The End of 2013

Well its another year almost gone.  I usually go into reflection mode and think how did I go this year and where did it go? What did I achieve? What did I lose or gain? Who did I meet and what changed my life. Last time I looked in the mirror I was sure I was 25.  It seems the years are flying by. Faster then I really want them to.  I always thought I had plenty of time and now I think I don't have enough time.

This year has been a year of mixed emotions for me.  My beautiful daughter Nikita came into this world in April, healthy and vibrant.  My pregnancy on the other hand was a difficult one and I really appreciate how strong you have to be to bring these precious beings into the world. I am never one to complain when I am sick or feeling terrible but this pregnancy challenged me in every way.   What I can say though is Nikita is a wonderful baby and 2013 will always be special for that reason.  A Vietnamese lady told me that all girls born this year will have luck on their side and a blessed life. That in her country couples everywhere had been trying to conceive.  She said I was very lucky and I agree with her. I love my little peanut and she is such a joy.  Our family is complete.

This year has also had its fair share of bad days too.  But I will not dwell on them. They are the times when you are tested and you need to find a way to rise above.  I have been doing a lot of that lately.  As the years go so quickly you realize you don't have time or energy to waste on the people who do not wish you well.  Or the people who are a constant negative.   Or things which are irrelevant and take up too much time.  With each year that passes I try to be a better person.  I want to be a good mother, one which my children will be proud of and one that they can look up to.  I don't have time to argue or fight with people or worry about silly things.  I want to invest that time in my little family and watch how we all grow and develop.

The last few years have brought very big changes to my life.  I went from being a single, care free woman with a career and a big social life to a partner, a full time mother who is mostly house bound with two kids.   Its been quite an eye opener for me and I have great respect for my parents and how it must have been hard to raise us with limited English skills and knowledge of a new country.  I never thought being a parent would be hard.  Though there are days when its pure magic and then the days when you just want to fall into a heap and cry.

2013 for me really is just a continuation of 2012.  These last two years have been tough to say the least but I have also had a lot of time to think about what direction I want to go in and what to do next. I am always a moving forward type of person.  Once I leave something behind it stays there.  Once I end a friendship, relationship or job I usually do not go back. There is a reason you ended it in the first place and like the year that ends so should your putting any effort into it. I love change, I love that something new is about to come at me.  It may not always ideal.  But I am willing to see what's coming.  That's why bring on 2014.

A New Year, with new hopes, new outlook and hopefully a new body :) I am looking forward to the beginning of whatever is in store for me.  Thank you 2013 for your lessons but its time for you to go. Yes I will probably gain an extra wrinkle here or there but I am also gaining a fresh new start to something wonderful. Fingers Crossed.

Happy New Year to all of you out there.  Whatever you are doing be safe and I really hope 2014 is filled with success, love and happiness and that we can all find our own inner peace. Let all that we have been dreaming about comes true, that we enjoy every minute with our families, that we aspire to be the people we truly are and that everything good in the world happens to those who truly deserve it.

Good luck and see you all in the New Year xo

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.”
― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

Christmas Spirit

I have been feeling under the weather for the passed few days.  So I've predominantly become somewhat of a hermit, locked away from the world nursing my stuffy nose, headache and watery eyes. This is a rare occurrence and besides; I'm a mother. Mothers cannot be sick!!!! I have done my best to get well fast. The house will not run itself and my children and the big Z need to be fed.

At this time of year.  I know that it is absolute madness out there. Everyone shopping for last minute Christmas presents and food.  So with this in mind I decided I needed to do some grocery shopping and get some fresh air.   Yes what was I thinking? I was thinking that maybe by some miracle people will actually be calm and controlled this year and that the Christmas Spirit will prevail. I should have just taken the kids to the park. WHAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?????!!

Firstly when arriving at the shopping centre carpark you have to be prepared for the inevitability of people you may run over who run in front of you, and the one's that nearly smack into you with their cars because they are so intent on getting that parking spot; even worse the one's who smack into you with their shopping trolleys; or honk their horns because your not moving fast enough; or the one's that feel like yelling at you because they can and for no particular reason.

