Music To Remember Me By

Bekah says I'm morbid because I'm always referring to "when I pass."  I've already told people about special jewelry I want them to have; some books; furniture; holiday decorations, etc.  When my friend died it made me see the need to plan ahead.  Share you likes and dislikes because it is so difficult to think when your heart is crushed and your thoughts are distorted in grief.  Its hard to pick up the shards of your love from the little pile surrounding you when someone you love dies and thoughtfully put things together so you can clearly think to plan a service.

I remember one summer day I took Bekah all over the house to show her where things are, where some things are stored, and what are the really important things.  I love my boys, but boys don't think with the sentimentality of a woman.  I'm so grateful for my daughter in law.  She gives me joy and much needed estrogen in this house of men.

Today I told John, the kids, and my girl cousins that on my phone I have a play-list called "My Passing."  Its a list of all my favorites.  There are actually 81 songs which means my service will be  long OR they will have plenty of songs to choose from.  They range from Whitney Houston's "I Want to Dance with Somebody," the old songs of Ireland, to Getty hymns and everything in between. There are enough dance songs on the list that a dance party after the serious service could be enjoyed.

I don't plan to go any time soon, although I'm not afraid to die at all. In fact I hope Jesus comes really soon and takes me! But if I live long enough that folks I love need to have a memorial service, I have a path for them to follow with decisions made to ease their sense of responsibility. Have you thought about it?  Considered your own passing?  I haven't done this so everything will be my way.  I've done it as my final gift of service to my family.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In His Hands

Echoes of a Soul Whisper

I'm so very concerned right now.  People I love are experiencing horrible health situations.  One is beginning the process of getting a bone marrow transplant.  Another is in the hospital with a severe case of COVID 19 and on a ventilator for the second time.  Another friend is in the middle of chemo treatments for cancer.  The list goes on and on.  And all this is happening in the middle of a world wide pandemic.

The world looks entirely different in just a few months. There is now a cottage industry of making fabric face masks. Businesses are closing left and right because of the quarantine. Weddings are being rescheduled.  Bankruptcies abound. Educational professionals are struggling to figure out what to do about reopening schools.  Burials are being completed with barely any friends or family in attendance because of the virus.  People in rehab and nursing home facilities are lonely because no one can come in a visit with them.  My heart hurts, y'all. Know yours does as well.

The racial tensions are almost more than my heart can take.  I'll share more of my thoughts on this topic in a future article.

While we've all been struggling with this new world,  trying to figure out what we can do next and attempting to discern the smart thing to do every single day, I've continued my normal habit of journaling and working through my own personal perception of this world's struggles.  Those thoughts have recently been complied into a devotional book.  I don't have all the answers, but I sure do know the one who does. I hope you'll consider reading it when it releases.

The beautiful image you see in the left hand corner of this article is the artwork that will be featured as the cover art on this newest book. Sarah Williamson is my cover art illustrator. God led me to her.  When we open our souls to the whispers of God, He will take care of our every need.  Sarah's work is an amazement to me- filled with such spirit. There is much to be learned during this crisis. But I truly believe that the most important thing to learn is HE holds us close just as this image reflects.  The entire world is in His most loving and capable hands.

Release date for the book to be announced soon.

A Chewin' Out

I went to see one of my specialist this week.  When you have Dysautonomia, as I do, you have a long list of specialists and medications.  I've gotten used to the 2 hour drive. But this visit was different because it was the first time I've visited this doctor in this particular large medical center since the virus came to live among us.  I had to be screened before entering, including my temperature. Then I got a sticker to wear that proved I had been screened. Oh, and I had to have a mask on to even enter the building and be screened.

A while back I read an article that said one of the medications this doctor has me on is not good for me. So I decided to stop taking it.  When I shared this with the doctor -who is a gray haired man, probably the age of my father- I got a royally chewing' out.  Like up one side and down the other, as my mother says.  I respect this man very much.  Had it not been for him, I might never have gotten a proper diagnosis of Dysautonomia.

After my examination and official scolding we went on to discuss the corona virus.  I decided on the long drive home that I should share this information with others.  My doctor kind of rattled my cage with information and it has altered my perception and will now alter my actions.

 1.  This doctor said this virus is much worse than most people think and the vast majority of the United States population is taking it much too lightly.
2.  He named off a list of people he knows personally that have either died from the virus or someone he knows has a relative that has died from the virus.
3.  He said there was an infant in this hospitals pediatric ICU that has the virus and likely will not make it.
4.  He said the flippant way that young and middle aged people are regarding this virus is causing the age of those infected to be much younger than they were at the beginning of this chaos.
5.  He made the point that people are now flocking to the beach, going to large parties, and will be going to large 4th of July festivities. Folks are milling about with one another, going out to eat in large crowds and spreading the virus.  Then they return to their homes with the virus and spread it to others in extended family and their community.
6.  In regard to wearing a mask, he was adamant that we must wear them.  He explained that the reason doctors and nurses wear masks during surgery is to protect the patient from having spit, sneezes, and such from contaminating a patient.  The patient doesn't wear a mask to protect the the doctor's and nurses.  The point being that we wear masks to protect those around us in case we have it or have been exposed don't know it.
7.  Because I have a compromised neurological system, he shared with me some things that honestly scared me coming from someone I trust.  He said that as this continues to spread, more and more patients are experiencing long term side effects, many neurological.  For instances, some are left with no ability to use their legs because of nerve damage after the virus.
8.  He said that no one quite knows the extent of what it will do long term.  He advised that I need to be extremely careful regarding being around others outside those I'm in regular contact with. No large crowds.  He even advised that if there were events or places I need to go where a vast majority of those there would refuse to wear masks, I need to refrain from going.
9. He said the worst of this is coming.
10. And he chewed me out for not taking the medicine he is convinced is good for me.

So I learned that my lockdown is to continue with limited release.  But the good news is I wrote 2 books during the first part of this chaos.  And I will be finishing book 2 in the near future.

Be careful out there.  Wear your mask even if you think its stupid.  Do it for me.  But if you don't I will not hold it against you, but I will have to stay away from you.  Much love friends and family.  I pray illness and protection for all of us.

Bobby-Echo Living

Yesterday one of my dearest, long-time friends had to bury her Daddy.  He was kind, funny, Godly, friendly.  He was just about whatever you would want to be called.  I do not remember ever hearing anyone say anything bad about Bobby. He was a long time preacher, unashamed to proclaim the word of God.  

