Vegan Blondies

The other night I made these delicious vegan blondies. I admit, I almost didn't try them because some of the ingredients seemed unusual. However, if I've learned anything during my years of cooking it's that sometimes the strangest seeming ingredients can add the best flavor/texture, etc. to a recipe. Check them out!

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

    1 cup cannellini white kidney beans
    1/4 cup almond butter
    1 cup brown sugar
    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    1/4 cup organic natural unsweetened applesauce
    1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    3/4 cup brown rice flour
    1/2 cup amaranth or chickpea flour
    1/2 cup gluten free, vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life)


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, and grease an 8 or 9" baking pan. Mash kidney beans well until smooth. (you can use a food processor or just use the paddle attachment on a kitchen aide.)

2. Combine mashed beans with almond butter. Mix well until smooth. Add in sugar, applesauce and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

3. Stir in salt, xanthum gum, flours, and baking powder until combined. Mix in chocolate chips.

4. Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes (mine took about 28 minutes ). Let cool before cutting, if possible.

If you don't care to make them gluten free, you can easily substitute regular flour for the gluten free ones.

Makes: 12 brownies, Preparation time: 10 mins, Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

I got this recipe off of VegWeb. I substituted the gluten free flour for regular, but otherwise pretty much followed the recipe. Oh, and since I used regular flour, I omitted the Xanthan Gum. It's a binder for gluten free flours, so unnecessary if using regular flour. My Dad loved these, and I thought they were pretty darn good myself. I highly recommend trying them out for yourself!

Tribute to Tori: New Music, Memories, and a Playlist

Today is the release of Tori Amos' new album "Night of the Hunters." Normally I would be first in line at the store to buy it. I own every album she's released, purchased b-sides off ebay, have videos, seen her in concert a dozen times; this woman has greatly influenced me. Her music got me through many difficult periods in my life and I think she's a beautiful star in this world. However, the last few albums released really didn't do much for me; I rarely listen to them. NPR recently had a 24 hour listening preview of her new album, and as I listened, while the music had many great qualities, it just doesn't have the depth or variety of sound that her earlier work does. I think "The Beekeeper", which came out about six years ago, is her last memorable album. "American Doll Posse" was an experiment, that is not bad, but really, I never listen to it. "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" seems very bland. Sadly I think her new CD is more like the last, therefore, this may just be the first Tori Amos CD I choose not to buy. Some may think this is silly, but I've spent over half my life listening to and admiring this woman's music, so it's sad that things have changed. I really don't listen to the older stuff as often either, simply because I'm in a different place in my life, but when I do it brings back so many memories. The pieces are simply more emotional. I do recommend her holiday album, "Midwinter Graces", released last year. So in tribute to this amazing artist and the years we've spent together, I've put together a playlist of songs that I feel best show off her amazing skill, and have the most meaning for me. Tori, I still love you and I really hope that the next album is more personal than these last three. I think that's where you shine.

Shanna's Tori Amos Playlist

1. A Sorta Fairytale
2. Pretty Good Year
3. Precious Things
4. Witness
5. Upside Down
6. Honey
7. Doughnut Song
8. Cornflake Girl
9. Yes Anastasia
10. Silent All These Years
11. Spark
12. Little Earthquakes
13. Strange
14. Beekeeper
15. Suede
16. Putting the Damage On
17. Sugar
18. Cooling
19. Tombigbee
20. Playboy Mommy
21. Apollo’s Frock
22. Mary’s of the Sea
23. The Waitress
24. Here in My Head
25. 1000 Oceans

Here's a list of Tori's work, including the new album "Night of Hunters", which I recommend checking out for yourself and deciding if you connect with it.

Are You a Tori Amos Fan?

What is the M.O.P.A. Machine?

