182
My new years resolution this year was to purchase Peter Reinhart's book 'The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Master the Art of Extraordinary Bread' and cook my way through it. I think New Years resolutions get a bad wrap. People say they don't like resolutions for one reason or another, but me, I love them. They give me a chance to come up with all of the things I have been wanting to do but putting off. I pick my favorite 'thing' and go with it. I usually get pretty far. It is fun to look back and see how well I have done. Well, this year I made it all the way until January 3rd. Pretty good right?
You see, I have suffered my entire life with GERD. You can look it up HERE. Basically, I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't have a horrible burning in my chest. Heartburn plagued me day and night, sometimes it was so bad that I couldn't sleep. I have gone to numerous doctors who put me through numerous tests and have tried every medication possible, but there was never any relief.
Good news though, I have been cured! Bad news, my new years resolution is kaput. My darling husband was looking through various resources and came across a discussion on the Paleo diet and GERD sufferers. As it turns out, there are many many people who have lived their lives with GERD and after switching to this diet all of their symptoms have gone away. So, if figured I would try it. I would try ANYTHING. You are probably wondering what this diet is. Well let me tell you:
None of these foods
grains
dairy
legumes
processed food
artificial foods
soy
sugar
Lots of these foods
meat (try to keep it lean)
nuts and seeds
fruit
vegetables
Minimal amounts of these foods
alcohol (no beer or grain base alcohol)
honey and maple syrup
dark chocolate
Basically they say, anything that a cave man would have had access to is free game. It looks like fun right? No. But, since nothing else has worked I thought I would give this a try. At first I was pretty sure I was going to die without a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, after the initial pity party was over, I did not feel like I was missing much. After two weeks my heartburn had lessened quite dramatically. And now, it has been a month and I have been heartburn free for about a week and a half. It is so strange, I am so used to always having that burning in my chest, and it is just gone. I spoke to my doctor and she said that I am probably intolerant to gluten. I am not sure why they did not think of that to begin with, but there it is.
So, here I am with no more New Years resolution, but I am healthier for it. If you know me, you know that I LOVE to cook. And I have a bit of a sweet tooth. So, I thought I would share my new favorite snack that is gluten, dairy, legume, sugar and soy free. It is a-mazing.
Lemon Coconut Balls
Put one cup of raw almonds through a food processor. Do the same with 1 1/2 cup of dates. Put the dates and the nuts in a bowl along with the seeds of one vanilla bean, 1/4 tsp salt, the zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 cup of unsweetened coconut. Mix it all up really well and form into balls and keep in the fridge.
Scrumptious.
It looks like life has decided make a mockery of my resolution. But, I am ok with that. I will take a gluten free life to esophogeal cancer any day!
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Nibbles: Goodbye New Years Resolution, Hello Health
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181
This is a photograph that I made while in Cape Town at the beginning of this year. I love this mountain. I love the way she hugs the city. Table Mountain is probably one of my favorite natural features of the Cape. When I lived in South Africa, I would wake up every morning and peak out my window to see the mood of the mountain. Sometimes serene, sometimes angry, but never the same as the day before. This shot was made just a few days before we left this last trip. I always get the same sad feeling when my departure arrives. This time, I wasn't sure how long it would be before I returned. Our life is changing so quickly now that I wasn't sure that we would have the time to make it back for Christmas 2010. Well, here I am just 2 months later and already I may be on my way back to South Africa.
Life is a little bit crazy. To be honest, it is a lot crazy. As I sit here writing this post, I am surrounded by boxes of every shape and size. The inevitable has finally arrived. Charlie and I gave our 30 day notice to give up our apartment a few days ago, we are on the road again. The next few months promise to be exciting. Charlie is heading to South Africa for work and I will be in California for the next month tying up loose ends, going to a fantastic photography conference in Las Vegas, potentially doing some shooting with the Food Network and the Travel Chanel, and finally, joining Charlie in Johannesburg, South Africa. While there I will be photographing a couple weddings, and hopefully joining Charlie on his research to do a bit of documentary photography. We will conclude our adventures abroad with a wedding in the Bahamas. Then it is back to the States, final destination to be decided. I love uncertainty. There are some people that need to have a plan, everything needs to be scheduled out. I am not one of those people. Love spontaneity and a little bit of the unknown. Well, it looks like life has decided to dish out a huge portion of uncertainty.