He loved his family desperately.  There are four athletic children in that family and now athletic grandchildren.  Along with their mom, Bobby was his children's and grandchildren's biggest cheerleader. I would venture to say that he spent as much time on a bleacher as he did in a recliner or a pulpit.  If he had one playing or coaching, he and Nancy were there.

He had the most precious laugh and he laughed a lot. I like those kinds of people.  The world is a little less sweet because there is no longer a Bobby Marks living among us. Amidst the hatefulness of this time in our world, with evil abounding and causing divisions to be even deeper than before, we need more Bobbys in this world; kind people with big hugs and strong faith.

Funerals always put me in a reflective mood.  I always wonder how I will be remembered.  Some say these kinds of thoughts are of no consequence and wasteful because you'll be gone and never know what was said about you. I disagree.  What is said about you is a reflection of the love you shared while on God's big blue planet.  If you were loved and you loved in return, your love will echo through time.

If you've read my first novel you know that the phrase "A life well lived is a sacred echo" is very important in my life and in that book.  When I think of of Bobby he indeed had a life well lived and his sacred echo will reverberate for many years to come.  His love for his family will echo through time.  His love of sports will continue its echo through his children and grandchildren.  His faith will certainly continue its blessed, sacred echo.

So I do wonder whenever I slip into theses reflective moods after a loss, how will I be remembered?  I believe its worth our time to ponder these things.

It Has Made All the Difference

I have never considered myself more superior to anyone.  Perhaps its because I am very aware that my birth defect made me different and I have always wondered if it is the first thing people see in me. But one thing I truly know is the reason I have never felt myself superior to anyone is because I was taught about the love of God from a very early age. I believe and have faith in God's love and I know its has made all the difference.

I cannot grasp that there are people in our past, currently living, or in the future that believe they are personally so superior to other human beings that they deserve more, can prey upon, or even own another person.

I remember watching "Roots" in 1977 when it aired on television as a mini-series.  It horrified me, gave me nightmares, and made my stomach and heart hurt.  At 11 years old, it was the first time I was  confronted with slavery.

A few years ago I discovered through researching my family history that some of my ancestors owned slaves in North Carolina.  It. broke. my .heart.  I had lived in the delusion that my family wasn't like that; that my early American ancestors were surely above doing something so horrid.  But there it was in black and white (no pun intended but certainly profound). I saw the ages of those slaves owned by my ancestors. Some were but little children, likely born into slavery.  I was devastated,  embarrassed, and honestly, I haven't gotten over it and likely never will.

When I expressed this shame to some, their reply was just as embarrassing. "Well, thats just how it was back then."  BUT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THAT WAY.

I cannot have empathy toward the black race because I will never understand what it is like to be black.  I just can't.  But I can realize the injustices done in the shadow of race and take steps to make my testimony as a non-racist worthy to God's love for me.

To my black friends, I love you with the love of the Lord and praise God that he allowed me to be friends with you.  If I have ever in the past or might in the future do something that offends or angers you, please know it was or will be because of my ignorance on the subject.  Any mistake I make will not be for lack of love and trying.  I am learning.  I will strive to do better. God's love is better than life.  He will comfort you in injustice.  He will lead me to be a better, more understanding friend.  And I'd also like to say that not all white people are racist. Be kind and forgiving to those of us seeking a better relationship with you and learn new ways of life.  We will make mistakes, even as we try.  And I promise more kindness to you. If we can't be anything else, we can be kind.  I pray I never do anything to make you doubt my love for you and how much I value you.

To my white family and friends, We can do better.  As an individual you can make it a goal to learn more about the black experience.  You can read more.  Watch more documentaries and movies on the subject.  Go to the museums that teach on this subject.  Talk to your black friends. Share all of this with your children.  And most importantly open your mind to the fact that you can be wrong.  We need to let go of the idea that we are perfect and expecting perfection from everyone else.  For all have fallen short.  Even me.  Even you.

I hate all this turmoil in our country.  Strife and divisions come from Satan.  He is having a field day with us.  As long as you hate, Satan is winning.  I have taken a stand.  Satan will not win in the life of Kelley Smith.

Remembering and Jane Austen

Proverbs 10:7

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” 

In Memory of
JANE AUSTEN
youngest daughter of the late
Revd GEORGE AUSTEN
formerly Rector of Steventon in this County
She departed this Life on the 18th of July 1817,
aged 41, after a long illness supported with
the patience and the hopes of a Christian.

The benevolence of her heart,
the sweetness of her temper, and
the extraordinary endowments of her mind
obtained the regard of all who knew her and
the warmest love of her intimate connections.

Their grief is in proportion to their affection,
they know their loss to be irreparable,
but in their deepest affliction they are consoled
by a firm though humble hope that her charity,
devotion, faith and purity have rendered
her soul acceptable in the sight of her
REDEEMER

  

We are acutely aware of death during this COVID19 crisis.  The numbers of the dead and sick are quoted on the news every day, morning and night.  One New York Times article actually named the dead.  It becomes more real when we put a name to the numbers.  These people should be remembered and not just because they had the Corona Virus. With a tragedy of this proportion its easy to forget the people and only remember the disease.

   Jane Austen was one of the most brilliant novelists in the English language. Almost two-hundred and three years after her death, her stories exploring human nature and love still bring joy to her many readers, including me.  While she receives many accolades now and her work is throughly enjoyed and studied, during her lifetime she received only a small measure of notoriety and minimal monetary success.  

   As a fan of Jane Austen for many years, I vividly remember reading her work for the first time in my teen years. Her humor and ability to express the human spirit lassoed me in to her Regency era world as a lifetime admirer. I’ve read and reread her works more times than I can count.  When adaptions of her work began to hit the small and big screens, I was eager to watch and rewatch.  

   But I admit that it wasn’t until later in my life that I began researching the personal life and early death of Jane Austen.  The world remembers her work more than the woman herself.  When I read the epitaph -quoted above- for the first time, I was stunned that her writing career was not included. I mean she is Jane Austen!  But as I’ve grown older I’ve gained an understanding regarding her remembrance.  

