Regenerating

01 July 2013

My phone is bigger on the inside...


I succumbed to temptation and upgraded to an iPhone this past week. Mind you, it's not the latest iPhone (I got the 4 for free with my new contract) but it's an iPhone all the same. I wasn't prepared, though, for the challenge it gave my insides when that little white box appeared on my doorstep...

There is something so sexy about Apple Packaging.
Even the way the box slides open...

The new, higher, phone bills are a bit daunting, but aside from that I felt something else. I felt resistance.

I resisted starting the set up process for a good half a day. I put the box down (after I'd posted the above photo on Facebook with the caption "It's Here!!!") and went off to yoga, with my ancient texting phone in my pocket. After all...that was my phone...that phone represented the real me.

But did it really?

I felt resistance to break away from my meager little (ancient) texting phone to step into the Smart Phone Universe because I was holding onto some semblance of the old me.

The new me is the woman who walks out the door to yoga class every day with my water bottle and a smile on my face. The new me is the emerging health coach and future culinary arts student. She is not an ancient texting phone that shuts off without warning.

The friend I am currently staying with commented on the fact that it's hard to break away from the old because it's become who we think we are and unfortunately, sometimes who we had become was a lesser version of what we can be. And we hold onto that identity. After all...it's much easier to believe we aren't worthy rather than how amazing we truly are. We are capable of such greatness, it can be scary at times.

Keeping all that in mind regarding my new iPhone...did I feel they were for a certain "type?" Did I not feel worthy? Was I afraid I'd turn into one of those people who is tethered to their phone and all other devices? I want to continue to explore all these feelings because in reality I am upgrading my whole life. I'm becoming "Lee Ann 2.0" or maybe after Iona I am becoming 3.0 :D

So yes, I am now a member of the iPhone Universe and I admit to feeling a lightness surrounding it all now. It's more in line with the upgraded me.

Seriously killing me with the sexiness

And how COOL is my Doctor Who inspired TARDIS phone case!? The bigger part of me just wanted to be able to buy that ;) It fills me with glee every time I look at it.

XO

P.S. I'll be away camping all week (!) but have some posts scheduled for while I'm away. So please check back! Or you can subscribe to my blog via email using the link on the upper right hand side of the home page.

Team Players

26 June 2013

Perusing the shops in Galveston, TX


I love it when people effortlessly go with the flow. Take last night for example. I went to yoga class (6th day in a row! 7th class!) and after sitting and waiting (and resting), our teacher was a no show. Did we all pack up and go home? Nope. One of the students stepped in and led a beautiful class...

Another thing I love is seeing so many men taking the yoga classes. Some of them are very new to it all...but they are still in there doing it! The student who led the class was a man...but he was NOT one of the newbies. :)

Not only did it allow us all to relax and get what we came for, it created community. We were all so delighted at the end of class and grateful to our impromptu teacher that when we all looked at each other with joy and delight, there was a little bonding moment.

LOVE.


XO


What are you loving today???

Spiritual Healing

24 June 2013

Wall at Yoga Garden, San Anselmo


I've been in California now for over a week and so far. I've done yoga and been to a park where the fountain boast statues of Indiana Jones and Yoda. Sounds very California to me...

I'm also sleeping in a round bed, next to a giant gold Buddha statue...in an apartment where the house pet is a Cockatoo. 




WHERE AM I????

Exactly where I need to be right now.


After all the stress of "What do I do with my life!!!?" I am finally doing something with my life!

I came across a new student deal at the yoga studio across the way ($49 for unlimited yoga!) and have gone four days in a row so far. Today I might try for 2 classes :)

I have what feels like a cold but I think it's actually me detoxing from the stress of the previous months. I've experienced this before while on retreat as well as during my first acupuncture treatment. Today I feel much better.

I've taken the opportunity of starting my wellness journal (something I was given as a welcome gift when I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition). My classes have also started to encourage us, as future health coaches, to experience the process ourselves which I have found fascinating and difficult all at the same time. So, not only experimenting with different ways of eating (I don't like using the word "diet") but also taking a look at and repairing and/or nurturing our relationships, work, spirituality and physical exercise. It's definitely a process and going through a detox amidst it all is not surprising.

