New Adventure

Posted on 03/14/2012 by evesgreenleaf

On February 28th, I decided to join Mary Kay Cosmetics as an Independent Beauty Consultant.  Since then I have I have pondered the best way to launch my new endeavor while still creating art, sharing my thoughts via evesgreenleaf.com, writing, practicing my faith, spending time with my friends, and working toward the goal of being mostly vegan (maybe); and keep working on how to miss my soul mate without allowing grief to consume me.

Then today during the daily 10 minute conference call with friend and director Melissa I had a thought or rather a string of several thoughts strung together.   Melissa shared her 2012 affirmation statement with the group.  This statement made me realize that I need to do more than just ponder the best way to launch my business and that my first step was listening.  Since March 5th, I have called in to Melissa’s daily 10 minute conference call (M-F) daily as part of my routine only missing once.  Making the 10 minute call a daily week day habit was step 1. So now, step 2 is putting pen to paper or rather fingers to laptop to share my thoughts with all of you.

First I must share how at an early age I learned to care for my skin and developed an appreciation for good skin care habits. Second, I learned the benefit of always using sunscreen or sun block, removing make up before going to bed except when non-sobriety interfered, and keeping a moon tan rather than a suntan.  I am very happy with my beautiful fair skin. Over the years I have used many products and brands for skin care and cosmetics.  You name a brand, I have probably tried it but for the last two years I have used Mary Kay skin care and cosmetics.

Writing about my new endeavor on my blog is not the conventional way to launch my Independent Beauty Consultant for May Kay Cosmetics but conventional and I are not very often in agreement.

Step 3 I signed up and launched my Mary Kay website http://www.marykay.com/eveksmith

Step 4 Wish all my readers, pals, family and dear friends a very blessed day filled with joy and happiness.

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Vegan: to be or not to be – Part 3

Posted on 03/14/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Last month, I wrote about whether to be or not to be Vegan, part 2 where I expounded: “Over time and especially recently, I have learned that decisions I make about eating and my food habits need to be made slowly so they stick.  For years, I have eaten whole grains, lots of vegetables and try not to much eat much fast food.”

So drum roll (drum, tap, thump), how has my journey been going? I have successfully transitioned from dairy to almond milk.  I was never a milk drinker but I certainly love almond milk on my morning cereal and fruit. I already used non-dairy creamers so not too big of a challenge but I must confess that I have not been quite able to give up cheese.  I have managed to limit my meat in my diet to two or three meals a week.

It was fairly easy to eat healthy, avoid junk and fast food because of my limitation to driving.  The real test is going forward since I can drive again.  Will my new eating habits be strong enough in the face of temptation and the plethora of fast food options? For example, last Sunday evening I attend a church potluck and fireside.  I only consumed vegetarian dishes, surprisingly a number of choices but dessert, who can say no to a small piece of chocolate cake? Certainly not this chocoholic!

I can firmly say,  I am mostly vegetarian and party vegan but all journeys toward trans-formative change are through the fog one inch at a time.

 

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My Spin – Creative Arts

Posted on 02/23/2012 by evesgreenleaf

A monochromatic study in Burnt Umber and my first oil painting

Whether writing or painting or drawing or any other type of creative project, I have discovered that the act of creating art whether visual or written is very therapeutic.  Since last summer, I have returned to the visual arts.  I was comfortable using colored pencils and oil pastels but had never painted.  Now I find that I have the urge to paint on a daily basis and it does not matter whether its acrylic or oil painting.

I must confess that painting has helped feel better.  There is even a techno babble term: art therapy. I define Art therapy as a therapy which allows the individual express or use the process of creating art as a means of discovery either on your own or with a therapist.

The reason I write and paint are the same.  I find joy, pleasure and passion from the creative process.  It helps me relieve stress; sadness and general malaise. I have discovered myself in new ways and found others who have the same passion  for the creative arts too.

Find your passion, be happy and CIAO!

 

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Books – passion or true love

Posted on 02/17/2012 by evesgreenleaf

The smell of paper, ink and coffee fill the air inside my local Barnes and Noble despite the section of electronic devices.  Every time I visit a book store whether it’s a shiny large book store which carries all the latest magazines and books or an antiquarian’s book shop the tremendous love and excitement I experience for books and the written word is over whelming; and it stimulates a variety of memories about reading and my love affair with books and writing.   As a child, I would rather read than watch TV or play outside.  Books were great adventures and filled my mind with daydreams and imaginary adventures.  Even going to bed was an adventure, sneaking a flash light and reading under the covers.  My dear husband on occasion would get frustrated that I was paying more attention to my book than him and I have to admit occasionally it was true.  The challenge was that when I discover an author who has created strong vivid characters and powerful narrative I have trouble putting the book down.

