Since my last post, I have turned 43, started a new job, and am beginning to see small bits of payoff in my side endeavors - the book, the shop, my art…it’s all coming together - slowly but surely. 

I’m having to be very frugal with my time these days, as into the mix of it all, my Aunt fell last week and suffered a compound fracture.  Spare time is being spent on caring for her and keeping her company so she doesn’t go nuts.  She’s normally a very active 81 year old.  She cooks, she knits, she gardens, she sews - and she reads.  Reading is about the only thing she can muster at the moment.  I expect that she will be back on the mend quickly as she, like me, has no patience for illness or convalesence in her own life.

Another aspect of frugality has hit home for me this past month.  When I do custom art, I like everyone else in the world expect to be paid - even by my friends.  Sadly, what I thought was a blossoming friendship has turned out to be in reality yet another occasion of being used for my talents.  I won’t go into the nightmare that it was just getting this custom order ready.  I priced it only half of what it should have been, because I thought I was doing this for a friend, and also agreed to allow this friend to make payments - today marks one month since the item was picked up, and to date, this so-called friend refuses to tell me when she will pay me a thing.   In the meantime, I am in danger of losing my utilities and have made her aware.  Does she care? HA!  Hardly…this learning experience will probably lead to my first experience in small claims court. 

This brings me to the point of this part of my post today.  Contracts.  I will never again do custom work without being paid upfront and with a contract for the order in writing.  Why?  Because doing that custom order takes me away from other items I could be working on that will otherwise sell while I am waiting on that custom request to be paid for.  So, no more payment agreements, no more rush orders without the dough-re-to-me before I begin.  It’s hard learning to not trust those who are supposedly close and friends…sadly today it’s a necessity.  It’s because of the people in this world who have tried to get over on me or have successfully ripped me off that I am now drawing a permanent line in the sand that is inclusive of all who know me and all who do not.  Thieves are in our midsts and they may well be the ones you sadly trust most.    

Protect yourselves and live by the letter of the law - being frugal enough to make the agreement in writing can make a world of difference in how you are handled by others. 

Not too long ago, I started a Yahoo group for Frugal Raw.  She recently joined, and read one of my first posts to the group - that it was to be a fully neutral zone.  No flaming, no criticizing - just support and Q&A.  She has found her comfort zone with raw through my book and philosophies - at about 60%, and recognizes that this is a journey and that everyone’s is unique.  In my world there’s no kicking yourself for “falling off the raw wagon” and no raw food police are allowed. 

It’s about being kind to yourself - gentle in the transformation, and if you do go for 100%, you take it easy.  If you get to a point and are happy and healthy with it, you may stay there for years of for the rest of your life - and you make a difference!  All of the raw foods in the world won’t heal you if all you do is stress about living the lifestyle.

I’ve seen people grow so fanatical about it, Raw Life becomes their religion and they challenge, beat down and abuse anyone who doesn’t think and do as they do - why? because they don’t recognize that everyone is on their own road and they get where they are going in their own time.  There are those in this world who sadly personalize what everyone else is doing around them and they allow the negative stuff to weaken them on their own path - so they lash out.

I agree with Susan - “Stop the Insanity.” 

It includes 10 reasons to stop cooking, inspirational testimonials, over 60 scientific studies that prove the superiority of a raw diet, the history of the raw food diet, a chapter on fasting, a chapter on getting kids to eat raw, how to transition, and 120 recipes.  It warns you against  potential pitfalls on your journey toward super health, and  discusses frequently asked questions.

The first edition  of The Live Food Factor, The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet  won the IPPY Award of “Most Progressive Health Book of the Year” (2007) and the newly released second edition, with Victoria BidWell,  won a Reader Views Award (2009). 

This book has earned the reputation as the “raw foods bible” or encyclopedia.

Susan & Victoria are being joined by dozens of health and self-improvement

experts to bring you a very exciting package of over 70 valuable bonus gifts with the purchase of one copy of The Live Food Factor.
 

CLICK HERE for details!
 