I am very grateful for the experience though. I believe it will give me a wonderful head space to begin Culinary School within.

I also upgraded my ancient texting phone (which randomly shuts off) for an iPhone. Now...it's not the newest one (I got the phone "free" with a contract renewal) but it's an iPhone all the same. Not something I thought I'd ever get (but I stopped saying "never" a long time ago). The thing I am even more excited about...besides the iPhone's camera...is that I bought a case that looks like a TARDIS from Doctor Who. LOVE. I might even blog about that all by itself. I have noticed a pattern with my phones. I tend to get a new one every time I go through a major life change...when things are on an upswing. Otherwise I hold onto the phones until they break or are stolen.

So that's the scoop. I plan to do yoga every day...interrupted by a week of camping. I also want to look into some part time work or projects. I want to manifest fun ones though...and ones that will accommodate my yoga schedule (never thought I'd say that!).




Life is an extraordinary and crazy thing.


XO

We are What we Eat

Why the World Needs Health Coaches

23 June 2013

Mosquito Cafe, Galveston Texas


This week in health coach training I have been experimenting with my eating. Now, I do this a lot anyway, but this time it was for more of a purpose. The whole "You are what you eat" mantra is really coming into focus...

I took the above photo before enjoying a lovely caesar salad at Mosquito Cafe in Galveston Texas. It ended up being the last meal for a bonding I've had on my front tooth for the past 20+ years. I'm not saying the salad caused the tooth to break...it was just a coincidence. The salad was super lovely and an antidote to all the (delicious) fried southern goodness I'd been indulging in for days.

If we take the time to listen, our bodies know what they need to thrive and if we know the healthy alternatives to our cravings, even better.

I've been trying to listen to what my body wants a lot more these days.

The results have been interesting. Some days I even ignore it. Some days I really DO want that burger.

It's all about balance.

This week we were exploring raw food. Now...I found a lot of the ideas very interesting, actually and although I am not going to go all raw, I do want to add some more raw food into my diet. There are a lot of benefits. As a rule, our plates should contain at least 80% vegetables and a palm size portion of meat is more than enough (I don't want to give up meat!)

In class we listened to David Wolfe speak and I was introduced to the concept of not eating proteins and starches together.

SO...I had a salad with my Muffuletta instead of fries.

We do what we can.

XO

Wherever You go, There You Are

17 June 2013

Writing on the Wall


So, here I am in California and guess what? I'm enjoying the quiet and the transition time. I'm liking the fact that there isn't much I have to do right now and no pressure to accomplish much. The result? Stuff is getting done and I'm still sleeping in...

I actually don't have much to say right now. That's why I'm "late" putting this post up.

After about 4 months of not only trying to put the puzzle together but find the pieces, I don't have much to do but wait for my next chapter to begin (Culinary School in August).

So, I've run away to California to stay with a friend and create some new habits (hopefully all good). ;)

We are committing to eating healthy and getting some exercise every day if possible...but no stress or set schedules. A luxury.

I have to say that I needed the 7 months outside of corporate America (while on Iona) to readjust to my own way of thinking when it comes to work. This Summer is also going to be very valuable. The silence in my brain is so welcome. I am so grateful. 

As I move towards the food and health coaching world (and hopefully my own business one day) this long decompression time is so needed.


So, that is all I have to say today. I'm going to turn my attention towards school right now and savor the Summer.


XO

Aw Shucks

14 June 2013

Grilled Oysters at Acme Oyster House - Covington, LA


Another first down in Louisiana was eating grilled oysters. I've never been much of an oyster person. But, damn were these suckers good...

I had an oyster filled day, actually, adding in an oyster caesar salad about an hour later at Abita Brewery for dinner. We had decided to forget about coffee at a cafe in favor of grilled oysters and beer at Acme Oyster house in Covington LA.

I found out, later, that the beer I chose at Acme (Abita's Andy Gator) has a super high alcohol content. :) That would explain why I was so chatty (even more than usual).


I also struck up a tipsy conversation with the guy shucking the oysters. It's a skill, let me tell you.





