Turn it off and unplug it. I've been telling people forever to unplug their cell chargers once they're charged...don't let them just sit in the wall drawing energy when they aren't doing their job. And I'd get those looks, like, whatever...but now they actually have a term for what you're doing...a phantom draw of energy...small, but still senseless really. And that goes for all of your appliances and gadgets you are not using but keep plugged in. Here in Cyprus we have switches next to our outlets so you can actually switch off the electricity right at the plug when not in use. No biggie, just takes a second. The other wonderful thing I've noticed here is that almost every house has solar panels. I can not understand why that is not a universal way of life. Especially in the sunnier climates...can anyone please explain that to me...its not that expensive and makes so much sense.
Oh and since Jennie is pointing out all her wonderful carbon free ways, I'd like to remind her that her computer does run on electricity...

Day 4 - Food

Green and black olives right off the tree

Our fresh picked olives being prepared for jarring.

Today we are trying to eat locally which is fortunate for us as there are so many fruits and veggies in season right now. The tricky part is trying to avoid the packaging of so many foods. And Jennie is here for a visit so I don't want to starve her - not a very nice way to spend a vacation.

In the last week I had noticed many people picking olives from the trees so I thought it might be something culturally interesting for Jennie to try - while also making use of local food idea. I didn't expect so much enthusiasm...we ended up with three bags of mixed olives, then Jennie found a Greek Olive making recipe online and jumped right in. All the olives had to be separated, scored and left to soak for three weeks. I've had to promise - like a million times - that I will change the water daily and follow the instructions consisely since I never was successful at growing the pineapple Jennie started in Hawaii. Pineapples, by the way, take two years to grow!

And in case you were wondering, I am re-using the water that the olives soak in to water my plants. Jennie reminds me daily that she is still not generating any rubbish and is probably greener than me. I remind her that she had to take an airplane to get here, but then again, it was a business trip, so I can't fault her for that. And besides, I am really, really, REALly glad she's here!

Day 3 - Transportation

This is a very hard day for me. I can share a ride with Mike, but I'd much rather bike or walk it. Alas - it is more like a death defying act to ride a bike along the some of these roads and I've got a big planet that needs my help right now - along with some gorgeous daughters, three dogs, a bunny and my man! Note to self and others...petition for more bike/walk ways whenever possible.

Trash

Day Two – Trash
Today we are being mindful of all the trash we generate so we get a separate bag and collect our own waste. Mike keeps putting everything in my bag…egg container and shells, cheese wrappers, basically all the food packaging. His logic, if I cook it, I own it! It’s a competition for him and he is not going to let me win…hmmm…that’s fine with me, as long as he’s in I’m good with all of it.

photo was taken on one of my walks in the neighborhood. unfortunately you see this quite often

I'm sure many of you agree!

Here's my horoscope for today...I'm a Sag'
Sunday, Oct 18th, 2009 -- You are marching to the sound of a different drummer now and others may think you've gone mad -- for they don't hear the magical music that's playing. Although there may be too much stress being created by awkward relationship dynamics, all you can do is continue to be yourself. Your interpersonal dance will become more fulfilling as you take care of your own needs first.

Day One - Consumption

(A gorgeous ring I found in my Mom's "junk jewelry" bin!)

Day one. I lay awake thinking a lot about this experiment last night and how we will be applying many of its principles beyond this one week trial. We have been living abroad for almost two years and although shopping is alive and well in much of the world, it certainly is different experience from home. While in Finland we found out if you didn't bring your own shopping bag they would charge you for one - Genius!! I still have the few I ended up buying when I found myself without my own. No one seemed to have overflowing baskets at the supermarket - they bought what they needed for the day. We definitely got our fair share of stares when we walked around with a weeks worth of food in our carts, but we were in the learning curve and soon found it was better to only buy what you needed, when you needed it. Shopping malls both there and here in Cyprus are also quite different. Yes, there are sales and gorgeous shoes to tempt you around every corner but both of these countries are now on the Euro and the exchange rate is never in our favor. I learned to live and get by with the shoes I already had, sans a gorgeous pair of boots I picked up on sale in Germany. That was a huge step for me in the beginning of this new life. If we were desperate for something warmer (we came to Finland via Hawaii) we found that some perfectly wonderful winter wear were overflowing in many of the thrift stores. I had to buy a warmer winter rain coat that I picked up for 3 Euro and I love it. The thrift stores here are harder to find, but they are out there. What's interesting here is that you hardly ever find the locals in them, mostly foreigners. I've been told that it is considered an embarrassment to be seen in these stores by the locals. So I’d have to say that living overseas has definitely changed our consumer habits for the better and I believe these will be life-changing habits. Now, on the other hand, we definitely are guilty of online purchases. There are some things I just couldn’t find here that could compare in quality. Number one being the organic baby formula we buy in bulk (I was unable to produce enough milk after two months of trying everything possible). I did try a brand that was imported from France but it was a digestive disaster. The other big online purchase were the hybrid diapers I bought, but now that we are using cloth inserts much of the time, I wrestle with telling myself it was a win-win situation. And that’s the point of this whole rambling blub I’ve got going here…if we absolutely had to live off the land we found ourselves on could we survive? Of course we could, so many have come before us, but would we want to and how do you convince others to do the same when modern convenience rules the purchasing industry. I’m finding that this little experiment I’ve stumbled upon across the seas is a lot bigger and more meaningful to me than ever before. I will continue to weigh and consider almost everything I do from this day forward. To the Beaven’s – thank you for forging the way!

