Hitting Send

“Perfect Timing,” my childhood friend said to me, smile upon her face. For me, these words have become a daily reassurance and mirror, which I hear at least once a day, and are uttered by people who have no idea of their significance. It was about sixteen months ago that I decided to consciously move myself to “Perfect Timing, California”, which cannot be found upon any map, but is a Wonderful place to reside! hehe If you follow me on Myspace or Twitter, you probably know that I live in Perfect Timing, having chosen to move away from my beLoved “Under a Palm Tree, California”; which was really nice while it lasted, but doesn’t quite have the same Beautiful flow.

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.

I know some of my readers say that time is an illusion, and I tend to agree, to an extent. In any case, let us set that aside and work within the confines of the structure we’ve collectively agreed upon. My Perfect Timing isn’t so much about clocks or calendars, it’s more of an energetic flow, being open to synchronicity, which allows me to trust that I will be in the right place at the right time. I highly recommend it, too! It’s pretty amazing to have so many people reflecting it back to me, “Oh, hey, Antonia, Perfect Timing!”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

Yes, illusion or not, time is limited in this circle of life, and I am choosing to come from a grounded and centered place of trust. Trusting that all is as it should be is very important in Perfect Timing. Over the past weekend I found myself getting a touch stressed, so I went outside and closed my eyes, grounded into Mother Earth and asked my intuition to assist me in smoothly moving from where I was to where I wanted to be. I proceeded to follow my guidance, which led me down the street, where I ran into a friend who had wished to connect with me, then ran into a client who wished to book some time with me. There was such an Amazing ease to my synchronistic afternoon, and I was most certainly in Perfect Time with my goals. How Awesome is that?

The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.

If you are aware of your dreams, and have your heart-centered goals set, moving yourself into the right timing and ability to trust in things coming together perfectly for you is an Amazing gift. So, firstly, trust. Secondly, when opportunities present themselves, be ready to act upon them. Stay open to the gifts, because they can arrive a bit disguised, or look slightly different from how we’ve pictured it. But, the opportunities will present themselves; so if it feels right and is in keeping for you, move forward with grace and watch the Beauty unfold. Oh, and be prepared to have people happily exclaim, “Hey, Perfect Timing!”

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.

I’ve been hiking around the local Northern California mountains, and I cannot help but notice that I always end up taking varying paths. There are so many of them, I’ve often found myself stopped along the mountain’s Glorious side, gray melding into greens and golds, staring down at two sets of worn pathways through the plethora of Beautiful trees wondering to myself which one to journey. I looked at a doe grazing along the edges, who seemed unconcerned by my presence, or ability to find my way. Which road did I take up? Fortunately this is a popular mountainside, and despite the many ways to traverse it, there’s no real threat of getting lost. I’m certain that I’ve never taken the same roads up and back, yet, I always find myself safely in the same parking lot at the bottom by the end. I smile to myself and think of the metaphor reflecting the many roads before us in life, and how we choose which to travel.

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be — because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things that you want to do.

Many of us are going through some major life path changes right now. How can we know which paths are the right ones? Which of the many options will lead us towards a better outcome? If we stop and reflect, the signposts lie within our bodies, life and relationships. I have learned that things are not always as they seem, and that we all have very different routes to take to accomplish what we set out to do in this lifetime. It is only ourselves that can judge if the path we’re on is the right one. But, when we’re doing what we set out to do and following our true course, life goes far more smoothly, and the bumps are far more manageable. If we’re constantly frustrated, in despair, or have a nagging feeling of uselessness, then we’re probably not on the right life path. Life is far too short to be wasted away by living from a fearful place, holding back from our real dreams and goals.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.

How do we move from where we are to where we want to be? Setting clear goals of that which we wish to accomplish and moving towards them every day, we can proactively work towards success. I really believe that answers lie within, and trusting inner guidance along the way is very important. By staying grounded, centered and in the moment, where the real power lies, we can hear the wisdom within as we are guided in the right directions to take. Asking for support from friends and family can also be helpful, for they too, want to see us living our best life. It’s so important that the path we choose is that which makes our heart sing and spirit soar, brings joy and makes us happy, for that is not only why we are here, but also lets us know that we are, indeed, journeying the right path. You deserve the best life you can lead, and I wish you Blessings on the journey which will take you there.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Make new friends
but keep the old
one is silver
and the other gold.
~Traditional Girl Scout Song~

I remember singing those lyrics when I was an elementary school student at Waldorf school. It’s true, too. Our treasured friends, old and new alike, are such a gift. It’s also a very apropos song for my recent birthday party, which blended some very dear friends I have known for most of my life, with more recently acquired gems. How Lovely and Blessed, I thought to myself on Sunday, as I sat in the living room, admiring those in attendance.

