Posted on February 11, 2016October 21, 2019 in Living abundantly, Living Life Large

Embracing February

February is never an easy month for me. I am ready for spring………. well quite honestly, ready for summer. I am a summer woman. I love the heat, love the sun and really don’t mind humidity. Winter takes more work to stay balanced and positive. I intend to do it, though. Every year I stop wearing socks in February, bring sandals to the office, ignore my sweaters, and wear my spring clothes with my big red coat over them. Big shawls and furry winter boots help because the older I get, the more I feel the cold.

Red Coat — An outing with my awesome daughters

Yesterday was one of those challenging February days – the morning started out well – waking up without an alarm clock, writing in my gratitude journal, yoga stretches for my lower back, and a walk to work that includes a challenging incline that leaves me exhilarated. My office is now only 500 metres from home eliminating public transit but also my 40 minute walk. I decided that I need that walk so I am taking advantage of my awesome neighbourhood.

Lee Street — Feels like walking a mountain

A little pampering goes a long way. If you have a health insurance plan that allows for massage therapy, acupuncture or any other healing therapy, I strongly urge you to take advantage. For those who don’t, I recommend schools for Registered Massage Therapists, Chiropractors, Estheticians, Hair Stylists and more. The prices are extremely low in comparison and the treatments usually take longer therefore giving you a little extra pampering time. I have been taking advantage of our beauty schools for almost a decade. Colour, cut and blow dry for around $30. A simple wash and blow dry is only $10. Pampering on a budget for sure.

This week I visited my favourite manicurist for the best pedicure EVER. I have been going to Mary for Manicures and Pedicures for about 9 years. She changed locations in the Beaches3 times and I along with many others have followed her. A pedicure with Mary compares favourably to any high end treatment. She puts her all into her work and has a thriving clientele. She knows I am having trouble with my knee and really spends extra time on the massage. You can ask for extra massage and pay only $1 per minute at many salons in Toronto. I really recommend finding someone you like and becoming a regular customer rather than just dropping in. A mani/pedi at the many salons in Toronto are usually on $35. It is just one of the luxuries that I give myself every 4-6 weeks when possible – for me, it is definitely living life abundantly. You can find Mary at Professional Nail and Spa, 2221 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, 416-694-4111. Tell her Sandra sent you. (this is not a paid commercial just friends sharing great ideas)

The Amazing Mary

Profession Nail and Spa, 2221 Queen Street East, Toronto

Admittedly I am not a person who loves exercise and I really cannot motivate myself to join a class or go to a gym. I really do enjoy getting out to a pool and I am fortunate to have one only a few kilometres away. We are so blessed in Toronto to have community pools in every neighbourhood. Lane swims are very reasonably priced and leisure swims are free across the city. Spending 30 – 60 minutes moving about in the pool really is a great attitude adjustment.

Leisure and Lane Swimming at Main Square Community Centre

Main Square Community Centre

Stiff joints always feel worse in the winter (at least for me) and I have been faithfully doing yoga stretches for the past 2 weeks every morning. What a difference it makes! I am concentrating on the lower back, sciatic area, hips as well as neck and shoulders. I really appreciate the videos by Psyche Truth on YouTube. I am really blown away by the difference I am feeling this week after being consistent.

Here are a few youtube videos that I really like but I find I need to try a variety to keep it interesting.

How To Yoga Stretches for Low Back Pain & Sciatica Relief by Jen Hilman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f1Y4OV3QlA&list=PLdMcHk9t7WxMgmmIFj-0Won6m8uSjrExk&index=3

Neck Stretch Exercises For Pain, Tension & Stress Relief, Jen Hilman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaPRFm3EZWY&index=5&list=PLdMcHk9t7WxMgmmIFj-0Won6m8uSjrExk

Stretches for Back Pain Relief, How to Stretch Routine, Beginners Home Yoga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaPRFm3EZWY&index=5&list=PLdMcHk9t7WxMgmmIFj-0Won6m8uSjrExk

Yoga Workout | Low Back Pain Stretches Routine, How To for Beginners, Total Wellness Austin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue_vHLkMgzg

For years I went to tanning salons in the winter for the tan and for the warmth and the light. It really worked for me but I don’t recommend this. The dangers’ of tanning beds outweighs the benefits, in my opinion. I have never tried sun lamps to help with the lack of sunshine but it might be a great idea. I take my Vitamin D every day, get outside for a walk and dream of summer sun.

