How to Process and Store a Pumpkin

Today I harvested another garden fresh pumpkin. I was under the impression that, you could only use pumpkins for Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkin Pie. Boy was I wrong! I realize now, that there are many recipes that include pumpkin, as another favorable veggie. Check out this Pumpkin Soup recipe, and you'll see what I mean.

I'll show you how easy it is to take a big pumpkin, cut it up, and store it to enjoy this all throughout this fall. 
Note: We will not be cooking the pumpkin for this tutorial.


You'll need some tools:

• A nice sharpen knife
• A Spoon, for scooping out guts.
• Gloves, unless you don't mind getting stinky with pumpkin goo.
• A bowl, to save your seeds (We'll be baking these!)
• Gallon Ziploc bags
• Trash Bag, to toss the guts and skin.

START SLICING 

Start by cutting your Pumpkin in half, removing the steam and discarding it.

Then Remove the Guts, and carefully separate the seeds into their own bowl. Discard the guts.

Now you will want to cut that half of the pumpkin (1), into another half (2), then again (3), and once more (4). This will make it easier for removing the skin. 

Then carefully slice the skin off of the pumpkin flesh, ensuring to keep as much of the yellow as you can. 

Once the skin is removed, you can cut the pumpkin into chunks. Try to keep them even, so that it is easier to cook them later on. 

Store your pumpkin cubes in the Ziploc bags, I filled 3 whole gallon bags to process this pumpkin. 

Don't forget about your seeds! 

Lay those flat on a baking sheet, Sprinkle some Cinnamon, and bake them at 350F degrees for 30 minutes. Yummy snack!

Now you can enjoy delicious pumpkin throughout the fall and winter seasons. 
Tell me what you made your pumpkin into!

Have You Gotten Happiness Yet?

When was the last time you were really happy? For many of us, we can't really recall. In fact, for most people it's much easier to name off several things we don't like, than do.

Taken today of the cosmos, late bloom in the fall.

We all want to be happy, this is true! So, let me ask you, what would make you happy?
If you didn't need to work, and money didn't matter, what would you do? 

What would fulfill you in life?

If you have an answer to these questions, consider if you woke up and it happened tomorrow?

Do you still feel achievement from the goals/desires you previously wanted? Like when you won that soccer game in 3rd grade, getting that Christmas present you just HAD to have last year, or maybe your high school graduation? Did that fulfill you, and continue to fulfill you?

I will answer, that personally, most of my accomplishments do not stand true today, when it comes to fulfillment. Before you won that soccer game, or got that diploma, you REALLY wanted it. You believed it would make you happy. You believed that landing this job would make everything perfect in life.

Bumble Bee in the mid summer enjoying one of my Sunflowers.

It's very important to us as humans to have goals in our lives, and to seek purpose.

Practicing gratitude at the end of every day can greatly reshape the human mind to see the positives. 

Try this at the end of every day for 3 weeks, I promise you won't regret it.

Today I am Thankful For... (list 5 things minimum)

1. Having heat in my car, it's getting colder outside.
2. My friends to watch movies with.
3. The delicious dinner I was able to make.
4. That I'm able to feel the wind.
5. Having hands to type this blog.

No repeats, tomorrow, try to think of new things that happened and you are thankful for.

Taken today of the zinnia, still vibrate into the fall.

Happiness is obtainable, you've had everything you needed all along. No fancy sport car, or job change is going to give you anything that you don't already have.

Lower your stress, be thankful, and accept when things go wrong. This, too, shall pass.

Remember to continue to grow and challenge yourself.

Be the conductor of your life. You are Purpose.

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup - Vegan Recipe

Just in time for fall, fresh Pumpkin's from the garden are the best if you have access. 

This was my first time growing a garden this year. And I don't regret all of the hard work, the fresh taste pays back. 

Let's get to Tonight's Dinner!