For the week leading up to this year’s birthday, I had been thinking about my fifth birthday and the two cakes I had that year. As I looked around the party this weekend, I realized that a few people had been in attendance at that fifth birthday. “Do you remember the two birthday cakes at my fifth birthday?” I asked them, not actually expecting them to recall the desserts, but enjoying the possibility, “One was purple, with blackberries around its edges; the other had candy corns adorning it!” I looked around the room and pointed to a few of my oldest friends, “You were there,” I delighted, “And, so were you!” I told another, huge smile upon my face. I mean really, Dear Readers, how special is that? Very, very, indeed. Others in the room were pretty Amazed by this, as well, for honouring our old friendships is a special pleasure, which most can appreciate. I am so lucky that they are still in my life, and that they were once again able to share in the celebration of another journey ‘round the Sun for me in this lifetime. It means a lot to me.

I also had such fun spending time with some of the newer friends in my life, as I have not been in this location for long, and meeting new people is always such a Gorgeous process. Sharing in commonalities, I giggled my way through an outrageous conversation with a relatively new friendship. We were clearly comfortable with each other, and had a really good time playfully joking together. I was so Grateful for her, and the exchange we had. Then, I enjoyed some time spent in a more spiritual conversation, with another Beautiful new friend with whom I also have a great deal in common, but a very different kind of mutual admiration. Awesome!

I tend to agree that when we connect with people, it’s for a reason, season or lifetime, and it is always so interesting to me to watch how different connections play out. I am very Grateful for the deeply respectful relationships in my life, and the Blessings each connection brings in its own way. Good times along the road of life, where different faces can come and go; one is silver and the other gold. All a Wonderful gift. Thank you, Dear Ones, for sharing with me this circle of life. You are so appreciated!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

Admittedly, I do an interesting job of bouncing back and forth between mostly not caring much about how I’m being perceived by others, and sometimes caring very deeply. It’s such an interesting dance, or rather, a battle, which takes place mostly within our own minds, right? Worrying if the person sitting across from us is judging; questioning how what we say, do, and look like will be perceived by everyone from the stranger in line at the grocery store, to our family members. But, if they’re looking to fault us, they’ll find a way, right? Does it really matter? The strangers whose paths we cross are probably not going to remember us. I’ve often heard it said that others are not thinking about us nearly as much as we think. I’m certain that’s true. And, if we’re busy thinking in our own minds about how we’re being perceived, then we’re leaving little time for judgment of those around us. Sounds like quite a waste of life and energy, if you ask me. Wouldn’t it be better to make peace with ourselves, and let the rest go?

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

Perhaps it’s because I’ve always been the ‘new kid’, that hippie chick, with the waist-length hair, who came from a strange foreign land, which enabled me to come to a certain peace with the fact that I’d never really fit in, and thus it was better to just be myself. Other than my first three consecutive years in Holland, I was never at the same school for longer than two years. That changed in high school, but, by then I was content not to fit into any one mold, and happily made friends with a variety of people, never a part of any one clique, a gift in and of itself. I enjoyed being my own person, who leaned more towards the artsy side, but could adapt to almost any of the groups, thus shedding a great deal of the angsty teen perceptions game. This has assisted me a great deal in later life, as well, as I can blend into a variety of atmospheres comfortably.

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.

It’s not that I’m advocating for ill behavior, or blase thoughtlessness when I say that we shouldn’t care so much about what others think. I’m saying that as long as we do our best, we shouldn’t let what occurs in other’s minds affect how we think or behave. I know this is an interesting yoga, as we must adhere to societal norms to a certain extent, whether we’re blending into a work environment, trying to make guests comfortable in our home, tip-toeing as a guest in another’s home, or just out and about in our communities. I’m not asking you to set aside your manners, obviously. I’m asking you to stay true to your authentic self, speak your own truth, and stand up for who you are, as no matter what happens in the world, or how the players around you change, you are still you. Don’t abandon your inner self to paint a picture for another; be the most perfect version of your special and Beautiful self.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Let’s be honest here. What you think of me is really none of my business, so why should I allow it to alter me, or my own perception of self? I know who I am and Love me, faults and all! *giggle* People come in and out of our lives, and I have chosen to surround myself with people who Love and accept me for my true self. They still expect the best of me, but do not require that I shape myself into a mold or fit pictures of who or what I should be. Not compromising ’self’ is a true Blessing, and I highly recommend it. Life is far too short to limit or hold back on who we are and the gifts we came to share. We’re all different, and meant to be that way. This is the one chance to be the unique individual you really are, so be bold, be Beautiful you! I dare ya!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.