Then coming into the shopping centre itself is like a free for all.  It reminds me of ants. Yes ants. Except in this case its not the ants marching one by one...its a scramble in every direction.  All the shops are jam packed with people grabbing what they can while they can, and there is me with my pram,  Nikita oblivious to it all,  Z with the shopping trolley and Aleksa running saying "Mummy its Christmas, look at this, wow look at that, Mummy, Mummy, Mummy".  Even this doesn't deter me.  I have my shopping list in hand I know what I need its just a matter of getting to my destination so it shouldn't be hard right?  What should be a 5 minute walk to the supermarket takes us about half an hour. I try and just go straight ahead.  Going left or right or backwards will only cause me to bump into someone who may just want to harm me because ITS CHRISTMAS!

Really its more like the last day on Earth.  Seriously unless you have a bunker and your going to need supplies for the final hurrah,  I don't see why you need to push, run, go nuts and have a grumpy look on your face. I encountered quite a few rude people along with the impatient one's and I was very disappointed as I am every year of the lack of understanding and compassion.  Even when we finished our shopping and sat down at a cafe to have a rest and a drink the waiter seemed to be flapping about and service was met with "sorry I'm the only one here and sorry I can't clear your table because I'm busy" 

So I ask you what is this Christmas Spirit and what does it mean to you?  I think that with all the negative things that are happening in our world today, we should take some time out and be kind to one another and focus on the positives.  There is no point in stressing over material things that need to be bought. Somehow it will all work out in the end.  The presents will be ready and the food will be on the table.  It should be a time of family get togethers, a time of peace and harmony and a time to think about what difference big or small would you like to make.

If you see someone struggling to carry their shopping bags, why not give them a hand instead of trying to push passed them.  If someone bumps into you, instead of anger why not just smile and say that's ok.  Any small deed is a good one and you will feel a much better for it.

With that in mind I will say to all of you, take it easy, stay safe, enjoy yourselves and if you have the time off then relax.  This is it for this year, have that drink and eat that cake and whatever else you can.  To those of you celebrating at this time I wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful day with your loved ones. To those of you who have Christmas at a different time or do not celebrate it at all enjoy the holidays and spend time resting your soul.  To those of you who are working commiserations but hopefully you will have time off in the New Year!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays :)

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
― Peg Bracken

My New Blender (Recipes Included)

There are times in your life when you come across something that truly changes the way you look at things.  A few months ago our old trusty blender broke down and it was time to get a new one.  As per usual I went into all the stores looking for a pretty but functional machine.  This further led me to look at reviews on the internet and after 4 hours of research I narrowed it down to 3 machines.

The first was the Vitamix, which is the Holy Grail of all blenders and by far the best machine you can buy.  But with the nearly $1000 price tag I felt I could not justify the spend. Maybe one day!!

The second was the Optimum 9900. A fantastic blender similar to the Vitamix with a $541 price tag.  I considered buying this one but then came across the Omni Blender.

The Omni Blender V. Also similar to Vitamix and the Optimum but the price tag at $339 ( for the 2 litre Jug)  seemed much more affordable.  I researched this blender and studied all the reviews like an exam.  I looked up demonstrations on You Tube and scoured their website.  I came to the conclusion that this was the one for me.  With a 3 horsepower motor, 38,000 rpm blade speed, BPA free 2 litre Jug and 6 stainless steel blade's.  It also has automatic and manual functions and can blitz any hard fruit or vegetable to a fine smooth consistency.

Z informed me that he would buy it for me as an early Christmas present ( which made my day ). So I quickly ordered one from OmniBlend Australia.  It arrived in 4 days with two e book recipes and a nutbag.  Aestetically it looks very nice.  I bought the red one but you can choose from black, white or cherry (which is the one I have).  I liked that the staff were friendly on the phone and if you need parts you don't have to call someone overseas.  You can get it all right here in Australia.  The blender also comes with a 5 year warranty.  That's more than a car!!

Suffice to say since my blender has arrived I have put it to good use!!  I now make Green smoothies everyday. Z and I are already seeing the benefits. (Strange how its my present, but he's benefiting, so thoughtful my Z).  I made a wonderful vegan dessert that took me less than 15 minutes.  I made a Strawberry and yoghurt choc icecream and today I made a Healthy Hazelnut spread, so no more buying Nutella.

