the natural cure

I've been told I give good advice. I like that. When someone I care about is going through a particularly challenging time, I'm glad I'm able to offer comforting and encouraging words and help them make sense of their situation. I know I'm not nearly as good as talking myself through the same things though. Like, at all.

Sure, I understand life is anything but easy... yet I find myself being so gosh darn impatient with my inability to know exactly what to do, and anxious at the possibility of "failure." What is up with that? Seriously. Oprah Winfrey once said, "Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility." I couldn't love or believe in that statement more. Still, I am left discontent with the monotony that is and overwhelmed by the possibilities that lie ahead. It just doesn't make sense. I don't understand my harsh logic either.


I wonder if, maybe, at some point in my life I won't feel this way. Maybe I'll be able to take a deep breath, a step back, and fully enjoy the journey I am creating, the story that is unfolding before me. It certainly is something to think about.


But whether that transformation happens or not, I mustn't forget to be kinder to my worrisome self. It is very okay that I'm grateful and fearful simultaneously. After all, I know firsthand I'm not the only one. 


And, if I truly need a break, I should give myself just that.


Recently, within the pages of this month's Self magazine, I discovered that there is actually scientific evidence to prove we can change our disposition simply by changing our scenery.

• Rivers, lakes oceans: "Water's aesthetic qualities, such as its rhythmic movement, may induce a calming effect on our psyche."
• Forests: "Woods spark contemplation and clarity. 'When we're isolated from the everyday hustle and bustle, we're forced to turn inward and connect to ourselves in a deeper and more focused way.'"
• Parks: "'Designed to be gathering places, parks give us a sense of togetherness, with their inherent social aspect,' ...And spending time quality time with friends and family is proven mood magic."

This is especially good news considering, this weekend, two friends and I are retreating to the Berkshires. We're going to soak up all the natural and cultural beauty we're able to in this short time, and also enjoy a few restaurants. 

Image via Pinterest

P.S. Just the other day, I was also told I am the most introspective person someone has ever met. That I could have assumed with confidence :).

happy banana bread day muffins

I've been dog-sitting for the past few days and noticed more than a few of these:

Since reading this book, I no longer mix a banana into my every morning oatmeal. I even hardly ever buy them. Why? Barbara Kingsolver's words got to me. 

"Should I overlook the suffering of victims of hurricanes, famines, and wars brought on this world by profligate fuel consumption? Bananas that coast a rain forest, refrigerator-trucked soymilk, and prewashed spinach shipped two thousand miles in plastic containers do not seem cruelty-free, in this context. Giving up meet is one path; giving up bananas is another."

But, this is my parents' house, and they happened to purchase a bunch of bananas before they went away, so I thought I'd make banana muffins... then I found out today is National Banana Bread Day. Two fun, festive facts: 

• Bananas arrived in the United States in the 1870s and quickly became one of the most popular fruits on the market. 
• The first cookbooks mentioning banana bread were published during the Great Depression. Culinary historians believe that a resourceful housewife (who didn't want to throw away over-ripe bananas) may have invented the original recipe. 

And in the spirit of the holiday, I banana-bread-muffin-baked this morning :).

Banana Bread Muffins

2 cups whole grain pancake & baking mix

1 tsp baking powder

1 egg

1/4 cup agave nectar

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup melted butter

Ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. 
2. In medium mixing bowl, blend dry mix with baking powder.
3. In small mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients.
4. Add liquids to dry ingredients, stirring only until lumps are gone.
5. Place cupcake liners in muffin pan. Fill until 3/4 full and sprinkle each one with cinnamon.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until done.
7. Remove from oven and allow muffins to cool for about 10 minutes.
8. Choose one, remove the cupcake liner, place on a plate, add a smear of almond butter, cream cheese, or butter. Finally, enjoy!

a not-so-starving artist

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then an animator, then an interior designer. My current job is not even remotely similar to any of those positions. My friend Katie, though, wanted to be an artist... and she is.

Last Friday, I attended the unveiling of her latest work, a mural created for the Edwin Gould Foundation and entitled "Prime Root."

I couldn't have been prouder, especially being that I've basically known how talented she is my entire life. Together we've finger-painted, performed in plays, went to art camps, and workshopped in writing classes.

And now she's an artist, a real one. I just love lifelong friends. Chatting with her parents again, meeting her high school/college friends, seeing her work, toasting to her success (and bright future) could not have been more wonderful.

By the way, did you know gazing at art can be healthy? In fact, a study from University College London found that when people looked at paintings they liked, the part of the brain that governs pleasure (medial orbitofrontal cortex) lit up. The nerve center relating to romantic love (caudate nucleus) also brightened. Maybe that's how I managed to meet a seemingly great guy the following night who is taking me on a date tonight? We'll see :) but whatever works.