Setting the Table

by Maria Theresa Maggi on October 26, 2012

Once upon a time, the family story went, when I was 3 years old, my parents and grandparent took me out to a meal at a fancy restaurant. It was the very last year of the 50’s, most likely, so “fancy” meant a white tablecloth, real silver, napkins folded in fancy ways and unfolded and placed on your lap by the waiter, and probably a carnation or a candle in the middle of the table if it was dinner, or both.  I was placed on a leather-covered booster seat. I do remember the thrill of seeming to be at the same level as the grownups were. The way my Mom told the story went something like this: every time the waiter poured us water, brought us bread and butter, arranged the soup or the salad, I said thank you, eyes wide, so overcome that someone would do all these lovely things just for us. He and the hostess were so taken with what they called my” manners,” that they asked to take me by the hand back to the kitchen, where I thanked the head chef and the cooks for making me my dinner. I don’t remember this. But I do remember my mother’s mixed reaction when she told the story: pride and admiration for her kind and polite little girl in a leg brace, tinged with resentment that this excessive form of gratitude somehow reflected on the embarrassing possibility that people might think I did not get fed properly at home.

My dim memory of this possibility has been strengthened and colored by how many times it was told. But it doesn’t surprise me. I have always enjoyed feeling grateful, simply for its own sake. If I forget to do it, and find myself mired in some other less ”helpful” state of mind, thinking of what I’m grateful for always lifts my mood. In fact it provides a shift in mind AND body consciousness for me, where anything is possible, and I am surrounded by gifts of the moment, large and small. Sort of like Christmas morning.

I admit I’m an easy target when it comes to getting smitten with feeling grateful. I love the little things: like seeing the moon in the daytime, or a joke in an e-mail that makes me laugh out loud while sitting at my desk. Or biting into one of Susan’s Savory Lentil Burgers with all the fixin’s wrapped in a big leaf of Romaine.

Coming to dine at the low fat plant-based table has been a life changer for me. A  long, consistent, deep one that’s still in motion. Hence the name of this blog. I had been close to finding it before, without knowing that’s what I should be striving for. In the winter of 2008, I had found the particulars of the Swank Diet for MS on the internet, but was looking for a way to do it vegan, and if possible, oil free. I typed in the words “fat free vegan recipes” in the search function on my browser, as if I were inventing a new combination, completely unaware a whole new world awaited me. My entrance into this world officially began when the search results pulled up Susan’s blog, Fat Free Vegan Kitchen. So first and last, I will always be grateful to Susan Voisin, for being the first to open up this world for me in such a vibrant and generous way. Through her blog, I saw it was not just a set of recipes to follow, but a lifestyle of healthy eating and living that I wanted to, and could, embrace.

The blessings that have accumulated from this way of eating are resplendent, on all levels. It has allowed me to clarify my appreciation of so many other things in my life as well, and see how they are all connected. I will be celebrating my gratitude for their particulars here. For instance:

I’ve always enjoyed setting the table, from the time it was a requirement for a Girl Scout Good Housekeeping badge. Such things are very informal these days. My mix and match silverware is in a basket on the counter. My favorite soup and pasta bowls come from the Salvation Army store. But I still put a seasonal tablecloth on the table at the turn of each season, to make the table a kind of altar to the gifts for that particular time of year.

I hope you’ll join me around this virtual table. Mostly it will be informal. We’ll share a cup of tea in my old chipped mug my best friend from high school bought me 20 years ago. How does a quick warm version of Susan’s Hibiscus-Blueberry Cooler sound?

Tulip Tea Mug

But today is a day of firsts, so we’ll go all out.  We’ll use my mother’s silver. In honor of special occasions.