“This book is encyclopedic in scope and should be in the possession of all doctors, nutritionists and lay people. It’s full of excellent information which can be valuable for all persons interested in vibrant health and a meaningful life.”—Dr. Stanley Bass, ND, DC, PhC, PhD, DO , DSc, DD

“The best book on alternative health!” —Dr. Vivian Vetrano, DC, hMD, PhD, DSci

“This 620-page tome, arguably the most comprehensive book ever written on the raw diet and lifestyle, is surely destined to become a classic.”—Get Fresh Magazine (of England)

BUY IT NOW
and you will get dozens of bonus gifts and dis.count coupons, worth over a thousand dollars:  ebooks, teleseminars, and recipes by noted raw foodists such as Victoria Boutenko, David Klein,  Dr.Tosca Haag, Angela Stokes, Matt Monarch, Bryan Au, —as well as many exciting gifts for self improvement.

I would like to take a moment to thank Susan Berg of http://dementia.today.com/ for sharing these thoughtful awards with me.  I’ll be sharing these with others in the coming weeks - one for friendship, and the other for gratitude:)   More as I find recipients!

The residents I found most striking were the wolves.  They were beautiful, majestic, and so wise in their eyes.  On our next visit I hope to pack a lovely fresh lunch and spend the day communing with them. 

Yesterday, my son and I went to another state park - an historic one that was free to get into, which holds a fort from the colonial days.  A beautiful river runs through it, and often Canadian Geese and Mallard Ducks swim freely and safely there.  We walked all up and down the banks of the river and had a wonderful time reconnecting. 

When we left there, we visited the covered bridge from the 1880’s.  Walking across that bridge we could feel so many different energies.  It was invigorating, inviting, and all at once obscure.  This too was free aside from the gas to get there.

I’m finding pleasure in so much that which doesn’t really cost much to do.  I’ve always been this way - I cringe when large amounts of money are spent on anything.  It takes the pleasure right out of it for me.   But give me a day like today - out in nature, communing with our fellow beings, spending time with family and I am in bliss.        

On the contrary, I dearly love live theatre, opera, ballet and symphonies.  On a recent night out with a girlfriend, we decided to take in a show with our local community theatre.  Agatha Christie’s “The Hollow” was being performed in an old church downtown.  During intermission, we asked about volunteer opportunities - she sews, and I could help with sets - painting and the like.  They agreed to bring us on, but for what they most needed help with at the time - being ushers! In return, we would be allowed to watch the play and any future plays we work for free!!!

We signed up to usher the following weekend.  We dressed up - and plan on dressing up in period garb for each play we assist.  It was all quite easy - help people find their seats with their tickets, assist elderly so as not have a fall, and such.  During intermission, we assisted them with coming up and down the stairs, and again at the end of the play.    Very little effort, satisfying to know that no one took a tumble, and we got to enjoy the play at no cost.

All in all a lovely way to spend an evening!

Dragonflies are known in many cultures to represent light, adaptability, transformation and grace.  Transformation being the ever and always constant process of change.  Dragonflies begin as larvae on the bottom of ponds, and as they mature, they rise up.  From the murky depths, the dragonfly fights its way through the weight of the water and up into the sunlight, gathering all that it needs along the way to complete its tranformation and finally unfold into the magickal creatures they are. When the time is right, the dragonfly emerges and flies away from the pond to unite with destiny - full, vibrant and alive.    

There is no other way to describe how my life feels right now.  I am transforming; becoming what I should have always been and its incredible.  My mind and my spirit are opening up to new dimensions I’ve only ever longed for in the past.  Seeing my tiny vistor last night assured me that I am on the right road. 

Art truly imitates life…and some of the best things in life are free.

I’ve got a lot on my proverbial plate right now.  From living frugally and holistically, to promoting my book, my art, and my shop.  Living frugally for me doesn’t just mean living frugally raw these days.  It is also inclusive of my husband’s needs - he’s an omnivore.  That means we also have to afford whatever he wants to eat - not meaning that he isn’t watching our budget like a hawk too - he isn’t being frivolous by any means. 