Ever had a symbol repeatedly appear in your life? The Beautiful winged heart does bring a smile to my face, and as it has been showing up a great deal in my life of late, I set out to learn more about its roots. The winged heart holds different meanings for different people, and interestingly, is a common tattoo motif, representing a joyful, optimistic and free spirit. The heart has become a common symbol for Love, but was once thought to be the location of the human soul. It has been known as the ’seat of emotions’ by Christians and Islam regards it as the ’spiritual center’. In Egyptian symbology, wings are the symbol of spiritual progress, so the heart with wings signifies the heart reaching upward towards heaven.

Let Thy wish become my desire, let Thy will become my deed;
let Thy word become my speech, Beloved,
and let Thy love become my creed.

The origin of the winged heart is as the emblem for the Sufi movement, a spiritual discipline within Islam. Sufism is known as “Islamic Mysticism,” in which Muslims seek to find divine Love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. The heart is considered to be a bridge between the body and soul, a channel between spirit and material. The Sufi symbol is a heart with wings within which is a five pointed star (representing divine light) and a crescent moon (reflecting responsiveness to this light). The symbol was chosen by Hazrat Inayat Khan who introduced Sufism to the Western World, and he had this to say about the symbol: “In brief, the meaning of the symbol is that the heart responsive to the light of God is liberated.”

Only from the heart
Can you touch the sky.

As I just wrote about Sacred Dance, in which I showed the “Whirling Dervishes”, it’s interesting to me that the winged heart is a reflection of the Sufi’s ability to empty of self, allowing for the human and Divine to meet, for dance is one of the methods through which they accomplish this. The “Turn,” the moving meditation done by Dervishes, actually originated with the Sufi poet Rumi. It is said that he was walking through the gold-smithing area of Konya when he was captured by the Beautiful music he heard in the hammering. He began turning in rhythm to it, an ecstatic dance of surrender with a disciplined center. He arrived at a place where ego dissolves and a resonance with Universal soul arrived. The literal translation of Dervish is “doorway.” Through a free heart, there is, indeed, a doorway.

One of the reasons I am teaching this music and dancing is to increase Joy, not awe towards another person, but bliss in our own self. This is finding God within, through Experience.

I Love the image of the winged heart which, for me, evokes an essence of blissful Love, harmony and freedom, which is what I feel when I dance, meditate and go within. I find the symbolism of wings, an openness, and joyful extension of Loving energy, so Beautiful. Our spiritual and personal growth is made possible with an open heart, and through quiet listening to our innermost desires at our spiritual center, we have the power to transcend. By allowing our heart to be open to Love, rather than in resistance, we rise, expand and are free. That’s the view through my lens, Dear Readers. I would Love it if you shared what the symbol evokes for you.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world.

This 22 April marks the 40th annual Earth Day celebration! It was back in November of 1962 that Earth Day’s founder Senator Gaylord Nelson first conceptualized an idea to bring environmental issues into the political arena, persuading President Kennedy to give visibility to environmental issues by going on a national conservation tour. Unfortunately, the President’s five-day, eleven-state conservation tour in September 1963 did not garner the attention it deserved. Taking note of the popularity of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, called “teach-ins,” which were spreading to college campuses all across the nation, Senator Nelson took a gamble and announced at a conference that in the spring of 1970 there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment, inviting everyone to participate. With the assistance of colleges campuses and local communities, his idea took off, and as he himself said, “That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.” Beautiful!

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.

