Bagheera Yoga

Painting Sacred Symbols

2012-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

Took a very fun painting class from Nada Stone at the Visionary Art Museum last Wednesday. This photo doesn't do justice to the infinity knot that I painted. It really is powerful. I plan to frame it and place it somewhere prominent in the house. Nada says it will be auspicious for all who view it.

Inspiration for my fellow yogi's

2012-01-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Maia from julia warr on Vimeo.

A Rare Washington DC Winter Rainbow

2011-12-28T15:21:00.000-08:00

Spent the rainy vacation Tuesday inside doing end of the year paperwork. Such a surprise and delight to look out the window and find this rare (for Washington DC) rainbow.

Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson gets interviewed

2011-11-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my dearly beloved art teacher (who hates teaching) Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson. I just love her!

This took my breath away - a murmuration (a flock of starlings)

2011-11-26T14:57:00.001-08:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Dark Skin Girls Trailer from the new film - Watch it

2011-11-19T15:50:00.001-08:00

Hawaiian Artist Makana - provides great inspiration singing at an event for President Obama and other world leaders

2011-11-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

Both of these short youtube videos are worth watching. The first is a man finding his courage to sing his truth and the second is a well done photo montage to run with his original and timely song. Enjoy!

Nix the Keystone XL Pipeline Action

2011-11-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Just a gorgeous day for an event at the White House with 12,000 like minded citizens on Sunday Nov 6th.

A very fun float of the pipeline snaking through the trees in front of Blair House

President Obama's motorcade came out while we were here

Me on the far left with some good friends at the event

This is the sign I add pinned to the back of my jacket

Last Day of Vegan MOFO - easy as pie

2011-10-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Took a homemade vegan sweet potato pie to donate to the Occupy DC on K street group at McPherson Square yesterday. I was impressed by the organization of the encampment, the peaceful vibe and the obvious care being taken to keep the park immaculate. Truthfully, it was the cleanest that I've every seen it. There was a well focused peoples forum going on while I was there so I didn't get to talk to too many folks. The people I did speak to were a broad range of ages. Hope to check in on it throughout the coming week.Took this photo of a beautifully painted vehicle parked beside the park.

November 6th - Join me!

2011-10-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Somethings cooking

2011-10-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I bought a bushel of sweet potatoes in a moment of insanity a few weeks ago? Well, we have had them baked and in breakfast muffins thus far. I've given lots away to friends and neighbors too. Tomorrow I plan to make two sweet potato pies. One to be consumed locally and one to take to the folks downtown at Occupy Washington DC.

A neighbor insisted this book was mine at last Saturdays building wide yard sale. She even refused the $3 dollars she'd marked to sell it for. Humm.

I like one of the toasts that the author included for Birthdays. "May you live 100 years plus one to repent". That just tickles me.

And...the book has the vegan sweet potato pie recipe that I've been hoping to find. Vola!

Dharma Brother in town

2011-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

My Dharma brother Danny joined us for dinner at Bardia's New Orleans Cafe tonight. Bardia has a number of Vegan items on the menu each night including a decent veggie gumbo, a couple daily vegan soups and my favorite "Mother Nature" which is a rice dish which uses pecan oil.

MOFO scramble

2011-10-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Barking Dog and I are still doing the MOFO - just not much to write about. We did enjoy this new product from Gardein. I would give these Vegan Burgers a 9.2 rating.

Vegan MOFO Day 18,19, 20 - Sweet Potatoes Muffins, Vegan Pizza and LIfe in the city

2011-10-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

In a moment of insanity I purchased a bushel (yes a bushel plus) of sweet potatoes from a farmer in St Mary's County. I've yet to really make a dent in the lot even though I've shared them with friends and neighbors. The below muffins are based on a recipe that I'd posted earlier in October 2009. This go round had raisins, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds as the nutmeats and fruit. They were very good indeed.

The photo features the margarine we use these days. It is great for baking and just spreading on toast (made out of non-GMO soybeans).

1 1/2 C Organic Unbleached Flour

1/2 C Organic Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tbs Baking powder

1/2 tsp of salt

1 C Organic Sugar

1 1/2 tsp ENER G Egg Replacer mixed w/ 2Tbs warm water

1 tsp flax seed

1/2 C mashed sweet potato

1 C Soy Milk

4 Tbsp melted Earth Balance Margarine

1/2 C Raisins

1/2 C sunflower seeds

1/2 C toasted pumpkin seeds

1/2 C dried cranberrys

Set a 350f oven with rack in the middle.

Grease a 12- cup muffin pan with margarine.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl till combined.

Whisk sugar with ENER G water briefly. Add sweet potato mash, and butter and combine. Then whisk in the soy milk.

Gently toss the nuts and dried fruit to the dry ingredients until combined.

Fold the wet mixture into the dry with a rubber spatula until batter is just mixed. Divide mixture into the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 15 minutes and then rotate the pan back to front and back for another 10-15 minutes.

Over the past month Americans have been taking to the streets. Democracy in action! Peaceful and smart for the post part. Here is a succinct sign about the recent financial collapse trigger.

Sometimes we just dress up something pre-made. Amy's Vegan Pizza is a great base to add things to. On the right side Barking Dog has vegan meatballs, extra red sauce and Jalepenos. On the left I have added olives and Jalepenos and both sides have vegan mozzarella. Some baby Arugula (in the green bowl) is a nice topping.

Thursday was a left overs day. And Friday we were treated to dinner at a neighbors. So I thought I'd provide a three views encountered in the city on Wednesday to round out the end of the week MOFO. Because - sometimes what feeds us is the beauty around us.

Here are some gorgeous Elephant ears on Harvard Street not far from home.

A view out the car window driving north on Beach Drive in Rock Creek Parkway in the afternoon. Just the beginnings of Fall beginning to show in the tree leaves.

The iconic Dupont Circle on a misty, rainy afternoon.

Vegan MOFO Day 17 - Neighbors and friends help out

2011-10-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

A nice thing about being focused on vegan cooking this month is the enjoyment of sharing the various dishes with friends and neighbors. Last night they reciprocated, so I didn't need to make dinner. In the front is a tofu, acorn squash dish and in the background is a mung bean, barley stew. A nice Autumn meal!

Vegan MOFO Days 15 & 16 - this and that

2011-10-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the zen sangha that I was making the granola for the night before. We had 15 RSVP for a half day sit and 13 people show. It was a nice full house (so to speak) but not crowded. Nice to see the room being used in this way. Reminds me of the adage - if you build it, they will come. Our Sangha has been meeting in this space since 2004. Washington DC is a very transient place but we seem to have a nice cross section of people; older and youngish, various countries of origin and economic spheres. Something is working in this space and community supporting the dharma.

Took a great deal of one pointedness to organize the above so Barking Dog and I had a simple dinner Saturday night.

This is store bought marinara with some good Chianti, red pepper flakes and cayenne reduced into it. Barking Dog made the pesto (Arugula and garlic scapes back in March which we froze). And the pretty pasta is called "Conchiglie" which means conch shells.

Vegan bloggers are always posting silly photos of cats. So here is mine. Eeyore cooling off after spending some time in the heated kitty condo.

Today I got to see my dear friend and art teacher Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson in Frederick MD. She was selling her paintings and prints at the SCHIFFERSTADT celebration in Frederick. To the left you can see a painting she is currently working on of a woman in a bathtub with a dog laying on the bathmat beside the tub. It is very fun!