It really has been a change for the better. I have always been  health conscious to a certain degree.  Love my vegies and salads. But my downfall has always been the sweets; chocolate, biscuits and cakes. To say I have a sweet tooth is an understatement. While I was researching the blender I came across a few Raw Food consumers and websites which directed me to healthy recipes and alternative eating.  I tried a few as I wrote above but I couldn't believe you could make a slice that tasted like caramel made out of dates.  It had me hooked.  I am now looking at overhauling my cooking and making changes... especially the sweet stuff.  If I can keep away from refined sugars at least then its a start! 

I am slowly learning you can get that hit of sweetness but it doesn't have to be detrimental to my health or my teeth.  I am looking forward to many more experiments. Z actually said to me " You may as well sleep with that machine you love it so much"  He may be right! At least it doesn't snore and definitely has more horsepower ha ha.

Below are a few recipe's I thought I'd share.  If you don't have a blender you can use a Food processor.  Hope you enjoy these as much as I am!

All the ingredients in these recipes can be found at Supermarkets and Health Food stores.

                         

   

Green Smoothie

Recipe Courtesy of Omniblend & Me!                                  

                                                   

2 cups of Kale, or Spinach

   2 Celery sticks chopped

                            1 large banana ( or two small chopped)

                            1 apple cored and chopped with skin on

                          1 pear cored and chopped with skin on

                                                     1 quarter lemon peeled but leave pith and remove seeds

                                   1 heaped teaspoon of Agave nectar or honey

        1 or 2 slivers of fresh ginger

                                                               2 cups of water

                                                 

Method:

               Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Start with water first then greens then remainder of ingredients.  Blend for 60 seconds using a tamper stick ( if you have one).  Otherwise pulse 3 or 4 times then blend for 60 seconds. Pour in a tall glass. ( You can add a cup of ice and use just one cup of water if you choose to drink it cold.)  Have one of these at the start of each day and watch your energy levels soar!  Try to use Organic where possible.  Make sure all vegetables and fruits are washed thouroughly.

                                                    Caramel Slice Without the Caramel
                                              Recipe Courtesy of Wholefoods Simply.com

                                              

       
This is perfect if you are fasting or you want something that is dairy free and tastes delicious!

Be ready with a square 20cm cake tin spray lightly with oil and use baking paper to line the bottom. All these ingredients can be bought at any Health Food store or Health section of your supermarket.

BASE

2 cups dessicated coconut

1 tablespoon cacao/cocoa/carob

10 medjool dates, seeds removed

( I used Macro pitted dates from the Healthfood Section at Woolworths) 

Blend or process until it all comes together, give it time, depending on the speed of your blender / food processor, you may need to increase the amount of dates used. Press the mixture firmly into a slice tin, refrigerate or freeze and move onto next step.

FILLING

1 cup firmly packed medjool dates, seeds removed ( or the Woolies brand )

1 cup macadamias

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

                             (If you want a nut free version, use I cup hulled tahini, I cup dates)

Blend until smooth, press over the base, refrigerate or freeze. Then go to next step. Make sure you have firmly pressed and evened out this mixture.

TOPPING

1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

2 tablespoons cacao/cocoa/carob

1/2 cup coconut oil

Blend until smooth and well combined, top slice with this chocolate mix and refrigerate or freeze until set. Cut into pieces and store in either the refrigerator or freezer.

Choc Hazelnut Spread.

Recipe Courtesy of Omniblend Australia

2 Cups Roasted Hazelnuts (No skin)

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (room temperature)

1 tablespoon of honey ( or Agave Nectar)

3 Tablespoons of Cocoa or Raw Cacao Powder

1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Method:

When Hazelnuts have cooled rub between your hands to discard as many of the brown skins as possible. Process the nuts and coconut oil on Pulse until roughly chopped. Then on a low speed until they turn into nut butter.  If you are doing this in a blender use your tamping stick. Add remainder of the ingredients and blend on low again. If in a processor, then on low for 15 seconds. You can leave it chunky if you wish. Spread this on any base you like or mix it through icecream.  Yum!

