Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Caring for Karin

Sometimes, if you say 'caring' especially if you're like me and talk really fast like a chipmunk OR
if you have an accent, the word can sound like you just said, "Karin".

So, Karin...this is For You.

I've watched my friend, Karin, now for a few days mope about her house in her ex-boyfriend's sweatshirt trying to hold it all together.  I've seen her frown and scowl more often then I'd like to admit and for the first time in...well, ever... she kind of snapped at me and at first, I was a little hurt but then I also realized how much she was hiding her pain.

A few days ago, her heart was broken by someone whom shall remain nameless.  What truly matters as of now is Karin.  And right now she is struggling and it's heart wrenching to see.  I feel a bit helpless so I pondered on what I could do.  So, as I'm curled up in her favorite fuzzy purple blanket on her couch that swallows you up, I'm thinking of all the different ways she has helped me.  I'm remembering all the amazing things she has taught me.  I also wanted to dedicate this writing piece to her so that whenever she needed a reminder, she can refer back to this at anytime and turn that frown upside down.  :0)

I'm quiet sometimes. I also listen to not just words but the words that are not spoken.  I observe.  And what I've noticed with Karin is her strength.  She is strong.  She is strong for her family, especially for her son, Trent.  She is strong for her Sisters.  She is strong for anyone and everyone.  She is even strong for her ex-husband and now ex-boyfriend.  The very same individuals who have caused so much pain and grief but because Karin is well, Karin...she is now the more stronger for it.  She is so strong, even for HerSelf, that crying and releasing has been difficult.

So, Karin, my sweet Sistar...let the tears flow and allow yourself to grieve.  You don't have to be strong all the time.  We are stronger because of You, let us return the favor...

Here's something else you may have already suspected.  Karin has one of the biggest hearts on the planet.  It's GIGANTIC.  From her love and devotion to her family and friends, to the care and nurturing of the environment/Mother Earth, to the various causes especially the ones directly involving children, to her ginormous love and passion towards children in and of itself, to her love of Truth and the discovery of Self...she amazes me in ways that have expanded my consciousness and my own heart.  The deep love and gratitude she has shown and given to countless others is reflected by my own desire to show up fully and meet her as well.

Thank you, Karin.  Thank you for showing up even though you sometimes want to crawl into bed and curl up with your favorite fuzzy blanket that I may steal from you one day.  Thank you even if you do stay in bed.  Thank you for showing me that I can have gravy without mushrooms because that is a miracle in itself.  Thank you for trying food prepared by me with the knowledge that it has nutritional yeast and I know you don't care for it but because of who you are, you'll eat the food anyway.  Thank you for listening and being there for others even though your heart is broken.  Thank you for making so many children and babies feel loved AND thank you for making them laugh.  Thank you for allowing yourself the experience of loving again even though you were probably terrified at first.  Thank you for forgiving those that have caused you pain, stress and heartache.  Thank you for being HERE not only for Trent, not only for your family, not only for US but also because it just wouldn't be the same without you.

To the Yummy Dessert that You Are, Karin.  To the Beautiful Goddess that reflects back at you in the mirror, Karin.  To the Beloved Daughter, Sister & Mother that You continue to Be, Karin.  To the Shining Star that will forever Be You, Karin.

We Love You.
You Are Amazing and Loved Everywhere.
(And just in case you forget, your Iphone will remind You.)

In Loving Gratitude,
Athena


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Not Forever

It's at Night
or
Early Morning
when it's
the most difficult.

Remembering...

Warm bodies 
snuggled up 
next to one another, 
warm breath 
on the back of your neck, 
hands sliding 
ever so 
gently up and down 
the waking up part 
isn't such a chore 
but an almost 
welcome activity.
Soft lips 
kissing you 
ever so slightly.
Stifled giggles 
escaping from 
underneath your tongue.
Sleep and Dream.  
Dream and one Eye open.  
One Eye Open and one Eye Shut.  
Silently wishing it was a Dream.  
Then, feather like touches 
tickle your belly 
and solicits a smile.  
Your wish 
for it to be a Dream 
diminishes 
and 
Gratitude 
flows forth 
just for BEing awake.