The atmosphere was light hearted and fun at the Octoberfest including the ummpapa music in the tent a few hundred yards away from her art display.

Vegan MOFO Day 14 - Vegan over the top Granola

2011-10-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Having 15 people tomorrow for Oryoki breakfast (part of a half day sitting). Preparing a simple meal with some over the top homemade granola. This granola is smokey, salty and sweet. Made a double batch so that Barking Dog and I will have some for the week to follow. Posted this recipe in 2010.

This go round added chopped dried cherries, chopped dried prunes and chopped apricots to the original recipe.

Vegan MOFO Day 13 - Vegan Soy Mocha

2011-10-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

A highlight of the day was this soy mocha at Chinatown Coffee Company on H Street NW. The scene there is always amusing. The people (mostly guys) who work there are really sweet, funny and gracious.

All that niceness and a work of art on the top of my coffee beverage is just an unnecessary extra indulgence. This is almost too pretty to drink. But I did!

Vegan MOFO Day 12 - Miso Soup

2011-10-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

We often make a version of this spicy oriental soup. Most often with mung bean noodles. But tonight with Japanese fine Soba noodles.

A nice thing is the quick preparation and the range of things that can go into it. It is a great to soup to use smallish amounts of many different of vegetables.

This soup has:

1 lb of chopped firm tofu that I've browned on all sides in a skillet which is then a sprinkled with 3 Tbs of organic Shoyu.

2 Tbs of minced fresh ginger is sautéed for about 2 minutes in hot vegetable oil. Then add and bring to a high simmer:
2 Tbs of Sesame oil
And what ever vegetables are looking like good soup additions.
This soup has 5 cups of vegetable stock, 1/2 cup of chopped bok choy cabbage, 1/2 cup of green cabbage, 1/4 cup of radishes/carrots chopped and 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper. Add the braised tofu and dry soba noodles when the soup is hot. Cook just until the noodles are soft.

The final touch is to mix 3/4 cup red miso paste with two cups of water. To this I have added 1 cup of cooked/steamed Red Kale.

Turn off the heat on the soup pot and add the miso mixture to the soup pot and serve.

Approximate cooking time is 30 minutes (with chopping).

Vegan MOFO Day 11 - Bento Box

2011-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today I had yoga classes to teach in downtown DC. It isn't always easy to find vegan nourishment so I often take a Bento Box with my lunchtime food. Today I am parked in a choice little nook table at the Starbucks on L Street NW. I've a heavy duty "Starbucks" reusable beverage glass with straw. When you provide a beverage container they give you .10c of the cost of the drink. Or you could just refill the cup with yummy tea from home. Starbucks always have good complimentary WIFI signal which is nice for catching up on email, Democracy Now and the Daily Show.

I got this little Bento Box in San Francisco's Japantown last March. It was already discounted - but the sales lady wanted to be sure it would go home with me and took off another few dollars. I think I spent $9.00 total with tax. It has been a terrific buy. I've used it so much since then and it still looks brand new! And though it is a pretty red it is very green (sooo nice to be creating less trash).

It has two food compartments with lids.

Today the main course is a Vegan burrito filled with MOFO Day 9 tofu scramble, MOFO day 8 Bessara broad bean dip, earth balance margarine, taco sauce and avocado.

For dessert there is shortbread animal crackers, vegan marshmallows (MOFO Day 4) and Equal Exchange Fair Trade 67% Mint Chocolate. All the makings for smores.

Vegan MOFO Day 10 - Vegan Blueberry Muffins

2011-10-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

These are great muffins with blueberries but also fabulous with cranberries .

The recipe is from Vegetarian Times
My main alteration of the recipe is to use frozen blueberries or cranberries. They hold the shape and flavor well when baking and don't bleed color into the dough.
1/4 cup soy margarine
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup soymilk
2 cups fresh frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 350F. Use vegetable shortening to grease the muffin pans.
Mix all ingredients together in mixing bowl. Spoon into muffin cup.
Bake 35 minutes, or until tops are firm. Cool slightly on rack.

Vegan MOFO Day 9 - Tofu Scramble

2011-10-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Breakfast for Dinner? With a Margarita too!

With some steamed red russian kale, fried carrots and potatoes and the Tofu Scramble from Post Punk Kitchen. I think my photo of tonights dinner is a bit more attractive then theirs. But that is all the credit I will take for you enjoying the Post Punk Kitchen recipe.

Vegan MOFO Day 8 Moroccan Christmas Bean (Broad Bean) Dip Recipe - Bessara

2011-10-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

While it may not look beautiful this Christmas Bean Dip recipe is fabulous! Serve it warm with chips, tortillas or pita bread.

• 1 cups dried Christmas beans

• 4 cloves garlic

• two chopped red onions

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Soak the beans overnight or longer. Add enough water to cover and add chopped garlic and red onion. Cook on medium-high until beans are tender. Place in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add spice and blend again. Serve warm. Yummy!

Vegan MOFO Day 7 - Butternut Vanilla Bean Soup

2011-10-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

This luscious soup is adapted from Chocolate and Zucchini's web site. I've added a hand full (1/4) of Cashews to her recipe to give the soup more richness and protein. Barking Dog and I have often served it to carnivores during the holidays and it is really well received.

2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Onions, peeled and chopped
1 large Butternut Squash, peeled, seeds removed and cut into chunks
1 Whole Vanilla Bean - sliced and soft insides scooped out.
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Cup Cashews

Heat Olive Oil in large soup pot. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add squash and stir occasionally cooking for another 10 minutes. Cover the vegetables with hot water and cook for another 20 minutes. Add the vanilla bean and scrapings and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod, add cayenne and the blend with an immersion blender till smooth.

Vegan MOFO Day 6 - Vegan Apple Pear Butter

2011-10-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is an easy delicious apple pear butter to put some zing into the coming winter months. It's really easy to cook and can and makes a great gift for your fellow foodies. The following recipe is adapted from Vegan Yum Yum. I've added pears to the recipe and reduced the sugar.

Crock Pot Apple Butter

4 1/2 lbs Apples, peeled and finely chopped

1 1/2 Cups firm asian pears

2 Cups Sugar

2-3 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Sprinkle Nutmeg

Peel and core the apples and pears. Slice finely or puree in a food processor. Add apples and remaining ingredients to your crock pot. Cook on high for 1 hour, then on low for 8-10 hours (I've found that you can even let it go longer for a richer flavor). I then used my immersion blender to chop any large remaining pieces. Remove lid (or crack it open a bit) and cook on high until a wooden spoon stands upright in it.

Fill sterilized jars with simmering apple butter and process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Remove jars and let sit, undisturbed, overnight. Test the seals and refrigerate any jars that have not sealed completely. Fully sealed jars will keep for 18-24 months unopened. Once opened, the apple butter will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator, or indefinitely in the freezer.

Vegan MOFO Day 5 - Broccoli Bisque

2011-10-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight we made Broccoli Bisque

2 medium onions chopped
2 plus cups chopped Broccoli
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbsp oil
1 1/2 Tbsp Cashew Butter
4 cups Vegetable Broth
1/4 cup soy creamer
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried dill
splash of lime juice

This Broccoli Bisque was light, refreshing and heart healthy.

Heat a dutch oven. Add cooking oil and onions. Cook the onions of a few minutes. Add the broccoli and sauté until green color deepens. Add vegetable broth and simmer for 15 minutes at a medium heat. Reduce heat and add remaining ingredients. Use a blender to make the soup creamy (I like to use my emersion blender).

