let's get real, folks.

you know how sometimes you love reading a blog, but you realize you don't really know anything about the person behind the food?

(or maybe that blogger is you...?)

i hate that! i want to get to know the heart and soul behind the posts. i can find recipes anywhere, but personality? that's a rare gift.

because of that, i aim to be as transparent as possible here at Clarity in Creation... even if it's not a pretty sight!

so in the spirit of full disclosure, here are a few honest statements that have been floating around in my heart and brain here recently...

thank you all so much for your sweet comments on my fibro diet post! i'm definitely not an expert by any means, but if someone else can learn from my mistakes and hard-earned lessons, i'm all for that!

if anyone ever has any tips for me (concerning anything!), i'd be honored if you'd share them. i love new experiences, recipes, and any tidbits of information that could help others. or if there's something i should know, fill me in!

when i remember, i've been trying to post Operation Beautiful notes at the gym, grocery store, etc.

i haven't been taking pictures of them because i'm not concerned about sending the pictures in... i just want the ladies i cross paths with to feel special, for only for one minute of their day.

have you written any Operation Beautiful notes? or have you found any?

since my orientation on monday, i've been working on my class schedule, and i think i finally got it organized! it's not exactly how i could have chosen it, but i think it's going to work out :)

as of right now, i have one class on mondays, and three classes on wednesdays and thursdays. i'll also be lifeguarding for my college pool, so it's nice to be able to work a few hours in between classes.

i've been designing my next tattoo! it's a compass rose (similar to the picture) - my daily reminder that Christ is my guide for life, so i never need to worry about where i'm headed next.... i go to a consult at a local parlor today!

i can't decide if i should add on to my first tattoo (on the inside of my right arm, working towards a half-sleeve), or get the compass on the inside of my left wrist (my original idea).

thoughts??? i'll let you know what i decide! i'm getting inked the second week in august with my freshman roommate who will have just gotten home from her honeymoon!!! eek!

i went to the library... can you tell? i love books (especially free ones!). 

i also put a bunch on transfer, including Thrive, Eat Pray Love, Food Rules, and Veganomicon!

do you use your library? have any book suggestions for me?

finally, a recipe!

i got off my lazy rear and made a chickpea/quinoa salad, looking to Jess and Ashley for inspiration.

i just used what sounded good, but you can adapt it however you want! i'm broke, so i scrounged around until i was satisfied :)

chickpea salad - basic recipe:

cook:

- 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to directions (subbing veggie broth for water)

- 1/2 cup dried beans, or open, drain, and rinse 1 can of choice (i used chickpeas)

let cool slightly, then stir in:

- chopped veggies: i grated 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1/2 a small red onion, and grated a carrot, but cucumber, strawberries, and/or avocado would make an awesome salad, too!

now, the fun stuff... add:

- 1 cup dried fruit (i used craisins)

- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts for me!)

- salt and pepper, to taste

- a few tablespoons of your favorite salad dressing, or EVOO + basalmic vinegar (i used a new find, Trader Joe's Raspberry Viniagrette)

and what would wrap up this ridiculously random post better than a picture of my scraggley dawg?

- rebekah

p.s. - check out Mama Pea's cookbook giveaway, y'all!