As I continue to heal my body, one of the items I've been using is a frequency generator called the M.O.P.A. While this particular machine has only been around a short while, earlier versions date back to 1905. Some of you may have heard of a Rife machine; this is an advanced version of that. Essentially, the machine uses high level frequencies at a specific vibration that kills microbes in our cells. This would include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. According to Cancer Tutor:

"The protocol utilizes a uniquely designed, wide-range 20 MHz frequency generator to deliver these specific resonant frequencies to the body. When an unwanted microorganism is exposed to its MOR, it oscillates to the point of being damaged or killed. Again, the best image to describe this resonating effect is that it is similar to how an opera singer (or a talented vocalist) can shatter a wine glass with the right pitched note carried by audio waves. It is understood that the microbes inside the cancer cells cause a cancer cell to remain cancerous. By killing the microbes inside the cancer cells; the cancer cells will revert into normal cells (as verified by numerous cancer researchers over the past 70 years). This is why the original Rife Machine had a "carrier frequency." The "carrier frequency" carries the frequency signal, which is designed to kill the microbes, through the cell membrane and inside the cancer cells. As just mentioned, if all of the microbes inside of a cancer cell are killed, the cancer cell will revert into a normal cell. This is the safest way to rid the body of cancer cells because there is no debris from dead cancer cells." 

 

I've been doing this machine for about six weeks now, and in that time I've seen the tumors in my neck shrink to about a quarter of the size. Tumors in my armpits have also shrunk, and while I can't see the tumors that and in my organs, I know some of the soreness and pressure I experienced is gone. This is an amazing machine and a great addition to any protocol. I will caution though that is is an ADDITION to your protocol. NEVER rely on just ONE thing to heal yourself. Combine a good diet, juicing/smoothies, proper supplements, EFT, etc. to heal. However, I know this machine has made a huge difference for me. Sadly, this isn't a more prevalent treatment because the FDA refuses to acknowledge it and has actually arrested people for claiming that it heals, even though scientific data dating back to the early 1900's has continuously proved that frequencies machines do heal disease. I can only hope that at some point, the holistic community will gain a greater voice, and the FDA will no longer be able to silence us. For now, do your homework, and remember, our bodies were designed to heal themselves.

For Those Who Leave Us Too Soon

I hesitated to write this, but I feel it's important. A young girl, 25 years old, died today of brain cancer. I really should say she died of chemo, and that's where my hesitation in writing this post comes in. I barely knew this girl, she's a cousin of an old friend of mine and we'd recently been connected on Facebook. She seemed like she had a strong spirit, but this girl has been through hell. Over the last three years she's had three, count 'em, three brain surgeries, and an ungodly amount of chemo to go with them. This last surgery happened just this summer, and she began chemo about two weeks ago. Unfortunately, her system being so weak, she contracted a virus and has spent the last 10 days or so in the hospital. Her Facebook posts were filled with cries of pain, but a Spiritual hope that she would pull through. Sadly, last night she suffered a stroke and died a few hours later.

I am saddened by this loss, but due to the amount of suffering she experienced, I think she's better off moving on from this plane of existence. However, I can't help but wonder how things might have been different if say, instead of doing this last round of chemo, she took time to rebuild her immune system. I can't say for sure, and I don't know the full details of her disease, but it seems as if the lack of an immune system is what took her out in the end. With proper immune support, would her body have healed itself? Could she have been free of this by the holidays, lived a happy life with her boyfriend? I don't know, but I believe the answer is yes.

So here it is, a few months ago I put out a blog post on "Cancer Tips For the Newly Diagnosed." Share this with anyone, everyone you know that might be dealing with cancer. Even if they are going through traditional treatments, there are so many things they can do to support their system and improve the chances of really healing. I read a story of a young woman, 29 I believe, who was diagnosed with a rare form of Stage IV cancer last year and was told there was no cure, but they could do chemo to extend her life. She did the chemo, but she also started juicing/green smoothies, did Vitamin C drips, acupuncture, Louise Hays, high raw food diet, supplements, EFT, etc. Just last week they did a scan, and there was NO SIGN OF CANCER IN HER BODY!! An incurable, rare, Stage IV cancer, and she healed it. So folks, anything is possible and combination treatments can be very effective.

Katie, I hope your soul is free now. Let's make sure we don't have anymore Katie's. Education is key. People NEED to know they have options. Let the healing begin.

Love Sonnet XVII

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,

or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. 

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms

but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;

thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, 

risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. 

