Shifting Gears

Focus is shifting from the sense that we have to get it all done to how can I relax? Realizing that being overworked, bombarded with deadlines, a to-do list without an ending is no longer a desired way of life; we seek serenity.

Meditation can be used to release the beliefs that no longer fulfill our journey, silence the continuous chatter of the monkey mind, balance energies, access internal wisdom, grounding and align with Self. Like exercise, we know meditation will help us to feel better, be healthier and so forth. Even though the intent is there, it's still resisted. Clocks are watched; and for the Go-Getter's on a constant run, the idea of stopping their busy life for 30-minutes (forget an hour) of meditation is put off for another day. Belief that there isn't enough time delays the action because how could it possibly be productive to stop the forward motion?

On the other side of the pendulum, there are those who try so hard they exert themselves to exhaustion to create a sense of relaxation that when achieved, it's not relaxing at all. Go, go, go, stop. Go, go, go, screeching brakes. This way of life can cause metaphoric whiplash. Ease into the new routine. Do it in baby steps if need be. As a friend told me years ago, "Take your time. This isn't a race. It takes practice. What happens when you slam on the brakes too hard? You smash your forehead on the steering wheel; and who needs the headache?"

Done in niblets, meditation does not require a person to sit in an uncomfortable position with index fingertips pressed against the tips of the thumb forming circular symbols to experience inner peace. Inconspicuous ways people meditate without realizing they are doing it may include:

• Taking a long walk through the woods
• Focusing on and repeating an affirmation
• Sitting in a boat waiting for a fish to bite
• Soaking in a warm bath watching the flame of a candle flicker
• Listening to a favorite song that teleports the senses to a peaceful momory
• Stepping outside from a long day at work and taking in a deep breath of fresh air
• Watching the sun set
• Staring out the kitchen window while washing a sink full of dirty dishes
• Loosing track of time while working on a hobby

Truly there is no right or wrong way to experience serenity; what matters is the intent. It is when focus shifts to developing a healthy relationship between physical and divine Self that true love of Self blossoms naturally.

Please share the ways in which you take time for yourself.

Listening to Emotions

You know how people are searching for peace of mind - a source of joy in their lives? It has been proven that meditation is a technique that helps people transform their lifestyles. It provides an open channel that connects them with Self. Through meditation, you can open your heart to the flow of universal consciousness and, if you choose, live blissfully in the present moment.

There are many reasons people take the time to incorporate the action of meditation into their daily lives, it helps in: improving intuition, relaxation, to rejuvenate energy, reduce stress, connect with personal guides, letting go of fears, forgiveness, open Self to love, inspiration and creativity...just to name a few.

We've all experienced a period when life was uncomfortable and it seems everything is going wrong (remember - there is no right or wrong, only awareness), meditation helped me to dispel some harmful beliefs that were falsely held dear within my heart and thoughts. In relation to feeling the sense of loneliness, feeling everyone else held the keys to the happiness as I stood off in left field, alone and empty handed. My dear friend, we posses the power to change. A belief is only a thought that we replay over and over in our minds until we allow it to become reality.

There is so much power in our words. Worlds are created with the emotions attached to the words. When we become aware of the feelings in that moment, we express the beliefs held dear within and it provides us the opportunity to honestly say, "Hey, is this how I want to feel?" Truly it is our choice.

On the right hand column of the OneGigglingWriter.blogspot.com blog is a section of FREE Worksheets & Stuff. There I have added a free worksheet for anyone to download and explore emotional attachment to a handful of words. It's not necessarily the choice of words we use - verbal or non-verbal - it's the emotional attachment we feel when they are expressed. Awareness can create a defining moment for change.

Take the words I love you. Three simple little words. When you say them to a newborn child, it will sound and feel different than if you were to say it to your parents, to a lover, to a spouse, to a pet... you get the idea. It is the extension of vibrations that impacts the world often times unseen ways. Close your eyes, relax and listen to what your heart has to say.

Journey on the Woven Web

Coincidence? I think not. Several friends proclaim September is a month of rebirth, renew and time to stop thinking of what you’re gonna do and put the plans into motion. This is no long a period of rest. Awesome. I have the motivation, inspiration and the energy to pursue my dreams.

