Soul Runnings

Wednesday, September 26, 2018. 5:45 p.m. I am at my library office. Huffing and puffing. I cannot believe I made it here on time! I am on a mission. A mission of the Mendelssohn kind. I got the idea the other night to study and compare the music of Fanny Mendelssohn with her brother Felix. I went online and reserved all the books and music I could find and had them put on hold at the library I usually visit when I am in Portland. And here I am in Portland today. I taught two brothers in their home. The last time before I switch over to group classes next week.  Whilst on the bus, I got an email that my material I had on hold had arrived! Most excited was I! However, I had a vague uneasy feeling. My students were from 4:30 to 5:30. And the branch that was holding my beloved books closed at 6:00 p.m.! So I mentioned to my students dad that I had important music and books waiting for me at the library. And that particular branch closed at 6:00. So he told me that he co...

I feel like I am beginning yet again... Even so, I am thankful I had the foresight to food prep for the week yesterday. I had a full morning with Gracie, which would have prevented me from putting together healthy items to pack in my lunch. I am feeling mighty fine today. The sun is shining in a brilliant blue sky.  It is a lovely fall day!  I ate healthy yesterday and so far today.  For breakfast, I had my oatmeal with dried fruit.  After some play activity with Grace, I put her in her high chair with cottage cheese - one of her favorites.  While she grabbed handfuls and attempted to navigate her spoon, I made some quinoa with lime and cilantro.  I first made it yesterday. I got the idea somewhere on the internet - it is similar to Chipotle's cilantro lime rice, but made with quinoa. It is extraordinary! I had the foresight to save a bit of plain quinoa for Grace. It was a hit with her as well! And most adorable to watch her fastidiously trying t...

I sinned.  And it wasn't pretty. It was a sin of the gluttinous kind.  Involving cheese and too much meat.  I fell off the wa gon yesterday. I had two meals out. The first, with my mother. We went to a darlin g little diner called "Paul's" in downtown Vancouver.  I had corned beef hash.  I asked to substitute fruit for the toast, but the waitress proudly informed me that they had  gluten free bread. She told me they received several calls a week askin g for  gluten free options.  "The owner finally just purchased a couple of loaves of  g luten free bread", she said with a  grimace. "It's kind of weird little bread", she confided. It was typical store bought gluten free bread. I'm used to it.  I prefer my home baked bread, bagels and rolls. But it gets expensive. I prefer almond flour.  Next time I should probably smuggle an almond flour bagel into the restaurant! The breakfast was really good other than...

I can smell again!! I just walked by The Body Shop at the mall. I was heading for some solitary prayer and study at Starbucks (as shallow as that sounds), when a wave of scent hit my nostrils. The sweet smell of strawberries! I almost shrieked and jumped for joy right there! Luckily I got hold of myself. I walked up to their table of samples and slathered strawberry vanilla hand cream on my hands and arms. I am sitting here by the window of Starbucks, watching people, praying, reading, journaling and blogging. Every so often I pause and sniff my hands. Still there! Sweet strawberries with a hint of vanilla. Divine!!! Not only that, but I did it!  A 4-day alkaline cleanse! I feel fabulous! So fabulous, in fact, that I believe I will continue!  I will probably add a bit more meat back into my diet and eggs. Other than that, I plan on keeping on! My beloved nostrils and I are now on the way to the gym. I really am digging this progress. Happy Thursday! ...

Proud of self at HTB! Today is day 3 of my alkaline cleanse. I am totally digging this way of eating! I have lost 4 pounds and my energy is soaring! I've increased my water intake.  My secret is to keep a pitcher of water in the fridge with sliced cucumbers, fresh ginger and lime.  Everytime I pass through the kitchen, I pour a big glass of this lovely concoction. My breakfast every morning has been oatmeal with quinoa, almond butter, walnuts, and dried cranberries.  I smear a bit more almond butter and a dab of honey on top. Today for lunch, I even went out with my daughter and Baby Gracie to Hometown Buffet! I am most proud of my self!  I had two plates of salad, a piece of baked chicken, some beans and a bit of fruit. And I was most content! For supper I had pinto beans, steamed bok choy, a salad and a bit of chicken. I can do this!  I may keep up this way of eating for the rest of my mortal life! I think avoiding dairy works we...

I am feeling less poofy and more alive today! Less poofy! I can say one thing for sure, I am thankful that I started my Prednisone and Doxycycline Saturday, since I started my alkaline cleanse yesterday!  I woke up Sunday morning with a head that feels 20 pounds lighter. I can breathe through my nose, my jaw doesn't ache and the rash on my chest has greatly diminished. Perhaps it's a combination of the Prednisone and wishful thinking. For breakfast this morning I had a lovely of oatmeal with quinoa and nuts. I topped it with a drizzle of  raw honey. Who am I? I ate my oatmeal without butter! Without any type of milk whatsoever! On top of that, I had a cup of nettle tea which has no caffeine. And half of a sliced cucumber. And I made a pitcher of cucumber/lemon water with freshly grated ginger. I must admit, I am frightened. But that means that I'm on the right track. I'm afraid that I will give into cravings for meat four cheese for dairy of any kind for frie...

Waiting for my MRI 9/10/2018: I am beside myself with joy! Gracie and I are strolling through the park near our home, and I noticed leaves are falling from the trees. Some of the leaves have turned a beautiful bright yellow. And a gentle rain has begun to fall. I cannot tell you how happy I am! The only thing that would add to my joy, would be if I could actually smell the new rain. I still have no sense of smell. My taste is greatly diminished too. I am so happy that I had that MRI yesterday. The results should be coming within a week they told me. It was actually a very interesting experience! The most difficult part was holding still. Especially since I suddenly had the urge to cough. Violently. I shared this information with the technician. She shook her head and told me no coughing, sneezing or any kind of movement whatsoever. "It would ruin the scan", she said somberly. I told her perhaps I should use my inhaler. She told me that was a good idea. So I hop...