I find that I fight a food battle every week or so. We started a strict budgeting program which allows me to go to the grocery store once per week. Towards the end of the week, we are pretty tight on things, but we make it work. It's not always as easy as just making a sandwich, because we may be out of sliced turkey or cheese, but there is always something that we can eat. We will not starve. (I am perfectly aware of the abundance we live in and I try to remind my kids of that regularly, just as our parents did.)
After I go to the grocery store (and, mind you, I spend $100 per week), and put all the food away, I feel like we are gluttonous. The sight of food all over my kitchen, in the fridge, in the freezer, in the snack drawer, it all makes me feel like we have too much. Maybe we do. But it only takes a day or so for the kids to have a few meals and a few snacks and we're back to where we were at the end of the previous week. How can I maintain this balance without visiting Publix twice a week? Maybe I don't. Maybe this feeling of imbalance is important- for some reason.
Just something I think about regularly and thought I'd share. Anyone have any thoughts?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Minimalism and Simplicity
I find that I fight a food battle every week or so. We started a strict budgeting program which allows me to go to the grocery store once per week. Towards the end of the week, we are pretty tight on things, but we make it work. It's not always as easy as just making a sandwich, because we may be out of sliced turkey or cheese, but there is always something that we can eat. We will not starve. (I am perfectly aware of the abundance we live in and I try to remind my kids of that regularly, just as our parents did.)
After I go to the grocery store (and, mind you, I spend $100 per week), and put all the food away, I feel like we are gluttonous. The sight of food all over my kitchen, in the fridge, in the freezer, in the snack drawer, it all makes me feel like we have too much. Maybe we do. But it only takes a day or so for the kids to have a few meals and a few snacks and we're back to where we were at the end of the previous week. How can I maintain this balance without visiting Publix twice a week? Maybe I don't. Maybe this feeling of imbalance is important- for some reason.
Just something I think about regularly and thought I'd share. Anyone have any thoughts?
After I go to the grocery store (and, mind you, I spend $100 per week), and put all the food away, I feel like we are gluttonous. The sight of food all over my kitchen, in the fridge, in the freezer, in the snack drawer, it all makes me feel like we have too much. Maybe we do. But it only takes a day or so for the kids to have a few meals and a few snacks and we're back to where we were at the end of the previous week. How can I maintain this balance without visiting Publix twice a week? Maybe I don't. Maybe this feeling of imbalance is important- for some reason.
Just something I think about regularly and thought I'd share. Anyone have any thoughts?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Instructions to the Cook
Months and months ago, Sharon gave me tapes that she thought I would like. I can't remember if she gave them to Paul (her husband) or if he gave them to her, but regardless, she thought I would enjoy them. Well, I never took the time to look at them, read them or even open the box. All I knew was that the title was "Instructions to the Cook". I assumed (don't ever assume) that it was a Cooking video.
Hold on to your seats.
I had the amazing honor of reading a Psalm at Sharon's memorial service. While I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest and into the pews, I felt Sharon's strength there with me and I got through the reading with what I thought was a strong, clear and unwavering voice. (If the truth was less than that, just let me go on believing what I thought.)
After the service, Sharon's son came to me and said that she wanted him to tell me that I needed to pass along to others in the church what she passed along to me. Sharon and I had been talking about this for about a year, so this was no surprise, except that during the service, after hearing what everyone had to say about this amazing person, I made a decision that I couldn't facilitate a class like Sharon and I'd find another way to pass along her gift to me. On the way home, Jason said he had a thought for me. Tonight he told me what it was.
He said I should find commonality between cooking, spirituality and food and teach a class on that. The tapes Sharon gave me came to mind, I grabbed them off my shelf and read the back. Tears jumped out of my eyes. These are not cooking tapes, per se', but about the Zen of cooking, living life to the fullest, and Buddhist inspirations. This is EXACTLY what Jason had in mind. So now I have another path... to figure out how to pass along my gift. I'll keep you updated.
