I can't tell you how excited I am about this clean eating. It's just going really well and I'm feeling great. I felt,when I looked in the mirror yesterday,that my eyes and skin looked clearer and healthier. Plus, I'm feeling so much more in control of my food desires. Last night, played cards with friends, where drinks and snacks were served, and I just kept to my plan. I was so satisfied after my healthy dinner, I had no need for anything but my glass of water. I've noticed when people are around me and eat something I really liked, like cookies or candy, I'll have a hint of craving at first from the aroma, but then I take a deep breath, and a large gulp of water and it subsides immediately. I've lost 9 lbs and haven't once counted calories or gone hungry. My husband feels anxious before each meal, feeling sure he is not going to like it, and at the end finds himself thanking me effusively for not only a great meal, but also for taking such good care of him. And his weight is dropping also.
Had a wonderful morning of worship and community at our church. The young people led the praise, and seeing their enthusiasm was heart lightening. The youth pastor spoke, as they often do, very much from the heart. Talked about fully embracing God, leaving at his feet all the things that burden, or worry or hold us back from following Him completely. What a great plan God had, when he told us to gather together to worship and sing, and pray and enjoy each and every unique person that is part of our fellowship. It's always a vitamin booster for the soul, before you go in to the new week.

So today is Saturday. There is nothing pressing on the calendar. It's cold out and I've had a very busy 10 days. So I'm faced with a challenge. My natural inclination is to stay in my jammies, hunker down with books and magazines and totally veg out. But I need to ask myself, "Who do I want to be" I want to be healthy, vital, spiritual, giving, interesting and productive. This does not come from mindless veging.(is that a word?) Since my time is valuable, I need to make my time count. So a little relaxing is good, a day of it, not so much. Plus it will just make my hip hurt. So I'm up and off to live and be the kind of person I admire. Look out Saturday, here I come.

I'm back from my Maine trip. Ended up being one day longer because of cancelled flights, due to weather. Turned out to be a real blessing. Had a day for a photo shoot. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm generally a pretty even tempered person, don't get overly excited or upset about most things, but hand me a camera, and some specatacular scenery, and I'm as giddy as a school girl going to her very first party. Coming upon a new scene, I'm prone to jump up and down, throw my arms open, and giggle with glee. I can't describe to you how happy I am taking pictures. So picture the bright blue sky, icy blue Atlantic ocean, black rocky cliffs, snow white surf and the charming Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, for added charm. Throw in my oldest, dearest friend, and I've got an almost perfect day. I can't say perfect, because my honey wasn't there and that would make him sad.

Well, I decided to plunge in and embrace the clean eating movement. It's taken me a number of hours, to do some initial learning, make my list and do the grocery shopping. But I feel excited and confidant I can do this. In just one week, I lost 5 pounds, and never had any cravings. That's major, and I loved everything I ate. And the grocery bill wasn't bad at all. Though the things I was buying were a bit more expensive, take away all the junk, and given that these are much more filling choices, thus needing less, it all washed out. So thankful my hubby was willing to embrace this new way of eating.

I'm visiting my girlfriend in Maine. She told me before I came that she was now "clean eating" which I thought would translate in to starvation, no taste eating. Boy was I wrong, I've spent 3 days without any sugar, flour, or anything processed at all. It has been tasteful, satisfying and amazingly flavorful. I would have thought I could never take this kind of radical eating style on, but now I'm considering it. Moral of the story, don't be a naysayer before you have given something a chance.

Next item on my thoughts is to extend yourself generously to others anytime you have an opportunity. I have been on the receiving end of some very gracious warmth and hospitality from people who I barely know and live 100's of miles from me and I tell you, it feels so nice. I don't think I have ever been so lovingly treated by people who are almost strangers in my whole life. I always think people aren't interested in getting to know people they won't be involved with. Of course that is definitely one of the problems with my personality, but I'm going to aim to be more open to all of life's possibilities and people. It opens up my heart, mind and soul. Women are immensely varied and interesting people to know. They add so much to my life in all the many forms and types they come in. This week I've learned to knit and clean eat. Who knows who or what is around the corner for me next?

One thing I have learned in my 50 some years, is that when life throws you an oppurtunity, if at all possible, take it. Last week, I was on the phone with my girlfriend, and she said, can you come out next week, and I said yes. Clear some of the schedule and make it work. So I'm off to a week of fun time, relaxing, getting together with her friends, some snowshoeing and I'm going to learn to knit. Plus , My girlfriend has been taking some college classes in photography, so she and I are going to go out with our camera's, and she'll be sharing some of her knowledge with me. It took me all these years to be able to say "yes" to things like that, rather than live in my life of excuses, fear and "I can't" attitude. I know my life has become so much richer because of that, and this particular friend has been God's gift to me, in helping me learn this. So probably soon I'll be wearing a new hand knitted by me, scarf. Fun Fun.

I did an hour of yoga yesterday, trying to do something to overcome my hip issues. My pelvis is out of allignment and I've been in a lot of pain. Unfortunately, that didn't do the trick, however along with the pain I know have a lot of sore muscles to boot. Everything must have a cost, I guess. Not feeling particularly fabulous, but while taking it easy today, I spread some good cheer to my sister and read most of a good book. So not a total waste of time. Please God help my hip to be better soon, this is taking it's toll. It's probably good, to think in terms of how it's been for my Dad this last few years, suffering from chronic pain. It makes me worry that that might be my future. Well, I'm down right inspirational today.

I said it would happen, and it has. I feel like a big ole slug, Don't want to be excellent or accomplish anything. HOWEVER, I'm going to go get my buns moving, right now and see if I can turn this mood around. I'll let you know.