Vegan MOFO Day 4

2011-10-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Not a great photo but a really great marshmallow. Looked for many years for a marshmallow made without gelatin and finally found one that is excellent. One of these with a small square of fair trade dark chocolate and I am in a very nice place!

There was another company that had good marshmallows a few years back that disappeared. I hope everyone out there who loves marshmallows with seek out Sweet & Sara and keep them in business.

Vegan MOFO Day 3 - My Winter Secret - Black Twig Apples

2011-10-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Black Twig, an old Tennessee variety with a dark burgundy skin, was Andrew Jackson's favorite apple. It was introduced about 1830 as a seedling on the farm of Major Rankin Toole near Fayetteville, Tennessee. It became one of the popular dessert varieties in the 19th and early 20th century in Central Virginia orchards. It is not ripe until October, has a very crisp flesh that is both sweet and tart, and it gets better the longer you keep it--if cared for properly--almost until Spring.

These are the apples that get me through the dark days of winter. They look like plums but are amazingly long lasting in the frig. If I only eat one a day, I might have enough in the produce bin to get to February. Really amazing in flavor and texture. Add a little soy yogurt and vegan granola and you have a gourmet breakfast. We get these from farmer "Eric" from Country Pleasures Farm at the Dupont Circle Sunday Market in Washington DC. Load up on them while you can!!!

Vegan MOFO day 2

2011-10-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

Often people ask me for recommendations on vegetarian products to offer their children or spouses. They are often looking for something that replaces comfort foods and/or meats in meals. Curt and I have tried many brands of veggie dogs over the years and these are the best so far.

Yves makes a number of products that we eat regularly. The Good Dogs, the mock Canadian bacon and the mock Lemon Chicken Skewers are all good sides to add to a vegetarian meal.

In the case of the dogs we do a more traditional variation with Veggie Chili, Potato dog bun, chopped red onion, mustard and pickle relish.

Vegan MOFO Day 1

2011-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Best Vegan item of the day were the Vietnamese Spring Rolls that Barking Dog and I made to go along with our Turnip & ChickPea Berbere Stew. The secret ingredient is adding some hydrated mung bean noodles in each roll. They give the spring rolls a nice chewy element.

Have a bunch of veggies raw and cooked, sliced thinly to roll into the rice flour skins. We used; cooked kale, cooked cabbage, cooked shitake mushrooms, raw shitake, carrot, radish, parsley and cilantro.

Lay an assortment of items lengthwise and fold the ends over and then roll. The wet rice skins will stick together. The spring rolls can be eaten raw or barking dog likes them braised in oil in the skillet.

Serve with dipping sauce. The preference tonight was the peach jam and red pepper and the dijon mustard.

2011-10-01T17:20:00.001-07:00

Traffik - a Film series worth watching

2011-09-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Just finished viewing the 6 part series Traffik. Wow very powerful. I highly recommend it. You can get it hard copy DVD via Netflix.

Tofu/Bean Loaf Recipe

2011-08-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Friends have asked me to share this recipe for Tofu/Bean loaf. I've experimented through the years with a basic recipe that I'd gotten from a cook at Yogaville. It seems the key to this recipe is adding the nuts and dahl soup. Nuts give the the loaf richness and the dahl soup adds body and a nice flavor.

Tofu Loaf recipe

Makes two loaves

Preheat oven 350f

Mix (I use my hands to mash it all together)

1 lb of firm Tofu mashed

1/3 C ketchup

1/3 C soy sauce

2 Tbs Dijon Mustard

1/2 C Parsley chopped

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1 Medium Onion Chopped finely

2 C bread crumbs, rolled oats or corn flakes crushed

1/4 C cashews chopped

1/4 C walnuts chopped

2 Tbs Olive oil

1 Tbs balsamic vinegar

2 C Dahl soup (water largely cooked out)

1 Tbp Vegan Worchester sauce

Put 1/4 C of vegetable oil in both loaf pans. Divide mixture in half and place half in each loaf pan then press the mixture against the sides and to even out the top.

Bake for approximately 1 hour

Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

Late Summer Altar

2011-08-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Late summer altar at All Beings Abode Zendo

All Beings Sangha Sesshin

2011-08-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Five humans and one canine enjoyed a wonderful 4 day Sesshin recently at Woodburn Hill Farm in Southern Maryland.

We explored the aspect of offering merit within our zen practice.

We took an early morning quiet walk each day.

We enjoyed the "Great Room" in the Pheonix House as our zendo.

All photograph were taken by John Flanagan

Beer Batter Pizza - Yum!

2011-08-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is the result from a quick and inexpense method for making pizza. Beer! Who knew? Tried this recipe last November when Barking Dog and I were doing Vegan MOFO. Tried it again tonight and with the summer seasons Purple Cherokee Tomatoes and fresh basil (grown in our garden/s) it was definitely an 8 out of 10 rating for both of us. You can find the recipe here Fast and Easy Beer Batter Pizza Dough.

Crazy Quilt at the Newark Museum

2011-04-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Working toward completing a crazy quilt in a workshop at the Newark Museum taught by Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson

Thursday in Paris

2011-03-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

I passed this dog in a retail shop both coming and going today. He was just so sweet and friendly that I had to take a photo to show BD

Dog is retail shop along Rue Fontaine

Surprised to see this street name

A beautiful and unusual building along Cherche Midi

The fountain at St. Sulpice

A very expressive Lion at the Saint Sulpice Fountain

Another Day of walking/wandering the city streets. Crossed to the Left bank and found myself on Rue du Cherche Midi. What a wonderful street this will be to return to with a broad range of shops (housewares to tea to clothes). I even found a great Organic food store "Bio Generation" where I bought an assortment of culinary herbs and seaweed gifts. I also bought food for traveling tomorrow.

Found these fun pill cases at "Midi Couleurs"

Wednesday in Paris

2011-03-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

Started the day with a Metro ride to the left bank and signed in for a Forumule Oriental (use of the baths, a scrub, a massage, a mint tea and two course lunch with drink) at the Hammam de la Mosquee de Paris. Had only an OK experience in the bath-house itself. The massage women seemed very good however! If I were to go back again I'd get a longer massage (30 minutes) and eat in the restaurant (which was really good). And I would not mess with experiencing the baths again. It was not designed well, it is kinda shabby and the staff were indifferent to making the experience any easier.

One of many beautiful doorways into the city block size complex of the Mosque

The ceiling of the dining room

My little table filled with lunch

All the lunch items assembled together (coucous, delicious stewed vegetables, chickpeas and golden raisins)

Along the walk from Isle Saint Louis crossing the river

Tuesday wanderings in Paris

2011-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Navigated my way back to the metro to go the Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre. Below was a political sticker that someone had placed on the interior wall of the metro car near the station map.

I know my Mom would have wet her pants laughing at this very serious accordian player (it's a family thing about accordians - you wouldn't understand).

Beautiful art along the spiral staircase in the Abbesses Metro

A rare art deco Metro awning

Quant town of Abbesses below the Sacre-Coeur

Buddha laying around even in Paris

Machine-gun welding police at the steps of the Sacre-Coeur

An amazing Art Deco gate in the 16th Arrondissement

Sunday and Monday in Paris

2011-03-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

My hosts patio garden

Well I'm obviously playing a little catch up on blogging my travels. These photos are from Sunday the 20 and Monday the 21st in Paris. I'm visiting my friends who live in the 16th Arrondissement. They've got a great place in a quiet neighborhood near Ave Mozart.

