For the Eyes of Fellow Self Confessed Bookworms!

“A good book is the precious life-bloodof a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.” - John Milton

In recent years, I have become quite the avid reader. Luckily I have grown up surrounded by people who share this love of reading and I was exposed and encouraged to read books about various subjects and stories.

I cant say I have a favorite ‘type’ of book as I love books based on fiction, non-fiction, history, and ones of the mind, body and spirit nature. Heck, lately I read about environmental and earth sciences! They all feed and satisfy my curiosity, and there is always more to learn and read up on.

I love it when you are told about a specific book by a friend or acquaintance, and then you are just randomly wandering about and you either see the book staring back at you. Or when you are in the bookstore or library, just browsing, and low and behold, there is the book! I’ts like once the title or story reaches your ears, it travels with you until the moment it all come back knocking on your conscious memory when the time is right. Its not just about the book, it’s about the exchange and sharing of knowledge.

Maybe that is why people get excited when they have both read a fantastic book – like we are sharing a universal book clubbers secret.

Books can connect and reach us in many ways, it can strike a cord within our very souls, without even trying to. It can take us to lands and worlds we never dreamt or imagine could exist, authors take us to the depths of their own imaginations.

If you have ever read the Harry Potter books, you will know what I am talking about. It is as if J.K Rowling casts her very own spell upon your mind and your eyes are immediately fixated and totally locked onto the pages that lead you right into Hogwarts. And you become addicted!

So I will share with you my most recent literary discoveries, and please feel free to do the same.

I have listed “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, “The Time Travellers Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger, and “Empress Orchid” by Anchee Min. I loved all these books for various reasons, mostly because they made me smile, laugh (and even cry!) and left me with a happy glow :)

The Invitation - by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

"It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.It doesn’t interest me how old you are.I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...

I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade itor fix it.I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true.

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.

I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keepin the empty moments.”

The poem is a challenge to us and in this accessible and inspiring book Oriah Mountain Dreamer tells us how to meet that challenge.

The Invitation is more than just a poem. It is a profound invitation to a life that is more fulfilling and passionate, with greater integrity. She (Oriah Mountain Dreamer) invites readers to get a life instead of buying into a lifestyle. This book is a word-of-mouth sensation, whose truths have resonated with people all over the world.

She has created a pathway beyond the comfortable and the mundane into that which challenges and repels you. By addressing the edges of your personality and sensitivities, you can build on and extend your awareness and your reality in honest ways that better fit your inner self. The book is propelled from the author's emotionally intense vision of her life as expressed in this question: "Did I love well?"

Although her personal examples are simply there to help your own journey, their poignancy touched me deeply. If you are like me, you will admire the honesty and openness of her sharing. She has had two failed marriage and many failed relationships. She has had friends who experienced horrible personal setbacks. You will be seared by the pain, the truth, and the beauty in these experiences. And you will be the better for the vicarious experience.

The book is broken down into the statement of her invitation to follow her spiritual path by dealing with longing, fear, sorrow, joy, betrayal, beauty, failure, commitment, and fire to develop the deep sustenance to allows you to go to your true inner home. Each section contains personal experiences of her point, and ends with valuable meditation exercises to help you find your own "truth" in these areas.

Although the book sounds like another New Age tract, it is actually anti-New Age in many ways . . . especially in favoring emotional and physical reality over spiritual vagueness.

Here is a little of what she has to say on these subjects:

Accepting the Invitation: " . . .[You will experience, not just read about, the ache, the sorrow, the joy, the courage, the peace . . . ."
The Longing: "This is what I ask for: intimacy with myself, others, and the world . . . ."
The Fear: "We are afraid we will not be enough." " . . . Desire . . . brings the ecstasy of falling more deeply in love with my own life every day . . . ."
The Sorrow: "If we are strong enough to be weak enough, we are given a wound that never heals." "That wound is the gift that keeps the heart open."
The Joy: "The enemy of joy is the litany of 'not good enough' . . . ."
The Betrayal: "Sometimes, to choose life, we must break agreements; sometimes we must keep them although they are hard to keep."
The Beauty: " . . . Gratitude expands my ability to receive beauty." "It is what pulls us towards life."
The Failure: " . . . Often an attempt to avoid the paralysis of shame."
The Fire: "Difficult to keep our hearts open, to feel the fear and pain."
Finding Our Way Home: "Are you willing to meet yourself and not turn away from what you are?"

After you have finished your spiritual journey with this book as a guide, I suggest that you write out your own examples to match these topics from your own experience. This will make the material more accessible, especially if loving well is not your core reason for being.

Above all, this book is a call to have courage, courage to go beyond the comfortable into the important.

The Time Travelers Wife – by Audrey Niffenegger

This extraordinary, magical novel is the story of Clare and Henry who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty.

Impossible but true, because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder: periodically his genetic clock resets and he finds himself pulled suddenly into his past or future. His disappearances are spontaneous and his experiences are alternately harrowing and amusing. Their struggle to lead normal lives in the face of a force they can neither prevent nor control is intensely moving and entirely unforgettable.

The Time Traveler's Wife depicts the effects of time travel on Henry and Clare's passionate love for each other with grace and humour. Henry travels from the future where most of us are traveling from our pasts. The book and indeed the story itself, may be a metaphor that we are all time traveling anyway, every moment we're bringing baggage from the past, but with Henry, he is bringing baggage from the future.

Above all this story celebrates the importance of love, and its ability to transcend its biggest barrier of all – time.

The Empress Orchid – by Anchee Min

This book tells us the mesmerising story of Orchid, and begins when she is just seventeen. To rescue her family from poverty and avoid marrying her cousin, Orchid competes to be one of the Emperor's wives. When she is chosen as a lower-ranking concubine she enters the erotically charged and ritualised Forbidden City.
But beneath its immaculate facade lie whispers of murders and ghosts, and the thousands of concubines will go to any lengths to bear the Emperor's son. Orchid trains herself in the art of pleasuring a man, bribes her way into the royal bed, and seduces the monarch, drawing the attention of dangerous foes. Little does she know that China will collapse around her, and that she will be its last Empress.

Wonderful detail and characterisation. I particularly liked the way author wove in the historical events in such a way that I didn't skip them as I tend to do. I was gripped by the opulence and customs of the old Empire.

This book is so readable and the story flows beautifully. This novel is full of intricate detail, which really makes the world come alive. It's such a complex, yet readable story, that you can't help but get sucked in right from the start. It is breathtaking, from the first page you are transported into Orchid’s world, you feel her happiness and her pain (there are even points you dare not turn the page as you do not want to find out her fate). You feel every moment with her.

Extract from the book:
“The truth is that I have never been the mastermind of anything. I laugh when I hear people say that it was my desire to rule China from an early age. My life was shaped by forces at work before I was born. The dynasty's conspiracies were old, and men and women were caught up in cut-throat rivalries long before I entered the Forbidden City and became a concubine. My dynasty, the Ch'ing, has been beyond saving ever since we lost Opium Wars to Great Britain and its allies. My world has been inside my head. Not a day has gone by when I haven't felt like a mouse escaping one more trap. For half a century, I participated in the elaborate etiquette of the court in all its meticulous detail. While the men at court sought to impress each other with their intelligence, I hid mine I am like a painting from the Imperial portrait gallery. When I sit on the throne my appearance is gracious, pleasant and placid.”

Many Chinese history books have painted the last empress as cunning and cruel, but in a world that was ruled by men, this was the picture they created of her to hide their own failures and incompetence in resurrecting the empire of Chine back to its full glory.

Through Orchid’s eyes you witness how her dynasty has exhausted its essence as well as the collapse not only of her son, the last emperor, but of China itself.

***

For the Love of Chocolate

Chocolate. Could any one ingredient be more glorious? Doubtful.

In preparing for Easter this weekend, I thought I would post a article all about the wonders and delights that chocolate offers.

Tyran seems to think that I cannot live a day without chocolate, now that I am on a 10 day detox (which I might add is going really well, I have not given in to the chocolate temptation that surrounds me always – I mean sheesh Easter is this weekend and everywhere I go I see chocolate. I see that gorgeously wrapped Lindt bunny giving me the eye silently urging me to eat him!)

But to give Tyran credit, he does know me well…I am a serious chocoholic. But then most of you already know that hey ;)

Since I was a little girl, I loved anything sweet, especially chocolate. Perhaps it all started when I set sights upon Willy Wonka’s psychedelic wonderland full of chocolate rivers, giant edible mushrooms, neverending gobstoppers, lick-able wallpapers and sanctimonious Oompa Loompas. Roald Dahl must have been one serious chocoholic of note!

