Zucchini and Bean "Pasta"

So, I really love pasta but, I don't love what it does it to my butt. I came up with an alternative. Its a quick and easy faux pasta. It took all of maybe 15-20 minutes to make and it is so delicious! Try it out and leave me some comments on what you thought or some of your zucchini "pasta" recipes. Enjoy! 


Here's the Ingredients

1 small - medium zucchini- julienned  

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp un-salted butter

1 can white beans - rinsed 

salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, melt butter and add olive oil and garlic. Infuse the oil and butter for about 2 minutes with the garlic and then add the zucchini. Saute' for about another 2 minutes while you rinse and drain your beans. Now add your beans and heat through. Salt and pepper to taste. You can top with a little crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese if you prefer. All the flavors of Italy without the guilt. 

P.S. I got my handy little julienne tool off of amazon. 

For the Weary Souls

As I sit here in the quiet of my sleeping house, I am filled with a weariness so strong it is almost strangling. In the last 8 months I've dealt with sick parents, friends needing the use of my home, the loss of family members, the ending of a dear friendship and personal health issues. That is just the extras that life has given me. I still have to manage my day to day living as does everyone. The laundry, what's for dinner, how to pay this bill, and on and on. 


It's a struggle to find the courage to even get out of bed some days. The fatigue I feel comes from so deep within me that I fear that I may never feel free of it. So, how do I go on? What do I do to get through this day? Not only get through this day but, to actually find happiness or joy in it? HOW? Its a question that is rolling around in my head over and over again like a bad commercial. 

I'm in a really rough place my friends. One that has me just wanting to bury myself away from all others and lick my wounds. 

Is it okay to feel this way? I think so. I think we each deal with life and what it gives us in our own unique way. The important thing to know is that I won't give up. I will rise again. I will smile again. I will laugh again and find my joy and happiness. It may not be today. It may not even be tomorrow or the next but, it will come in its own time for me. 

I write this to let you know that you're not alone if you're feeling this way or have ever felt this way. I write this to say it is OKAY to not bounce back right away. It is OKAY to take your time in gathering and renewing your strength. Find what heals you from within and pull it close and let it start to heal you. For me, its God. He is my rock, my salve, the ultimate comforter. I will shut down for a while and wait for Him to work in me. After a while I will be whole again and strong, able to go at it with renewed vigor. Until then, I wait for Him and His peace. 


I hope that you find your peace friends. Give yourself time to heal. Weariness is a hurt. It is an illness just like the flu. It has to run its course. Don't rush it or you will only cause a relapse. Take some time away from people, work, everything. Pour a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Light some candles and listen to something that soothes you. Sit still and just be. 


Much love and prayers. 

All images are courtesy of Google