A popular social networking site has connected me with people I would have otherwise never met. Well, hold on, this string of the webbing starts even before the site was a blip in someone’s creative mind. It began the day I met Denise Iwaniw in Traverse City. Sitting in the audience listening to her adventures and information from her new book “Embracing the Mystic Within” opened a new chapter for me. Guided to go to this gathering, I knew something wonderful would blossom from it.

Wait. Back the bus up. The string on this webbing goes further back to when I worked for Marc at the local radio station WBNZ. I jumped at the opportunity to learn how commercials were produced and how the daily log incorporated into the programming. With the eagerness of a curious five year old, I was all ears. Marc taught me a lot about radio and how well-planned silence can be crucial at the right moment. However, too much dead air on a radio station causes dials to be spontaneously rotated to the left or the right.

Public speaking, with everyone’s attention focused on what I have to say, has been a bit easier to do than I anticipated. I never found comfort in standing up in front of a crowd before I facilitated several open forums last fall. I was the one who sat in the back row snickering at some inside joke that crossed my sassy mind.

Back to Denise, she shared with us that evening the internet link to her radio show on Soul’s Journey Radio. I started listening to her show on Wednesday nights when my schedule allowed. Through Denise I met show host Diana Dorell and several other wonderful women. Naturally this is how I was introduced to Sahvanna, founder of Soul’s Journey Radio, Soul’s Journey Community and the newest addition to her line up – Soul’s Journey TV. When Sahvanna inquired on the networking site if anyone had an idea for a new show on Soul’s Journey Radio I sent her an email. A dream evolving into reality…

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –M. Gandhi

It amazes me to witness how the web of life has introduced the people and various experiences into my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist those that are ready to align and listen to the inner knowing with the Higher Self ~ the beautiful being within all of us. It is my privilege to make the following announcement:

Guided Journeys with Cindy
www.soulsjourneyradio.com
Relax and explore your sacred space as you listen to Guided Journeys with Cindy on Monday evenings at 9pm beginning September 13th. It is a safe and beautiful place for healing, insight and to hear messages from the Higher Self ~ the beautiful light being within each of us. Visit this blog often for upcoming show information. Ah...the webs we weave.

Early Morning Energy

More time was spent tossing and turning last night than the act of sleeping. Odd dreams of my young sons and I in a house that wasn't ours, a snippet of working in a job I've never held, and any of the other bazaar glimpses I remember involved cleaning. In the house, that wan't ours but was, I washed dishes in a household kitchen with two sinks and getting the trash ready to be taken out. At the place of work, I had to run across the street to the bakery for more paper towels because our office ran out and no one filled out a requisition form. Funny thing was while I was being told by the employees of the bakery that they too were out of paper towels, the owner gave me some outdated sherbet in plastic sleeves instead of the usual bucket. It did look yummy.

At 4:11 a.m. I effortlessly woke up wondering, "what's with all the cleaning?" As quick as the thought entered, it was gone and my internal conversation started to focus on meditation. Yeah, weird I know. I was awake and unable to slip back in to sleep. I suppose it could have been simply that I didn't want to do any more cleaning.

The thoughts filling my less than groggy mind were not on the why's to meditate, but on the techniques and sacred space journeying. Did you know that zoning out or daydreaming is a form of meditation? How about sitting and watching the waves lap up the shoreline? It's not just about sitting Indian style with palms face up balancing on your knees with thumps and index fingers lightly pressed together to create a circle. It's actually less complicated (and you cannot do it wrong). It is about allowing (giving opportunity) the spirit within to communicate freely with the mind and body on all dimensions. We receive the best information and guidance from our internal compass for the soul's only intent is for the highest good.

As I tossed one more time this time facing the curtain dancing in the wind, I started thinking of the energy flow that occurs during the Heart Source Healing Guided Meditation I wrote. It was then I realized we harmonize, balance and cleanse the chakras, but what about the other energy ports in our physical bodies. The 'oh yeah' and 'ah-ha' phrases settled and I wondered why I hadn't thought of this earlier? They deserve just as much attention as the chakras.

Hands are well known portals for energy flow. The loving touch of a mother or loved one can bring comfort and peace of mind. The healing touch of someone who cares during a crisis instills support. The reminder of purity when a young child touches your hand and says, "I love you."

