I'm still excited that CNN noticed one of my heroes, Ibu Robin, of Bumi Sehat Foundation, and has put her into a race with a group of other deserving leaders for their annual Top Ten Heroes for 2011. The voting continues for a few more days, and I urge you to vote early and vote often. (For details on how this voting works, please look at my Robin / Hero / CNN story in last month's newsletter.)

My hero Ibu Robin has attracted the attention of another network: she was featured in a lovely story on NBC's Nightly News in mid November. She celebrated her 55th birthday on Thanksgiving. I am so impressed and energized by this woman's dedication and clarity!

October 2011 -- California / Arizona Tour for Japan Living Beauty Association Conscious Eating Food Prep class recording the meal at 118 Degrees

What would you say to a five-day retreat in Sedona Arizona, devoted to Whole Body Rejuvenation, November 5-10? That's the highlight of my plan for 2012, a year that is already beginning to fill up with workshops for my wonderful Japanese Living Beauty group and my teaching at Living Light.

Living Light, based in Fort Bragg, California, has asked me to teach Fundamentals of Raw and Living Foods, the Knife Skills Intensive course, and Essentials of Raw and Living Foods at least eight times during 2012, starting right after the New Year -- see my schedule for details. I have also been invited to play with their all-star team that delivers their FUNdamentals On The Road series (dates not settled yet), with stops scheduled for Seattle, Portland, Boston, Loma Linda, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Will I be in your neighborhood? Let me know. These On The Road courses are a wonderful way for you to experience Living Light's approach, and their FUN class satisfies their pre-requisite for continuing classes for the Chef and Gourmet series.

May I Be Frank -- available on DVD

I describe May I Be Frank as the little movie that could. I first heard about the film in early 2009 from Ryland Engelhart, one of the film's directors and the son of Matthew and Terces Engelhart, founders of Cafe Gratitude. I was so impressed with his project that I pledged some funds for his final filming and editing. I attended the San Francisco debut in May 2009, where a packed audience of loving friends and family were mesmerized by what Ryland and his best friends Cary and Connor had captured on film. Their story of Frank Ferrante's life, from personal collapse to sought after public speaker, is a testament to perseverance -- not only from Frank, but the boys who brought his story to the screen. Since those early days they have continued to screen the film, garnering awards at film festivals and accolades from authors, filmakers, musicians and others. It's a simple film, with a touching message on the importance of healthy choices in every aspect of our lives. I have enjoyed watching this little 'movie that could' chug its way into many hearts as it criss-crosses the world. Now that it has been released on DVD you can own your own copy.

Get a copy for yourself, a christmas gift or one of those 'Movies That Matter' screening at your home this next year. And watch your local communities for screenings and appearances with Frank. His metamorphosis is amazing (you can see his pictures on the front page of their site -- the before on the left and current on the right).

click to order

We've had an amazing year with sales for our More Than a Nut Milk Bag and we are honored to welcome new retail and wholesales customers from many states right here at home. But our most exciting expansion has come from international sales that include Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Japan, Malaysia, and Switzerland. Thank you for your continued support for our bags and the entire project. We appreciate you!

Our More Than a Nut Milk Bag project always comes back around to this: the way it gets made -- by loving hands in Bali, Indonesia -- and the way some of the proceeds from its sale get turned right around to benefit new Indonesian mothers and orphans. So, why not take advantage of this years' special pricing 5 bags for $40? And while you're in the mood, surf over to CNN and vote for Ibu Robin Again!

The colors of fall are so vibrant outside and when I can get them on to my plate it's a win/win.

Keeping your plate filled with a rainbow of colors and eating the vibrancy of each season is the surest way to get those vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants inside to do their magic. It's not sweet but savory so it offers a bit of a surprise. This Squash 'Rice' and Cranberry Salad is one of my favorites not only for the brilliant color but it's chock full of nutritious gems to keep you going.

Cranberries are thought to be anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory as well as aiding in digestion, and recent studies indicate that cranberry extract inhibits the growth and spread of many cancers. Butternut Squash is full of beta-carotene, Vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium and a whole host of other wonders from Mother Nature. These guys prove that eating what's in season is good practice.

As always, thank you for reading my 'love letters.' It's been wonderful to be a part of your life for another year. I'm inspired by each and every one of you and honored to share a little of your time each month.