Frozen Strawberry Yoghurt.

My own recipe

2 cups of Frozen Strawberries

1 cup of Greek Yoghurt or plain yoghurt

I teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

I tablespoon of Honey or Agave Nectar

Method:

Add all ingredients to your blender or food processor. Blend on low to medium until combined and a smooth consistency.  Freeze for up to 3 hours and enjoy!

Banana Choc Mint Icecream

My own recipe

3 large frozen bananas

 (sliced thinly and put in a zip-lock bag in the freezer, lined in a row separately. Do not overlap)

                                               1/2 a cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
                                                6 Squares of Dark Mint chocolate (you can use buds if you wish)

Method:

                                                Add Almond Milk and bananas to a blender or food processor, pulse      two or three times then blend to form a smooth consistency. Add chocolate and pulse 2 or 3 times more.  If you want the chocolate to be smoother. Blend for 15 seconds. Quite a taste sensation!


Let me know if you have tried any of these recipes.  Would love your feedback!  

Today's quote:

In Health there is freedom, it is the first of all liberties.
Henri Frederic Amiel





                                           



                                                                 

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

                                                             
                                                           

  Our Family Tree

Everywhere you turn at this time of year, everything is bright red and green, gold and silver. Christmas Carols are blaring on loud speakers and there are bright lights on houses, front lawns and streets.  People are running around buying up their last minute gifts and most of the time I don't want to go anywhere near a shopping centre or mall for fear of getting trampeld.hehe

In the last few years I have noticed the increasing competitive rise of having the best decorated tree and table setting.  Not that I think that's a bad thing.  I quite like a nice tree with all the shiny baubles and trinkets.  When I was a child our table was decorated with food and lots of it so I didn't much pay attention to what plates or napkins we were using.  The tree was always something my father liked to do with us and I always remember him using cotton wool torn up to make it look like the tree had snow on it. I miss those days.

Now that I have my own children I really do want to make it memorable for them.  As well as teaching them the importance of what Christmas stands for, I also want them to enjoy everything else that comes with that.  I want them to remember these times spent with family, the times of giving and receiving and of course the wonderful foods that only come along once a year.  I really do want it to be special for them.

There are a few things I have learnt about the art of decoration for christmas that I thought I'd share.  It doesn't have to be an expensive habit although if you want to go all out, by all means the sky is the limit.    Here are some points to help you have a Christmas with a little less stress.

1. Be organized: write a list of what you need and write out your budget. Also include all the people you want to buy for and maybe a reference to what you will spend on each person. Include in your list; decorations, wrapping paper, food, table decorations and guest list.    Now with all the Ipads, Tablets and notebooks etc..you have plenty of places to keep a tab on everything and if you don't have one of those use a good old fashioned notepad and pen!

2.  Know your colour scheme.  These days you don't have to have just red and green decorations.  You can choose any colour scheme you want.  I would stick to one, two or 3 colours maximum.  This way you can have something that looks beautiful but not confusing.  There are some wonderful pieces you can pick up that don't cost you an arm and a leg.  But if you do want something special buy hand painted baubles for your tree and a gorgeous dinner set with napkin rings always stands out.

                                                      

                                         
                                        

                                       

                                      

                                      

                                           
              

3. Put up your Christmas tree early:  The best time to do this is approximately 21 days before Christmas day.  This way you have plenty of time to go shopping for presents and organize your food shopping list.  You don't have to buy the largest tree or the most expensive.  Find something that will firstly fit into your home.  No point buying an 8ft tree if your ceiling isn't more that 6ft....if you have the room then by all means go crazy.....At the moment you can find some  magnificent trees for sale and I picked up mine this year for $40 reduced from $200. Bargain! Its perfect for us and doesn't over take our whole house.  See a few ideas below:



                                                
                                                                        
                                                



                                                     





                                                
                                                         



                                                             
                                                                                              




4. Food:  Think about what you are going to serve up.  If its the same every year then still write it down so you don't forget your ingredients.  If you are having Christmas else where,  maybe make up a plate of your favourites and if you are not a cook you can always organize everything to be catered. Supermarkets and Deli stores have some really great ready made Christmas foods and puddings. There is something for everyone.

