Reduce, Reuse, Rejoice: A Spiritual Guide to Waste Management

Several months back I published a post about the waste we humans produce due to our eating habits (Click Here To Read). A lot of what I learned while writing this piece has stuck with me, influencing the way I think and feel, and consequently, the way I eat. At times I'm overwhelmed by this knowledge; I struggle with guilt brought on in part by my own, and in part by my fellow species, decision to exist in a way not consistent with nature. But as I continue to ponder these decisions, I'm beginning to realize something quite extraordinary.

Eat To Live & Live To Give

Now that I have cable again (uggh!) I've been bombarded with cheery commercials all promising unparalleled holiday joy. As a wise woman once sang, “I am a material girl” and it’s painfully obvious that I am “living in a material world”.

Every year we spend billions “making merry”. As a culture we tend to overdose on materialism. I think it's okay to enjoy the finer things in life, but in moderation. After all, what are we working for if not to be happy, enjoying food and gifts with our loved ones? 

With that being said, I still empathize with those that have grown disenchanted by the holidays, those that look around and see selfish, instant gratification-obsessed, unhappy people. So while I think nothing wrong with the enjoyment of giving and getting the material things in life, it’s no secret that for many people, the holidays have become the least wonderful time of the year.

Keep Calm & Compost

With all the bad news this week (I think we all know what I’m referring to) it’s nice to take solace in the simple things, like fresh air, nutritious food, and getting dirty! I am scared of what the future will bring, or take away, but I’m trying to approach these anxieties in a Zen-like manner; this is my mantra: the only moment is the one I’m in, and the most I can do is what I can do with my two hands, right now… which is why it’s time to compost!

Bush Plum Dreaming, Japingka Gallery

This Is Just To Say 

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold





The above poem, by minimalist poet William Carlos William, is one of my favorites. I can see, taste, and feel the situation as it unfolds, as though I were the consumer of the stolen plums. It's simplicity at its best.

On behalf of mother nature's wrath (aka storm Jonas) I have spent the afternoon cuddled up, getting lost in some rather voluptuous poetry while the snow blusters on by.  After coming across this old favorite, I was reminded of that simple joy, sensation, which I now share with you. This is just to say that I hope on this icebox of a day, you too have the luxury of curling up with some palatable poetry and indulging in your own (stolen?) plum, perhaps poached instead.

The Journey to Supper Begins with a Single Snap Pea . . .

(...and a glass of cabernet, while listening to my favorite tunes, yes that's DMX!)

Enjoying the process makes the final creation that much more delectable...

Sunday Supper!

Organic NY strip (mushroom, garlic, & red wine sauce), Sautéed sugar snap peas (garlic, red pepper, olive oil, salt), & freshly made garlic bread. Sometimes, simple ingredients are best. P.S. I love fresh garlic!