~Pablo Neruda

Love and Gratitude: September Edition

• I am loving my freedom! Getting out, doing some driving, going to coffee shops, bookstores, even appointments. I am also grateful that I now can park in the handicap spot; just makes it easier. 
• I am grateful to Caroline, my gorgeous colonics practitioner , mentor and spirit guide for gifting me with four colonic sessions. This is a powerful gift and I couldn't be happier. 
• I am loving all the Spirit Junkie excitement this week and can't wait to post about Gabby's wonderful new book.
• Loving listening to Tori Amos, especially her early work. New album on Tuesday!
• I am grateful and loving my amazing ladies nights! We had a fantastic time at Accurso's last weekend. 
• Enjoyed the new show "Ringer" with Sarah Michelle Gellar. It's going to be suspenseful!
• While the cooler weather seems to have sprung up very quickly, I love the idea of hot chocolate, baked potato soup (already made one batch!) chili, scarves, the changing leaves, and all the beauty of fall. 
• She & Him are releasing a Christmas Album. Here's the track list: The Christmas Waltz, Christmas Day, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Christmas Wish, Sleigh Ride, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Baby It's Cold Outside, Blue Christmas, Little Saint Nick, and The Christmas Song. Love it!!
• My new Squidoo Lens "For the Love of Triton"
• Dog 'O' Lanterns
• I'm grateful to have a girls outing at Coffee Girls with my new friend Andrea. Green Juice, breakfast burrito, great conversation, great times. 
• I am grateful for my body healing; loving that my tumors are shrinking and I've lost nearly half of my water weight. It won't be long before I'll have my body back, and hello new shoes and fall clothes!
• I LOVE these shoes and can't wait to add to my collection. They will be awesome for Universal Studios!
• I love that Ryan Adams has a new CD coming out next month! Gold and Love is Hell are still great listens. Such an incredible artist. 
• I'm loving reading "Laugh Your Way to Grace" by Susan Sparks
• I love my new journal! I'm excited about journaling again. 

What's on your Love and Gratitude List?

Is there any limitation to the body's ability to heal?

Someone asked us recently, "Is there any limitation to the body's ability to heal?" And we said, "None other than the belief that you hold." And he said, "Then why aren't people growing new limbs?" And we said, "Because no one believes that they can."
--- Abraham

31 Things Before I Turn 31: #24 Take the "No TV for 30 Days" Challenge

After getting out of the hospital, I got into a major creative kick and didn't turn on the computer for a couple of weeks. Then I realized, hey, one of my challenges is to go 30 Days without TV, summer shows are ending, most of the Fall shows don't start for two weeks, lets finish this thing. What an amazing experience! It really wasn't difficult, especially with my creative juices flowing and the weather turning so nice. I admit that I do enjoy chillin' to a good TV show, but I find that sometimes watching TV becomes a way to ignore the other things in our lives. Watching a show or two a night, or a few times a week, no big deal, but spending your whole day/evening with the TV, that's just not healthy. I also learned that there are still some shows that I watch more out of habit rather than enjoyment, and I didn't even miss them. So those got deleted. I will slowly catch up with the rest, maybe have a few marathons, plus there are new shows I want to check out. But really, if you don't look forward to it, what's the point? So what did I do instead?

1. Go out on Ladies Date Nights with friends. During this time I went to Eden's Alley, Accurso's, and the Bluebird and had some other friend time in between.
2. I meditated more. 
3. I started journaling daily and even purchased some inspirational books. It's been really great. 
4. I spent time outside just reading or soaking in the sun.
5. I spent time going to dinner and movies with my parents. 
6. I went up to various coffee shops and just read or did some writing.
7. I wrote a ton of Squidoo lenses.
8. I kept up with my blog, and did some design updates
9. I read
10. I did a few things off my 31 Things list, including organizing my photos, decluttering,  and some baking. 
11. I did MOPA sessions 3x a week, Resonance Repatterning, and Colonics. 
12. I focused on healing my body. 
13. I took naps
14. I made music playlists
15. I did some cooking, wrote a new casserole recipe, baked some blondies and my delicious pasta salad
16. I started back with Soldiers Angels and got my first lady soldier name this week

Overall it was a great experience. I really didn't even want to start watching again, but I wanted to eat something that involved both hands, and the new Sarah Michelle Gellar show "Ringer" started tonight. So I thought, what the heck? I enjoyed the show, but had no desire to watch any other TV. TV should be a form of entertainment, not a way to zoom out or my Mom and I will get into these conversations where she'll be backed up 2-3 episodes of some show and she's like "I should just sit down and watch them" and you know what, I used to feel that way too, but how stupid it that. It's not a chore, if you don't look forward to it, then what's the point. There are shows that I like that maybe once I start watching, I do enjoy it, but I have decided that if I'm not going to force anything, if it's an episode by episode show, and you get backed up, skin the damn thing already! Plus, you know you have those shows that you've watched for several seasons, and really, you don't care anymore, but it's part of what you watch. Delete it from your DVR; simple don't let your DVR record that show anymore, and see if you miss it. If you don't forget about it! 

