“Letting go helps us to to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance.”
~ Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go
The sky held an amazing array of colors this morning: From beautiful reds at dawn, to a golden harvest yellow at sunrise, to a gorgeous silvery blue as the sun rose above the clouds. As I watched this spectacular display by mother nature, I was also watching my cat Namaste, who was intent on watching something in the grass below the deck.
I was marveling at what a beautiful coat he has, and how handsome he’s become as he’s grown from a kitten into a cat. In an instant my mind jumped to a picture I recently posted, of a mink in a cage, awaiting his destiny in the gas chambers, to become a coat for some socialite. You can learn more about the very sad fate of minks here in a short article over at VegFriend.
I used to own a mink coat. My mother gave me one of her two when I moved to New York City, just after college. I was a new vegetarian back then, and had not yet made the connection between what I considered my diet, and what would become my creed: A profound love, respect and reverence for all innocent life.
One winter, I lent the coat to a friend, and when I moved to the Virgin Islands, the coat was simply left behind. Had my mother known, she might have skinned me LOL. But I never felt a sense of loss over that coat. Actually, I felt a sense of relief at leaving it behind. To quote Budda: You can only lose what you cling to.
Letting Go Builds Generosity
It is said that one of the best ways to build the virtue of generosity – as opposed to possessiveness – is to begin giving away our most precious belongings. As I put my luggage away in my attic yesterday, I was forced to acknowledge that I still have much to let go of. While I’ve taken quite a few loads to my local consignment shop, I have much more which needs to go.
What about that leather Coach shoulder bag that a friend gave me years ago. It must have cost her a pretty penny. Why am I still hanging on to it ? I’d never wear it, but someone might get good use out of it. The cow is already dead for goodness sakes.
As I sit here, and look around my fairly impersonally decorated space, what is it that I am clinging to, that maybe I can send to a friend this Christmas ??
How about you ? Maybe set an upcoming date on your calendar to downsize your belongings. Pick up some extra cash by taking valuables to your local consignment shop. Consider donating items from overstuffed closets to the needy. What item(s) in your possession would make you very angry if they were lost, stolen or broken. Consider giving that possession away to a loved one … ?
“The mental and physical space we create by letting go of things that belong in our past gives us the option to fill the space with something new”.
~ Susan Fay West
And please, if you win a million dollars, don’t every buy a fur coat !! Because that’s just cruel 😉
Betty Crocker’s Spanish Paella
On to lighter topics, dinner last night, Betty Crocker’s Spanish Paella, is one of my favorite “quick fixes”. And this family favorite was highly welcome after a long day of villa cleaning and maintenance. Not only is it fast, but it’s also very filling. And it’s super simple with only 4 ingredients: Saffron yellow rice, a can of red kidney beans, a can of artichoke hearts, and a cup of frozen green peas. Serve with a dash of tabasco. The artichokes stand in nicely for a meaty texture and what would traditionally be shrimp &/or chicken. The red beans are very hearty, and the peas give it a wonderful sweet crunch.
I always feel full and satisfied after this meal, so I’ve never added additional protein. But for those wanting a more substantial meal (or families with a mix of veg*n and meat eaters) …How about a Gardein “Turkey” Cutlet with a little gravy on top ?? Yum !!
I generally use the Mahatma brand of Saffron Rice, which although vegan, does contain MSG. My hope for the future – for my cookbook – is to replicate this store-bought rice with a healthier, homemade knock-off.
Until then, I hope you enjoy this quick fix meal as much as Spencer and I do … Happy hump day everyone !!
Betty Crocker’s Spanish Paella Recipe
1 – 10 oz package Saffron Yellow Rice (Mahatma Brand)
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1 – 15 oz can Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 – 15 oz can Artichoke Hearts (quartered), drained and rinsed.
Prepare Saffron Rice according to directions (using Earth Balance for butter). Add in the peas 5 minutes before the rice is done. When rice is cooked, stir in the kidney beans and artichoke hearts. Serve with a dash of tabasco sauce.
A printable version of this recipe is available over at TheTwistedVegan.com