A photo from our walk in the Bois de Boulogne in the afternoon

Evidently I brought the sunshine with me from Washington DC. From Sunday to Thursday it is suppose to be warm and sunny here after a very long grey winter. I'm happy to help my friends and give them a little sunshine. Even Parisians need sunshine. Although I'd happily trade a little DC sunshine for a Parisian crossant now and again.

The view from the bus ride on Monday morning

I was very surprised to see these hand pendants in an obviously jewish store in the Marais. But after a little research I learned that the Hamsa with the eye at center is a shared symbol of many peoples of the middle east and mediterranean.

Here is a wonderful piece about the Hamsa's Symbolism in different cultures taken from Wikipedia.

Another Arabic name for the hamsa (or khamsa) is the hand of Fatima, commemorating Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.[3][4] Today specimens demonstrate that the hand symbolism originates in the world of sexuality.[5] Hamsa hands often contain an eye symbol. Depictions of the hand, the eye, or the number five in Arabic (and Berber) tradition is related to warding off the evil eye, as exemplified in the saying khamsa fi ainek ("five [fingers] in your eye").[6] Another formula uttered against the evil eye in Arabic is khamsa wa-khamis.[7] Due to its significance in both Arabic and Berber culture, it is one of the national symbols of Algeria, and appears in its emblem.
The khamsa is the most popular of the different amulets to ward off the evil eye in Egypt — others being the Eye, and the Hirz (a silver box containing verses of the Koran).[3] The Hand (Khamsa) has long represented blessings, power and strength and is thus seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye.[8] It's one of the most common components of jewellery in the region.[3]
Archaeological evidence indicates that a downward pointing hamsa used as a protective amulet in the region predates its use by members of the monotheistic faiths.[9][10] It is thought to have been associated with Tanit, the supreme deity of Carthage (Phoenicia) whose hand (or in some cases vulva) was used to ward off the evil eye.[9]
The hamsa's path into Jewish culture, and its popularity particularly among the Sephardic Jewish community, can be traced through its use in Phoenicia.[9] Jews sometimes call it the hand of Miriam, referencing the sister of the biblical Moses and Aaron.[9] Five (hamesh in Hebrew) represents the five books of the Torah for Jews. It also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Het", which represents one of God's holy names. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God.

Took a slow afternoon walk along the St. Martin Canal after spending a few hours at the Bains du Marias (a turkish style bathhouse and spa).

A lovely lady protecting the French Republic

A small central garden in the yard of the Church next door to my hosts

Sandoval Island Bend and final night in Florida

2011-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are practicing the Sandoval Island Bend. At our feet our thousands of seashells.

A laconic place in Sandoval

Fruit stand on the way back to Orlando

Our faithful and comfortable ride

A nice place to rest our heads on the last night of the trip - very posh (but Kaisa got us the cheap Airline rate - yeah!

Leaving the florida keys and visiting Everyglades National Park

2011-03-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Neither of us really wanted to leave the Ragged Edge Resort on day 3 of our Florida trip- but the call of adventure moved us forward. Here I'm sitting in our favorite breakfast spot of the trip "Made to Order" in Islamorada Key. Yummy Food and gorgeous setting.

Yours truely

The view from my seat at the restaurant "Made to Order"

We really loved the boardwalk in the Royal Palm section of the Everglades National Park. Below is one of the residents who as you can see I got very (dangerously?) close to.

Florida Alligator watching the tourists

A rare ?

Buzzard friends

The Florida Keys and Sunset in Key West

2011-03-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday stayed overnight in Islamorada Key (just south of Key Largo) at the Ragged Edge Resort. Situated on the Atlantic coast all the rooms have refrigerators or full Kitchens. Our Studio had a screened porch and full kitchen. Drove the 2+ hours to Key West for the Sunset. We could hear woodpeckers pecking and other birds talking to each other in the morning. Very quiet, peaceful place to be.

Some of our neighbors at the motel

This is the view from our studio room in the little complex of bungelows.

One of the lovely houses in Key West

The famous sunset

Beautiful colors in the sky after the sun goes down in Key West. There were thousands of people on the quay congregated to watch the sunset. It was quite lovely in spirit. Even with all the open air bars throughout the downtown area the energy was very gentle. This would be a nice place to return to if one wanted a warm place for rest and renewal.

The drive south along the Florida coast on Monday

2011-03-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night we flew from Memphis to Orlando via Chicago and stayed in a nice Marriot near the Airport. Monday morning we rented a Toyota Camry at the Airport and began our drive south. We cut across to the ocean and drove all the way down route A1A which we loved.

We had a lovely walk in the Pelican Wildlife Refuge

And crashed for the night at a Holiday Inn near the Miami Airport after a dinner in Lauderdale by the Sea.

Overall it was a great day!

Graceland Tour

2011-03-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

After spending the night at the Heartbreak Hotel (really we did). Sunday, we signed up for the VIP tour of the Mansion, grounds and museums of Graceland. It was a bit voyeuristic, but fun.

My favorite elements of the tour were: the billiard room in the mansion, the display of Elvis's gold records and his costumes and the collection of some of his automobiles.

The former meditation garden just beyond the pool and home got turned into a gravesite. It was a touching place to be. Elvis was special to so many people across the world. Evidenced by the grave memorial wreaths from around the world.

I don't think he is really here. Barking Dog said he saw him at the 7-11 on Columbia Road NW on Saturday.

Downtown Memphis, TN

2011-03-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we had dinner at the flying fish restaurant in downtown Memphis, TN.

Kaisa got the what seemed to be the local favorite - Crawfish.

And I had a nice selection of the vegetarian options. The spinach was the best!

After dinner we took a walk to Beale street where there are blocks and blocks of blues clubs.

The big trip altered

2011-03-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

Due to the earthquake in Japan on Thursday and the threat of more aftershocks we canceled the Asia part of the travels for now. We've agreed to reschedule the trip for Fall 2011 or later.

Here is my treehouse room on Thursday night at Circle B&B

Yesterday, Friday - was a long day of checking other options - and trying to get refunds for flights. Kaisa (my traveling companion) and I have decided to stay "in country" and see two places that our on our individual "bucket lists"; Graceland in Memphis TN and Key West FL. And I still plan to go to Paris next weekend.

As I write this we are waiting to board a plan in Chicago bound for Memphis.

Yesterday was a beautiful Southern California day. So I did get a few minutes in the heated Jacuzzi pool at Kaisa's apartment complex and laid for as long as I could stand it on the 200 needles of the acupuncture mat (the new rage in Finland). We are calling it my asian spa treatment for the trip. Ha Ha. We've had to do alot of laughing given the situation with the aborted trip to Cambodia. Both of us had gone to alot of trouble to make the time available and research the trip, get Cambodian visas etc. Oh well! on we go for the next adventure!

Here is a photo that we had taken during our alfresco lunch yesterday. Kaisa doesn't like - so please don't tell her it is here. Ssshh.