Peace to the Parisi family.
Sue
Hold on to your seats.
I had the amazing honor of reading a Psalm at Sharon's memorial service. While I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest and into the pews, I felt Sharon's strength there with me and I got through the reading with what I thought was a strong, clear and unwavering voice. (If the truth was less than that, just let me go on believing what I thought.)
After the service, Sharon's son came to me and said that she wanted him to tell me that I needed to pass along to others in the church what she passed along to me. Sharon and I had been talking about this for about a year, so this was no surprise, except that during the service, after hearing what everyone had to say about this amazing person, I made a decision that I couldn't facilitate a class like Sharon and I'd find another way to pass along her gift to me. On the way home, Jason said he had a thought for me. Tonight he told me what it was.
He said I should find commonality between cooking, spirituality and food and teach a class on that. The tapes Sharon gave me came to mind, I grabbed them off my shelf and read the back. Tears jumped out of my eyes. These are not cooking tapes, per se', but about the Zen of cooking, living life to the fullest, and Buddhist inspirations. This is EXACTLY what Jason had in mind. So now I have another path... to figure out how to pass along my gift. I'll keep you updated.
Peace to the Parisi family.
Sue
Instructions to the Cook
Months and months ago, Sharon gave me tapes that she thought I would like. I can't remember if she gave them to Paul (her husband) or if he gave them to her, but regardless, she thought I would enjoy them. Well, I never took the time to look at them, read them or even open the box. All I knew was that the title was "Instructions to the Cook". I assumed (don't ever assume) that it was a Cooking video.
Hold on to your seats.
I had the amazing honor of reading a Psalm at Sharon's memorial service. While I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest and into the pews, I felt Sharon's strength there with me and I got through the reading with what I thought was a strong, clear and unwavering voice. (If the truth was less than that, just let me go on believing what I thought.)
After the service, Sharon's son came to me and said that she wanted him to tell me that I needed to pass along to others in the church what she passed along to me. Sharon and I had been talking about this for about a year, so this was no surprise, except that during the service, after hearing what everyone had to say about this amazing person, I made a decision that I couldn't facilitate a class like Sharon and I'd find another way to pass along her gift to me. On the way home, Jason said he had a thought for me. Tonight he told me what it was.
He said I should find commonality between cooking, spirituality and food and teach a class on that. The tapes Sharon gave me came to mind, I grabbed them off my shelf and read the back. Tears jumped out of my eyes. These are not cooking tapes, per se', but about the Zen of cooking, living life to the fullest, and Buddhist inspirations. This is EXACTLY what Jason had in mind. So now I have another path... to figure out how to pass along my gift. I'll keep you updated.
Peace to the Parisi family.
Sue
Hold on to your seats.
I had the amazing honor of reading a Psalm at Sharon's memorial service. While I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest and into the pews, I felt Sharon's strength there with me and I got through the reading with what I thought was a strong, clear and unwavering voice. (If the truth was less than that, just let me go on believing what I thought.)
After the service, Sharon's son came to me and said that she wanted him to tell me that I needed to pass along to others in the church what she passed along to me. Sharon and I had been talking about this for about a year, so this was no surprise, except that during the service, after hearing what everyone had to say about this amazing person, I made a decision that I couldn't facilitate a class like Sharon and I'd find another way to pass along her gift to me. On the way home, Jason said he had a thought for me. Tonight he told me what it was.
He said I should find commonality between cooking, spirituality and food and teach a class on that. The tapes Sharon gave me came to mind, I grabbed them off my shelf and read the back. Tears jumped out of my eyes. These are not cooking tapes, per se', but about the Zen of cooking, living life to the fullest, and Buddhist inspirations. This is EXACTLY what Jason had in mind. So now I have another path... to figure out how to pass along my gift. I'll keep you updated.
Peace to the Parisi family.