                                       

                                       

                                                                            
                                        
                                                           

5. Send out Invitations and Christmas cards:  If you like to send out cards to family, friends and business associates.  Do it at the beginning of December.  First or Second week.  Cards should arrive on time if you get in early.  Send out your invitations if your having a party, bbq or sit down dinner.  Make sure you let everyone know if you would like them to bring something or not.



                                           

                                    


                                        

                                              

                                                                       


6.  Wrap Presents :  Once you have bought everything you need for everyone, wrap them up and put them under the tree.  Its good to choose either one or two styles of wrapping papers to match your Christmas tree or go for a stark contrast.  If you have kids make sure you find a completely different type of wrapping paper so you can say the present is from Santa. Children are very perceptive and cannot be fooled. ( So I found out with my son ).  Or fill up a Christmas stocking with goodies and tell them that's where Santa put their present.  Alternatively if you have many people to buy for a Kris Kringle is always a good idea.   Set out an amount of $10 or $20 and that way you won't blow the budget.

                                                                                                            

                                                      

7. Don't Stress:  I see so many people stressing this time of year. ( Including me). Take deep breaths and don't worry.  You know that in the end it all works out.  If you plan in advance you can be assured you have plenty of time to sort things out.  If going out to the shopping centres is too hard there is always Online shopping.  Most department stores have an online component with great delivery options. Or choose one of the many gift companies that make baskets with all sorts of goodies.
                                               

                                                         



8.  Enjoy:  Make sure you take the time out to really enjoy yourself and your efforts.  Christmas isn't just about the perfect tree or the greatest food, its also a time of reflection, a time of family get togethers and a time to really appreciate what you have. Its also a time for forgiveness, a time to let go, to rest and to just be you.

And don't panic you still have time!!




                                                 

Christmas... is not an external event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.

Freya Stark

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/freyastark124410.html#mLcc96pygsX37P5m.99

Christmas... is not an external event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.

Freya Stark

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/freyastark124410.html#mLcc96pygsX37P5m.9900

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”
― Calvin Coolidge

Books

I have always loved to read.  As a child my form of escapism would be in a really great novel full of adventure and travel.  Especially to other worlds.  The Narnia books by C.S Lewis were my favourite and I once had a teacher who every afternoon would read us a few chapters.  Heads down and minds off.  I wanted to be Lucy she was always up to mischief:)   I also developed a love for Turkish Delight...the way it was described in the book made me want to eat a tonne..hehe....

These days I see most people carrying an Ipad or using an e reader.  Yes, its convenient and yes, you can read as many novels as you like.   You don't have to lug around a whole bunch of hardbacks and paperbacks and its great for travel.

But, for me nothing compares to the feeling of a page turned, the smooth finish of the front of the book, the smell of the fine paper and the knowledge that in my hands I have something that is going to excite me and make my world a better place for a few hours, days or weeks.  Going to a bookstore for me is like a kid in a candy store I truly love it.

Growing up in the city didn't leave me much room to go outdoors and play with neighbours kids on the street.  In fact I never did this at all after school as we lived on a busy road and most of our neighbours were elderly.  So to replace the loneliness and boredom I had my beloved books for company. I would read in the afternoon, in the evening, on the bus, in the car while my father drove us.  I would read until late at night and my parents were always telling me to go to bed and that if I continued down this path I would lose my eyesight.  I do not wear glasses and I have vision like Superman...hehe.  So that theory has gone out the window.  I still cannot go to bed without reading a few chapters.  Its a habit I am glad not to break.  Besides its great exercise for my eyes.

I am saddened that recently many books stores and book store cafe's have closed down due to most people using the internet to buy and read novels.  One day I feel the humble book store will be no longer.  The thought that,  I won't be able to walk into a store and touch and look at all the wonderful displays of stories waiting for me to read really does upset me. I am hoping that our children will experience the joys of spending a rainy afternoon curled up on the sofa with a wonderful read and not from a computer.   I have already started collecting some great books from my favourite authors so in years to come my children may appreciate what their mother has done for them. (Here's hoping)

My dream is to one day have a study or library like the one's you see in old movies full of wall to ceiling books with a big oak table and vintage chairs a big window and a long daybed underneath.  Somewhere where I can hide from the world and escape from daily pressures.  Its a dream I hope to make a reality and soon.