XO

Flying High

12 June 2013

Jamie at Edinburgh Airport


Today I will be flying to San Francisco. Normally I only fly about once a year, but this year I've been on the move! To be honest, flying is something I LOVE...

I'm not a big fan of the stress I feel before I get to the airport (will there be traffic?) but once I'm on that plane, the excitement of going away sets in and I am one happy gal.

Quick shot once in our seats

See you in San Francisco!!!

XO

Gumbo

07 June 2013

Desire Oyster Bar, New Orleans


The first stop we made in New Orleans was Desire Oyster bar for some gumbo (Gumbo!) and barbeque Shrimp (which wasn't what I expected)....

The gumbo was magic. It's no wonder that gumbo makes me so happy (aside from how fun it is to say "Gumbo") because I found out that gumbo file (a spice) is made from ground sassafras...which is a natural mood lifter (and also fun to say).





I didn't get any great food shots, unfortunately. I was too all consumed with the deliciousness in front of me. The shrimp was almost like another bowl of gumbo...the sauce was so rich, I was so glad we were sharing one bowl. One of my favorite lines from the meal was when my friend told me that no one eats the rice with the bbq shrimp because it just fills you up :) The garlic bread was amazing...no need for the rice ;)

Gumbo is one of the things I was looking forward to most...next to the muffuletta!!!


XO

Wandering

05 June 2013

The French Market, New Orleans


The thing I like to do the most when in a new place (besides eat and drink) is to simply wander...

I love to get the feel of a place and it's culture and compare how it is different than what I'm used to. I think it allows me to broaden my view of the world and become less judgmental.

Street Car, not named Desire...

When I was last in New Orleans, we had a bit of rain but it didn't stop me from opting into a walk around. Luckily, I was traveling with a fellow walker (my friend and I took a few walks while volunteering on Iona). It's a great way to see the world!

Beignets!

Wandering is something I LOVE.

XO

Spicing up Life

03 June 2013

Shelves at Central Grocery, New Orleans


Life is a funny thing. I don't think I ever thought I'd end up here. And by "here" I mean all the places I'm about to go to...

Roughly four months ago I was lamenting having to leave Scotland...my most favorite place on earth (a place a friend of mine always calls "magic land") and not knowing which way to turn. I had to come back to my hometown for a while to regroup. Mostly, I just wanted to hop back on a plane to the UK and couldn't figure out how to do that. Sure, I could go on volunteering until my money ran out...but that seemed a wee bit impractical. So I set my sights on creating a new foundation.

I flailed around a bit until I thought..."How about culinary school?"  Hmmmm...

This led to chatting with people through people and going on a road trip to Vermont to check out a school and then a blog post about my decision, which led to a friend telling me about another program. And THIS all led me down South to Louisiana. A place I never thought I'd go. I tend to have issues with heat :) But something felt right about the switch, and I am in LOVE with the food down there. I used the need for research as an excuse to go to New Orleans and eat. I couldn't help myself.

So, after more thought...I decided on this path, which was such a relief. I'm also studying to be a health coach, which was another passion that kept creeping up. I found out about an online school (The Institute for Integrative Nutrition), randomly, through a friend of a friend and before I knew it, I was on the right path.


The only "problem" I saw coming, was how to spend my Summer. When you only have about two months to give a place, your options are limited. Also...I was having flashbacks of some of the horrible Summer jobs I had as a kid growing up here. The brain is a funny thing. My outlook was less than optimistic for a happy Summer.

And just like that...a life line appeared in the form of a truly wonderful idea from a friend. To come out to California for the Summer.

Now, the old me would have passed on this. Fear of the unknown and of inconveniencing my friend would have taken over. The post Iona me, however, jumped at the chance.

How often to times like these come up in our lives? And right now I have the time.

I spent years not doing much of anything because of fear. I don't want to live like that anymore. There is still fear in taking chances, but at least you never have to worry about the what ifs. 

I certainly never thought quitting my job and living in Scotland for 7 months would lead to living in the South and spending a Summer in California but I'm embracing all these things. My ultimate goal is to go back to Scotland, so I'm definitely not sure how these detours will lead me backEven the time here in my my hometown has brought gifts. Time out of the city, quiet, nature and reconnecting with high school friends who are truly remarkable people.