Today a friend inquired what did I like most about using my Nook.  I shared with her that I enjoyed most was reading magazines and the portability to get access to information on campus without carrying a laptop.  Yes, despite the sensual feel and touch by physically turning pages of a book or magazine, I do read and encourage everyone to learn and appreciate the gift of reading books and magazines digitally.  At the same time, the reason for the trip to Barnes and Noble was to pick up a special book order; the latest Laurell K. Hamilton Anita Blake Vampire Hunter novel, Hit List. The novel came out in 2011 but my studies and life have allowed for little recreational reading until recently.  As I run my hands over the finish of the cover, I smile and feel excitement to read a new book and wonder how long I can savor the experience.

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Meandering Musings of a Book Lover

Posted on 02/16/2012 by evesgreenleaf
Cover of "Obsidian Butterfly (An Anita Bl...

The requirement to stay at home, keep off injured ankle and knee is frustrating and makes a person a little stir crazy.  The confinement has allowed the creative muse to write and paint along with reading a few books our maybe more than a few it depends upon a person’s definition of a few.  Upon visiting my home, you will find books of every sort everywhere.  The books found in my home ranges from non-fiction to fiction, from religious to educational, from peaceful to violent.

Many authors fill my physical and digital library, but only two author’s complete works fill my library J.D. Robb r and Laurell K Hamilton. The appeal of their stories and strong characters allows to not only reading one time but multiple times.  Ironically, the genre of the authors is different. J.D. Robb writes a character, Eve Dallas, homicide lieutenant in New York set in 2059. While Laurell K. Hamilton has two series, with two strong female protagonists, Meredith Gentry half Fae half human private eye and Fairy princess and Anita Blake Vampire Hunter and Necromancer.   The novels are AU but one is mystery meet futuristic versus fantasy with romance and horror undertones.  Love

The past eight plus days has allowed time to re-read several of Laurell K. Hamilton’s books: Guilty Pleasures, Bloody Bones, Cerulean Sins, and Dance Macabre.  Current book being read is Obsidian Butterfly.  Majority of the books in the Anita Blake series are set in and around St. Louis and Missouri, but Obsidian Butterfly setting is New Mexico.  Vampires, were-animals, and other preternatural creatures all make appearances in the book but this time it has an Aztec theme.  The last time I read Obsidian Butterfly book was before taking courses on ancient pre-Columbian history, art and reli

gion of the Americas. Now I am reading with a different perspective and loving it even more.

I love Laurell K. Hamilton’s books but as with many vampire fiction writers a caveat  necessary about the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series which is that it is not for the faint of heart or gentle sensibilities.  My personal description is that the books are amazing character driven stories filled with romance and lots of blood.

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Saving Zoey

Posted on 02/15/2012 by evesgreenleaf

ZoeyAs a pet owner of three delightful kitties: Galahad (soon age six), Daisy (soon age four) and Ali (seven month old), I cannot express how much joy and happiness they bring to me especially over the last few months.  Ali is the latest addition to our family and I would not have her if it was not for a dear friend who encouraged me to adopt.

But more importantly, I am very proud and admire my friend for her unfailingly committed love and dedication to saving animals including becoming a vegan.   Recently, I fell and it has given me time meditate and ponder many thoughts since I am laid up.  The thought I  am writing about today is Zoey, a sweet dog that I have only met though my friend’s Facebook page, emails,  conversations and her relentless dedication to save Zoey.

Zoey is a black shepherd mix, and she entered the world November 16, 2010. Sadly, on October 14, 2011 a family decided they no longer needed a loving sweet dog and dumped Zoey at the East Valley Shelter.   My friend rescued Zoey from being euthanized at the East Valley Shelter on her scheduled last day on earth because Zoey had been in the shelter for over a month. My friend wrote in the biography of the Saving Zoey Facebook page: “The foster home backed out at the last-minute. Zoey had nowhere to go but vet boarding. I am so sad to have taken her from one cage to another. No…she won’t die tonight. But she is not safe! SHE IS STILL IN A JAIL CELL.”

After running out of funds for veterinary boarding Zoey spent several weeks on my friend’s deck, hot by day and cold by night.   My friend used her credit card to send Zoey to Pete Rodrigues for two weeks of training a boarding.

My friend is spending all of her free time dedicated to saving Zoey. She has written a poem, created video’s including the following: Saving Zoey video (http://youtu.be/u7F0Z2B0sf)  and started fundraising campaign via FundRazr: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-ZOEY/259021944154290?sk=app_18015191938.

My hope is that after reading, you will visit the Saving Zoey Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saving-ZOEY/259021944154290?sk=wall and be inspired to help any way you are able even if its only by sharing the blog or the Saving Zoey Facebook page.