It's times like these 
you don't think 
'not forever' 
but recall snapshots 
of days together.  

'Forever' 
is tattooed 
with every kiss, 
each caress, 
all the moments 
you looked 
into each other's Eyes.

Love is the drug
you say
you'll never
get addicted to
but then
the bed is so empty
with only you in it,
the nights seem colder
even with piles of blankets on top
and the heater at full blast,
and each day without a phone call,
message,
text
accumulates to
imaginative,
Godly
proportions
you're found
hovering in the kitchen corner
attempting to hide your shakes
but the knife
you're using to
chop up vegetables
gives you away.

Let's Face It.

You're.
Addicted.
To.
Love.

Shit.
Fuck.
No Way.

Denial.

Suddenly,
there's a knock
at the door.
It's tentative.
You've collided
into the chair
and you're now
frozen
in your
ninja like stance
that is
currently
the only thing
that's keeping you
from
f
a
l
l
i
n
g.

You hesitate.  

You silently
and secretly
hope
it's...
...you know...

You wait.
With that
wavered response
you anticipate
a second knock
but there
is only
Silence.
Your hand is on the door knob.
You squeeze and turn.
Pulling towards you now.....
and Peek!

No one.

You think
for a second
that maybe
somehow
a Harry Potter
invisibility cape
has been discovered!

Then,
you see it.

A box.
It's a fuckin' Box.
On the ground.
Waiting and looking lonesome.
Forlorn even.

An exaggerated sigh
escapes your lips.
The disappointment
is unmasked
in your slumped shoulders.

The package,
now cuddled
like a football,
finds a place
inside
as you close
the door
to the world,
still hoping
for something
that will
never
be
there.
Not today.

Regret sinks in.

Conversations replayed
and repeated
but different responses
and comebacks are said.
You even imagine
a background laugh track
because
you're
so
much
wittier
and
wiser
now,
in retrospect.

The haves,
have nots,
shoulds and
I wonts
continually repeat
inside your head
they become
your daily mantras.

You want to
pick up the phone
and call
but what to say
never comes
so the hand stays
in mid air,
then falls to your side
absentmindedly.

Blank pages
filled with
emotions and feelings
never expressed.

Black ashes
found in the sink,
remnants of
tear blotched letters
burned
and never sent.

The heart,
once filled
with an over flow
of love,
feels like
a barren wasteland.

And tomorrow...
.....seems like
it's so far away.........

 *This piece was inspired by what happens after a break up. Those feelings, those thoughts, the memories, etc. But, now that I think about it, this piece could also somewhat describe when you really miss someone. However, it really does hit home for the heartache and loss of having to say good-bye to someone you still love dearly...and I attempted to capture that experience here. ~A

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Goddess Cafe


One Day...

For the longest time, I've had this desire to have a cafe of my own..and not just any cafe, a Goddess Cafe featuring non gmo, organic, vegan, gluten & soy free yummylicious food and desserts. It would be THE place where people congregated, gathered and connected. The Center where enlightened souls divulged in orgasmic morsels and discussed their current spiritual practice(s) or latest novel being voraciously devoured. 
It would be a space where spiritual nourishment transcended from a 'practice' to a work of art such as tonight's dessert served in a wine glass: drizzled chocolate love sauce on the inside, a bottom layer of the special yoni berry sorbet, layered with ice cream and topped off with chopped up banana and yes! more chocolate sauce. Special chants, prayers and crystals were used. The end result? Total surrender for your taste buds and comfort food that essentially was intended to activate a mind, body, heart connection. 

Who says you can't have an 'experience' while satiating your appetite?
And if there are skeptics and naysayers present, I'd like to invite you to try some Yonilicious Chocolate Love sauce if you're up to it...for that, my sweeties, is one of the reasons why the Goddess Cafe came into fruition. :0)

The Premise:
Until a proper location is secured, the Goddess Cafe is mobile and travels within Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties.  However, traveling not only domestically but internationally is a possibility for the future. Most items are purchased from our local farmers markets and made with more love than the world has people. Seriously. 
Food is prepared and served at the designated Goddess House. Typically, The Goddess Chef chooses a theme and creates a menu. We gather together, eat, laugh 'til our bellys hurt and our tummys are filled to capacity. 