Spring tulips on a table, visits to a garden conservatory, green house, butterfly conservatory, art gallery, museum or even a night in a local hotel ( look for great deals online). Take a drive on a bright sunny day to a neighbouring town – visit a Farmer’s Market, Antique Shops and more. Don’t have a car? Rent one for the day, hop on the Go Train but get a change of scene this month. I once spent an adventurous day at Ikea during a blizzard. Travelled there by subway (had to change trains 3 times) and we were among the very, very, very few shoppers. We ate in their restaurant and the staff were offering us samples of different foods since there were only 2 other customers. It was a full day outing and I think all I bought were some bright yellow candles to go with my February tulips.

What are your secrets for a great February?

Posted on February 6, 2016October 21, 2019 in Healthy Living, Living abundantly, Travel, Travel

The Staycation continues and Some recipes

After an outstanding shopping experience at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, it is time to make the best use of all that fresh and delicious food.

Market day with Tovah — Heading out to the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto

Shopping in the market is really part of my staycation mentality. I love shopping in markets around the world and cooking my own food at home. The St. Lawrence is the best of what Toronto has to offer and it is really well priced. I bought all my groceries there this week. The lemons and avocados are huge – 2 avocados for $3 compares to a whole bag of those little one at a discount market. The same goes for lemons – 4 times the size of the ones in the grocery store.

It was all about the lunch yesterday. I treated myself to 15 fresh oysters – they were $1 each and an extra 25 cents to have them shucked. I was literally in heaven………….savouring every delicious bite. This is living life large. I don’t need an expensive restaurant – just amazing fresh food. Eating it right there in the market transported me to a picnic table at the wharf in Pt. du Chene, N.B.

I used my Uber account for the first time to get home with all my loot. My grocery cart filled to capacity. The trip was $13 – from downtown to the beaches – usually pay $10 with tip to get home from my local supermarket so this really isn’t a big difference. Kudos to Uber. They are really doing it right. The drivers are interesting, vehicles are clean and this really feels like the sharing economy. This has been a tough decision for me. I drove a taxi part time for 5 years in the early 90’s to supplement my income as a single parent.

For me the secret to healthy eating is being prepared. A kitchen filled with healthy options. Each week I make my own hummus. Today’s batch turned out better than ever and I thought it might be the perfect time to share the recipe.

Hummus Recipe

I soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas over night. Usually I do 2 cups at a time so I have chick peas to cook with during the week or to whip up another hummus batch mid-week. In the morning I cover the chick peas with water and boil for at least an hour. Rinse and cool the chick peas.

Now put the chick peas in your food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use your blender but usually need more liquid.

Add 1 tsp salt, 1 heaping tbsp cumin, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), ½ cup water, 1 clove garlic (or 1 tsp. Garlic powder), 2 tbsp tahini. I often add fresh or dried parsley and sometimes a sprinkle of red chili flakes.

Blend until smooth. Delicious!

This week I made a batch of Spinach and Basil pesto. I pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze so that I can use only a few cubes as needed over the next several weeks. It is great with soba noodles, or any wheat pasta, over fava beans or chick peas, and my favourite is mixed with spaghetti squash! I got this recipe over 20 years ago from my sister and she got it from the Moosewood cookbook. I lost the recipe years and this is how I make it.

Spinach Basil Pesto Recipe

1 large bunch of fresh spinach

1 bunch of fresh basil

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional). I am not eating dairy these days so I sprinkle nutritional yeast when I am eating it. I haven’t tried putting it in and then freezing.

¼ cup sunflower seeds (substitute pine nuts or walnuts). I always use sunflower seeds.

1 tsp salt

1 clove garlic

Everything goes into the food processor until it is liquid. Then I pour into an ice-cube tray, slip into a plastic bag and into the freezer.

When it is frozen, I break it into individual cubes and put into the plastic bag. This is so yummy and so easy.

Black Bean Dip

I also make this is in my food processor. I like to make everything the same day to cut down on clean up.0

1 cup dried black beans. Soak the bean overnight and cover with water and simmer for an hour.

Add the beans to food processor

1 tsp salt

1 lemon (juice only)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic

Few sprigs of cilantro

I like this thick so I don’t blend for too long. This is good as a dip or made into patties and baked or fried.

Posted on January 21, 2016October 21, 2019 in Healthy Living, Living abundantly

Frugal Food Shopping: Healthy Eating

With the cost of fresh food skyrocketing, we have a lot of decisions to make each week in the market. I chose last week to shop in Chinatown. I spent only $45 and went home with loads of fresh vegetables and several kilos of chicken. I love shopping in Chinatown on Gerrard or Spadina streets in Toronto. It just feels like I am on one of travels. This week washed bags of baby spinach and kale were only $1, kohlrabi was reasonably priced (when celery was $4), and delicious snap peas were very cheap. They also had 2 bags of avocados for only $3!!! Snow peas and Kohlrabi are new to my kitchen. A few weeks ago, I purchased a huge bag of small turnips for less than $2.