Our bodies consist of a network of energy points (hands, feet, hips, elbows, shoulders, etcetera). And what some may not understand is these portals are connected to a matrix of all energies. For example: How do you feel around one person versus another? If your were standing next to person A in a group of their friends, how would their energy differ than when alone? Change it around again and while standing next to person A surrounded by person B's aggressive peers, how does the network of energy feel?

Energy is information. Our intuition deciphers the energy and provides us with information internally though our sensory system. The "good feeling" you have about a person, the "fear" of the location. It's how we make choices.

So, at four o'clock this morning what were you thinking about? I remembered to add a technique to assist listeners of Heart Source Healing Guided Meditation to harmonize, balance and cleanse all their energy ports.

Exposing the Internal Chatter

Waking up from an odd dream this morning, I picked up my journal to help sort out the bits and pieces I remember - and the parts I’d rather forget. It was odd. Really strange. As the words were written, the internal dialog morphed into reasons why it's a good idea to journal. It didn’t take me long to realize the subject of today’s blog.

Sitting with a pad of paper and a pen, allow the internal conversation to flow - Self-Love 101. For some it can be considered Problem Solving 101. Who better to answer your questions and advise you on your quest? Who knows you better? Here’s a more important question, “Who has your best interest at heart?”

Journaling is a great way to get thoughts out of our heads and to better understand our emotions. Some pretty amazing things can be discovered this way. Unresolved resentments all the way to hidden joys are given the opportunity to flow from deep within the subconscious and into awareness. During the writing process is not the time to overanalyze. Let the words be as they appear. Once on paper you can decide to review the creation or get rid of it. Embrace or release - author’s choice.

"Remember, there is a creative energy that wants to express itself through you"; "Don't judge the work or yourself. You can sort it out later"; "Let God work through you." -Julia Cameron (The Artist Way, published 1992, 2002, page XV)

The process of the internal dialog can have significant healing properties. Explain and describe your emotions (good and bad, no holding back) the way you feel in that very moment. Once exposed, you can determine if you wish to continue this state of mind or if you want to make a change. Awareness provides us the key elements and opportunity to learn more about me, myself and I. We have multiple personalities that expect to be heard. We embody the Worker, the Slacker, the Lover, the Loner, the Adult, the Child, the Creator, the Destroyer, the Overwhelmed, the Calmness, the Aggressor, the Peace-Maker and there's more within. Each one has a voice and craves attention.

Writing out desires assists in clarifying the I want’s and can begin to pave a trail for the journey, or at least machete chop the jungle growth out of the way. Used as a tool, it can help plot out the baby steps to reach the intended goal. Some people use this technique as a way to work out a five year plan.

For me it was a tool to clear my head and, by chance, accomplish today’s post. After I finish this article, I believe I shall work on that Gratitude List I keep in my journal.

Keep writing, my friends.

Trusting the Chosen Path

Returning to the truck, water squished between my toes inside the hiking boots that once, years ago, bore a waterproof tag. The torn and worn beyond comfortable jeans are soaked from the rain jacket down. Rain water dripped from my bangs into my eyes. I was literally soaked from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and haven’t felt that refreshed in a long time.

Yesterday, after waking up from my second nap of the day, my body begged for movement. Working my backyard garden in the rain is a common practice, but not what I was craving. I wanted longer strides to my steps. A raising of the heart rate. A hike on one of the nearby Nature Preserve trails. The gentle summer sprinkle turned to rain and as the first few steps were firmly placed on the path it began to pour.

The 1.3 mile trail is marked by a well-traveled path. Signs are not necessary here. The aroma of wet cedar, birch trees, grasses, wild flowers and countless other plant life exhilarated my sense of smell. The entrance is in a thick cluster of cedar trees leading the adventurer to an area where, this time of the year, the thick brush is almost taller than the five feet five inches I claim. The corridor weaves to the left, then the right and at points I am unable to see more than a few feet ahead of me. This was when the phrase a friend offered to me to ponder returned from memory. He said, “Trust in the trust of trusting.”

Read the line again. “Trust in the trust of trusting.” The meaning, for me, is profound when repeated aloud and becomes even more so each time I repeat it internally. It’s easy to say we trust something, however to believe and feel the unconditional faith is forever evolving. To relax and be free of the need to control a situation or circumstance. The thought, “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans,” just now crossed my mind.