Nevertheless, I have developed a nose for it. No matter where my mom hid her stash, I always tracked it down and took my just reward! Having said that, I did at least put an IOU note on, just so that she would know it was me (like she didn’t know that already!).

Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food. So says a Mr Michael Levine, nutrition researcher, as quoted in The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars. Well I believe him.

I really don't understand why so many "so called" chocolate lovers complain about the calories in chocolate, when all true chocoholics know that it is a vegetable. It comes from the cocoa bean, beans are veggies, enough said.

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter. Simply put... everyone has a price, mine is chocolate!

And I am not alone! Here are some amusing and factual quotes about chocolate…

“Life is like a box of chocolates...You never know what you're gonna get...”Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump”

"There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE.”Linda Grayson "The Pickwick Papers"

“Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!” Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences

“I never met a chocolate I didn't like.” Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation

“Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.” anon“Nuts just take up space where chocolate ought to be.” anon

“I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?” anon

“In the beginning, the Lord created chocolate, and he saw that it was good. Then he separated the light from the dark, and it was better.” anon

“Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.” anon

So go forth and indulge yourselves in the sweet (or bittersweet, whichever is your fancy!) and heavenly Easter feast of chocolity delights. To deny such pleasure would be sinful...and I am not in such habit to encourage anything that will not soothe your soul and lift your spirits - it's good for you, I promise!

If you still feel that pang of guilt when reaching for those choccy eggs, why not venture to the 'dark side'? I saw an article now on www.skynews.co.uk confirming that dark chocolate is actually good for your heart. Here is the article:

It's the news Easter bunnies have been waiting for - chocolate could be good for you.
Laboratory experiments have suggested that dark chocolate can prevent blood flow problems and stave off heart attacks. It may also prevent arterties from hardening and reduce the risk of a blod clot.
Scientists are so excited about its health benefits that they are planning to prescribe it to heart patients to test it out. The news comes just days before Easter, when millions indulge in copious chocolate egg-eating.
Professor Roger Corder wants to give heart patients four squares of high quality dark chocolate every day.
Dark chocolate contains flavanols which some scientists believe can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of clotting, therefore preventing heart diseasae. They also believe it could lower blood pressure and help prevent strokes.
Prof Corder, head of experimental therapeutics at William Harvey Research Institute in London, has applied for approval to stage a formal trial in which any health benefits will be rigorously recorded.
He said it will be the first time that the effect of dark chocolate has been studied on heart patients who are already receiving traditional treatments.

The History of Chocolate
Most of us think of chocolate as a sweet candy created during modern times, but actually, chocolate dates back to the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica who mixed ground cacao seeds with various seasonings to make a spicy, frothy drink. For these people, chocolate wasn't just a favourite food, it also played an important role in their religious and social lives.

The history of chocolate starts about 2,000 years ago when the tasty secret of the cacao (kah KOW) tree was discovered by ancient Maya, in the tropical rainforests of the Americas. The pods of this tree contain seeds that can be processed into chocolate. The Maya and their ancestors in Mesoamerica took the tree from the rainforest and grew it in their own backyards, where they harvested, fermented, roasted, and ground the seeds into a paste.

By 1400, the Aztec empire dominated a sizeable segment of Mesoamerica. The Aztecs traded with Maya and other peoples for cacao and often required that citizens and conquered peoples pay their tribute in cacao seeds, a form of Aztec money.

Chocolate also played a special role in both Maya and Aztec royal and religious events. Priests presented cacao seeds as offerings to the gods and served chocolate drinks during sacred ceremonies.

The history of chocolate in Europe came during the conquest of Mexico in 1521. The Spaniards recognized the value attached to cacao and observed the Aztec custom of drinking chocolate. Soon after, the Spanish began to ship cacao seeds back home, they doctored up the bitter brew with cinnamon and other spices and began sweetening it with sugar. They managed to keep their delicious drink a Spanish secret for almost 100 years before the rest of Europe discovered what they were missing, but then only those with money could afford to drink it as cacao and sugar were expensive imports. Eventually, to keep up with the demand for chocolate, Spain and many other European nations established colonial plantations for growing cacao and sugar.

For centuries, chocolate remained a handmade luxury sipped only by society's upper crust. But by the 1800s, mass production made solid chocolate candy affordable to a much broader public. The first European chocolate factury was setup in France in 1761 in the town of Bayonne. Exports at the time were limited to mainly Spain and Paris. The first hydraulic machine for crushing and mixing the chocolate paste was invented in 1778 and in 1819 the first steam-powered production plant was built.

Many famous chocolate companies today were founded as family run businesses in Europe such as Van Houten in the Netherlands in 1815, Menier in France in 1824, Cadbury and Rowntree in England; and Suchard, Nestlé, Lindt and Kohler in Switzerland.

After about 1850 the production of chocolate became a global business and production facilities were setup all around the world. To meet the demands of today's global market, chocolate manufacturing relies on both ancient techniques in the field and new technologies in the factory.

What Makes a Good Quality Chocolate?
Chocolate quality is very much dependent on the quality of the raw ingredients and also the care taken during the production process: roasting and crushing the cocoa beans and mixing the cocoa paste with sugar and any other ingredients such as milk.

High quality chocolate is shiny brown, breaks cleanly and is smooth, not containing any lumps, bubbles or white specs. Good chocolate should melt on the tongue like butter and should taste of pure chocolate rather than cocoa powder.

Fine chocolate should not be greasy or sticky at ambient room temperature. The higher the cocoa butter and vegetable fat content the better, with poor quality chocolates usually lacking sufficient quantities of these. For producing cakes and dessert a chocolate with a high cocoa content is recommended, whereas for decoration and fondants, a chocolate couverture is normally used.

The Milk, The Dark and the White
Chocolate comes in many forms: unsweetened, semi-sweet, bittersweet, milk chocolate and white chocolate (which technically isn't chocolate at all, but does have similarities so we'll include it here as well).

Chocolate is unique among vegetables in that its fat (cocoa butter) is solid at room temperature. Since this fat melts at mouth temperature, chocolate is an excellent flavor conductor. Cocoa powder is made by separating most of the cocoa butter out of the liquor.

Similar to coffee, cacao beans are dried and roasted before being hulled.

"Chocolate liquor", made from the roasted, ground cocoa bean nibs (the meat of the cacao bean) is what makes chocolate chocolate. Thus, unsweetened chocolate is pure chocolate liquor and about 50% cocoa butter. Bittersweet chocolate blends at least 35% liquor with as much as 50% with cocoa butter, sugar and vanilla. Semisweet chocolate has the same ingredients as bittersweet with the addition of more sugar. Milk chocolate, which contains about 10% chocolate liquor, takes the process a step further by adding about 12% milk solids.

White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar and vanilla. When buying white chocolate, look for a brand that contains cocoa butter. There are cheaper versions (which by law cannot be called chocolate) that don't contain any cocoa butter, but their flavor is inferior to those that do.

How To Melt Chocolate
Care must be taken when melting chocolate or you can easily end up with a grainy mess.

The lighter the chocolate, the higher the chances of this happening. The most important thing to remember is that chocolate melts better and faster at lower temperatures. Never let your chocolate get above 115° F.

The best method is using a double boiler (one pot that holds the chocolate that fits over another which contains about an inch of simmering water). If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a heat proof bowl which is large enough to be suspended over a pot without its bottom touching the simmering water. Simmer the water over low heat and stir the chocolate often. Remove from the heat as soon as the chocolate is melted and stir until smooth. Be extremely careful not to get any water (not even a drop) into the chocolate. Water will turn the chocolate into a grainy, lumpy mess. If this happens, you can add a little vegetable oil in order to make it smooth again, but this will affect the flavor.

The Swiss vs The Belgians
Who makes the best chocolate? Some argue the Swiss, others the Belgians…well you should make up your own mind, every chocoholic to their own!

Belgian Chocolates
From the beginning of its history in Belgium, chocolate was considered as a gift.In 1912, the Belgian confectionery created the "praline", a filled chocolate mouthful which perfectly complied with its gift vocation. The Belgian chocolate manufacturers take care to select the best cocoa as well as the finest components in order to produce the Belgian chocolate.
The expert Belgian artisans make almost all their chocolate by hand, and take particular pride in its decoration, as this has become a bit like their own, individual signature on the chocolate.