   When I am gone, I’m vain enough to hope I’ll be remembered by those I love. Being a singer, photographer, and writer are wonderful gifts I have enjoyed, but they are not who I am.  They are just things I’ve done. I long to be remembered for who I am. I am a child of the Most High God, the Creator of the universe, and the Father of all mankind.  If those around me cannot see God reflected, then my life will have been in vain.  

   I pray that when the day comes, and it will come, that I pass from this life, I will be remembered for being loving and kind toward my Creator and His children.  Did I do all I could do to live for Him?  I pray it is so.  

God Enthroned in our Praises

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

When the death count so far from Covid 19 was announced, it literally took my breath away.  So much pain, loss, and grief.  So many lives destroyed by the death of someone they love. 

    

I've determined that the more news I hear the more unsettled my spirit becomes.  So I turned the television off and turned the praise and worship music way up.  Loud.  Really, really loud.

I’ve learned through scripture and by my own experience, negativity and Satan’s whispers cannot be heard amongst serious praise and worship.  God himself is enthroned in our praises.  Don’t miss this.  God is enthroned in our praises.  We sing and HE, the God of our universe, the Father who created us, inhabits those praises! 

Standing alone in my kitchen, God inhabited my praises, lifted me out of my discouragement as He filled me with hope, joy, and love.  I raised my hands as my heart inflated with the breath of heaven.  

I have born witness that true worship elevates the heart to a place where worry and strife can no longer reach. These facts were affirmed as I listened to a group of singers on Facebook sing the lovely hymn, “It is Well with my Soul.”  Because of social distancing the song was recorded one singer at a time in their own individual homes using their phone recorders.  Then someone blended it together to form a brilliant, soulful, heartwarming rendition of this old hymn.  

On Tuesday nights during this crisis Keith and Kristyn Getty have been gathering live around their piano with their four little girls in what they call “Hymn Sing.” I have been participating in this singing and I can tell you that as those little girls smiling and singing hymns has filled me with such joy and hope not only in anticipation of our future victory over the virus, but also a renewed appreciation for the power of God’s children praising Him. 

Background noise

Philippians 4:8 (ESV) 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

   Yesterday I took respite from the rattling noise of social media, news apps, and 24-7 cable news.  It was a refreshing tonic for my weary mind.  Oddly the tiredness I feel seems unfounded since during this quarantine I labor all day, yet at the end of the day seem to have actually accomplished little.  I am exhausted yet don’t sleep well most nights.  I am severly conflicted. 

With a list of a few errands in my hand, I hoped in my car yesterday. Being able to ride alone with only the sound of the wind from my lowered car window was bliss.  As I took the back roads and saw all the fields and trees coming alive with the rebirth of spring, I could envision the breeze releasing the mental cobwebs that have exhausted me.

After weeks of this virus crisis, I find myself conflicted between my mind’s desire to hear the latest news and my soul’s thirst for peace.  I have a recollection of this same issue torturing me right after the 1995 terror attack in Oklahoma and again after the September 11, 2001 attacks.   

After prayer concerning my mental exhaustion, I have come to the conclusion the news full the medical authorities and commentators arguing back and forth over who is to blame for this crisis, I’ve allowed the media to be my background noise while I struggle to trudge through each day.  I can be better than that.  

So today I have again kept the noise down. I clicked off the television, music, and radio.  Right now I can only hear the next door chickens clucking, the dog of the neighbor across the street barking, and the soft lull of the dishwasher running.   In the quietness I am energized as I remember the names of people I want to lift up to God in prayer.  In the stillness I can ponder scriptures and focus on the good and lovely things of life. 

Wanting What We Can't Have

We want what we can’t have. It's a normal part of being human.  Tell a teenage girl she can't date a certain guy and he will become her obsession. Start a low carb diet and all we want is carbs. 

  

  During this pandemic I’ve observed "wanting what we can't have" behavior, including from me.  I am home most of the time during “normal” times because I work from home. Enter the pandemic. We are told to social distance and stay at home and now all I can think about is getting out of here!  I want what I can’t have. 

I've even observed this in regards to going to church. I've thought a few times I sure would enjoy being able to have church in bed, not having to worry about what I wore, putting on makeup, or doing my hair. I sure got my wish.  During this pandemic churches have closed their doors to congregational gatherings in an effort to prevent spreading the Covid19 virus. Many of the churches who were rebellious and gathered anyway have found themselves suffering from the virus in large percentages of their congregation. 

Because of these restrictions many churches have used the internet for sharing worship and sermons to their congregations.  I’ve even heard of having “parking lot church.” In this method, people drive to the church parking lot, stay in their car, but roll the window down so they can listen to the speaker via a microphone, pray together, and lift up praises to God. All this happens well within the social distancing guidelines.  

I spoke with my Daddy about his experience with these types of gatherings. He is in his late seventies and enjoys church services, especially the fellowship of normal times of worship.  My Daddy misses the human contact.  He said someone even called him to see if he and my mother had been at the most recent parking lot service because its is hard to know who is there and who is not when you can’t actually see anyone except the folks parked on each side of your car.  We took our services together in a church building for granted and can’t wait to get there and worship in the ways we are most accustomed.  Again, we want what we can’t have.  

Although Satan may have laughed at all the churches closing their doors, the joke is on him. We’ve opened the doors of our homes to worship all across the world.  The planet's houses of worship have multiplied by massive numbers. 

God uses harsh moments to soften and mold our complacent souls.  This, my friends, is a harsh moment.  God has met us in the trial and promises to stay here throughout the entire crisis. He gives us what we need, not what we want. Even in this crisis, there are always reasons to be grateful.  As we seek to get back to normal, whatever that might be, might we consider what parts of normal are worth keeping instead of wanting what we can't have. 

Kind. Love. Helpful.

This is a challenging time at best.  It is deadly at worst.  None of us know what will come next because our generations have never walked this path before.

I saw a report that said half of the American people want us to go back to normal and get back to work right now, while the other half want us to stay in shutdown for as long as it takes.  Some people say you should wear a mask. Some others say masks are not useful. Doctors preach their stay at home message and economist say we are killing the economy the shuts-down. And then there are the opposing political views.  No matter what one side says, the other side disagrees.

