Know Any Literary Animal Lovers?
Hi there PureJeevan readers! We wanted to let you know that Jim's new novel CHROO is available on Amazon. It's a crazy adventure involving a billionaire heiress, her Chihuahua BFF ("Chroo") and a host of human and animal characters. Find out more on Amazon! Here are some links:
Sorry for the strange behavior of this site over the past few weeks, friends. As a former professional web programmer, and always a?bit of a mad hacker, I'm usually really great at keeping the web end of Pure Jeevan running very smoothly.
But, this is a Wordpress blog -- and so you have things like plugins and widgets and themes and updates, all interacting (and sometimes conflicting) with one another. I've noticed lately that this blog home page has developed all sorts of peculiar issues, not the least of which is a very slow-loading tendency.
Read more: Hopefully Pure Jeevan Loads a *Little* Faster Today!
Here's a fun story, with a fun, inspirational, and at least partially dietary conclusion. As I mentioned yesterday, Wendi is in Portland this week. Can you guess what she's doing there? ... She's attending a very important event -- something that merited getting on an airplane with almost no notice (and, wow, are those last-minute airfares pricey!). Still not sure? That's okay; I'll let the cat out of the bag: We found a new home!!
We've been talking about moving to the west coast for literally years now, so it's about time, right? ?In recent times, we've really begun taking action on things in a much more profound and immediate way than ever, and it's been working out amazingly well. This home purchase was just the latest instance of it. We basically saw an opportunity and immediately went for it, without hesitation, and before we knew it we were sending paperwork back and forth across the internet to our realtor.
Jim here... Today is April 25, 2009 -- Wendi Dee's Birthday!!? She's asleep now. It's 1:30 in the morning & I've been up for hours assembling something stunningly amazing to share with you. You see, this year, I asked some friends, family, and foodies to take a page of a sketchbook and offer Wendi some Happy Birthday wishes -- and then send it back to me so I could bind it all into a large book!? WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Check out the response from 40+ people from around the globe. It's a little overwhelming to see this much positive energy in one place. What a momentous day she's in for in another 5 hours or so when she gets up and is greeted by such a surprise! If you'd like to say Happy Birthday, just leave a comment here! Thanks to everyone!
Clarifications: (1) Yes, as some of you may have guessed, Wendi's body has circled the sun more than 25 times. If you visit the site, I explain what the "25th" birthday means a little more. It's basically about the amazing power of raw foods. (2) No, I didn't send messages to David Wolfe, Gabriel Cousens, Woody Harrelson, or other raw food celebrities Wendi isn't friends with. However, if they are huge fans of Wendi's, they are more than welcome to contribute via email or comments! LOL ;-)
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy 25th Birthday Gypsy!!!
I so wish to be there with you celebrating this amazing day, but as I can't, I send you lotsof e-love.
*hugs tightly*
I LOVE YOU!!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday Wendi.............wishing you al the happiness your heart can hold, on this special day of birth and always...........you inspire so many!!!!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi!
I had posed this question in another post on this site, can't remember where now!
But I will post it here too
On my birthday I like to look back to last year's birthday to see what about me has changed!
What about you Wendi? What has changed about you
Hope there are lots of ovely surprises in store for your big day!
Sheryl Miller
Austrlaia
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
wishing much peace, love and joy to you on this special day... Happy Birthday, Wendi!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday, Miss Wendi Dee! I hope your day is a joyous as ever. ;)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Very, very Happiest of Birthdays, Dearest Wendi. You give so much of your essence and touch many souls. I wish you a day that is beyond beautiful and filled with joy and blessings as you embark on another wonderful adventure around the sun. And love LOVE love abound...always. xo
Blaq Berry
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday lovely lady!!! I'm sure you'll be glowing all day! :)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Seesmic video reply from Disqus.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
That is the best present ever!
And Wendi, if you did not know it before, I think you now are sure....
You Are Loved!!!!!!!!!
Happy 25, can't wait for your 24th next year!!!
love love love deb
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi. Thank you for being such a light in the world.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi!
What a beautiful book!!! I am so happy to be part of it, and thanks Jim for posting the whole thing! It is just beautiful.
We love you!
~ Melissa
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day!
Revvell
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day!
Revvell
(Did this twice since I had to figure out the system)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi GIRL!!!
Have lots of fun in this, your 25th year. Blessing and love all around. Kisses riding on the wind for you.
Much love!
P. Lis
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Have a wonderful amazing Day of Incarnation, the sweetness of your eternal spirit always shows!
XOXO!!!
Jill
p.s. thank you to Jim for being such an awesome partner :)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
I'm glad to know Wendi's birthday was as special as she and her family are. And I love the phrase "Wendi s body has circled the sun more than 25 times." I'm gonna try to remember that one for birthdays!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Not even having met you, Wendi, I can always feel your love for others online. Thank you so much for all you do for others. You are a true jewel in this world!!
