The Spinach Spot

I have enjoyed cooking all my life.  When I was raising my children, I felt that it was important to feed them well rounded meals.  That was in the 80's  and now I have discovered a whole new way of enjoying food again thanks to a the wonderful blog called, The Spinach Spot .  Laura Hazelton is a mom, wife, and raw food blog enthusiast.  

I was searching online for a granola bar recipe and came across this site.  There is a wealth of "pure happiness" there.  The blog is well designed and the pictures are excellent.  The whole experience brings you back again and again.  

First the recipes are absolutely tasteful  and easy to make.  Second I am so inspired by this women because she is raising her children on mostly "raw" foods.  I thought I had feed my children well but not like this.   Check out the recipes and see for yourself.

Thank you Laura Hazelton for sharing these great recipes and your beautiful family. Here is my wonderful family.  I have shared your blog with all of them as they too love to cook and eat healthy.  

The Big Island, Hawaii

Out in the middle of the ocean 2,000 miles from California the big island of Hawaii rests.

The colors in the water are magnificant, the waves sometimes fierce and the fish are many different colors.

This is just one part of the big island, the desert.

At higher elevations the temperature changes quickly and it becomes lush and green in the rainforest.

Still further in elevation it can snow on top of volcanoes.

What an amazing place to visit. I can add this to the many exceptional places I have visited and will revisit.

Traveling to Bushkill Falls in the Pocono Mountains

Bushkill Falls located in and around the Pocono Mountains-known as the 'Niagara of Pennsylvania'

Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls that cascade gracefully deep in the wooded splendor of the Pocono Mountains. The smell of Hemlock and fresh clean water do wonders for your state of mind. Since this blog site is all about 'states' I had to mention that.

This is one of Pennsylvania’s most famous scenic attractions and a favorite destination for hiking, fishing and family fun. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and have complete respect for nature and its many wonders. I love waterfalls.

Home for me is Chautauqua, New York

I first attended Chautauqua as a child with my parents, we were vacationing at Bemus Point, New York on Lake Chautauqua. On the other side of the Lake the Institute sits in all its glory. The clock tower and the grand Athenaeum Hotel are the two structures that grab your attention at first glance. My family took one day and explored the Institute. I remember liking the old Victorian homes and the large trees that provided shade as well as a sense of protection over me. I was mesmerized with this place at age 7 and even more now. There is not a place in the world that has the same feeling. Is it the freedom, the culture, the faiths, the people, the buildings? I don't know but every year I have gone back to re-connect with who I am and what is important to me.

Islamorada

Ah the serenity of this image, even with the clouds brings a smile to my face. There is nothing like blue water and sand to fill my soul. This picture is taken on the beach at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. The area is great for fishing or just kicking back and enjoying the great views. Peace and serenity.

What is useful and what is not? Try to absorb what is useful and ignore what clutters the mind. One of my favorite places to absorb value is in a garden. There I can see that each flower, bird, and insect is useful in the cycle of life. As well, the garden soothes my troubles and is part of the meditation that heals my immune system and stops the aging process.

According to Mark Liponis, MD, author of Ultra-Longevity, The Seven-Step Program for a Younger, Healthier You

Create a soothing environment by adding cut flowers, soft lighting, photographs of loved ones and your favorite art. Play soothing music and have beautiful smells surrounding you. Relax and enjoy the journey because living in the moment is what matters.