Thoughts from the Negev

In light of our recent 9th wedding anniversary, I just had to post this hilarious story (don’t judge me, lol). Hope you get a good laugh, we all need one from time to time, y’know. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22

An elderly woman sat on the patio with her husband of many years one beautiful evening, sipping on her glass of wine. “I love you so much,” she said reminiscently,  “I don’t know how I could ever live without you”.  Her husband paused for a moment and asked, “Is that you, or the wine talking?”  “It’s me, “she said, ………………..”talking to the wine.”

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Wow. I just looooove surprises! And I am thoroughly convinced that the more we give away our love, our time and effort, our gifts and talents, our earthly possessions, our fears and disappointments, our will, our past, our future and whatever else to G-d and to those He puts in our path — the more wonderful surprises can come our  way. I thank G-d for His love toward us. Give yourself away!!! ~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Uggggh. It is human nature to compare ourselves one to another but the scriptures tell us it’s not such a good idea. Unfortunately, with all the technology and social networking,  it is becoming more and more difficult not to do so.

Before we know it, the information just pops up in our news feed about how one friend is just looooving his job, another is excelling at school,  got her house clean, had twins, lost weight etc, all the while it seems we are just struggling to get by.  Either that or we see how our teenage peer got pregnant, someone gets fired or divorced, and we’re feeling really quite good about ourselves. Yuck.

In the words of my wise friend Beckah Shae, “Don’t compare yourself to others– you’ll end up either hating yourself or loving yourself too much”.

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” ~Author Unknown

Not much I can add to those wise words.  G-d, please forgive us for the many thoughts, words and actions that have led us to destruction. Help us to reach your destiny for our lives!

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

 

“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us trust his skill and thank him for his prescription.” ~Issac Newton
May our Shabbat be full of gratitude for these trials we face, and may we experience great peace knowing they are for our good.

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyy gosh. I just discovered the musical lyrical genius of one B. Reith —-I loooove this guy! And I can totally relate to his hilarious lyrics on the song “Knockin’ on My Door” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnfzxBTDt68.

So… many of you have been asking me if I’m ever gonna do some new music. Ummm. The short answer is yes. I have direction and I am working on new stuff. As for the direction for this next album, after thinking, praying, asking for your thoughts, I am aiming for a younger, more rhythmic sound. Kind of a mix between Beckah Shae and this guy I just found, B. Reith — along with some other surprise sounds and possibly guest singers. And I want to continue in Hebrew.  However — there may be some English on this album as well. We will see where it goes.

But these things take TIME… and money… and a really good producer…. all things that I am currently in the market for.  Any suggestions?

We are planning to go back to the US for another tour in late fall (I know… that soon?) and I am aiming to start recording at some point then. I still have all the $$ that came in through a few kind supporters, (just so you know I didn’t go on a shopping spree) which added up to about $2300. And I am trusting the the rest will come in due time. Just to give you an idea, my last one cost close to $25,000. Yeah. Most have no idea the kind of time and cost that’s involved in making good music.

Anyway, I ask you to please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I embark on yet another musical adventure and try to hone in on my niche. Love y’all.

~Thoughts from the Negev :)

 

So, hello. :) It’s been a long while since my last post…. and for those who’ve been following our crazy life, I’m sure you can understand why. We have been touring all over the US with our two kiddos and it’s been exhausting.  But seriously? All of us learn so much on these trips. I am amazed at how much we each grow on each tour.  There are so many things I must update you on — new music, future tours and more. Stay tuned! ~Thoughts from the Negev :)

Festive Jewish Sweet and Spicy Turkey

I discovered this dish by trial and error, aiming for a sweet and spicy dish (my absolute favorite combo in flavors) with a holiday flare — ie, I like to prepare foods that coincide with holiday traditions —- meaning that apples and honey are traditionally eaten on Rosh ha Shana so I wanted to include it in my recipe :) I have been perfecting this recipe for five years now and have yet to run into a single person who hasn’t raved about it. It is really a quite simple but festive and delicious recipe…. Enjoy!

Thoughts from the Negev~ :)

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey breast (meaning, two halves). Depending on size, feeds 8-12 people – but you’ll want leftovers :)

4-6 med-large apples

4-6 med-large onions

2 cups dried cranberries

2 cups blanched, whole or halved almonds (ask at your local grocery store)

1 ½ cup date honey (you can find it at health food stores usually, or you can substitute another honey)

½  tsp salt

½  tsp cayenne pepper

Sunflower oil (or other vegetable oil)

Directions:

* For best results, prepare this a day ahead in order to let this dish marinate overnight before baking*

1. First, chop the onion (small and cubed), and place in hot pan with 4-6 tbsp oil. Fry on high fire until nearly burned – this will take a while.  Let fry thoroughly before stirring. You want them to be DARK BROWN for the FLAVOR …. Oh and btw, this adds extra yumminess to just about any dish :)

2. While those are cooking, chop the apples in a similar way and size. Only AFTER the onion is fully cooked, add the apples and allow them to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add cranberries and almonds, date honey, cayenne and salt and allow to cook for 10 more minutes on med. fire, stirring occasionally – then put that aside.

4. In a large pan, heat 4-6 tbsp oil on high flame. Cut the breast in half and gently place in the pan, being very careful not to burn yourself as the oil may splatter. Sear until they are semi brown on both sides — this seals in the juices.

5. Place the turkey in a baking dish and poke some deep holes in it to let the liquid seep in as you pour the apple mixture evenly over it (you may need to add a half cup or so of boiled water if mixture is too dry), and then cover the dish with foil.

6. For tastier results, let marinate overnight, if possible.

7. Slow bake at 325 degrees for 2-3 hours.

8. Slice before serving and serve over thick white rice.

With war on the brink and other madness on the home front
here in the Negev, recording has kinda been on the back burner. I am asking if
you would prayerfully consider helping me to record a new album. Click on the link below and make any contribution. Even small amounts will go a long way. Worthy Cause?? I thank you PROFUSELY in advance. XOXO

http://www.indiegogo.com/Baht-Rivka-Whitten-?a=33012&i=fbst

We as human beings tend to blame people for their lousy behavior and then make generalizations about them — this is how racism and other forms of intolerance thrive in our society.

Here in Israel we are surrounded by a majority of people who dislike us greatly and actively try to hurt us — they aim rockets and bombs at us, targeting places crammed with innocent people like buses and marketplaces (and to make matters worse, the whole world around us seems to think we deserve it…. but I digress).

When you are faced with this kind of persecution daily — when it’s your neighbor, your friend, your family member calling to tell you they were nearly a casualty of such an attack — when rockets are coming down just a few miles from your home — it’s hard not to make generalizations and become intolerant. It’s much easier to get bitter — to want to fight back — to defend yourself — to protect your loved ones and your home.

This is the much bigger picture — and in my opinion, the ultimate answer to all forms of mistreatment or persecution you might be facing today. The people who do these things do not understand that they are being manipulated by an enemy who hates us — a powerful force who would like nothing more than to lie to us, kill us, steal our joy and all the good things we deserve.  This evil entity wants total control of our lives.

Here is my point: We need to get crackin at HIM. We must not be angry at the people doing these things — they are simply pawns in his game….poor people — they know not what they do.