Swiss Chocolates
At the beginning, the Swiss chocolate pioneers had to struggle hard for their subsequent sweet success. In 1875 a Swiss manufacturer, Daniel Peters, found a way to combine chocolate with milk to produce the first milk chocolate. The Swiss pioneers continued to improve the quality and taste of the chocolate giving the country the reputation they have today.Quality Swiss chocolate melts in your mouth like butter. It is smooth and delicious, there is no grit. It does not cling stickily to the palate or leave any after-taste. Its flavour is fine, delicate and unique.

The Price of REAL Chocolate (5 Most expensive chocolate makers)
Chocopologie by Knipschildt = $2,600 per pound
Noka Vintages Collection = $854 per pound
Delafee = $508 per pound
Godiva "G" Collection and Richart = $120 per pound

Don’t feed chocolate to animals!
My mom has a parrot named Buddy. Buddy is the most spoilt parrot on the planet – he gets everything his little parrot heart desires except two things: avocado and …chocolate!

Reason for the later is because in sufficient amounts the theobromine found in chocolate is toxic to animals such as horses, dogs, parrots, and cats (kittens especially) because they are unable to metabolise the chemical effectively. If they are fed chocolate, the theobromine will remain in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours, and these animals may experience epileptic seizures, heart attacks, internal bleeding, and eventually death.

Health benefits – yes there are!!
Recent studies have shown that cocoa or dark chocolate has potent health benefits for people. Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, is full of the flavonoids epicatechin and gallic acid, which are antioxidants that help protect blood vessels, promote cardiac health, and prevent cancer. It also has been effectively demonstrated to counteract mild hypertension. In fact, dark chocolate has more flavonoids than any other antioxidant-rich food such as red wine, green and black tea, and blueberries. Chocolate is also a calorie-rich food with a high content of saturated fat, so daily intake of chocolate also requires reducing caloric intake of other foods.

Chocolate as a drug (well we knew that already hey - why else are we addicted?!)
Current research indicates that chocolate is a weak stimulant because of its content of theobromine.

However, chocolate contains too little of this compound for a reasonable serving to create effects in humans that are on par with a coffee buzz. The pharmacologist Ryan J. Huxtable aptly noted that "[Chocolate is] more than a food but less than a drug".

Chocolate also contains caffeine in significant amounts, though less than tea or coffee, according to careful scientific studies and despite a few websites which claim otherwise. Some chocolate products contain synthetic caffeine as an additive.

Pleasure of consuming chocolate (why else do we really eat it?!)
Part of the pleasure of eating chocolate is ascribed to the fact that its melting point is slightly below human body temperature; it melts in the mouth. Chocolate intake has been linked with release of serotonin in the brain, which is thought to produce feelings of pleasure.

Research has shown that heroin addicts tend to have an increased liking for chocolate; this may be because it triggers dopamine release in the brain's reinforcement systems – an effect, albeit a legal one, similar to that of opium.

Chocolate as an aphrodisiac
Romantic lore commonly identifies chocolate as an aphrodisiac. The reputed aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are most often associated with the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. More recently, suggestion has been made that serotonin and other chemicals found in chocolate, most notably phenethylamine, can act as mild sexual stimulants. While there is no firm proof that chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac, giving a gift of chocolate to one's sweetheart is a familiar courtship ritual.

Significant chocolate makers
Popular or historically significant chocolate makers include:
Cadbury (UK)
Caffarel (Italy)
Callebaut (Belgium)
Côte d'Or (Belgium)
Dolfin (Belgium)
Fazer (Finland)
Ferrero SpA (Italy)
J. S. Fry & Sons (UK)
Godiva (US - Formerly Belgium)
Green & Black's (UK)
Hershey's (US)
Kraft Foods (Milka, Suchard, Toblerone, Côte d'Or, and many others)
Lindt & Sprüngli (Sprüngli developed conching) (Switzerland)
Mars Incorporated (M&M's, Dove) (US)
Nestlé (Switzerland)
Neuhaus (Belgium)
Perugina (Italy)
Ritter Sport (Germany)
Teuscher (Switzerland)
Thorntons (UK)

The Importance of DETOX (and healthy living)

I am currently detoxing!! (be warned, the only negative thing about detoxing, is that you are constantly thinking about food!)

It is suggested that we cleanse our bodies through a detox, every three months or so. You can do this for 3 days, 7 days or even up to 21 days. It will really change the way you look and consider the importance of the right food in your everyday diet. It is vital that you put a lot of thought into your meals while on a detox, because if you don’t, it will lead to you being hungry and irritable, and chances are you will be most likely to quite the detox before you will be able to see the results.

Where possible, try to buy organic produce as this will add to the flavour and quality of your meals. I know organic is costlier that normal, but it really does make a difference. Everything organic just tastes better, and it will make you feel better too. (I will post something soon all about the wonderful world of organic!)

I have included here why detoxing is important and what to/what not to include in a detox. Also listed is information about different minerals, vitamins, salt and the different food groups. As well as info about the nasty compounds found in everyday foods, snacks and drinks (such as additives, colourants, preservatives etc). So all in all giving you a breakdown of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the food world!

Why should I consider detoxing?
Detoxing is particularly important in the modern world, since environmental pollutants, toxins and other elements can quickly build up to toxic levels and cause ill health and a variety of mental and physical consequences. These serious consequences include such things as weakened immune system to fatigue to feeling of depression. What is the aim of a detox?Basically the aim of any detox program is not just for the food, or lack there of to do the work, but to engineer an environment for the body to undertake its natural processes of healing. When we detox, what we are trying to do is stop cramming toxins into our body, which in turn allows the body to start booting out the accumulated junk. Think of it as a spring clean for the body!

FOODS TO INCLUDE:

Fresh Fruit
Enjoy all fresh fruit. It is important to eat plenty of fresh fruit when detoxing, and any type of fruit can be used, including apples, oranges and more exotic fruits. Fruit juices are fine as well, provided that they are made with 100% real fruit and contain no artificial preservatives or added sugar. Go easy on grapefruit. A compound in grapefruit called naringin can significantly inhibit liver detox enzymes and should be avoided during detox diets.

Fresh Vegetables
You can eat any fresh vegetables, but great detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, carrots, turnips, cabbage, bean sprouts, peppers, mushrooms, leeks, and cauliflower.

Live Yogurt
Live yogurt is a great choice for detoxing, as it contains valuable nutrients and beneficial bacteria which help to sooth the digestive tract during the detox process.

Rice and Oats

Rice is easily digested by most people. Choose brown or basmati rice, rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta.

Other Grains
Quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat can be used instead of rice. Tofu and quorn are also great and nutritious substitutes for meat.

Beans and Lentils
Any kind of beans are great for detoxing the body, including dried beans and beans canned in water. Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easy to digest and require less soaking time. Other acceptable legumes include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, chickpeas and adzuki beans.

Nuts and Seeds
Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters can be sprinkled over any meal. Includes flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Avoid peanuts.

Fish
Poached, broiled or steamed fish can be enjoyed in moderation. Some of the healthiest varieties of fish include cod, salmon, mackerel, monkfish and trout. You can also have tinned tuna, as long as it is in brine/salted water and not oil.

Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil

Condiments
Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, naturally fermented soy sauce, any culinary herbs or spices, limited amounts of honey.

Herbal Tea and other Beverages
Herbal non-caffeinated teas and green tea. Water, lemon water, 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices, rice and soya milk.

FOODS TO AVOID:

Sugar
Refined sugar and mixtures containing refined sugar, including sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown sugar. Avoid artificial sweeteners.

Dairy Products
Milk, eggs, butter and other dairy products.

Wheat and Corn
Wheat and products containing wheat.

Caffeine
Coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, black tea, and other drinks containing caffeine.

Other Foods to Avoid
Yeast
Alcohol
Food additives and preservatives
Chocolate, biscuits and cakes
High-Fat Foods

SAMPLE DETOX MENU’s

Detox Plan Breakfasts

* Banana porridge. Porridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey.
* Fruit salad with yoghurt and oats. Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats.
* Fresh fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed. * Fresh fruit and yoghurt * Fresh fruit and a pot of natural yoghurt sweetened with honey.