I find the end of Muirs’ quote to be so relatable, as I have sought refuge in the outdoors since childhood, and have found that going outdoors, was, indeed, really going in. Whether surrounded by blissfully sunny Summer days on the beach, rainy days amongst the Sacred redwoods in the Northern California forests, or enjoying morning meditation in the garden, I am closer to source energy and feel at home. I consciously decided years ago that a healthy, constructive outlet for my inner Warrioress energy was to channel it into Environmental causes, which so clearly spoke to my heart. At my first college, I became the squeeky wheel demanding that we have a recycling program on our campus. I have been an active member of NRDC for years, often write letters on behalf of Mother Earth, and try to include many little rituals into my everyday life to decrease my carbon footprint.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

I recently read a NY Times article explaining the ‘Self-Centered Case for Environmentalism’, which points out that beyond our need for clean air and water [to which I will add land, where our life-sustaining food is grown], being in nature not only increases our healing abilities, it makes us happy. I’m not here to tell anyone what their calling should be, nor call anyone out on how to make greener lifestyle choices. That is another post! *giggle* Today, I only wish to bring light to the Beauty of the Planet we, as Global Citizens, share with each other. Our home is an Amazing place with so many types of rich Beauty, all of which gives so very much to us, and thoroughly deserves compassionate respect. Let’s face it, after many years of the Bush administration, there is a tremendous need for conscious Love to protect and sustain our Planet.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.

I admire that Senator Nelson created a grass roots environmental movement which is celebrating its 40th year. It’s truly Wonderful, and there are some impressive events taking place this year in its honour. From the larger Earth Day at the National Mall of Washington D.C. event, to the smaller community events, it is an opportunity for people to get educated and inspired to preserve and protect our valuable natural resources. I personally feel that every day should be Earth Day, as it is the only home we have! But, I shall certainly share in the day by doing something special, in the great outdoors. What’s calling to you, Dear Reader? What do you feel inspired to do?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

p.s. If I could give Mother Earth a theme song, sung by Global Citizens it would look like this.

For everything that lives is holy, life delights in life.

I was on my way out of the market, purchases made in preparation for the feast I would make that night, when I saw the little rose plant. I had wanted to place something Lovely on the table, but hadn’t seen any cut flowers which spoke to me. No. This was far better, as I could watch it grow, instead of having to toss it in the trash in a few days time. And, it was so cute, in its little metal bucket! I Loved it! I picked out a sweet, rosy red coloured plant and headed back to the checkout counter, completely oblivious to the Wonderful lessons this dear little life form would impart upon me.

The first revelation occurred a month or two after its purchase. Happily settled into its place in the sunny kitchen window, my little rose plant was blossoming Beautifully! I was once again cooking for a friend, who gazed upon the plant, and remarked upon its two blooms, “This one is doing better than this one.” Hmmmm… While I understood what he was saying, as one bloom appeared to have more Life left in it than the other, I suddenly understood the circle of life in a whole new way. If all is a circle, than how can one point in the circle be any better than another point? Does God/Goddess/Source see a diamond as Better than a pebble? I’m venturing to guess not. All is equal, Beautiful and Perfect, right?

Life is a child playing around your feet, a tool you hold firmly in your grip, a bench you sit down upon in the evening, in your garden.

I have such an appreciation for babies! Don’t you just Love baby energy? They are so new and fresh and have not forgotten who they are, nor been tainted by misconstrued human thinking. *giggle* And, I so admire and respect crones, for the Beautiful Wisdom they carry and Lovingly share. Is one Better than the other? Of course not! ‘Tis all just part of the circle of what is, has been and all~ways will be.

Einstein told us that energy can be neither created nor destroyed. At the seeming end of life, where does that energy go? Perhaps all life really does end where it begins, begins where it ends and reincarnation is just eternity in slices?

In nature the life-death-rebirth cycle is clear as we watch flash fires ignited by lightning level the prairies. It may appear that all life is gone, lost to the ravages of flame and smoke, but within days, tiny green shoots begin to poke above the surface of the soil. Mother Earth has cleared the land for new life. Even in my garden I sense the seasons and the cycle of life-death-life. Perennials planted in my yard years ago go through their seasonal life span: a new green shoot, a blooming tulip, soon gone, but the bulb below the soil holds all the necessary ingredients for repeating the cycle again next spring.

The second lesson my little rose plant taught me occurred in the past few weeks. I had departed for a Holiday visit to my BeLoved Northern California and my rose plant did not fare very well while I was gone. Uhhh ohhh! Upon my return I discovered that there was very little left of my plant; there were no buds, or even leaves, only a few little branches sticking up from the dirt. Well, it is Winter after all, and surely, like the barren trees outdoors, the energy is building beneath ground, ready to burst forth in Spring, right? I had meant to transplant the little darling and now seemed the perfect time to do so.