Tears of Gratitude, My Body is Healing

Yesterday I couldn't stop crying; for joy. I looked in the mirror and the main tumors in my neck are a 1/4 of the size they used to be. They are fading quickly. I no longer have water on my knees, so I'm pretty sure I can get up and down myself, so that means coffee enemas! Since my Resonance Repatterning session on Thursday, I've lost several pounds of water weight, average 1.5 lbs a day, whereas before I was lucky to lose 1/4lb. I've been sleeping through the night, or when I do get up it's brief, and I can usually go back to sleep again fairly quickly. I am able to do somethings for myself, although I do still tire easily. I can make some foods, run errands (as long as I can park close and not do too much) and have gone on some social outings.I attribute this to doing the M.O.P.A machine the last six months, my Cellect (mineral/vitamin complex) and ME. This is such a switch from a month ago when I couldn't even go to the bathroom on my own. I am so grateful to all the community members that have stepped up to help me get to this point. All the prepared food, time with Triton, help around the house, and support while I was in the hospital. After seven years my body is healing, and healing quickly. Right before my Spirit Junkie Adventure, I met with a wonderful woman named Rainbow Moon; a shaman who took me on a Spiritual Journey. I did a lot of inner work and one of my goals that came out of it is to be healed by the holidays. At this rate, it WILL happen. Once again, the doctors will be at a loss. Also, they say I can never fully heal my heart, but just you wait. 2012 I will be writing my book(s), working a funtastic job, having an amazing social life, and be COMPLETELY HEALTHY!!! So f*ck the naysayers, I'm hear to prove that we can do anything if we put our mind into it. In order to heal, you must heal not only your body, but mind and soul. Today my mentor Gabby Bernstein releases her "Spirit Junkie" book, and I'm planning on going to B&N, picking up a copy, getting a delicious smoothie, grabbing my journal, and sitting outside and enjoying growing my Spirit in the beautiful weather. Then, seeing the wonderful Caroline for some much needed Colonics. I am so grateful for my family, my Triton, the community, my friends and myself. I am grateful for this beautiful life. 

Love and Gratitude, 

Shanna

Change the Thought...Reality Must Follow Suit

The Law of Attraction is responding to your thought, not to your current reality. When you change the thought, your reality must follow suit. If things are going well for you, then focusing upon what is happening now will cause the well-being to continue, but if there are things happening now that are not pleasing, you must find a way of taking your attention away from those unwanted things. You have the ability to quickly change your patterns of thought, and eventually… your life experience. Take 15 minutes daily, thinking of pleasant scenarios regarding your body, with the sole intent of enjoying your body and appreciating its strength and stamina and flexibility and beauty. When you visualize for the joy of visualizing rather than with the intention of correcting some deficiency, your thoughts are more pure and, therefore, more powerful. When you visualize to overcome something that is wrong, your thoughts are diluted with the "lackful" side of the equation. In time, your physical condition will acquiesce to your dominant thoughts.
--- Abraham

Guest Post: Rhonda of Awakening Wellness on Activating Your Joy Center

Today's guest is also my wonderful mother. Today she is going to share how to activate the joy center in our lives. Check it out, and don't forget to comment and let us know how you do!


The last few weeks have been tumultuous ones for me as I have been in the midst of a family crisis. In addition I know of several other families that are having their own personal crisis. I believe that the energies that are increasing almost daily now, are bringing the past into the present to be dealt with once and for all.  This could easily turn any situation into a crisis as events we have pushed down into a dark corner are coming out into the light where we can no longer avoid them. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself faced with problems from an unresolved relationship, or the emotional cause of a health issue, or any other fear and unpleasantness you thought you had left behind you. The time has come to stand up to your fears, stare them in the face and announce You No Longer Have Any Power Over Me! Fear like most bullies, will retreat once you stand up to it. Even if everything is wonderful in your life right now (and I sincerely hope it is) most of us can’t help but be effected by all the increasing chaos going on in the world. The vibration of fear is very strong right now and all this fear is making people angry. What we need is to find and anchor in our inner Joy and share the vibration of joy NOT anger with the world. I recently heard through a channeled message of a simple exercise for activating the Joy Center in the brain, and now I am passing that message on to you.
Activate your center of joy…