Two new Mosaics

2011-03-02T06:23:00.001-08:00

Pai-chang 's fox

Is the story of a monk who, after denying that an enlightened person falls into cause and effect, was turned into a wild fox for five hundred lifetimes. He appears to Zen Master Baizhang (Wade-Giles: Pai-chang; Japanese: Hyakujō) and demands a "turning word," a phrase intended to prompt one to realization, to be freed from his animal form. After Baizhang tells him not to ignore cause and effect, the monk confirms that he has been released from his wild fox body and asks to be given a monk's funeral rites. Later, when Baizhang's disciple Huangbo (Wade-Giles: Huang-po; Japanese: Ōbaku) asks what would have happened had the monk not denied cause and effect, Baizhang tells Huangbo to come close so he can answer him. Huangbo steps forward and slaps Baizhang, ostensibly in the awareness that Baizhang had intended to strike him. Baizhang laughs approvingly and compares Huangbo to the Indian monk and Zen patriarch Bodhidharma.

The Barbarian Without a Beard

Nikki Giovanni talk at Busyboys and Poets

2011-01-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last night Barking Dog and I went to hear Nikki Giovanni give a talk and a reading from her recent collection of Poems "100 Best African American Poems" at Busyboys and Poets on 5th NW. She was fabulous, witty, opinionated and adorable. If there is a utube video of her talk- go listen to it. I will look and see if anyone posted something and link it from here.

A couple of points that stick with me which she made;
Get people out of prisons. There should be other ways to keep track of where people are and to know what they are doing.
Stop watching shows about women who have been killed (i.e. just about all the evening televisions shows)
Having 150 friends is ridiculous. Work on having 3-4 really good friends.
Don't let anyone's criticism put you down. Whether it is about your looks, your work, or your interests.
People having intercourse with people. What is the big deal. No big deal. It is sex. Get over it.
To women - never break a friendship because of a man.

Stained Glass at the Newark Museum with Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson

2010-12-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Four of us drove north to Newark NJ on the Weekend of December 4th for a two day stained glass workshop with my favorite art teacher, Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson. With irreverant humor and immense talent she inspired us to let ourselves come forward in the art. The workshop was all about process.

I was in love with the colors of glass and wanted something that had movement and beautiful colors.

Francy was inspired by Inuit art. And wanted to create an eye.

Elizabeth had a dragon on her mind

Sandy made this crab stained glass and the house.

And Marcia made this whimsical man.

We had a blast. If you ever want to take an art or craft workshop - do it at the Newark Museum they have a fantastic program for adults. The space is great, the materials provided are super and the people who run the program: Stephen McKenzie and Sue smith are wonderful!

November Adventure in New York

2010-11-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Found this room for an overnight on Airbnb.com. For $63 it was convenient and a 30 minute walk or short subway ride to mid-town. What a nice surprise to find this dresser top alter to a variety gods and goddesses in my room.

The view as I walked across the Queenboro Bridge into Manhattan.

The reason for my visit to NY was to see my zen teacher (who was visiting from S.F.) and to take a Sumi-painting workshop at the Japan Society for New Zealand artist Max Gimblett. There was an amazing exhibition of Zen Master Hakuin's paintings and calligraphy on display. I particularly was taken by this Oni Zazen. Wish I'd taken a photo of Max. He is giving the workshop again in Dec and Jan. I highly recommend it. It was such a fun time!

Had dinner at Counter on 1st Avenue. A vegetarian place I'd read a review for. I hung out at the window seat in the early evening. Finally "landing" after the drive north in the morning and the high energy workshop with Max.

Here is one of the many chiwawa's that I saw people walking (or rather pulling along) on First Avenue. She was apparently fiesty, obviously well dressed and a photohound!

The following day enjoyed walking through the Brooklyn flea which is hosted on Sundays inside a former bank.

Dragonfly

2010-11-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Been off regarding the blog. So here is the start of a little catch up.

Made this in November for dear sweet Elizabeth. I thought it came out really well. It is layed into a pre-made wall shelf. So it could be hung and used as a small altar. But it sits fine upright on a table too. The dragonfly presents the ephemeral quality of life.

Amazing Purple Cherokee and Black Prince Tomato Plants

2010-09-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I planted these Purple Cherokee and Black Prince Hierloom tomato plants in her yard in the early summer. The plants were bought from Tree and Leaf farm. The planting method was from Grow Better Vegetables blog, using fish heads among other soil enhancements to get the plants healthy and strong from the start.

This plant got 7 feet tall

Here they are in July

Skinned and ready for canning

We've eaten many of the tomatoes fresh. But we had some many come ripe this week that I decided to try preserving tomatoes for the first time. I used recipe guidelines from Blue Water Sands recipe at Group Recipes. I followed her guidelines but did not crush many of the tomato's (leaving alot of big chunks).

The final product. Hope they taste as good as they look!

Down at the Farm

2010-09-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Down at the farm today checking on the bees. Here is a frame of honey they have stored for the winter.

A notion to start sewing

2010-08-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Two sewing projects have been calling. One to help a friend begin with hand sewing a Rakasu (a traditional Soto Buddhist variation on Buddha's Robe) and the other to explore having a relationship with a very old Mocha long-bed singer sewing machine that I picked up at a yard sale last year.

Both projects I am happy to announce are underway. The Rakasu face is marked on the fabric and ready to cut and I have been merrily repairing anything that needs sewing repairs with the sewing machine.

Great joy is found in simple step by step - steps....

Vintage 301A Singer Sewing Machine

Blueberry Muffins

2010-08-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

I found a great one bowl vegan blueberry muffin recipe recently from Vegetarian Times online. Everyone who has tried them gives them high marks. I've made them twice now altering the recipe slightly the second time by adding more blueberries and using a 1/4 cup less sugar. The turned out terrific either way. The organically grown blueberries are from Country Pleasures Farm (one of the farmers who comes to our local farmers market on Sundays). A trick I learned from America's Test Kitchen is; when using blueberries in cakes freeze them first before putting them in the batter (they don't bleed blue or break apart in the mixing that way).

Vegan Blueberry Muffins

Catcher in the Rye

2010-04-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

So J. D. Salinger died recently and I came across this beat-up, old, yellowed copy of The Catcher in the Rye. Initially as I read the first few chapters I thought,"Oh - now I remember why I didn't get into this book when I was in my teens or twenty's". But as I read further I really grew to like Holden (the main character). And I found myself agreeing with him in many ways. If you've not read the book in awhile I recommend giving it "a go" again. There is a very good obituary for J.D. Salinger in the New York Times. I'm intrigued to read more of published writing and the memoirs written about him by his daughter and a former lover.

My New Garden Loom

2010-04-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is my newly constructed garden loom made with Woodburn Hill Farm Grapevines and jute. I got the idea from Mary Janes Farm Magazine. The idea is to have a loom form in the garden that I or any of my friends or neighbors can add to as as a creative expression of our connection to each other and to beauty.

"it offers food and nesting materials for birds and butterflies. It evolves into an all-season living art form" - Margaret Kirk

Well will we see how it goes. So far it looks pretty nice!

No Explanation needed

2010-03-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Glass Mosaic Work

2010-02-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

My friend Jim asked me to post a few photos of some mosaic work I'm doing. I've a finished piece called "Tassajara Creek". When the mosaic is not held up to light it looks like this.

Here are two pictures showing detail of the piece when held up to light.

The next piece is called "Bobbi's Seven Dragons".

Highline Park on the West side of Manhattan & Billy Elliot the Musical

2010-02-06T11:37:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I went to Manhattan to hang out with my friend Maureen and to see the a musical at the Imperial Theater on Broadway that we'd been deferring. After the three young dancers who trade off the staring role won a Tony award, I felt there was no time like the present to make the trip. The show far exceeded my expectations. With the exception of the act mid-show with the dancing puppets, I thought the show was five star. David Alvarez was the actor the night that we went. He is an amazing dancer and athlete.