My Mother's Silver

When I came to this way of eating I was twelve years into a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I was born with mild cerebral palsy that affects the right side of my body. I had also acquired the complication of fibromyalgia along the way. I will tell you more about how these histories intertwine, and how the low fat plant-based gluten free and soy free way I now eat has offered significant healing. There will be reflections and stories about “then” and now. Celebrations of the little victories and epiphanies I’ve experienced along the way, and of course, the food I love for tasting so good and having saved my life at the same time. I hope you’ll join me. There’s always room at the table.

Maria (aka Moonwatcher)

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{ 83 comments… read them below or add one }

1 SusanV (admin) October 26, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Maria, I have long admired the beautiful way you have of expressing yourself and your way of seeing the world as full of gifts. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with us here. You’re our gift!

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2 moonwatcher October 27, 2012 at 12:03 am

Thank you for your kind words and the hospitality of your site, Susan. I feel honored to be able to do this.

Maria

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3 carol monteiro October 31, 2012 at 6:59 pm

you truly sound amazing with a fight for life im trying to go vegan to be healthy and lose weight i could really lose weight..

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4 moonwatcher October 31, 2012 at 7:27 pm

Thank you, carol, and welcome! You can do it!

Maria

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5 Stacey October 27, 2012 at 2:11 pm

It is a beautiful table indeed. I look forward to reading more of your blogs 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

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6 moonwatcher October 27, 2012 at 2:51 pm

Welcome, Stacy! Thank you. 🙂

Maria

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7 carollynne kelly October 27, 2012 at 6:27 pm

Moonwatker, I love reading your journal, you have a lovely gift for words. And I wanted to say that your mother’s sliverware is simply lovely!

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8 moonwatcher October 27, 2012 at 6:31 pm

Thank you, carollynne, and welcome! I really love my Mother’s silverware, too, I feel lucky to have it.

Maria

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9 narf7 October 27, 2012 at 7:10 pm

What a magnificent story of gratitude and thankfulness against the odds! You are so right! The world is brim full of gifts if we will look at where we are rather than lust after the shiny things that are just out of reach. I can’t wait to share your blogging journey with you and am most deeply grateful that you would share your story with us all 🙂

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10 moonwatcher October 27, 2012 at 7:40 pm

Hello narf7. and welome! I enjoyed reading your words here too. Thank you.

Maria

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11 Ellen October 27, 2012 at 8:33 pm

Maria,
I am so glad to see your new post! Your site is lovely and your story beautiful, of course. What a magical evening that must have been to a small child.
Ellen

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12 marie October 27, 2012 at 8:58 pm

Oh my goodness! I couldn’t get to your blog quick enough when I read that you had helped your health with a gluten free, plant based diet. I also have Fibromyalgia. Nine months ago I was in such poor health from it that after educating myself on nutrition and the benefits of a plant based diet, that I would go this route…no easing into it….just do it! To cut this short…….nine months later I am without pain and all the nasties that go with Fibromyalgia, and I credit my new way of eating for it. It is so nice to find some one else who has done the same thing. By the way, your writing is just beautiful and I look forward to following your blog. *hugs*

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13 moonwatcher October 27, 2012 at 9:15 pm

Hi Ellen, thanks and welcome! So glad you stopped by. Yes, it was magical. 🙂

Welcome, marie! so glad to hear your fibro is better from eating plant-based and gluten free. It really does help!

Maria

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14 Clare October 28, 2012 at 12:39 am

HI Maria. I enjoyed your blog very much and will look forward to following you on your journey. We have just completed our first year of being fat free vegans and have never felt better. In fact my husband had been able to stop his daily medications completely which was not part of the plan and totally unexpected but a great bonus!. Susan’s recipes and guidance were a godsend in the beginning when I was totally lost and doubted if I’d ever be able to produce tasty food again ! I still follow Susan’s blog and love her wit and humour. Your appreciation of the gifts you have in life and your gratitude really resonated with me as we have arrived at a similar place albeit for different reasons. I look forward to getting to know you more. Thank you.

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15 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 9:04 am

Thank you, Clare, and welcome! I enjoyed reading about your family’s good fortune in eating this way for a whole year. I have never taken any meds for my conditions, but I imagine it must be wonderful for your husband not to need his anymore. Congratulations!

