Wanted to share a few of my journal pages.  What gave me the journaling fever was reading a book written by Quinn McDonald.  The name of her book is Raw Art Journaling.  This book has a wealth of information and examples, and focuses on you, the reader.... helping you find the key to bring out the creativity within. The book is written in a style that is stimulating to the well seasoned journal artist, yet not intimidating to those new to this form of art.  From the very beginning, she gets you to face the challenge of conquering the inner gremlins that may inhibit you.  Through a combination of writing and art, she encourages you to get into the routine of "actively" journaling.  She advises keeping things simple instead of putting off journaling based on the mentality that you must always create monumental pages.  The main goal is joy and contentment in your journey, being yourself, and keeping it raw and real!

Since I am into the raw vegan lifestyle, the thought of raw journaling was quite the love connection.*smile*  This leads to my present topic for journaling.  Health and fitness!

Found Poetry from word clippings.

One of the things that I enjoy doing for health and fitness is backpacking.  The background of the found poetry above is a mixture of watercolor and collage.   The word clippings were found within mail ads, brochures, and various magazines. The drawing of the lady came from the inspiration of a drawing illustration in my favorite hiking magazine, Women's Adventure Magazine.  They can also be found on Facebook.  I changed the image to an African American to depict my personal joy and experience in hiking. When I hike and see the wonders of creation, it brings me a deeper appreciation and connection to my Father, Jehovah. The poem reads:

Hidden message background with Haiku

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  Quinn even volunteered her time to teach a 2-3 month Raw Art Journaling workshop on my online art group, Artists of the Round Table.  When members completed the course, they received beautiful certificates created and hand signed by her! 

Raw Art Journaling Certificates

I enjoyed my weekend immensely!!!  My mother-in-law, whom I refer to as "the one that spoils me RAWten", prepared a raw vegan candlelight dinner that we enjoyed together with some of our (((((dear friends.)))))  What a joy and encouragement it was being with them! *happy sigh*  We spent hours of playing catch-up with what was happening in each of our lives, laughing and clowning-which is right up my alley, then later watched a movie together.  Missing them as I write this post, and look forward to the day that we get together like this again.

Just a quick post to share some of the delicious food that delighted our taste buds!

Raw Vegan Spicy Chunky Chowder Soup made with pine nuts and seaweed.

Delicious Salad!

Hempesan (Raw Vegan Parmesan Topping) & Raw Coconut Jerky Bits for our salad.

Vegan Dip and Raw BBQ Crackers

Strawberry Parfait for dessert!  (raw vegan & guilt free)  :-)

This is a cool sprouter that Linda has! It's called an Easy Green Sprouter Micro Farm. Must get one of these!  It has a built in water reservoir.  Simply set the timer for when you want it to water the sprouts!  I love it!

If you would like to try some of the recipes, I have included links by a few of the photos.  The Raw Vegan Chowder soup is from the Julienno's Raw Cuisine DVD.   The dip and BBQ Crackers recipe comes from ebooks that can be found here:  Abeba's Krazy Krackers.

Mock Tuna & Salad

I enjoyed a delicious mock-tuna sandwich with my precious mother-in-law and friend, Linda Barnes.  The two of us are still going strong with the raw vegan lifestyle, and work together as a team experimenting and preparing raw recipes.  She is such an inspiration to me, and spoils me RAW-ten.

There is great satisfaction in exercising at home, however, sometimes for the sake of change and adding more fun to fitness, I can't help but think along the lines of John Cleese on Monty Python, where he announces........ "And now for something completely different."  My sons and I have been fascinated with rock climbing, and decided to go for indoor training at Stronghold Athletic Club in Columbia, SC (USA). We had a "blast"!  Felt like a kid again, climbing to the very top.  HUZZAH!!!  My music inspiration of the day:




This was such a wonderful experience! We look forward to our next visit to Stronghold, as well as climbing in other areas.