All of this continues to show me what an amazing group of friends I have created while on my path of self discovery. Every time I'm not sure which way to turn, someone lovely appears to take my hand and guide me.


So:

• Health Coach Training Course: √

• Culinary Arts Program: √

• Lovely California Adventure: √

My ultimate goal is to go back to Scotland, so I'm definitely not sure how these detours will lead me back. I sort of felt like I was cheating on my dreams by staying here for a while but I believe there is a bigger plan, and it's always unfolding. I'm trying to keep my eyes open to all the twists and turns. It feels really good to be in the period of clarity that follows confusion and chaos. I know the chaos is a necessary part of the process, but it sure can suck.

So, last year on June 6th I was arriving on Iona to work in the Abbey Kitchen and this year on June 6th I'll be boarding a train to New York City to begin a totally unexpected adventure! 

I never went away to Summer camp as a kid. I guess I'm making up for that now.



XO

Opportunities are Knocking

29 May 2013

Antique Shop in Louisiana


It's been almost one whole year since I flew out to Edinburgh so I could change my whole life, and it seems that was only the beginning...

I came back to the States this past January. I was exhausted and more than that...I was lost. I've spent the last 4 months trying to figure stuff out, and it seems I finally am!


My current plans:

• Spending the Summer with a great friend in California...

• Continuing my health coach training...

• Epic road trip back down to Louisiana, where I will attend...

• Culinary School...

After all that, I hope to head back to Scotland for a while...but one thing at a time!

It all sounds so simple, doesn't it?

I realize that my carbon footprint is pretty big this year and I intend to slow it down, but I am so grateful for all these opportunities to see where I want to be and what I want to be doing with my life. I feel blessed and oh so grateful...even during the difficult times.



XO

Thinking of You

27 May 2013

Carry Out Lunch from The Abbey

I'm swapping my Monday and Wednesday posts this week. I figured I'd take a little vacation today with some LOVE.

While working on Iona, on our days off from the Abbey, we were allowed to sign up for carry out meals. It gave us a chance to have some extra free time. As much fun as chatting with the guests was, having more time to ourselves was wonderful...

One thing I loved, working in the kitchen, was writing on the cling film that covered the carry out dishes. We would put hearts and stars and happy faces alongside the names. It was a fun way to show we cared about our friends.

And sometimes, as the above photo shows, I got a note as well ;) This one came courtesy of my friend Fiona :)

(I used to joke that it always rained when I decided to carry my food across the road and up the hill. Hence the water droplets on the cling film).

Unexpected thoughtfulness is something I LOVE.

XO

Please share what you love in the comments section or on my facebook page! 

Breakfasting Away

24 May 2013

All hail the bacon roll!


One of the things I love the most about travelling is going out for breakfast!!! I'm reminiscing a bit right now about breakfast while out and about in Scotland...

While living on Iona, I mostly ate toast in the mornings or cereal, but rarely eggs because we didn't have cooking facilities in the vollie quarters. I missed eggs for breakfast so much so that when we had a day off, and planned an outing, breakfast was a huge part of the excitement.

Sometimes it was breakfast on the ferry to Oban...another fun thing to do. Other times it was on the go before charity shop browsing or walking around.

Pure Bliss.

The following photos were taken in Craignure, on the Isle of Mull, last Summer...

I realize that this is another LOVE type post! Hmmm....But it's food related ;)


XO

P.S. Tomorrow marks one year since I left my job in New York City to go and volunteer in Scotland for 7 months, and now I'm beginning a whole new journey...

Words of Love

22 May 2013

Bluff Point, Groton CT


Love certainly has a million different feels...not always warm and fuzzy...but there are also so many different words to express them and it gets even more complex than amore...

So today's LOVE is focused on words of love. I am re-posting this list from a site I found while kicking around on Facebook. You can read the entire, original article HERE.

10 Beautiful Words About Love That Don’t Exist in English

1. Mamihlapinatapei (Yagan, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego): The wordless yet meaningful look shared by two people who desire to initiate something, but are both reluctant to start.

