ADVICE FROM THE PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: RANDOM THOUGHTS TO IMPACT OUR PLANET
Increase your enjoyment of living
by Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve
"Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find.” ~ Quoted in Time
“There is a sufficiency in the world for man'
s need but not for man's greed.” ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Recipe: Lime and Coriander Char-Grilled Chicken
Ingredients: 5 and 1/2 teaspoons cilantro, 3 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated finely)
4 and 1/2 Tablespoons Lime Juice, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons lime zest (grated),
1 and 1/3 Cups Jasmine Rice, 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, 2 Tablespoons Oil, 4 Large Mushrooms, 3 zucchini stalks, sliced 1 inch
Directions:
Combine the cilantro, ginger, lime zest and lime juice. Season the chicken breast well and spread two teaspoons of the above mixture on each fillet. Marinate the chicken breasts for approximately 1 hour. Combine the rest of the herb mixture with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice in a dish and set aside. Lightly brush the zucchini and mushrooms with the remaining oil. Cook the Jasmine Rice for approximately 12 minutes. Heat the grill to medium and brush lightly with oil. Grill the chicken, cooking each side for about 5 minutes. Grill the vegetables for about 5 minutes. Serve the rice in 4 individual bowls, topped with the chicken (cut into strips), and the herb mixture. The vegetables can be added in the rice bowl or served on the side. Enjoy!
I wonder…Examining Random Thoughts & Beliefs That Impact the Planet
Why do we have to wash our face twice a day? Is it a ploy by the face cream companies to sell more products so our skin will not have the natural oils that protect it? Personally, I have decided to wash thoroughly with the evening shower. How could my face possibly be dirty the next morning?
We bought some portable bamboo eating ware, fork – spoon – knife and chopsticks. I feel virtuous when I eat out by avoiding plastic utensils. I think it will help the earth.
Recently I saw a photo of the ocean where it had collected hundreds of thousands of plastic water bottles, perhaps even millions. Our ocean…precious earth filter… overwhelmed by the plastic water bottles. I feel appalled. What can I do? WHAT can I do? What CAN I do? WHAT CAN I DO? From here on forward in my life, I vow to use re-useable bottle like stainless steel, wherever possible. We now have stainless steel water bottles in our general store at Sacred Rocks. And reasonable prices invite others to participate in our earth and ocean-friendly strategy.
When I see beggars on the corners, what is the right thing to do? I have some loose dollar bills that I pass along when a person is handicapped or really old. Otherwise, giving granola bars fills my personal need to help out. What do you do?
What is most valuable to me? Recently, we were evacuated from our home for a fire in the canyon. Quickly, I packed up the family, not even papers or heirlooms, and left. I was appalled at the stream of incoming cars to the area, “looky loos,” coming to see the fire for real. Cars with children! With no thought to consequences.
I am convinced that we have a duty to be good caretakers of our earth. Whatever impact I have, must be earth-friendly. My children and grandchildren and generations beyond matter more to me than conveniences which cause me to be careless with the blessings that are given to me.
Dear Readers: What do you think about? Will you share your thoughts and ideas? Write to: askthepurplemountainsage@gmail.com and you might see your excellent ideas in print – next month.
The Purple Mountain Sage is Sharon Courmousis, co-owner of Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness preserve and campground in Boulevard, CA, which is also home to the Sacred Rocks Artists’ Colony. Sharon can be reached by calling: 619-766-4480. Visit the Sacred Rocks Reserve website at: www.sacredrocksreserve.com.