I just refuse to pay the current prices for cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, broccoli and cauliflower. It is time to get creative. The turnips are delicious eaten raw, thinly slice and dipped in my homemade hummus, eggplant or black bean dip. The same with kohlrabi. Have you eaten kohlrabi? I think I may have bought one once when I lived in Haifa. I peeled my mine and thinly sliced it. It is crunchier than a cucumber but similar in ts

I also was surprised that the cost of frozen vegetables in the regular supermarkets is still quite reasonable. I purchased bags of mixed broccoli and cauliflower for only $2 as well as bags of peas and corn (they are higher in sugars and not the best choice for me but they are comfort food).

One of my favourite fast food dinners is to take hash browns (the no-name ones have the lowest sodium) sautéed with fresh onion, garlic, zucchini, mushrooms and maybe peas or whatever I have. With a little Frank’s hot sauce, it is a gourmet dish. It could also be perfect paired with homemade turkey sausage*. I also do the same thing with cabbage. I love coleslaw especially in a vinegrette – mix a few different types of vinegar (like apple cider and rice wine), maybe a dash of oil, garlic, pinch of salt, and a little drizzle of honey. Cabbage is so affordable in the winter – red or green – eaten raw or cooked. I also make a cabbage roll casserole ( just too lazy to make cabbage rolls). Sautee onion and garlic, add cabbage, 1 can of no sodium tomatoes, 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 cup of water. Sometime I add 1 pound of raw ground chicken or turkey. Bake at 400 degrees for an hour.

Instead of bringing to work my usual salad of tomatoes, cukes, peppers, onion, olives with white balsamic vinegar, I have been bringing roasted vegetables. Throw anything into a roasting pan – lined with parchment and a quick spray of olive oil. This week I had mushrooms, peppers and eggplant. Delicious!

This is the time for soup and let your imagination run wild. Chicken soup, lentil soup, cream soups made with almond or cashew milk – think mushroom, kale, clam chowder. Limitless ideas and so easy.

My advice – don’t panic, buy local, buy according to season, cook from scratch and BE CREATIVE! Happy eating. Let me know what you are doing to eat healthy with the rising costs of food. Write me at sixtyinthecitynow@gmail.com.

*Sausage recipe – 1 pound ground turkey, 1 tsp ground fennel, 1 tsp garlic. The fennel is the ingredient that gives it a sausage taste but from there you can add any spices to suit your own taste – cumin, red pepper, thyme, oregano…..choices are limitless. Enjoy experimenting. I then roll the meat into a cigar shape and wrap in saran or tin foil and freeze. That’s it – no preservatives, no added sodium and I can cook 1 at a time.

Posted on May 1, 2015October 21, 2019 in Living abundantly, Living Life Large

A Love Story – My name is Gordon Shumway

In loving memory of Gordon Shumway beloved family friend who left us on Friday, May 1st, 2015

My name is Gordon Shumway and I have lived a long and full life. I have been loved every day and I have loved every day. I was born 12 years ago (that’s 84 in people years). My Dad adopted me and brought me home to his little house with the biggest and best backyard anyone could imagine.

We were pretty happy and spent hours and hours playing and hanging out.

Then it happened!!!!!!!!!! He brought home this pretty blonde woman for a visit. I liked her well enough but expected she’d head out after dark. She didn’t. So I ate her shoe!!!! I thought it would teach her a lesson and she’d go home and give me back my side of the bed. She didn’t.

One morning she and I were alone at home and I heard a big knock on the door. STRANGERS! I had to protect her and jumped up on the bed and threw my body over her and I barked and barked and barked as loudly as I could…………’cause no one was going to hurt my Mommy! Yup, I knew it even before they did. She was my Mommy and this is where she belonged and I loved her as big as the sky.

I like watching television but when there are other animals I tend to get a little over-excited and Mom and Dad had to teach me to turn around and look at the wall. It really works and is a good strategy for anyone who gets a little anxious. Just take a break and turn around and face the wall.

Honestly, I am just the most loved dog. I have a ton of grandparents. I love my Bubby (she’s writing my story). Bubby gives me the best back rubs. Sigh……when she comes to visit, I just sit in front of her and wait for her to start. If she ignores me for a second, I nudge her and tuck my head in her elbow until she remembers. I love when she massages down my spine and gets her fingers into my hips. She and I both have “Arf-ritus”. For a while we both took glucosamine. I love when Bubby visits. She’s an early riser and as soon as she wakes up, we love to head outside. Sometimes I even wake her up…she doesn’t mind and it means we can go out and play for awhile and I get my breakfast really early! Three big cups of food and any pills or vitamins I am taking at the time. Bubby likes to count them out for me. She came to stay with me one weekend while my folks were away. I got to sleep on their bed and Bubby came in much later. She snuggled up to me and gave me a big a hug. I was so happy that I let out a big sigh and wiggled up closer to her!!! I do love my Bubby.