As this virus continues to cast its dark shadow across the homes, streets, communities, states, countries, and this planet I become more and more aware the broad scope of this crisis.  How we respond is not only a reflection of the heart of America, it is reflection on mankind. There are protests going on in various states with people screaming at one another, demanding the reopening of business and a cessation of what they see as government over-reach.  Sadly the only thing they know to do is shout. I have lived a life of shouting.  I thought it was my only option when I felt I wasn't being heard. As a result I made those around me miserable, made myself miserable.  This made my loved ones less likely to listen to me, negating my opinion.  God doesn't want me or you to act in this manner.

When this is all over, my reflection to the world will tell exactly who I am, deep in my heart.  So as we look to the future we need to consider how we have behaved during the crisis.  Will I be able to say I was kind, showed love, and was helpful?  Or will people say I was mean, full of hate, and unhelpful.  Most importantly will the people within my sphere of influence be able to say I was kind, showed love, and was helpful.  God says this is very important.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) Be kind to one another, tendered hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Mark 12:30-31 (ESV) And you shall love the Lord. your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than theses.

Galatians 6:10 (ESV) ...as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone...

Soft-Skinned Whiner

I hate it when the preacher steps on my toes, as if he has written the sermon just for me.  This morning a cousin of mine was complaining about things via social media.  She has some truly valid reasons to be discouraged.  She has been deemed "essential" during this pandemic and the stress is heavy.  She's had enough of all the negative that keeps being heaped upon her.  But while writing a comment that I hoped would be encouraging to her, I got that feeling.... The feeling my toes were being stepped on.  

Murmuring is said to be the soft, low, indistinct sounds expressing discontent.  When I think of this word I’m always reminded of the Israelites.  Oh my, did they ever murmur, complain, and feel sorry for themselves?!  One murmur led to another until they were all making a low, buzzing sound of indecipherable noise expressing their complete discontent, forgetting all God had done for them. 

It’s easy for me to pass judgment on those Israelite because it is clearly evident on this side of history all that had been done for them, paving their way to freedom. They were enslaved in Egypt and lived through the plagues. As they were being chased, Moses led them through the parting of the Red Sea. They were fed with manna from heaven and guided by a cloud by day and fire by night. Yet with all this glory they were almost instant to grumble and murmur while they waited for Moses to come down from the mountain with the commandments of God.  In fact they were so disgruntled they built a golden calf to worship.  After all God had done and provided for them, they were quick to forget Him.  And they wandered about the desert for forty years.  Forty YEARS! 

  

As we are weathering this COVID19 storm I’m reminded that we are a soft-skinned people.  I chief amongst them! While our ancestors fought in wars, worked fields by hand, lived through the Depression, survived the Holocaust, came to American on packed, illness saturated ships to escape famine, lived through slavery, fought in the War of American Independence, the Civil War, the French/American war, the Korean War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the War on Terror, the Civil Rights movement, the list goes on and on.  And here we soft-skinned people sit with no calluses built up to face trials.  

The complaining has out grown past the murmuring stage and now reached the pitiful, whining stage.  Why?  Because we’ve had one month of shut downs, lack of usual income, and self-induced shortages of toilet paper, dry beans, and hand-sanitizer.  We’ve experienced one month of restricted movement.  Outside of doctors, nurses, and other folks who have been deemed essential, most of us has been forced to stay at home. For. One. Month. I know there are some who are truly suffering during this time, but I’m referring to we lily-livered, soft-skinned lot.  

Philippians 2:14 says clearly,  “Do all things without murmurings and disputing.”  I’ve been reading this passage over and over.  It does not say, “Do some things without murmurings and disputing,” or , “Do the easy things without murmurings and disputing,” or, “Do the things you want to without murmurings and disputing,” or, “Do a few things without murmurings and disputing.”  It clearly says, “Do ALL THINGS.”  

We are such a spoiled group of people.  Y’all excuse me while I go do some work to toughen up my skin. 

Pandemic Easter

Today has been the strangest day I have experienced in a very long time, especially considering our world is living through a world-wide pandemic and strange days are coming every day.  

It’s Easter Sunday.  I’m sitting in my chair in the living room dressed in a sweatshirt with leggings and fluffy socks.  I had church this morning laying in my bed, watching sermons online, and listening to Dolly Parton sing, “He’s Alive.”  It’s far cry from a new Easter frock and a packed church sanctuary. I made Easter baskets for my adult children, just like every year, but they are all social distancing in their own homes, away from us as they should.  But this makes me so sad. This is the longest period of time I have ever been without a hug from my boys.  I am starving for them.  

There will be no family gathering at the home of my 92 year old mother-in-law.  So for Easter lunch I had popcorn and a cup of tea instead of ham and glorious side dishes made our extended family.  There are no grandchildren and great-grandchildren running about on Hazel’s front lawn hiding and seeking Easter eggs; no golden egg with $5 bill in it; no lining the family up for the annual photos; no hugs and kisses from beloved family members.  Social distancing is breaking my heart.  And to top off this unusual day, we have tornadoes predicted to hit our area this afternoon and tonight. I admit that my nerves are on edge. 

Today after watching online sermons and spending time in prayer the thought came to me. Well not really a thought, more of a remembrance of a promise from God himself.  He absolutely is not social distancing from us in this time of sadness and disruption.  In fact, during this time He promises to be extra close.  

Psalms 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

I’m repeating these scriptures over and over in my head as I move through this day and acknowledge my heartbreak and loss.  If we focus on Him instead of our anxious spirits, we can travel though this chaotic, distressing time with our sanity and faith intact. 

Take Care of Your People

I remember back during the tornado recovery of 2011, I was amazed at how many people contacted the United Way and other agencies for help with cutting up trees, cleaning up branches, picking up food, etc.  One night my Daddy and I were talking and he said, "Whatever happened to taking care of your own?"

While this pandemic crisis is different, in some ways it is the same.  We are restricted and unable to do the things we normally do.  We are all concerned and even scared. So in this crisis I ask, "Whatever happened to taking care of your own?"

One more thing I need to share is this nugget.  If you want something done, ask busy person.  The best volunteers are already busy.  If you want to feel better about yourself, reach out.  Take care of someone else.

What can we all do within the distancing limits to take care of our own? Here are a few of my thoughts.

1.  Call your people.  We all need to talk to one another not only to beat back the depression that this type of situation can bring, but also to find out how your people are doing.  And for you millennials, send a text at the very least.  Call your people.