*First release any guilt about feeling joyful when the world is in chaos (sadness and anger worsens the condition-Joy shifts it for the better)
*Ask for help from your angels, your guides, and your soul.
*Acknowledge the ‘center of joy’ there is an actual, physical Joy spot located close to the center of the brain about 2/3 of the way back from the forehead.
*Imagine flooding your brain with the exhilarating energy of lemon yellow light.
*Allow the yellow light to tickle all your joy receptors. Imagine the light goes like a magnet straight to your joy center (whether you know exactly where it is or not- the light knows!)
*Allow yourself to breathe freely and deeply as you imagine this lemon yellow light Absorbing, Amplifying and then Broadcasting Joy through out your Whole Being.

If you haven’t felt joy in a while, it may take a bit of practice and continued effort to get your joy flowing. Say out loud…I allow joy! I deserve joy! I am joyful!

As you focus on feeling joyful, your vibration will be sending out a crystal clear message that will attract more joy into your life.

Whenever fearful situations come up remember that the vibrations of joy and fear cannot exist at the same time so you have a choice, continue to focus on the fear and bring more fearful situations to you, or focus on joy and attract more joyful things…
Fear or Joy, the choice is yours. 

Rhonda Sandmoen an energy healer in the Kansas City, MO metropolitan area, offers the Oneness Blessing, EFT sessions, Reconnection sessions, and Intuitive Vibrational Therapy sessions that are personalized with a blend of vibrational energies (Fifth Dimensional Healing, Tuning Fork Sound Therapy, Reiki and more) that bring you relief from stress, pain, fatigue, and illness, and facilitate your highest healing. She also offers distance sessions for you and your pets! Go to her website Awakening Wellness to schedule an appointment or sign up for one of her classes.

Shanna A-Z

This is a cute little fun exercise going around the blogger network right now. I thought it would be a fun way to share some random facts about me. 

A. Age: 30
B. Bed size: water bed, LOVE IT, have slept in a water bed my entire life except a brief stint in college and my first apartment because I was on the second floor. I developed back pain from that, but my water bed is heaven.
C. Chore that you hate: sweep/mop. I have been banned from mopping at every job I've ever worked at. My roommates in college also banned me from any form of cleaning. People often clean over my cleaning. I apparently suck majorly at anything involving cleaning.
D. Dogs: Triton, my 140lb great dane/newfound love of my life
E. Essential start to your day: Breakfast. It could be cereal and juice, waffles, quiche, whatever, but I need breakfast
F. Favorite color: purple
G. Gold or Silver: silver, but I also have a rose gold ring that I love and a white gold ring that my Dad gave my Mom with a blue star sapphire stone. Gorgeous
H. Height: 5′ 5"
I. Instruments you play: growing up I played piano competitively, violin in the Orchestra, harp for awhile and was in choir Kindergarten through Freshman year of college, except one year when it wouldn't fit in my schedule. I would love to get back into piano as I get more energy and someday the harp as well. Voice lessons are on my 31 Things, so maybe that will happen soon. :)
J. Job title: Cancer healer, writer, formerly General Manger of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Kansas City
K. Kids: kids freak me out, especially the tiny ones, I also think they are freaky little parasites. However, I do think that I might like a little blond girl. I've also thought about adoption at some point, probably an older kid or teenager because they usually age out of the system by that time, and I'd love to change that.
L. Live: Kansas City, MO
M. Mother’s name: Rhonda
N. Nicknames: eh?
O. Overnight hospital stays: Don't even get me started, read my Fluid Monster Blog Posts
P. Pet peeves: hmmm....
Q. Quote from a movie: "As You Wish" Princess Bride
R. Right or left handed: Right handed
S. Siblings: nada
T. Time you wake up: 10a-noon, depending on day and my sleep pattern
U. Underwear: sporting the granny panties right now, but hopefully will be able to shop Victoria's soon
V. Vegetable you hate: mushrooms
W. What makes you run late: being a Sandmoen, it's in our blood
X. X-Rays you’ve had: chest
Y. Yummy food that you make: I'm an AWESOME chef and I love to cook. I make all sorts of delicious vegan meals from scratch, I also make a kickin' manicotti; I always bake tons of cookies in various varieties for the holidays, my banana bread rocks, baklava, you name it (cept for meat) and I'll cook it. Yeah, I'm THAT good. :)
Z. Zoo animal: Zoos freak me out a bit, but I do like penguins, the cats and the bears


What's on your A-Z list?