Sue
Thursday, May 5, 2011
An Honor
Last night I had the Honor of doing a reading at my friend Sharon's memorial service. Her husband told me before the service that she picked me to do the reading. I know this is supposed to be talking to God, but when I read this, I'm talking to Sharon.
Thank you for giving me this Honor, Sharon, and I will continue your work through you.
Psalm 30
I will praise You, O my Beloved,
for You have raised me up,
and have not let my fears overwhelm me.
O compassionate One, I cried for help, and You comforted me.
You, Love, released my soul from despair,
restored me to life from among those who live in fear.
Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints,
and give thanks to Love’s holy Name.
Love withdraws when we close our hearts,
yet ever awaits an open door.
In the evening we may weep,
yet joy comes with the morning.
In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love,
I found power in my wealth,
In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook,
And, in recognizing my separation from You,
I was dismayed.
I cried to You for help; to You,
I pleaded for forgiveness:
“What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love?
Will emptiness praise You?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O my Beloved, and be gracious to me!
O Love, come to my assistance!”
And You turned my mourning into dancing;
You set me free and clothed me with gladness.
Now my soul may Praise You and not be silent.
O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.
Amen.
Thank you for giving me this Honor, Sharon, and I will continue your work through you.
Psalm 30
I will praise You, O my Beloved,
for You have raised me up,
and have not let my fears overwhelm me.
O compassionate One, I cried for help, and You comforted me.
You, Love, released my soul from despair,
restored me to life from among those who live in fear.
Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints,
and give thanks to Love’s holy Name.
Love withdraws when we close our hearts,
yet ever awaits an open door.
In the evening we may weep,
yet joy comes with the morning.
In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love,
I found power in my wealth,
In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook,
And, in recognizing my separation from You,
I was dismayed.
I cried to You for help; to You,
I pleaded for forgiveness:
“What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love?
Will emptiness praise You?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O my Beloved, and be gracious to me!
O Love, come to my assistance!”
And You turned my mourning into dancing;
You set me free and clothed me with gladness.
Now my soul may Praise You and not be silent.
O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.
Amen.
An Honor
Last night I had the Honor of doing a reading at my friend Sharon's memorial service. Her husband told me before the service that she picked me to do the reading. I know this is supposed to be talking to God, but when I read this, I'm talking to Sharon.
Thank you for giving me this Honor, Sharon, and I will continue your work through you.
Psalm 30
I will praise You, O my Beloved,
for You have raised me up,
and have not let my fears overwhelm me.
O compassionate One, I cried for help, and You comforted me.
You, Love, released my soul from despair,
restored me to life from among those who live in fear.
Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints,
and give thanks to Love’s holy Name.
Love withdraws when we close our hearts,
yet ever awaits an open door.
In the evening we may weep,
yet joy comes with the morning.
In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love,
I found power in my wealth,
In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook,
And, in recognizing my separation from You,
I was dismayed.
I cried to You for help; to You,
I pleaded for forgiveness:
“What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love?
Will emptiness praise You?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O my Beloved, and be gracious to me!
O Love, come to my assistance!”
And You turned my mourning into dancing;
You set me free and clothed me with gladness.
Now my soul may Praise You and not be silent.
O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.
Amen.
Thank you for giving me this Honor, Sharon, and I will continue your work through you.
Psalm 30
I will praise You, O my Beloved,
for You have raised me up,
and have not let my fears overwhelm me.
O compassionate One, I cried for help, and You comforted me.
You, Love, released my soul from despair,
restored me to life from among those who live in fear.
Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints,
and give thanks to Love’s holy Name.
Love withdraws when we close our hearts,
yet ever awaits an open door.
In the evening we may weep,
yet joy comes with the morning.
In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love,
I found power in my wealth,
In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook,
And, in recognizing my separation from You,
I was dismayed.
I cried to You for help; to You,
I pleaded for forgiveness:
“What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love?