David Alvarez, one of three actors alternating in the title role of "Billy Elliot," with a score by Elton John, at the Imperial Theater.

These are all photos taken from the new Highline Park. The Park is built on a raised platform that formerly supported railway traffic north/south along the west side of Manhattan.
The Highline is planted using native grasses and trees and designed to be inviting to people and native wildlife.
It provides beautiful vantages in every direction. The park was open from 13th to 20th streets. But it looked as though they were working to make more of the raised platform usable from 20th to 21st. It would be a great park to see in different seasons of the year.

Homemade Granola

2010-01-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

Inspired by granola that Barking Dog and I recently tasted from a local Baltimore Company, I've waded into the homemade granola baking. Using Melissa Clarks "A Good Appetite" Olive Oil Granola with Apricots and Pistachios recipe as a starting place proved right-on. Not having enough Maple syrup, I added brown rice syrup and date sugar syrup to blend which gave it a smokey scent and flavor. And I substituted 1 Cup of Spelt flakes for the third Cup of Rolled Oats that were called for in the original recipe. Definitely worth the effort.

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup spelt flakes

1 cup tamari pumpkin seeds, hulled and roasted

1 cup chopped roasted and salted pastachio nuts

1 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup date syrup

1/4 cup brown rice syrup

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

3/4 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat oven to 300f. Combine all ingredients (except the apricots) in a large bowl. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer ad bake for 30 minutes, turning and stirring the mixture every 10 minutes. Mine turned dark brown. As it cools it should be stiff and crunchy in texture. If it is still too soft - you can put it back into the oven for more baking time. When it is cooled slightly, transfer to a large bowl and add apricots. Share with friends!

Silida Colorado

2010-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Had a few days of r & r at Dragon Mountain Temple in Crestone CO at the end of October. This was a particularly beautiful moon rise over the Mountains nearby.

I also had the pleasure of spending an afternoon in Salida Colorado. These dog water bowls were kindly placed outside the downtown health food store. This town really loves they're dogs. There was'nt a store in town without a resident canine or a customer with canines as escort. I felt a little out of place without my hound dog Jasper.
Here is a picture of a local. Too much high altitude I'd say...

Fall Beekeeping update

2009-12-03T07:32:00.001-08:00

I was very concerned about the number of bees in the hive in early November. Due to the unseasonably warm November and the yummy fondant feed their numbers looked really good by the end of the month.

Beyond Garbage

2009-11-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

Friend and way cool artist Jessica Beels is helping to launch The Beyond Garbage Project. The Beyond Garbage Project’s primary goal is to post artists’ investigations of how to reuse materials in creative ways. Got check out what they are doing and be inspired!

Brunch at Bread and Brew

2009-10-18T17:06:00.001-07:00

What remains of a delicious vegan mushroom frittata eaten on the deck of Bread and Brew on 20th Street NW. We went there for nourishment after the Humane Society Walk for the Animals.

What a great find! They even had vegan whoopi pies in chocolate and pumpkin. Curt enjoying the pumpkin.

And Jasper and I hamming it up after the walk.

Off to a Good Start - Sweet Potato Muffins

2009-10-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

October 1st the start of Vegan MOFO. Played with a muffin recipe to up the nutritional value. Including 1/2 C of locally grown flour. Isn't that too cool!

These have gotten great reviews from the 4 people who've eaten them.

1 1/2 C Organic Unbleached Flour

1/2 C Organic Whole Wheat Flour

1 Tbs Baking powder

1/2 tsp of salt

1 C Organic Sugar

1 1/2 tsp ENER G Egg Replacer mixed w/ 2Tbs warm water

1 tsp flax seed

1/2 C mashed sweet potato

1 C Soy Milk

4 Tbsp melted Earth Balance Margarine

1/2 C Raisins

1/2 C Walnuts chopped

1/2 C Pecans chopped

1/2 C Dried Cherris chopped

Set a 350f oven with rack in the middle.

Grease a 12- cup muffin pan with margarine.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl till combined.

Whisk sugar with ENER G water briefly. Add sweet potato mash, and butter and combine. Then whisk in the soy milk.

Gently toss the nuts and dried fruit to the dry ingredients until combined.

Some Vegan inspiration

2009-09-27T15:32:00.001-07:00

This is a sweet little recipe zine available from GasTankZine@hotmail.com. Looking for inspiration this zine has great recipes for yummy stuff like Rhubarb cake and Vegan Marshmallows. An added plus are the hand written recommendations sprinkled through the pages providing advice on equipment, measurements, equivalent ingredients and where to buy food products at a good price. Very fun.

veganmofo

2009-09-20T18:43:00.001-07:00

veganmofo
Originally uploaded by kittee

October is a great month to cook and eat vegan. This is the third year that vegan chefs have been celebrating the cuisine. In keeping with this effort, I will try to post some yummy vegan eats through October.

What I'm reading for fun

2009-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me "The Coroners Lunch" the first in the series set in Loas written by Colin Cotterill And I am hooked on them having purchased the entire series printed thus far. I've read the first 4 and have another two to left untouched. Inclined to re-read each book I'm savoring the stories, setting and characters. There is a soft under current of Buddhism, Shamanism and Taoism in the stories that feels real. Five star!

iPhone 3G bliss

2009-09-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

I know I've been talking about it for awhile. Barking Dog and I got his and her's iPhone 3G's today. I've already downloaded the Koi Pond Application. Just love making waves in the water.

"Paint like a 5 year old" with Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson

2009-08-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the fantabulous Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson with two of her paintings. Two friends from WDC and I went to the Newark Museum of her class in early August. The theme was to get away from self critism and enjoy the painting. The Newark Museum has an incredible program and space for adult creative arts. I definitely want to take more classes.
My friends Elizabeth and Kate beginning to paint.
One in Elizabeth's "Crow watching zazen" series.

I did a "Wood Spider helping me with my zazen" series as a boost to my next mosaic piece. Will need to take a few photos of the paintings to post.

Body, Mind and Spirit Retreat at Tassajara in July

2009-08-17T08:57:00.001-07:00

Kenny, Michael and I are preparing to depart from SFZC for the drive to Tassajara.

This little guy looked a little smokey from the fires last summer.
Finishing another delicious lunch with the Body, Mind and Spirit retreat group.
Our last dinner together overlooking the creek was beautifully laid out and fabulous tasting too!
The valley's surrounding Tassajara are beautiful even with the blackened tree's paying testament to last summers fires.

San Francisco Pre-Tassajara Retreat

2009-08-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite place to eat pancakes in San Francisco Dottie's True Blue Cafe. It is a tiny place in the tenderloin district. It has a great vibe, great food and great service.

Found this little park by chance walking back to Zen Center.
Wonderful murals adourn the walls and it has a "tell me your story" recording booth to the left. I love the national park style sign.

Below is the money shot that makes everyone think California is some kind of paradise. It was a fabulous day in S.F. But is was fabulous because it doesn't usually look and feel like this photo. I've got to agree with Mark Twain when he lamented that "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco".

July Project - Refreshing the Studio/Zendo space

2009-08-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

Upon returning from Tassajara with the help of friends I began the process of refreshing the studio/zendo. This entailed washing lots of blankets, windows, walls and floors. Moving the furniture around to apply two coats of tung oil to the heartwood pine floors. Many thanks to Francy, Amy and Elizabeth for their time and efforts.