Detox Plan Lunches

* Vegetable soup and oatcakes. Large bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket 'fresh') with oatcakes.
* Tuna jacket potato and salad. Jacket potato topped with tuna (canned in water) mixed and natural yoghurt and served with salad.
* Mediterranean salad with rice cakes. Rice cakes served with rocket, avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil and black pepper. Plus a handful of unsalted nuts.
* Guacamole with crudités. Homemade guacamole made from avocado, lemon juice, fresh chilli, tomatoes and garlic served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes.
* Avocado and prawn salad Fresh avocado served with prawns, salad, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.

Detox Plan Dinners

* Chinese vegetable stir fry. Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as bok choi, spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and beansprouts in a little olive oil with garlic and ginger. Serve with brown rice.
* Baked salmon with jacket potato. Bake a salmon fillet and serve with a jacket potato and steamed vegetables. * Tuna and prawns with noodles. Gently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns.
* Sweet and sour stir fry with rice. Gently fry a selection of chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers mushrooms. Add canned pineapple (in fruit juice), canned tomatoes, tomato purée, white wine vinegar and honey.

Detox Plan Snacks

* Fresh fruit or fresh fruit salad
* Natural yoghurt mixed with honey
* Handful of unsalted nuts or seeds
* Oatcakes

DAILY DETOX TIPS

Start the morning with a cup of hot water and lemon.

Drink a minimum of 6 glasses of water per day, warm or room temperature. Water is essential to clear waste from the blood. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Most people think 2L of water should be drunk, but 1.5L is more than enough because you will make us the other 500ml by herbal tea, fruit juices and other beverages.

Do not drink liquids around mealtime.

Take the time to chew food well, especially grains.

Stay away from dried fruit and bottled fruit juice (they contain loads of sugar and preservatives). Rather opt for fresh juice and dilute with water.

You can have free range or organic chicken (as long as its grilled lightly in olive oil or steamed) just stay away from red meat and pork/bacon and processed meat including ham and sausages/viennas.

You might want to take some multivitamins (eg calcium and iron esp as you are not getting any dairy)

WHAT DETOXING ‘detoxifies’…

Additives
Food additives carry out a variety of necessary functions in foods, from helping to maintain quality to keeping food safe. Food additives are very carefully regulated and undergo thorough testing to ensure they are safe to use in food. Once a food additive has passed safety tests and been approved for use by the European Union, it is given an E number. Not all additives are ‘artificial’, some are natural products that can have a useful function in food e.g ascorbic acid E300 (vitamin C)

Additives are used to keep food fresh and safe by helping to prevent deterioration, for example:
Antioxidants – help prevent oxidation of foods resulting in them ‘going off’ or discolouring. These are commonly used in baked foods, cereals, fats, oils and salad dressings. A commonly used antioxidant is Ascorbic acid, E300 (vitamin C) for example:

Preservatives
- help to keep food 'safe' by limiting the growth of micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, yeast or mould) that can cause food poisoning. They can be in any food. An example is sulphur dioxide (E220) which is commonly used on dried fruits.

Additives can be used to help improve the texture of foods, for example:

Emulsifiers and stabilisers
– help prevent the ingredients from separating in many foods such as margarine and low fat spreads. They are used in any recipe that requires the mixing of ingredients that don’t usually mix i.e. oil and water. These are commonly found in reduced fat and low fat versions of foods. An example is lecithin (E322)
Thickeners
– help change the consistency of the product. An example is pectin (E440) which is used to thicken jam
Sweeteners
– lower in calories than sugar and can be used as an alternative to sweeten foods. They are useful for developing low calorie foods. Intense sweeteners such as aspartame (E951) only need to be used in very small quantities as they are much sweeter than sugar. Bulk sweeteners such as sorbitol (E420) are used in similar amounts as sugar but they provide fewer calories
Flavour enhancers
– used to bring out and enhance the flavours in foods. They are commonly used in savoury and oriental products. An example is monosodium glutamate (msg) E621
Colours – used to add or restore colour that can be lost through processing, to make the food more appealing to the customer. They are also used for decoration e.g. on cakes and confectionery for visual decoration. An example is caramel (E150a), which can be used in products such as gravy and soft drinks

Minerals, Food Groups, Vitamins and Salt – which one for what thing?

1. Minerals
Minerals have a wide variety of roles within the body and eating a variety of different foods should ensure adequate intakes of most minerals. Some minerals are required in larger amounts (e.g. potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium) and others are required in smaller amounts and are known as trace elements (e.g. zinc, iron, copper, iodine, selenium, fluoride).

Calcium
Role of calcium – main component of bones and teeth; blood clotting; required for nerve and muscle function (including the heart). Calcium may also be important in helping to prevent high blood pressure, obesity and bowel cancer, however, research is ongoing in these areas.
Rich sources – milk, cheese, dairy foods, green leafy vegetables e.g. broccoli, bread made with fortified flour. The body absorbs calcium more easily from milk and dairy sources.

Getting enough calcium in early life is important for building peak bone mass. Peak bone mass is reached by about 30 yrs old, after this age some calcium is lost from the bone (a natural process) and bone mass slowly decreases. Severe loss of bone mass results in the bone becoming weak and brittle and more prone to breakages, this condition is known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis most frequently effects women after the menopause (oestrogen helps to protect bones), although men are also affected. One third of women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50 will have osteoporosis.

Potassium
Roles – regulates fluid balance; may also help lower blood pressure.
Rich sources – fruit (e.g. bananas), vegetables and milk. Present in most foods, and generally raw foods contain more than processed foods.

Phosphorous
Roles – building strong bones and teeth; releasing energy from food; structure of cell membranes (phospholipids).
Sources – found in many foods e.g. red meat, dairy, fish, bread, grains.

Magnesium
Roles – energy metabolism; electrolyte balance; muscle function; bones and teeth structure.
Sources – found in many foods, richest sources are green leafy vegetables, grains and nuts.

Selenium
Roles – required for the enzymes that protect the body from oxidation (antioxidant); helps the immune system defend the body; production of thyroid hormone
Rich sources - brazil nuts, fish and offal. It is found in most foods.

The selenium content of plants depends on the availability and content in the soil in which they are grown.

Iron
Roles – required for the formation of haemoglobin (transports oxygen around the body) in red blood cells; immune system; energy metabolism.
Rich sources – meat, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, wholegrain. Iron from meat sources is more easily absorbed by the body.

Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from food, particularly the non-meat sources. Phytates (in cereals and pulses), fibre, tannins (in tea and coffee) and calcium can bind non meat iron and reduce absorption.
Low intakes of iron result in poor iron stores which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia can leave people feeling tired, irritable and suffer from poor concentration. Iron is particularly important for women of child-baring age and teenage girls

Zinc
Roles - cell division; growth and tissue repair; reproductive system; wound healing; immune system
Rich sources - meat, fish, shellfish, diary products, cereal products such as wheat-germ

2. Protein, Carbohydrates, Fibre and Fat

Protein
Role – needed for growth and repair of the body; provides energy (around 16% of the daily energy intakes of the UK diet).
Sources – meat, pulses, nuts, cereals, fish, dairy. Different foods contain different amounts of amino acids so you should vary the dietary protein sources.

Protein is made up of amino acids. Some amino acids can be made from others. There are 8 essential amino acids that must be supplied by the diet.

Carbohydrates
Role – most of the energy (calories) we need should come from carbohydrates (around 50% daily intake). Most of our energy should come from eating complex carbohydrates.

Sources – carbohydrates can be spilt into 2 groups – sugars and complex:

Sugars provide an instant energy source, resulting in a rapid rise in blood glucose levels
Intrinsic – found in fruits and vegetables
Extrinsic – sugar in dairy products, honey, fruit juices, confectionery, soft drinks

Complex, often described as 'slow releasing carbohydrates', release energy at a much slower level resulting in more steady blood glucose levels. These include:
Starchy foods – found in potatoes, bread, rice & pasta
Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) e.g. cellulose, pectins and gums, found in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole-grain cereals.

Regular consumption of complex carbohydrates has been linked to decreased heart disease, lower incidence of bowel cancer and can help control diabetes.

Fat
Role – provides energy (which should be no more than 35% of daily energy), provides essential fatty acids and carries vitamins A,D,E and K (also necessary for their absorption), component of cell membranes and other metabolic substances that help regulate many body functions.