Will emptiness praise You?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O my Beloved, and be gracious to me!
O Love, come to my assistance!”
And You turned my mourning into dancing;
You set me free and clothed me with gladness.
Now my soul may Praise You and not be silent.
O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
"A Year to Live"
This is the book/class that Sharon taught from, in addition to many other great poems, meditations, experiments and discussions. I recommend this book to everyone. It changed my life.
http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/A-Year-to-Live/841.productdetails?gclid=CJGG8IiNzagCFQpm7Aod1x8kjw
http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/A-Year-to-Live/841.productdetails?gclid=CJGG8IiNzagCFQpm7Aod1x8kjw
"A Year to Live"
This is the book/class that Sharon taught from, in addition to many other great poems, meditations, experiments and discussions. I recommend this book to everyone. It changed my life.
http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/A-Year-to-Live/841.productdetails?gclid=CJGG8IiNzagCFQpm7Aod1x8kjw
http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/A-Year-to-Live/841.productdetails?gclid=CJGG8IiNzagCFQpm7Aod1x8kjw
HAVE NO REGRETS
An old friend passed last month. Another last week. A third is (essentially) in Hospice. What do they all have in common? They knew/know death was/is near and have all made and are making arrangements, changes in their lives and doing their best to HAVE NO REGRETS. The time was/is there for them to make things more comfortable for loved ones, or to make amends with people.
Do not regret not telling someone you love them.
Do not regret passing by someone who really needs your help. Even if you don't know them.
Do not regret staying in a job that takes your happiness. Money is nothing if you're not happy.
Do not regret never doing something you always wanted to do. (a pottery class, graduate school, skydiving..)
Have no regrets in life. If you have them now, make them right. Look forward and make changes in your life if you need to.
Do not regret not telling someone you love them.
Do not regret passing by someone who really needs your help. Even if you don't know them.
Do not regret staying in a job that takes your happiness. Money is nothing if you're not happy.
Do not regret never doing something you always wanted to do. (a pottery class, graduate school, skydiving..)
Have no regrets in life. If you have them now, make them right. Look forward and make changes in your life if you need to.
HAVE NO REGRETS
An old friend passed last month. Another last week. A third is (essentially) in Hospice. What do they all have in common? They knew/know death was/is near and have all made and are making arrangements, changes in their lives and doing their best to HAVE NO REGRETS. The time was/is there for them to make things more comfortable for loved ones, or to make amends with people.
Do not regret not telling someone you love them.
Do not regret passing by someone who really needs your help. Even if you don't know them.
Do not regret staying in a job that takes your happiness. Money is nothing if you're not happy.
Do not regret never doing something you always wanted to do. (a pottery class, graduate school, skydiving..)
Have no regrets in life. If you have them now, make them right. Look forward and make changes in your life if you need to.
Do not regret not telling someone you love them.
Do not regret passing by someone who really needs your help. Even if you don't know them.
Do not regret staying in a job that takes your happiness. Money is nothing if you're not happy.
Do not regret never doing something you always wanted to do. (a pottery class, graduate school, skydiving..)
Have no regrets in life. If you have them now, make them right. Look forward and make changes in your life if you need to.
Monday, May 2, 2011
DEATH
Death seems to be quite rampant around me lately. I'm not afraid of it, it is what it is. It does make me sad to watch people suffer, and for children to be a part of it. As I told my new friend Lou last week, we are all dying, the difference being that those with a chronic illness may have a better idea of what it is that will take their life. My day may be next week for all we know. Hopefully it is not. But I will do my best to live every day like it may be next week.
The news about Bin Laden this morning gave me a strange sense, immediately. Did I want him to take any more lives? No. Do I find it odd that he murdered many, many people, but the news this morning was that He Was Dead. I didn't hear anyone on the radio say that Bin Laden had been murdered or killed, but just that he was dead. Again, don't get me wrong, I'm glad he can't do any more harm, but I am still a bit uneasy with this story. Why? Why does something about this just sit wrong with me?
