holly day fete a la tranquil space

last night's fancy fete at elizabeth's on l was dreamy and all were in festive spirits. i donned my sparkly sari and was excited to honor our team with the following menu:

Crispy Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast, Cayenne and Red Pepper
Spicy Kelp Noodles with Cilantro, Chile, Coconut and Cashews
Balsamic Roasted Roma Tomatoes with Walnut-Basil Puree
Raw Vegan Sushi with Avocado, Mushrooms and Sunflower Sprouts served with Pickled Ginger
(jicama and pine nuts as a substitute for rice)
A selection of Cheeses to include English Stilton, Five Year Aged Gouda, Fresh Chevre, Castelbelbo and
Manchego served with Fig Conserve and Assorted Crackers
Assorted Miniature Pastries to include Pistachio Tuiles, Chocolate Truffles, Fruit Tarts,
Chocolate Bark, Sesame Shortbread, Biscotti and Macaroons
Chocolate Soup with Coconut Milk and Rum

um, yum! beyond grateful for everyone's efforts in making tranquil space shine.

in addition i shared two favorite poems: 

"the guest house" a la rumi

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

and "our deepest fear" a la marianne williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

both poems speak volumes to the work of a small business AND to our work as human beings. i hope they will touch you, too. let your light shine. and while you're at it, do some dancing in a sparkly sari. it's good for the soul. xx