Nadine Feldman, Author

celebrating strong female characters and whatever else strikes my fancy

ayurveda

What’s Cooking? Life in the Kitchen During COVID

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I find that playing in the kitchen helps my writing practice. If I’m trying to work out a problem with a manuscript, I may go make some brownies. If I’m discouraged or riddled with self-doubt, a common malady among writers, cooking helps cheer me up. Since writing books takes me a long time, I think having a little instant gratification in the kitchen feeds my soul as well as my body so I can withstand the marathon.

My new favorite cookbook is Eat Feel Fresh by Sahara Rose. It’s an Ayurvedic cookbook, which is basically yogic nutrition. What’s exciting to me about this cookbook is the way she simplifies Ayurveda, which has a LOT of details.

For example: we all have a basic “dosha” or type, based on our physical and mental characteristics. The foods we eat can impact our dosha for better or worse. The challenge becomes, what happens when two people in the same house have a different dosha?

The recipes spell it out very easily. I’ve made several recipes already and can adapt them easily to make them good for both my husband and me.

Our first meal, which I’ve pictured above, brought oohs and aahs from both my husband and me. My version is slightly different from the recipe because I had different ingredients on hand, but the real fun in this dish is the cashew cheese, pesto, and homemade Italian dressing.

The husband doesn’t mind my experiments. However, with my penchant for trying new recipes all the time, his only question is, “Will I ever see that again?”

Sahara Rose is young, beautiful, and exudes confidence, which normally I would find annoying…but I love the food too much! (Just kidding — she’s adorable.)

Do you have hobbies/interests that help you with your creativity? Do share!

Love Letter to the Moon #moonlover #ayurveda #fullmoon #IWSG

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IMG_3437Moon, you know I am an inconstant lover. I commit to you, and then I get busy and harried, then forget. May this love letter to you breathe into me new commitment.

Twenty years ago, while recovering from a strange illness that left me without a voice for six weeks, I woke in the night and saw you, in your fullness, in your brilliance, and I lost my heart. I want to be with you, I said. I want the freedom to stay up at night, as I did that night, to just watch you, with nothing else to do.

It was a prayer, though I didn’t know it at the time. You did…and you answered. Every month, you waxed and waned, sometimes hiding behind clouds, other times shining over the water. You gave me a glimpse of your power and mystery, and you reached out with your glow to touch my face with support and loving care.

Yet I have been disconnected from you, moon. I lost sight of you except for an occasional glance at the night sky, when you rise over the water and command my attention. I lost you when I lost my female cycles. It never occurred to me at the time that those cycles still exist within me, and you are the key.

Women who study Ayurveda, a sister science to yoga, believe the moon is important to women. The New Moon is for introspection, they say, and the Full Moon is for clarity, power, and manifestation.

A few months ago, when I added more Ayurvedic practices to my life, I began to pay attention to you again. I notice higher levels of energy — and agitation — during the full moon. It’s no surprise to me that this week, as you wax toward your full glory, I am carting bags of compost and manure into the garden. I am weeding and feeding my fruit trees. I am writing busily and happily. I feel strong and alive.

In a few weeks, when you wane to near-darkness, I will begin my period of spring cleansing and reflection.

What if I can reconnect to your rhythms? What if I can dance once again with your ebb and flow? Do I stare stare full in the face of magic? Do I claim my right to know your mysteries?

I will walk this path to find you, and then I will know the answer to those questions. I send you my love, mysterious moon, and I glide in your river of sweet, soft energy.

For more on this month’s full moon, visit these websites. I am not into astrology, but some of them are fun anyway. Enjoy!

http://www.universetoday.com/119164/the-mini-moon-cometh-catch-the-smallest-full-moon-of-2015-this-thursday/

http://www.mysticmamma.com/full-moon-in-virgo-march-5th/

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/03/full-moon-in-virgo-head-versus-heart-tug-of-war/

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I am grateful for finding the Insecure Writers Support Group. We’re starting the A-Z Blog Challenge in April, but already I’m feeling the love. We also have a monthly group post, and today’s the day. Thanks, all!

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Challenge Badge 2014