Reporters from channel 6

Would you believe that I saw a book at one of the exhibits dedicated to raw vegan food preparation!  The title of the book is "First Generation Raw". (photo bottom left)  Needless to say, the book is now in my possession. *smile* 



 

Book at one of the exhibits.

 Week 2:  Diabetes Expo
The second week, we attended the 25th Annual Diabetes Expo.   At each exhibit, they were giving away informative books and brochures.  Here again, they were testing for sugar, high blood pressure, a carotid artery plaque scan, and more.













There were also various classes informing the public about diabetes, how to control it, complications, and the newest medications available. I decided to check out their cooking class, and learned some wonderful new recipes.  I enjoy preparing raw vegan meals.....and though, my sons do not reject it, they have clearly stated that they do not aspire to be 100%.  They enjoy a balance of both worlds (vegan + non-vegan), and work towards eating as healthy as possible.  When I prepare meals for them, I try to have a meeting of the minds.  Will see if they like some of the recipes from this class.























 Week 3:  Barney's Health Fair
Friday, we attended a Health Fair at Barney's Pharmacy.  Mom joined us for this one!  We were quite thrilled that she was feeling better and had the energy to do so!!!

If anyone in our local area missed the previous expos, there was definitely a lot of information at this event.  Along with health screening, they offered pain management massages, brochures about controlling diabetes/healthy eating, and an opportunity to sign up for trial classes taught regularly at the store.  Snacks and beverages were provided for all in attendance, in addition to lunch from Sconyers BBQ.

Here is a new recipe that I tried for when I have the munchies.  My darling friend, Linda Barnes,  introduced  got me addicted to this.  Instead of dipping into a bag of potato chips, I'll dip into my bag of BBQ Kale Chips.  I got the recipe from a YouTube video made by Russell James.  He is my favorite raw vegan chef!  Be sure to visit his website and check out some of his E-books, and his Raw Chef DVD course.

It is delicious!  When dehydrating them, I couldn't stop nibbling on a few each time that I checked them.  The boys love it, and kept thanking me for making them.  Give it a try!  Below is the recipe.



- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Thoroughly combine the kale a sauce in a bowl until all the kale iscoated.
- Evenly scatter the kale on a non-stick dehydrator sheet in a way that willallow the air to circulate around it.
- Dehydrate at 105 degrees F for around 10 hours. (Can leave overnight or even 24 hours for really crisp chips) Remove from the non-stick sheet,transferring to a mesh sheet and continue dehydrating until the kale is completely dried out.

Mixture of crackers in the dehydrator

Getting in some much needed creative time.  I have a couple of new printmaking books that I purchased, and look forward to trying some of the projects.  Being no stranger to softoleum (or soft-block) carving, I decided to try something different to change things up......carving on linoleum.  For starters, I purchased Golden-Cut linoleum online from Dick Blick. Hobby Lobby had some of the battleship gray linoleum.  It was calling my name. *smile*  The first one that I experimented with is the Golden Cut.  Before starting my new project, I decided to get the feel of the linoleum by carving patterns on a spare piece.  Not bad!

Of course, it was firmer than softoleum, but not too firm.  No doubt, a tad bit easier to carve than the battleship grey.  To the right is a quick sketch that I did for carving practice. The proportions of the sketch is not correct...but ya' know what, I'm letting it go.  I am more interested in hopping in and getting started with the skill and practice of carving than I am in erasing and redrawing the sketch. You choose your battles.  Will post a picture of the results when I am finished with the carving and printing.  This is going to be fun! :-)

Here are a few printmaking books that are my faves!

