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:
As many of you know, Kevin and Annmarie Gianni (of Renegade Health) have now started their RV tour, for which they selected Pittsburgh as their official kick-off location. While here, we at Pure Jeevan took a special ride in "The Kale Whale," their veggie-oil-powered RV. Inside, we enjoyed a comfortable ride (which included hanging out with Johnny 5 -- their cat -- and drinking some hot tea prepared right there in the Kale Whale). Outside, we endured the freezing cold temperatures of Pittsburgh while pumping filtered used veggie oil into special holding tanks in the RV. Here is some video footage from our Kale Whale encounter!
With this video, Pure Jeevan concludes coverage of the 2009 Raw Spirit East festival. We started off two Fridays ago covering raw food chefs, then moved on to raw lifestyle speakers and philosophers. The final piece of the gourmet raw pie would have to be the festival ambience, which is somewhat tougher to capture in a short video. But, I think this video does a reasonable job of conveying a lot of the scene "beyond the food." (But even if it doesn't, how many times do you get to see Charles Balcer hula-hooping on video )
Enjoy the video (and pics, below, too)!
Today, we'd like to take the time to introduce some raw athletes who continually inspire others. There is a huge misunderstanding about the need for protein in our bodies, especially within the world of competetive sports. Many believe that without large amounts of protein we can't be strong, we can't build muscle. Raw athletes are proving that a vegan diet not only supplies enough energy to sustain the human body during competition, it also allows them to many times outperform competitors who are half their age.
|
Who Would Win Read more: Take the Time Tuesday: Raw Athletes
Jim here... Just a brief, fun post for the weekend... We just saw the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World a few days ago. ?It's a great movie, for many reasons. But, vegans will get a real kick out of one scene involving a character named Todd Ingram, who has super powers. ?Why? ?... Because he's a vegan! ?We won't spoil the scene, though. But, if you're a vegan, or know a lot of vegans, you should get a pretty good laugh from this! I think they nearly had to throw Wendi and me out of the theater, as we were laughing so hard (especially Wendi). ?Enjoy. :-)
To help keep all of you inspired, we ve asked some remarkable individuals to share their raw food stories with you. Enjoy! Wow, is it really Episode 3 already? How time flies! Remember way back when we started this informative, informational, nutrition-oriented "Know Your Food" series? Seems like ages ago, doesn't it? (Oh, wait... It WAS ages ago. It's just taken us a while to get up to speed with this video stuff!) Anyway, here's the video, followed by some camera/video editing news -- oh, and of course some highly urgent celery information. (Okay, it isn't really urgent at all; we just needed to add a dash of drama.) So, see what you think. You might even learn a thing or two about our stalky green friend.
Not TOO bad, right? We're getting to our goal of roughly 3-minute episodes. Of course, this is still one of our first attempts, shot last Sunday. We thought it was decent enough to not entitle it "salvaged" as we did the previous installment.
Welcome to the very first Take the Time Tuesday entry! What's Take the Time Tuesday, you may ask? Well, it's a time to meet someone special. Each Tuesday we'll introduce you to an individual or business we think might be of interest to you. So, who's in the spotlight for this very first Take the Time Tuesday entry? Pure Jeevan, of course! Take the Time to Meet... Hi everyone! It's Wendi here, back to updating the blog and giving Jim a much-needed break. ;-) He did an amazing job with all he did while we were away (his full time corporate job; assisting me with a part-time computer job; keeping the house ready for realtors and potential buyers to stop by; dealing with some sad issues around our dog, Julia; connecting with our hosts and those requesting meetups/talks across the country; catching up with KDcat and I for a bit each evening to hear how we were doing; collecting pictures/videos/notes from me to then go through and create blog posts for all of you; helping friends fix up their attic into a useable place; and so much more)! He missed us a lot, and we missed him a lot, too. So, here we pick up from where we left off with our travels yesterday... 