Maria

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16 nanz October 28, 2012 at 5:57 pm

Welcome Maria..what a wonderful story and attitude..I just recently found Susan’s site and absolutely love it..I already have acquired quite a list of recipes and am looking forward to trying many more..I have been blessed with good health most of my life but at the age of 71 am having to deal with the aches and pains that go with age. It has been about a month since I started leaning into the vegan life style and I already feel better and have lost 6 lbs..I’m hoping to convert my carnivorous spouse to join me..I will be keeping up with your blog…THANKS for the inspiration

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17 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:43 pm

You’re welcome, nanz, i’m glad you’re here too! Thank you for your lovely comment. You are an inspiration too!

Maria

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18 Shelly October 28, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Congratulations, how exciting for you. I’am looking forward to following you on your journey. I’am a huge SusanV fan and have followed her from beginning of my FF Vegan diet (Dr Esselstyn) and now I look forward to having you in my repertoire as well. My brother had MS, so it is near and dear to my heart like he was. Would love to have you follow me on twitter at VeganFork (twitter)
or http://www.veganfork.com Peace xo

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19 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Thank you, Shelly, and welcome! I am a big fan of Dr.Esselstyn too. His work makes such profound sense to me and I eat lots of recipes from Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. Thank you for telling me about your brother. I have been very slow to come into the 21st century (still not all the way there, more like back in the 19th!) so I am not on twitter at this time. But thank you for the invitation.

Maria

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20 Michele October 28, 2012 at 6:05 pm

Susan has been part of my life since I switched to a plant-food fat-free diet (after reading Drs. Campbell, McDougall, Esselsteyn and Barnard) 4 years ago. Your new blog compelled me to express my thanks: I love Susan’s personality, writing style and her remarkable ability to develop recipes which are reliable, interesting and have the right balances of flavor and texture. She is a gift in my kitchen and continues to help me maintain good health via good nutrition.
I enjoyed your comments and tips in the past. Thank you for writing such a motivating blog and inviting me to your table.

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21 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:55 pm

Hi Michele,

Susan has been a gift in my kitchen and in my life, too. It’s wonderful you have been eating this way for 4 yaers now. I am glad you have enjoyed my comments and tips in the past. It’s great to have you at this new table!

Maria

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22 amy October 28, 2012 at 6:10 pm

oh, i think you are amazing! i look forward to reading you inspiring words and around your table, what a lovely image!
God bless!
amy

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23 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:56 pm

Thank you, amy, and welcome!

Maria

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24 AmyLu October 28, 2012 at 6:10 pm

Maria,
Congratulations on your new blog! I look forward to reading it.

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25 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:57 pm

Thank you, AmyLu. And welcome!

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26 Cheryl October 28, 2012 at 6:18 pm

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your thoughts on being grateful have given me a few things to think about. I never really thought of it as being a mood lifter, but I can see how it would be…..and I can see that it could be like giving yourself a gift…or maybe accepting the gift that was always there. Anyways, thank you and I’ll be following along with you.

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27 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 6:58 pm

Welcome, Cheryl, and thank you–“accepting the gift that was always there”. . .what a nice way to put it. Glad you’ll be joining us. 🙂

Maria

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28 Courtney October 28, 2012 at 6:19 pm

I have MS as well and treat it solely with a low fat vegan diet. Thank you for writing this blog and letting me hear another voice that might sound a little like mine : ) I look forward to more posts.

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29 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Welcome, Courtney. Me too! I have never taken any meds in the 16 years since I’ve been diagnosed. I’ve always used lifestyle changes. This has been by far the most effective of all of them. It’s great to meet another kindred spirit! Thank you for joining me.