2. If you have the resources, take some food to your people.  Today I cooked up a bunch of good ol' southern food and make enough plates for John and I, my parents, his mom, and my aunt.  John has been out delivering to their doorsteps.  Not its not like gathering around the table and sharing a meal, but it does help with our health and with our feelings. Take food to your people.

3.  Laugh with your people.  My girl cousins are the life blood of my funny bone.  No one makes me laugh as much as they do.  There are five of us and we are constantly group texting to keep up with one another.  We send stupid pictures, corny jokes, you name it.  But it makes us laugh.  Laugh with your people.

4.  Read together.  Grandparents read a book to your grandkids via Face Time.  Grandkids read to your grandparents via Face Time. One of the most lovely experiences I've been having is listening to Jennifer Ehle read Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" via Instagram. Jennifer played Elizabeth Bennett during the 1995 BBC series of the same work.  Read with your people.

You might also consider an online book club, via Face Time, Zoom, or whatever works best for you.
Read with your people.

5. Use this time to go back through old pictures and share them with your family and friends online. This can help us laugh and check on one another.

6. Vote one healthy person in your group to do the grocery shopping.  Keeping as many as possible at home, we can all be healthier.  Even pick one person to do the grocery pick-ups for extended families. and friends.  Then deliver the same way John delivered meals today.  Drop at the door and give them a knock.

Each day the Lord has been teaching me new things and reminding me of other things I've long known.  Today I felt a strong push to reach out in whatever way I can.

Churches and families need to step up.  You don't necessarily need to worry about everyone, just take care of your own people. If everyone would do that, most everyone would be cared for.  Don't wait on someone else to step up.  YOU do it.  Be safe everyone.

Pandemic Chili and Grits

One of the things I do to love people is also one of the things I do to work through stress.  I cook.  This is good news for my family.  This morning I woke up, prayed through the morning hours and flipped on the news.  I felt something creeping in on me I've not felt so far during this social distancing. Fear.

This event is virgin territory for all of us.  Its similar to our  9/11 experiences with everyone in the country focused on a common enemy; limited travel; runs on supplies; constant monitoring of the news.  But this time the enemy doesn't have a first and last name, a religious affiliation, and it certainly is not only happening in the United States of American.  This is a global pandemic with the enemy's only name being virus.

I am by nature an introvert with some extrovert tendencies.  I like to be home. I don't mind being by myself, as an only child its my most comfortable space. But there is something different about being told to stay at home and even if I'm not here alone, John is with me, I'm separated from my other family and my friends.  Thankfully we have mobile phones and social media that can keep us in communication with one another. But for those of us who are huggers, the lack of physical connection is painful.  My youngest son came to check on us this morning and it was painful to see him without being able to hug him.

According to the news there are many more days ahead of us in this bizarre pandemic journey than are behind us.  We are going to have to figure ways to make it through to the other side of the virus without losing our minds, getting depressed, or worse even, losing our faith.  

So here is my plan... at least for the near future.
1.  I'm going to continue, increase, and hopefully deepen my prayer journey.  Faith in God Almighty is the cornerstone of my life. I won't let this virus challenge my faith by letting fear take hold.
2.  I'm going to keep communication open with all of my family and friends in whatever way is useful and healthy.
3.  I'm going to work and use these hours, days, and maybe even weeks to let the words flow.
4.  I'm going to finish some projects around the house.
5.  I'm going to get outside when I can and take walks or just sit on the patio and feel the sun whenever I can.
6. I'm going to keep cooking to release stress and to love John with some yummy dishes.

Today I cooked some
vegetarian chili with garlic cheese grits

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 chopped onion and bell pepper
5 minced garlic cloves
5 tablespoons chili powder
1 16 oz. bag of red lentils
28 oz. of canned diced tomatoes
32 oz. of vegetable stock
Salt and Pepper to taste
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro

In a stock pot heat oil and saute veggies until translucent and slightly browned.  Add garlic and chili powder.  Add lentils, tomatoes and stock.  Bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes.

While the chili is simmering cook the grits.
Bring 3 cups of water, 1/4 stick of butter, a tablespoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil.  Add 1 cup of yellow grits and bring to a boil again.  Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in a couple handfuls of grated cheese.

Take a subversive blender and put into the stock pot of chili. Give it a few pulses to cream a small amount of the chili mixture.  Stir the chili to blend.

To serve fill a bowl with chili, top with a healthy serving of grits and a dollop of sour cream.

Happy Quarantine Birthday To Me!

If you had told me last year on my 53rd birthday that I would be spending my 54th birthday in my pajamas all day, I would have believed you.  If you told me that I'd be spending the day with John, I would have believed you as well.  If you told me that I'd be typing away on my birthday, I'd have believed that too.  BUT had you told me that the entire county would be under siege of a novel Coronavirus, and I'd be self-quarantined with restaurants and pubs closed to all but curb-side pickup, schools closed for the year with no graduation ceremonies, and that the country would be running out of surgical masks and toilet paper, I would have called you mad.

But alas, that is where we are. We are just over a week into this unbelievable event and I fear it is only the beginning of a long, long spring.  I'm concerned, not really worried because I know that none of this surprised our Father in heaven. I'm however concerned with the impact this will have in the health of so many.  Visitors are banned from all hospitals and nursing homes and I know that is hard for the patients and their loved ones.  All elective surgeries and dental procedures have been canceled, so I know there are people in pain waiting on their turn to get what they need. People have gone to the groceries locally and not found what they need.  Folks have been unexpectedly laid off from work because it is no longer safe to work together. Our nation and world's economy may be in for a bumpy ride.

With limited options I picked a very local, very yummy, incredibly unhealthy take-away birthday lunch.  Dub's Burgers is a local burger joint that specializes in greasy burgers with all the fixin's.   I craved these burgers in 1994-1995 while I was pregnant with our second child.  Strangely enough, he is now a big fan of Dub's.

This quarantine birthday is so bizarre.  But I'm so thankful for all the lovely messages, emails, texts, and calls.  We can stay connected even as we socially distant ourselves for virus purposes.

Now back to healthy eating.