Once I was asked if I would ever have a gun in my house, and would I rather shoot someone or be shot. I'm posting this as a rhetorical question. Many have a quick answer to this. Others do not.
The news about Bin Laden this morning gave me a strange sense, immediately. Did I want him to take any more lives? No. Do I find it odd that he murdered many, many people, but the news this morning was that He Was Dead. I didn't hear anyone on the radio say that Bin Laden had been murdered or killed, but just that he was dead. Again, don't get me wrong, I'm glad he can't do any more harm, but I am still a bit uneasy with this story. Why? Why does something about this just sit wrong with me?
Once I was asked if I would ever have a gun in my house, and would I rather shoot someone or be shot. I'm posting this as a rhetorical question. Many have a quick answer to this. Others do not.
DEATH
Death seems to be quite rampant around me lately. I'm not afraid of it, it is what it is. It does make me sad to watch people suffer, and for children to be a part of it. As I told my new friend Lou last week, we are all dying, the difference being that those with a chronic illness may have a better idea of what it is that will take their life. My day may be next week for all we know. Hopefully it is not. But I will do my best to live every day like it may be next week.
The news about Bin Laden this morning gave me a strange sense, immediately. Did I want him to take any more lives? No. Do I find it odd that he murdered many, many people, but the news this morning was that He Was Dead. I didn't hear anyone on the radio say that Bin Laden had been murdered or killed, but just that he was dead. Again, don't get me wrong, I'm glad he can't do any more harm, but I am still a bit uneasy with this story. Why? Why does something about this just sit wrong with me?
Once I was asked if I would ever have a gun in my house, and would I rather shoot someone or be shot. I'm posting this as a rhetorical question. Many have a quick answer to this. Others do not.
The news about Bin Laden this morning gave me a strange sense, immediately. Did I want him to take any more lives? No. Do I find it odd that he murdered many, many people, but the news this morning was that He Was Dead. I didn't hear anyone on the radio say that Bin Laden had been murdered or killed, but just that he was dead. Again, don't get me wrong, I'm glad he can't do any more harm, but I am still a bit uneasy with this story. Why? Why does something about this just sit wrong with me?
Once I was asked if I would ever have a gun in my house, and would I rather shoot someone or be shot. I'm posting this as a rhetorical question. Many have a quick answer to this. Others do not.
Can't Think of a Title
So one of the strongest forces in my life, who taught a class on How to Live, who showed me how to appreciate the bugs on the flowers, how to walk backwards with a mirror so that you only see what is in the mirror (focus and attention), how to meditate about my own funeral so that when the time comes, there are no surprises, and many, many other amazing life experiences, has passed. Sharon, thankfully we had time and I was able to tell you and show you many times how much I appreciated your presence in my life. You showed me a great light in my darkness.
Last Thursday I was given the gift of a meditation class during work hours. (Jenny, you really are amazing.) What this class did for me was make me cry almost immediately. Here's the story.
A week ago I met Lou. He is a man from my church whom I had never met before last Friday. He has lung cancer and pneumonia and needed some meals. I brought him some soup and a few other edibles. I've either visited with him or talked to him on the phone every day since then. I've sat with him a number of times to cheer him up and give him hope and my kids, I hope, have also helped with that. I told him about Sharon, and he said he'd heard of her but wasn't sure if he had met her. I told him it would be great for the two of them to talk, but I knew she wasn't doing very well. I sent her an email about him, knowing there might not be a response. Then she passed. On Friday I was at Lou's house and he asked me what was going on with Sharon. I told him she passed and he said he felt like something had happened the day before. Wow.
So back to the meditation- what came out of this amazing hour was tears, because what I realized during this intentional time is that I am trying to be for Lou what Sharon was for me. A great light in his darkness. Wow again.
A common friend told me last night that I have changed his life. I know he's changed mine. Thanks for letting me in your life, Lou.
