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This is the beginning of the most active part of the year and the beginning of Summer. All of life is bursting with fertility, sap is rising, birdsong fills the air and growth is everywhere. 

It is a time to practicing the art of wooing, for letting passions fly in the exuberant joy of the moment.  It is a time to express yourself, but also to remember to stay grounded. 

It is a great time to renew your goals.  Ask yourself what you wish to give energy to.  Where will you put your focus?  What can you change for the better?  What actions can you make that will help the spread of goodwill and Love in the world?  Spring has sprung, summer is on the way, it is time to make the most of its raw energy for initiating plans and visions.  Everything you do now will bring you closer to your goals, as the expansive energy of the moment carries you along.  

How about trying some new recipes?  

Wild Pesto: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/let-food-be-thy-medicine-and-medicine-be-thy-food-hippocrates

Great Salad Dressings: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/healthy-salad-dressings

The Elimination Diet: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/food-allergies-and-the-elimination-diet

Wonderful Healing Nettles: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spring-time-super-tonic-food-nettle

Fire Cider:  Used for salad dressings, morning drink, on top of rice or veggies....

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fire-cider

Longevity Chai: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/longevity-chai

May Day Challenge: Set a goal for less texting and cell phone use. 

Tea for two, three or more?... Spend quality time together, by turning off cell phones, TV and computers.  Look in each others eyes, look at what is around you, listen to the sounds of life and truly taste what life is all about.. 

My tea this morning is a mix of burdock root, dandelion root, hawthorn berries, ginger, fennel, cinnamon, black tea, a pinch of Damiana... spring water and organic coconut full fat milk

The benefits of Damaina: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-damiana.html

A robust, spicy herbal blend originating in India, Nepal, and Tibet, chai comes in literally thousands of varieties.  The following chai blend is especially formulated for longevity.  Serve it hot or chilled with froth steamed milk.  You can easily make frothy milk at home with an inexpensive kitchen device that looks like a french coffee press, or whip it in a blender. 

5 tablespoons black tea leaves

6 slices fresh ginger root, grated  or a tablespoon of dried ginger 

3 tablespoons cinnamon chips ( or 1 stick broken into small pieces)

1 tablespoon sliced fo-ti 

1 tablespoon sliced genseng root

1 tablespoon sliced licorice root

2 teaspoons cardamom, crushed

6 black peppercorns

4 whole cloves 

6 cups filtered water or spring water

 Local honey, from your local bee keeper 

Frothy milk of choice.  Please stay away from soy milk it is not good for you.  Also read your labels, rice milk has canola oil in it.  

Examples of milks:  Hemp, raw dairy, almond or coconut.  I use organic canned coconut milk.  Also read your labels on your milks.  Stay away from ones that add sugar.... 

1.  Gently warm the herbs and water in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.  Do not boil

2.  Strain the mixture into a warmed teapot and add local honey to taste.  Pour the chai into large cup, add a generous heap of frothy milk, and sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. 

Enjoy with a good book, or sit outside with nature.