A Made-Up Greek Chicken Salad

Here we are smack dab in this crazy Covid19 mess. No one I know has seen anything like this before.  It's scary stuff mainly because we just don't know much about it.  John is at home working

instead of going into the office. We were supposed to leave today for a work trip for John in San Diego.  Since I can work from anywhere and we have no children or dogs to care for, I've been trying to go with him as much as I can.  Enter stage right... Coronoavirus.  It has turned everyone on earth in a tail spin as we try to navigate these unchartered waters.  I picked up a few things at the grocery late last week, not knowing it would be a critical shopping trip and nothing would be available for a while.Sometimes we have to throw together something to eat without being able to run to the store to pick ingredients.  Off subject- how in the world is it only Tuesday?  Surely it's next Friday by now. Back on topic of using the ingredients you have to come up with something healthy and tasty.- I found a can of chicken breast and decided to put together a chicken salad.  I poked around in the frig and in the pantry and came up with the following recipe.

1 can of chicken breast, drained
several colorful bell peppers, diced small
1/2 of a red onion, diced small
1 handful of pinenuts
8-10 olives, chopped
3 jarred artichokes (no marinade)
1 bottle of pre-made Greek dressing
chucks of feta cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Now the key to this type of cooking is using whatever you have in the pantry and substitute as necessary.  I could have used tomatoes if I had them.  Almonds if you wanted.  Maybe celery? You get the picture

Pumping It Up

So we are still on the Mediterranean diet, but I've had to modify it a bit for cost purposes.  I was blowing the grocery budget to smithereens with all that freshness.  Fresh all the time equals dollars! I'm still following the rules with our cooking but using lots more frozen and dried items to stretch those food dollars.  And that is what this post is all about.

We really like Mexican/South-western dishes.  While shopping at Sprouts one day I found a pre-seasoned rice package of rice and quinoa- still has great wholesome, organic ingredients, just in a different form.  The package says it serves 4.

To spread my grocery dollars I sauteed some frozen peppers, onions, and corn, along with a can of petite diced tomatoes, a whole bunch of red beans (you could use whatever bean you like) from a huge batch of dried beans I soaked and cooked a few days ago.  I also added some shredded chicken that I seasoned with a homemade south-western dressing. How does this spread out the dollars?  I'm so glad you asked!

After all these additions, I stretched this 4 serving dish to 8 servings.  I KNOW!  Now we can have dinner for ourselves, a few lunches, and even take a serving to my Mother-in-law for her supper!  Super cool, huh?!

Most everyone I know needs to save money, or at the very least doesn't want spend too much on groceries.  So join me as I keep trying to eat healthy and save some bucks too.

Mediterranean Popcorn

I'll be 54 next month.  I thought it was 53, but I did the math and lo' and behold, I will be 54.  In those  53+ years, I have learned that I like to crunch on something savory and salty.  Don't misunderstand, I still love a sweet now and again (can you say Cadbury chocolate eggs), but if given a choice between sweet and savory, I'll likely pick the savory.

As we've ventured back to the Mediterranean diet I needed to find something to snack on while I'm working and at night while watching BBC crime shows with John.  I settled on popcorn because it is a whole grain therefore Mediterranean friendly. Most bags of pre-popped popcorn have a bunch of stuff on it I don't need and the ready to pop microwave popcorn can get expensive if you eat much of it.

I found the above pictured microwave popper at Walmart in the snack section over where they also sell boxes of microwave popcorn bags.  You can also purchase it here.  It frees me to buy big containers of corn kernels, which is much cheaper, and pop as much as I need without standing over the stove shaking a pot.  I can also season it just as I want so I know exactly whats in it.  My current favorite seasoning is a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (allowed on the Mediterranean way on eating) and a sprinkle of sea salt.

I am currently eating some freshly popped corn that has not been seasoned at all, which I enjoy as well and is less messy.  AND most importantly its grand-dog approved.  Tori is enjoying Grandmommy's popcorn as a late afternoon snack.

Also I have good news to share.  I wore a jacket yesterday that has been too tight across the shoulders.  Victory!

Soupers

Soupers:  families who eat a variety of soups and often.

Yeah, I know.... I made that all up, but still.  My family is a bunch of soupers.  

My Momma makes the world's best chicken stew.  Truly.  I'm not exaggerating.  Ask anyone who has eaten her chicken stew and they will agree, especially my children.  My Grandmother Nettie used to make a beef stew that we have affectionately named, "Nettie Stew." Its that good.  So yes, I come from a family of soupers.  

The legend around this soup is even people who do not like turnip greens, will like Turnip Green Soup.  I can testify to that fact because it is only in the past few years that I've developed a taste for true southern cooked turnip greens, BUT I've enjoyed Turnip Green Soup for a long time.  

My husband and I are following a Mediterranean way of eating.  I decided that I should make this lovely, interesting soup Mediterranean friendly.  Although the original version is not expensive, my recipe uses dry beans which make it even more inexpensive.

So what makes this Mediterranean worthy?
Lean Protein
Tomatoes
Dry Beans
Greens
Whole Grains

I hope you'll give this soup a chance, especially if your family falls into the souper category. 

Kelley's Mediterranean Turnip Green Soup 

Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 links of chicken andouille sausage, casings removed

1 sweet onion
1 chopped garlic clove

8 cups of chicken broth

1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes

1/2 cup of dried Northern Beans

1/2 cup of dried Red Beans

1/2 cup of dried Red Kidney Beans

1/2 cup of dried Navy Beans

Salt and Pepper to taste

Handful of brown rice

Handful of barley

Red Pepper Flakes

2 cups of frozen turnip greens

Put the olive oil in a stock pot.  Brown the sausage, the onion and garlic with salt and pepper.  When the sausage is browned and the onion translucent, add the stock and bring to a boil.  Add in all the dry beans.  Bring to a boil once again, then turn heat to low.  Cover and allow to soup to simmer until the beans are cooked through.  Add water as needed to keep the mixture from burning.  

After the beans are cooked to tender, add the brown rice and barley.  When the rice and barley are cooked to tender, add the turnip greens and stir.  Add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.  

The Humble Chickpea

Chickpeas are not something I grew up eating here in the Alabama  We seemed to eat every other kind of pea and bean, but I don't even know if I had even heard of a chickpea until I was a young adult.  It is also referred to as a garbanzo bean, but I hadn't heard that term either until I was adult

It is said chickpeas also come in colors other than the tawny beige pictured here.  I hear there are black, green, and red ones, but I've not seen them in our local grocery stores.  I did find some black ones on Amazon and they are PRICEY!

