Eat Pray and Love - Something to Ponder

I will be honest and say that I am not one that reads as much as I probably should. Although my taste for the written word has grown in my later years, I always seems to fall asleep (or want to) if I try and curl up with a good book. There has been a few that once I opened the cover I was unable to put it down and carried with me everywhere until I finally finished the last word. I love a book that grabs me in such a way.

A book that is a good example of this was “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I loved this book from the moment I picked it up. It was probably because I could relate to it in so many ways… I understood the frustration she had in the beginning of the book when she struggled with the possibility and eventual divorce from her husband. Her desire to travel to “find herself” also appealed to me.

Not only did she decide she would travel, she traveled to three of my favorite places as well as made it her quest to explore three areas of her life that she felt strongly about; food, her spiritual side, and love. I know that they have made the book into a movie which has recently come out. I have mixed feelings as to whether I wish to go and see it or not. One reason is because movies never seem to truly do a book justice and end up leaving you disappointed. I think this is mainly because when one reads a book they bring with them their own imagination. This in turn creates a fantasy land in one’s head of what they envision the story to look like, smell like and taste like. It is impossible for any movie to fit this interpretation of so many that would go and see it, therefore there will always be those who are not satisfied with the manner it was told in.

I loved the whole concept of “Eat Pray Love”. It got me to thinking about what I would consider my eat, pray, and love . Then as if we were on the same wavelength, I was clicking channels and landed on Oprah. She had Julia Roberts and Elizabeth Gilbert on her show and they were discussing the movie and were talking about that very thing. I guess great minds do think alike. Ha!!

What is my Eat… what is my Pray… and what is my love…. I would have to say that finding what my “Eat” is could be quite difficult. I have always been one who loves to eat. The main reason it thrills me so (and believe me it can thrill me) is that I love the intense flavors that one can find. I will try anything at least one time because I have learned that you never judge anything simply by its looks. (Especially food) Yet to choose a favorite in the vast selection is close to impossible. Last night it was the pepper crusted rare Ahi Tuna I had….. It was heavenly… yet a few days ago it was the homemade vanilla sugar that I simply ate by dipping my finger into the jar over and over. I am not sure where I would go to explore this side of me as I have found wonderful food in so many places… Yet I guess Italy would not be a bad place to start… Rich tasty homemade mamma food in so many places…. Beautiful country side and extremely good looking men… How could one go wrong with all that to choose from?

My Pray is an easy one…. It would have to be the peaceful serenity of nature. I find such tranquility in my yard and communing with everything that is not manmade. The simple sounds, smells and sights are more precious than anything that can be bought or made. When I feel myself overwhelmed in any sense of the word and I know that I need some time to relax and escape to my sanctuary, I head for the loving arms of Mother Nature. She is always there with her gentle ways no matter the season, no matter the time. In the quiet stillness of morning before all else awakens she stirs. In the heat of a noon day when the sun is high and the day is in full swing. In the slowing down of the afternoon and early eve when it seems that she begins to gather things in for the day. And lastly, during the night, when the stars and moon illuminate the world and a different side of her is shown. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to bring me to that place where I need to be. To see that answer that I may be trying so hard to find and don’t until I stop and sit with her in silence for a while. My sanctuary, my church, my pray…. Is definitely, communing with the earth and sky.

My love… another easy answer. I love my Vincent and quite honestly he is probably the love of my life. Of course he can drive me nuts, yet over time I have learned that seldom can two be together nonstop 24/7 and not. Yet he accepts me for me and does not in any way attempt to change me. That is what I love most. No matter how silly, corny, or far out there I may be, he listens and makes me feel as if I am as sane as him; which may not necessarily be that sane. Also my grandkids, they likewise take me for who and what I am and love me all the more. They share with me their wide open minds and we ponder the mysteries of the universe together at times… They help me to keep the fact fresh in my mind that there is always something new in the world and that to notice the little things is what keeps us young. My children also have brought much love into my life. From the time they themselves were wee ones until now when they have grown and moved on with their own lives and values. There have been struggles and I am sure there will be more yet we have slowly learned to be accepting and understand that besides being family we are also people. They have taught me to listen more, and also that I do not always have to be the momma… Sometimes I am just another person across the table.

So in closing I ask you, what is your Eat Pray and Love. Something to think about and quite honestly it can really brings some sides of you out that you may not have thought of before. If you have not read the book “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and especially if you are female I urge you to do so.

I think if the book had not been such a favorite of mine I would not be so indifferent about seeing it, yet here I am. So when it all comes down to it I more than likely will not go and see the movie. Yet who knows… never say never.

