What The RV is Reading Right Now

I am in the midst of reading an awesome book that is changing me sentence by sentence.

What you think about you?

I am Iccha Devi Ra, I am mostly known these days as The Reluctant Vegetarian, I am also a certified life coach. This Saturday I will be displaying some of my other facets. I will be presenting a workshop called Visions. It will be an afternoon of introspection and connection and realizing and activating your precious visions. The cost of the event will be $20 and will include a tasty lunch prepared lovingly by The Reluctant Vegetarian.

I have a few spaces still available, call 312.725.8078 to reserve your space

Tea Time

One of my dear friends sent me a message and asked if I wanted to join her for a Traditional Victorian Tea. I said yes and I am so glad I did. She advised me that I would be expected to wear a hat and that she would pick me up at Two.

When she invited me I had no idea that I was being taken to the gem of The Pullman State Historic Site, The Hotel Florence. This historic hotel is now in the midst of a multimillion dollar, multiphase restoration process. In it's day it was luxurious hotel commissioned by George M. Pullman, the magnate most noted for his plush Pullman Sleeper Cars, that were manufactured in his Palace Car Factory, visible from his private suite of rooms at the hotel.

The Queen Anne inspired architecture was popular during the Victorian Period when the hotel was constructed. It opened for business in 1881 with 60 rooms of varying classes, the best of the best located on the second floor, with Pullman's own suite. The second floor rooms boasted fireplaces, fine woodwork, and elegant maple furniture. As you ascend each of the four floors the details grew simpler and the architectural details became more basic.

Over the Years and through many different owners the Hotel fell into great disrepair. It was thought that the hotel might be lost for good. Then in 1991 the hotel was purchased by the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The hotel in still in the process of being repaired, and tours can be arranged.

The Victorian Tea that is held here is a fund raiser sponsored by The Historic Pullman Garden club and the Pullman State Historic Society. I love afternoon tea! The whole idea of a sumptuous little meal in the late afternoon feels so silky and luxurious to me. The Victorian Tea was lovely, the menu had lots of vegetarian options for me, my favorite being the tiny open faced egg salad sandwiches. It was all together a lovely event and I will make sure to attend next year also. I will post more photos on my facebook page.

Happy Mother's Day

I am grateful for this beauty that I live everyday that I call my life. I am grateful that I get to do what I love most. I am grateful for my Family and Friends. I am grateful for the Gift of this beautiful body and mind to experience this beautiful life.

In that vein I thank God everyday for my Ancestors and my elders. I am grateful that they came before me and did what they did so that I could have this felt resonant experience of their love. I am grateful for the stories that I have been told by them and the gifts that I have received from them.

On my recent trip to San Francisco, for book signing of Bryant Terry's Awesome Book: Vegan Soul Kitchen, I met up with a friend JFK, and she told me that she shared some wisdom with her teen-aged daughter. Jeanette said that she knows that she is here today because her ancestors held the line for her. They held the bloodline, they stood in line, they walked the line, and they crossed the line! I sat quiet for a moment and knew that is true for me. I am grateful for all of my ancestors that did that for me so that I could have the freedom that I love so well.

To my ancestors and my elders I salute you. I appreciate you. I love you. I will never forget you, and I will share you and your rich stories and traditions with my children and my children's children.

Blessed Love Always
Your Daughter
May Roxanne
the RV!