Fats can be divided into 2 categories; saturated and unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats).

a. Saturated Fat
Found in fatty meat, cream, full fat dairy products, butter, lard, cakes and pastries.
Target daily intake in the UK should be no more than 11% of energy. Current UK average intake is 13%.
Saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood cholesterol, resulting in the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Trans fats
There are 2 types of trans fats – those that occur naturally in products i.e. meat, dairy produced from ruminant animals (e.g. cows) and those that are formed through the hydrogenation process i.e. hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Trans fats have a similar effect on blood cholesterol as saturated fats. There is some evidence to suggest that trans fats may have a worse effect on blood cholesterol than saturated fats although they make up a much smaller part of the diet.

b. Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated fats can help to reduce the levels bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Monounsaturated Fat (MUFAs)
Doesn’t raise the levels of blood cholesterol (LDL) and may also help to reduce it. Rich sources include olive oil, rapseed oil, nuts (macadamia, hazel & brazil), olive oil margarine

Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs)
The body can make all the fatty acids it needs except for two, known as alpha linolenic acid (n-3) Omega 3 fatty acids, and linoleic acid (n-6) Omega 6 fatty acids. These are called the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and must be supplied from the diet.

Omega 6
Found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soyabean oil and spreads made from these oils.
Omega 3
Best sources of the parent Omega 3 fat (alpha linolenic acid) are linseed, flaxseed, walnut and rapeseed oils
The Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish (EPA - eicosapaentanoic acid & DHA - docosahaexanoic acid) are more readily used by the body. These can help protect against heart disease by reducing the 'stickiness' of the blood. Omega 3 fats are also important for brain development and vision.
Best sources are oily fish – mackerel, fresh tuna, salmon, trout, pilchards and sardines.

Aim to eat at least one portion (about 140g) of oily fish each week, although some groups of the population e.g. men, and women who are not pregnant and not of child-bearing age, may benefit from eating more.

Fibre
Fibre is only found in plant foods. There are 2 types of fibre, soluble (fully digested) and insoluble (mostly indigestible).

Role of insoluble fibre – passes through the gut so helps prevent constipation. Also helps the stomach feel fuller for longer.
Good sources of insoluble fibre – wholegrain bread, brown rice and wholegrain, fruit and vegetables, breakfast cereals.

Role of soluble fibre – eaten in large amounts soluble fibre can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and may also help people with diabetes to control blood glucose levels.
Good sources of soluble fibre – oats and pulses (beans, lentils and chick peas).

Low fibre diets are most commonly associated with constipation.

3. Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for a wide range of metabolic functions. Eating a varied balanced diet is all that’s needed to ensure we get all the different vitamins that we need. We require different amounts of vitamins at different stages in our life and it’s worth noting that processing and cooking can reduce or destroy vitamins.
Some vitamins are fat soluble, excess being stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Others are water soluble and readily excreted fat soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A
Role – growth or repair of body tissues; protein digestion; helps build strong bones and teeth; important for good vision; helps body to fight infection (immune system).
Good sources – liver, oily fish, eggs, fortified margarine and dairy products.

The body can convert the anti-oxidant B-carotene to vitamin A. B-carotene is what gives yellow and orange fruits their colour. Good sources include yellow and green (leafy) vegetables, and yellow/orange fruits.
If you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby, avoid taking supplements containing vitamin A, including fish liver oil (except on the advice of your GP); avoid eating liver or liver products such as pâté because these may be high in vitamin A.

Vitamin D
Role – required for calcium and phosphorous absorption from food therefore essential for normal bone and tooth structure.
Good sources – oily fish, liver and eggs. By law in the UK, margarine is fortified with vitamin D, additionally some breakfast cereals and bread are also fortified. The body can also make vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.

Deficiency of vitamin D results in rickets.

Vitamin E
Role – antioxidant and can help protect cell membranes and cells from damage by free radicals and oxidation.
Good sources – plant oils such as soy, corn, olive oil, nuts, seeds and wheatgerm.

There is some evidence to suggest that it may reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

Vitamin K
Role – essential for the clotting of blood and normal bone structure.
Sources – plants such as leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils and cereals. Also made by gut bacteria.

Deficiency is vary rare in adults but can sometimes be seen in babies. A vitamin K injection is normally given routinely after birth.

Water soluble vitamins
Vitamin C
Role – required for normal structure and function of the connective tissue in skin, cartilage and bones; production of collagen; wound healing; aids absorption of iron from the diet particularly from non meat sources; helps the immune system fight infections; antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage
Good sources – include peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit. Found in wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Deficiency in vitamin C could lead to scurvy; bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

Folic acid
Role – required for normal cell division; formation of blood cells; normal development of the structure of the nervous system particularly the neural tube; also has a role with B6 and B12 in maintain normal blood homocysteine levels.
Good sources – green leafy vegetables and some fruits (oranges and bananas), brown rice and chick peas, also found in wholegrains (breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid).

B vitamins
Vitamin B12
Role – normal cell division; normal blood formation and function; normal structure and function of nerves; together with folic acid and vitamin B6, required for maintenance of blood homocysteine levels.
Good sources – meat, fish particularly salmon and cod, cheese, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals.

Thiamin (B1)
Role – helps release energy from carbohydrates when eaten; helps keep the nervous and muscle tissue healthy.
Good sources – pork, vegetables, milk, cheese, peas, fresh and dried fruit, eggs, wholegrain breads and some fortified breakfast cereals.

Riboflavin (B2)
Role – energy release from protein, carbohydrate and fat; healthy skin and mucous membranes; metabolism of iron.
Source – Small amounts found in many foods, good sources include milk, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals.

Niacin (B3)
Role – release of energy from food; normal function of the nervous system; healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Source – found in most foods, esp meat. Niacin can be made in the body from the amino acid tryptophan.

Pantothenic acid (B5)
Role – helps release energy from food
Source – found in nearly all meat and vegetables. Good sources include chicken, beef, porridge, tomatoes, wholegrains, fortified breakfast cereals.

Pyridoxine (B6)
Role – helps metabolise protein; involved in iron metabolism and transport; together with B6 and folate, helps to regulate homocysteine levels.
Source – found in a wide variety of foods; beef, fish and poultry are rich sources. Also in whole grains, eggs, some vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals.

4. Salt

Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. The body needs sodium to help regulate fluid balance and for nerve and muscle function. Sodium is in most foods and processed foods often contain more sodium. It is the sodium that is bad for health.

What's wrong with eating too much salt?

On average we are eating 9.5g of salt a day, which is nearly 60% more than we should. Scientific evidence has shown that eating too much salt can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are almost 3 times as likely to suffer from heart disease or a stroke.

What can you do to reduce salt?

Don't add it to foods at the table
Don't add it when cooking – use herbs and spices to flavour your food
Check food labels to see how much salt they contain
Choose foods with no added salt or have "controlled" or reduced salt
Try a low sodium salt or pure rock/sea salt instead of table salt

Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo (continued S-W)

Sharon

Sharon is The Wandering Fairy (also known as Lobelia!). We lived and played together in New York. Sharon has always intrigued me – her placid and earthly nature is so inviting and she remains so open and non-judgmental and above all…free. We have only recently refused our energies and its been so wonderful to share my life and thoughts with her again. She is definitely an earth fairy – she does exalt!

In the garden, among the flowers, the Wandering Fairies is shining brightly. Playing along the breeze in the sunshine, dancing with stars above them nightly. With a heart as light as feathers she flitter about, every challenge is faced with a wink and a laugh. She collect the raindrops from the leaves of the willowing trees, eyes filled with wonder as she travels life's path. She gathers sweet nectar from fine smelling clover, makes miniature houses on branches of trees. Her hours are filled with the softest of pleasures until she settles down into a slumberous ease. Dreams full of magic carries her to the dawn, and in these hours is pleasantest rest. Weaving thoughts of tomorrow all hopeful and splendid. Resilient, lighthearted, radiant and free will the Wandering Fairy always be.

