I am a person passionate about vegan eating, hiking, and living healthfully and spiritually.  If you are interested in any of these, I believe you'll find something of interest here.

While these four topics may seem quite disparate, there is an underlying unifying element to all four:  Respect for and optimization of life and health.

Within my own life, the more I focus on keeping these 4 elements in proper balance, the more I am able to function at my best.

The VEGAN section will focus on vegan eating, with emphasis on the approachability of vegan foods.

The HIKING section will feature trip reports of hikes I have been on.  Most are hikes in the western North Carolina area, featuring trails in the Pisgah National Forest and surrounding areas, as well as the Jones Gap area of South Carolina.

The HEALTH section will be a collection of reflections, originating from 30+ years of working as a registered nurse, who happens to be vegan, but living and working in the very non-vegan world of health care.  It will provide tips and resources for good health.

The SPIRITUAL section will be a forum for some of my musings, focusing primarily on the necessity of being spiritual, and understanding that this is not at all synonymous with being religious. One deals with transformation of oneself, the other with attempts to transform others.

About this symbol This is one of numerous Adinkra symbols, used by west African peoples.  This particular symbol, named BIN NKA BI, means "No one should bite another", and it symbolizes peace and harmony.  It cautions against provocation and strife. When I first learned of this symbol and its meaning, I could think of no other image that so perfectly sums up my approach to life.  It perfectly encapsulates the very essence of the vegan way of living, as well as being an integral part of spiritual living.  Good health is contingent upon this mentality, and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy all the life that God has created and placed on this earth.

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