Faces and Places

I hope this finds you well and healthy! The Year of the Rabbit signified being out and about in the world – enjoying the prosperous, opening qi. As we move into 2024, the Year of the Dragon, the mystical dragon rises and recharges our qi. The dragon represents rising yang qi and fast growing life energy. This expanding qi fuels a fresh life cycle and signals a time for us to broaden our horizons. I am honored and humbled to carry on Lillian Pearl Bridges’ tradition of writing the Chinese astrology forecast. Her memory lives on and her teachings of...

Yin Black Rabbit Forecast The Year of the Water Tiger signified the end of hibernation, and we woke up – often activated by a catalytic event or events. Emotions and senses stirred which stimulated our consciousness and revealed a path. Now, for the Year of the Water Rabbit, we are fully awake. Like animals foraging in nature, we are all out in the world engaged with our purpose and following the path that was realized last year. The rabbit represents thunder shaking the ground, which unlocks our true nature and propels us forward. I am honored and humbled to carry...

I have a great fondness for Ramen Noodles from my years in Japan, but these days I use Lotus Foods' Millet and Brown Rice Ramen. And while these noodles are great in broth, one of my favorite ways to eat them is to toss them in some Scallion Oil and then I top them with a little sautéed Pork or Chicken or Egg Shreds, which is especially good for breakfast. Scallion Oil is very simply made by browning a bunch of sliced Scallions/Green Onions in Oil with a little Salt. You want to get them just starting to brown on...

I’ve always loved Tofu, which I am quite sure is because of my Chinese heritage, along with having lived in Japan as a child. I don’t really understand the complaint that Tofu has no flavor, as I personally find fresh Tofu to be delicious. And, it acts a sponge for so many flavors, which makes it a culinary chameleon. My son Stephen shares my love of Tofu and the other day, he made Agedashi Tofu and I promptly made it at my house too since I always have Tofu in my refrigerator Agedashi Tofu consists of lightly pan fried Tofu...

Everyone is just so busy and I'm trying hard not to keep up. Actually I am just trying to "Be" more.  And it's hard to do that in a world where everyone else is going really, really fast. I've gone fast for most of my life and have written countless lists of things to do - most of which did get done. But I'm done with that for a while. I'm taking a break - not from working or doing. I just want to do things slower and at a pace that is more in line with my body's natural...