*Art Stamping Workshop by Gloria Page  (Awesome book for getting started in relief printmaking)
*The Printmaking Bible by Ann Hughes and Hebe Vernon-Morris
*The Complete Printmaker by John Ross
*Printmaking + Mixed Media by Doris Elisha
*Print Workshop:  Hand-Printing Techniques and Truly Original Projects by Christine Schmidt

*The Woodcut Artist's Handbook by George A. Walker and Barry Moser                      
*Simple Printmaking by Gwen Diehn

There is something else that touched my life I am thinking of this week with fondness.  It began on the 29th.  I'll post about it tomorrow.  *smile*

Each time I say, "This was the best convention ever!!!"...... the next one comes along to top it!  I'm sure you're experiencing the same--yes?  They just keep getting BETTER. I am still on cloud 9 after attending our convention in Columbia!  I even had a chance to see a couple of my online pals.  Cora Ann from Multiply, and Cheryl Williams-Maddox from Facebook. *girly-girl squeal!*  What a joy it was!!! I haven't seen them in years!  My oldest son is 18....so, I know that I haven't seen Cheryl in over 20 years!  Oh, my goodness.....we were so happy to see each other, we couldn't stop (((((smiling and hugging!)))))  I'm feeling the joy as I post this.  She still looks the same as she did years ago.  The years have adored this darling sister!!!  Together, we went to meet the ever so lovely, Diva-Cora Ann!!!  She is as friendly and down-to-earth as always.  I believe, to Cora, there are no strangers. She can hold a conversation with anyone as if she has known them for years.  I love that quality about her.



Doesn't it touch your heart to look around the assembly site and see everyone is smiling, happy and "glowing"!  It is beautiful and highly contagious!!!  I'm looking forward to going again next week.  Due to car problems, I have to attend 1 day each week.  Too afraid to drive my car a long distance, so working with a back up plan.  Not a problem.  Our poor baby will be fixed soon. *smile*  Meanwhile, the boys and I hopped in Papa's truck to get there the first week.....and thankfully, my sweet Linda (mother from previous marriage and beloved friend) came to the rescue for last week's convention and the upcoming one for this weekend.  If there is a will, there is definitely a way.  HUZZAH!!!

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." --John Muir

Caesar's Head

Previously, I posted about the backpacking seminar that we attended.  Now comes the part about putting into practice the things that we learned.  What better way than mountain hiking at Panthertown Valley!!!  (Located  in Cashiers, NC)  It was perfect!  We started our trip with the awesome view of Caesar's Head, then later to the trail of Panthertown.  Talk about a workout!!! There were areas that we literally crawled up all fours, and also walked through mud and streams. Right up my alley. *giggles*

Guess What!  A rattler crossed our path!!! It was sooooo beautiful!!! We took photos of him!  He saw us and minded his own business.  Simply crossed as if to say "How do you do." *imagine gentleman's tilting of the hat*

I have pictures to share of Jehovah's marvelous work that we had the joy and awe of seeing.  Here is a preview of one of the falls. Breathtaking!!!

To see more photos, visit my Multiply slideshow here:  Panthertown Valley Hike

My sons and I attended a wonderful Backpacking 101 seminar hosted by the Carolina Outdoors Society. We learned about all of the basic equipment needed for backpacking. I was amazed at the information we learned about how to do "lightweight" backpacking.  Less weight on your back makes the hike more enjoyable and keeps the hiker balanced. The info was so interesting that I went home and spent hours on Google reading, uploading, and printing all that I could find regarding it. One of the booklets I found to be beneficial can be read here: Hikelight.com

Here are a few photos of our fun day at the backpacking seminar!   A special thanks to our outstanding instructor Mark!  He works so hard with these classes, and lovingly does it free of charge.  (Photo above:  Mark teaches Josiah how to adjust his backpack to keep from having stress on his shoulders.)

Our instructor gave cool give-aways during the class!  Dustin won a water bladder for his backpack, I won trekking poles, and another hiker named Jimmy (wearing red shirt) won dry sacks to protect his food, gear, etc!  After class, we went out to eat at a lovely Mexican restaurant!

Keeping our focus as a family in preparation for the memorial.  Posting each day on the fridge our Bible reading together, and will also be reviewing additional info/magazines from the Society.