Ingredients:

1 Half Yellow of Yellow Onion

4 cloves of garlic

2 cups of chopped Pumpkin

1 cup of chopped  Sweet Potato

1 cup of chopped Carrots 

2 15 Oz cans of White Beans 

1/2 lb of Shell Pasta

5 cups of Water 

1 cup of Coconut Milk 

Seasons and Spices (all to taste, I add a bunch):

Salt 

Smoke Paprika 

Cinnamon 

Pumpkin Spice 

Optional:

Pop some buttered breast with pumpkin spice, smoked paprika, and Garlic salt in the oven at 350 for 6 minutes.

LET'S GET COOKIN

In a large pot,saute the onions and garlic in your choice of cooking oil, until transucent. Dash some salt. 

Next add your Pumpkin, sweet potato, and Carrots. Cook until the the pumpkin starts to get soft.

Time for the spices Salt, Smoke Paprika, Cinnamon, and Pumpkin Spice. Mix well!

Finally, add your white beans, milk, and water. Let this boil for about 10 minutes with your pot lid on. Stir occasionally.

Last but not least, add the pasta! Cook for 8 more minutes. Take off the heat and cover for 2 minutes, serve, and Enjoy!

If you made this recipe, let me know if you liked it! 

Monarch Butterflies Are On The Move!

Traveling as fast as 20 miles per hour, they make their way south at a distance of 2,500 miles.

About 99% of all North American Monarchs travel to Central Mexico to reach the Fir Forests. Here they will breed and escape the cold weather. Unfortunately, Monarchs aren't doing so well in poluatiom numbers:

Monarch population graph courtesy Center for Biological Diversity. This image is available for media use.

Monarch population has dropped by more than 80% in the last two decades. 

The main causes for this decline is Pesticides and Climate Change. Yes, the Earth's weather pattern is shifting. Sudden drops in temperatures before they have reached their destination is causing a decline. 

Pollinators are important for our food production, with out them, you wouldn't enjoy many delicious fruits and veggies. 

Here is how you can help them keep their numbers up!

Milkweed is the most important plant for a Monarch Butterfly. 

Many will plant these along roadsides and other public works. This Fall, you can directly sow a few seeds into the ground, they will germinate when Spring time come. You can purchase them on Amazon.

Go Out and Try Yoga!

What?!, you haven't tried Yoga?!
Hurry on over to the YMCA or a local studio to sign up! Many locations offer the first class for free. 

Does it really work?
I promise it's not voodoo. This is an ancient practice thats been working for people for over 10,000 years. It combines breathing exercises, inner focus, and muscle strength to reach a state of retlaxation. Release your stresses and give your body a refresher.

When does it start to work?

I've been going to classes 2 times a week through the YMCA for just over a month, but I noticed immediate results after my first class! Improves muscle tone and flexibility. 

Is Yoga Hard?

 The great thing about any work out, especially yoga, you can take it at your own pace. The teacher is there to be a guide and an example for postures. Its easy to feel where your body can and cannot stretch. Set your limits, this will not affect the outcome of relaxation.

They call it a Practice for a reason, 

Every time you go, you can reach a little further than you did before. Which makes it a very rewarding experience. 

Will other people be watching me? 

If this is a concern, boost your self confidence! People go to Yoga for themselves and no one else. 

It's all about you and your body. No one is worrying about your ability or looks. In fact most of the classroom is too relaxed with eyes closed to notice much.  Yoga should be a place to heal from the everyday stressers. 

That being said, I look at others to see the posture or stance I should be achieving from another angle, or if my head is turned from the teacher. But most people who practice yoga are very open to everyone and everything, not judging is apart of the practice. 

What are you waiting for?

Improve your health!

Relax the Body and Mind!

Steghthen your Bones and Muscles!

Stretch and Release Tension! 

Go Out, and Try Yoga!!

Baby Photos Flemish Giant Rabbit - 1 Year Old!

This adorable rabbit is Goob! He just turned 1 years old last week. I've collected some of the photos I took throughout the year. WARNING!!! Cuteness alert!... You've been warned!

