One of the things I’m trying to balance in my life this year is what goes into my body. I’ve always tried to use some relative intelligence when eating, but I’ve never crossed that organic line where processed foods are not allowed to dwell in my refrigerator. I’m a busy mom, and a writer!

The past holiday season gave me time to catch up on viewing two food documentaries on my Must See list: “Supersize Me” and “Food Inc.”. Both left me with a psychological hangover. After a few days of processing the information, tossing out the extremes, and absorbing the facts and what they meant for my future and the future of my children, I managed to get over the guilt of being a human being.

It’s like this: I admire anyone who chooses the vegan life. I can’t say that I necessarily agree with it, but the intentions are admirable. What is shocking, and important for every consumer to know, is where our food is coming from and what the political agenda is behind it. At least then, the money you and I spend goes to fund causes that aren’t cruel or greedy.

This is not a blog post written to stir up anyone’s beehive. I simply must voice my concern as a writer, mother, consumer, and human being, that educating ourselves about the food industry is an important part of balancing our lives. Now more than ever, we need understand our health and what control we may or may not have over it.

One example of the trend toward taking back control of our food is the recent episode of “Iron Chef America” which is featured on The Food Network. I found it very interesting that the President’s wife, Michelle Obama, took the time out to share the White House garden with the Iron Chefs for an episode focusing on using and supporting local farmers and fisheries. Too bad we can’t all have gardens like that--gardeners included, of course.

If anything, after my whirlwind education on our nation’s food supply, I was inspired to add a few more items to my garden this year--along with my salsa specialties. This year I am pleased to announce I am going to try to grow some potatoes. Because I love them. And they sound easy. Now that’s balance. (Trying to grow an acre of something you don’t even like to eat--crazy.)

To balance your digestion, I recommend watching the McDonald’s feature, “Super Size Me,” finding and supporting a local butcher, and growing just a few of your favorite summertime vegetables in the backyard. Also, don’t forget the local Farmer’s Market for fresh veggies and eggs!

daniellethorne

Friday: Snow and Interviews

It finally snowed in Central Georgia last night and we are out of school!

Don’t miss author Dee Julian interviewing me about my books and sordid past (just kidding on the sordid past) on her new website: www.deejulian.jimdo.com

Dee also is offering free reads of her book The McGregor’s Daughter. Just sign her guestbook in your favorite Scottish Brogue (now that shouldn’t be hard!).

Dee spotlights my ocean-themed releases, THE PRIVATEER and TURTLE SOUP, and asks some thought-provoking questions!

Cheers!
daniellethorne

Dreams, Goals, and Perspective

A new year is the time for thinking about everything we want to accomplish in our lives, if only for twelve months. What we often forget about during the holidays, is the precious short time some of us have to reach our goals.

A song from my childhood has always reminded me,

“Some dreams must wait, life isn’t long enough,
Some dreams must wait to come true.”

This isn’t meant to be a sad thing, but more of a reminder of our eternal perspective. We all have opportunities during our turns on Earth to make changes and to become--whatever it is we hope ourselves to be. The trick is, no one knows exactly how long they have. Maybe that’s why resolutions came into play, but I don’t care for the all-or-none expectation of the word, “resolution”. We are creatures of habit, and habits are hard to break.

Every year I set goals for myself. These goals are stair steps to my becoming. Some of them I meet, and some of them I don’t. The important thing is, I try. Of those goals that aren’t met each year, I at least am able to look back and see what I did learn and how much progress I made. We all need to pat ourselves on the back now and then. It’s what keeps us going.

Life is short. Life is unpredictable. We know not to make promises to people we can’t keep, so why make promises to ourselves that may not be possible?

I wish everyone a wonderful new year and the best of luck in continuing their journey of becoming. Set a reasonable goal in all of the important areas of your life and get to work. And if some dreams don’t come true, there’s always next year. And if not then, life will go on after we leave this sphere, and our dreams will be waiting.

Keep it balanced and in perspective!