31 Things Before I Turn 31: #28 Organize My Photos

Most of my albums are already quite organized; however, with the passing of my Grandma this Spring I inherited several boxes of photos. I have gone through them all, created an album, and I uploaded some of my favorites to share. I LOVE photos, and am sorry that I went through a phase in my 20's where I never took any photographs. Fortunately I received a camera as a gift last year, and have been able to take pictures wherever I go. Here are some pictures I pulled from Grandma's collection that I wanted to share.

My Grandparents 

My Grandma (wasn't she hip!)

My Grandad with my Dad

My Great-Grandma, Grandma and Dad

My Grandparents in their Golden Years

My parents with baby me

My parents the dating years

Baby Daddy

My parents (I believe my Mom was pregnant)

My Grandpa towards the end of WWII

My Grandparents

My Cousin Sloane

I LOVE this picture, how romantic!

So how am I doing on my 31 Things? I started slow, but I've checked about five things off my list, have another 4-5 in progress, and should get several more done by the end of the year. There are a few things I'll save for Spring, and possibly a couple things that just aren't going to happen, but we'll see. I'm going to keep it up and share on my blog!

somewhere i have never traveled...

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond

any experience,your eyes have their silence:

in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,

or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me

though i have closed myself as fingers,

you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens

(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me,i and

my life will shut very beautifully,suddenly,

as wehn the heart of this flower imagines

the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals

the power of your intense fragility:whosetexture

compels me with the colour of its countries,

rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes

and opens;only something in me understands

the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)

nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

e e cummings

Relationships As Assignments

I've always realized that people come and go from your life for a reason. Sometimes its difficult to let go; most of the time it's obvious that it's time. Each person is a lesson, someone that teaches us to grow, and I am grateful for that. Recently I've run into a slew of relationship challenges. Long term friendships that may be ending. newer friendships where the original connection is weak; it's been difficult. However, I've also had a newer relationship that has become incredibly strong, amazingly so. This person is a godsend in my life. I have a few other friends that live in other parts of the state/country that I know are lifers. Everything falls together beautifully whenever I see them, and if we ever do have a challenge, it's looked at as a way to grow, rather than separate. I also have started a new friendship that seems promising. It amazes me how life balances out sometimes. I do hope the straggling relationships can be rebuilt, but I know that if not, I gained something from those experiences. I learned to speak up, have more fun, appreciate the differences in people, and for all those lessons and more I am grateful. I am also grateful to the people that float in and out, the ones that comment on blogs, send cards, post kind notes on Facebook, etc. that you really don't have a deep bond with, but these are relationships non-the-less. The waiter at your favorite restaurant is a relationship assignment, as is the girl who rings up your groceries, your neighbor, postal carrier, and everyone you meet, regardless if it's only a moment, or for a lifetime. I feel blessed to have met so many incredible souls, and look forward to continuing to develop those long term relationships and appreciating and letting go of those that move in and out of our lives.

FUD: A Vegan Delight

FUD is the creation of Heidi Belle, celebrity chef and local vegan genius. The restaurant has been open for a little over a year now, with a few opening hurdles. However, Friday night, they seemed to have everything together. They have a beautiful print menu, daily specials, friendly staff, quick service, and some tasty food. I went with a group of friends and we all enjoyed our meal. My only complaint concerned my Reuben, which lacked a bit on the sauerkraut and sauce, but the waitress kindly brought me more toppings for my sandwich. I also had the mac 'n' cheese, which was quite tasty and a cacao shake made with her homemade chocolate sunflower milk, raw cacao nibs, and homemade cacao fudge sauce. Quite a treat. My friend Selena loved the raw red pepper soup, a daily special. The tacos were also raved about, and the other items enjoyed as well. This is a CASH ONLY establishment, so make sure you come prepared! It's located at 17th and Summit, just down the street from the Bluebird. They are open for lunch Tuesday-Friday from 11am-3pm, brunch Saturday 11am-3pm, and dinner Thursday-Saturday nights from 5:30-9:00pm. I highly recommend checking out this cute little vegan establishment. Now, savor the photos, and try not to drool on your keyboard.