Bubby isn’t much of an artist but she drew a cartoon of our big garden and all the animals that are running around in the backyard when I am in the house. They eat our food and they know when I come out, I am going to have a great time chasing them. Hahahaha…so much fun…especially the squirrels. You should have seen me go! I was so fast back in the day.

Life was great…I had everything a dog could want. There were good times and bad times but I just loved my Dad and my Mom through it all. Then one day….we were four in the house!!! Life got a little hectic….man, that little cutie takes a lot of attention but I love him to pieces. His name is Oscar George. The first few weeks I thought Mom and Dad were going crazy….lol.

Me and Oscar. We're napping. — Me and Oscar. We’re napping.

I have my own bed and it is supposed to be my personal space but Bubby and my buddy/brother Oscar don’t understand that. They love to stretch out with me. Here is a photo of me and Oscar…I am the one with the greying whiskers.

My name is Gordon Shumway, I love you all and I know you will always love me.

Posted on April 23, 2015September 14, 2017 in Living abundantly

Staycation: That Hometown Advantage

I spent the last few months wondering where I wanted to go for a vacation this year. Spending May in France and Greece last year was one of my best vacation experiences. I loved the scenery, the food, the sea, the warm weather and the new experiences. I also loved visiting with great friends that made me feel wanted and welcomed….best feeling EVER!!! So how do I match that? Go back…do it again….maybe explore new areas. Should I go somewhere where the weather will be hot and spend my days swimming by the sea like Cuba or Mexico? I even considered a summer holiday in the Atlantic provinces where I grew up. I haven’t been back in the summer for over 15 years but I remember the beautiful beaches…Parlee Beach especially and the wharf at ……fried clams and juicy lobsters eaten at a picnic table on newspapers…..endless walking along the seashore, bonfires on the sand………..delicious memories but I want to share these with my daughters so I am going to postpone my walk down Memory Lane for at least another year.

I am a traveller and I believe that every trip adds to who we are and changes us (me) in some way. I was a Travel Agent and actually taught Travel and Tourism for many years in colleges. I travelled as an agent, as a tour guide, as an activist, and as a tourist. I have been to many Caribbean Islands….Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Johns, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico and to the Bahamas. I have taken several cruises (actually managed a cruising agency in the 80’s). I lived for two years in Haifa and spent much time in my beloved Palestine with 2 trips to Gaza. I have visited Jordan and Egypt, Turkey, Greece, The Netherlands, France, Portugal and England. I am sooooooooo lucky!!

And then I started to think about Ontario….maybe a cottage by a small, warm lake? Hmmmmm, or maybe Toronto, my hometown. I live near a large and fabulous lake that looks like an ocean. I have only a 15 minute walk to the boardwalk and let’s face it…I live in an awesome city with countless opportunities that I just never seem to get around to enjoying. I do walk along the beach often and last summer really took advantage of the olympic sized pool that is practically in my backyard. Last summer I walked a different route there and back each day…enjoying all the little streets and alleyways that make up this Toronto neighbourhood we call The Beach. Yup…I want a staycation and I want to spend it with friends and family. To start I have been making lists of places, of activities and of friends and as that list grew longer and longer, I realized it is more than a 2 week vacation but also countless weekends that can and should start today.

I intend to take lots of photos and share this world class city that I live and work in and I think it will be as incredible as any “away” destination. I can tell you about great food that I discover in restaurants, specialty shops and markets. I hope that you will share your own experiences and add to my list of possibilities.

So here is my “wanna do” list………….some things I have done and want to experience again…..

Turkish experience day – all things Turkey – coffee, shops, and pide for lunch and kebobs for dinner
French Day – Cafe au lait with croissants in a French cafe, picnic of cheeses, bread and sausage with a red checkered table cloth
Pig Roast at Bairrada Churrasqueira in Little Portugal
All you can eat grilled fish ($24.95) at Lisbon by Night
Greektown for an afternoon stroll eating spanikopita and a cold drink with appetizers on a patio.
Toronto Island for a day or an overnight. The Bed and Breakfasts look spectacular and can be booked on AirBnB or Torontoisland.org
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – best value is on Fridays after 4:30pm for only $10
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – Wednesday evenings from 6pm – 830pm are Free
Rouge Park – Hiking, Camping and a Sandy Beach and close to the city.
Rent a car for the day and just drive – Zipcar gives a free membership for use Monday to Friday. Cars2Go gives out free memberships at many events around the city.
Wing joint for wings and beer on a patio
St. Lawrence Market any and everyday of the week but it is recommended to go early on Saturday morning
Allen Gardens – botanical garden in the heart of the city and open every day of the week and it is free