Here are just a few of the benefits of the humble chickpea:

1. Because they are high in plant protein, many folks have turned to chickpeas to help them reduce their meat intake.  In fact, a cup of chickpeas gives us a 1/3 of our recommended protein for the day.
2. They are high in fiber.  A high fiber diet has been linked to a healthy digestive system and beneficial in reducing blood glucose levels.
3. There is enough iron, calcium and other nutrients in chickpeas to help with healthy bones.
4. They are also high in potassium, which is good for your brain, heart, and blood pressure without adding in tons of salt.

The list continues.  So the bottom line is chickpeas are good for you.

So how can they be incorporated into a healthy, Mediterranean diet?

1.  The easiest way to use them is in hummus.  This yummy dip is made up of chickpeas, tahini (sesame butter), garlic, lemon, and olive oil.  Other ingredients can be used to add lots of different flavors to hummus.  One of my favorite flavors of hummus is roasted red pepper.

Hummus is readily available in grocery stores, but is so crazy simple to make that there is really no reason to spend lots of money on a small container of the creamy goodness.  For the amount of money a small pre-made container costs, many, MANY containers can be made.  Hummus is also freezer friendly for a couple of months.  Just be sure to freeze in individual serving sizes so that you don't have to wait a long time for thawing.

A hummus recipe I'm eager to try is  Chocolate Hummus.  I will let you know when I make it.  I know, I know, chocolate and hummus seem unlikely friends, but so are Velvetta cheese and chocolate.  The best fudge recipe I have includes Velvetta cheese.  So don't knock it till you've tried it.

Here is a a link to a basic hummus recipe.  

2. Chickpeas can also be used as a textural addition to a large variety of salad dishes like the one pictured here.  And here is the simple recipe to try.

3. Roasted chickpeas are good for snacking.  Again, you can buy them ready to eat in fancy bags, or you can make them yourself.  Start with a basic recipe like this one and season to your hearts content for lots of variety.

I fell of the Mediterranean wagon this past weekend at a Ladies Retreat.  I mean FELL ALL THE WAY OFF THE WAGON.  So this week is for getting back in the Mediterranean saddle again.  I find that I like to nibble while writing and drink lots and lots of tea.  I'm deep into my second novel and so I need to be ready with snacks.  Air popcorn is a favorite, but I'm giving chickpeas a real try this week.

*I was out of tahini when I made the last batch of hummus and substituted cashew butter.  It tastes just as good.

Chia Pudding

I've been off social media for a bit, so please forgive my lack of posting.  I participated in a ladies retreat this past weekend. It was a blessing to be sure, but the food was fabulous and I ate like a girl who isn't trying to be on the Mediterranean diet.  I jumped back into healthy food gear this morning and I'm once again excited I made some overnight oats. This yummy oat "cooking" technique has become a favorite for me, so when I saw the recipes for overnight chia pudding, I had to give it a go. I mixed up a recipe last night and this morning I gave it a wee taste.

The good news is the pudding is YUMMO.
The bad news is the pudding is YUMMO!

So here is my suggestion.  Make up a batch and store it in individual serving size containers because if you don't, you will eat the entire thing, or I should say I'll eat the whole recipe.  The texture is different because it is chia seeds, but if you are like me, it has not been an issue.

Here is the recipe I used. 

FYI, I used almond milk in my recipe.

Chopping, Washing, Cooking, and Cleaning... Repeat

My only complaint about the Mediterranean diet is the amount of time I put into meal planning, meal prepping and cooking.  You should know up front that it is my choice to cook this much.  I could save lots of time and effort if I bought all the fruits and veggies chopped and ready to use.  I could buy hummus, tzatziki and other sauces already made. I could purchase already made soups and stews.

But I don't.

Why?  Several reasons.


1.  It cost much more to purchase the ready to use ingredients and premade meals.  Cost is a factor for us and eating cleaner and fresher does not come cheap, which is sad.  I'm trying to be as cost efficient as possible.

2.  The ready to use products generally are more quantity of each item than I can use before it goes bad.  This didn't use to be a problem when I was cooking for my herd of men, but now that it is just me and the chief of the herd, we don't need as much.

3.  When I prepare the food from scratch I know exactly what is in it.  Not only are we trying to be healthier and eat more cleanly, I have a bushel basket of food allergies.  I have to be very careful.

4. I'm one of those abnormal folks who enjoys cooking... most of the time.

5.  We like to try a range of dishes.  John especially is not much for eating the same thing for several days in a row.  I can cook a nice soup, but after about 3 times eating the same soup in a week, John is ready to move on to something else.

So the bottom line is we like variety and are cheap AND I'm a food freak with allergies.

I confess that not only am I cooking for dinner, I'm also making our lunches and snacks. So you could do this diet without it taking so much effort and time.  As usual, I choose the hard way.

The Flu and Homemade Elderberry Syrup

The flu came to our house last week.  He was not invited, yet there he was.  I had all our Mediterranean meals prepped and ready to deal with and then the flu stomped me in the ground.  What started as a mild sore throat ended with a big ol' fever and lots of heavy hurling (I'll spare you the details).  As a result there was not much eating or meal preparing that went on here at the Smith.

All last week I used elderberry lozenges, gummies, and chewable tabs.  Elderberry helps your immune system, stunts a cold or flu, and gives overall health a boost.  I figure its worth a try.  I also take plenty of Vitamin C during the winter.  (For the record in my head I just gave that word the UK pronunciation of Vit-amin, instead of the US pronunciation of VI-tamin.).

Elderberry products are not cheap.  In fact they are quit expensive.  I did a bit of research and discovered that I can make elderberry syrup cost effectively.  With dried berries, honey, water, and ginger I can make a whole bunch of syrup.  Here is the link for the recipe I used.   And ordered my elderberries from here.

Be aware that a pound of berries equals about 5-6 cups.

What else for breakfast?

I feel like poo today.  I'm actually afraid its the flu.  I'll be going to the doctor in a bit to find out.  Terrible ear drum pressure woke me up TOOOOOOOO early this morning.  After a while I finally got up and cooked some breakfast.   I've been enjoying overnight oats for a few days now, so decided I needed to shake things up this morning... or at least whisk things up.

I chopped up a heap of veggies I had already prepped and stored in the fridge, added some chopped lean ham, and a dash of onion salt. After the fluffy eggs were done, I sprinkled a bit of cheese on top.  Boom Mediterranean breakfast done.

