becoming whole

Theresa Yap: Brain cancer survivor

I don't have a photo (yet!) of my friend, Theresa Yap, but I didn't want to wait to share her story – it's a remarkable one. I met Theresa while studying macrobiotics at the Kushi Institute back in 2002.

She was a soft-spoken and kind Italian-American woman from Washington state, and we easily became good friends. Like me, she was married with two kids and had been raised Catholic, so we had that in common, too. We've stayed in touch over the years and both have continued to stay cancer-free and to stick with our macrobiotic diets and lifestyle.

Please read her amazing story at my Web site (and other survivor stories there, too).

p.s. I'm going to my daughter's high school graduation this weekend! That's something that at one low point in my life I feared I'd never have a chance to do, so I'm very grateful. Have a great weekend! Love, Meg

Organic strawberries

Are you looking for organic U-pick strawberries, or organic strawberries in general? Well, this is where you can get them in the Portland, Maine, vicinity: Little River Flower Farm in Buxton.

I first met Nancy Stedman, owner (with her husband Bruce) of Little River Flower Farm at the Portland Farmers' Market about five years ago. Nancy was wearing the kerchief of a new breast cancer survivor, but was vibrant and cheerful, sellling her organic flowers and strawberries. Both of these are hard to come by these days. Especially the U-pick strawberries. Conventional strawberries are one of the fruits that the highest amount of pesticide residue stays on. I stopped eating them years ago, but when I do happen to find organic, I buy them and savor them!

I once read an article by a Mom who wrote a short newsletter that I subscribed to. It was about an organic strawberry farmer who told why his organic strawberries cost more (back then 50 cents more per pint). And how people complained about this. He made a point that the same people were the ones that bought safe cars to drive so as to protect their children, made sure they wore their bike helmets and had them participate in sports to keep them healthy. The farmer said, "What about the food?" This is one thing that many Americans are oblivious to, or vaguely know about the toxic properties of, but do nothing. And strawberries are on the top of the list of the most important to buy organic. So, if possible, add Little River Flower Farm to your list of places to visit during strawberry season. Little River is making the effort, let's support them by buying their berries (and flowers!).

From their Web site this is what Nancy says about berry picking:

Berry Picking
In the summer of 2008, we will be selling organic strawberries and also offering “Pick-Your-Own” organic strawberries. Visit our website mid to late June for an update of the picking schedule or call us.

We will be growing four delicious varieties of what we call day neutral strawberries. These unique types will produce sweet berries from July through October!

Come enjoy our farm and see why we call it a little piece of heaven in Buxton along the Little River: 5 ponds, small blueberry orchard, 3 acres of cut flowers (pick-your-own).

Call Nancy at 207-929-3967, or visit her Web site for directions ... you'll be glad you did!

Waldorf Salad

It's Memorial Day, and that means parades, remembrances and (food-wise) ... picnics! Here's my version of the classic Waldorf Salad. Have a great day off today.

WALDORF SALAD
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
2 cups apples, diced
2 ribs of celery, diced
1 grated carrot
2 tablespoons of dulse flakes, or soaked pieces of dulse sliced and cut up (smoked dulse if especially nice)
1/2 cup Veganaise (without cane sugar) or Tofu Mayonnaise (below)
1 teaspoon umeboshi vinegar

Put everything in a bowl and mix in small amount of Veganaise or tofu mayonnaise. Splash in some umeboshi vinegar. Taste and season to your liking.

TOFU MAYONNAISE
8 ounces tofu
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons sesame or olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mellow white miso (or 1/4 teaspoon sea salt)
sprinkle of dill (optional)

Slice tofu. Steam 3 minutes. Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Note: This keeps refrigerated for 2-3 days. If it separates, just re-blend.

Reflecting

I was in pretty bad shape 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I had already lost a leg to bone cancer seven years earlier, I suffered from ulcerative colitis for five years, sinus problems and headaches every day of my adult life, was on medication for sleep and a heart arrhythmia, and I sometimes had panic attacks. One of my doctors told me to make my peace with God. Another said, "even with conventional treatment (which I did), the cancer will most likely return to the same spot within a year."

 Around that same time I remember watching The Oprah Winfrey Show, and there was a woman on the show who had advanced breast cancer. She feared that she would not be around for special moments in her daughter's life. She started writing letters for her daughter's birthdays, wedding, etc. It was sad, but a good idea, too. I believed she may have even already passed away when the show was aired, but I don't remember. What I do remember was that I started letting my (then-8-year-old) daughter, Cammie (pictured at left), do things that I might not have allowed, had I not had cancer. Like having 15 8-year-old girls for a birthday sleepover! I dreaded the thought before, but it was fun. I remember thinking I might not be able to do this next year. She remembers that I started buying her little gifts ... she couldn't figure it out, but later said her friend always told her, "That is because your mother is going to die."