What did you think of the Photos? Let me know in the comments! <3

How To Save Money & Spend It

Many of my friends ask me "How do you have so much money?"
Between student loan debt, rent, and other various bills and expenses I still manage to have enough to go on vacation, start a garden or new hobby, get my hair cut, and buy everyone Christmas and Birthday gifts every year.

It's not that I have a lot of money, it's that I manage it well. I have power in my spending.

I have a suggestion for you to try. This can give great control of your income and expenses.
Let's call it the A B C 's of money management.

A - is for Analyze: 

Time to save your receipts and take a good look at your transaction history on a per month basis. It's important to keep track of WHAT you are spending your money on. Every cent counts, this includes withdraws for cash purchases.

B - is for Budget:

Once you know what you are purchasing, it's time to organize it all and add up the monthly totals. There are several Budgeting apps available to make this process easy. 
I personally use Mvelopes.
You could also use Excel or a word program to keep track of your notes.

Separate all analyzed expenses into relevant categories:

Monthly
Student Loans - $1000
Rent - $600
Water Bill - $20
Electric Bill - $30
Phone Bill - $70
Clothing - $50
Groceries - $200
Entertainment - $60

Periodic
Eating Out -$15
Medical - $25
Dental - $25
Gifts - $40

If there is something you want to save for, be sure to include that in your budget so you can see how much can be put into that category each month.

Home Improvements - $45
Vacation - $100

Use your total monthly income to fund your budget, Your total income changes per month based on how many pay days you have.
Things that are required should always be the first thing you fund (Bills, Food, etc.)
What ever is left can go anywhere you'd like!

C - is for Control:

Now that you know what you are buying and where your extra money can go, you have more control over your purchases.

You may be surprised of how many unnecessary purchases you are actually making. You can update your categories so your funding is going towards more desirable spending goals.

A good example might be, every day you buy a cup of coffee for $5 that's around $150 per month that could go towards a vacation.

I'm not saying you should cut that daily cup of coffee, but weigh your options. Which is better to you, that coffee or a sunny beach in Fiji?

You will find that there are flexible areas in your budget (entertainment and hobbies) and not so flexible (bills, loans). 

It's nice to be able to confidently spend your money without worrying if you have enough.

Finally, stick with it! 
Make sure you continue your A, B, Cs and plan ahead. Everytime you use your money, keep your budget in mind. You'll thank yourself when you have extra $$$ to spend and your friends say "How do you have so much money?"

Never spend your money before you have earned it.

Thomas Jefferson

Dreaming of Buildings Falling Down And Tornados

This morning I woke up suddenly due to the illusionary impact of my dream.

Have you ever had this dream before?...

The Dream 

I was in an office building that had to be like 60 stories high. There were large windows that showed the city below, and the 8 tornados that surrounded the area. 

You could see that they were coming closer.

The other officer workers just sipped on there coffee and watched as impending doom approached.

I attempted to leave and go down to the lowest floor, but before I could, the building swayed and bent until I was pushed towards the windows and it started to fall to the ground. 

I braced myself for what seemed to be many passing moments. My mind predicting the impact. 

Boom.

I woke up...

What does this dream mean?

Let's take some time to break this dream down. The mind uses sleep to solve complex problems and reflect on the waking life. You dream in your REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, closer to being awake. 

Tornado and Buildings 

It's obvious that in the dream I felt trapped. 

I was high in the sky in a building and surrounded by natural forces I couldn't control. I have a personal fear of tornados, so that was why that subject matter was choosen.
The building could have been a reflection of my office job. Or maybe another issue of which I feel stuck in life. 

People Drinking Coffee
The office workers went about their daily tasks despite he chaos around them. They were so engulfed in routine that they didn't about what was coming.
This could be my reflection of how I think our society handles problems. World Hunger, Climate change, poverty, and other major issues.
It could also represent my lack of support group during a crisis. No one wanted to help and no one sympathized.