It wasn't easy leaving Arizona. KDcat and I both wished we had more time to play on the rocks in Sedona. But, we'll keep that for a time when all three of us (next time with Jim) can be there to experience the wonder of that beautiful place. So, it was off to New Mexico! Since our host in Albuquerque was going to be busy until the evening, we slept in a bit before leaving Arizona. In Albuquerque, NM, we stayed in the home of the beautiful Darshanie, who was out of the country visiting her daughter and attending the wedding of her brother. I met Darshanie at the Peaceful Valley Ashram a few years ago (the same ashram where I held a raw food spiritual retreat). She's one of Leela Mata's beautiful and talented daughters, creating candles which she sells as well as offering intuitive readings [click here to learn more about Darshanie]. It was wonderful to be invited to stay with Darshanie during our travels, and I was a bit sad that she wouldn't be there when we arrived, but who would ever miss out on the chance to attend an Indian wedding ! If you're ever invited to attend one, consider it a huge honor and accept the invitation. Indian weddings are breathtakingly beautiful in so many ways. Read more: Wendi and KDcat Visit New Mexico! Videos and Pics...
Thanks to Bitt, yesterday, for pointing out that one possible misinterpretation of yesterday's post (on celebrity weight loss) could be that "thin = healthy." I'm sure that, while there are countless wonderful benefits to being a famous actor, one of the less wonderful aspects of that life must be the pressure to remain young, thin, attractive, etc. It would seem realistic to me to assert that, additionally, women are held to even more objectified standards than are the men out there (although, in fairness, note that 6 of the 11 stars profiled in the Yahoo feature linked to yesterday were in fact men). In any case, the post's intention was never to imply that one's weight is necessarily the best indication of one's overall health. After all, we all know thin people afflicted with serious health challenges.
Corvallis is the city we ve mentioned multiple times -- the city that feels like it s the right fit for us. Well, it lived up to our dreams in just about every way. It s a progressive, hip town with a lot going on. The people are friendly, the weather is beautiful, the land is gorgeous, and there are lots of unschoolers. Access to fresh, ogranic, raw foods doesn't seem to be an issue anywhere in Oregon, according to reports from the road so far. While they've been away, we've talked quite a bit each night about what they're finding -- and fresh organic produce seems pretty much everywhere out west. "The west," wrote Jim Morrison, "is the best." (Surely he was a raw foodie.) Jon Gold, owner of the Sunny Side Up Cafe (a vegan and vegetarian restaurant there) and an unschool father, put together a little gathering of unschoolers for KDcat and Wendi. They were able to meet some local unschoolers and ask questions. There was also a gathering one day at the cafe where KDcat was able to do some art at a table with some other unschool teens. It's definitely a creative, easy-going town with some fantastic people in it!
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 CommentsBelow, 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!!! 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! 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 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! 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! 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! 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! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi GIRL!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Have a wonderful amazing Day of Incarnation, the sweetness of your eternal spirit always shows! 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!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
May this be the beginning of the happiest birthdays of your life. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi!! 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! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi have a blessed day as you have so blessed others.Because you have sown so 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! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
One happy birthday is never enough, here is another one :) <3 On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi, On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday beautiful Wendi!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Ulol, my love!!! *blows kisses* On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you so very much, Mary!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Sheryl! 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! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, WendiLou!!! It was The BEST birthday EVER!! 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! 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. :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
My first video reply on the blog!!! I LOVE IT! I LOVE YOU!! 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! ;-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Elizabeth! 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. 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! 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! 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! :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Oh, it WAS!! It was so very special Allison!! Thanks for being a part of my gift! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jenny! You are very welcome--I love helping others. On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Fatima! This was definitely the happiest and BEST birthday, ever!! Thanks so much! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, R_Eli! I had a fabulous birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Jacki! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
More birthday wishes from Debbie! Thanks so much!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Diane! It was surely a blessed day for me! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Anasha! Thanks so much for your beautiful birthday wish!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Vebanmimi! I had a wonderful day!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Sheila! Thanks so much! I had the BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, Joanna! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Dianne! It was a fantastic birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Tina, for your sweet comment! 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 ?? On April 29, 2009, wrote: You're very welcome. It was our pleasure and what a GREAT idea Jim had! |
After leaving Salem, Oregon, Wendi and KDcat drove less than an hour to the city of Corvallis where they met up with their hosts the Zander's -- Joni, Steve, Bekka, and Stephanie -- a fellow unschooling family Wendi had come to know in an online forum. 