A Day of Hope at Eisenhower in Palm Desert, CA

The Coming of Spring

Spring is almost here. It seems so long since I have not worn a sweater or jacket. Since I wrote last, I have entered a program to become a dietician. It's funny how quickly I am learning and finding ways to change my eating patterns. There is a website called FitDay and I am journaling what I'm eating each day as well as writing about my exercise (or lack of ). This process seems doable and helpful to me. Just looking at a graph of the total amount of fat in my daily diet is pretty scary. I've actually moved a great deal closer to vegetarianism. I've made big changes in my life. With all the stress the nation is under, I just keep thinking, "What would Martha do?" It might sound funny, but I like that dream that if I work harder, become smarter and be more creative, my life will improve. I'm also looking at my spirituality. "Be in the moment!" I tell myself. "Breathe." It helps. I'm greatful to be breathing and I just know Spring will be beautiful. I have a print that my mom used to have before she died and it's of a mother and daughter. The title is "The Coming of Spring." Fond memories I have of Easter baskets and egg hunts and new shoes. I'm really ready for Spring this year, and I hope it lasts.

Dreams Come True in the Year of the Tiger

Oh the Crescent City is devine. It's full of oysters, crab, shrimp and of course gumbo. Actually it's also about duck and poor boys and crawfish. It's all a good time. Saint Bernard Parish is still a sad place trying to get back on its feet. The feet of the trees come up through the roads even now, years later. Bourbon Street is newer and cleaner. It seems everything got hospital grade cleaning after Katrina, even Bourbon Street. The St. Louis Cathedral on Christmas morning was alive and well and warm. New Years is fast approaching. Will I put my faith in my own abilities, the abilities of others, or the abilities of the devine? Super greatful for the holiday season of much joy. M.

I just signed up for facebook. That is a really weird experience. I can't believe how many people in the world I just connected with. I am going to remember this moment forever. I suspect the future is going to be really different.

Harvest Moon Week

This week has been so much fun reading the Martha Stewart Magazine. People keep asking me if I read it. Of course! There's an article about Joshua Tree and how Martha came to town. Well, I knew that, but it was fun to see in writing. I love the picture of Martha in front of the Joshua trees. I have photographed so many Joshua trees. I'm going back to Greek cooking school this week, but I haven't been baking. I made some beautiful Autumn cards, but of course I haven't sent them. Anyway, I miss you guys. Thanks for being there. Marilee

Let's Get to Fall

Growing up in southern California, I was not aware of the seasons. It always seemed to be summer. Now, I live in the high desert of Calfornia, and the end of the oppressive heat in September is very welcome. I had planned to go to Oak Glenn last weekend, but the fire just last week kept me home. I will go soon. The apples and everything about Oak Glenn just intrigues me. I have many happy breakfast memories from Oak Glenn. That's where I bought my first Farmer's Almanac. I use the almanac to predict the weather and consider planting dates. As a gardner, I am a complete failure. Still, I dream about the kind of garden that Martha Stewart has and shows in her magazine. Never the less, I am blessed. This week is all about yoga. The Bhakti Festival is coming to Joshua Tree, and I am volunteering www.bhaktifest.com. I already met some very interesting people following their own dreams. I really enjoy meeting people like Leslie. She's been traveling extensively through Guatemala and Mexico and Oregon and Washington. She's a model for me to follow my bliss! I am off to stretch since I have really let my yoga practice go. Your friend & Martha's, Marilee

It's not easy being Martha

I got my hair cut. It's as close as the beautician could get me. I'm holding the cover to the baking book. I'm going to keep working on it since I just love her haircut. The lady at the beauty parlor even saved my hair to donate for kids who need it. That made me feel really good. I brought Debbi, who cut my hair, a dozen of the blueberry muffins from the book. They turned out well. See ya. M.