A lot of folks are in this boat with the recession.  Sometimes I forget it’s happening.  I’m so used to being dirt poor, I really haven’t noticed it so much.  Sure we can’t go shopping as much as we used to - but we can put our energy into other things - like getting through this and coming out on top!  We can put our energies into supporting and valuing each other.  Hell - just a simple long hug can make so much a difference in the way a person looks at their day…and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Whatever it is you’re doing these days, believe in yourself - believe in what you are doing, and believe that you’ll succeed.  If we all can get hooked into this, we’re going to see this financial nightmare go away a lot sooner.      

My days would begin with the use of a neti pot.  For those of you who do not know what that is, it is an invaluable device for saline irrigation of the sinuses.  Done twice daily, it can relieve sinus pressure, stave off sinusitis and allay sinus infections. 

After the neti pot, I would brush my teeth, scrape my tongue, slough off any dead skin cells with a dry brush, and then give myself a massage before entering my shower.  Afterwards I would drink a large glass of water, do some yoga stretches, and then meditate.  Then I would take myself for an early morning walk.  All of this I did before going to work at 8 a.m.  I began my day at 5 a.m.  These simple daily practices increase circulation, boost metabolism, aid in detoxification, and assist in allergy and sinusitis relief…and most of this is free. 

I paid $16.99 for my neti pot - there are less expensive ones on the market, but I liked the way this one looked.  I use 1/4 tsp non-iodized salt in it with warm water to irrigate each side of my sinuses.  Think about that in relation to the cost of time missed from work, doctor visits, and pharmaceuticals. 

I use a Reach toothbrush - usually costs between $2 and $3, and I have a stainless-steel  tongue scraper I purchased at an Indian market for less than $2.  I use it every time I brush my teeth, clearing away any toxins and allowing my body to rid itself as it needs to.

My dry brush is just a natural shower brush which was a gift, but a loofah can also be used.  Loofahs can be bought for as little as $1 depending on the size you like.  Benefits of dry brushing include: cellulite removal, cleansing the lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, strengthens the immune system, stimulates hormone and oil-producing glands, tightens the skin preventing premature aging, tones muscles, stimulates circulation, improves the function of the nervous system, and helps digestion.  Body brushes can be purchased for as little as $5.

Self massage is a fantastic way to increase circulation, loosen toxins, soften skin, reduce stress, and stimulate the lymphatic system.  When doing self-massage it is important to massage away from the heart so as not to pull the lymph into the heart.  Also good to include is a gently warmed oil.  Sesame, almond, olive, coconut - all are excellent choices, and can be infused with your favorite herbs.  Look for these oils at Asian and Indian markets for the best prices.     

I decided this morning that I would incorporate that regimen and see just how I felt in comparison to mornings when I just roll out of bed and throw myself into my daily routine.   It is a much kinder, gentler, and more stimulating way to start your day.  I finished with walking a half-mile, thinking my life and its direction through. 

While on my walk, it occurred to me how important it is to stay on track and not allow others to persuade or disuade you from your path.  I’ve been rerouted so many times in my life, I’ve often wondered what it is I am ultimately supposed to be doing.  Every time I have begun to persue my callings, I’ve wound up dropping them for the sakes of others. 

I’ve dropped them to take or keep jobs that provided the main bread-winning dollars while others finished school.  I’ve dropped them to meld in with others - to make them feel more comfortable around me.  But what I’ve not allowed myself to see until now is that my life and my path matter in this world as much as anybody’s - that I was not created to just be back office support for those who people like me enable to grasp their dreams and happiness. 

I’ve been trying to understand for years why I have never really succeeded to grasp my dreams.  Now I see that I have continually put others first, made sure things were taken care of, and have so far lived a very meager life dreaming of the day when I would have “my turn.” 

Life doesn’t happen in “turns” - success and happiness fall to those brave enough to live their dreams and make them happen.    It requires a driving force and focus that brings you to where you find your bliss.        

 Now I have an affiliation with a fellow author - Susan Schenk!  She purchased my book a couple of months ago, and loved it, btw!  She is the author of “The Live Food Factor”  - The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet.  This 660-page book is split into four sections: one is an overview of going raw’s benefits; two showcases the scientific reasons for going raw; three highlights the raw movement’s history and its leadership; and four is a complete how-to manual. The book was awarded “Most Progressive Health Book of the Year” from the 2006 Independent Publisher Book Awards Outstanding Books of the Year.