Shevaun

Shevy is my soul mate, but not in the traditional sense that we associate soulmates to be, it goes much deeper than that. We met in our Std 8 maths class and our mutual obsession of Grease got the ball rolling and pretty soon we planned to go on a Contiki trip through Europe as soon as we finished Matric. We stuck to our plan and did it. We had the adventure of a lifetime. I will never forget my experience with Shev in Europe, it was just such a definitive moment in our lives. We still never learnt how to put a tent up properly, but it taught and showed us so much about life outside of South Africa. Shev has been in Sydney, Australia for the last 3 years and has just finished her degree in Sports Psychology (I beam with pride!) and I hope she does return to the UK so we can once again join forces! Where shall I begin to describe my love and affection for Shev…there is a saying “Dynamite comes in small packages” well Shev fits this expression perfectly! She is such a funkadelic, charming and witty Libra and she probably knows me inside and out. She never judges me or my actions and I feel totally at home around her. We plan to retire together and settle in a villa near a golf course! So in carrying through this intention, I see Shevaun in my past, present and future…

Frodo gathers her belongings and sets out on yet another trip, but before departing her Shire, she bids farewell to Merly, her lifelong companion and most treasured find. No tears are shed, instead Frodo sprinkles magical fairy dust upon Merly and Frodo takes for herself, a tiny bit of Merly’s essence. This essence she places in her pocket and keeps it with her through all her travels. To lands of pyramids, rolling mountains, salt plains, waterfalls, jungles of concrete and amazon, deserts, majestic table mountains and back to green hillsides. Through all her adventures, Frodo always brings Merly out to share the sights and splendor of what she sees, what she hears, thinks and experiences. When they next meet again, their reunion will be one of utter joy and they will dance in circle around each other, embracing their spirits, until once again they are binded together by all that is the past, present and future. For they are meant to always find each other, in this lifetime and the many lifetimes passed before. Always together, in spirit, in memory, in life.

Simone

Simone was also in the same high school as me, but it was only really after matric, that we really got to know each other and become friends. In high school (and now too!) Simone was one of those girls who you just did not want to mess with! What you see is exactly what you get. No games. She has an exterior intensity that can just draw you in or push you away. Luckily for me, I was reeled in and fell hook, line and sinker for this bundle of Sim joy! Beneath her gregarious and bubbly personality, lies a deeply compassionate and soft soul. Like a toffee with a melting, caramel centre. We have shared many raucous, loud, crazy, fun and memorable parties and moments together. It is like an everlasting firecracker goes off when Simone gets into full swing. When Simone and Chris moved to England two years ago, our friendship grew and keeps growing. In Simone’s company, I feel so at ease, as we share our feelings, thoughts, hopes and dreams. She has gotten me through a really tough time of late, and I cherish all her kind words of wisdom and advice that she has so freely given me. I hope to return that favour in the future. Simone is back in SA now, and although it’s always so difficult to find your feet again, after being away for so long, I know she will find her way soon and the doors of opportunity will be open wide for her.

" A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."~ Arabian Proverb

Tyran

"Soul mates are locked at the heart and written in the heavens, promised to find one another when the time is right."

I was in the presence of Tyran since I was 11 or 12. But I only met him in September last year in South Africa. Confused? It’s only the beginning! We went to the same primary school, but we only formally were introduced last year when I went with Christine, Rox and Werner to Robertson. Although I kept referring to him as Trevor for the first day, we instantly connected! I can’t say I have ever formed such a deep friendship with someone, in such a short space. It was like upon meeting, our souls remembered each other from a lifetime previous. We share an uncanny telepathic connection – he mostly gets in there first, before I can proclaim it was my idea in the first place! Great minds indeed, think alike! Tyran is an IT wizard, and once you are lucky enough to get to know him, he throws all stereotypes of the profession, out the window. We have been to trance parties together and share many conversations about everything. It is difficult to describe the being that is the Tyrant, but I shall try in my own words and feelings. His human form loves all things scientific, logical, mathematical and technological. He loves people, understanding what makes them tick and all the little idiosyncrasies that make us individual. Curiosity will definitely not kill this cat (he is also of the magnificent Leo breed!). He is like a eager child, questioning the why? what ifs? how come? of life and people. But Tyran the Soul is a remarkable being and I struggle to find the words to describe all the good things I wish upon him and how I want to walk with him on his journey of self discovery and purpose. I see him in this vision…

On known lands, he begins his daily walk around his fields, he knows all the paths and routes – he walks them every day. One day he is distracted by the sight of a white rabbit, eagerly follows the rabbit and loses his path. The rabbit has led him to the entrance of a forest that he has never come across before. Was it always there? Should he turn back and find his path again, or should he follow the rabbit. Where will the rabbit take him? Is it safe? What is in the forest? Will reason win over curiosity? He throws caution to the wind and ventures into the forest and beholds in wonder the enchanting sights that engulf his senses. Although only on the edges of this forest, he can see far beyond the trees’ shadows, to a place of inner peace, solitude, hope and unity. A forest of such immense discovery and enlightenment, he can barely contain his excitement at this new discovery. How far shall he go into the rabbit’s hole…or shall he just turn back? When the time is right I know he will dive into the rabbit hole and he will arrive at his destination that he was always destined to be at. We continue to wave at each other under skies of different stars, until our waving hands meet with binded fingertips.

Werner

Wern Wern Wern! I met Werner through Roxanne a few years ago, and instantly liked him. Wern loves to entertain and be entertained! He is the master party organizer and you are always guaranteed a grand time when you are around him. When Werner is not being the Wern, he really is such a gentle being. Werner is such a friendly, down to earth and generous soul and he really does hold his friends in the highest regard. His friends (and Rox of course!) are what makes him happy and he will go to the ends of the earth and back again if you are privileged enough to be one of them. He loves sharing and his charm and generosity are unending, but he never asks for anything in return. Wern is also such a Leo (I am forming quite a Leo collection hey!) and embraces all the great qualities of his sun sign (optimistic, dignified, outspoken, loyal, focused and just down right lovable!) Wern has such a big heart and his energy brings him such success in life. Wern has said to me that he feels he is a ‘young soul’ because he just wants to be young forever and wants to experience everything. If only all of us could embrace the youthful enthusiasm and wanting that Wern has. Just stay as you are – just be The Wern!

The magnificent lion stalks across the savannah, he paces in sleek chivalric certainty. He creeps and he crawls in search of the curious. He lives a sleek, solitary and sensual existence carrying his aloof and imperious nature on broad shoulders. He lazes under the beating sun, absorbing the rays. He rolls around and prances about among the lady lions – always enjoying his dashing displays of ‘leoness’ grandeur. He takes long walks by himself, contemplating this and that, but always returning to his loyal posse that greets him with great affection. He will always gaze silently down on the setting dusk and up at the rising dawn, because this lion pays his worship to his sun, his giver of abundant energy and life. He is the lion whose mystique and idolatry is the elegant exemplary.

Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo (continued J-R)

Jodene

“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment it's glory and beauty belong to our world, but then it flies on again. And though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it.” - author unknown

I met Jodene (also known as Jo and Dimple Boffin!) while I was in New York and we instantly discovered we shared an unsaid bond. Still today, even if we don’t see each other for ages, when we do, we pick up right where we left off. There are no judgments, only happiness and joy at being able to be in each others company. Jo exceeds her young, earthly age to such an extent, that I tend to see her in a light of far greater wisdom and maturity than my own. I have seen her spiritual and personal growth expand in these recent years and she surprises me continually with her views and words of knowledge and understanding. She has an ability to see every side of an argument and her compassion and patience with others is truly remarkable. I bask in her sunshine. I hope to continue to walk this path with her, and I know we will have buckets full of fun along the way! We tend to speak in our own language and I often wonder if people think we can even understand one another when we chatter. People have asked if we are sisters, to which Jo informs them “No, we are not sisters, but we are soul sisters.” Touché. Soul Sista’s indeed!

I saw a butterfly go fluttering by on wings of orange, and silvery blue, and yellow too. She floats in the air, making her home most anywhere: The rainforest, field, and prairie land, on mountaintops, and desert sand. I said, "I'd love to fly with you and sail around the way you do. To fly up toward the summer sun. To have but one moment of such an exquisite flight, would be like a dream where all seems so right. But, alas, I have not your graceful charm. I haven't got wings, just these two arms. I've been designed to walk around and my human feet must always touch the ground.” Then she spoke to me and told me what her wish would be. She said, "What I'd love most to do is walk upon this Earth with you, to squish it's mud between my toes or touch my finger to my nose.” I reached up to her and carried her, gently, in my hand. I placed her on the mud and slowly sank until she could feel the squish. I brought her back up and she kissed my nose, then lifted me on her wings so that I could flitter through the clouds and kiss the petals of the flowers. And so I continue to carry my butterfly, and she continues to take me to greater heights.

