In memory of my mother, my teacher, I am thinking about some bits of wisdom that I learned very early on. The values for which she stood were simple and elegant, and I carry them forever.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Go play outside.
Eat your vegetables.
Use the vegetable cooking water to start a soup.
Go get some fresh air.
Just try it.
Let’s go down to the garden.
Put as many colors on your plate as you can.
No, you may not have soda.
It’s time to get ready for bed.

And I would not want to miss a chance to share the kind of recipe that she used to love. Here’s a peak at today’s not-so-early-morning breakfast:

Mix together:

• 6-8 roasted almonds
• 2 tsp. raw cashews
• 2 tsp. raisins
• 1 /2 banana, thinly sliced

Sprinkle on:

• 1 tsp. coconut flakes (unsweetened)

Pour in:

• 1 /2 cup milk (soy, dairy, oat, almond, coconut)

…and eat slowly.

Feel free to substitute dry bananas if that’s what you’ve got right now. If you’re lucky enough to live near a place you can hike and you’d like to take this recipe for a snack, pour the milk into a thermos, and put all the dry ingredients into the cap.

Thank you, Mom.