Much love and birthday hugs,
Jenny
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
May this be the beginning of the happiest birthdays of your life.
love joy and peace
fatima
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi!!
Best wishes!!!
Keep shining!!!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi! Thanks for all the gifts you've given us!! XOXOXOX
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Hi Wendi ~ I'm sending HUGE birthday wishes all the way from Washington State! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Debbie *�*
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi have a blessed day as you have so blessed others.Because you have sown so
much enjoy the returns! Have many more circles around the sun, Love Diane
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
let your light shine and radiate in every nook and corner of our beloved planet and beyond, and let me whisper happy birthday in your ears,thank you for being here
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday Wendi!!!!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy, happy, happy birthday Wendi Dee!
hugs from Florida where the coconut grows :)
love
sheila
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
One happy birthday is never enough, here is another one :) <3
I will add to the notebook! I was afraid to sign the real thing, in case it got lost in transit after sending it back :(( I would have felt so awful. I hope you're having an amazing week!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi,
So Happy Birthday.I had no idea it was your birthday.I was gone for a few days off computer.BUSY! And still wanted to wish you a Happy belated Birthday! Bye Dianne (DianneRawGirl)
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday beautiful Wendi!!
You are such a light in this world....I hope your day was filled with light and joy and wonder!
Hugs, Tina
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Ulol, my love!!! *blows kisses*
This birthday was THE BEST EVER! Even though you weren't physically here with me, it was extra special because I had your special contribution to my birthday book! It made me cry so much to see your page in the book. It was VERY special to me!
I miss you so very much! Thanks for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment, but most of all for always sharing your love and friendship with me.
I love you, too!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you so very much, Mary!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!!
I'm so happy that I can inspire others--all of you have given me so much love in return and that has meant the world to me!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Sheryl!
I responded to your original question a few minutes ago on the other blog post. :-)
Thanks, again!!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Carlos!! Thanks for being a special part of my birthday gift, and for saying Happy Birthday to me on your blog, too!
I love you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, WendiLou!!! It was The BEST birthday EVER!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Blaq Berry!!! You are always so loving to me. *hugs* Thanks for your sweet comment. :-) Thanks for being such a special part of my birthday gift!
I love you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
I've been glowing all weekend, Rawbin!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! It lasted all weekend and continues through today as I read and respond to all of the love-filled comments that have been shared with me. :-)
I love you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
My first video reply on the blog!!! I LOVE IT! I LOVE YOU!!
*blows kisses*
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
It really IS the BEST PRESENT EVER!!! Jim says he's screwed for next year--no way to top this one! ;-)
I think you know me so very well. Yes, I didn't truly realize how much everyone does love and care for me. After this, how can I ever doubt? I am blissfully blessed.
Thank you so very much for being a part of my special gift, Debbie!
I love you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Elizabeth!
Thanks so much! I had THE BEST birthday EVER!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Melissa! Thanks for making my birthday celebration continue through Sunday, also! You are such a dear friend to me.
I love you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you, Revvell and Bo!! I LOVE that you were both a part of my gift! It has been THE BEST birthday EVER! It's one I'll NEVER forget!
I love you both!
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, P. Lis!! Thanks for being a part of my gift, also. Jim said he was impressed with your artwork--he hasn't seen your paintings, yet, I told him! You are truly gifted!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Jill! Thanks for such a sweet comment. It was THE BEST birthday EVER! I can't even imagine a better one in another incarnation! :-)
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Oh, it WAS!! It was so very special Allison!! Thanks for being a part of my gift!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jenny! You are very welcome--I love helping others.
I hope to one day meet you in person--maybe while we are on our cross-country tour!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Fatima! This was definitely the happiest and BEST birthday, ever!! Thanks so much!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, R_Eli! I had a fabulous birthday!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Jacki!
You are very welcome for all of the gifts! I love giving to others!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
More birthday wishes from Debbie! Thanks so much!!
*blows kisses*
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Diane! It was surely a blessed day for me!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Anasha! Thanks so much for your beautiful birthday wish!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Vebanmimi! I had a wonderful day!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Sheila! Thanks so much! I had the BEST birthday EVER!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, Joanna!
Yes, please add to the special notebook. I welcome a page from anyone who wants to contribute. It is such a special gift to me; it's one that I will always cherish!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Dianne! It was a fantastic birthday!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Tina, for your sweet comment!
Yes, my day was absolutely filled with light and joy and wonder!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
The pleasure was all mine, I hope you pass that Birthday love down to all the future generations.. are you listening Kat ??
love you too!
Deb xoxoxo
PS Sam had fun with her drawing too, lest you think I drew that!!!!!hee hee
On April 29, 2009, wrote:
You're very welcome. It was our pleasure and what a GREAT idea Jim had!