Approaching another tight corner I trusted the path would lead me safely to the clearing I know is ahead. Something seemed different. A sense of unfamiliarity. I've walked this trail countless times, in all sorts of weather conditions; under blue skies, trees swayin’ in the harsh fall winds, snow up past my knees. For a new-comer walking this particular part of the path where the tree branches hang low and the bush full of red berries have overgrown the space may pose intimidation and the sense of the claustrophobia. A choice will be made to either trust the path is safe or be convinced by internal forces to turn back towards the vehicle with the intent to try a different day.

The deeper into the swampland I got the more I understood how my emotions accurately measure the level of trust. I know I will be okay. I know that everything has its season and it always works out. But this refers to the future, what about right now? How do I feel about work, my relationships, my financial situation? At what level am I trusting that in this moment I am being taken care of by the Universe? Am trying to control it? Am I, as the saying goes, giving it to the angels and God to handle? Or am I holding myself back from the joy I wish to experience? What am I allowing life to be?

Pausing on one of the sturdy wooden bridges, I watched the creek flow effortlessly towards the lake. The temptation to release tears of frustration was there, yet something lit up inside my heart and I knew instantly everything is bliss. Life is good. A little further down the trail, as I wiped the rain off my face again, I giggled at the thought, I trust the waterproof mascara will hold up under the rain.

Sit Monkey. Sit.

See, feel, the knowing within the heart center. It is there - waiting patiently. Distraction can be labeled the culprit, but it is only an action. The monkey mind (ego) often time finds other things for us to tend to versus seeking answers, peace, balance, harmony.

Meditation is a common method for quieting the monkey mind so the intuitive voice can be acknowledged. The line, "I don't have the time," is a well-used excuse and one I've used. There's always another load of laundry to throw in the washer, floors needing vacuuming, dishes to be washed, dust bunnies to be rounded up and put outside, a dog wanting to be groomed and heaven forbid if we didn't clip our toe nails! I almost added cleaning the closets but then you'd know I was over dramatizing.

In the silence of our mind, our spirit is able to communicate with Self on many levels. The hesitation or resistance to find our answers through the means of meditation is the ego wishing to control or stifle the situation. Growth cannot happen without light and light comes from love. Believe, or better yet, know that you can do - be - create anything. Become aware of the time spent worrying needlessly and avoidance of personal growth. Change occurred through observation. Nurture the loving being within and the self-imposed barriers will begin to dissolve.

Near the beginning of one of the guided meditation, I wrote, "Feel your thoughts soften as the monkey mind slows down and takes a seat on a comfortable recliner in the back of your mind. He is comfortable. He is silent. This is your time." Meditation can take as long as a deep breath in and the exhale out, or as long as an hour. The choice is up to you.

In the calmness of the mind, the heart center opens to the continuous flow of giving and receiving of love without resistance. Personal healing and the strengthening bond of Self-love permeates to and from your being. Witness the miracles. Open your mind to the powerful energy you already possess. Nothing can stop you from fulfilling your desires. For if you believe, it must be. So it is...

Wordless Conversations

Wordless conversations surround us. Signs and symbols provide awareness to the truth within. The messages serve as reminders, encouragement, inspiration, warning, in-sight. And they are there, when you see them.

Recently I composed a Guided Meditation titled ‘Nature Within.’ Each time I read it to an audience, the response is magnificent. Words cannot begin to describe the heartfelt emotions emanating from the group. After we’ve had a few minutes to ponder the journey to our sacred space, I ask, “What is the one thing that stood out for you.” It amazes me, a sense of a proud mother, to hear the moment that was to them profound. Of course, I respect everyone’s privacy and no one has to divulge anything they wish to keep silent.

When we look to nature, we find peace. The intriguing part is each symbol can provide a different meaning from one person to another - one situation to another. For example when I see a deer grazing behind near my home, it reminds me to be gentle on my Self and express only loving emotions. Other times the doe can signify that I need to slow down, take time to be aware. A sign received especially while driving. The meanings I receive may or may not vary from you. Each time I go to search the meanings from a book, I sense that I already know the answer. I do. You do, too. All our answers can be found internally when we pay attention. Meditation is a wonderful way to get tuned in, tapped on and connected with our divine Self. It is a gift we can give Self and unites us with our own awareness – our truth.

