Move Faster

Baked Tomatoes, Squash, and Potatoes
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 medium yellow or green summer squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 medium potato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
Course salt and ground pepper
1 TBSP fresh thyme leaves
2 TBSP freshly grated parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onions until tender and golden, or about 8 minutes.  Arrange the onion on the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.  Overlap the potato, tomato, and squash on top of the onion, as shown in the picture.  Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with thyme.  Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 30 minutes.  This was delicious and used all of the provisions from our garden.  Enjoy!

I have been reading many articles about our bodies craving a challenge when it comes to exercise.  Try picking up the pace and ramping up your routine.  Breathe deeply prior to the challenge and visualize what your walk or run will look like.  Then go do it!

             "Moving faster works your heart, lungs, and muscles, making them stronger."
                                         -Fabio Comana, exercise physiologist with the American Counsel on Exercise

                    Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you
                       may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
                                                                      -3 John 1:2

Take a dip

Sprouted Summer Salad
1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt
1 small hot chili pepper, sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup sprouted quinoa
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and oil.  Season with salt.  Add the chili and the onion and toss. Let stand for 10-15 minutes.
Arrange pineapple on a pretty platter.  Top with the cashews, sprouted quinoa, and mint.  Drizzle with the dressing and serve.  This looks fancy and tastes delicious.  Enjoy!

Water is the ultimate healer: It soothes, supports, and provides resistance where you need it most.  Take a dip.
                                                                        -Terri Trespicio

If you step into water, you instantly weigh less.  Exercising in water is much easier on your joints.  Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular work-out.  When you are in liquid notice the sensation of being submerged.  Recognize each inch of your body being touched by the water.  Listen to the quiet calm under the water.  Taste and smell the salt, chlorine, or fresh water.  Float in the waves as your body keeps you buoyant. Body surf in the waves or swim as fast as you can go!  You will feel an instant physical and mental boost. 

If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
                                                                                 -John 7:38

Symbols of Summer

Zucchini Pasta
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped raw walnuts
2 TBSP fresh basil, plus leaves for garnish
2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Sea salt
1 zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise, slices cut into 1/4 inch pieces

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, walnuts, basil, and oil.  Season with salt.  Let stand 20 minutes.  Toss with the zucchini and garnish with basil.
We ate this dish last night and were overwhelmed by the simplistic flavors.  We added extra vegetables that were available from the garden, like beets (cooked), and cucumber.  It took all of 5 minutes to prepare, and was loved by all!


The daisy follows soft the sun
The daisy follows soft the sun,
And when his golden walk is done,
Sits shyly at his feet.
He, waking, finds the flower near.
"Wherefore, marauder, art thou here?"
"Because, sir, love is sweet!"

We are the flower, Thou the sun!
Forgive us, if as days decline,
We nearer steal to Thee, -
Enamoured of parting west,
The peace, the flight, the amethyst,
Night's possibility!

                                  - Emily Dickinson


Don't let the prospect of scraped knees or bug bites keep you inside.  They're symbols of a summer well lived.
                                 - Terri Trespicio