The Impact - My Death
To fall in a dream represents the lack of control (similar to the natural disasters).
The building collapsing could indicate losing sight of your goals and dreams.

Seems pretty clear that I need to make adjustments in my waking life. That my mind wants some control over it's future or it thinks it will not survive.

I might make some time for mindful meditation this week.

What are some of your recent dreams? Leave a comment! 

5 Ways To Live A Healthy Life Style

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."

–B.K.S Iyengar

Everyone can admit to wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. Over 95% of the world’s population has health problems.With an ever changing world, it's now easier that ever for you to jump onto the health ban wagon. Just remember to take it slow, change doesn't happen overnight, one step at a time.

 Here are 5 easy suggestions to follow to improve your health and promote happy feelings:

1. Exercise -  It's important that we exert ourselves psychically in some way. Jog for 10-20 minutes 2 a week, if that's not possible, brisk walking for a mile is just as good. Regular cardio (at any speed) can help keep the body healthy, and the mind happier. The chemical of happiness, Dopamine is released during exercise. A study done by Researchers at Vermont University, proved that the benefits from 20 minutes of exercise can last up to 12 hours. 

2. Yoga -  This goes along with Exercise, but is much less intense than jogging a mile, but offers many similar benefits. Yoga, improves your muscle strength. After your mind has been racing and multitasking all day, it's healthy to give it a break and slow down. Yoga involves breathing exercises, which can reduce stress and increase inner focus. It has been proven to increase your levels of happiness, aid in digestion, improves memory, and heightens focus for studying. 

3. Sleep - Don't skip out on this step, at the end of the day, your body needs time to process the day and regenerate your body's cells. A majority of these are brain cells.Practicing good sleep hygiene will make it easier to fall asleep. When it's time to sleep, make it dark, stay away from electronics for a half an hour before you are expected to sleep. Your sleeping area should be used for just that, sleeping.  

4. Meditation - This might be a foreign concept, but it's not as complicated as mantras and attaining enlightenment. There are many forms of meditation. Listening to music or simply closing your eyes for 20 minutes and letting your thoughts drift away. Feeling your breath naturally rise and fall without effort. Becoming the observer of you as a being can be a powerful tool. The result will be relaxation and often heightened senses. Similar to Yoga, its good to slow down and give the busy mind a break once in a while.

“When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.”

5. Healthy Food and Drink - Dieting is tricky, but let's keep it simple. Drink plenty of water and tea. Cut out sodas, and other sugary or caffeinated beverages. Limit your meats, there are many other ways to get your proteins. Avoid processed foods. Farmers markets offer a wide variety of local fresh food. After all you are what you eat. Food is the fuel for the body. Limit your Dairy intake. Increase your fruits and leafy green veggies.

Here is a nice chart to follow:

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.

Doug Larson

Living a healthy life style is doing things that make you happy, and stay positive, don't let every day baggage bring you down. You deserve to feel and be great! I believe in you! :)

Adopting A Pet Rabbit - How It Changed My Life

Rabbits are fluffy, cute, and affectionate pets. But did you know that they are the 3rd most abandoned animal in shelters?

It's sad, but true, these furry little guys need responsible owners who have done their research before purchasing/adopting.
Arguably rabbits are more expensive pets to own than Dogs or Cats.

Why is this? Well there is a lot of specific care that goes into keeping a healthy rabbit.

Unlimited Hay, daily pellets, leafy greens, an assortment of veggie treats, and Litter for the litter box. (Yep! They can easily be litter box trained)

I believe strongly that rabbits are indoor companions. So I provide a sleeping/play area covered by blankets within a pin.
They are also easily bored, so LOTS of chew toys are nessisary if you want to avoid them finding entertainment in pulling up your carpet.

Even though they are quiet animals, Rabbits are expressive. Thier body language can tell you how happy they are, sleepy, bored, or even angry.

Many people don't realise these factors I just explained before taking one home.
PLEASE ask me questions if you are considering getting a pet, I'm happy to help you!

