Greetings, everyone! ?We've been away from regular blogging for what seems an *eternity*. When we left the airwaves, the raw food world was at total peace with itself -- bliss, harmony, sister- and brotherhood. Aside from rare, gentle disagreements among raw vegans on issues such as whether raw chocolate was mineral-rich or potentially taxing to your body's store of minerals, things were pretty much business as usual.
And then we moved away and took a little time off to regroup .. ?and NOW look at the state of the raw food zeitgeist: (1) long-term raw foodists just about everyhwere are now "eating a little bit of cooked food," (2) an enormous schism has emerged after the seemingly improbable development of many long-term vegans returning to meat eating, (3) informational summits and online meetings have been replaced by debates, and (4) let's face it, the supplements being discussed and sold are getting, well, much *weirder* than ever!
In short, the raw food world is now in utter turmoil. What's next: Should we expect to hear of raw vegans trading in Excalibur dehydrators for microwave ovens? ?Clearly, it's time that Pure Jeevan returns to the airwaves -- and regularly -- restoring peace, love, and raw happiness to all who care to stop by. ;-)
As our long-term Pure Jeevan family members know, we've talked about this moment for ages. ?And, by "this moment," we're referring to our diving in to Pure Jeevan in a much more serious and committed manner than ever before. As of today, this is officially our full-time focus. As such, we'll be rolling out a lot of really great things in the coming term -- regular blog articles and videos, a few really great new web sites, and more!
So, what happened during our time away? ... Well, it was quite a giant undertaking! ?After we'd decided on Portland as our new hometown, things simply got ultra-busy. Getting from Pittsburgh to Portland was never easy (or cheap). Driving takes four days -- and we did that a few times. We even wound up living separate for a few months -- Wendi and Bailey in Portland (so Bailey could attend school--something that we never thought would happen, since she was always unschooled), Jim in Pittsburgh (for work, and awaiting our PA home sale).
In the end, it was a true leap of faith that brought everything together at last. With living separately becoming increasingly difficult, we considered: ?Why just *wait* for our home to sell? ?Why not just make the move *now*? ?Jim quit work that day (giving a month's notice, as he'd been there almost a decade and wanted to give them time to find a replacement). A month later, we moved cross-country -- and one week after arriving, we received and accepted an offer on our Pittsburgh home (after ages on the market with a lot of interest, but zero offers).
As many of you know, we're regular users of Facebook (you can find Wendi at facebook.com/WendiDee, and Jim's page is actually: facebook.com/rawfood). We actually regularly posted quick updates on Facebook about what's been going on with us. If you're a Facebook user and we aren't already friends there, please send us a note and add us as a friend. A while back, we received a message there from an old friend saying, "Wow, your raw food videos are *amazing*! But... you guys should really have a studio or something -- up the production values a bit." It's true... Of course, we'd always wanted a better kitchen, and of course had ideas about the best *raw food* kitchen. ?But back then, all we could say was, "Yeah, you're right. Maybe someday."
Well, friends, that "someday" is quickly approaching! Because we purchased a fixer-upper home, we had the opportunity to fix it up to our liking. The kitchen has been priority one for us -- and we think you're going to love it when it's done, as it'll be much more conducive to food preparation videos than ever before. More about that when the time comes. (But, know that we're working full-time on the house so that we can share it with you!)
On other fronts, many of you have inquired about Wendi's health (as she'd faced a serious health challenge with Lyme Disease in 2009 and much of 2010). Well, she continues to experience less than full energy, unfortunately, as she continues to heal from the damage left behind by the disease. We'll cover that in tomorrow's post, since we regularly receive emails about how she's doing.
Bottom line: We're back! ?The fact is that we missed you all so much that we're going to be dedicating time to the Pure Jeevan blog again and, as we're able to tackle them, we'll be rolling out the other exciting projects we hinted above. Once our new home is fixed up, our time will be fully devoted to Pure Jeevan, all of you in our Pure Jeevan family, inspiring others to live healthier and happier lives, and much more that will continually serve others in a love-filled way!
So, we're back to blogging on a daily basis. Drop us a line if you like, and tune in here each day for healthy inspiration!
We love and miss all of you so very much! Please post a comment and let us know how you've been doing and what's new in your lives!
