As  life  revolves, roves and evolves we can be surprised by it on a daily basis. Not always, but with the Full Moon in Libra-in view today and tomorrow, our opportunity to explore new beginnings emplodes. The ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of the robins. This is what is known as the astrological new year. The full moon is a time of culmination and the projise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon- on March 11. It is an emotional time- a time of romance, relationships and fertilization.
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This time of year is exciting because we all begin to crawl out of hybernation from the long winter months we have all endured in our own ways. We begin to think about the beach, nurturing our dry skin and healthy eating as the vegetables and fruits begin to appear in abundance from the rich soils. When I say "diet" I do not mean refraining from your favorite foods. What I mean is to indulge in some of the less popular ,over looked vegetables that are packed with nutrients. If prepared properly and not over done- simply roasted, with olive oil, salt and pepper- they become candy to your soul, while doing wonderful things for your body! One of my favorites that I habitually roast a couple times a week are the rich eggplants.
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This versatile vegetable provides nearly as much fiber as aslice of whole wheat breat without the calories.The deep purple skin contains a potent antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease and cancer-causing cellular damage. Keep it simple- cut them in your desired shape, drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper, some minced garlic and shallots perhaps and roast. Left overs are wonderful, and if you are feeling adventurous, add the Fungi to the mix. Another subtle vegetable that we tend to overlook. The mushroom. Filled with Vitamin D, helps keep your bones strong and may protect you from diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Since mushrooms make D when exposed to sunlight- these wonderful critters available in a vast variety provide nearly and entire day's worth of Vitamin D. Please see my array of roasted asparagus, whole carrots and mushrooms that I created 2 nights ago. Again, keep it simple. They have their own agenda when roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper and I added a slight dash of thyme to the carrots.
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Cauliflower and Brussel sprouts are up next on this list. Cauliflower is cousin to broccoli and cabbage. This white comfort food is delicious roasted with, again, olive oil salt and pepper- then towards the end, I spread dashes of capers over the roasted white little bunches adding a natural zing to this dish. Cauliflower has also been known to lower the risk of certain cancers.Studies also show that women who eat this on a regular basis lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Lastly, my message in this portion of nutrients for the body is to wake up you old programmed connotation of the Brussel sprout. Not like when you were a kid, but the modern day version. These are seriously nutritious. Sprouts are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. On cup of these tiny cabbages packs as much vitamin C ans an orange and by surprise also contains 5 grams of protien! Again, cut them in quarters allow the loose leaves to fall in the tin as they become crunchy as they roast. How? you guessed it- olive oil, salt and pepper. 350 degrees and Voila… meals for the king in your like, the princess and the queen. As the main attraction or served with the meat or fish of your choice! Happy Healthy Eating, my friends!  See below the surprising way they grow!Screen shot 2013-03-27 at 8.50.37 AM

As we move along from the happenings in today's sky, to nutrients for the body, I now share with you treats for the outer body, mind and soul through the magic of the earth's energies through precious and semi precious stones- which I could go on forever and perhaps deligate a full blog post on it for a near future time. But for today- I would like to share this month's birthstone which is Aquamarine. Although we are nearing the end of March and it was a doozy- kind of like receiving winter all in one month, yet we know the Crocus are nearby. This is a view of their present state, then on to the milky, watery blue magical stones.  Look at these innocent little buds poking through their white frozen blanket. In essence they are protected by this frosty heap. In days we shall most likely be able to experience these in the flesh along with the friends- the daffodils! Just in time for Easter.

 

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I must say, you all may be wondering what I have been up to since closing Mastsu. Everyday is a new experience quite honestly. My daily thoughts are provided here through my blog, although I have been missing in action- not writers block.. maybe just shy!? Not sure, but here I am and am full of life and miss you all. I have been avidly designing jewelry and studying the properties of the stones. Here as I mentioned before, are some images and an invite for an up comming party generously hosted by a friend for next Wednesday night. If you can come, please please email me!
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This glorious invite was designed by my long time talented friend- you may recognize the style to be consistent of those email blasts you received on a more regular basis years past. Kristen Yarranton. I owe her much appreciation for her branding and identity not to mention the language we both understand together in the world of design. As for the stones, this necklace is filled with different sizes of the March birthstone- Aquamarine.  Long time assoication with the seas. The Romans elieved the stones were sacred to the god Neptune and were washed up on shore as gifts. In the middle ages, Aquamarine was thought to magically overcome the effects of poison! How interesting. Aqua rules the throat chakra. One of our many energy channels. This chakra is related to the clarity of communication. It is the stone of courage as it alleviates fears, anxiety and restlessness. It combats depression. The deeper the tone, the higher the value without ever diminishing it's intended properties and healing qualities. Aquamarine sharpens intuition and opens the mind as it clears blocked communication.

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I invite you to visit my website on Etsy for more choices, more learning and more discoveries through my world of Nymph. Constantly evolving!   https://www.etsy.com/shop/NymphJewels

I thank you for reading my blog, and apologize for the lapse in sharing my journey. If you don't wish to continue, simply unsubscribe. I hope you choose to stay on board, but do understand.  I love sharing my view through painting with words right from my heart- always.

 As an added bonus since this is ONE PACKED BLOG, I would also like to share the profile that was created by another talented individual who I love dearly and that is Tracy Aiguier.

Tracy shot images for me back in the early days of Matsu- about 10 years ago or so. She asked if she could profile me and did. I share her blog with you here within mine. She captured my true essence very gracefully, I must say. I am proud to have been a piece of her life through her Behind the scenes. Her link is below. I hope you enjoy reading it once you carve a few moments out of your hectic lives.

http://www.exposurebehindthescenes.com/2013/03/08/profile-dava-muramatsu/

Happy Spring! I would love very much to hear from you. Don't be shy!

Yours in Joy,

Dava

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