So, if you want to book a session before I leave, I suggest you let me know as soon as possible. I do have a few spots open before I leave!
Bigger Brother:
I hope you have time to come up and see us before you leave. Bring your camera...:)
(02.10.10)
Scott:
Have a great trip! I am one of those people that need a plan so the though of doing this is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Keep us updated!
(02.10.10)
ravi:
yeah I want to book a session or at least find time to see you before you leave!!!
(02.10.10)
Sara Atkins:
Matteo & Ravi, your kids are on the to do list for this weekend!
Scott, Thanks! I will definitely keep my blogging up, so most of my adventures (and mis-adventures) will be here!
Wendy St.Clair:
That's so cool Sara! I've been following your blog and am so inspired by you. Go chase those dreams :) and best of luck in your adventure!!
(02.10.10)
Carol Reynolds:
Wow! Treasure these moments, you are two very blessed young people. I love keeping up with what you are doing on your blog!
(02.10.10)
Katy Gifford:
Awesome, Sara! I, like Scott, am a planner. Enjoy whatever life brings you, and best of luck!
(02.11.10)
Sara Atkins:
Wendy, it is so nice to hear from you! Thank you for keeping up with the blog!
Carol, thank you! And I am treasuring every moment.
Katy, thanks! Isn't it funny? I suppose everyone needs to plan a bit, but some of us really need to have a plan and some of us just don't.
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On the road again
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180
At the end of last year I worked with Saybrand Cillie on a beautiful wedding in Hout Bay, South Africa. It was a beautiful day and Mark and Elzette were oozing with happiness. This image is the view from the ceremony site, breathtaking.
After the ceremony we took the couple on a little walk. The maid of honor and best man came along, someone had to carry the champagne!
Elzette and Mark, congratulations. I hope you had a wonderful first Christmas as husband and wife!
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Elzette and Mark are married!
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179
Note: I am feeling rather verbose today. I am just going to take today to say thank you to life.
I still blush when people compliment my work. I put so much of myself into every image, it is as if each finished photograph is a little piece of my heart. When someone connects with my images in the same way that I do, it makes all of my effort worth it. I love my work and I am amazed that I have been able to make a career out of something that provides me with so much joy. I get to tell stories with my images. I get to show people how beautiful they are.
I am blessed, I know that I am and I am so thankful. I have an amazing life, a wonderful husband and a supportive and loving family. My life as I know it now is filled with love, adventure and opportunity. I am so eager to continue my work that I jump out of bed each morning excited to start my day. So Life, thank you.
Because I am so fortunate, I feel like I have an obligation to give back. While donating to charity is probably greatly appreciated, and going out and picking up garbage or handing out food is a great way to donate ones time, what I really wanted to do is use my photography in a way that can help. If I can put as much passion into my volunteer work as I put into work for my clients I figure I can do a lot more good.
I have always been a lover of furry critters. I have been bringing home stray and injured animals for as long as I can remember. My poor parents have become accustomed to my arriving at their house with a menagerie of animals of all sizes and shapes. I do not discriminate. But, as I have become an adult I have realized that my apartment is just not big enough to bring EVERY animal home with me. What I can do though is to help find other homes that do have space for these critters. And, I think have done that. If you are reading this, chances are you have seen at least one of the blog post's that I have published on the pups from Oakland Animal Services. Well, that last pup has been adopted and not only that, but the director of the shelter took the opportunity to do a write up on little widget...and me. The write up describes the importance of photography in getting their animals adopted. I wanted to help and, I as it turns out... I have.
You can read the article here: http://oaklandanimalservices.org/2010/02/a-photograph-can-change-an-animals-life/
Now, suppose everyone used their passion in a way that gave back to the world around them. How much better would the world be? How do you give back?
I still blush when people compliment my work. I put so much of myself into every image, it is as if each finished photograph is a little piece of my heart. When someone connects with my images in the same way that I do, it makes all of my effort worth it. I love my work and I am amazed that I have been able to make a career out of something that provides me with so much joy. I get to tell stories with my images. I get to show people how beautiful they are.
I am blessed, I know that I am and I am so thankful. I have an amazing life, a wonderful husband and a supportive and loving family. My life as I know it now is filled with love, adventure and opportunity. I am so eager to continue my work that I jump out of bed each morning excited to start my day. So Life, thank you.