I chose a soup bowl which, with its chipped bottom, was no longer going to grace the table, but with the words “Fleurs de Paris” across the side, seemed ideal for my little rose. I placed rocks in the bottom to ensure drainage and chose to use organic dirt (lesson learned from my herb pot date last Spring! hehe). I gave my rose some water, placed it in a new sunny location and waited. Wow!! It Thrived! Quickly! Lovely! Lovely! I knew there was Life in her! She just needed proper room for growth! Perhaps a combination of some Winter’s rest, and transplantation? And, as I am about to embark upon my 44th move, it felt like a Gorgeous reminder of how being in the right environment with room for growth can allow for blossoming.

The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

“I’m coming to LA, and I’m bringing my Leo Goddess with me! You’re going to Love her! I just know it!!” my dear friend River (pictured above with Galaxi) excitedly told me on the phone. He was fulfilling his dream of traveling with his soul mate around the United States, visiting Sacred places and fellow nomads. When the sweet couple arrived on my doorstep a few days later, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was glad that I could offer them a place to crash for a few days.

He was right about his Leo Goddess! I Loved her right from the start! Her name is Galaxi, (which is apropos, I assure you) and she is Quite the nomad and one you would most certainly want to have along with you on a journey, especially an uncharted one. She blends street smarts with a gentle, Loving heart; having both academic knowledge and an innate wisdom which allows her to flow with the new and changing in a beautifully trusting way.

“They’re magickal, you know?” she asked me one day.

My visitors and I had been resting, and having a moment of silence after a busy day of sightseeing. I looked at Galaxi, who gave no further indication as to what, in fact, was magickal, then gazed around the room for further clues. Ahhh! My eyes went straight to a beautiful, hand-painted platter which I had purchased many years prior in Puerta Vallerta. I had Loved its bright, cheerful, happy colours enough to warrant the inconvenience of getting it home in my suitcase, and have always been grateful that I did. “Hibiscus flowers?” I asked.

“Yeah! You can make a magickal spa treatment potion from them and it’ll make your skin and hair SOOOOO soft!!!” she delighted! She had learned of their luxurious properties in the jungles of Peru. Or was it Mexico? And, today, she was going to teach me her ‘Magick Flower Potion’!

“It’s the best if you’re going to backpack in tropical places,” she told me. “If you’ve ever backpacked much you know that shampoo and conditioner are extraordinarily heavy, unnecessary luxuries that you kind of miss going into month two, or even week two for some.” (Ummm, most definitely Galaxi, but, I’m kinda thinkin’ *day* two! *giggle*) “You can even use it on dreads!” (Ummm, okay! *smile*)
“And, it makes Everything soft, so you can use it on your skin too! ooOOoo, tropical spa treatment- I’m telling you!!!” she said in her Philadelphia accent, which for some reason made me smile. “At every hang-your-hammock-joint you sleep at, you will be everybody’s best friend!!!” Hmmm, was it her excitement or the promise of baby soft skin and hair? I don’t know, but I was so ready to try it!

We have plenty of hibiscus flowers in my Los Angeles neighbourhoods, and were easily able to gain access to a few! hehe One needs about six or seven large flowers, any colour flower will do, but a warning: red hibiscus flowers could temporarily add a red tint to lighter haircolours!

Tear the flowers up and place in a large bowl or pan of cold water. Let them soak for about twenty minutes. The liquid will change consistency and get thick. It’s actually a rather Lovely sensation.

Strain out the flower pieces and stems and apply to skin and hair. It feels really good! Leave it in your hair for about half an hour, then rinse! It really works! Not just soft hair, but shiny too! YAY, magick flowers! And, thank you to Dear Galaxi, for sharing her magick wherever she goes.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I have been taking some time to stop. Breathe. And, reflect back upon the year. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. I think that it is so easy to get caught up in the going, doing, and moving forward, and yet with all of the great work we’ve been doing all year, I find it’s quite a loss not to stop to appreciate the achievements we’ve been making along the way. I know that the more I accomplished, the more I began expecting of myself, pushing myself to constantly continue moving forward. I was doing daily meditation, energizing chakras, journaling, and many other forms of expansion/growth work, but had forgotten to slow down enough for proper digestion.

