Vol. 5 No.1 January-February 2010
Being Thankful.
      The middle of the Winter in Atlanta, is always a time of thankfulness and introspection for me.  I’m thankful for every day that is bright and sunny.  I grew up in Michigan, where Winter is mainly gray, cold and dreary.  The bright sunny days that we have here seem like a gift to me. I have resolved to find at least 3 small things each day to be thankful for.  Often it is that sunny day.   At the University of Pennsylvania there is a center called the Positive Psychology Center where Dr. Martin Seligman heads the study in positive emotional human traits.  Take a few moments and go to their site and identify your positive strengths (VIA Survey of Character Strengths- about half way down on the page in the center).  http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx .  By identifying your positive traits you can use those to choose to do those things that you naturally do well and easily.  Sometimes people have been surprised by what they find, other times, it just confirms what you already know, but, needed to be reminded of.  Thankfulness is one of the traits that they measure.  We know that simply by reminding ourselves at least once a day of the things that we are thankful for, we can lessen the effects of depression and difficulties in our lives.  Try it out for yourself! 
    When you come for your next appointment in my office bring your list and we will clear you on being who you want to be.  Amazing results have been achieved using these tools!  Use this new year to move forward in your life and feel satisfied with the good things you have and are. Call for an appointment: 404-377-1257.

Join me for classes that I have scheduled over the next few weeks.  I am constantly adding classes to my calendar.  Check the website to keep yourself up to date.
www.BeyondTheMedicineCup.com

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 6:30-8:30 PM
Oakhurst Community Garden*
Soup and Stew on a Budget
A Hands-On Cooking Class.
Stay warm and healthy during the cold of winter!  Learn to combine foods, and tastes, using inexpensive meats and veggies to create soups and stews. Make elegant, inexpensive Beef Bourguignonne from Julia Child’s Book “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” (featured in the movie, “Julie and Julia”),.
    Taste two other stews and soups and take home other recipes.  You will eat dinner with us that night.  Be prepared to help make one of the easy and quick soups.

Sunday, February 7, 2010 6:30-8:30 PM
Oakhurst Community Garden*
Love Potions For Your Valentine
Use Herbs to Enhance Your Life
Learn to combine Essential Oils (aromatherapy) into blends that will relax and excite you and your lover.  Bring containers to carry home bath salts and massage oils that you make (1 pint jar for your bath salts and one ½ pint jar for your massage oil).  Charli's enthusiasm for life and creativity will inspire you.  Books will be for sale at the class.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 6:30-8:30 PM
Oakhurst Community Garden*
Preparing a Valentine’s Dinner for Two
A Hands-On Cooking Class.
Discover the possibilities for a romantic dinner for two.  We will prepare simple dishes including as many aphrodisiac foods as we can pack into three courses.  All food, well prepared, is sensual as well as nurturing.  Eat with us and take home recipes to make this Valentine's Day memorable.

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 6:30-8:30PM
Oakhurst Community Garden*
Demystifying Gluten-Free Cooking
A Hands-On Cooking Class
Learn to use Gluten-Free flours and other ingredients that substitute for the stickiness of gluten in desserts and baked goods. Learn to make and taste one yeast bread and make one quick bread from start to finish.  Discuss how to substitute gluten-free flour in your favorite cookie recipe, quick bread, fried chicken, & thicken gravy or sauces.

*Oakhurst Community Garden,
435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030
Register: 404-371-1920, www.OakhurstGarden.org

Join me at Salud!, the cooking school at Harry’s Farmer’s Market (Whole Foods) in Roswell on April 1, 2010, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. 

You can always schedule a class or dinner at your home.  Contact me for more info.  404-377-1257
Check out the total list at my website: www.BeyondTheMeasuringCup.com