Don't Eat That Mushroom - It is Poisonous (Or Friends.. Gotta Love em)

I love to go in early spring and hunt Morel mushrooms.  I love the way they can spring up in a matter of seconds.  One minute you can be walking in one place and see nothing, then you turn around and bam.... there is a Morel.  Plus they taste wonderful sauteed up with butter.... so yummy. 

Many of my friends think I am a bit mad for actually eating a wild mushroom.  In fact I don't think I could ever get Vincent to try one... He got crazy eariler this summer when I picked a mushroom I had found while mowing that looked much like a male endowment.  Telling me to go immediately in the house and wash my hands...I am a bit of a fungus nut and this year has been an abundance of shapes, sizes and types... Yet I do not wish to talk about mushrooms this morning. 

I wrote an entry yesterday in regards to a trip to my local bookstore.  I talked about my delight in finding a magazine with an article on my groupie crush as well as a wonderful vanilla latte.  I also spoke of a book I had found and my eagerness to read it.  Quickly I received various comments in regards to the credibility of the author and the acruacy of her work.  I will admit that I was not well versed on any of her previous work so I truly appreciated the information given.  Many of you, (one in partciular - Bella) were very helpful in explaining your views and perspectives on the situation, giving me links to go to so that I could read and come to my own conclusion in regards to the acusations that had been made. 

This is exactly what a friend is.... Someone that will tell you if they see you doing something they feel may harm or mislead you.  They speak honesty regardless of the popularity of it.  They speak their heart and say what concerns them in a manner that warns you of possible mishap.   To all of you I want to say thank you for your honesty.

Yesterday I read an entry in regards to comments on blogs and whether or not they should be in opposition to the entry.  Where as I do not think that malicious comments that are only meant to be attacking someone in a manner to make the writer look bad so that the commenter can feel like they are superior is wrong; I do think that an honest opinion is exactly what the comment box is for.  So I say keep on telling me what you feel I need to hear as well as your honest to goodness opinions... I love them and would not have it any other way.... By the way I still am smiling.... and still I think it is always good... :-)

PS: WARNING:  The above mushroom IS NOT a Morel.... Just wanted to make that clear so no one would go picking a bunch of wild mushroom and start eating them..

Smile.... It Always Works and Its Always a Blessing

I am a sucker for any book store... I admit it.  It is difficult for me to go into one and not walk out with some form of reading material.  Barnes & Noble is even worse because most of them now have a starbucks smack dab in the middle of the store.  Thus I have 2 vices that I have to try and overcome and needless to say I am not good at either...

Yet yesterday while out and around I stopped by the local Barnes & Noble as I wanted to pick up a couple magazines I have been looking for.  I was saddened to learn that the Rolling Stone issue I was wanting was out of date and I had missed it.  However I was thrilled to find the issue of Q (A British music magazine) I had been wanting and thought I had missed with a great article on Matthew Bellamy - lead guitarist and singer for Muse.  Now some of you may be saying Muse?  Well lets just say that if you have a chance check them out.... They are truly the next big thing from that wonderful country across the pond.  (hint:  I am somewhat of a fan)

Although finding the magazine was a great thing, I found something else even better.  I always stop by the small section of New Age, Mystical, whatever they call it area and see if any new books have arrived.  I really should not do this as I always seem to find one that I must have.  I had to laugh as "The Men Who Stare at Goats" (a book about psychic spys & another great George Clooney movie) and "Goddess of the Market-Ann Rand and the American Right were both in this section.  I mean I can sort of see why the first was there, but was unsure why the latter was.  I mean I know she was an antheist but really. That was the only thing that I could think tied it in with New Age and such... Anyhow about my find...

While looking over the few titles they had, which really seems to keep getting smaller each time I go in there... I found a book that caught my attention.  I am sure many of you have already seen this book, read it, whatever, but to me it was a little nugget of gold I found in the bottom corner of the shelf.  I know it is not the best way to purchase books but many times I rely on my intuition to lead me to what I need and it was right on yesterday. 

It was the cover that caught my eye first, a tranquil slate blue with greenery and a crescent moon in the upper right corner.  Then the title "HedgeWitch" by Silver Ravenwolf.  Something just told me that I had to get it.... And so I did... Last night as I begun to read it (after I read the article on Muse ), I could hardly believe it... It was like it was speaking to me about all the things I have been mulling around in my mind and heart the last few days....

Three treasures in one afternoon.... Hard to believe... Muse, a new book, and oh yea a nice hot vanilla latte with a dash of cinnamon.  I could not do anything but smile big and think to myself before I fell asleep.... it always works.... and its always a blessing.