The Promise of Sunset

from Star Nations Magazine July 2020 Issue 86

Friendship

While living on the island of Maui, I found myself constantly drawn to the sunset. Of course, the sunsets are beautiful there, but I felt more than just the beauty of the colors in the sky. Nearly every evening I would walk to the edge of the rise of our street to watch the magic of the night sky unfold.

The view was always spectacular! I would look out over Maliko Gulch towards the mountains of West Maui and beyond to the island of Lanai. There the sun would slowly drop down below the horizon creating the infamous “green flash”. Following that would be the beautiful bright colors that would fill the sky – red, yellows, orange, purples, and pinks all flowing and blending together.

Every time I watch the sunset, I find myself feeling and connecting to the “beyond”. By the beyond, I mean the existence of life beyond this planet. As a Starchild, I am well aware of and in tune with life out there in the universe. Often I find it hard to be here with all this density and the negative emotions of humanity towards one another.

Lately, I have had the intense need to go outside and to be in nature. It is as if I cannot breathe when I’m inside, I feel so confined. Once I am outside with the trees, by the “big lake” (Lake Michigan), and seeing the big, open sky, I can relax and be comfortable. The sunsets in Wisconsin are not as colorful as Maui but they are just as meaningful.

While I love the stars and the night sky, it is the transition to night that fascinates me. How is it that as the sun drops below the horizon, there is a moment of absolute quiet? It is as if all life on the planet knows that there something big is taking place and everything pauses to honor that moment of transition. Can you hear it? A completely hushed moment. It is a moment of gratitude for all that has been offered to us during the day. A moment to honor the great wisdom of Mother Earth and Father Sky as they work in harmony — together — to keep life going on the planet. It is another miracle of time, of space, and place for all of humanity and all life forms on the planet.

Sunset is a time to honor the day, every day, for all that we have done or been able to do during the day. It is also a time of promise. A promise that another day will come, we will have another opportunity to make amends, get it right, to correct errors, and to forge a new way of life.

Sunset is the applause of the day, the crowning glory as such. Each day at sunset is a time to evaluate our actions of the day. Did we do well? Did we make a difference? Did we put forth our best to help each other? Did we fulfill our promise that we made in coming here to this life, or at least get closer to fulfilling it? Did we act with compassion and love for all living things and beings on the planet? Did we act with honor and respect?

These are the basic items we need to be addressing each day. We are all in this together. I’m not speaking of the pandemic, rather I’m referencing why we are here on the planet. That is the basic question we all have. Why am I here?

No Bake Cookie Crust 6 pitted Medjool dates ¾ cup raw cashews ¼ cup almond flour ¼ cup finely shredded coconut ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ tsp sea salt

Crème Filling ½ pound strawberries, chopped ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 cups whole raw cashews ½ cup full fat coconut milk 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ¹∕₃ cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions: Soak 2 cups of raw cashews in water overnight for the crème filling.

Next, cut ½ pound of strawberries into small pieces. Pour half a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the strawberries and stir until they are coated. Spread the strawberries into an even layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and roast The answer to that one question can be found in the responses to the above questions. Once you live life by answering those questions in the affirmative, then you will know the promise of the sunset, the reason you are here, and the true beauty of each new day as you walk the journey of your life. Take the time to enjoy and be one with the sunset, it will transform your life. at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Add the crust ingredients to a food processor or high powered blender and pulse until a sticky dough forms. Press the dough into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Put the crust in the fridge or freezer while you prepare the crème filling.

Add the soaked cashews, lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract to your food processor or high powered blender. Blend the mixture until silky smooth and creamy.

Transfer the filling to a mixing bowl and add the cool, roasted strawberries. Gently fold the roasted strawberries into the filling. Taste the filling, then adjust the level of sweetness or tartness to your taste.

Pour the crème filling over the prepared crust. Freeze overnight or until completely solid.

To serve, remove the crème bars from the freezer and let them sit on the counter for about 5 minutes to slightly soften. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars or bite size pieces.

I like to add slices of fresh strawberries on top as a

decoration. Enjoy! I have been thinking of my time living on Maui as I write this column. I also find myself thinking of the yummy foods I learned to make there. Here is my recipe for GF Strawberry Crème Bars. They require no baking and taste a lot like cheesecake bars. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does! 

Sharon Rosenblum adopted a Gluten Free and Whole Food lifestyle and is adept at modifying recipes to suit different dietary needs. A healthy approach to eating also serves her as an Empath and Intuitive. Eating “clean” foods brings clarity when working with her guides and spirit. And, her joints are no longer achy or sore.

Sharon is an Assistant Editor on our Star Nations Magazine

Executive Staff and has her own editing business—The

Feathering Quill. | FB: The Feathering Quill