Maria

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30 Jeannie October 28, 2012 at 7:21 pm

Maria I look forward to following your blog and your progress 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your life with us.
I love Susan’s blog and all her wonderful recipes. You were fortunate to get her first!
xoxo

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31 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

Thank you Jeannie, and welcome! You are so right about how fortunate I am to have Susan in my corner! I love her and her blog too. 🙂

Maria

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32 kim October 28, 2012 at 7:54 pm

Glad you are starting a blog–hope you tell about your fav recipes in the posts too.

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33 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 8:07 pm

Thank you, kim, and welcome! I do have some food posts planned here and there. I’m glad you look forward to those. 🙂

Maria

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34 Heidi W October 28, 2012 at 8:04 pm

Oh how wonderful! Saying thank you to the servers is so important. It’s a habit in my family, and one I have passed to my own kids, too.

Isn’t setting the table a grand way to express gratitude, too? making the setting special, because this gift of food is an amazing blessing…

I’m excited to visit this blog! Lovely 🙂

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35 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 8:54 pm

Thank you, Heidi, and welcome! Yes, setting the table is a grand way to express gratitude. 🙂

Maria

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36 Sew Wildflowers October 28, 2012 at 8:28 pm

I’m looking forward to more posts from you. I eat gluten free, vegan, in a kitchen not many hours south of you in Walla Walla.

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37 moonwatcher October 28, 2012 at 8:55 pm

Welcome, Sew Wildfowers! Nice to have another Inland Northwest vegan gluten free gal at the table.

Maria

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38 kally October 28, 2012 at 9:58 pm

Hi nice to find this. I have be following the Swank diet for about 9 months, and, although I am still eating fish, I would like to find a way to do this completely vegan.

I would be interested in your thoughts on not using the oil as it is described in the Swank diet and what you do instead. Many thanks for opening this conversation.

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39 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:22 am

Hi kally, and you’re very welcome! Great to have you here. You can do it vegetarian, Dr. Swank even says that in his book, though he doesn’t recommend it. I started out doing the Swank diet vegan and using very small amounts of oil. Within a couple of weeks I realized that I did not want to use my fat grams on oil, that they would be better spent on ground flax or a few walnuts. As Dr. Esselstyn recommends in Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, I use a tablespoon of ground flax a day. This works very well for me. I wlll try and address this in a bit more detail in a future post.

Maria

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40 sue silva October 28, 2012 at 10:32 pm

Hi Maria,

I too have fibromyalgia. I`m looking forward to learning what as worked for you. Wouldn`t it be fabulous to be pain free!!!!

Sue
xo

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41 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:25 am

Welcome, Sue! Nice you are at the table. 🙂 My motto is “better than it was.” I will do my best to share what helps that happen.

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42 Barbara October 28, 2012 at 11:08 pm

Maria, I too have been eating at a low fat vegan table…in Walla Walla….for almost a year. :-). Not long after I read “The China Study” and Dr. McDougalls books I discovered SusanV’s blog and have been following her ever since. I used to be in the holistic bodywork field and had clients with some of your health challenges. It’s fascinating to hear that you have been helped with this lifestyle/diet change. I know that changing to a low fat vegan diet was the easiest weight loss I’ve ever experienced.
I love your writing style and attitude of gratefulness. I also enjoyed your story of your fancy restaurant experience. 🙂 It brought back memories of eating in the Marcus Whitman Hotel (the fanciest restaurant in Walla Walla at that time) with my mother and grandmother in the 50’s. And in terms of your mother’s gorgeous silverware and your seasonal linens….I too am a firm believer in “presentation”. 🙂
Looking forward to reading about your continued journey.

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43 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:27 am

Thank you, Barbara, and welcome! So nice to meet another Inland Northwest low fat vegan! I am glad you will be joining us at the table. I loved hearing about your own restaurant experience as a child.

Maria

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44 Sally October 29, 2012 at 12:05 am

Absolutely love this blog. I WANT to receive your emails and whatever else you write.. My son has motor neuropathy and I am sure this diet will help him instead of the utter rubbish he eats. Susans blog and yours are utterly wonderful.
Thank you. Sally.UK.