Chocolate Chai Smoothie

Raw Red Pepper Soup

Portabella Wrap

Avocado Wich

Me with my delicious meal

Jack Reuben

Cheesy Mac Bowl

Tacos

Chocolate Cacao Chip Shake

Have You Been to FUD?

Beautiful Sculpture Donated to Shanna's Healing Fund

Friday night my Dad and I went down to the new City Arts Project at 20th and Campbell to check out a sculpture a local artist donated to my healing fund. We met up with my friend Jocelyn and admired the beautiful creation before us. The artist is a cancer survivor himself, and decided to donate this piece for me. He actually had another piece in mind, but I guess something happened with it, so he made this. He ended up bringing both, and it was a wonderful display. I am so grateful for this beautiful gift! Please, if you know any art buyers looking to add to their collection, let them know about this sculpture.

The original sculpture

Me with the artist Bill

After the show my Dad, Jocelyn and I head to the Bluebird Bistro for some deliciousness. Sadly, I completely spaced on taking pictures. The restaurant is located at 17th and Summit and serves local and organic fare, with several vegetarian and vegan options. I HIGHLY recommend the Vegan Orange Cake w/Chocolate Ganache. BEST CAKE EVER! 

Fall TV: My Picks for the Best Looking Potential New Shows

While I don't watch a lot of TV anymore, every Fall the networks release a batch of new shows. I always try a good portion of them out, most of which either I, or the network, decide aren't worth it after all. However, I almost always end up adding some new blood to my list of beloved shows. This year I've looked through all the potentials, and while there are several I will try, this is a list of the ones that look the most promising to me. For a a complete guide of Fall's new shows, click here. 

Ringer (CW) starts Tuesday Sept 13 @ 8pm
Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as twin sisters, one who has a troubled past, and other the "perfect" life. When the perfect sister commits suicide, the other secretly takes her place and discovers life may not have been so perfect after all.. This is been labeled a dark mystery in the same vein as "Damages". The preview is a little vague, but I've always had pretty good luck with CW shows, love Sarah, and can't get enough of an intriguing mystery. I have high hopes that this will become a new favorite addiction.




Whitney (NBC) starts Thursday Sept 22 @ 8:30pm
I'm in desperate need of a new comedy and of the one's I've previewed, this looks the most promising. The main character is quirky, fun and has a boyfriend that seems to really get her. Every preview I've seen has made me laugh, which is a HUGE deal in the world of comedy. I'd say this one has real promise.



A Gifted Man (CBS) starts Friday Sept 23 @ 7pm
This looks like a unique mystery, paranormal romance, and heartwarming experience all wrapped into one unique package. A doctor sees his ex-wife on the street and speaks with her for the first time in years. He later calls her office to check in with her, and discovers she's been dead for two weeks. Jennifer Ehle (who played Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice) is a spirit that comes to him for help. I found this concept intriguing and am curious to see where they go with this story line over time.



 
Pan Am (ABC) starts Sunday Sept 25 @ 9pm
This show just looks like it could be a lot of fun. Set in the 1960's, it stars Christina Ricci, along with a group of other stewardess' who are fre-wheeling women determined to see the world. Saucy relationships, adventure, mystery, I love it already.




Once Upon a Time (ABC) starts Sunday Oct 23 @ 7pm
I've always been a sucker for a good fairytale and this looks awesome! A young woman discovers that she may be the long lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming and her existence in the modern world has caused chaos in the fairytale world. When the son she gave up years ago contacts her, she goes to visit him and gets wrapped up in magic and mystery. I can't wait for this one!



These are the shows that look to me to have the most promise, but there are a few other things I will probably try like the Zooey Deschanel comedy "New Girl", the new "Charlie's Angel's" another darker fairytale show called "Grimm", and a few other comedies that I'm hoping for aren't too painful. I could really use some more comedies in my rotation.

What Fall shows have grabbed your interest?