Summer is here!

As we steam into the first official days of summer...we can enjoy the fruit our spring labors...the scent of basil blooming, the taste of sun sweet tomatoes, and the beauty of flowers galore! Butterflies flitting and dragonflies zipping to and fro...leaving streaks of color as they go!

A friend of mine inspired me to make a salsa out of something other than your normal tomatoes and peppers. Specific for people with food sensitivities. I am going to call it: 

Alice's Salsa Verde

1 fresh pineapple chopped in small chunks

1 small cucumber 

1 small vidalia onion chopped

1/2 pablano pepper or pepper of your choice

1 lemon , zest and juice 

1 bunch of flat leaf parsley chopped

1 pinch sea salt

 jalepeno sauce (optional extra kick)

Preparation: Chop onion, cucumber, parsley and pepper and mix in a bowl with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add a pinch of sea salt to bring all the flavors together. Then add chopped pineapple. Mix well and serve. Not only good with chips, but great over a mild fish and a bed of quinoa! Keep in mind you can add more or exchange things like lime or orange for the lemon, or add garlic.... There endless possibilities with the lush garden selections available during the summer season!

Today I was reminded of the interconnectedness of the web of life! I opened to the 44th verse in the Toa Te Ching amidst a very disconnected moment...

Which means more to you,

you or your renown?

Which brings more to you,

you or what you own?

I say what you gain

is more trouble than what you lose.

Love is the fruit of sacrifice.

Wealth is the fruit of generosity.

A contented man is never disappointed.

He who knows when to stop is preserved from peril,

only thus can you endure long.

It was clearly the perspective needed in the moment!

The garden reminds me to live in a state of pure gratitude!

What reminds you?

-Take every opportunity given to love!