"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."
~Helen Keller
This is the best quote for January 1, 2011- a new beginning. But how many new beginnings or opportunities do we miss because we are looking at the door of happiness that just closed? I used to stare at the doors, whether happy or sad. I never looked at the new beginnings or new doors. Honestly, only for the last ten years have I looked for the new opportunities. It was only when the door closed and I was able to "let go" that I saw in front of me--staring right at me--new opportunities. The new opportunities that lay before me have given me a new start in life. A new perspective on people, places and things.
I may be a driven individual but I am also at peace. This peaceful, serene weekend in Virginia is a perfect example. I am able to relax, rest, sleep and pray among family. Of course, I have my needle crafting, books and knitting if I get a little "antsy". Do not miss any new opportunity--the door is open! Just look in the right direction. You must let go of the old you. This is a new year!
Take a deep breath. You do not have to start right away. Breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breath out on a count of 8 seconds. This is a way to relax, think and reflect. Nothing has to begin today even if it is the first day of a new year. You can begin your day over any time you wish.
Someone once asked me about eating Paw paw. I didn't know if the person was talking about the fruit or the town in West Virginia. Yes, there is Paw Paw, West Virginia. How I even recalled that from my memory I do not know. Paw Paw is a town in Morgan County, West Virginia, United States. The population is less than 1500. The town is known for the nearby Paw Paw Tunnel. Paw Paw was incorporated by the Circuit Court of Morgan County on April 8, 1891 and named for the paw paw, a wild fruit which formerly grew in abundance throughout the region. So the fruit and the town do having something in common.
In other areas of the US Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) is known by different names. Some of the names are prairie banana, Indiana (Hoosier) banana, West Virginia banana, Kansas banana, Kentucky banana, Michigan banana, Missouri Banana, the poor man's banana, Ozark banana, and Banango. It is an edible fruit. It does grow in the Eastern and Southern United States, As you can see from the photos above it is a large fruit.
The large fruit can be eaten raw. If you remove the seeds you can cook it like pudding and even blend it with yogurt (which I find the best way to eat Paw Paw).
The pulp is used primarily in baked dessert recipes and for juicing fresh paw paw drink or drink mixtures (paw paw, pineapple, banana, lime, lemon and orange tea mix). The pulp can also be made into a country wine. In many recipes calling for bananas, paw paw can be used.
In recent years the paw paw has attracted renewed interest, particularly among organic growers, as a native fruit which has few to no pests, and which therefore requires no pesticide use for cultivation. Among backyard gardeners it also is gaining in popularity because of the appeal of fresh fruit and because it is relatively low maintenance once planted.
Paw Paw has many constituents which can be used medicinally. Many anti cancer substances have been found in this plant. Many cancer patients have used Paw Paw with some beneficial effects. The isolated components of Paw Paw are not as stable as standard chemotherapy and the FDA has not approved Paw Paw as an anti cancer drug.
The bark, roots, twigs, and seeds of the plant contain acetogenins, long-chain, aliphatic compounds with 35 to 39 carbon atoms ending with a gamma-lactone, cyclized in tetrahydrofuran rings. They are polyketide-derived molecules and are unique to the Annonaceae family. Thus far, more than 230 acetogenins from Asimina and other genera have been identified. Acetogenins are known for their cytotoxic, antitumor, immunosuppressive antimalarial, pesticidal, antibacterial, and antifeedant properties. More research and studies need to be conducted.
Here is a fun recipe for Paw Paw Pudding
Ingredients:
1. 2 to 3 ripe paw paws
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/2 pound of unsalted butter
4. 1/2 teaspoon of Stevia
5. 2 organic eggs
6. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon
7. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
8. 1 cup chopped walnuts
9. 1/2 cup dried blueberries
10. 1 tablespoon dark Mt Gay Rum (optional)
Directions:
Pre heat the oven to 325 degrees.
In a mixing bowl mix pureed paw paws with the baking soda.
In a separate bowl put melted unsalted butter, stevia, 2 organic eggs, lemon juice +/- rum (your choice) Put in the rest of the ingredients. Beat the two mixtures together. Add your walnuts as long as no one has a nut allergy
Pour the batter into a greased bread pan loaf half filled with water. Cover with foil and bake for two hours. ( or until it sets) Serve warm with a little sour cream on top. I prefer it without the sour cream
Delicious.
ONE RESOLUTION I HAVE MADE AND WILL TRY ALWAYS TO KEEP IS THIS: TO RISE ABOVE THE LITTLE THINGS.- John Burroughs
Spencer, our King Charles Cavilier has 4 paw paws
Photo Credit: Rick Byrd
Until tomorrow...
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