Love,
Jim & Wendi
XOXOXO
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Hi!! Welcome back! I enjoy your blogs and am looking forward to reading them again! :) I have to admit that I am one of those people that started eating cooked vegan food again (about 50% raw). Being lazy and not wanting to prepare any food...being tempted by cooked food .... ? ? I don't know, but I gained 20 pounds and felt awful! So, I am back to raw the last couple days. I'm already feeling better mentally and physically. It will be great to hear from you guys again. Love, Terry :)
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
WELCOME BACK!
love you guys, canot wait to see what you have to share.
xoxoxooxoxo
deb
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Welcome back, dear ones! I am looking forward to hearing all your happenings! Many blessings! xoxo
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Terry! We're happy to be back! :-)
Eating more cooked foods, after being raw, is just a part of your raw food journey. It's all part of your learning...now you know you gain weight when eating more cooked than raw, and that you feel better when eating only raw! That's some powerful stuff to learn! Congrats!
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Debbie!! *blows kisses*
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Colleen!! :-) What have you been up to while we've been away?
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
You all have been missed so very much & I'm thrilled to hear that you'll be back with your regular presence & new, exciting projects! Wendi - I am much like you in that we are eternal optimists, so I have to add my two cents here...
Although much of what was cited in the summary of what has been happening in "the world of raw food" is fact, there are also just as many other amazing, inspiring and encouraging reports from raw food enthusiasts who are bustin'-a-move on the front lines of holistic health & total person wholeness.
I believe as we focus our thoughts & energies on the positives, we'll continue to see more and more of those stories emerging!
Much love & many blessings to you, Dear Ones!
xoxoxo - Penni
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Penni!! :-)
Yes, I'm an eternal optimist--what Jim wrote in that part was kind of tongue-in-cheek, jokingly implying that without Pure Jeevan the raw world is falling apart. ;-)
I totally agree with you. There is, and continues to be, inspiring and positive growth/changes in the raw food community (including all that you've been doing!!). Even those things Jim cited as "falling apart examples" aren't necessarily negative changes. ;-) We have some wonderful friends who have been doing some of those examples and we certainly don't see them as wrong or sending out a bad message at all. *giggles* I'm sure you knew it was all said in a playful, joking way, though.
You'll continue to see positive, inspiring thoughts, information, and energy coming from Pure Jeevan. That's what we're here for. *blows kisses*
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
"those things Jim cited as ?falling apart examples? aren t necessarily negative changes."
Definitely... I was just kidding around & making it sound as though the world had gone to pot with Pure Jeevan gone. lol... (And, by the way, I think it *has* gone to pot, so to speak, in some ways. Some of those "Raw Brah" vids from Jamaica, for example... ) :-)
-JD
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
I sure hope you will be a voice of reason and kindness. Im new to this community/lifestyle and I think I subscribed just as you slowed down. In the meantime I have been *friended* by many on FB but have noticed a very aggressive and unkind mentality in the raw/vegan world. I was in a big discussion last night because someone posted videos calling out one of the big raw food originals and even making fun and saying really damaging things. I have no idea about his lifestyle but Im wondering how a community that calls itself compassionate and kind can behave this way. It wouldnt be a problem if it was once in awhile...we're all imperfect and still working on ourselves but this seems to be a constant thing with vegans...whether towards meateaters or towards their own community. I wouldnt even call myself a vegan if I was ready to (Only thing I eat is a little goat cheese once in awhile). Anyway...sorry for the vent. Hoping I find more kindness and compassion here. Thanks
Peace and love...Traci
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Welcome back Pure Jeevan--I've often wondered how Portland is treating your family. I love that city and luckily my brother lives there so I visit annually. The only problem with that is my brother is not into raw food and he's not into vegan food--so finding the time to visit raw vegan hang outs is rarely on the agenda. Congratulations on selling your home--it sounds like the Universe wouldn't let you fall--it just took a leap of faith.
I've recently started grad school and find it difficult to eat raw foods--the community I was keeping up with veered off into another path and I am really looking forward to your motivational message. I've unsubscribed from almost all the raw food bloggers out there. I need help please with easy meals and snack ideas which won't widen my seat :).
Can't wait to see what comes next!
Kelly
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Glad your are back! It took me 3 yrs. to sell my house and move cross-country. It can seem to go on forever! It has to be a relief just to feel "all together" in Portland.Excited to see your new kitchen--hope to get some ideas. Also interested in how you like Portland after you've been there a while. Sending all good thoughts your way.
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
It does seem like a lot has changed! But as Penni said, some of it is allowing room for new fresh faces to appear who are truly dedicated and passionate. Excited to hear from you. Wendi, as a fellow suffered of chronic fatigue and pain I feel for you. It's hard! Maybe sometime life will bring me to Portland and I can say hi in real life.
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Hi Jim and Wendy, so happy to have you back and to read this blog. Wendy, we haven't had the pleasure yet of meeting, but Jim and I met at one of the Raw Spirit Festivals I think (I was volunteers coordinator for a year, and good friends with Rawbin.)
