The Art of Intuitive Eating
Our lives,
so seemingly small,
ripple out
to the whole universe
as tiny whispers
like the sounds
of butterfly wings,
and the clear voice
of the living truth.
-J.L.D.
Island Girl: Avocado Boats
We made these delicious avocado boats for dinner after a perfect island day. Sweet raw corn was teamed with fresh tomatoes and chives from the garden, green onions, zucchini, red bell pepper, and avocado. A squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper completed this easy summer meal that was impressive enough to serve when company comes!

Avocado Boats Ingredients: Serves 2
1 large avocado
1 tomato
1 ear white corn
3-4 tablespoons red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup zucchini "pasta" (or grated zucchini)
2 tablespoons green onions or chives
Juice of 1 lime
Himalayan salt, pepper, and favorite oil
Cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions:
Cut avocado lengthwise. Remove pit. Leave skins on.
Slice corn kernels off the cob.
Chop tomato.
Dice the bell pepper.
Grate the zucchini (or use a Saladacco.)
Mince the green onions or chives.

Assemble with a first layer of zucchini.
Add corn, bell pepper, green onions, and the tomato.
Put any leftover corn and tomatoes around boats.
Squeeze lime juice over everything and sprinkle with a touch of salt and red or black pepper.
Garnish with a sprig of cilantro.
Drizzle with a little of your favorite oil, and dig in with a spoon.

Serve with a side dish of sunflower seed salad for a wonderfully nutritious meal!

A Little Story: Island Girl

Island View It was one of those "gift days", when the soft cocoon of love wrapped around us, and the heart felt joy and happiness.

I awoke that morning feeling like an island girl. Eating locally from the land and growing our own food has made us feel like we've sprung up from the earth! After a week of cool and rainy weather that was making us wonder if fall was already here in the north, the winds shifted and rewarded us with sheer beauty—summer was back again!

It was a gentle day that started with doing chi-lel barefoot on the lawn, connecting with the earth and Gaia's healing energies. A spiritual exercise came next, and then I planted some kale and collard starts in our raised bed garden.

The air was so soft, sweet, and clean, and the sun warmed my body in an intoxicating way. I couldn't resist lingering outside to pick a pint of blackberries in the hedgerow that borders our yard. A little bird kept me company, chirping it's head off the whole time, fluttering from branch to branch. The berries yielded to my touch, and we gobbled them up for lunch. Rex's recipe: one blackberry with two blueberries. Mmmm... ambrosia!

Later, we were drawn to go the west side of the island. Rex had received an intuitive impression that the whales would be there. When we got to our favorite spot, the water in the Haro Strait had that velvety look that usually indicates that whales are near. We lay upon the earth, warmed and golden, taking in the breeze and sun, and felt utterly blessed. Yet no whales.

As we started to head home we saw a small flotilla of boats, a sure sign of orca activity. We pulled the car over and walked down a path to get a closer look. Far below us in the Strait, close to shore, a black fin emerged, and soon we were watching a small pod of orcas languidly rising and diving deep into the blue, blue waters. It was all so magical, like a dream, where time stands still.

These gulf islands are our spiritual home, a place that mirrors our hearts. We drink in the wildness like an elixir and feel such gratitude for a lifestyle that allows us to become more "islandy" with each passing year.












The Healing Feast is about:
healthful practices,
following our intuition,
& eating life-giving foods.

It's about:
transformation, joy,
inspiration, peace, gratitude,
and soulful beauty.

It's about:
living a life filled
with abundance and love,
& giving what is the best
within ourselves to the world.
"A smile from the heart is a gift to receive."
JLD