2. Yuanfen (Chinese): A relationship by fate or destiny. This is a complex concept. It draws on principles of predetermination in Chinese culture, which dictate relationships, encounters and affinities, mostly among lovers and friends.

3. Cafuné (Brazilian Portuguese): The act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair.

4. Retrouvailles (French):  The happiness of meeting again after a long time.

5. Ilunga (Bantu): A person who is willing to forgive abuse the first time; tolerate it the second time, but never a third time.

6. La Douleur Exquise (French): The heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone you can’t have.

7. Koi No Yokan (Japanese): The sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall into love.

8. Ya’aburnee(Arabic): “You bury me.” It’s a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person, because of how difficult it would be to live without them.

9. Forelsket: (Norwegian):  The euphoria you experience when you’re first falling in love.

10. Saudade (Portuguese): The feeling of longing for someone that you love and is lost. Another linguist describes it as a “vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist.”

XO

Please share what you love in the comments section or on my facebook page! 

We Come from Many Places for a Little While…

20 May 2013

 
How much are those vollies in the window? Photo by Dawn Young


I actually wrote the body of this blog back in November, when I was still on Iona. I'm not sure why I never posted it but am going to do so now since it reminded me of what I should be doing right now (being in the moment). I also reminds me how lucky I was to have spent 7 months of my life changing my view and meeting new friends...

These are friends who have opened up my world over and over again...who have given me a shoulder to cry on, a place to stay while traveling here in the States, and some have even come along for the ride. Seeing as I just spent a week exploring some of my future options with one of these amazing friends...I want to take this opportunity to express my love and gratitude. I know it isn't Wednesday...but I hope you will overlook that :)

***

November 7th, 2012

Yesterday I went with most of the vollies to Oban. It was an interesting experience since I was supposed to be one of the ones departing...

I am considering myself quite blessed these days and it's a weird thing to think about with all my family and friends having just gone through the devastation of hurricane Sandy.

The amount of love I have been experiencing here has been life changing. And I don't just mean how I've added words like "Rubbish" to my every day vocabulary...

To be honest, when I left New York I felt pretty battered in heart and spirit.

Today, I feel very much changed and I thank God for that because I couldn't have kept up the other way of life for much longer.

The ease with which I can move around within my heart these days is staggering. There is a peace there. A peace I had a difficult time summoning up in the last days of my former New York life.

Iona has brought me experiences I never thought I'd have. I am constantly surprised...and yet in some ways, not surprised at all. There had always been a little voice inside me that said, "Trust" and so I tried to be patient...to wait and see. It isn't always easy but the voice does tend to be right.

I am starting to think about what I shall do next. And it's not an easy thought at all. I have absolutely no idea which way to turn, so I'm hoping that if I stay in the moment long enough the wind will blow me towards something. A mindful something...something that has meaning and purpose.

One of the closing lines in our daily services is "We will not offer to God: Offerings that cost us nothing"

***

That is as far as I got with the original piece. The title of this post is also a line from the good old Green Iona Abbey worship book. Now I will remain standing to go out into my life.

XO

End Results

17 May 2013

At the end of a long journey...comes the reward


While I was on Iona last Summer, a friend and I would spend our days off together and going out for a beer (and sometimes burger) at the end of the day became a tradition. Seeing as I just spent a week with that same friend, I thought it was time for recounting those beers...

Managing our time was a delicate art, if the day involved going to Mull or taking the bus. We had to make sure we got on just the right one in order to make the last ferry back to Iona for the day. Guests also arrived on those days, so we had to be clever...



The end was in sight...



This bliss was indescribable...


Let me explain why this was such a heavenly experience...besides the day out in Scotland. A burger was a rare thing at the Abbey. We did have them on occasion, but they weren't quite the same as a burger at the pub or one of the hotels. Also, there was no alcohol in any of the centres...so this was double the pleasure.



Chips were also a decadent pleasure that we had to seek outside the abbey...



Couldn't have said it better myself



And you couldn't beat the view


I also still have dreams about the bacon cheese burger at the St. Columba hotel. It had Isle of Mull cheddar and Ayrshire bacon on it!!! Now, I ask you...


So, at the end of another journey...I am very grateful for good beer, food and friends to share it with.

