Year Two, Day 244: Happy Me, Kitchari,Chicken Bones and Honey Dog!

I know. That is a long title. But I have so much to tell you!

First of all...

I have an earth angel in my life!

I came home last night, shivering cold, soaked to the bone, even with my rain boots. But I was feeling good after my morning tea regimen, healthy eating and renewed vitality. Plus I had a really good lesson with two brothers that both love piano. They are a joy to teach. Even on a cold winter's night.

I walked in the door, pulled off my rainboots and wet socks. The house was quiet. Only Honey Dawg was home. I was going to sit down and have a salad and tea, when I noticed a text message from my son-in-law. It said, "There was a large package for you on the porch. We put it in your room."

I knew they were at Bible study. But what was this mysterious package?

I thought maybe it was my newest Gwynnie Bee clothing package. But that usually came in a small box.

So, curiously I went down the hall and opened my bedroom door. And there on my piano bench was a wicker basket full of wonderful goodies! And a lovely card. From someone who had read my blog when I opened up about my depression. Someone who has also experienced the big "D" word and wanted to cheer me up.

Boy did it! This was about the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.

"Happy Me" tea, lavender honey tea stirrers, a stuffed bunny that you can heat up and snuggle with, lavender essential oil, a candle ("peach preserves"), a lovely journal (I was needing a new prayer journal!), a little plant, and adult coloring bible verse coloring book, a "Happier 2017" desk calendar, lavender face masks and a lovely card.

"Henri" my Snuggle Bunny. You can heat the bean bag from his tummy. I love him! I put some drops of lavender on the bag before I heated it up.

The card had lovely note and was signed "H". So I am guessing she wants to remain anonymous.

This warmed my heart. Not just the gift and the thought behind it, but I had felt a little nervous talking so openly about my depression. But now that it is out there, I feel rather relieved. It is so exhausting dealing with depression, but even worse to try and cover it up.

It helps to know there are others out there who struggle with the big "D".

I hope that if H ever struggles again, that she has an angel in her life to comfort her.

I suspect she does.

It really helps to be able to speak openly. And it really helps to finally let go of the shame.

I hope that my blog will inspire others to talk to someone if they are depressed. The dark cloud always passes. And behind it is always a bright tomorrow!

Thank you H for lifting my spirits. May your 2017 be blessed!

And on another happy note, I am so thankful for Deepok Chopra! Not only has his breathing techniques helped me, but I made a steamy pot of Kitchari this morning. Kitchari is a porridge of lentils and rice from India. It is considered an "Ayurvedic" dish.

I found a lovely article about Ayurvedic by Dr. Chopra himself! He says:

"Thousands of years before modern medicine provided scientific evidence for the mind-body connection, the sages of India developed Ayurveda, which continues to be one of the world’s most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realizing their full human potential.

The two main guiding principles of Ayurveda are 1) the mind and the body are inextricably connected, and 2) nothing has more power to heal and transform the body than the mind. Freedom from illness depends upon expanding our own awareness, bringing it into balance, and then extending that balance to the body."

(Deepok Chopra, M.D. http://www.chopra.com/articles/what-is-ayurveda)

Here are some pictures of my kitchari. First I made the porridge of rice and lentils. I added minced ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam marsala, cinnamon, a minced jalapeno, chopped green onions and coconut flakes sauteed in butter.

I kind of followed this recipe: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/05/my-favorite-kitchari-recipe/

I topped mine with diced chicken and roasted veggies leftovers, and sprinkled raisins and sunflowers on top.

I sipped my ginger/tumeric/black tea and smiled!

On a not so happy note, Honey Dawg found some chicken wing bones from a to go container yesterday. We found the empty container on the floor. No bones to be found. My daughter, the worried mother has been texting me every few minutes to check on her. We gave her some plain rice to cushion her bowels. She seems fine. Right now she is outside chasing a squirrel.

But earlier she was getting quite annoyed with me waking her up from her nap to get a picture to show her mom she is ok!