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45 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:28 am

Thank you, Sally, and welcome to the table! I hope your son can see some improvements, too.

Maria

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46 Oly October 29, 2012 at 1:53 am

Hello Maria, I’m from Denmark and have been vegan for 4 months, my husband and I have been following Dr. Fuhrmann’s Eat To Live guidelines for 3 month … what a great help in getting healthier! Since then I have read a lot for Susan V.’s recipes and used several of them, a big fan of hers.
I have a sister diagnosed with MS just a few years ago, even though she probably had symptoms for years, born same year as you, I guess (1957). Really looking forward to follow your blog. Lots of love from Denmark <3

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47 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:29 am

Hello back Oly, and welcome! Thank you for joining us at the table. It’s common for people to have symptoms long before diagnosis. I did. I am a year older than your sister. Best to you all, and glad you have embarked on this healthy and wonderful lifestyle.

Maria

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48 Lou October 29, 2012 at 2:20 am

Hello from down under Maria!
This is the first time i have joined a blog- you have inspired me.
I am a new vegan and have no vegan friends or family so it’s a bit of a struggle at times.( I have found a local store though where everything is vegan including the staff- wonderful mango smoothies!)
As a community nurse I am constantly amazed that most people don’t connect their health with what they eat.
Your story is amazing and thank you for sharing it.
I love Susan’s recipes too though I haven’t told her- thanks Susan!
Well done not breaking that special 20 year old mug!

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49 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:32 am

Welcome, Lou–you brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy to be the first blog you have joined! Susan’s was my first and I still remember what that felt like. It’s great to have you at the table. You’ll find lots of support here. Little by little hopefully more people are starting to make the connection between their health and what they eat. You are leading the way by your example.

Maria

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50 Michele October 29, 2012 at 3:57 am

Your table setting is lovely but, your mug should be used for flowers only. It just has too many cracks in it for tea. The heavy metals in the clay and glaze can leach into your beverages.
So I use mine for mini flower arrangements and enjoy it that way.

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51 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:33 am

Thanks for the tip, Michele. Good idea.

Maria

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52 Dianna October 29, 2012 at 4:18 am

Thanks for a wonderful memory. It so reminded me of growing up and eatting with each set of my grandparents… I remember in the country at the table with my grandfather sitting beside the kitchen window and my grandmother sitting on her stool close to the stove. she had so much food on the tables there was barely room for plates, we drank from fancy jelly jars and mix matched plates. Nobody knew because there was so much food to cover those plates.
Then the other set of grandparents–the city people… we sat around a formal dining room table matching china and the food arranged so pretty on your plate. so fancy. Each set always made me feel special, I think that is what makes a table setting perfect—special memories.
Thanks for your blog, looking forward to reading more..

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53 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:35 am

Welcome, Diana! Thanks for sharing your memories of being at your grandparents’ tables. How lovely. Special memories DO make a table setting just perfect. I really enjoyed your comment.

Maria

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54 lee silverstein October 29, 2012 at 6:52 am

a heart full of appreciation to you..i live with many syndromes due to implant rupture after mastectomies…i teach healthy cooking and would willingly share recipes with you..what a lovely gift from you this am….a big hug,lee

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55 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:36 am

Thank you, Lee, and welcome! What good work you are doing. I am glad you have joined us here.

Maria

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56 Kindness October 29, 2012 at 7:22 am

Hi Maria,

I am so happy to have found you and your blog through Susan V and her amazing fat free vegan recipes. I can already sense the wisdom you’ll be able to provide in your blogs. I can’t wait to begin this journey with you in making foods that are without these harsh chemicals such as soy and flour. They may be natural, but too many of us are developing certain allergies to them and therefore are getting sick with certain symptoms.
I think this journey with you will be a fantastic one though and can’t wait to begin.
I think it is special when one keeps her family’s silverware and in the same sense it says something about you when you have mix match, everyday silverware in a basket on the counter. It’s kind of cozy that way with paper napkins in a holder beside it.
Hugs,
Kindness

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57 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:38 am

Welcome, Kindness, and thank you for your lovely comment, which matches your lovely internet name. I am honored to share my virtual table with you.