I would like to share with you a few of my experiences. A single coyote standing in the middle of the road about a half mile ahead, motionless, watching me arrive in my truck. Fear evaporates and is transformed as I see the innocence in his eyes and the expression of unconditional love in his gaze. The turtle on a road far, far away from a natural water source served as a reminder that home is within. It is an emotion I carry with me. A house is a structure; home is the energy and emotions felt. The crows on the side of the road symbolize multi-dimensional information while to others they may see it as a sign of magic or a message from the wise ones. The interpretation is ours to explore. Think about a recent sighting you paused and thought, “What are you trying to show me?” Usually the first thought provides insight to the answer you seek. Here’s where you need to pay attention, is the internal dialog coming from a loving space or from the ego (monkey mind)? I suggest listening to only the communications from the heart.

Explore the following list. What does each represent to you?
Hawk
Dolphin
Butterfly
Deer
Coyote
Ant
Rose
Tulip

Download the FREE worksheet: Nature Within

Pick a Voice, Not Just ANY Voice

What do you deserve? Are you unknowingly holding yourSelf back because you don't feel worthy, smart or talented? Thoughts of, I'm not good enough. Someone else has already done it. So-and-so is much better than I am. Whose voice are we listening to? If we are focusing our attention on the voice of our Inner Self – Higher Self – the Universal voice – Heart Source – God – that part of You that speaks Your truth – it would express only love.

We could plunge into the deep well of ego, but it's not how I want to share this precious time with you. Not today. Let's journey in the direction of Self awareness. There is peace in our monkey minds when we listen to the soft, loving, gentle and sometimes barely above a whisper inner voice that is Self.

The transition of manifesting reality comes from emotions towards Self, what we believe we're worthy of and where we focus our energy consciously and subconsciously. We deserve to be loved. We deserve to enjoy all of life's bounty. We deserve limitless amounts of joy. You and I have infinite potential to accomplish any and every -thing by releasing fear, the sensation of lack, and doubt. Some days it will seem easier to do than others, but keep practicing. That's all it is. You cannot do this wrong since there is no right way. It is the repetition of strengthening our Inner voice that encourages it to become loud and clear.

Meditation is one way of establishing a stronger connection to Self. By taking even a few minutes when waking up, in a stressful moment, in a joyful moment or as you close your eyes before sleep, will assist in developing your bond with Self. There are many versions of meditation: sitting with legs crossed, hands palm side up resting on the knees and eyes closed; listening to a guided meditation; repeating a phrase/mantra; and even watching the sunrise/sunset. The list is long and I believe you will find your favorite way of traveling inward and finding your sacred space within.

There is so much in life to explore. No matter what someone else has ever said to you to cause any form of heartbreak, they are only words. It's time to step out of the muck, cleanse off and release the binding affects that hold you back. Take a moment and tell Self, “I love you. I respect you. I forgive you and all that have brought harm to me or others. I deserve to give and receive only the purest of love.”

Give your dreams and desires the freedom from the less-than-loving voice to experience your Soul's expressions. -Cindy Kochis

The Things We Say & Do

It takes courage to be vulnerable. It's the fear of giving friends, family, enemies and complete strangers the opportunity to hurt us in ways we believe would be detrimental to our well-being that prevents us from being Authentic.

A very common line repeated as if a personal mantra: “I'm my own worst critic.” Sad, but true, many participate in the practice of being the one attacking Self. Who knows the painful pressure points better than anyone else? To protect our internal Self, we build walls and dig motes to remove all access to our spirit by locking it behind an impenetrable gate. But why? To keep everyone out and to prevent future heartbreak? We go through our trials and tribulations to learn more about our own desires.

“Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends upon the tides of the mind.”
-Alice Meynell

The keys to our Self-imposed gate is within reach. The illusion is we cannot unlock it; because what if...... Look into the eyes of the person you see in the mirror and say, “I love you.” Say it with compassion and respect. Release your inhibitions. And yes, you can do this! Strengthen the relationship with Self. Be your own best friend and the person you want to be in this lifetime. Take yourSelf out on a date and do the things you always wanted to try. Don't be afraid. Shatter the mental phrases that hold you back by questioning whether it's worthy of 'truth'.

When you step back from the situation you might find fear is not the root cause of your hesitation; it's being vulnerable to the unknown.