The floor had not been treated with tung oil since originally laid about 10 years ago. It was beginning to show the signs of many persons and four leggeds coming and going. Below is the surface drying from the application of new oil.
With the bathroom doors closed, this might be a good new location for this cabinet. Waiting to see how the Feng Shui of it feels for a few days before deciding one way or the other.

What Do You Do with the Soundtrack?

2009-06-17T15:43:00.001-07:00

To hear the latest Dharma talk by Michael - click the link below.
What Do You Do with the Soundtrack - San Francisco Zen Center

Posted using ShareThis

Bee-coming

2009-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

The sign you will find upon entering the farm where the bees are.

Walking down to the bee meadow.
All suited up in white to get close to the bees. Just yesterday I opened the top to check on activity. Lots of bees in the upper hive body and while I didn't look for her, I strongly felt that Arabella was in the top hive laying eggs and being attended to by her workers.

Spring Retreat Group

2009-06-04T13:39:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful meditation and yoga retreat at Sheperds Spring Retreat Center last weekend. Here are the many smiling yogi's who attended.

Another level added to Arabella's Bee Condo

2009-06-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful misting morning last week we prepared to go down to the hive.

We are adding another large hive body with frames and a medium super to cover the hive top feeders beneath the roof.
The bees look to have spread across all the available space in the first hive body that they were given.
Everything back in place and lots of room for the hive to grow.Though early morning, the bees had already been out collecting pollen. We could see big orange pollen pillows on their legs has they returned from foraging.

And the Winner is.....Arabella

2009-05-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

We have selected the queens name from a wonderful list of offerings. She will be the "Arabella" meaning answered prayer to our bee hive in Southern Maryland. The name was offered by Suzie V.P. with whom I will coordinate the award meal. Thank you to all who provided such thoughtful submissions for the name. Perhaps there will be other queens to name in our future. We certainly hope so (notice the royal "we"?). More pictures tomorrow. This beekeeper needs to talk to her pillow now.

More on Bees

2009-04-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

Yesterday,Frank and I opened the hive in the a.m. to check on the queen and the workers. The workers were building honey comb on the frames and the queen was busy doing something (we hope laying eggs).

It was a beautiful morning to be at the farm. In the earlier post are more photos of the endeavor and a request for your help in naming the queen.

Beekeeping

2009-04-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Friday I picked up my pre-ordered package of Georgia grown Italian Honeybees from Dave Polk at Free States Bees. Crucial to the endeavor was Dave's demonstration on how to place the queen and then the worker's into the hive.

Here is my bee-ing partner Frank suited up to move the bees.

Here I am in the process of adjusting the entrance reducer as the bees sort out how they like their new home. All those little dots in the photo are the honey bees.
Here is the beautiful setting in Southern Maryland where the bees will hopefully thrive! There is a large fresh water pond just to the left of this picture.
In a few days I will check to see if the worker bees have accepted the queen. I'm thinking we should name the queen bee. So I'd like to have a contest to see who can come up with a great queen bee name. Frank and I will pick the name that we deem the best for the queen at the end of April. And the person who proposed the winning name will receive yummy meal prepared by me!

Recent vegan food out

2009-03-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Barking Dog and I were in Boston. We did a little research and found Grasshopper Restaurant in the Allston neighborhood. All the food at Grasshopper is vegan. We shared the assorted appetizer plate and two entrees and had lots of food left over to take home for another meal. The food was delicious!

Tonight, back in the hood' we ate at Asylum Bar. We joke that it is our favorite biker bar. They've recently changed their menu, so there is less a' la carte vegan fare then before. Tonight we both enjoyed the vegan taco platter. After you've been at Asylum for 30 minutes or so you too will be tapping your foot, hand or head to the sounds of Nine Inch Nails, INXS, and/or alot of unintelligable head banger music. And they make great Margaritas too! Tuesdays are half price vegan nights. Go before 6:30pm to get a table. Save the table near the street-side for us O.K?

Vegan non-meatloaf

2009-03-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

My grandma had a really decent meatloaf recipe. It held together and was great cold in sandwiches the following day. The recent cold weeks in Washington DC have been leaving us craving comfort food. But I've not eaten beef for 25 years or so. I've been playing with a recipe that the kitchen at Yogaville uses for tofu loaf. This variation is the best effort so far. It holds together well, has a nice flavor and texture and the dal adds artery cleaning fiber. We served the non-meatloaf with Shitake mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and steamed greens. Grandma would have enjoyed this non-meatloaf more then her own.

Preheat oven 350f

Mix together

1 1/2 lbs of tofu mashed

1/3 C ketchup

1/3 C soy sauce

2 Tbls Dijon Mustard

1/2 C fresh parsley chopped

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1 Medium Onion finely chopped

1 1/2 C bread crumbs

1/4 C raw Walnuts or Cashews chopped

2 Tbs Olive oil

1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar

1 C cooking mixed dal (I used

1/4 C Textured Vegetable Protein

1 Tbs Vegan Worchester sauce

Mix all ingredients together. Put 1/4 C of vegetable oil into the loaf pan and press the mixture into the pan. Bake for 1 hour.

90 Day BIG SIT

2009-02-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

Tricycle Magazine has designed a clever and supportive way for us to practice the traditional 90 day meditation period practiced at many a zen monastery. The guidelines are listed below. Easy to follow and of course the time to begin is "now". So perfect to re-energize a practice in early spring 2009.

• Sit in formal meditation for 20 minutes each day.
• Listen to one dharma talk each week on tricycle.com.
• Study Dogen’s Genjokoan, the text selected for the period.
• Commit to the sixteen bodhisattva precepts.
• Practice with others at tricycle.com or at a local meditation center.
• Begin when you like. Tricycle’s staff will begin February 23.

Join by going to Tricycle. Please won't you be my bodhi-compatriot?

Wise up

2009-02-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

Dahl Soup

2009-02-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Barking Dog went through Dahl Soup withdrawl when the Himalayan Grill Restaurant in our Neighborhood closed. This recipe has evolved to fit his Dahl needs.

3 Cups lentils (I use as many different types of lentils/dahl mixed together as I can find at the Indian Grocery. John, (the proprietor) of the Himalayan Grill used 10 types mixed in his recipe. Try a minimum of three. Five would be even better - brown, yellow, orange, oily, etc.

Adequate water to cover while simmering.

2 1/2 tsp salt

4 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp tumeric

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp asafoetida

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 tsp cumin seed roasted

1 cup of your favorite salsa

fresh cilantro leaves

lemon juice to taste

chopped fresh tomato (when in season)

1-2 onions chopped

jalepenos roasted diced into small bits (optional)

potatoes pealed and cut into bit sized pieces (optional)

chickpea (add a 14.5oz can of drained, optional)

Bring lentil and water to a boil; reduce heat to simmer for 60-90minutes, removing scuz/foam periodically.

In a caste iron skillet - saute onions in olive oil and add salt, coriander, tumeric, asafoetida, chili powder and cayenne mixing throughly. Add onion spice mixture and roasted cumin seeds to the dahl. Add salsa and optional potatoes and/or chickpeas. Simmer for an additional 40 minutes. Add lemon juice just before serving.

Cilantro and tomatoe can be added at the table to each bowl.