Outside the city

Theatre in Stratford on the Avon River, Ontario
Sunfest, London, Ontario, July 9-12, 2015 ( 20 years of amazing world music and I have rarely missed a year)
A wine tour or theatre in Niagara on the Lake
Wasaga Beach – never been but everyone talks about it…..should I go?
Port Stanley, Ontario – this is a beach on Lake Erie – so close to London and I spent many a summer day there
Sparta, Ontario – a Quaker town that was established in the early 1800’s.
Grand Bend in Ontario on Lake Huron
Goderich, Ontario

Now all we need is some warm weather, bright sunny skies…………..looking forward to hearing more ideas and places that you love.

happy summering,

Sandra

Posted on September 10, 2014October 21, 2019 in Healthy Living, Living abundantly

Smile, breathe and laugh a little

Finally I am ready and able to return to my blog. What are the expressions? The best laid plans of mice and women….. or God is laughing at our plans. Yup, how true!! I just could not find that energy to write about myself during the massacre on Gaza this summer although my intention had been to write every week.

Sandra and fellow activist Nadine — World Pride 2014, Queers Against Israeli Apartheid

The healing journey is just that – a journey with all the ups and downs of climbing a mountain, swimming across an ocean or that journey of love. Wow!!! My practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the wonderful Emily Babaris, told me it would be hard. I scoffed. Ha!! Joke was on me. It is hard and it is a lot of work and it is so darn worth it!!!

I have to say that I am discovering a side of my personality I wasn’t really aware of. At my last treatment, Emily mentioned that my tongue was a bit swollen indicating that I am over –thinking. Oh yeah, my name is Sandra and I am an over-thinker!!! I have definitely been more than a bit obsessive/compulsive. I take my blood pressure over and over, I test my blood sugar way toooooo much and I weigh myself ten times more than I promised myself. Need a sign to carry…BEWARE – OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE OVER-THINKER. Actually if you know me, you probably know I don’t need the sign. Yikes!!

Now let me tell me you a little bit about the work. I am no longer taking any medications. I have stopped all four – nothing for blood pressure and nothing for my type 2 Diabetes. I am taking Chinese herbs that have been prescribed and drinking a special tea every day. I am eating healthier and less food. I am exercising at least 30 minutes every day and I am trying to meditate regularly as well. I see my TCM practitioner at least once a month for acupuncture and this month I went to a registered massage therapist for a full body massage.

How do I feel? I feel amazing!!! On average I am losing a half pound to a pound every week. My skin is clear, my eyes are bright and my energy level is beyond anything I have experienced in the past several years. I feel younger and lighter and healthy and happy. It is the best feeling ever. For the past 3 years I have been plagued with body pain – hip, knees, joints – stiffness and creakiness. It’s gone!!! Gone!! I am walking up and down stairs now without leaning on the handrails and without taking one step and bringing the other foot up but walking up and down stairs like a normal healthy person. I am walking faster and further and I don’t arrive so stiff and sore and exhausted. I feel myself breathing deeply and easily.

Well that is the physical side to it. The struggle of the journey is not giving up desserts especially ice-cream or cutting up piles of vegetables for every meal and not eating after dinner or 7:30pm. The struggle is the ongoing conversation inside my head. I worry about what I am eating, I worry that the numbers are not as low as they should be and I worry that it is not possible to meet my goals and be healthy. I write to Emily at least once a week. Today she reminded me that healing is a journery and healing takes time and that for now I am fairly stable. For me I hear her saying calm down….you are on the right path.

This is the right path for me. I spent my life since I was 30 talking about alternative healing and avoiding western style medicine. I then jumped right in with both feet and followed the plan of my general practitioner – every few months increasing the medicines and feeling sicker and sicker – truly becoming a patient. I hurt all over, my stomach burned, reoccurring diarrhea, lack of energy and every time I took my pills I felt like I was poisoning myself. I tried smudging my pill bottles and blessing them…..nothing really worked.

So what is it I am eating? Typical breakfast these days is a bowl of steel cut oatmeal with almond milk, some berries, and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Lunch is a big salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, peppers, onions, avocado, olives and feta. Dinner varies but I try to have a few vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts, zucchini), brown rice and some type of protein. I am limiting my meat and fish to 3 to 4 times a week. I love chicken – broiled, baked or grilled. Sometimes I sprinkle Panko crumbs over them (lowest sodium of all crumbs). I actually made my sausage using ground lean turkey. I mixed it with ground fennel seeds, cumin, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and then rolled each into a little weiner shape and wrapped individually in tin foil. Omgawsh, they are delicious without added sodium or nitrates. Guilt free eating!

