If you have questions or want to apply, please let me know and I will tried to answer your questions and/or connect you.

• LPK’s Culinary Groove
• Apiecalypse Now! Vegan Bakery
• The Simply Bar: Protein bars
• Girlnola Gluten-Free Gourmet Goodness
• Marni Wasserman
• Meatless Monday
• Veggie Challenge
• Vegucated
• Vegan Outreach

1. Humanity, Pt. 1 - October 15, 2010 "We were carrying on our merry way over the pedestrian overpass when out of the corner of my eye I saw them..."
2. Humanity, Pt. 2 - October 16, 2010 "The Bug, eyes wide said, "this is why we are Here...He wanted us to see her tonight!""
3. Humanity, Pt. 3 - October 18, 2010 "I know that there are many more who need help.  But for now, the opportunity to minister to Him exists in little Qian Qian's need...to be His hands and feet...and for His glory alone."
4. Quick update - October 19, 2010 "That is 7 times the cost estimate of yesterday...but translation is a tricky thing...maybe it was 10,000 for only the first surgery...or maybe the doctor today didn't want to bother with a poor woman who couldn't possibly pay?"
5. Looking Ahead - October 21, 2010 "But I see now more clearly...it is an IMPOSSIBLE circumstance.  How could a "median income" family keep their newborn?"
6. Qian Qian's Photo - October 23, 2010 "Two organizations can help us, but Qian Qian and his mother would have to travel several hours away for the first surgery alone (and he will need several over time.)"
7. Qian Qian Update - November 8, 2010 "Now as we are on the verge, Lord willing, of Qian Qian's first surgery, he told me that he sees what is happening as a "God arrangement," too fantastic for coincidence...but a clear indication of a love he believes the world needs."
8. Hospitality - November 13, 2010 "Both Qian Qian and I are known, loved, and He desires our return of wrshp in response to His love."
9. More on Qian - We need some Prayer - November 17, 2010 "no matter what others say...or how Qian Qian's family might act (his Aunt also recently offended the native helpers)...that we're doing this because HE said to...and that it is for Qian Qian...and he is an innocent boy who needs help."
10. Surgery - November 26, 2010 "We are in awe of His mercy and the privilege of watching this healing.  What a beautiful way to remember this Thanksgiving.  We will continue to lift up Qian Qian's family as they begin a new chapter together."
11. It's about people... - November 30, 2010 "I very nearly missed the beauty of getting down on the pavement, of sitting with his mother to hear her story...the deeply spiritual experience of looking into his eyes and seeing my Lrd staring back...inviting me to wrshp him by helping this little one, the least of these...in need."
12. I saw him! - December 1, 2010 "All the way home in the taxi, all I could do was sing praises...the sky was alight with an very unusual sunset...my heart filled to the brim with divine joy...over the horns honking, the radio blaring a Chinese news report, the throngs of people pressing together to get to their homes...I'm pretty sure I could hear the very heartbeat of my Father."
13. Transformation - December 2, 2010 "He was just as darling as I remembered him from the street that night.  He has such personality and was so curious about the foreign woman in his hospital room."
14. Life on the Range - April 7, 2011 "We have good news on the Qian Qian front...looks like in about 3 weeks he'll be traveling with his parents to have his palate surgery!  We've been waiting all winter for him to gain enough weight (now that his lip is closed, it has been much faster) so that he could undergo anesthesia under the hospital protocols."
15. Strengthen your hands - May 19, 2011 "We thought for sure that in 6 months, a normal 14 months old baby (at this point) should have gained weight.  Sadly, we got the call after they had arrived for the pre-op physical that our precious boy had LOST weight in the past 6 months."
16. Qian Qian Update - June 8, 2011 "We have very limited contacts...almost none outside of our city...but here He has brought us a connection that leads to the very village where QQ's family is!  Praise Him. Praise Him, Praise Him."
17. Back at it... - September 3, 2011 "How thrilled we are that we've been privileged to be a tiny part in the Plan for this boy, his family, and his fellow villagers."
18. Encouragement - September 4, 2011 "Then they all hear."
19. Qian Qian - The Next Step - September 28, 2011 "At any rate, he has been gaining (up 1.5 kgs in the past 3 months) and we are setting our sights on November. "

• Words of Affirmation: Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.
• Quality Time: In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.
• Receiving Gifts: Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
• Acts of Service: Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.
• Physical Touch: This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

What? Election Day
When? October 25, 2010 from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Where? 1600 locations across the GTA

Mayoral Candidates with Websites:

• Babula, George
• Castillo, Jamie
• Devenyi, Diane
• Epstein, David
• Firth, Selwyn
• Ford, Rob
• Ghazi, Abdullah-Baquie
• Lee, Dewitt
• Letonja, John
• Pampena, Joseph
• Pantalone, Joe
• Rossi, Rocco
• Smitherman, George
• State, Mark
• Steinberger, Tibor
• Syed, Himy
• Taylor, Phil
• Vallance, David
• Walker, Daniel

Remember to look at your candidates for councillors and trustees.