Because I am so fortunate, I feel like I have an obligation to give back. While donating to charity is probably greatly appreciated, and going out and picking up garbage or handing out food is a great way to donate ones time, what I really wanted to do is use my photography in a way that can help. If I can put as much passion into my volunteer work as I put into work for my clients I figure I can do a lot more good.
I have always been a lover of furry critters. I have been bringing home stray and injured animals for as long as I can remember. My poor parents have become accustomed to my arriving at their house with a menagerie of animals of all sizes and shapes. I do not discriminate. But, as I have become an adult I have realized that my apartment is just not big enough to bring EVERY animal home with me. What I can do though is to help find other homes that do have space for these critters. And, I think have done that. If you are reading this, chances are you have seen at least one of the blog post's that I have published on the pups from Oakland Animal Services. Well, that last pup has been adopted and not only that, but the director of the shelter took the opportunity to do a write up on little widget...and me. The write up describes the importance of photography in getting their animals adopted. I wanted to help and, I as it turns out... I have.
You can read the article here: http://oaklandanimalservices.org/2010/02/a-photograph-can-change-an-animals-life/
Now, suppose everyone used their passion in a way that gave back to the world around them. How much better would the world be? How do you give back?
Scott:
That's awesome Sara. It's great you are making a difference. My small way of giving back is cleaning all the bugs out of peoples computers. Small, but 1 less spam message in everyone's inbox is a good thing. :)
(02.05.10)
Sara Atkins:
Scott, we can all use a few less pieces of spam. Yes, that does indeed make the world a better, more productive place!
Carol, Thank you.
(02.05.10)
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Giving a little bit of yourself
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178
Another shoot for the Oakland Animal Services and another pup that is in serious need of a home. If you know of anyone looking for a good pup, be sure you tell them about Widget! Widget has been at the shelter for a while now, just waiting for a home.
Widget is about 9 months old and is some sort of a chow chow mix.
Widget is a 9 month old Chow Chow mix of some sort. Super-cute and lovable, and a bit of a ham as you can tell from these shots!
And now, the answer to yesterdays owl hunt. No one won the free photo session for finding the owl, maybe next time!
Widget is about 9 months old and is some sort of a chow chow mix. Widget is a 9 month old Chow Chow mix of some sort. Super-cute and lovable, and a bit of a ham as you can tell from these shots!
And now, the answer to yesterdays owl hunt. No one won the free photo session for finding the owl, maybe next time!
Shelly Waldman:
I was close. Or I should see J was close.
(02.04.10)
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Widget needs a home
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Good for you, Sara! I have a huge sweet tooth myself and can't imagine not having sugar in my diet.
(02.11.10)I know! I thought I was literally going to melt into a pile of bland boredom. But, as it turns out, it isn't all that bad. Especially when you get to partake in the occasional spoonful of honey!
(02.11.10)I was going to ask how the paleo diet was coming along. I'm still on my 'cheat month' before I go back to my blood type diet, which is basically paleo-light, so I'm enjoying pizza, ice cream and chocolate coated peanuts for a while longer. CF pics anytime soon?
(02.11.10)I am going to tell my Son Joe( your cuz) about this as he suffers from GERD. TY
(02.13.10)Robert - it is going great! You are so funny, a whole cheat month? I haven't figured out how to photograph myself while doing muscle-ups quite yet. but when I figure that out I will be sure to post it!
Mary - glad to hear it, let me know if he decides to go it and if he gets similar results!
(02.13.10)Wow Sara! Good for you! I'm glad to hear you don't have heartburn anymore. But that means we won't get to go to cheeseboard anymore. =T By the way, when are you leaving for South Africa?
(02.15.10)Hey Cindy! I can make and exception for cheeseboard! I will just pay for it for a few days =) I am leaving for South Africa at the end of March, I can't wait!
(02.16.10)Er, make that a cheat six weeks. I'll be back on the wagon soon, promise.
(02.18.10)Hehe, it must be nice to be able to cheat! Enjoy it! I cheated for the first time in a month, just to see. I paid for it! I think I am only just now getting back to being ok and it has been a week! So enjoy the cheat meal here and there for me. I think I am tied to the wagon for life!
(02.18.10)