Corner Cupboard

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” -- Maya Angelou

I love inspiring quotes that ring true to my soul. I also love to learn. And I might as well ‘fess up that I love to teach--to share my knowledge, limited as it may be compared with the great scholars and teachers of the world.

Nevertheless, when I find something interesting, inspiring, helpful, eye-opening or simply a must-know, I feel compelled to share.

So here goes. Welcome to my Corner Cupboard, where you can find a handful of yummies to feed your brain!

1. I recently received one of those mass forwarded e-mails from a friend. I tend to delete them without much thought but this one proved especially useful--a list of tips to thwart burglars from breaking into your home. My favorite tip? Sleeping with your car keys next to you--if you have one of those key fobs with a car alarm/panic button.

“If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies...think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are [that person] won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.“

2. Here are some stunning photographs by Rachel Sussman. The oldest living things in the world--beautiful, amazing, wonderful history, makes me feel connected, and puts life on this planet into perspective.

3. Have you ever heard of a Dutch Baby? Aside from the disturbing name, as soon as I saw this recipe I had to make it that very day. And it was scrumptious. In fact my two little ones gobbled it right up and I was only able to get one little piece before it was all gone! I'm not saying this is the best Dutch Baby recipe ever, but it was the first one I tried. I made it as directed and filled the center with some berries that I warmed and simmered on the stove. However, now that I'm making a lifestyle switch to veganism, I'll have to amend this recipe or find another. I'm up for the challenge!

4. Speaking of veganism, I recently finished reading "Veganist" by Kathy Freston. It was life-changing, eye-opening, mind-expanding, and soul-enriching. It was just what I needed to read at this point in my life. Even if you have never for once thought about going vegetarian or vegan, I urge you to read this book. It's not about radical changes; it's about leaning into change--doing what's right for you at your own pace. I grew up in the Midwest. I was a meat-and-potatoes girl through and through. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd want to stop eating (or using) all animal products. Now I feel differently. Read this book and tell me you're not affected in some way--I challenge you! (And if you do, let me know, I'd love to talk about this book with you!)

5. Have only 3 minutes and want to smile? Watch this. Have 9 minutes and want to cry? Watch this. An unbelievable artist, Kseniya Simonova, moves you through the use of sand, music, and light. Beautiful.

Enjoy!