Earth Day 2012

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees." Qwatsinas

As a whole, the world celebrated Earth Day 2012, this past Monday. One special day, named to honor and recognize the miraculous planet that we live on. My hope is that most of us try to recognize, honor and respect the earth every day. As for me, my connection with nature and our mother earth is only becoming stronger. I have been a city dweller for the past 5 1/2 years, but mind, body and soul have pretty much stayed in the rural countryside, where I was born, raised and lived for all 18 years of prior existence. I'm longing for it and I can no longer ignore it. 

I miss the woods, trees, the fields, the birds, the green, the stars in the night sky, dirt, the crunchy leaves, butterflies and the sun. I miss it all and more. For me, it's time to transition back to the basics, back to my roots, but in my own way.

Earth Day 2012 was extra special, because after weeks of devoted composition, The Peace Project's first 'sign' of life, a true labor of love, is standing proudly; no turning back now!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

A healthi(er), multi-season treat and one of my favorites.

The Crust:
1 3/4 c. Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 tbsp. Light Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 c. Melted Butter

The Filling:
3 (8 oz) Packages of Cream Cheese (at room temperature)
1 (15 oz) Can Pumpkin Puree
3 Eggs
1 Egg Yolk
1/4 c. Sour Cream
1 1/2 c. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
1/8 tsp. Ground Cloves
1 tbsp. Flour
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1] Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2] For Crust: In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter to mix. Transfer to 9 x 13 pan, spread and pack evenly. Set aside.
3] For Filling: Beat cream cheese on low-medium, until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, extra egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, flour, vanilla and spices. Beat together until well combined.
4] Pour/spread mixture evenly onto crust.
5] Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
6] Allow 15 minutes after baking for bars to cool/settle.
7] Top with freshly whipped cream, a bit of nutmeg, caramel or your favorite, chopped nuts (optional).
8] Store in refrigerator.

Photo.

Feng shui

...in the apartment has just imploded.

After receiving one very hefty quote of $500 for a professionally made sign, we decided, we've got this. A little ambitious, but it wasn't in the budget. Some particle board (free) and $30 worth of paint later and we're about 75% done with the beaut. I'm supposed to be helping my 'partner' with the second coat as we speak but, shhhhh, priorities. 'COMING!'

The plan is to have it UP, implanted in the ground this weekend; rain or shine. Hoping for rain, needing the rain, but when you're cooped up all week, it's nice to have that shine. Win some, lose some.

This is exciting, and a bit of a milestone in TPP's timeline, since it will be Litchfield's very first, physical entity or 'sign' (so to speak) of the project.

Off to paint. Peace.

Living and Breathing...

the native culture.
Before, it was all in my head, floating around like some dream cloud. But slowly, slowly, it's becoming real. Jon and I took a little weekend trip to Mankato, MN. We celebrated 5 years of love on St. Patrick's Day and wanted to do a little something special. We ended up mixing business with pleasure and actually spent the majority of our milestone day researching at the Blue Earth Historical Society. Nerds, right? We love it. Although it's basically been a second, full time job, we couldn't be more passionate about our little brain baby.

Here's what's 'dangerous' about this project. The Peace Project; the four As: call to action, awareness, activism and accountability. The more we learn, the more we expose ourselves to, the more we explore, the more we. are. changing. Personal change and growth is inevitable, but it's a turn off for a lot of people. We have learned that there is a fine line between preaching and practicing. We have also learned that there is a big difference between planning and doing, although they are both fully dependent on one another. Thankfully, we have developed a major support system through many impromptu emails, phone calls and in-person meetings; it's great to connect with those that are willing to listen as well as share what makes you tick. As more paths are crossed and more ground is covered, the inspiration only increases. Did I mention we are about a month away from planting season!? 
POTENTIAL MEMBERS: If you, or someone you know, is a Litchfield, MN native, is able to commit/tend to a garden plot for the spring/summer and partake, open-mindedly, in a series of workshops throughout the growing season, we want to hear from you!

Email Kelsey & Jon at: thepeaceprojectmn@gmail.com

Follow us on twitter: @plantpeacemn
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