The Artichoke Recipe Book

Hello from beautiful Montana,

As a global speaker and writer on family issues, I am frequently asked why I would have chosen an artichoke as my logo. What does parent education and artichokes have in common?

You will find the answers in other essays included in this little recipe, history and philosophy book.

In addition to the yummy treasures in the recipes, I want to share my enthusiasm for finding the heart of the story in the journey of life. My message focuses on Respect, Resilience and Responsibility, all qualities that the artichoke and those grow and eat them have.

Three Important Lessons

Part of my community volunteerism is hearing and recording end-of-life stories for Hospice.It is such an honor to share that space between worlds and gain from the wisdom of the dying.

According to a study done and my own experience, the three things most dying people regret are:

1. They wish they would have risked more. My mother said she chose the known and the unknown would have been fine.How many people are intimidated by the artichoke and miss the delectable pleasure because they were too afraid to ask how to cook and eat them?
2. They wish they would have reflected more. Just stopped along the way to think "Is this the kind of person I want to be? Is this really what I want to do with my life? What would make me happier?"
3. They wish they would have contributed more. One man told me that he wished he would have shared his wisdom with his sons. Another said she wished they would have had more people over for dinner and not worried about the stained carpet.

You can be sure I always contribute one of these easy and delicious artichoke recipes when we attend a pot-luck or host a dinner party.

Removing The Outer, Revealing The Inner

As I learned these lessons, I removed some outer leaves of doubt and fear. When I dared to open my heart and really accept the pointy edges and the fuzzy parts, my life changed.

So much better in fact, I am amazed and grateful for the blessings and opportunities that have come to our lives.

Grow, Select, Cook & Eat With Gusto

It is my deepest with that you find that same peace and joy in your heart. And that you will learn more about how to grow, select and cook an artichoke.

And especially you will gain the confidence to eat with gusto the delicious meat on the artichoke leaves as you dig down to the heart. I wish you joy as you dip the meaty petal of this thistle into the best life has to offer you.

Bon Appetit

Hopefully, we will meet in person one day and share a cup of tea and exchange stories. Until then, please know that you are loved and appreciated.

Fondly,
Judy Helm Wright aka "Auntie Artichoke"
A wise woman with a global message
http: //www.ArtichokePress.com

Author: Judy H. Wright
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 11/06/2012
Pages: 52
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.16lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.51w x 0.11d
ISBN: 9781480256378

About the Author
Who is Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke & What's with the Artichoke? Judy is a parent educator, family coach and personal historian who has written more than 20 books, hundreds of articles and speaks internationally on family issues, including care giving. Trained as a ready to learn consultant, she works with Head Start organizations and child care resource centers. She also volunteers time writing end-of-life stories for Hospice. She and Dwain, her husband of 40 years, have six grown children and seven grandchildren. They consider their greatest success in life that their children like themselves and each other. The honorary title of "Auntie" is given in many cultures to the wise women who guide and mentor others in life. The artichoke also became a teaching lesson when Judy, with her young family, moved into military housing in California to find Artichokes in their yard. Given that it takes two years for the vegetable to flower, the original gardener never got to see the seeds of her labor. Many times, our actions and reactions in life are felt by people we will never meet, but we plant the seeds of kindness anyway. The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning in her teaching and writing. As she works with families, she sees frequently only the outer edges, which can be prickly, hard to open and sometimes bitter to the taste. They are closed to new ideas or methods. Many families prefer the known over the unknown, even when the old patterns and skills are not serving them well. But as you expose the artichoke and people to warmth, caring and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose the real treasure-the heart. Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke (406) 549-9813 Email: Judy@ArtichokePress.com www.ArtichokePress.com "Finding the heart of the story in the journey of life." "Visiting with Judy is like having a cup of tea with a loving auntie.

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