Maria

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58 Lee at Veggie Quest October 29, 2012 at 8:21 am

Maria, what a lovely post! It reminded me to slow down for a moment–even with a hurricane bearing down upon us here in Maryland–and be grateful for the many blessings in my life (not the least of which is a nourishing, low-fat, plant-based diet). I look forward to following your journey–especially since I too am gluten-free and (mostly) soy-free!

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59 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 8:45 am

Welcome, Lee, and may you be safe in the storm–at these times when we are put to such a test feeling grateful for the blessings in life can really make a difference. I’m glad ait helped.

Maria

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60 Rita October 29, 2012 at 8:41 am

I would love to follow your blog but couldn’t find a way to sign up for posts? 🙁

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61 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 9:02 am

Welcome, Rita–

Did you see the “subscribe” column just to the right of the post? You should be able to click on an option to sign up for e-mail notification. Hope that helps. Would love to have you follow.

Maria

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62 Rita October 29, 2012 at 9:02 am

Okay! You blog was so wide that I couldn’t see there was a whole other column on the right side. Got help from FFVeganKitchen. Now I am signed up to follow you. 🙂

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63 Laura October 29, 2012 at 9:44 am

Maria,

What perfect timing this is. I have been following Susan for years and have been vegan for 12 years. I have a number of health issues that I deal with by eating a low fat vegan diet and I’m am always amazed at what a difference it makes!

Just last week a very close friend of mine was diagnosed with MS. She has been searching and researching what she can do to help with symptoms and I am so excited to be able to share this with her!

Good luck with the blog – I look forward to reading more about your life journey.

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64 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 11:16 am

Thank you for lovely comment, Laura, and welcome. 🙂 I am glad you are joining us. I hope your friend will, too.

Maria

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65 Sandy October 29, 2012 at 11:24 am

Maria,
I look forward to reading more of your blog. I, too am filled with gratitude. I work as a Social Worker with older adults in a very poor city and know how fortunate I am on a daily basis. Every night before I go to sleep I thank God for all of the things that I felt blessed about that day. Gratitude keeps me humble and happy. Thanks for sharing your story with us and I am eager to read more. This is the first blog I will be following on a daily basis. I found you from an e-mail sent from Fatfreevegan. I love her recipes too. Good healthy eating and gratitude to you my friend.

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66 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 11:44 am

Thank you, Sandy, and welcome. Good healthy eating and gratitude right back at ya. 🙂

Maria

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67 Patricia October 29, 2012 at 11:49 am

I have to add to your great blog. When I was diagnosed with MS over 33 years ago, I made an appointment with Dr. Swank. I flew to Portland (from Texas) and spent several days in his clinic.

He introduced me to his diet. He told me if I would follow the diet I would lead a normal life. Thirty three years later, my neurologist says my diease is still very active, I should be in a nursing home, on a respirator, etc.

I take no medication, I work all day and I lead a normal life.

There is a lot of good to say about a low fat diet. Dr. Swank had it right. My doctors here in Houston have no explanation, but they won’t credit the diet.

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68 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Welcome, Patricia. YOU are an inspiration to ME. It is so great you got to meet Dr. Swank. He is a true pioneer for us, and we owe our health to him. Too bad your doctors have not caught up! I am honored to have you at the table.

Maria

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69 Judy Nielsen October 29, 2012 at 12:17 pm

Maria. I LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOWING YOU. I TOO WORK WITH PAIN AND STIFFNESS EVERDAY FROM A CENTREAL CORD INJURY. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVEE APPROACHES TO BUILD MY BODY AND MAINTSIN STRENGHT AND REDUCE SYMPTOMS. LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOWIN ALONG. NAMASTA JUDY

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70 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 1:43 pm

Welcome, Judy, and thank you for following. I hope some of the things you read here will inspire and serve you on your own health journey. Injuries or not, we are powerful beyond our wildest dreams.

