What Matters Most Now

Life Lessons to Learn from Geese

Every day I feel like I am learning how to be a human.  Where are the Cliff Notes versions or cheat sheets on living that we can scan through quickly and learn everything there is to know about our human existence? Life's tricky.  Just as we think we are mastering one aspect of our life, we are gently reminded that this journey is riddled with mystery.

I love the Portugese Proverb, 'Live to learn and you will learn to live.'

Speaking of learning...I think there can be a lot to be learned from other species. 

I love geese. 

This time of year geese are flying south to warmer climates for the winter in the Pacific Northwest. (How brilliant is that?)

It's been raining here lately...but at least these beautiful rainbows appear as a result.         

Last fall, Miss B's teacher sent home a little list of Lessons from Geese with her from school. It was meant to be a tool demonstrating how the classroom would function cohesively.  It resonated with me on many levels and I felt the need to share.  

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Things to Live By - Life Lessons from Geese

Milton Olson is the original author of the non-italicized points below.  Authors of quotes are noted.

This fall when you see geese heading back south for the winter, flying along in a “v” formation, you might be interested to know what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way. 

1. As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in this "V-formation", the whole flock adds 72% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.    People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going the quickest and easiest because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.  'Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily.' - Sally Koch
2. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going. We are willing to accept help and give our help to others.  'We are here to help one another along life's journey.' - William J. Bennett
3. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies point. It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership with people. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents and resources. 
4. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up-front to keep up their speed. We need to be careful what we say when we honk from behind. Let's be encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.  'Enthusiasm is the electric current that keeps the engine of life going at top speed...'-B.C. Forbes
5. When a goose gets sick or is wounded or falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.  They stay with it until it is either able to fly or until it is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group. If we had as much sense as geese, we would stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong. 'What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other.' - George Eliot
6. Geese fly South for the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. What a great reminder to take a break from the cold winter to rejuvinate ourselves where its warm.  But love this journey more than the destination. 'Take time to marvel at the wonders of life.' - Gary W. Fenchuk
7. Geese mate for life. A goose must have companionship. Geese seek true lifelong love. Make a life in which you are not alone.  Find people you love and who love you back, and love you for who you are with all your imperfections.  'To love and be loved is the greatest happiness.' - Sydney Smith  If we have the sense of a goose, we will realize that relationships are what matter most. 

Special thank you to the Hubs and Miss B for taking these pics!

Our Favorite Green Smoothie a.k.a. The reason we bought a Vitamix

A few years ago, while making our way through Costco, the kids and I stopped at the engaging Vitamix presentation.  The kids immediately sampled the green concoction that was offered and enthusiastically begged me to try as well.  

This green smoothie concoction had me at hello!  I quickly inquired as to what the contents contained as I couldn't believe that something so divine, yet good for us, could not be laden with sugar!  What followed is the recipe I am sharing minus the chia seeds, which after researching, I have added for their nutritional content and to ensure the kids are getting a good dose of protein in addition to the beneficial spinach and other ingredients.

This smoothie is a morning staple in our house.  I love the ease of throwing the ingredients together and the kids being able to walk out the door with a nutritious "meal" in tow.

Our Favorite Green Smoothie

One slice of fresh ginger, about the size of a dime (I keep a ginger root in my freezer and cut it as needed)

1/2 of a banana

Two huge handfuls of fresh spinach

1 lemon wedge (cut a lemon in eighths)

1/2 container of 100% white grape juice concentrate (no added sugar, just all-natural goodness)

2 cups of ice

1 Tab. chia seeds (optional), I put them into 3 Tab. of warm water to soak in for a few minutes until they turn into a gel-like substance then put all of this into the smoothie.

 Instructions

Layer the ingredients in the following order in a blender: grape juice concentrate, lemon, ginger, chia, spinach followed by the ice.  Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Feel free to get creative once you have the original recipe well-accepted by your tasters (family).  I substitute kale for the spinach or lime for the lemon, throw in flax seeds for added fiber, add frozen strawberries, blueberries or any leftover fruits, or add Greek vanilla yogurt for a creamier version.  It's really hard to "mess-up" this base recipe.  Keep in mind that as you add ingredients, the beautiful almost-neon green color turns to less enticicing shades of brown.  

And yes, I came home with a Vitamix that day...a day before Father's Day (after standing talking to the Vitamix salesman for almost an hour, quizzing him over and over, and sampling numerous other creations).  The kids were over-the-top excited.  The Hubs had a great surprise that year too (Rest assured, I made up for the taboo "appliance gift" in subsequent years).

 I will have to say that the Vitamix transformed our lives that summer, and I am not exaggerating.  We consume more raw, fresh vegetables than ever before.  One of our pickier eaters started consuming fruits and vegetables and became one of our best eaters that summer as a result.  Did you know that it makes great soup and sorbet too?  In fact, this recipe freezes well and morphs into great sorbet with a beautiful color!

I've offered many green concoctions to friends' children and hesitant guests who have been pleasantly surprised by the awesome taste.  My sweet friend Chelsea was blown away that her son, who tends to be pretty picky, loved the "Shrek Green Monster Sorbet" made with spinach and kale that I offered him.

We even take our Vitamix on road trips to our annual family reunion and I would take it camping if we were guaranteed an electrical outlet and could guarantee not being hazed by our friends for bringing along an appliance such as this.  

The Vitamix is amazing!

One last thing...

Did you know that Chia Seeds are touted by Dr. Oz as an ancient super-seed secret and they not only pack protein but they also contain fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and so much more! The poor chia seeds were given a bad rap by gaining their fame as the Chia Pets.  Who knew they packed such a punch of nutrients?  I buy mine here on Amazon as I have yet to find them locally.

Gram's Best Tortellini Italian Sausage Soup

A while back, my parents invited us over for a weekly Soup Night at Gram & Poppy's for a three-month period.  Each week my mom would introduce a new soup paired with different breads and a special dessert.  The kids were all given a score card and asked to rate the soup of the week.  I can't begin to tell you how much the kids looked forward to this special night at the grandparents!  (So did I!)  It helped us with time but most importantly, it bonded our family...over something as simple as soup.

From the perspective of our kids, there's something about trying new foods at the grandparent's house that makes it okay to venture out.  Not only did our kids try every soup that was presented but they ended up loving each of Gram's creations.

This soup won the overall favorite soup award.  It's packed with great vegetables and other than the Italian sausage (which could be substituted with turkey or chicken sausage) - it's a pretty healthy weekday option.

Tortellini Italian Sausage Soup

Printable Recipe

Makes 10-12 Servings 1 (1.24 ounce) package fresh ground hot Italian Sausage (I've also used original Jimmy Dean sausage successfully) 3 carrots, diced 1 onion, chopped (any kind works here) 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32-ounce) boxes low-sodium chicken broth 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or 1 (15-ounce can) of diced tomatoes (my favorite is the fire-roasted or basil/garlic) 2-3 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thinly 1 6-inch stalk of fresh rosemary, stem removed or 1 teaspoon dried, crushed rosemary 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated tortellini (I've also used frozen tortellini with no problem) Garnish: fresh chopped herbs such as rosemary or parsley, optional

1.  Combine sausage, carrots, onion, pepper and garlic and cook over medium heat until sausage is browned and crumbled.  Drain well.

2.  Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce (or tomatoes); bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.  3.  Add zucchini and rosemary and simmer 20 minutes.

4.  Add tortellini and simmer 5 minutes or until tender.  Serve immediately with garnish, if desired.

This soup is especially good served with Black Olive Scones.  (Recipe to follow at a later post.)