*A note about the prepped veggies-
Veggies are much easier to snack on and add to dishes when they are cleaned, prepped and ready to use.  Making things convenient is a gift to yourself. Yes, it takes a good while to do this, but its worth it the rest of the week.  Just do it.  Get the prep out of the way.

Now excuse me while I eat my eggs and drink my tea.

Do you have a go to breakfast?  What's something new you have tried for breakfast?

Supper with Hazel

We take supper to my mother-in-law every Wednesday and Friday, but Hazel is not on our Mediterranean diet.  So that begs the question, "How can I cook for us and for her without cooking two separate meals?"

Thankfully Hazel loves veggies and they work well within the Mediterranean diet. So I decided on cabbage and onions seasoned with prosciutto, a thinly sliced cured Italian ham.  Then I roasted purple and sweet potatoes along with zucchini and yellow squash.   I seasoned them all with garlic, red peppers, onion sea salt, and pepper.  

It all turned out wonderful, very tasty and quite filling.  Seems a veggie plate pleases Hazel and us! 

Mediterranean Diet Breakfast

My go to breakfast for a long time has either been yogurt with fruit, oatmeal, or a pop-tart. John makes fun of my pop-tart love, but its a total childhood comfort food.  95% of the time I also have hot tea.  The other 5% is coffee.  Because I don't like much sweetner or milk in my tea, I've decided to stick to only tea.  I have to doctor up my coffee, making it unhealthy.

The Mediterranean Diet is about healthy choices and moderation.

Its important to note that you can have any kind of a healthy meal as breakfast.  You can have chicken with rice and veggies, a bit of Naan bread with some hummus, or you can stick to the more traditional breakfast foods.  No joke- when I was a kid, I ate a can of Chef Boyardee Ravioli for breakfast.  Grossed my mother out, but at least I had something in my stomach before heading out to school. I've decided to stick to breakfast type foods with this 2020 adventure into the Mediterranean.

Try non-fat, plain, Greek style yogurt topped with fruit and then a sprinkling of seeds and/or nuts.

Overnight Oats is a new food adventure for me. I generally eat my oats hot with some dried fruit and a bit of sugar and butter.  But with Overnight Oats, it can be eaten cold with the same toppings.  The biggest difference other than the temperature is the texture.  I like my oats to be rather thick and of a creamy texture.  With Overnight Oats, I can get a crazy good creamy texture.  My bowl from this morning is in the picture above. Oats are part of the good grains category.   And of course the Chia seeds are seeds.  Duh.

Here is the basic recipe for Overnight Oats:

Mix together 1/2 cup of rolled and/or steel cut oats with 1/4 cup of chia seeds. (I use a mix of the two kinds of oats) Add a pinch of salt and then pour enough milk into the mixture to cover it.  Stir well and add a bit more milk if needed.  Let sit in the fridge overnight. (hence the name)

It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.  The thing to remember is that the completed oat mixture is the base of the dish. It will taste very bland.  But that's where the fun comes in.  Top the oats with yummy fruits and even a wee tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup.  I had mine this morning with a drizzle of some pomegranate syrup we bought in California and fresh raspberries.  I could have also added in some nuts and/or seeds, but I forgot.  I was too excited to get eating! With this breakfast, I'm getting a ton of fiber!

Most diets cut out food groups.  With the this diet, its about moderation.  While difficult sometimes, it works.

Trip to the Mediterranean diet

First things first.  I'm a 53 year old female and overweight. Now with that out of the way.  We can get on to other things.

We found success with the Mediterranean Diet ten or so years ago.  Then I got sick and was eventually diagnosed with Dysautonomia.  My life turned on its head and I let my diet (way of eating) go slack.  Then my best friend got cancer and passed away, Everything in my life stopped for a while.  I didn't have the mental energy to focus on anything.  In other words, I had a lot of excuses and difficult circumstances.

At one point I even wrote a blog about our adventure in the Mediterranean way of eating.  Now that all seems a lifetime ago.  Much has changed in my life since then.  My children have grown up.  One is married.  I've written a novel and am writing my second.  My spiritual life is completely different.  We left a church that we helped build and attended for 25+ years.  I'm a part of a monastery as an oblate.  My father-in-law has passed away.  We've traveled extensively.  Due to my illness, medical specialist and new medicines are a big part of my life.  My body doesn't work the way it should.  I have an empty nest.  And these are just a few ways that my life has changed.

I'm not entirely sure that this adventure will result in weight loss for me.  I know it will for John.  Since my diagnosis my weight has been stagnant, remaining the same no matter what I eat or how much I eat.  But I know that food is fuel and the least I should do is fuel my body with good things.

The Mediterranean diet is consistently named as the best diet for overall health.  Read about that here.   In this way of eating, nothing is really off limits.  It's all about moderation, eating healthy fats and carbs, and filling your plate with beautiful, flavorful and colorful foods.

The only things that you should really eliminate are white things: white breads, rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.  Stick to the versions of these things that are whole grain and much more brown.  I'm a Scottish/Irish/English girl.  I love me some starchy white foods.  It's in my DNA.  But my big rear end is also in my DNA.  Thanks a lot, ancestors.

Today I reorganized my spice cabinet by putting all the spices that are most used in this diet within easy reach.  I also threw out a lot of spices and were long past their prime. Learn more about the herbs and spices for this diet by linking here. A simple google search will result in many articles on this subject.

After the spice reorganization, I moved on to the pantry.  Out with the white and in with the brown. I added lots of beans and whole grains so that they are convenient and accessible. More info here.

John and I have been using Hello Fresh for a few weeks, mostly to help me learn about portion size.  I've cooked for growing boys for so long that cooking for just us is a challenge.  I've noticed there is a food service specifically for the Mediterranean diet and I might give that a shot.

I picked up a couple of books this week to inspire me with ideas and recipes.  (see photo above)  If you are on Instagram, I encourage you to search there for #mediterraneandiet.  TONS will come up.

I'll be posting daily about things I"m learning, dishes I've cooked, recipes I find and of course because it's me, lots of pictures.

I'm not writing this blog to say I know everything about this method of eating.  I know very little actually.  But I am willing and able to give this a try again.  If you want to learn along with me, I invite you to join in.