Rose Lassi

Right now I am drinking my very first rose lassi. A traditional Indian drink used to aide digestion or is just simply enjoyed after meals. I may not have made it the best or right way, as I imagine it should taste a little better than it does. I added real rose petals so maybe next time I won't. Or maybe I won't add the rose water and see how that tastes. As I've been drinking it, I thought that a mint lassi would be good. We didn't grow mint this year because it pretty much takes over our garden so I'd have to get a bunch at the store, but it may be worth it.

Here's a recipe, for those so inclined:

LASSI:

About a cup of plain (unsweetened) yogurt {or indeed use sweetened and just don't add sweetener afterward}

rose water (can be found in Asian markets, but be careful which you get, mine seems fake...)

rose blossoms (optional)

A few teaspoons of honey (until it's sweet enough for you)

Whizzz it up in the blender (until it's frothy and smooth)

When There is No Pebble Tossed

Ripple by the Grateful Dead, one of my all-time favorite bands. Needed some Dead today.

Because of One Great Man

Today is the National Day of Non-Violence. This is because it is also the celebration of Gandhi's birth. Two great days in a row: yesterday was Vegetarianism day, and today this. Awesome. Gandhi was my first Hindu inspiration. As previously noted, I feel very connected with all things Indian, but as Indian culture is not very prominent in the States, I hadn't heard of this great man until I was in my teens. Now that I study Hinduism and Indian culture more academically, I have found it to be a pleasure to get to know this man more. The most beautiful part to me is that his message didn't die with him. Through his courage and efforts he is known, and thus his message is known. The UN recognized Gandhi's contribution to the world and has codified this day to be a national day of non-violence. I think he would be most pleased even if it is only one day. It is a start in the right direction.

Dear Naysayers:

What a crying shame that this couldn't have been determined during Michael's life. I have ALWAYS been a strong M.J. supporter and never believed that he was bleaching his skin. He said he had vitiligo and I believed him. He was healthy at time of death, contrary to many reports that he was weak and depleted. How very sad that his life ended so soon, that his childrens' father has been forever taken from them, and that the world lost the best, nay, the GREATEST star the world has ever known.

Love ya, Michael. Wish I could have met you...

Jesus H. Christ Hangin' on the Cross

These people (Phelp's people) are so. fucked. up. I am so grateful that I don't live anywhere near them. Oh my god...