Doing more, leaving less behind

Listen up people, there are only three more days to join in on one the biggest “green movement” collaborations all year. Now I know most of you already do things to make a difference but what I’m asking from you for JUST ONE WEEK is to DO MORE! Not one of you chicken shits have accepted my triple doggie dare challenge to date and my patience has just run out! Someone, anyone, just sign up and give it a try. And if you just can’t do it, then pass this on to someone you think might. Once you sign up you will be directed to a social network that allows you to join others in the places you come from. You can find me under the “Worldwide” and “Hawaii” group. The only time is now so hurry up!!! http://noimpactman.typepad.com/

I double dog dare you to join No Impact Guy and me

Okay, there's this guy, Colin Beavan, aka "No Impact Guy" who is one of my newest hero's. Basically this guy decided to "stop talking and start doing" when it came to reducing his carbon imprint on this planet and undertook the ultimate task of going green with what most of us would think was a nearly impossible feat in the belly of New York City. He did this for a year and he survived - and thrived - with a wife and small child in tow! Now he is organizing a "No Impact Challenge" on October 18th and I want you to join me in participating for just one week. You have to visit his site to get spun up on everything: http://noimpactman.typepad.com/

Once you accept the challenge, email me to let me know you are in. Its gonna be the best thing you do all year - I'm sure of it! To quote Stevie Nicks - "If not for me, do it for yourself."

I triple doggie dare you :)

Eat your veggies

(Visiting the village of Lefkara to see their famous lace with Dee, Arianna and Skevi)

In case you were wondering, I have continued my morning walks, and thanks to my new friend Skevi I am no longer risking my life or Arianna’s. Turns out there’s a walk/bike path not too far from our house and even though I do have to drive there to get to it, which kinda kills the spontaneity of exploring different avenues and routes, it gets the job done. Skevi is a Cypriot who has just returned home after many years on the road with her American husband. Things have changed a lot for her here, new roads, buildings and crazy amounts of traffic, but at the same time, much has remained the same. I really enjoy our walks and love to learn about her land, a place that my own daughter will one day want to return to also, because it represents their place of birth. It’s a land of past and present, where age-old traditions hold fast - yet Starbucks coffee houses overflow with the younger set, wearing their big sunglasses, latest fashion trends and I swear, smoking more cigarettes than any other culture I can think of. But I can bet that even these folks, much like Skevi, share more of their spare time hanging out with relatives, if not living with a few generations worth all in one house. They still grow grapes on their arbors, plant and eat the fruits from their citrus, fig and olive trees and they even have a local “shop” they bring their bushels of olives to be pressed for oil. Most mornings Skevi greets me with a bounty of fruits and vegetables harvested from her parents land. Tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, onions, and small green peppers have all been making a daily appearance in our dinners. I wrapped the figs in prosciutto and served it on fresh toasted bread, brushed with oil and garlic and then I slow dried the rest in the oven to bring out the sticky sweet goodness that tastes better than any piece of candy. Nothing is wasted because I know how hard her parents hands have toiled to offer these gifts. As we walk the paths Skevi points out the difference between the tangerine and the orange trees, knows when a green fruit is just a lemon that hasn’t ripened or a lime. When I ask her how she can be so sure she says she just knows. She’s not a farmer, never studied agriculture and goes to the farmers market for veggies when they’re not in season just like me, but you see, she is still in touch with her land, and I’m jealous. I think that just a few generations back we were much the same in the U.S. but somewhere along the way convenience and instant gratification took hold and now we are losing touch with so much more than just the food. It makes me sad. I want to drink wine from the grapes that grow in my neighborhood, press enough oil to last until the next olive season, eat the foods that grow in the rhythm of the passing year and I want every one else to do that too. We don’t have prepackaged baby carrots here. If you want to snack on them you have to peel them yourself, if you want to make a salad you wash and dry it – none of that prepared mix junk. At first I thought all of this work was going to be such a hassle but it woke my ass up on a number of different levels instead. The recycling/waste reducing lover in me was appeased by the lack of additional packaging, the organic gardener/eat local produce gal in me liked knowing some farmer nearby grew his stuff with care and can still make a living off of it, and the nutritionally minded mom in me knew that what I put in my mouth would be mimicked by my mini-me’s. I guess what I’m trying to say in a very roundabout way here is that I am grateful for having Skevi and her wonderful family in my life now, and what started out as a pact to stay fit together has already evolved into so much more. Eat local, go organic whenever possible and try peeling your carrots next time, they will taste better, I promise :)

WW, Cap'n A & SuperG

Halloween version of patriotism - '07

Creative collaboration

This bad-ass creation was made by me and Tara a couple of years back, with bits and pieces of black, orange and yellow wrapping paper, mask, gloves and spider web; in an effort to score first prize in the decorate-the-door contest in Finland. We had just arrived earlier in the month so we were still without our household goods shipment and standard Halloween decoration supplies, and Mike thought it'd be "fun" for us to decorate his office door. I should mention that Halloween is not celebrated in other countries like it is at home, so even finding these bits was a challenge. I think I've also mentioned before that Mike likes to win, so we knew this - we wouldn't be making little pumpkin cut-outs for this task. How we came up with this idea, I'm not exactly sure. I think the goblins of inspiration were among us that day as the 3-D skeleton reaching out through the flames of hell to win that damn prize slowly evolved (the prize: a lousy chocolate bar as we later found out). So, we started cutting out flames, then we stuffed the gloves and mask and stapled them to the black backdrop, glued a spider to his head (skeletons are always male, right??) and covered it all up with some spider webs and there we were - winners of the first (and last) door decorating contest in "Hell"sinky! The picture of Mikayla on the left was from a previous Halloween in Hawaii. If you click on the picture you can see the genius of our work :)