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2009-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

That pumpkin was sitting there on the counter waaaay to long. Barking Dog wouldn't consider eating it roasted for dinner. Sooww I baked it and used the insides in these yummy muffins.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups flour

1/1/4 cups sugar

1 Tbs baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger powder

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or from a can)

1 Tbs soy yogurt

1/2 cup soy creamer

1/2 vegetable oil

2 Tbs molasses

1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips or bits

Directions

Preheat oven to 400f. Grease muffin tins with vegetable oil.

Sift together dry ingredients (flour through cloves). In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients (pumpkin through molasses). Pour wet into dry and combine. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill muffin tins 2/3 of the way. Bake for 15-20 minutes, till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Inspired by a recipe from The Post Punk Kitchen blog.

Kabocha Squash with Shitake Mushroom filling

2008-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

This stuffed Kabocha squash was an offshoot from the recipe for Mushroom Bourguignonne in the Vegetarian Times Cookbook. Smaller and a little simpler, this is a fun dish for the mushroom lover in your life.

This is what it looked like before the final roasting.

Preheat oven to 350f.

1-2 lb Kabocha squash

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 lb shitake mushrooms, sliced

1 C of dry red wine (I used Cabernet)

1/8 C vegan worchester sauce

1/4tsp rosemary

1 Tbs Sherry vinegar

1 Tbs honey

1 Tbs balsamic vinegar

fresh ground pepper

2 cloves of garlic, mashed and chopped

some water for cooking the onions and mushrooms

Cut the squash so that you preserve a lid. Clean out the seeds and stringy insides leaving the rest. Place on a pie plate in oven for 15-20 minutes while preparing the mushroom filling.

In a skillet saute the onions in water for a few minutes, add mushrooms, red wine, sherry vinegar, honey, and reduce for 10 minutes. Remove squash from oven, remove top and place the mushroom mixture into the cavity. Recover will the squash lid and roast for another 30 minutes (or until squash is soft).

The remains....

60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2008-12-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International decided to mark this occasion with an original song name="allowFullScreen" value="true">">"The Price of Silence" Please watch the video and consider donating to Amnesty International by downloading the song from iTunes.

Dragon Mountain Temple, Crestone CO

2008-11-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for a hike in the Mountains. Notice the multi-layer fashion of the day. Nights dropped down to 5 degrees. Days were sunny and perfect for hiking at the base of the nearby mountains.

This is the interior of Dragon Mountain Temple. The Temple has passive solar as it's heat source. The interior light is from windows during the day and candles and oil lanterns at night. Got to sit a one day retreat this visit which included oryoki style meals.
This is a bear track I came across on my walk on the Southern trail into Crestone Mountain. My last trip here in Summer 06 I actually saw a black bear ambling just 30 feet away from me.He/she looked back at me and casually walked away. It was very cool!
Here is the view back down into the valley from the Willow and South Crestone Creek trail. The altitude at Crestone is approximately 8,000 feet above sea level.
Here is the glamour shot of the mountain. It is actually part of the Sandre de Cristo ("Blood of Christ") mountain range that in the correct light at sunrise turns a deep red.
Sunset at the temple looking west.
The main gate into the complex. The temple has 4 hermit cabins and additional rooms within the main building that can also accommodate another 12 people. The abbot is interested in providing personal retreat space for zen practioners who are able to be independent and largely self-sufficient while on retreat. The daily temple schedule includes morning and evening sitting periods. And the Abbot leads 6-8 sesshins (intensive meditation retreats) per year.

The City of Angels a photo essay

2008-10-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Forty-four years ago I would play in this dog house with my grandfathers massive German Sheperd Valiant . It has the look of something vintage one would find at Miss Pixie's whatnot store on 14th Street NW. Sweet to find it here in my fathers backyard after all these years.

A few minutes after taking this photo, 30 people or so - said their goodbyes to my Uncle Johnny (he is in the casket).
The day after the funeral I went to Chinatown. Where are all the people? It was like a neutron bomb had been set off in downtown Los Angeles.
Oh, I see they were just in their cars. What was I thinking!

Last Day of September 2008

2008-09-30T05:42:00.001-07:00

For most of the summer we have been waiting for our building to decide if it would allow canines as full-time residents. Part of the waiting has been staying elsewhere with Jasper our rakish, boddhihound catahoula. A wonderful constant has been the ritual of walking to the Dupont Circle Fresh Farm Market for provisions.

Next Step Produce is an organic farm which we always patronize. The raddicho above is one of my favorite's for fresh salade. Other favorite foods shown here are; garlic scapes, red lettuce and strawberries.
Farmers also sell; flowers, baked goods, pasta, and animal products (eggs, meats, dairy) at this weekly year round market.
In addition to a healthy walk, the eye candy of the beautiful produce, the delicious meals created with the bounty of our local area - we benefit by knowing that we are supporting organic, low-impact local farmers.

Now that Jasper is the first fully documented legal resident of our building and I'm back in my own kitchen, the fridge is full of beautiful food and I'm planning meals here again.

Another Kimya Dawson song

2008-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Love this song "Loose Lips" see link to the right to play.

Blackberries for Vegan Ice Cream

2008-08-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

Barking Dog and I have been testing the Vegan Ice Cream recipe that I posted in May with other kinds of fruit. A few weeks ago we used peaches and nectarines and last night we used these organic Blackberries. If anyone tries the recipe with other kinds of fruit please let me know how it comes out.

Kimya Dawson song

2008-08-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Found Kimya Dawson and her wonderful song "It's Been Raining" via kitteekake's blog. I've felt like raining at times today - so it was sweet to discover this little treasure. To play the song go to the side bar titled "It's Been Raining" to the right of this post.

Riverside Cafe Mosaics

2008-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I also visited the Riverside Center a new Cafe and Preformance space in NE DC. Here are a few photos of the mosaics that grace the exterior of the Riverside Center. Notice the reflection in the mirror shards of the Marvin Gaye Park across the street.

Below is a beautiful integration of tile, mirror, buttons, metal keys and colored grout. Not pictured are mosaics that line the interior edge of the curbs along nearby sections of street.

I highly recommend a visit to see these amazing pieces of public art. Try to go on a sunny day to enjoy the bright light bouncing off the mirrors and jewel- like tiles.

Marvin Gaye Park & Heritage Trail

2008-08-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

Washington DC has a hidden jewel in Ward 7 called the Marvin Gaye Park and Heritage Trail. The trail runs for 2 miles along the Watts Branch Stream Valley. Jasper and I went with Steve Coleman of Washington Parks and People to experience the park. Here is Steve and Jasper in front of the mosaic welcoming people into Marvin Gaye Park. The piano keys at Marvin's hands are composed of mirror shards and tile which shimmer.

An urban oasis along the stream. See the Down by the Riverside Campaign page for details on how to get there and help with the re-vitalization efforts along the stream.

Forest Fires move through Tassajara

2008-07-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

The forest fires traveled through Tassajara valley over the past few days and the reports are, that while the land is charred just a few small buildings have been destroyed. The 5 people remaining on site are isolated for now while the fires burn to the north closing off the road access. They continue to protect the sanctuary of Tassajara from spot burns and other hazards. I wonder if this Jizo will have a charred beanie and smokey smell the next time I see him. I hope he has been successful in protecting the small creatures of the valley too!

I'm so relieved that Tassajara, my dharma home has not been burned and destroyed. The benefit of the fire has been personal. What is important? What is courageous? What is truely the reality of the present? These are the questions that the fire at Tassajara enjoins me to face.