We devoured this pie on our anniversary. Normally, our traditional anniversary pie is made with blueberries, and when we lived on the island we would eat the pie on the beach. This year we didn't have any blueberries on hand, but we did have one mango, and some nectarines. So the decision was made, and a new pie was born. The crust had a butterscotch flavor which complemented the fruit perfectly. The filling didn't set up firmly, but it had a perfect custard consistency.

We ate Pudding Pie with spoons, savoring every bite after renewing our vows as we do each year. The setting this time was a lovely little park just a few minutes walk from our condo, on a soft grassy spot where we lay upon our blanket and pillows. The sky was blue as blue could be. There were beautiful white angel clouds, a cool wind which we barely felt while lying down in the sun, gazing upward to watch black crows flying above or landing in the giant fir trees that surrounded us. It was a perfect way to spend an hour, basking in the love that filled our hearts.

Ingredients for Filling: Makes one 7 inch pie
1 ripe red mango
3 ripe nectarines
1/2 nectarine for the garnish, optional

Directions for Filling
Peel mango and cut flesh off. Put into blender.
Cut nectarines in half, remove pit, and add to blender.
Blend on highest speed for 30 seconds.
Pour into nut crust. Allow about ten minutes to set up.

Ingredients for Crust
1/3 cup cashews
1/3 cup walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
3-4 tablespoons shredded coconut
2 Medjool dates
2 teaspoons honey
Tiny pinch of Himalayan salt

Directions for Making Crust
Put nuts, coconut, and salt into food processor and grind to desired texture.
Add dates and raisins, and process until they are well mixed.
Add honey, and pulse to mix.
Press into a 7 inch pie plate

I love to see how we are constantly unfolding into the greater essence of our being. Into becoming more true, more loving, more compassionate, more complete. We unfold into that which we already are. This is one of the great mysteries, that to me, is so beautiful.

The sunflower was an "upstart"... growing where a seed had been dropped in a big ceramic pot that is home to one of our olive trees. I'd been watching the sunflower growing taller and taller for at least a month, until finally the flower head appeared, and soon it began to open up and follow the sun.

The flower unfurled its petals for several days, literally unwrapping itself, opening more with every sunrise. I watched its color change: first it was a lemon yellow, then the gold began to emerge. The final flower had multi-colors, and an amazing cosmic center. This was when its fullness was revealed, and its glory shown completely.

Much like us, the sunflower looks for the light, and opens in its presence. Like the flower, we are filled with beauty and many seeds to create, to manifest what we came here to do. We share more qualities too: harmony of design, spiritual purpose, the beauty of expression, and the gift of being alive. Ours is a life to be shared, and we do, as we live within the holy presence, unfolding and growing day by day.