Who We Are:
We are Conscious Women co-creating and sharing our Gifts. We are a network of Spiritual BEings whom love to cook, connect, share, laugh, support and live healthy lifestyles.  We are passionate about so many different causes ranging from health, environment, politics, animal rights/activism, feminism, spirituality, and alternative healing to name a few.

Our Intention:
We feel that the choices we make and the steps we take directly reflect who we are and what we stand for. To BE healthy is to Live healthy and in order to do that, being mindful of what we put into our bodies is one of our top priorities. And we'd like to share our Love of Good Food and our hearts with You! We offer collaborative dinners, potlucks, and presentations.  Not to mention edible, educational and entertaining workshops showing you how easy it can be to eat with heartfelt and healthy intentions.

And, guess what? It's only the BEginning! :0)

For a tasty teaser, check out tonight's menu below!

Menu for 02.19.13

Theme: Comfort for the mind, body & heart
For Karin.

Starter: Kale salad topped with hemp seeds, almonds, mangoes. Simple dressing of hemp oil, apple cider vinegar, mango bits and salt 

Entree: Mashed potatoes mixed with rice milk, vegan butter, nutritional yeast w/ gypsy dance gravy (veg broth, gluten free flour, onions & garlic, herbs, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper). Sautéed Mushrooms on the side for Holly & moi because we are the biggest mushroom lovers in the world.

Side dish:  Corn sautéed w/ spinach, basil, garlic w/ the usual Athena staples (nutritional yeast, Himalayan or sea salt, pepper, love, giggles & shakes)

Dessert:
Special yoni berry sorbet: strawberries, blackberries, pineapples, maple syrup, coconut sugar, prayers/chants topped with special Chocolate Love sauce, chopped bananas with layers of ice cream served in a wine glass.
I made two kinds of chocolate sauce because Holly has an allergy to nuts and has some difficulty with coconut oil.
Holly's chocolate sauce consisted of: hemp oil, cocoa powder, toffee flavored liquid stevia, maple syrup, cinnamon, date syrup and crystal water.
The second consisted of the same ingredients except instead of hemp oil, coconut oil was substituted.

The dessert looked something like this:






A dessert fit for a Goddess...and that Goddess is You!

xoxo

Friday, February 15, 2013

Rise With US


I wrote this piece because I was partly inspired by the overwhelming participation of so many amazing and beautiful individuals for the One Billion Rising phenomenon.  I was also pondering this: what can be said to combat those that have strayed away from the path of peace? What can be said to those whom have forgotten from whence they came from?

The depths of a woman far surpasses the journey to the Earth's core or to the cosmos of infamy.  We are Life Givers, Wisdom keepers, Healers, Teachers.  Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters.  We aided in dreaming the World into BEing.  The waters that flow within us connect All to the rivers and seas of Mother Earth and even then only partially contain our emotional capacity.  We live and Breathe Life.  We live and breathe Love.  We live and breathe Emotion.  We live and breathe Intuition.  We are Goddesses whom walk this Earth.  We are the Peace keepers.  We tend the Hearth of the Home.  We bring the sense of 'Home' with us wherever we go.  It is not in our nature to instinctually fight or go to war.  It is, however,  within us to protect those whom we love dearly and when instigated and/or provoked, that ferocity will be unleashed.

When we are raised in a loving environment where we feel safe, cared for and properly supported, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Together, in unity and solidarity, we are a force to be reckoned with.

And yet, atrocities persist. Avarice is recycled and spread.  This current reality ensues. 
I wish it were not so. Violence, rape, incest are words I hope to never utter again.  

Do not bully us.  Do not hurt us.  Do not abuse us.  Do not fight us.  Do not fear us.  Do not belittle us.
Do not enslave us.  Do not harm us.  Do not shame us.  Do not judge us.  Do not deceive us.

Do not underestimate us.

Instead…

Choose to support us.  Choose to love us.  Choose to grow with us.  Choose to evolve with us.  Choose to respect us.  Choose to honor us.  Choose to shine with us.