My First Rabbit Adoption 

I adopted my first rabbit a year ago. You wouldn't believe how quick it happened. I went to the shelter "just to look" and met a big fat old Flemish Giant mix. He was about 12 years old and very shy. His chubby little cheeks warmed my heart, so I begged my roommate to let me bring him home.
We waited a day to ensure that it wasnt just an impulse.

I've had almost every pet imaginable growing up. Rabbits were something new, but I was familiar to taking care of  a pet.
Even so, when I brought him home, I felt absolute dread/regret.
I had no idea what I had gotten myself into...

Bunny Boy (we called him) wouldn't look at me, he didn't want to be pet, and I could tell he was not a happy camper. I was in distress... had I made a mistake?...

Nope! Not by a long shot. This old man just needed time to figure out where he was, who I was, and not to mention grieve over the loss of his bonded mate.

Yes, just a week before I adopted Bunny Boy he lost his cage mate. This emotionally impacted him on top of the stress of being in a new place.

About 2 months passed, I was not about to give up on him like the other's had. Nope! I was going to be this rabbit's friend, no matter what.
After hand feeding treats and allowing HIM to approach ME. I finally got to pet him.

For the rest of the year he was a happy bun bun! Binkies and all! We were pet friends. He would groom me and snuggle while we watched tv. It was a very amazing relationship. If it wasn't for my efforts and understanding of his fuzzy personality, I don't think we could have gotten this far.

Unfortunately, due to his age, he eventually developed kidney stones and held on for about 6 more month's with on and off vet trips. We had a wonderful doctor, but the time will come when he must pass on.

He loved us till the very end.
I will never regret adopting an old rabbit. It was the best decision I've ever made. He had the best life he could have had. All the room he wanted to run around and all the leafy greens he could ask for.

His kidneys failed him, but the rest of his body was beautiful and healthy. Tonight he would have suffered a very painful death. So we put him to sleep. It's hard. But he did not die with pain. We had to make a very hard decision but in the end it was the most gentle. We were there with him till the very end.

My Second Rabbit (Current)

About a year later, we decided we were ready to get another rabbit. The house was just too empty without a furry little friend running aroubd. We wanted a baby that would stick with us for the next 10-13 years.

So we adopted Goob! We love big bunnies, and Flemish Giants, are BIG. (10L after 1 year to date)

A rabbit has caused many changes in my life. I became a vegetarian and started to recycle. It fills your home with a presence. Maybe you had a bad day, you walk around the corner and see a cute fuzzy baby in your closet sleeping. Or maybe you come home to find them trying to play on the computer like you do.

I rabbits are amazing! Take it from me!

Veggitarian with a Dairy Allergy

"I think if I was allergic to dairy, I'd kill myself." - Micheal Scott

Wow, that's a bit dramatic, but I honestly said the same thing when I realised that I was probably allergic to Diary.
I grew up thinking that some pizza places were just worse than others, and that I got sick a lot.
My parents, nor I, ever considered I could be allergic to Diary.

According to Web MD - Lactose intolerance is common in adults – about 30 million Americans have it by age 20. 

It wasnt until I was 18 when I made the connection between what I ate and how I felt. Naesous, constant trips to the bathroom...

I tried enzyme supplements, which worked at first, until it made it worse. I needed to listen to my body, I was NOT able to eat this. At that point 1 piece of milk chocolate gave me flu-like symptoms for 2 days just after 30 minutes. After that, I stopped consuming dairy completely.

Many people think that milk is Diary, and that's all there is to it. It's hard to go to a restaurant and explain that butter is also contains dairy amoung other everyday ingredients. Employees are confused and you become "that costumer".

JUST TO NAME A FEW:

• Butter and butter fat
• Cheese, including cottage cheese and cheese sauces
• Cream, including sour cream
• Custard
• Dressing
• Milk Chocolates
• Milk, including buttermilk, powdered milk, and evaporated milk
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Pudding

Before I knew it, I was learning how to cook at home and on a whole new level that I never expected. Eating things I'd never tried before, and learning that I could live without dairy or pain for that matter.

