Feb, for me, has always been about love. I used the darker seed beads as my diagnosis was a dark one. So, we contacted the healing group my husband is part of, and the outpouring of love, support, and such great suggestions of complementary medicine to help support the chemo were incredible. I love using pearls and always have them on my pieces, whether it's jewelry or bead embroidery. I had thought I would use only stones, but this called for glass beads as well. The hearts are Rhodonite and Howalite, as well as red glass and clear glass with a green interior. I also used sequin flowers, as flowers and hearts go together too.
In March, I started my chemo protocol; so that month's project is a healing brooch/pendant. I have an angel looking out for me and a four leaf clover for luck. My sister, Karen L Cohen, also a member of the BJP, came to visit and that visit is represented by the buttons; our Dad was in plastics and buttons were part of his inventory. One of the buttons is the Susan button and the other is the Karen button; wonder who they were named after? My sister still had them (she is concentrating on dealing in buttons and is creating fabulous ones in bead embroidery, enamels, and metals and more) and gave them to me to use. The semi-precious stones I have used are red jasper for healing cancer, hematite for grounding, protection, and promoting new blood cells, mother of pearl for focusing one's attention, malachite for detox against tumors, tiger eye for courage to combat fear, pearls, for calm and beauty, stomach digestion and emotional stress, and turquoise for healing, balance, and strengthening. I added the believe charm, as I truly believe that the chemo is working and all will be well.
I hope to finish and publish my April one before the end of the month. However, we leave for Boston on Wed for my scan and then to meet with my doctor at Dana-Farber. We will know more then. In the mean time, here's a recipe:
Quinoa Salad
The basic recipe comes from a
bag of Quinoa. Each time I make it, I change the vegetables I use. This was for
the pot luck lunch we went to for the Chinese New Year 2012, Year of the
Dragon, and I made one and a half recipes. All of the ingredients are organic, and it doesn't matter what vegetables you use, as they all tasted wonderful.
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup Quinoa
4 cups vegetables and fruit
combined:
steamed
broccoli, small florettes and stem pieces
steamed
zucchini, small chunks
cucumber,
small chunks
red
pepper, diced
tomatoes, diced
sugar snap
peas, cut into pieces
mango, diced
edamame
½ large red onion, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon coconut vinegar
(can use any vinegar you like)
3 ½ tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and fresh pepper to
taste
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
(can use any nuts, like almonds)
½ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1.
Cook the quinoa with the broth as directed on package. Allow
to cool. This could be done the day before.
2.
In a large bowl, combine the vegetables and everything else
except the nuts and cilantro.
3.
Add the quinoa, nuts, and cilantro, and mix well.
4. Taste
and adjust the seasonings. Can be served cold or room temperature.
ENJOY!