Please note: It was very important that I share this message today. I don't know why or for whom it is intended. I am trusting my intuition. As I walked in the woods yesterday afternoon, the subject of vulnerability entered my thoughts and its affect on people. The flip side to this conversation is – “When you see someone in a vulnerable state, what do you do?”

Pieces of Egg Shell Everywhere

I have a magical garden. It was built as I emotionally healed and has been maintained with unconditional love. The flowers outside in my back yard have witnessed my tears, my joys and all emotions in between, and yet, they come back every year. I think they like to watch me grow.

In an email conversation with a dear friend, she wrote these words, “And when it comes to doing healing work, maybe it's time to stop trying to heal people and instead, time to use your training to help people align with their healed truth?” I read the line too many times to count. For those that don't already know, I am an intuitive healer. Actually, to tell the truth, not many people know. This is my cracking out of my shell, takin' the risk, jumping off the metaphysical cliff and whatever cheesy line fits appropriately. It is time for me to stop hiding behind the curtain and be of service. People have a way of finding me and telling me their issues, problems - their life story. It happens in the grocery store, the post office, at work, and the list continues. When I was a teen, this used to bug me to no end. I would think, “Do I really need to know this? Do I look like I care?” I'd offer some encouraging words to be nice and off they would go. Years later, a friend helped me explore my abilities. It didn't take long for me to attract the things in my life to help me become more 'aware'.

I would like to share with you a portion of my correspondence; it will help you understand my goal and intent as an intuitive healer. “From the beginning of my journey in this life of channelling, premonitions, and healing, I've not wanted to tell people of their future, for the future is forever evolving through our own free will. Of course I went to you to take a peak at "my" future, not so much to know it, but to know that I would be in a better place than I was at that moment ~ that everything would be okay, happier, less painful. I needed the reassurance. Funny thing is, I've held off in doing any readings for people because I didn't want to disappoint people, break their hearts like when things I was told would happen didn't work out in what I considered a timely manner. Hence, my novels. According to channeled readings received over the years, I should have one novel published and another almost done. MY LESSON... I lived and experienced what I don't want to present to others and shown why. I want to help people with 'today'. What you wrote is what my current blog is all about ~ helping people align with their healed truth. That is how I want to assist people ~ bring awareness to Self ~ to enlighten them so they may see on their own how their words and actions impact not only others, but themSelf ~ remind them of the love that is within each of us ~ AND, there is no right, there is no wrong; there is no positive, there is no negative (other than with electricity)... I see how I was; I see how others feel and the emotions they use to express in an attempt to feel better about themselves and life (for example, drama)... I want to (metaphorically) hand them the tools as they are leaning under the hood of their car saying to themselves, "if I tweak this and adjust that... this engine should purr like a kitten." (Can ya tell I've had many mechanics in my life?) You're right - I don't want to fix 'em. I am an intuitive healer assisting those that are ready to align with Self in a non-judgmental, unconditionally loving and healthy manner. Thank you. I needed to say that.”

I'm certain when I am finished posting this blog entry and take a walk out in my garden I will hear the daffodils applaud. There is so much for us to love, learn and appreciate about Self.
Namaste'

It Is Time To Move

On January 17th, I decided to end a dream. Creative Counsel, Inc. was established as a way for me to explore the adventure of owning my own freelance writing business. I haven’t stopped writing (although you can’t tell that by the lack of entries on this blog). With the shedding of one coat that no longer fit, other layers quickly fell to the floor as well. Relationships, business ventures (yes, plural), and any other stuff I felt no longer served my highest good has been released. This past month has been about letting go and preparing for a rebirth (for a lack of a better word). I am starting over. Mind you, the slate hasn’t been perfectly cleaned off. Some residue remains as reminders of the blessing existing on my journey. Forgiveness has been expressed to Self and others, internal growth overwhelms my peaceful garden within and life is forever changing in magical ways.

Putting Food By

The sweet pea vines have begun to dwindle. Tomatoes are ripening on the stem and cucumber plants continue to spread at an amazing rate. Only a few red raspberries remain on the stalk untouched by deer and human hands.

Dedicated to the tasks of hauling water, pulling weeds, cultivating the soil and removing tent worms from broccoli leaves, I am blessed with the abundance of fresh, nutritional food. Vegetables and fruit I will enjoy long after the harvest. I am grateful.