(((((((Sending our love to our Brothers and Sisters))))))

~The Graham Family

I really am happy with how this card turned out! I made 2 of them.....1 burgundy, and the other green. (photo above)  Printed a Kingdom Melody (song #44,  "Jehovah Really Cares")  from one of our previous books, on light colored decorative paper. Added a leaf that I dried, and made polymer clay chips for embellishment.

       



I have different areas throughout my home that I use based upon the type of art that I am doing.  Since I don't have a studio, here again.... I have to create space.  Some of my art supplies are located here:  http://jfgraham.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/1M/311  When I'm carving on the go, I bring along my kit:  http://jfgraham.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/1M/308

Creating space seems to be an ongoing job for me.  We are a family of 4 and live in a small home.  I am thankful and won't complain. *smile*  My challenge, however, is creating space so that things will be organized, spacious, and that we don't feel cramped.

Each of my sons have a personal library in their bedrooms, but I didn't have enough room for mine.  I also needed a bit of additional room to store ASL DVDs that I place in the ministry. Desperate for space, I decided to use the linen closet upstairs that is midway our hall and right by my room.  I removed the door, and will paint the area where the hinges were located.  I was so happy that this worked out.  As for the linen, we have shelves and storage units in each bathroom for towels etc.  We also have units in our closets to organize bedsheets and blankets. 

Below are a few of the historical goodies in my library.   I am touched when it comes to our spiritual heritage and sometimes find myself teary eyed when I see or touch items dealing with our past.  It gives me goose-pimples to see old photographs of how the good news was preached, hearing talks from long ago, or viewing displays at Bethel and Assembly Halls.  It is precious and priceless.  We have come so far, and should never forget or take for granted what we had to go through as an organization and as individuals to be where we are today.


























I can remember when I was a kid being hit, kicked, and spit upon for being a Jehovah's Witness or for things such as not saluting the flag.  Sometimes, the kids would pull my hair, rip some of my clothing and pull the earrings out of my ear.  They felt my religious stand and belief to be weird.  There was a remarkable elder, Bro. John Brown, who took the time to encourage me through the scriptures, and even accompanied my parents in having a conference with the principle and teacher on my behalf.  What love and demonstration of what it means to get involved and genuinely care for the sheep.  I will never forget him or his zeal. He will always be in my heart until I see him again in the new system.  There was also a dear anointed sister who reminded me that I was not alone, and that the angels were with me.  In thinking of the stand that I made during my youth, I am determined today not to let that little girl down who stood firm for Jehovah.  From my youth up, I have worked very hard in making the truth my own.....and to this day, I am stubbornly determined not to give up or tire out. I look forward to the future paradise, embracing my biological father (He died when I was 5. Through genealogical online research, I found where he was buried Nov of last year), being surrounded by clean water, fresh air, delicious food, the list goes on.....and far above that, I want to know and understand the perfect and "deepest" form of love, bond, and connection between a daughter and her Heavenly Father.  It is my ultimate desire, and it keeps me pushing forward....wanting to get deeper.  In our flawed and imperfect state, yes we feel love, yes we feel a connection.....but imagine the depth of our understanding in the beautiful new world as perfect beings working at our full capacity.

And yet another fun salad!  Funny how I scratch the itch of creativity even through food preparation.  Being that salad is one of my favorites, I can go on and on about salad recipes.  This time, I decided to go strawberry all the way!  For our lunch, I made a salad topped with strawberries, sesame seeds, walnuts, and raisins.  Sometimes, I use spinach as our greens.  This time, I used a mixture.

After eating our salad, we enjoyed a strawberry-banana smoothie made by my oldest son, Josiah.  Ooooooooh how delicious it tasted!!!  He beat me hands down making smoothies.  Since I'm part tom-boy and in touch with my inner-kid, I'm not too proud to admit that when I reached the end of that smoothie, I dipped my finger in the glass to swipe every remaining drop that I could manage to get.  Mmmmm.....life is good!  I know my darling mom would roll her eyes at me. *giggles* So unladylike!  Heaven knows....my parents did the best they could with me.