Then I looked for other answers ... another doctor, a naturopath told me "some women have been helped by a macrobiotic diet." That was my "ah-ha" moment. I hit the road running, and I never looked back. I got on the macro train and said "all aboard, this train is leaving, and I'm getting well, friends and family hop aboard." And ... most did. I started reading macrobiotic recovery stories, other books about cancer and diet, took macrobiotic cooking classes, later started seeing a macrobiotic counselor, studied macrobiotics at the Kushi Institute in Becket, Mass. ... and started getting better. Later, I taught others how to cook. Now it has been 10 years since I found my lump. I am cancer-free because of this way of eating and lifestyle. This year I happily celebrated my 50th birthday! Oh, and all my other medical problems are gone too (except my leg, but I can live with that!).

I had the desire and felt that this was going to make me better. If you have the desire do it, macrobiotics could help you, too. It just takes determination and a "can do" attitude. And if you have children, I'm sure you're very motivated to get better. I was very sad and devastated when diagnosed, but determined to live ... the macrobiotic diet was hope with substance. I thought if those others did it, I could too, or at least give it my best shot. I felt I was doing everything humanly possible. So I let go, stopped worrying, lived and cooked a ton. It was well worth it! I became enthralled with this whole new world of whole grains, beans and especially vegetables.

In eight days my daughter will graduate from high school. Ten years ago I worried that I might not even be around for her 16th birthday (she just turned 18)! I wrote about this a few years ago in my book, Becoming Whole, The Story of my Complete Recovery From Breast Cancer. I'm happy to say that I'll be going to her graduation from Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. This is a dream come true. My husband, Tom, and my son Francis (21) will be there, too. I am very grateful.

If I can do it, so can others. There were others before me that I gained hope from. Be determined and don't veer from your path! Keep going toward health because you are well worth it. Take all that nuturing energy and put it toward yourself. Your family and others will benefit from your example. I believe we CAN change our destinies and watch our dreams come true.

Much love, Meg XO

Finding Courage from Others

I'm on Oprah's e-mailing list, so this week after opening the e-mail, I clicked onto a great article by life coach and author Martha Beck, called Blinded By The Light? Getting On The Right Spiritual Path.

I was quite moved by this article because of Martha's bravery and her ability to speak from her heart. Not a new thing for Martha — this is what her life is all about. She has courage. I think that's why her writing moves me so much. I first was drawn to her work in 2005 when I was doing a lot of driving back and forth from Maine to New York in search of the Holy Grail (an above-the-knee artificial leg I could comfortably walk on). First I listened to Following Your Own North Star (I was drawn in), then Raising Adam (I loved this woman), after that, How I Left The Saints And Found My Faith (a hard choice, but it's my favorite) and then The Joy Diet (which led me to her seminars).

Later, I visited her Web site and saw that she gave seminars on "Finding Your Own North Star" and "Life Coaching." I signed up for both. I wanted to study with Martha. I was starting to move toward people and things that inspired me, without a reason other than it felt right. It's what Martha would probably call our "internal compass." Or, what I perceived as my life unfolding.

The way I explain it is by example. For many years I would read books that I thought I "should" read. For instance, I'd go into a bookstore and I'd be attracted to a certain book because of the title or cover, or sometimes certain books just seemed to sparkle. But, instead of choosing that book, I'd choose the one that my (for lack of a better term) inner censor, would think was a better choice. It had to be goal oriented, maybe to make me smarter or more knowledgeable. Did this serve me? No, it didn't. Some of those books actually bored me. So, I don't do that anymore. Now I buy the book that sparkles or attracts me. And that's how I decided to do the Martha Beck seminars, with really no outcome or goal in mind, possibly to do some Life Coaching or not, but more because I was moved by her honesty and bravery so I wanted to study with her.

About three days into the seminar, I "knew" why I was there. I didn't want this to be the reason, but I "knew" it. Following your own "North Star," or "inner compass" isn't always easy or fun at first. It sometimes makes you face things that you've been avoiding or things that you don't have the courage or guts to do. What I came away from these seminars with was that following your gut (even doing what you fear the most) will move you 10 giants steps ahead on your life purpose, or life evolution. That's what it did for me.

I had been procrastinating about doing my second book, my photo book, Breast Cancer Exposed: The Connection Between Food and Survival. Photographer Joyce Tenneson had taken these beautiful photos of me for the cover of Becoming Whole, The Story of My Complete Recovery From Breast Cancer. I knew I had to do a photography book with her other photos and my text, but the thought of it scared me to death. Out came the old shame of my female body, the guilt of exposing it. "How could she do this?!" my censor said. So what did I do? I pretended to myself for a couple of years that I wasn't going to do it, to quell the fear. When I was at the seminar I suddenly thought, "Oh, no! — this is what this is all about for me ... to find the courage to do what I feared the most. To stop procrastinating." I went through the range of emotions many times before I finally did it, but I did it. I felt that I had done what I was sent here to do, though it wasn't quite what I expected!

So, my second book shows, through Joyce's sensitive photos, the results of my mastectomy. It also describes the all-important connection between the food choices we make and our health and well being.

Macro Chefs (meals) in the USA?

OK, you guys ... I need your help. (I'm departing from my usual Recipe Monday to put this question out there....) Do you know of anyone making macrobiotic meals in your area? Anywhere in the USA? There are a lot of folks, including my new friend Emily, who are looking for these wonderful meals when they travel, or move to different areas.