Below I have listed  a few of  my absolute favourite books to read. There are so many books I love but these are the one's that stand out for me and I highly recommend them  Some are great just for light entertainment and others really give your brain a work out.  I know there is something for everyone in my collection.

Happy reading :)

A



“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons




Recommended for children and early teens:

The  Chronicles Of Narnia  by C.S. Lewis

Story about 4 siblings entering a world of fantasy and meanwhile using their strengths, compassion,  and courage to fight along side mythical creatures in the mythical world that is Narnia.

James and the Giant Peach:  By Roald Dahl 

I think I was about 6 years old when this was introduced to me and I remember fantasizing about living in a giant peach:)  This is about a boy who loses his parents and is left to live with his two cruel aunts who do not allow him to go anywhere or play with other children.  This is his journey and how some magical crocodile tongues change his life forever.

To Kill a Mockingbird:  by Harper Lee

About racial prejudice and a loss of innocence and a family in the middle of it all. Lovely book for the whole family.

Lord of the Flies:  by William Golding

This was introduced to me when I was about 8 years old.  A story of a group of boys, lost on an island trying to survive and look after themselves and each other.  It also explores the hierarchy of groups who are not developed enough to make well thought out decisions and how power and worship could have disastrous results. 

The Lorax:  by Doctor Seuss

Who doesn't love a good Doctor Seuss novel.. Great for the kids learning about the environment.  Wonderful pictures, will keep the kids interested for years.

Recommended for teens and upwards:

Power of One:  by Bryce Courtenay

The story about an English speaking boy growing up in South Africa during apartheid.  The theme in this novel is racial prejudice, friendship and a boy's desire to rise above it all.  Great book especially for teens who bully and experience bullying.  Great movie too.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant: by Anne Tyler

This was my year 12 novel.  Absolutely love this book.  The story stayed with me for a very long time.  It follows the lives of three siblings growing up with their mother after their father abandons them.  Each sibling has a different recollection of that time and one creates a nostalgic family themed restaurant.  Tear jerker this one.  But a wonderful novel about not so perfect families.

A Clockwork Orange: by Anthony Burgess

This book describes a culture of extreme youth violence.  A teenager Alex narrates about his violent exploits and experiences with state authorities who want to reform him.  Quite a few characters in this one.  As a teenager I found this fascinating as I was never in trouble with the law.  Great eye opener.

The Idiot: by Fyodor Dostoevsky

About a 26 year old Prince who returns to Russia after being in a sanatorium for a few years.  He finds himself at the centre of a love triangle between a beautiful kept woman and a virtuous pretty young girl.  Of course these relationships are doomed.  A book about money, power, naivete,  sanity and tragedy of choice.

Crime and Punishment:  by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Another one by Fyodor.  This is one of my favourites.  The story of a man who commits a murder and then tries to justify it in his own head until he is at his own undoing.  A great read about guilt, mental anguish and moral dilemmas. One of Dostoevsky's finest novels.

Anna Karenina:  by Tolstoy 

Ah the iconic book that's been recently made into another movie.  Anna Karenina is a tragedy about a woman in an unhappy marriage and her affair with Count Vronsky. Set in Russia the novel explores characters and families, religion and morality. Who doesn't enjoy a complicated love story:)

Girl with a Dragon Tattoo:  by Stieg Larsson

Stieg Larsson's first novel of 3. About a journalist and a computer hacker who set out to solve a 40 year old mystery disappearance and their unusual friendship.  Very riveting and a great read which will keep you in suspense at every chapter. 

The Vampire Lestat:  by Anne Rice

Anne Rice's second novel about a 200 year old Vampire who goes from humble aristocrat to an arrogant, souless being.  Great Fantasy read.

The Road Less Travelled:  by M. Scott Peck

As described on the front cover the classic work on relationships, spiritual growth and life's meaning.

Enjoy!