Choose to sing with us as we harmonize together in the Song of Life.
Choose to dance with us in rhythms that transcend space and time.
Choose to create with us a world of peace, prosperity, creativity, joy and Love.

Choose to Rise With Us.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Dance. Rise. Stand.


This coming Valentine's Day means something so different for me that I am at a loss of words to describe how I feel.

Walk, Dance, Rise
Walk, Dance, Rise

One Billion Rising rapidly approaches.  On Saturday, I left the dance rehearsal at the Bell Arts Factory with a glowing spirit and a deeper respect for choreographers and professional dancers alike.  Learning a dance routine is not as easy as it looks on all the video postings and the song lyrics didn't really hit home for me until now.

1:56 am
I've listened to the song a few times and read the lyrics.  Then, re-read the lyrics in its entirety and realized what a powerful song it is, not just lyrically but musically as well.

Dancing for my sisters. Dancing for my brothers.
Dancing for the dreams that were crushed with bruises and screeches.
Dancing for survivors.  Dancing out the pain.
Dancing for the ones we lost, they didn't die in vain.
Dancing for each other. Dancing for closed eyes.
Dancing and we won't stop. Together We Will Rise...





One Billion Rising....

http://onebillionrising.org/blog/we-have-an-anthem

Saturday, February 2, 2013

What to do when you're 'stressed'...

Some people have a difficult time indulging. Judgement, guilt and other 'stuff' come up when some think of having dessert(s). AND...what some don't know is that 'desserts' is 'stressed' spelled backwards...so when one is 'STRESSED', this is one of the things you could do...

Are you counting calories and granules of sugar? Are you depriving YourSelf of the well deserved Dessert you've earned after a hard day's work? Are you beating yourself up and judging YourSelf after eating that bar of chocolate?

Why in the name of the Goddess/God are you doing that?

Soooo....what if you can indulge guilt-free calorie-wise? What if you can savor the yummyness of a dessert with a low glycemic level of sugar AND it's a blissful orgasm in your mouth?  I mean...think about it. When was the last time you allowed yourself the deliciousness of something that was simple to make, was actually good for you AND tasted like you'd died and gone to heaven? If you took longer than a second to answer then... it is time for you to indulge...

First, let's just be really clear here. This is just for you.

Ready?
Do you swear?
Do you pinky swear?

Okay, then.
Read on...

Recipe for:
Vegan Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Single serving

Equipment:
Blender

Supplies:
wine glass (because dessert in a wine glass always makes it better!)
spoon (teaspoon or table spoon, your call)
lighted candle for ambiance

Ingredients:
-half of an avocado
(if you have more then this is the only time you're allowed to share but first you'll have to promise to have yours first... ;)
-1/4 to 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk (I used rice milk but hemp milk, almond milk and coconut milk will also work)
-3 tbl spoons of coconut sugar
-3 tbl spoons of cocoa powder
-3-4 drops of toffee flavored liquid stevia (this is optional. I added this later because I realized that it needed something so I put this in and liked the taste)
-a few drizzles of chocolate syrup (mix together 1/2 cup of date syrup (soaked pitted dates and water blended), melted coconut oil about 1/2 cup and 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa powder)
-a few dashes of cinnamon (optional)

Directions: place all ingredients in blender (except the chocolate syrup). Blend on high until all ingredients are blended thoroughly. If the pudding is too thick, add a teaspoon of non-dairy milk until desired consistency.  If the pudding has too much liquid, add in some more avocado by the tablespoon.  When you've achieved the desired perfection of your creation, drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside of the wine glass.  Pour the pudding into the wine glass.  If so desired, add a little bit more chocolate syrup on the top. Swirl, make a heart...create to your heart's content.

Now!

Grab your spoon and commence in your indulgence.



Congratulations! You have successfully indulged in a dessert that contains not only good fats (avocado), sugar that is low glycemic and chock full of minerals and vitamins (coconut sugar), an ingredient that contains dopamine which provides us with a sense of well-being as well as helping to release endorphins (cocoa powder)...you most importantly indulged!!

Close your eyes and let the makings of your beloved dessert carry you to the blissful state of no longer being 'stressed' but becoming just 'desserts'...

Welcome to the World of the Living and Loving...You...