Johan

I have known Johan since 1999, back when he was still in the Belgian army as a young recruit. Since then, we have always remained in contact and he continues to enrich my life with his stories, life and interests. Johan is a Leo too! (people are going to start thinking this is a criteria for me!) But besides this great quality, he possesses an ability to get you totally wrapped up in his writings. His passion is film and I swear he will break Hollywood soon! He has such a deep understanding for the art of film making and he carries this through in his scripts. I saw his first film earlier this year and I loved it (even though it cut out before the end!) It was so original and I got the full lowdown from Johan too – the behind the scenes action. Besides our mutual love of movies and books, he got me interested in Greek and Roman and general history, because he shared so much of what he learnt and understood with me. He is such an interesting, sensitive and well rounded spirit and I can really write about anything to him, and he will always express his opinions and views very honestly and openly. He has so much to offer the world and I hope that the world is graced with all his energy, passion, and enthusiasm!

Lee-ann

I am not certain of the exact moment when Lee-ann and I met, sometime in high school, we were mostly in the same class the whole way through. But with Lee-ann, we always managed to find ourselves getting into all sorts of mischief and trouble. How could I ever forget the drama and stories of Monty’s, Bucknalls and Wild Side! And energy surrounds her and is magnetic (and the fact that she is oblivious to this, makes her even more charming!). She draws people to her, and she has such a contagious laugh and sense of humour, you just laugh with her always. Lee-ann has gone through many battles in her short life, but she continues to succeed in everything she endeavors. Besides the fact that she is a Leo as well, she naturally processes a bright inner light that shines through her. We share a therapist/patient relationship and visa versa and are always advising and commenting on each other’s love lives! Our motto is “Whatever happens, happens for a reason.” I know her angels are guiding and protecting her always. She is an angel herself, she just doesn’t realise it yet!

“Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.” - Author unknown

Natasha

Tash was my flat mate in London back in 2001 and I met her when she was 8 months pregnant and I was there when her stunning baby girl, Jade, was born. Tash is an extraordinary person, she has overcome such hardships and struggles, but she has always kept afloat, through it all. She has gotten her life on track and she amazes me with her enduring and deep love for Jade. I can always sit back and relax with Tash, she holds no pretenses and we are always up for a giggle and chat. She brings out only the best in me, she sees the good in everything and everyone. She will always fight for the rights of others (both people and animals) and she has recently undertaken a child psychology course with the open university. I think it is her mission to learn to help others help themselves. I have sent her my angels to look after and protect her and I hope to always be near to give her my hand.

An extract from “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying”

I walk down the streetThere is a deep hole in the sidewalk I fall in.I am lost. I am hopeless.It isn't my fault.It takes forever to find a way out.I walk down the same street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalkI pretend I don't see it.I fall in again.I can't believe I'm in the same place again.But it isn’t my fault.It still takes long time to get out.I walk down the same street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.I see it is there.I still fall in? It's a habitMy eyes are openI know where I amIt is my fault.I get out immediately.I walk down the same street.There is a deep hole in the sidewalk I walk around it.I walk down another street.

Rene

I met Rene back in 2003, when I returned from New York, back to England. She was my uncle’s girlfriend’s daughter (but she is now my cousin-in-law!) and I got her number from her mom back in South Africa. We met up in Camden and went for a coffee that lasted 3 hours! We share many common interests and over the last two years, we have both been more open and inviting to new alternative ways of thinking and looking at life. Rene has gotten me hooked on Angel and Tarot cards (thank you my special Earth Angel!) and I every time I catch up with her, we get whisked away into our own world of esoteric discovery and wonder. I love the exchange of energy we have when we are together and I only wish everything of the pure and good upon her, because she deserves all that and so much more.

She drifts on the clouds as they float peacefully by. Like an angel out to play, she dances with fairies as they all roll and tumble around on puffs of cotton, making shapes and forms of earthly creatures and self portraits of themselves. She tip toes from one to another, like a game of hop scotch, and when she sneezes, she blesses the earth with vital showers of rain, life and love.

Roxanne

I her Bumblebee and she my Hunny Bunny. Rox sat behind me in our Std 6 class and actually was not very fond of me at first (cant blame her really, I was a bit of a snob and used to pass papers back to her in frustration esp if she took like more than 5 seconds to take it from me!! Shooo!) Anyway we have Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” book to thank for bringing us together (it’s a long story and I wont delve into it – but it involved our English teacher, Accounting teacher and our vivid adolescent imaginations! Enough said!). We were then separated for the next 4 years, and it was only really in our final Matric year that we became close again. I share a rich history with Rox and in the years that I have been overseas, our friendship has strengthen and evolved. It keeps evolving, but my love and affection for her never changes. Rox is very picky with her friends (aren’t I the lucky straw that was picked!) and I am grateful for every experience and moment I have been with her. There is never a dull moment when we are together – there is always raucous laughter bellowing out of us. Sometimes I don’t know why we laugh so much – maybe it is the invisible feathers that our merging energies tickle us with. Rox has obtained her degree in occupational therapy and it is with this and her natural gift for healing, that she touches the lives and souls of those lucky to be close enough to feel her warmth, love and compassion. She is always craving deeper knowledge and understanding of the human body and psyche, she is a Piscean mermaid and she sings songs for all to hear in her deep ocean soul.

She sits by the ocean sitting alone on a rock, combing her hair of gold. Watching the coming and going of tides, watching the gulls as they hover above, watching the yachts as they head to the shore. She waves at me standing on the edge of the tide, I wave back, wondering what hidden beauty she must see beneath the crashing waves. She smiles, takes a deep breath as she stares at the moon and takes the plunge backs into the deep blue. She sees snails wrapped in curls and oysters wearing pearls. She glides past the lumbering whales and plays hide and seek with the clown fish in the coral. She catches a ride on dolphins back and takes a peek above the surface – I see her! Her hair is covered in white sea foam, and as she takes a last look at the world above hers, she throws me an amber streaked seashell so that I will always hear her song with me.

Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo (continued A-C)

Adam

Ads is my big brother and currently resides in Melbourne, Australia. He loves princesses! I am only one of many of his special princess’s in his global princess collection! I met Adam in London 2001 when we worked at Luscious Organic. We have shared many experiences in London, we spent a new years together in South Africa and went on a trip to Ireland last year. He has worked for the Red Cross and is now working for Health Purchasing in Melbourne, doing wonderful things. I am always comforted in Adams presence; he has a very approachable and soothing essence. He can get along with anyone – he continually amazes me with his innate ability to communicate to people on all levels. To find a common ground or interest. He makes connections and he is going and has been to amazing places in his life. Ads is so open and friendly, that just being around him is an adventure on its very own! His energy is contagious and I know that no matter where my life leads, our paths will always cross and be intertwined.

Adele

Adele and I worked together at Engen, when I went back home last year. Adele always went out of her way to make me feel comfortable and part of the project group we were in. We spent many tea breaks talking about life in London and all the things we used to get up to. I find it very easy to talk to Adele and she can relate to different types of people, by always considering their views, opinions and background. She is such a kind hearted and patient person and always has the best intentions at heart. I hope to see her soon so we can catch up on all the skinner!

Charlene

“Skippy, Skippy, where for art thou Skippy?” Now that we are all grown up (are we?! Well when it suits us we are!), Charlene would rather us refer to her by her birth name and not the name we bestowed upon her in Std 6 – which all makes perfect sense and logic. But Charlene will always be our Skippy! Forever in our hearts! By “our” I mean me, Shevy, Rox, Lee, Simone and Christine – basically by all us Fairbairnians! I set my sights on Charlene in our Std 6 class and couldn’t for the life of me understand how a girl could be so darn loud – I figured she must have been born with a microphone imbedded in her throat, because you can not ignore her, even if you tried! Then Std 8 came, along with that eventful night at Monty’s. I wont divulge the finer details, but after that night, Charlene and I just became friends. Overnight! From then on… there would never be a dull moment in my high school life! Charlene possesses this fire inside of her that burns and it will enlighten and brighten your life when she blesses you with her friendship, affection, loyalty and care. Throughout matric, we (Shev, Me and Skips) became inseparable – the Three Musketeers taking on the world! I can only smile and laugh at all our crazy adventures and fun time spent together – it was bliss and heaven sent. Charlene has conquered America (au pairing, working, studying) and is happily married to Norm and has the most gorgeous baby, Joshua. I tease her about her ‘white picket fence’ life – but really I couldn’t be more ecstatic and happy for her, she has found her everything. She is living her dream, a dream come true. I adore Charlene, and everything she is and has grown up to be. She is an inspiration to me and those around her.