As I watched Mother Nature turn inward for renewal, I realized that I too needed to go inward, not only to nourish/nurture myself, but also to recognize the achievements that I have made throughout the year. It is very empowering to stop after each step of progress, acknowledge yourself for what you did, perhaps finding a lovely way to reward your success. Be proud! You are not staying in a comfort zone, you are doing the work, and you should be proud of yourself! Besides, as we’re all connected, your personal growth is all~ways contributing to the whole.

In a few weeks time we shall ring in the New Year, setting goals for the successes yet to come, so I think we should take some time now, prior to the Yule’s arrival, to list the things we did right! YAY! Isn’t that a fun idea? When was the last time you cheered on *YOU*? Appreciating yourself, and tooting your own horn isn’t a selfish thing to do, but one which will help you gain insight/awareness so you can move into greater goals. It also goes back to Gratitude. Self-Gratitude.

Okay, I want you to get really honest with yourself, and see where you got things really Right! Our lives are filled with many little achievements along the way, many of which may go unacknowledged, or even completely unnoticed. They may seem minor when viewing the big picture, but by praising them, we feel better about ourselves, and thus happier, healthier and more whole; which in turn contributes to our ability to journey into even bigger successes! Look back and see where your smaller steps led to your greatest accomplishments this year and I shall do the same!

Congratulations, Beautiful readers, on all of your successes this year!

Okay, here goes…

1. I am so proud of myself for my progress in trusting and healing my body without chemicals or Western doctors! HALLELUJAH!!!

2. Recognizing that I am both a strong womyn, and a “delicate flower”, learning to walk in balance; which in no way diminishes the Beauty of who I am at my core essence.

3. Nurturing/fostering important relationships in my life.

4. Opening my heart and trusting.

5. Listing my accomplishments for the www! *giggle*

I invite you to share with us your successes of the year!
Love and Blessings,
Antonia

YAY! It’s pumpkin time! The emblematic symbol for Fall, I do so love these gourd-like squashes, which pretend to be vegetables, but are in fact fruits. Did you know that they are one of the most popular crops in the Unites States? Over 1 billion pounds per year are grown, 80% of which is sold in October! They range in sizes from 1 pound to over 1,000 pounds, but the average weighs between 9-18 pounds. These big orange gems grow on every continent but Antarctica!

Their name has been changed a few times, but the word “pumpkin” originates from the Greek word pepõn, which means “large melon.” The French adapted this word to pompon, which the British changed to pumpion or pompion, and was later changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin” by American colonists. While the origin of the pumpkin seems uncertain, they are indigenous to the Americas, and were completely unknown to Europe prior to the time of Columbus. It is known that when the Pilgrims arrived, the Native Americans were making good use of the squash, pounding strips of pumpkin flat, drying them, and then weaving them into mats for trading. They also cooked strips of it over the fire and dried pumpkin for food. The sweet fruit was readily embraced by the New Americans, who used it in everything from soups to desserts, from which our Thanksgiving customs arouse. Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops, removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie. Mmmm… good call!

Pumpkins aren’t just yummy, they’re good for us too! Despite being 90% water, that bright orange colour should be a dead giveaway that it is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene, which helps to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and lowers the risk of heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging, which almost explains why it can be found listed as an ingredient in certain wrinkle creams. Then again, perhaps it makes about as much sense as pumpkins once being recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites? They are fiber-rich, contain zero cholesterol, but are a source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron! Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds, known as pepitas, are a good source of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids which are effective help for prostate ailments.

The History of the Jack-o-Lantern
People have been making Jack-o-Lanterns from turnips, mangelwurzel, or swede, (yellow) turnip, Swedish turnip or rutabaga for centuries. The custom of making Jack-o-Lanterns arose from an Irish myth about a crafty farmer named Jack. The mischievous fellow, referred to as “Stingy Jack” tricked the devil, not once, but twice, making the devil promise not to take his soul. So, when Jack died, he was turned away by heaven for being an unsavory character, and was also rejected by hell, per his agreement with the devil not to claim his soul. Instead he is sent into the night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the lit coal into a carved turnip and has been roaming the world with it ever since. The Irish called his ghostly figure “Jack of the Lantern,” which later was shortened simply to “Jack O’Lantern.”