Speaking of smoothies, I like making them a variety of colors.  For a bluish tint, I use blueberries;  red, I add strawberries; green (photo on right), I toss in fresh spinach or romaine lettuce.  To me,  raw almond milk is the BEST for  smoothies!  If you would like to give it a try, I posted the recipe here:

http://jfgraham.multiply.com/journal/item/69/Family_Fun_Making_Raw_Almond_Milk

If you decide to give the almond milk recipe a try, please let me know.  Would like to know how you like it!

Do you have a tasty salad dish that you enjoy preparing?  Do share! I learn so much from others, and enjoy experimenting with recipes, both new and old.

A little side comment: My twins enjoy a tiny bit of cheese topping on their salad. My oldest son and I do not get the same privilege without paying dearly for it.  Cheese makes my nose run like mad, and milk will have me bent over in agonizing pain. For alternatives, sometimes Josiah and I will use Soy/Tofu products -limited amounts, or raw nuts such as almonds, cashew, and Brazil to make cheese/cheese spreads, milk, whip-cream, yogurt, meringue for raw vegan pies, etc.. We order raw nuts by the box full through co-ops.

When I prepare salads and food in general, I like to jazz it up and make it pretty or exciting to eat. I guess it's the artsy side of me. Here is a Vegetarian Southwestern Salad that I fixed the fam' for lunch. Will jot down the ingredients I used.

--------------------

Vegetarian Southwestern Salad

Ingredients:
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup of frozen corn, thawed
* 1 large tomato, chopped (or sliced grape tomatoes)
* Carrots, washed and peeled, skin included
* Lettuce, romaine and red leaf, washed and torn
* Spinach, washed, rolled and sliced
* Jalapeno pepper
* Taco Sauce mixed with a few drops of hot sauce
* corn chips

Directions:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the romaine, red leaf, spinach, and peeled carrots. When serving, top with corn, black beans, and tomatoes. Top with a slice of jalapeno. I also dice jalapeno peppers to add into my salad for a bit of extra spice. Lightly crumble a few corn chips in your hand and sprinkle onto your salad. Instead of salad dressing, I enjoy taco sauce mixed with a few drops of hot sauce.

On November of 2009, I started doing research about vegetarian and raw vegan food preparation.  It was really time to change my lifestyle and way of thinking.  It is unbelievable the damage that you can do to your mind and body through stress and worrying. The height of my worrying was my mother's illness.  I consider her not only my mother.....she has always been my best friend for life.  Constant worrying about her condition led to depression, and eating became more of a comfort.  That behavior and state of mind was not good for my health, or emotional well being. 

It took me a while, but I have finally digested the fact that worrying over the things I cannot change does not bring about positive results, nor is it of help to myself or my family.  To overcome that, I am exercising and eating healthy.  Being a single parent mom, I'm not able to afford fancy gyms, so I use the simple equipment that I have at home.  When I'm done....I fold things up and move them aside.   I have also decided to take advantage of gyms at our lovely  recreation centers.  When I'm in the mood for a large gym full of adventure, I go hiking....one of my FAVORITE things to do!!!

The choice of including raw foods to my diet has worked out quite well, and when I had my last checkup, the doctor stated that my blood pressure is under control.  He added that the results were due to my way of eating and the weight release. You can imagine how happy I was about that! 

One thing that I enjoy eating and preparing are salads.  To keep it fresh and interesting, I like to experiment preparing it a variety of ways.  This includes various dressings and toppings to give my salads an odd or different taste.  In my next post, I will share how I make a Vegan Southwestern Salad.  My sons love it!

----------
Other health and fitness related blog posts:
Raw Almond Yogurt
World Raw Day
Family Fun Making Raw Almond Milk
Hiking & Letterboxing