Brown rice noodles with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped vegetables

Brown rice with zucchini, yellow peppers, onions, garlic, spinach and more

I am most proud of my exercise routines. I am the one who hates exercise the most, fears the gym and just hates to sweat. I know that I have always loved dancing and that there are certain songs that made me start moving even in my chair….soooooooooooooooo…..I made a playlist of workout songs on youtube. I have songs from the 50’s to today. Kt Tunstall and Chubby Checker and everything in between. Remember YMCA, Pop Goes the World, the Macarena, the Chicken Dance???

I have several hours of music and don’t have to play the same ones over and over which keeps my routine fresh and interesting. Here is my playlist. It includes a few yoga workouts that I really like as well.

At home I lay out my yoga mat, put on the tunes and dance. I stretch, do some yoga moves and work up a sweat for a half hour. Most important – I smile, I breathe and I laugh a little.

I invite everyone do just that – smile, breathe and laugh a little

Peace and love

Posted on July 20, 2014October 21, 2019 in I Married Myself, Living abundantly

I Married Myself

In the summer of 2012 I got married, on the beach at sunset. I had only one guest with me– a woman I cared very much for. I did not marry her, I married me. I was ready to commit for life to myself. I was ready to promise to Love, Honour and Cherish me. Forever. It was time. I was 56 years old. It was one of the pivotal moments of my life and I loved every second.

It is not that I have never been married. In fact I have been married a few times before and who knows? I might do it again but this one is forever. This is a commitment to love, honour and cherish myself. In all future relationships, I will put myself in a place of importance and of value.

We started the afternoon with a little shopping and then an early wedding supper at one of my favourite “all you can eat sushi” restaurants located in Toronto’s annex. We were meeting another close friend and would share my wedding plans with her. Dinner was delicious and we laughed and enjoyed the whole idea that soon I would be marrying myself on the shore of Lake Ontario.

not actually buying a wedding dress....but having some shopping fun — not actually buying a wedding dress….but having some shopping fun

My companion and now wedding planner and wedding photographer guided me in building a circle of stones drawing on Indigenous practice. I chose 16 large stones for my circle. Each stone represented something in the tradition of the medicine wheel. She explained the meaning of each stone.

After I built my wedding circle, I chose to use the lake as my Mikvah ( a ritual cleansing bath from my Jewish practice). In Judaism, our tradition teaches that impurity can be relieved by immersion into any body of natural flowing water. I completely immersed myself 3 times as the sun set and the sky darkened. I sang the Shekianu – Boruch ata, Adonai, Elohanu Melach Ha’olam. Shehekianu, vikimanu, vihigianu, lazman ha ze, Amen – a blessing for a special or new occasion. My companion had placed burning incense upon the stones at each of the directions – north, east, south and west. I changed into an off white gauzy dress that I had bought in Aghios Nikolas, Crete the summer before.

When I came out of the lake, I entered the circle. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I said my vows. I promised to always love me, to be good to Me, to hold Me, to realize that I am never alone because I have Me. I promised to protect Me and care for Me.

That night I committed to wearing a ring that I had bought in Eilat on the Red Sea. I had gone away that weekend on a getaway – yes, alone. A much needed getaway from activism and a few unhealthy relationships. I traveled on an overnight bus from Haifa across the desert. I bought myself this beautiful silver ring with crystals, delicious perfume, and ate great food and drank lots of wine. I swam in the sea and walked along the shore. This ring – 6 years later, became my wedding ring.

We finished my wedding night drinking gin and lemonade on the beach under the stars and honouring this momentous occasion of independence and self loving.

Posted on June 21, 2014October 21, 2019 in Healthy Living, Living abundantly

On this Summer Solstice…do you want to dance?

Mmmmm, that type of morning where you wake up refreshed after a great night’s sleep (7-8 hours) excited to start your day with anticipation. I had a delicious breakfast of steel cut oatmeal made with lavender flowers and cinnamon and topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries with almond milk. I had my one cup of coffee (cutting back from 2) and then danced for 30 minutes.

Today is the Summer Solstice and it is my favorite day of the year. A day I always celebrate with family and friends. Today is extra special because my darling grandson Oscar is coming to visit and we are having our first sleepover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yowza!!!!

I love to celebrate the summer solstice beside the water

Just as I suspected, this healing journey I began, is not going to be an easy one. I remain committed to it. I have stopped taking my diabetic medication but I am still taking the ones for high blood pressure. I am going to concentrate on one problem at a time. My blood sugar remained stable for the first 2 weeks but has crept up a bit for the past 4 days. We have added a tea to drink daily along with my Chinese herbs and monthly acupuncture treatment. I don’t love exercise. I would much rather read a book or even watch a marathon on Netflix –Orange is the New Black, anyone? I know that I have to get moving, keep moving, move faster and make it a life habit. I am totally committed to this.

