this was the first raw dessert i ever made four years ago. it was love at first bite and remains my favorite sweet treat to date. thanks to the tangy lemons, this pie curbs just about every one of my cravings during the summer months. the abundance of avocados give it a creamy texture with loads of health benefits (which you can read here). it is a breakfast staple every morning as long as it is in my house.

raw lemon icebox pie

crust

1 1/2 cup raw macadamia nuts

3 tsp. lemon zest

1/2 cup coconut flakes

2 tbs. raw honey

blend all ingredients in food processor or vitamix blender. add raw honey to the dough-like mixture & combine with hands. place mixture in pie pan and spread evenly. set in fridge.

filling

2 cups ripe avocados

1 1/2 cups lemon flesh (no seeds)

juice of 1 lemon (no seeds)

2 cups pitted dates

2 tbs. raw honey

blend all ingredients in food processor or vitamix blender. pour into pie crust and spread evenly with spatula. sprinkle coconut flakes on top. place in freezer for 1 hour.

*i store mine in freezer and let sit in fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Rest and laughter are the most spiritual and subversive acts of all.

Laugh, rest, slow down.

words by anne lamott

my sweet willie & all-time favorite male artist on earth

“nelson ripped through 16 songs in his first 30 minutes on stage and never really slowed down. while other artists engage the crowd with stories, nelson and his band just play. and play. and play.”

you can read the article here

this blog hosts a post about a farmer’s market at least every couple of months (if not more), but the joy these outdoor frolics produce mixed with the frequency they occur here in southern california are enough to write home about. yesterday, i headed over to ocean beach for their weekly fruit-filled gala for some food and fresh air.

Freedom and love go together. Love is not a reaction.

If I love you because you love me, that is mere trade, a thing to be bought in the market; it is not love. To love is not to ask anything in return, not even to feel that you are giving something – and it is only such love that can know freedom.

words by krishnamurti

above photos are a sneak peek at the two dollar stallions on stage and in action.

i can honestly say that a few hours of dance leaves me feeling more liberated and strong and peaceful than anything else on earth. to move with abandon, to release all fears and judgements and inhibitions, brings me into a state of utter presence. there is nothing else like it.

i finally watched so you think you can dance two weeks ago while in texas.

what. a. treat.

one of the contestants performed a highly emotional piece to total eclipse of the heart that moved me to tears. her grace, her strength, her willingness to let go and fall into the moment was stunning and absolutely inspiring. take a look below.

breathtaking.

saturday was spent seaside, in honor of the one & only minna, whose presence will be missed immensely. san diego’s loss, san francisco’s gain.

fafi – one of my all-time favorite artists.

you were loved because god loves, period. god loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and his or her child. god loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. god loves you crazily, like I love you…like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need.

by anne lamott

these blueberries were bought solely for baking purposes, but ended up getting devoured (along with the other fruit in my fridge) before they ever touched a hot pan and after i spent the afternoon in the sun & sand yesterday. a berry cobbler patiently rests on my to-do list waiting to be brought to life, but may be delayed until the weather is not luring me outdoors.

i spent last week in texas with my family. while pictures can’t capture all the beauty that resides in the place i still call home, they give me an opportunity to reflect and remember when i return to what i now consider my life.

photo unknown

words by arundhati roy

the last few days have been spent with these precious faces, shifting my perspective a little each moment, as i see the world through innocent eyes.

within you is a place of love and grace.

it is a place without fear

where there is no need to defend or prove,

no need to lie or hide.

from this place springs words of truth,

actions of courage,

and a life of love.

wait patiently for the voices of fear in your mind

to cease their frantic call to action.

become aware of what the next clear step of love might be.

be patient with yourself.

the qualities of a lover

do not depend on externals.

they take root in your own soul

and grow as your attend to them.

they all lie within you.

by william martin