Quick Links:

• Candidates List
• City News: Toronto Mayoral Race 2010
• City of Toronto: Elections

Brought to you by Veggie Might

Pumpkin Orzo with Sage
Serves 4

8 oz orzo
3 c vegetable stock
3 c water

1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (or squash of your choice)
1 1/4 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup rice milk
30 sage leaves, cut into ribbons
1 shallot
1 tbsp vegan nonhydrogenated margarine
3/4 tsp salt
20 grinds fresh black pepper
3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional, but oh so good)

Pumpkin Puree
1) If you’re starting with a fresh pumpkin or squash, slice in half (lengthwise for butternut and its ilk) and place cut side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool and scoop out with a spoon. Puree in a food processor until smooth.

The Sauce
2) Sauté shallots and sage in margarine for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup of broth and 1/2 cup of rice milk. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes or so.

Meanwhile…The Orzo
3) In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth and 3 cups of water to boil over high heat. Add orzo. Return to a boil and cook for 9 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.

Back to the sauce…
4) Add pumpkin puree to simmering broth and stir well. Add salt, pepper, and remaining 3/4 cup of broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 more minutes on medium low.

5) Stir in Parmesan cheese (if you so choose).

6) Toss over orzo and serve hot.

7) Melt with delight.

Approximate Calories, Fat, and Price per Serving:
290 calories, 1.7g fat, $.73
(With parmesan: 305.6 calories, 5.2g fat, $1.01)

Calculations
8 oz orzo: 840 calories, 4g fat, $.50
3 c vegetable stock: 36 calories, 0g fat, $.39
1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (or squash of your choice): 73.5 calories, 0g fat, .93
1 1/4 cup vegetable stock: 15 calories, 0g fat, $.16
1/2 cup rice milk: 45 calories, 1.75g fat, $.20
30 sage leaves: 10 calories, 0g fat, $.40
1 shallot: 40 calories, 0g fat, $.20
1 tbsp vegan butter: 100 cal, 11 fat, $.12
3/4 tsp: salt negligible calories and fat, $.02
20 grinds fresh black pepper: salt negligible calories and fat, $.02
(3 tbsp parmesan cheese: 63 calories, 4.2g fat, $1.11)
Totals: 1159.5 calories, 16.8g fat, $29.4 (1222.5 calories, 21g fat, $4.05)
Per Serving: 290 calories, 1.7g fat, $.73 (305.6 calories, 5.2g fat, $1.01)

Living in China for two years has been the best thing I could have done. My eyes have been opened and my life has changed in so many ways. Even before I came to China, I was already trying to do the gung-ho save-the-world by being the change you want to see in the world deal. Then I came to realize that they still do that in the rest of the world. My grocery store here doesn’t get out-of-season fruits and vegetables. If the farmers here grow them, they sell them. It’s as simple as that. They don’t import from half-way around the world. They sell local, at least more local than, say, Loblaws (aka Canadian Safeway). I love mandarin orange season. It’s probably the sole reason why I don’t get sick here. If my 中百 (Zhōngbǎi) supermarket doesn’t have mangoes, I don’t eat mangoes. What my 中百 has, I buy. But they did bring in a box of Sunkist oranges at one point but I refused to buy them and bought the local ones.

Depending on who you talk to, the population of Wuhan is eight to 12 million people. That’s a lot of people. There’s a lot of cars in Wuhan but you also haven’t seen how many buses we have here. They’re finally starting construction on the subway system, too. I’ve always heard how our subway system is crappy and small, I even thought Montreal had it better than us. But Shanghai’s subway system is huge and they stop at major tourist locations. Hong Kong’s subway system is pretty awesome, too. But Hong Kong, in general, is teeny tiny in comparison to Wuhan. I remember walking on the streets two Octobers ago with a girl friend and walking way too far because we kept looking at the map thinking it was bigger than it actually was. We missed our turn to the jazz club where we met some interesting German characters staying at the Shangri-La.

China isn’t all for saving the environment either, though. When I arrived in Shanghai, my impression was how much waste was being produced by everyone. Take-out containers from street-food vendors. Individual plastic bags, not 4-cup cardboard cup holders, for your drinks from McDonald’s. We have so far to go as a global community to stop our destructive behaviours.

I’m tired. Time for bed.

Speaking of horns, I hate walking down Liufang, it’s “the village” just up the street from us. I hate it when I’m walking down the narrow streets and hear a van come down it while s/he’s blaring the horn to let you know that they’re there. It’s LOUD! Try standing at the bus stop and have a bus honk their horn 20m away. That’s even louder!

If there are others with me while crossing the street, I let them take the lead. I still hesitate when they decide to cross but I do my little freak-out skip across the street instead of the calm and collected prance of my neighbour.

I don’t think it’s a China-only thing. When I cross at a crosswalk in Toronto, I still don’t cross if there’s a car that looks like they’re still going 30 km/h and barely slowing down. I wait for them to come to a near stop before I walk out. I’d rather be safe than sorry. I can’t assume that they noticed the blinking crosswalk lights with all the distractions in cars.

This week, I’m working on a project for my students. Little paper craft houses for our little town. I’m glad I have a small class just finishing up the last few and then I’m off to bed. Anyone want to purchase property in our little town of 12? Contact Karen Realty, you know where to find me.