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

Cherise

I met Cherise when I worked at Engen (South Africa) last year and instantly liked her infectiously bubbly personality. Cherise is like a forgotten Elvish Queen, left behind to bless those around her with a sense of wonder and enlightenment about the beauty that is all around us. It’s difficult not to be drawn to Cherise (besides the fact that she is drop dead gorgeous!). It’s not just her fun and lively spirit that exudes from her, but she is so sincere and genuine and honest.

Her story begins in a far away glen, in a land long forgotten, lived a beautiful Elf, who held the wisdom of time. For many years, she lived in peace, until the ignorance of man came down into the glen. They no longer knew the mystical, and feared the unknown. The Elf, who saw not with her eyes, but with all her heart, to heal the world from the ignorance of man. So that she could once again, tread on water lilies in the stream and catch butterflies in her hands. She would return to her existence of eternal bliss and peace.

Christine

Christine is my Barrbi and I am her Notpoff! I have known Christine since high school, as we bonded over our mutual dislike for our hockey coach in Matric! Currently she is studying to become a fully fledged pilot – overtaking the skies with her charm and grace. Christine is such a special and pure soul. She is my breath of fresh air. She has so much love to offer and give, you can not help but feel her warmth when you are around her. Sweet as syrup is not a good enough metaphor for her, she goes beyond that to an extent that you can hardly believe that someone can be of such pure intention and thought. Christine is a swallow and if you have ever witnessed swallows displaying their daring formations – you will know how they dance in the clouds and glide with the wind in their full glory for all to see.

The lone swallow divides the air in shapes invisible and evanescent. Creating a kaleidoscopic beyond the mind’s or memory’s power to keep them there. She writes with invisible ink across the sky. Those lucky enough to view this display of seemingly reckless flight will gaze in envy – to roll and glide, to wheel and spin, to feel the joy that swells within. She sails over canyons and up to the stars, she reaches for the heavens and hopes for the future. She shouts to me “Come dance with me in the west wind, and touch the mountain tops.” But I cannot join her, but just watching her will give me enough happiness to last a lifetime.

Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo (continued The Grandparents)

Grandpa and Granny Lappin (Archie and Kathleen)

My dad’s parents were born in Belfast, Ireland and eloped to South Africa. They couldn’t have been more Irish, even their accent didn’t waver through the years. My friends would often have to ask me to interpret what was being said to them! My granny passed away from ill health and my grandpa passed away soon after, he was battling lung cancer. I often think of them, and all the goodness and purity that surrounded them. My grandpa was so intelligent and worldly – he could tell you just about anything about everything. He was a man who knew a little about a lot of things. He was like a walking encyclopedia, a fountain of knowledge and wisdom. My granny was possibly the sweetest women ever, and she was so vibrant, doing yoga and tap dancing in her eighties! She was a diamond. I miss them greatly, but I carry their spirits with me, always.

“Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to rememberThe blessings that come each day.”
~ an Irish blessing

Grandad and Gran Lang (James and Yoland)

My mom’s parents grew up and lived mostly in Natal, South Africa. I remember when we used to take yearly trips up to Durban, we would visit Gran and Granddad Lang in Pietermaritzburg. They had a fabulous coffee shop that we used to practically spend all our time, tasting all the delights of their cooking and baking. Welsh Rarebits and Scones! When our boy cousins were up – we used to take over the place and Granddad use to pick us up by our ears, much to our glee and delight! My granddad passed away a few years ago, and it always saddens me that I never got to know him better. He always had a smile on his face and he was like this gentle giant that had a heart of gold. My Gran is the most wonderful and elegant women – she is a spirit of great faith. I can listen to her talk for ages about books, gardening, cooking, art, her travels and her life experiences. She is very “old school” and I love that she still holds true to all her ideals and beliefs, through all the passing years. Even though she is going through a difficult time right now, I hope she knows that I send my love to her always.

Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo

I have decided to write a brief description of all (or most) of my beautiful and special friends and family, all around the globe. I have tried to gather images to put a face to a name (as you probably have heard of each other but don’t know how they quite fit into my life, who they are, and why they mean so much to me).

I’ll start with my immediate family, then my friends (in alphabetical order so as not to reflect favoritism!! You are ALL my favorites!!). There are only positive words here, because I am not always readily able to easily express my feelings and emotions towards each one of you, please know that I hold you only of the purest light in my heart.

Shireen

"One's Sister is a part of one's essential self, an eternal presence of one's heart and soul and memory." - Susan Cabill

I struggle to find the right words that will fully express or justify the deep love and respect I have for Shireen. But basically she is the guiding star in my ocean and shores of my dreams and life…

My sister is my heart. She opens doors to rooms I never knew were there and she lights my darkest corners with the sparkle in her eyes. My sister is my soul. She inspires my wearied spirit to fly on wings of angels. But while I hold her hand, my feet never leave the ground. She stills my deepest fears with the wisdom of her inner song. My sister is my past. She writes my history in her eyes I recognize myself, memories only we can share. She remembers and she forgives. She accepts me as I am with tender understanding. My sister is my future. She lives within my dreams, she sees my undiscovered secrets, believes in me as I stumble. She walks in step beside me, her unconditional love lighting my way. My sister is my strength. She hears the whispered prayers that I cannot speak. She helps me find my smile and freely giving hers away.

My sister is like no one else. She's my most treasured friend, filling up the empty spaces and healing my broken places and spaces. She is my rock, my inspiration.

Though impossible to define, in a word, she is...my one and only sister.

Mom (Shirley)

“My mother's love for me was so great I have worked hard to justify it.” - Marc Chagall

I have always seen my mom as this tower of pillaring strength. Shielding all of the world’s ugliness from my sister and I. Always teaching us to fight our own battles, but still consider and respect other people’s feelings. I am safe in the knowledge that my high morals and values about myself and life are contributed to the upbringing I was so luckily blessed with. And for having a mother that gave (and continuously gives) so much of herself, so much of her truth and patience to me – never asking for or expecting anything in return. Her beacon of light and love stands on an island of peace. It shelters the rain, wind and tides. It is bound on the north by Hope, by Patience on the West, by Counsel on the South and on the East by Rest.

To be a mother is the hardest job in the world and I am thankful for everything my mom has given me. Her shoulders are heavy from carrying all our burdens and hers, but she wears a halo of kindness, wisdom and caring. Instead of verbal praises of pride and love, she shows these in the sparkle of her eyes and in the depths of her heart. Sometimes the simplest words hold the greatest meaning, so I always wish my mom to know this “how much I admire you...how much I appreciate you...how much I thank you…how much I love you.”

Dad (Desmond)

“He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” - Clarence Budington Kelland

I call him The Traveling Irishman because he encompasses all the positive attributes of the Irish (laidback, generous, straightforward, and hospitable) and the traveler (independent, brave and curious). He is living in the present, but is always seeking to the future. He has lived a life so rich in adventure that he entertains those around him with countless stories of his journeys and experiences, back in his youth and still now in his older years. I never get bored of listening to my dad talk about his life and views, his questions of life and people. He has given me the courage to explore, to do things on my own, to venture into unknown lands – to live my life the way I want to, the way I need to. Teaching me to appreciate and respect the nature around us. I will always remember (when we used to go away for weekends and holidays) how he used to proclaim to us girls “Look at the mountains! Look at the sky! Look at the waterfalls! Breathe in the fresh air!” Now whenever I travel and see such magnificent earthly creations, I think of him and how he would be in his total element surrounded by the beauty of nature.

I envision him always searching for a place that he can call home, he will find this place soon, he dreams about it. Perhaps it is a place where he walks alone along the coast, smells the clean salty air, gazes at the moonlight. Always in awe. And as the wind whispers in his ear, he hears the voices of his angels bringing him peace on their wings of love. His soul is set aflame with dreams, and his eyes glow bright, and he shall sing a song and carry on striding into the night. Living the dream.

Baba Will

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.”

His name, William, means “Valiant protector” and he is the most precious being I have ever encountered. Although I am not with him in body, I send him my spirit so that he will not forget me! I can’t wait to watch him grow up and develop. He is the splitting of his dad, Jason, and with his image he brings out only the best qualities from each of his parents. He is surrounded by Shireen’s calm and collected aura of love, by her emotional and intellectual intelligence, by her shining presence. Jas gives Will a total freedom of expression, injecting him with his own unbounded energy and compassion, always striving to be the best person he can be. Because Shireen and Jason are the best parents that any child could ever ask or want for. They inspire me with their selflessness, love and total devotion to Will and to each other.