Much life, love and laughter! Ciao

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Vegan: to be or not to be – Part 2

Posted on 02/14/2012 by evesgreenleaf

Last week I wrote a reflection on whether to be or not to be a vegan.  Over time and especially recently, I have learned that decisions I make about eating and my food habits need to be made slowly so they stick.  For years, I have ate whole grains, lots of vegetables and try not to much eat much fast food.  With the populous growth of convenient Subways  located less than a mile from home, near the campus,and  near my favorite grocery store have made it easier to eat healthier fast food (please note, not an endorsement).

After a spectacular fall spraining my right ankle and hopefully only severely spraining my left knee, I have had time to meditate and reflect more on whether to continue the journey toward veganism.  Change number one: I never was much of a milk drinker except in my cereal and hot beverages, so I have transitioned to Almond or Coconut milk depending upon availability. Last week, I strived to eat the least amount of animal products possible. When I finish the three-pound bag of shredded cheese, I am going to try to use vegan cheese when I cook (don’t subscribe to wasting money or food if I can help it).

As I am recuperating at home, I have been able to incorporate and create healthier food choices.  Shortly, I am going to make a wrap.  The wrap is going to include soy chorizo, spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini. Just writing this makes me realize it is time for me to take my crutches and hobble to kitchen.

Much love and laughter, CIAO!

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Musings from the library…

Posted on 02/06/2012 by evesgreenleaf
Homo Erectus, Smithsonian Museum of Natural Hi...

Homo Erectus, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC (Photo credit: nikoretro)

Waking up at 3:44 in the morning because of unpleasant and rather disturbing dream and not going back to sleep allows for a productive morning. I took time to record my dream with all the attending thoughts and feelings. Breakfast of grape-nuts, almond milk, chai, meditation, pondering, scripture reading and having time to fix hair and face provided a leisurely morning.  Obtained primo parking spot at the school and arrived so early had to wait for the library to open.

Currently studying (this morning) about the fossil record ofthe Homo erectus and their movements or rather I was until I decided to stop and write a few words.  The up or down side of eating breakfast at 5:30 a.m. its time for a snack and break.

Ciao!

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Vegan: to be or not to be

Posted on 02/05/2012 by evesgreenleaf

As a naturally carnivorous eater but moving toward being a vegetarian, the last four days as a complete vegetarian and several meals vegan has been eye-opening.  I do not generally eat meat at home, and usually my meals that have meat are  when I am eating out.

After falling in love with an amazing vegan pizza, my dear friend is encouraging me to become a vegan.  Even more so, the meal we had yesterday at the Veggie Grill is a more convincing argument.  I can highly recommend the portobello sandwich, sweet potato fries and the carrot cake.  The carrot cake was divine, and I know my carrot cakes.  I am not much of dessert eater except for chocolate and carrot cake, but I have to share that if I had not already known that the carrot cake was vegan I would have thought it was a regular cream cheese frost traditional carrot cake.

The irony is that I was not seriously considering converting to 100% vegetarian or vegan until this evening.  This afternoon I had 3 pieces of delicious New York style combination pizza for lunch and it tasted wonderful to have meat and cheese as pizza is a necessary food group especially on Superbowl Sunday.  After four days of really healthy food, I did not feel so well after eating the pizza despite my team winning and so this gives me pause to seriously think about whether or not  to be vegan.

My dear friend is a true believer and was empowered to became a vegan because of her love of animals and her conscience could no longer let her eat meat.  I love animals especially my cats but never felt a drive not eat meat because I care about animals.  If I decide to become a vegan or even become a full-time vegetarian first, I must confess it will be because I want to have better healthier eating habits.

Should I move toward being vegan is tonight’s question?

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Posted on 02/04/2012 by evesgreenleaf

I have been very quiet the last seven months not from lack of writing but rather not wanting to share the pain of loss, sadness and unhappy thoughts.  My dear sweet husband passed away six months ago last night on August 5th. For the first time, the anniversary of his death did not come to my mind yesterday partly because I have been busy with taking care of a dear friend.  Taking care of my friend has reminded me of the times Dick and I spent with her.  The parties, bars, restaurants and general great times we spent together are amazing memories.

Other than being in a melancholy mood, I have kept busy.  I rediscovered my love of art.  The process of creating art has grown into a renewed love affair with oil pastels and a new love affair with painting.  I painted my first ever oil painting.

As I sit here and ponder what to write about my joy of painting, I want to remind everyone to take time find pleasure in the small moments: the hummingbird sipping from the bird bath; the squirrel crawling up on the bird feeder to steal a snack; the sun shining so brightly that the blue sky glistens and sparkles like diamonds and the gentle sound from the breeze rustling the greenery on the hill-side.

Evesgreenleaf first oil painting

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