Who is Susan Schenk?   

Susan Schenck is a Licenced Acupuncturist, with a masters in traditional Oriental medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She also has a master’s degree in applied linguistics and bachelor’s in education from Indiana University. Susan has taught all levels of education, from preschool to university.
Her world travels inspired Susan to find the ideal diet that could feed the planet. Having tried dozens of diets of herself, and always in search of peak health, her search was over when she discovered the simple secret of not cooking. Author of The Live Food Factor, Susan currently promotes the raw food diet through lectures, workshops and coaching.

In conjuction with the purchase of Susans’s book, there is a special offer in the works that will be sent out later this month for those who purchase her book through the link I have listed above…over 60 free bonus gifts!! 

Check out the reviews by our peers!

REVIEWS:

The Live Food Factor is the very best book on alternative health care ever done. It contains more research on the benefits of raw foods as well as the dangers of cooked foods ever amassed in one place. Dr. Vivian V. Vetrano, DC, hMD, PhD, DSci –Foreword, The Live Food Factor

The Live Food Factor is destined to become a classic. This book represents the most comprehensive study of the raw food diet and the raw food movement ever put on paper. When I received the manuscript, I simply couldn’t put it down and read the book in two days. In my classes, people have asked me over the years, “Where is the scientific research backing up the raw food diet?” I’m thrilled that now we have The Live Food Factor, which contains data that is thoroughly backed up with a list of over 60 scientific studies. I am a raw food teacher, writer, and researcher myself. I have taught hundreds of workshops about this subject for many years, and I have learned a great deal from Susan Schenck’s book. I highly recommend this book to all readers interested in improving their health. –Victoria Boutenko, raw food author and educator

“The Live Food Factor is the most comprehensive book ever written
about the raw food diet. Anyone interested in health should own a
copy. It is just what the raw world needed.”
—Paul Nison, author, The Raw Life and Raw Knowledge; also a raw food chef (www.paulnison.com, www.rawlife.com)

“…The most impressive and convincing book on the subject I’ve ever seen….It will be the new classic of the raw food movement.”
—Joe Alexander, author, Blatant Raw Food Propaganda

“This book is impeccably researched. Susan’s fact finding is uncompromising and nothing short of encyclopedic. Her book is a primer for raw food neophytes. While everyone is talking about preparing for retirement, she hones in what really matters: ‘The best retirement plan is to be so healthy that you never need to retire.’ ” —Tonya Zavasta, author of Your Right to Be Beautiful, Beautiful On Raw and Quantum Eating

“Susan’s book is one of the most thoroughly researched books on nutrition. This book is easy to read, very informative, and will surely get you thinking about the warped societal norms with our food industry and so-called “healthcare” industry today.”
— Dr. Jeannette Vos, co-author of The Learning Revolution 2.0

“It is so intelligent, well organized and comprehensive…It is the best compendium we’ve seen on alive food.”
—Jesse Schwartz, president of Living Tree Community

“This is the most extensive, inspiring and useful resource on the raw food diet you will ever read. It is loaded with tips, tools, tricks and advice that will change your thinking and your health forever.”
—Frederic Patenaude, author, The Raw Secrets and Instant Raw Sensations

” No longer will folks have to buy 15 books to begin the process. I wish I had this during the beginning of my journey.”
—Dana Pettaway, raw food chef

“Schenck is an advocate, but her points are clear and convincing.”
—Kirkus Discovery Review

“The Live Food Factor by Susan Schenck is by far the most complete raw food book available on the market today. Susan has compiled a multitude of vital information from 50 scientific studies which clearly show the advantages of a raw food diet vs. the typical, hazardous cooked food diet. She also includes a “how to” section that has various strategies for transitioning to the raw food diet, valuable information on detoxification, how to travel and socialize on raw and living foods and much more!”
—Alex Malinsky of rawguru.com and rawfoodchat.com