Emily Babaris, my Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner recommends that I exercise in some way every day for at least 30 minutes. She said walking, swimming, dancing, yoga – something every day. These are my choices but you might enjoy something else and that is good too. I do walk everyday for at least a few kilometres – just part of not having a car and using public transit. I really love not having a car (healthy, carefree choice for me and environmentally friendly) and using the Toronto transit system (TTC). I have a monthly pass that is delivered to my home by Canada Post. My payment is withdrawn monthly from my bank account. Easy, unlimited travel in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)…..perfect!

Emily Babaris, R.TCMP, R.Ac, BES, received her Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) certificate in Victoria, BC.

Ok back to exercise (see how easily I get off topic on that one– I knew I wouldn’t stay committed to a class or even going to a gym or a pool. Pooh! I am just lazy and hate to leave home soooooooooooo…….I know that I love music and that there have been many songs over the years that made me smile and made me just want to dance. I decided to make a workout playlist on Youtube. I added songs that inspire me to move. I am sure everyone has songs like this. My latest is Happy by Pharrell Williams – it makes me smile, makes me happy and inspires me to dance. I love Cyndi Lauper, The Divinyls, KT Tunstall, Men Without Hats, The Beach Boys and on and on. I add music to my list all the time. I always do lots of sun salutations and smile on each one. This is the way to start to the day. When I was in Provence last month, I found myself outside dancing and kept going for an hour!!! I also have a couple of yoga workouts that I have been using (also on youtube). I discovered “Yoga with Adrienne”. I like her routines especially the one for beginners and another one for weight loss. I also intend to add swimming this summer (once it really warms up) at the outdoor pool on the Beach near Woodbine. I am told these pools are free….what a bonus that is and I am excited to get started a few days a week. The pool opened last weekend. Check out a pool near you on the Toronto Parks and Recreation website or call 311 for information.

I love swimming in the lake near Leuty Lighthouse on a very hot summer day

Posted on June 7, 2014October 21, 2019 in Healthy Living, Living abundantly

My Healing Journey

This is my healing story. For many, many years I have been uncomfortable with the model of Western medicine. Each year for the past five years, my doctor has added another medication and increased the doses as well. I am now stiff in all my joints, my knees hurt, and my digestive system is often upset. I have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Since the diagnosis of diabetes last August, I have lost over 20 pounds. For the past few months I have been exercising regularly. I walk a few kilometres each day because I do not have car. I have just returned from a 22 vacation which was key in reducing stress. I arrived in Greece on Day 10 almost completely pain free. Was it the hot and sunny weather or the pleasant and relaxing days in France? I am going to explore it all in my journey for health.

A few months ago I started seeing Emily Babaris, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is located on the Danforth near Chester Subway Station in Toronto. For the first 6 weeks I had an acupuncture treatment every week and I have been taking herbs twice a day as well. My intention is to stop taking the medications prescribed by my doctor and rely solely on the Chinese medicine. This will mean continuing to lose weight through health eating, exercising at least a half hour every day, and reducing my caffeine intact to one cup of coffee from the two I have been enjoying each morning.

I love the Weight Watcher model for weight loss. It has always been successful for me. In 2003, I lost 35 pounds following their plan. I have to admit I have never attended a meeting or paid a cent in fees. I obtained their books and calculators from friends and family. The point is I ate a healthy well balanced diet and I counted my points. I maintained that lower weight until now. Once in a while, I find that eating out a lot will cause a weight gain of as much as 10 pounds but returning to my own cooking and reduction of salt will reduce that within 14 days. My goal is to lose another 50 pounds.

On Tuesday next week, I will meet with my family doctor to ask for her support in reducing my medications. I hope she will agree and continue to monitor my health through regular blood tests.

I have read about the side effects of the medications I am taking – one is said to cause diabetes and another leads to high cholesterol. That is the next medication she is expecting to add to my arsenal very soon. All of them cause joint and body stiffness.

I became a Reflexologist in 1995 when I was in my thirties. I became a Doula assisting women while birthing. I was committed to alternative medicine and had my own practise in London, Ontario. I worked in many modalities with Reflexology including flower essence remedies such as Bach Flower, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Touch for Health, Healing Touch and Reiki.

I started on this path when my oldest daughter was 12 years old in 1993. She was catching one virus after another and missing 5 to 10 days of school each month. It was a stressful year for her with her Bat Mitzfah scheduled in the spring and her personal commitment to school work, family and friends. Every time she was sick, I called the doctor who prescribed cough syrups and decongestants, Tylenol and often antibiotics. One day I just said this is enough! I took a course in healing foods. The next time she was ill I made a healing broth and had her drink it. NO medications. She got well and was not sick the next month. From then on, she and her sister caught a cold once year at the most. The cycle was broken. I shared this recipe with many others and always had very positive feedback from those who took it for colds and viruses, digestive problems and other mild illnesses.

