February 3, 2007 
 Soul Food Newsletter
 Women Nurturing Women
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I am always amazed at the simple blessings in life. Yesterday morning I walked to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper. It was that magical time when the sky is beginning to turn a rich blue as the sun rises. The full moon was hanging just above the mountains, shining brightly. I could barely see the outline of a cloud bank underneath it. In the early morning quite, I was struck by the beauty and wonder all around us and felt overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It is such simple things that bless us each and everyday if only we look for them.

In the last two newsletters, I have talked about "New Year's Revolutions" and systems to help you achieve your goals. Now let's talk about living a "great life".

A great life has nothing to do with being rich and famous. Everyone can think of executives, rock stars and professional athletes who have a lot of money, but not a great life. The definition of a great life is not the same for everyone, but it is well within your reach. I hope these thoughts inspire you to define a great life for yourself.

A great life has a overarching purpose, a unifying theme and vision. It is a way of life that is chosen and lived in the service of a greater purpose. And it is not just spent, it is invested in others.

Secondly, a great life makes a great contribution and uses its talents and abilities to make the world a better place by standing up, speaking out and getting things done. A great life makes a difference and leaves the world a better place than it was before.

And lastly, a great life leaves a path for others to follow. It is wonderful to do great things, but even better to teach others to follow you. A great life leaves a legacy and inspires the next generation to dream bigger and do more.

I hope you are not thinking that you don't or can't have a great life. Not so! Have you raised your children to be responsible loving adults? You have a great life. Have you spent time with children, teaching and nurturing them? You have a great life. Have you taken a deep breath and asked once more that your child pick up their room, when you really wanted to scream? That's right, you have a great life. Unfortunately, I don't have millions to give for medical research like Bill Gates. Sadly, I don't have a nationally syndicated talk show like Oprah. Nor will I find a cure for cancer or HIV. But my goal is to have a great life by making the world a better place one person at a time.

Thanks to those of you who responded to my question about allowing men to attend Soul Food. Overwhelmingly, you want Soul Food for women. I agree. And I am totally convinced that if, as women, we got together and used our energy and talents we would create a much better world. How's that for a unifying vision?

 Summary of "Do Real Women Need a Kitchen?" with Mary Collette Rogers.
 Getting Back To Cooking.

At our last Soul Food luncheon, the topic was the kitchen and the food in it. Wow, there are a lot of things we don't like about the kitchen. Cooking can be a lot of work and we have to clean up afterwards! We would rather not cook for others; the picky kids and meat-and-potatoes husband. Cooking can be very time consuming, especially if you don't have good equipment. And sometimes shopping is a lot of hassle!

But as Mary explained, being in the kitchen is very good and doesn't have to be a hassle. When we left the kitchen, some of us became hostage to the fast-food industry, which has turned out to be detrimental to the health of ourselves and our family. The first thing to do is to get rid of the guilt and make cooking a creative process. Maybe on crazy days, you serve leftovers or soup and sandwiches. That's healthier than McDonald's.

Next, be proactive. Plan out a few meals and make a grocery list accordingly. Keep frozen veggies and canned goods on hand for quick meals.

Mary had a great chart to follow for those nights when you have no idea what to make for dinner. Start with veggies, add protein or pasta and spice it up! Remember that it doesn't have to be fancy or time consuming; it only has to be nutritious.

As Mary and I talked later, we were amazed at the emotional response to food and the kitchen. We came up with an idea for a workshop addressing the spiritual, emotional, and just "how to" of being in the kitchen. Then everyone attending would help prepare a meal and we would all share in it together. Mary and I feel that this is an area of life that is not addressed. Women either love food or hate it. Please give Mary or me your feedback about our idea! And be sure to visit Mary's website at www.everydaygoodeating.com


 



 February 8 - "The Dark Goddesses" with Ruby Rain.
 Ancient Lessons for Working with the Feminine Shadow

From Goddess to priestess to prophetess to sybil oracle to ordinary wife, mother, whore, the historic degeneration of women in both cult and home - particularly well known in the case of Mary Magdalena - demand that you heal your own understanding and experience of Her in your body and soul. With the help of a powerful fusion method of ancient mystery techniques and contemporary self- hypnosis, you will learn how to empower yourself via the integration of your very own Dark Goddess! Ruby's four steps use the analytical, intuitive, kinesthetic and mystical functions of your brain to give you a sensory experience that informs and delights AND you take home an invaluable tool for continued inner exploration.

Ruby Rain, interfaith rabbi, clinical hypnotherapist, artist, creates cross-cultural weddings, funerals and other rites of passage, and she creates works of art. Child of a holocaust survivor and Israeli war veteran, Ruby teaches inner and outer peace by integrating the best of the Hebrew Biblical heritage with the latest discoveries in history, archeology, and mysticism.


 


 February 22 - "Walking the Labyrinth" with Kathy Cackowsky.
 A Sacred Path

The labyrinth is an ancient contemplative tool which is being rediscovered today. Kathy will discuss the history of the labyrinth and its relevance in modern life. Learn how to incorporate the labyrinth into your spiritual experience.

Kathy Cackowsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Spiritual Director. She is co-founder of Holy Food for Women, dedicated to helping women from all walks of life realize their spiritual journey.


 


 March 8 - "Contemplative Living - What's in it for me?" with Joanne Buchanan-Brown.
 Contemplation as self-care.

Celebrate International Women's Day by giving yourself a true gift. Explore self-care through contemplation as Joanne offers suggestions and a bit of experience with "tools-to-go" to help you incorporate "sabbath time" into your daily life.

Joanne Buchanan-Brown is a Certified Spiritual Director and pastor in her second vocation after 30 years as a registered nurse in her first. She works with women from all walks of life to realize spiritual journey, empowerment and transformation through her ministry "Holy Food For Women."


 


 Who Is She?
 Find out about me.

Are you wondering who I am? Check out my website at www.suemccullough.com. You will find a Soul Food menu, information about my transition seminars and my coaching and therapy services. My education and experience are listed on the bio page. Check it out.

 


    Join us for these warm and engaging gatherings.
  • Sunflower Restuarant, 1701 Pearl Street at 17th and Pearl in Boulder
  • 11:45 am to 1:15 pm
  • Cost is $25.00 including lunch
Please RSVP by 5:00 pm the preceding Wednesday by e-mail or at 720.849.2892. As always your promptness is appreciated, or come early to meet new women and network.

Grace and Peace,

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