So, pick your brains or those of you friends, or ask around and (if possible) ask for the e-mail addresses if you learn of someone. It will be much appreciated. This is a standing request ... so anytime you hear of someone, please e-mail me at meg@megwolff.com, or comment directly onto this post or any other daily post.

Muchas gracias! XXOO

A great Women's Health Expo

Doing anything this weekend? My good friend Lisa Silverman, a longtime macrobiotic cooking teacher, is taking part in Saturday's popular Women's Health Expo in Sanford, Maine.

The third annual event, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free and features 160 vendors aimed especially at women and children. Vendors demonstrate their products (with many free samples) and services, and more than three dozen lectures are scheduled throughout the day on topics ranging from disease management to gardening. (I was scheduled to speak at this event, but my leg surgery changed that plan!)

Lisa, of the Five Seasons Cooking School, will speak on "The Spiral of Nourishment" from 10-11 a.m. (Room 1). The description of her talk reads: "Confused about what to eat and how much? Tired of limiting diets and conflicting theories? Learn from nature how to balance your diet and lifestyle. The ancient symbol of the spiral teaches us about healing, diet, and healthy lifestyle choices." Any class that Lisa teaches is sure to be worthwhile and fun!

The Expo also features free health screenings for women of all ages.

*On a personal note ... My surgery went well, I returned to Maine on Thursday, and I'm very happy to be recuperating at HOME. Have a great weekend. XO Meg

Louise Hay ... Mother of Hope

I read an article about Louise Hay by Mark Oppenheimer in the May 4 New York Times Magazine. It was about how she changed the spiritual landscape of America and several of its Western allies and how she has helped many people.

It reminded me of tapes that I've listened to of hers in the past that have helped me to relax, given me positive reinforcement and helped me to believe that anything is possible — the mother of hope. And that's what we all need. I need nurturing, acceptance and a motherly positive voice to relax to at stressful times.

So after reading the article, I pulled out a CD called What I Believe and Deep Relaxation. And yes, I know why Louise is such a big hit. I bet that woman never said a negative thing to anybody in her life! Good for her and for us. I like that ... it's comforting. And we all need that positive reinforcement. And her voice is warm, kind and loving. The best.

Note: In the past I also enjoyed her positive affirmations tapes, which I'm sure are now available on CD's.

Amaranth, Breakfast Of Champions!

A great, satisfying breakfast: amaranth & dried apricots, kale and carrots.

When I first started on a macrobiotic nine-plus years ago, amaranth with apricots was one of the first breakfast grains I tried. Trying to cut down on sugar, I remember cutting one apricot into tiny pieces! I found this grain delicious.

According to George Mateljan of The World's Healthiest Foods Foundation: "When it comes to a good number of nutrients, including numerous vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, amaranth is very similar to other grains (like wheat), as well as to other green leafy vegetables (like chard). However, we'd point to four nutrients as being significantly different when it comes to amaranth. First is the amino acid lysine. Most cereal grains, like wheat, are relatively low in this amino acid. Amaranth is not, and contains approximately twice as much lysine as wheat on an ounce-for-ounce basis. Next are the minerals calcium, iron, and magnesium. In this mineral area, amaranth is much more like chard than wheat. It contains about four times as much calcium as wheat and twice as much iron and magnesium."

AMARANTH WITH APRICOTS
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup amaranth
sea salt
1 to 2 apricots, chopped

Combine water, amaranth, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 25 minutes or until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.             
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.            

Readers: Grains and vegetables for breakfast is just a normal part of my routine and has been for close to a decade. Are any of you warming to this idea, yet?!

Under the Knife

After a week's delay, I'm going under the knife today. No, not the knife and spoon kind of knife you might be thinking of since this is largely a food blog. It's Reconstructive Surgery Day (once again) for me and my leg. I'm sorry, what can I do but indulge in a bit of gallows humor?

But ... I'm visualizing myself up soon, walking well, riding the bike again. And, best of all ... cooking on two legs (though my husband Tom will be cooking in the interim!).

So ... I'll be open to all your prayers, white light and love sent my way. Thanks & metta,
Meg
ox

p.s.: Please continue to visit as I'm working on a week of posts ahead of time. And, I have a great brain-cancer survivor story to share with you soon.

p.s.s.: My blogging friend San Meredith from A Life With A View kindly shared her favorite "positive, feel-good" and "funny" favorite movie list with me. On this list was Woody Allen's Alice (with Mia Farrow, of course), Tortilla Soup (Raquel Welch is hilarious in it), and the 1990 version of the classic Little Women (the one with Susan Sarandon). I thoroughly enjoyed these movies in the past couple of weeks. Muchas gracias, San! Also ... I've watched (San's picks) Off The Map, and Chocolat in the last few days. I enjoyed both of these as well.

What are your favorite "feel good" or even action (but non-violent) movies?? Since I'll be spending a lot of time recuperating in the weeks ahead, I'd greatly appreciate anyone who'd like to share some of their favorite movie suggestions with me. Thanks very much, and see you soon!