XO

Oh the Places I’ve Been

13 May 2013

Stepping over the line


I'm one lucky gal. These feet have been to so many different amazing places over the years. Greece, Italy, Canada, St. Thomas, Ireland, and of course, the UK...

I started photographing my feet while on Iona and it became a little thing...just like taking pictures of my crisp packets (but that's another post).

I put together this collage of my feet in Edinburgh, Mull, Iona and England. 

Every one of these photos remind me of some of the best times in my life over the past few years. I hope to add to them really soon!



Edinburgh, 2011

XO

Kind of CHeesy

10 May 2013

Not bad for a first attempt, eh?


So, after participating in the cheese making workshop...I headed straight for the natural food co-op for some raw milk and lemon juice. Allow me to explain...

One of the things I realized is that the process for starting cheese is very similar to making yogurt. I make my yogurt in a slow cooker and then sometimes strain it to make yogurt cheese. The difference here, is that you add something to curdle the milk...which is what I bought the lemon juice for. You can also use something called Rennet...but since I found out that it is a chemical found in the stomach lining of baby, milk producing animals...I'd rather use lemon juice or vinegar. The curdling is less dramatic and you need a lot more lemon juice...but I just feel better about it (you also get a lovely lemony edge to the cheese). You can buy non animal sources of rennet, so I might try that some day.

So, here goes...


I used about 1 gallon of raw milk to get me started (I poured out about 16 oz for tea consumption throughout the week).





First you heat the milk to a little above body temperature (simply stick your finger in and test!) then culture the milk using whole milk yogurt. I added about 1/4-1/2 a cup.





Let the milk and yogurt combo sit for about an hour to let the cultures do their thing and then add the lemon juice. I started with about a cup. You can experiment to see if you need more.

Then, let there be curdles! After maximum amount of curdling has taken place, you can strain them out in a cotton towel. I used a flower sack towel. You could use cheese cloth if you wish or a cotton napkin, whatever you have on hand that won't get lint or dye onto the cheese.





Then, bundle it up and hang to drain out the whey. Leftover whey can be used for a wide range of things...drinking, soup, cooking, baking bread, feeding plants (although I avoided feeding plants with the lemony whey...not sure if they'd respond well to it). The list goes on and on. I added some to soup, cooked some collard greens etc.





After about 24 hours, I cut up the ball of cheese and put them in two different salt brines to preserve them. I added sage to one and crushed red pepper flakes to another.






So, to sum up...

Tweefontein Photo: Ruthy Hladky 

Super easy and fun!

XO

Enjoy!

Need I Say More

08 May 2013

Garden Shop in New Jersey


Here were are on the second LOVE-filled Wednesday! I am currently in New York City, no doubt having a lovely time...

If all has gone to plan, I am recounting to anyone within hearing distance how awesome Pippin was last night. Writing blogs in advance necessitates a bit of time travel in the brain.

So today's object(s) of LOVE are the stones in the above photo. I came across them while I was in New Jersey a few weeks ago. I love it when reminders show up in my every day.

Tomorrow I will be boarding a plane bound for New Orleans. Another item to LOVE.

XO


Please share what you love in the comments section or on my facebook page!

Out on the Town

01 May 2013

Mystic CT


A while ago I declared that the word for 2013 would be LOVE. I fear I have fallen way short of making that a reality. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again...

So, I am going to make Wednesdays the day for LOVE. I will post whatever is going through my mind in regards to love...photos, moments, song lyrics. Whatever is presenting itself to me. I encourage you all to share things you love with me as well. You can go to the Lion's Share's Facebook page or place comments below. I'd love to hear from you.

Tonight I am having dinner (in Mystic!) with a former high school classmate with whom I have recently struck up a lovely friendship. We weren't in the same circle during High School but I remember always thinking she seemed lovely and had an energy I admired. Funnily enough she said she remembers thinking similar thoughts about me.

High School is such a weird world. We tend not to break out of the social structure that we've fallen into.

I LOVE the freedom and friendships that getting older brings.

XO

I have rekindled a few of my old friendships while temporarily being back in my hometown. It has helped make this time of transition a lot Sunnier.