I wanted to write and thank all of you for your presence in my life. I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you and you have helped me to grow and become more of the person I wish to be. I am looking forward to our future in health. And in that light I give you some suggestions to start off the New year in a healthy and joyous way:

1) Kale Black-eyed Pea soup for New Years

To warm you and deeply nourish you at this time of the year

• Chop and cook until tender one onion, 2 stalks of celery, 2 large carrots
• Add 1 tsp. paprika, and a bay leaf and 14 ounces of chopped tomatoes, and water or veggie broth, plus 1-2 cups of soaked black eyed peas
• Cook until peas are tender and then add 2 cups chopped kale
• Slight simmer and enjoy

2) Ritual Cleanse

For a ritual cleanse of the house, car, and whatever:

• I use a sage smudge but you can use some essential oils, drumming, etc.
• Always end with opening your front door to let in the good potential of the new year and then open the back door to let out whatever is finished, needs to be cleared out, etc
• Don’t forget prayers, affirmations, songs, etc.

3) Be open to the wonderment of the present and it’s potential

• One way is through books- thoughts-

This past year I read many wonderful books to support my practice and me and they reflect new paths I am exploring and how I live my life. I hope you might find some to enjoy.

• The Fastest Things onWings (Audubon.org) – hummingbird rescue in Hollywood- a favorite in keeping me grounded with nature and flitting among the lusciousness of life
• A Dignified Life (adignifiedlife.com) – the friends program in Alzheimers- a warm accepting way to recognize each unique person’s way of seeing life and learning from this knowledge
• Neurotribe (Stevesilberman.com) – the history of autism which raises some important issues about a warm accepting way to recognize each unique person’s way of seeing life and learning from this knowledge
• Being Mortal (atulgawande.com) – being present, open, and honest.
• I could also tell you of the two big books on the Hippocampus and the massive book, just entitled The Cell
• The Laws of Medicine (Siddhartha Mukhirjee)
• Molecular Biology of Cancer
• After Cancer Care (Dwight McKee –RodaleBooks.com – studied with him in Oregon)
• Braiding Sweet Grass (milkweed.org),
• Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster (Healfaster.com)
• And just for fun: Laurie King’s books on the Lady Russell with Holmes.

I am an avid, passionate reader as you can tell and these are books, not ebooks or cliff notes. If any of these books interest you, send me an email for more information. These books reflect my attempt to stay current on issues, medical and otherwise, and yet to be able to bring my own unique philosophy to my use, interpretation, and meditation on these books and their subjects. This is a way to go inward and reflect outward. May some of these books touch your heart and provide you support in this year 2016.

In peace and love, Pat