Maria

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71 Gina October 29, 2012 at 1:12 pm

Such beautiful writing, Maria! I look forward to continued reading on your blog. 🙂

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72 moonwatcher October 29, 2012 at 1:43 pm

Thank you, Gina, for your kind words about my writing, and welcome!

Maria

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73 Lois October 30, 2012 at 7:01 am

What a lovely blog post. I look forward to reading others.
Lois

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74 imdhreeves October 30, 2012 at 9:53 am

Our mutual friend, Marge in Kona Hawaii, told me about your blog this morning. Thank you for giving me a place to go to for inspiration. I recently went through the McDougall 10 day program and am still learning my new diet. I stopped taking 8 prescription medications and a lot of nutrients under his guidance. After only 2 days on the new vegan oil free diet I felt better and more energetic. I no longer want to sleep till noon. My mild MS has not complained and I am glad not to be taking the painful shots, of Copaxone that I was on daily for it.
I am not aware of the advantages of gluten free, so I hope I will get a little education here about that. Thank you again,
Donna

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75 moonwatcher October 30, 2012 at 9:57 am

Hi Lois, Hi Donna– thank you, and welcome to you both! Donna, I am so happy to hear you are doing so well with your MS by following Dr. McDougall’s guidance. That’s wonderful.

Maria

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76 Jeanie October 30, 2012 at 1:33 pm

Welcome to Blog World!
You’re table looks beautiful. I am grateful that you have come along as I have two grown sons w/Celiacs Disease. Maybe I can get some good ideas from you.
Thank you for sharing!

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77 moonwatcher October 30, 2012 at 1:55 pm

Thank you, Jeanie, for your warm welcome. I am glad you are joining us! I hope you’ll get some good ideas here.

Maria

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78 Muriel Jelsma October 30, 2012 at 2:03 pm

Hi Maria,
You write beautifully about the beautiful universe you have created to live in.
I am 75 and for health issues, have been learning the low-fat vegan life style for several months. At times, it is overwhelming as there is so much out there. Further, some family members aren’t that supportive so cooking gets complicated.
Susan’s gentle wisdom has been helpful. Now we can learn from you too. Thank you.

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79 moonwatcher October 30, 2012 at 2:20 pm

Thank you, Muriel, and welcome! It is wonderful you are learning to eat this way. I am honored to be able to share with you what has worked for me as we go along.

Maria

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80 Melissa C. November 1, 2012 at 5:09 pm

I am so inspired by what you have accomplished for yourself. As someone who has been living with rheumatoid arthritis for 16 years (diagnosed when I was 24 years old), I have dreamed of the day when I can control my disease through my diet. I discovered Dr. McDougall about 10 years ago or so and vowed to take better care of myself. I made a failed attempt at an anti-arthritis elimination diet 8 years ago and just resigned myself to the fact that I will be on caustic medications for the rest of my life. Your story is inspiring me to take charge again. I am older today and a tad bit wiser, certainly more educated and by far more motivated than ever. I’m enjoying your writing here. I’m going to keep reading and gathering inspiration from your words. Thank you for putting a fire in me again to take charge of my body.

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81 moonwatcher November 1, 2012 at 7:13 pm

Welcome, Melissa, and thank you. I feel honored to play a part in “putting a fire back in you to take charge of your body.” I believe we all can do that.

Maria

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82 Ginger January 20, 2013 at 8:22 pm

I’m sure glad I found you via Susan. You say things I’ve only thought or felt before. Thank you.

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83 moonwatcher January 20, 2013 at 8:56 pm

Thank you so much, Ginger, for this lovely comment. I’m really glad to have you along!

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