I can hardly believe a new year has begun! Another holiday season has been packed into boxes; Christmas cards from cherished friends and family have been read one last time, gifts put away. As I turn into the New Year, I can’t help but be reflective on the year that has slipped away. There were lessons learned, ideas that turned out to be much better in my head than in actual practice. There were white knuckle moments as well as moments of hilarity, joy and touching warmth. But there was one spectacular day in the Fall of 2014 that is etched into my memory (and my heart) as it touched me to the very core of who I am.

Fifteen beautiful teenagers from the Oxnard City Corps met me at the Community Roots Garden in Oxnard as volunteers to harvest vegetables and herbs from the garden they had helped plant in the spring and to create a meal for other volunteers and themselves from what they had harvested. Fifteen very wary teenagers met me with guarded eyes and shy reticence, clearly wondering who this middle-aged lady might be and what she had in store for them. As we gathered our food-stuffs, divided into teams and prepared lunch for the volunteers over an open wood fire in the chilly fall air, the most magical thing happened. Fifteen wary teenagers turned into fifteen excited, enabled,

mini-chefs proudly announcing their dishes and presenting them to the volunteers as we all enjoyed a communal meal. I couldn’t help but reflect on the symbolism of what had transpired.

For me, the experience symbolized the very essence of what food is in any culture or any shared cultural experience. Food is the one thing all mankind has in common. We need it to survive. Some have much more than others. But when shared, the experience can be transformative. If you’d like to learn more about the program, the kids and my experience, please check out the attached link http://digitaleditions.sheridan.com/publication/?i=236795

Having reflected on 2014, I am setting my sights on 2015 and wondering what it will hold. Fostering the growth of my business is a given, but what else can I expect of myself and of life in 2015. My personal focus? Surprise...it relates to food! I have embarked on exploring a Paleo nutritional lifestyle. I am very excited about this journey actually. Many of you have heard me expound rather passionately about processed and refined foods. Eating organically and GMO free, heirloom whenever and however you can. The Paleo lifestyle embodies all of those values, so how could I not be intrigued! I will be sharing with all of you quite a bit about my discoveries as the months move along.

By year’s end there will be much to be excited about. The team at Morsels as You Wish has some exciting new ideas that we have committed to unveiling in the Fall of 2015. What’s up for you this New Year?