Peace to all who suffer.
Last Thursday I was given the gift of a meditation class during work hours. (Jenny, you really are amazing.) What this class did for me was make me cry almost immediately. Here's the story.
A week ago I met Lou. He is a man from my church whom I had never met before last Friday. He has lung cancer and pneumonia and needed some meals. I brought him some soup and a few other edibles. I've either visited with him or talked to him on the phone every day since then. I've sat with him a number of times to cheer him up and give him hope and my kids, I hope, have also helped with that. I told him about Sharon, and he said he'd heard of her but wasn't sure if he had met her. I told him it would be great for the two of them to talk, but I knew she wasn't doing very well. I sent her an email about him, knowing there might not be a response. Then she passed. On Friday I was at Lou's house and he asked me what was going on with Sharon. I told him she passed and he said he felt like something had happened the day before. Wow.
So back to the meditation- what came out of this amazing hour was tears, because what I realized during this intentional time is that I am trying to be for Lou what Sharon was for me. A great light in his darkness. Wow again.
A common friend told me last night that I have changed his life. I know he's changed mine. Thanks for letting me in your life, Lou.
Peace to all who suffer.
Can't Think of a Title
So one of the strongest forces in my life, who taught a class on How to Live, who showed me how to appreciate the bugs on the flowers, how to walk backwards with a mirror so that you only see what is in the mirror (focus and attention), how to meditate about my own funeral so that when the time comes, there are no surprises, and many, many other amazing life experiences, has passed. Sharon, thankfully we had time and I was able to tell you and show you many times how much I appreciated your presence in my life. You showed me a great light in my darkness.
Last Thursday I was given the gift of a meditation class during work hours. (Jenny, you really are amazing.) What this class did for me was make me cry almost immediately. Here's the story.
A week ago I met Lou. He is a man from my church whom I had never met before last Friday. He has lung cancer and pneumonia and needed some meals. I brought him some soup and a few other edibles. I've either visited with him or talked to him on the phone every day since then. I've sat with him a number of times to cheer him up and give him hope and my kids, I hope, have also helped with that. I told him about Sharon, and he said he'd heard of her but wasn't sure if he had met her. I told him it would be great for the two of them to talk, but I knew she wasn't doing very well. I sent her an email about him, knowing there might not be a response. Then she passed. On Friday I was at Lou's house and he asked me what was going on with Sharon. I told him she passed and he said he felt like something had happened the day before. Wow.
So back to the meditation- what came out of this amazing hour was tears, because what I realized during this intentional time is that I am trying to be for Lou what Sharon was for me. A great light in his darkness. Wow again.
A common friend told me last night that I have changed his life. I know he's changed mine. Thanks for letting me in your life, Lou.
Peace to all who suffer.
Last Thursday I was given the gift of a meditation class during work hours. (Jenny, you really are amazing.) What this class did for me was make me cry almost immediately. Here's the story.
A week ago I met Lou. He is a man from my church whom I had never met before last Friday. He has lung cancer and pneumonia and needed some meals. I brought him some soup and a few other edibles. I've either visited with him or talked to him on the phone every day since then. I've sat with him a number of times to cheer him up and give him hope and my kids, I hope, have also helped with that. I told him about Sharon, and he said he'd heard of her but wasn't sure if he had met her. I told him it would be great for the two of them to talk, but I knew she wasn't doing very well. I sent her an email about him, knowing there might not be a response. Then she passed. On Friday I was at Lou's house and he asked me what was going on with Sharon. I told him she passed and he said he felt like something had happened the day before. Wow.
So back to the meditation- what came out of this amazing hour was tears, because what I realized during this intentional time is that I am trying to be for Lou what Sharon was for me. A great light in his darkness. Wow again.
A common friend told me last night that I have changed his life. I know he's changed mine. Thanks for letting me in your life, Lou.
Peace to all who suffer.
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