Healing Broth Recipe

3 cloves of garlic

1 medium onion

Half a head of broccoli

½ medium size cabbage

2 carrots

1 potato

4 stalks of celery

Season with a little soy or tamari sauce

Ground black pepper

12 cups of water

Bring the water and all the ingredients to a boil and simmer for 90 -120 minutes. During simmering check the water level and add more if it looks low.

Drain the broth and keep the vegetables for adding to stews, soups or casseroles. I often puree them and add a little broth for a yummy cream of vegetable soup.

Serve immediately. Drink a cup of broth 3 -4 times a day for healing and cleansing.

I don’t believe the broth is the answer to my current health issues but I am committed to a new regiment of healthy eating, exercise, and Traditional Chinese medicine. I invite you to follow my journey.

Posted on May 24, 2014October 21, 2019 in Living abundantly, Travel, Travel

Returning to Greece aka going home

Being back in Greece feels so comfortable….of course, I don’t speak Greek and of course, I still have no sense of directions….I can walk 1 km and have no idea how to get back but I don’t care……always possible to find a solution somehow. There are so many things that are different here – the little elevators that hold a piece of luggage and 2 people maximum, turning on the hot water 20 minutes before a shower, metal shutters over the doors and windows that always challenge me to operate. The apartment where I have been staying in Athens has been completely renovated and the shutters work off a remote control. Best of all I love hanging my laudry outside on the clothesline and bringing them in smelling of the hot sun. It is a smell so delicious that I cannot stop breathing in the intoxicating fragrance. In Toronto, I have a rack that I put out on my balcony hoping that my building manager won’t knock on the door and tell me to remove it. It isn’t the same though. I think there is a special scent from the Mediterranean sun.

2014-05-19 20.10.03-1 — My beautiful apartment in Athens, Greeece

Today I had lunch in a restaurant in Illiopoli. I ate there once before and I remembered that the food is like home- cooked Greek fare. Today I had Pastitsio with a half order of steamed Swiss Chard. Pistitsia is a noodle dish cooked in a tomato meat sauce and covered in a Bechemel.

I am writing now on board a ginormous ferry that will take me from Pireaus to Heraklion on the island of Crete. There I will cross the street and board a bus that will take me to Aghios Nikolas where I will catch a taxi to the Dulac Hotel. At this moment I am drinking my first Mythos beer – a cold mug of draught and it is delicious. At least it is in Greece. I lived at the Dulac for 5 weeks in 2011. When they asked me what I did, I said I was very lucky to be able to do my work on the internet. It was somewhat true. Later when they learned what I was really doing in Crete (see previous blog), they were very supportive of our project – The Canadian Boat to Gaza – to break the illegal siege on Gaza.

The past 2 days I traveled 700 kilometres to the north with my wonderful friends Anna Stamou and her equally wonderful husband Naim Elghandour. Anna is a candidate in the European Elections which are this week. She is running for the Eco Green party. She wears a hijab, is a true Feminist and believes that women must be involved politically to make changes. She is so intelligent, so caring and never stops working for change. I know that I would not have been as successful with the preparations for the Canadian Boat to Gaza without their help. We went to Xanthi to speak with women and men about the upcoming elections. Xanthi has a Muslim community that has been there for centuries. Until only recently, this Muslim minority was not able to obtain building permits to renovate their home or to build new homes. They worked as farm labourers. The women I met I had been educated in Turkey – sent to boarding school at 12 years of age because of the prejudice that surrounded them from the other Greek communities. Today they are stronger and the laws have changed to allow all Greeks to own their homes and renovate them. Today their children are educated in Xanthi and mothers and children do not have to cry at night because they are separated. Meeting the women of Xanthi was wonderful. We went to the center square where like all Greek communities, people of all ages gather in the evening. One of the women is an English teacher and she speaks English very well. She and her husband met while they were students in Turkey. Now they have 2 adorable children – a girl 3 and a boy 1 ½. She invited us to her home that night for a late dinner and an informal conversation with several women. Dinner was delicious- cucumber and tomato salad, lentil soup, fried potatoes, small meat patties and a traditional pastry – filo dough filled with potatoes and rice.

The wonderful women of Xanthi.

The trip was long traveling 7 hours each day but it was such a rewarding experience. I got to spend some quality time with my friends Anna and Naim and I have made some wonderful new friends in Xanthi.

setting up the booth in northern Greece for the Anna Stamou, Eco Green party. European Elections in Greece are May 25, 2014

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