I can really relate to all these stories. after 3 years almost 100% raw, I started grad school in the fall and started falling off the wagon - I even went non-vegan for a while. I was feeling so sick from all the cooked food, and gained a lot of weight...it was a struggle, but about 2 months ago I was at least able to get back to vegan, and now have 32 days under my belt with a slightly modifed Rainoshek juice fast - hoping to do the whole 92 days this time. Weight is dropping off, complexion clear, feel great all the time, cleared up some huge pain issues in my right knee, and will be ready to go back to 100% once I finish the juice fast. So, yes, it's all part of the journey. And I usually tend to learn things the hard way.
I've had to distance myself a bit from the raw population for a while - also had a challenging time with all the dissension and occasional random acts of meanness that I observed that seemed very incongruous due to a supposed elevated spiritual state...and of course looking at my own shadow self as well.
My best wishes to you both.
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Hi Penni!
I just logged on to respond to more comments and noticed that our new commenting system isn't functioning perfectly. :-( I replied to your comment, so you'd be notified, but my reply didn't "nest" under yours...so I'm not sure if you received it. I'm reposting it again, below, in case it works correctly this time. XOXOXO
Thanks, Penni!!
Yes, I m an eternal optimist what Jim wrote in that part was kind of tongue-in-cheek, jokingly implying that without Pure Jeevan the raw world is falling apart.
I totally agree with you. There is, and continues to be, inspiring and positive growth/changes in the raw food community (including all that you ve been doing!!). Even those things Jim cited as ?falling apart examples? aren t necessarily negative changes. We have some wonderful friends who have been doing some of those examples and we certainly don t see them as wrong or sending out a bad message at all. *giggles* I m sure you knew it was all said in a playful, joking way, though.
You ll continue to see positive, inspiring thoughts, information, and energy coming from Pure Jeevan. That s what we re here for. *blows kisses*
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Traci! I'm so happy you found us. I'm sure you'll be happy with the way we continue to inspire in a loving, gentle way. :-)
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Kelly!! Portland is so perfect for us. We LOVE it here! :-) When you're going to be in town again, please send us a note to let us know in advance and we'll try to get together! We love meeting members of the Pure Jeevan family!!!
Yes, the Universe definitely wanted to see us taking that leap of faith. How wild it was to get an offer after being here for only a week!!
I've added your request for inspiration regarding eating raw without a community to support you, easy meals and snack ideas. I'm happy to continue inspiring others! :-)
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Thanks, Joanne! It feels great to be back. :-)
It took us about three years, too! It's definitely a relief to be where we want to be, creating a new life together. I'm totally looking forward to having a kitchen! We've been living here without one since we bought the place.
We are LOVING Portland! It's perfect for us and our lifestyle! Thanks for sending the good thoughts our way! *blows kisses*
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Hi there, Bitt! Yes!! I totally LOVE the emergence of new, passionate raw foodies in our community!
I think about you a lot, and how it's many times more frustrating to have a health challenge when one is living a healthy lifestyle and making an effort to regain health. Tomorrow's post is an update on my health.
Yes! Let me know when you're going to be in Portland and we'll be sure to find time to get together!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 18, 2011, wrote:
Hi there, A. Rose! Jim had a really nice time meeting you and spending time together with you. And Rawbin...well, I LOVE Rawbin, even though we don't get around to talking much lately.
Stress is a huge thing when it comes to diet and eating well. That's a big issue and one we'll revisit again and again here on the blog. Congrats on getting back to a point where you're ready to eat well again. Be sure to not push yourself to do the full 92 days. Many who have done the Rainoshek juice feast have said there was a point when they felt their bodies were ready to halt the feast, but they pushed themselves to complete the full 92 days and ended up not feeling as well as they did at the point they felt their bodies were ready to stop. Be gentle with yourself and just know that you're doing some great healing right now! I'm glad you're getting lots of results already. Some of us do learn things the harder way, but at least we learn...right ! ;-)
Ah, that's a huge thing...looking at our own shadow selves. Many times what we see in others is merely a reflection of something deeper we don't acknowledge within ourselves. It sounds like you are on a great path for yourself. *HUGS*
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 19, 2011, wrote:
aha! You blew my cover! lol. I enjoyed meeting Jim too! Yes, I've learned to listen to my body when it comes to cleanses/juice fasts, and it's nice to have this downtime to deal with some food issues and stress in a gentle, loving way.
Someday I hope we'll meet, and I'll be happy to make some of my desserts for you.
Be well and happy!
The Rose of Rockaway
On April 19, 2011, wrote:
*giggles* I didn't *fully* blow your cover...only used a simple, single letter. ;-)
Yes, it would be great to meet in person and spend some time together. Dessert would just be the icing on the cake of getting together. ;-)
XOXOXO