In some wonderfully literary sense, there must be some kind of unique metaphor that could be constructed around the process by which cabbage turns to kimchi. Personal growth is not always easy, as any success technologist will surely tell you; ?there's a lot of doubt and oozing and off-gassing involved -- and yet, the final product is surprisingly pleasing to the palate.
Yes, it's time for us to update you on our first-ever kimchi experiment. If you want the short version:? I believe we have been successful! For those of you with a few more minutes, I'll share some of the lurid details. Highlights of our experiment included:
We get asked from time to time about whether we like to use protein powders and, if so, which brands we like. As you'll no doubt notice after getting into raw foods for a while, raw foodies (just like quite a lot of health-conscious people) often get into various powdered food additives. Some purists are against their use, of course. But, we're not so dead set against them. We do, however, believe that, if you're going to put something into your body as part of a health program, you should be conscious about it.
A few months ago, Wendi decided that she wanted to add some protein into her diet in the form of a protein powder. She did quite a bit of research at the time into the various brands available, charting out which ones were raw, which ones had various ingredients, and so forth. It was a fairly in-depth study, done for personal reasons unrelated to Pure Jeevan's blog articles. So, we never mentioned it before.
Read more: Protein Powder Smoothies Part 1 of 3: Selecting the Powder
This experiment isn't looking so great, right now. I'm gaining weight.
I've cut fat out of my diet until my evening meal. Here's what I've eaten over the past few days:
After leaving the windy area of Prescott Valley, AZ, Wendi and KDcat headed up to Sedona. Today is part one of their Sedona visit, focusing on their visit with raw chocolatier, Kelly Johnson. We'll pick up with Wendi's travelogue, where we last left off:
It was great driving to Sedona, since I have a fond place in my heart for this magical spot. I'll talk more about that later, though. When we arrived, went directly to a raw restaurant I remembered visiting a few years ago. The name had changed, and there was a lot more going on there.
KDcat and I placed an order for some food to go (we wanted to have a picnic, rather than be inside when there was so much beauty around), and then met the lovely Kelly Johnson. Kelly is one of the owners of the raw restaurant and he agreed to do a quick interview to tell us about the restaurant and what had changed since the last time I was in Sedona.
Today we welcome Devaki, the yoga instructor at Peaceful Valley Ashram, for another episode of Pure Jeevan s Makin? It Monday ?Guest Raw Chef? edition. In this episode, Devaki demonstrates how to make raw Cabbage-Mango salad. We ate the salad shown just after shooting the video. It was quite tasty and refreshing! Here s the recipe:
Read more: Devaki Makes Cabbage-Mango Salad on Makin' It Monday "Guest Raw Chef" Edition
What's Valentine's Day without a little "Smooth Love," right ??Here's how we created this simple, creamy delicious, smoothie:
- Start with the water and flesh of one young coconut. We had one left over, still nice and fresh, from our recent trip to the Florida Keys (more raw food videos and posts coming soon from that trip!).
- Add three to four oranges, peeled (and de-seeded if necessary)
- Add two to three large bananas
- Add 12 ounces of frozen strawberries (or to taste)
- Add a small handful of raw almonds
- Add a bit of raw agave nectar or a few dates, if you have them.
Blend in your high-speed blender until smooth ... and share with a loved one! Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
I'm still doing my nine-day mono meals for Navratri. Since it's Makin' It Monday, instead of actually makin' a recipe, I'm dreamin' about it! After talking with my sweet friend Melissa, I thought I wanted to eat spinach pie when I end my mono meals. She was talking about it, shared how she was going to create it, and my mind was filling with the image of spinach pie, the smell and taste of it, and I wanted it right then.But, we don't have any spinach in the house right now. Since I end my mono meals after tomorrow's lunch, and don't have time to buy spinach at the food co-op, I decided to dream some more about what I'll be eating for tomorrow's dinner.
Then it came to me. I want beet pasta! Not just any beet pasta, but beet pasta topped with a creamy alfredo sauce! I picture it in my mind; I can imagine the taste of it, the texture, and it's so delicious. I think I want something green with it, too. Perhaps I'll start with a small salad. Ooh! Yes, that's what I'll do!
Jim here... A few months ago, I was in our local food co-op's juice bar. I'd ordered an apple juice and had cringed when I saw the barista chop up four Granny Smiths and nonchalantly toss the whole lot, seeds and all, into the juicer. That juice was for someone else. So, when my order came up, I politely requested that he cut the seeds out -- a request he reluctantly granted, although not without showing considerable annoyance. My thinking was: Hey, those seeds contain cyanide! Why would I want to consume that, even in small amounts
But then... Have you ever known anyone who died from eating apple seeds? ?I know I haven't. Also, after mentioning this to a few people I know, I found that a number of them regularly ingest apple seeds. And, well, they're still living. So, is there any truth to the rumors? And, should we be concerned at all about this?
Read more: Should You Juice the *Whole* Apple, Seeds and All?