With the Vegan lifestyle emerging in the USA, it has become increasingly easier to find dairy free products. I learned how to make my own sour cream from cachews, and how to add Nutritional Yeast to get a cheesy nutty flavor to my food.

I lost about 40 lbs in just under 6 months. My skin also improved.
But I still experienced naesous symptoms.
If I was going to improve my health. I knew I couldn't keep eating grocery store beef and chicken every day.

So the next step was dropping meat from my diet. As an animal lover and environmental activist, I was all for it.

In my experience it was easy to stop eating meat. Just like with dairy, my home cooking improved and I learned to eat many new things to keep my Iron, Red Blood Cell Count, and Protein in place.

I also learned how to grow my own food, and got garden fresh veggies every week.

After it all was said and done, it's been 1 full year, and I feel great! Honestly in the best shape of my life. Diet alone didn't fix this, it was an overall lifestyle change to cook home meals, exercise, meditate, and take care of my body.

And today's lunch:
Veggie Chicken Nuggets, Spinach, and Plums

My First Blog - Success - Who Are You?

Many experts will tell you to keep a positive journal to reflect on your life and train your brain to see more optimistic outcomes.

I would like to start this blog saying that I am NOT a writer, but I enjoy writing. I am going to open discussion to topics I believe we can relate to. I wanna be that person you can talk to if you feel you're "stuck in life". But first, let's get to know each other.


When I'm not at work creating Game Artwork, my hobbies include Volunteering with Wildlife (Rehabilitation and Release), Yoga, Meditation, Gardening, Hiking, and Education (Reading Biology text books, Language Learning, and watching TED talks).


I'm a Veggitarian with a Dairy Allergy. And a self proclaimed Hindu Hippie Health Nut.
(Now how many people are still reading)


This is the summary of how I got here;
I left high school with an average GPA. My hope of getting into a Univeristy for Zoology seemed impossible. Plan B was becoming an Illustrator/Animator.

Everyone who knows me could see it coming. I had "talent" and I couldn't ignore it if I wanted to make a living and be successful in life.
I atrended the Art Institute of Indianapolis and Graduated at the top of my class majoring in Media Arts and Animation.
I spent 2 months building my portfolio after graduation and landed a job as an Animator/Illustrator for a small, but quickly growing Gaming Company.

Seems like a pretty good outcome. However, 4 years into my career, I feel like I chose the wrong path. I look back and think, should I really have trusted the decisions of my high school graduate to lead my future?

Many of my friends put off college, or didn't attend at all. I used to think, "wow, they have no drive to succeed." I know now that I had the wrong idea.  I feel like teenagers shouldn't make their career choice at such a young age. With no experiences in the real world, how do you really know what you are getting into?

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my accomplishments and the friends I've made along the way. And I wouldn't trade any bit of knowledge away  But now adays, drawing for "fun", isn't exactly something that comes to mind when I get home from a long day of drawing for work/pay.

You've got to ask yourself, "Do I want to do this for 40 or more years of my life?".
That's a tough question, and I think the answer is "No. Who wants to do the same thing forever."

This year I will have paid off my student loans in full. "How?" Well, let's just say I put a large portion of my income towards this and kept a sharp budget in check. I skipped out on buying that cup of coffee in the morning or going out to the movies with my friends.
I kept track of every cent I spent and made sure that if I wanted to spend it on something fun, that I planned for that expence.

So at 26, with a Media Arts and Animation degree, no student loans... so what's next?


Go back to school and restart the debt process?
Find another art related job?

Honestly,
I've been thinking and I'm not sure that working 9 - 5 is something that really keeps me going day after day.
Is this really what I worked so hard for?


It's time to start really researching myself, the work industry, and the rest of my life.
Let's learn and grow together, I hope you'll become a reader. :)