In Ireland and Scotland, people began making their own versions of these “Jack-O-Lanterns” using turnips and potatoes. The Irish would carve scary faces into the gourds and place the lanterns on their window sills on All Hallows Eve (October 31) to welcome home the spirits of their ancestors while warding off evil spirits. Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from root vegetables. When immigrants from these countries brought the custom to North America, they discovered that the native fruit pumpkin made perfect Jack-o-Lanterns and so our current custom came to be. Growing up in Holland, I remember using various root vegetables, lighting them up and carrying them through the dark night with my fellow students. It was a lovely custom, the unique shapes of gourdes providing a scarier effect, their smaller sizes more easily managed by small hands.

Oh!—fruit loved of boyhood!—the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!

~John Greenleaf Whittier~

Almost all of the pumpkin is edible, including the flowers, which are frequently stuffed with a cheese mixture, lightly beer batter dipped and fried to make fried squash blossoms. This versatile fruit can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. If you are one to bake using fresh pumpkin (bless you!), avoid field pumpkins which are bred to be perfect jack-o-lanterns and are often too large and stringy for baking. You want a pumpkin that is heavy for its size. The lighter ones are drier, with a bigger open space in the middle. For the most part, stay away from the large pumpkins when selecting a pumpkin for eating; 2 to 5 lbs is about right. Use sugar pie pumpkins or other flavorful varieties which are small and have sweet, dark orange-coloured flesh perfect for baking up pie, breads, muffins soups, and such! It’s going to take about a 4 pound, medium sugar pumpkin to yield 1 and 1/2 cups of mashed pumpkin. I hear that well-seasoned chefs rely on the crook-necked pumpkin, which looks like a neck cushion and has bright orange, nearly string-less flesh that makes a perfect puree for baking. I love those mini pumpkins too! While most are not good for cooking, they make festive serving dishes for soup or custard.

Here it is, beloved readers!! My mother’s amazing pumpkin bread recipe!!! Aren’t we lucky?

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Kathryn’s Fabulous Pumpkin Bread!

Warning: when you first read this, it sounds like a lot of steps and can seem
overwhelming. What it really is is a lot of BOWLS. If you follow each step
it’s really quite easy and you will reap the rewards of something very yummy
that your whole family will love you for.

Now. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. And grease a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with
olive oil.

Whisk following in a medium bowl:

1 cup wholewheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is better)
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Combine in a cup:

1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (use only real vanilla)

Then, in a large bowl, beat for about 30 seconds:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter (use only real butter)

Gradually add and beat on high speed until light in color and texture (about
3 to 4 minutes total):

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar (or 1/3 cup molasses–take your pick)

Beat in, one at a time:

2 fresh eggs from free-range chickens (don’t cheat)

Then, add and beat on low speed until blended:

1 cup pumpkin puree (if you can do fresh, even better–you just steam an
organic pie pumpkin; it’s easy)

Add the flour mixture to the big bowl in three parts, alternating with the milk mixture in two parts, mixing it all up with a wooden spoon. Don’t overmix.

Fold in:

1/2 cup raisins (make sure they are a bit plump)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)

Now pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake until a fork comes out clean when inserted into center, about one hour, sometimes longer. I slide a knife around edge when it emerges from oven, then allow it to cool before taking from pan. Then I usually wrap it in a colorful cotton cloth into which I’ve laid white cotton napkins, which will wash out easily later, and put the entire lovely concoction in a nice basket. What could be more festive? And it smells just delicious! Your whole house and household will thank you.
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They will, indeed! It’s Delicious! Thanks, mom!!!

Don’t forget to roast those yummy seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and are packed with protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are delicious toasted and salted, but they’re even better flavored with sweet and savory spices.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

1. Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you’ve removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)
2. Spread out seeds on paper towels to dry.
3. Toss seeds in olive oil, butter and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, or your choice of seasonings. I always use tamari in lieu of salt and it’s delicious!
3. Bake at 250 degrees F, about 1 hour, tossing every 15-20 minutes, until toasted golden brown.
4. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon and Salt

INGREDIENTS

* 4 cups pumpkin seeds
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* vegetable oil cooking spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Grease a cookie sheet and spread the seeds out in an even layer. Lightly sprinkle with salt and cinnamon.
3. Bake for about 5 minutes, then stir the seeds. Season with salt and cinnamon again. Continue baking, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until seeds are toasted.

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