As some of you may recall, in February, I had the honor of being featured as the first RAWk Star of the Month and was interviewed by none other than Aisah Tweety Bird. (If you've missed the interview, you can check it out here). With the honor also came the privilege of choosing who was to be our next interviewee. I decided to put our lovely Mosaica on the spotlight.
I didn't realize this was going to be so much fun and that I was so curious. Mosaica nevertheless graciously accepted to answer my many questions.
I found her responses fascinating and, to me, they capture perfectly what I've been 'feeling' when I think of her; such gentleness, simplicity and connection to the Earth.
But before you get to read the interview, let me remind you of a few posts by Mosaica that you might interested in...
M - It happened 2 years ago. My husband told me about an interesting man he met on another (not raw) forum who, besides having some pretty neat ideas, follows a raw vegan diet. Since we were open-minded, long time vegetarians, we naturally became interested and started researching about the raw lifestyle. We gradually started incorporating more and more raw foods into our diet, and within a year, we transitioned to a high raw diet.
C - What's your favorite fruit? Your favorite veggie?
M- You mean only one? Uhh, that's impossible! I have to name at least a few... Let's see: red delicious apples, blueberries, pineapples, watermelons and definitely dates. As for veggies: tomatoes and sweet peppers, but only the home-grown ones. Their taste is superior compared to the hothouse ones. Oh, and lately, baby bok choy too.
C - What dish/meal do you most enjoy preparing?
M - Raw desserts, of course! They are such a success every single time (thanks for the talented recipe creators) that I can't get enough of them. I really enjoy working with fruit, and the best opportunity for that is to make a wonderful fruit cake. But I also enjoy making smoothies. They are a very important staple in my raw diet, so making them on a daily basis makes me creative, which is a good thing.
C - What's your favorite snack?
M - Definitely dates!
C - Describe what a typical day looks like in terms of food. (No worries, cooked food is fine too! )
M - Green smoothie in the morning, a slice of sprouted bread, salad with sprouts, almond milk, then fruit during the afternoon, some cooked soup or veggie dish for dinner, a raw dessert or dates for snack. Oh, and I have a kombucha drink every day as well.
(Note, this is a typical winter day. In the summertime, I can go for days without cooked food and I feel great that way.)
C - We have all experienced some mishaps in the kitchen. What's your worst raw food flop?
M - Well, nothing too significant. There were some creations I couldn't eat but my hubby could. Then, there were others he couldn't eat either... I remember throwing out some raw refried beans and pesto sauce. I'm still not able to make a good raw bread, except for my corn bread and Ani's sunflower-black sesame bread. The other breads I've tried tasted like cardboard to me... That's something I'd like to learn from someone who's an expert in raw bread making...
C - What are you growing in your garden this year?
M - Oh, a lot of things! Peas, green beans, all kinds of salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, cucumbers, corn, carrots, onions, garlic, leek, radish, spinach, swiss chard, kale...
And herbs, of course: mint, basil, oregano, chives, parsley, thyme and dill.
C - What made you pick British Columbia as your new home?
M - The funny thing is that it was my hubby's decision; I just followed him. But our destiny is so closely related I felt coming to BC was quite natural and was no coincidence. But the truth is, we're still not sure whether we've arrived "home".
The 3 things which KEEPS us here are: 1. clean air & plenty of clear freshwater, 2. the low population, 3. the "magic" we find in Nature here and with which we so perfectly resonate with.
C - Describe your best day ever.
M - Camping with some good friends in the magnificent Elaho Valley 2 years ago. No place has ever felt so close to me; I experienced some truly magical moments there.
C - Care to share with us a joy-full moment you've experienced?
M- Getting a package full of delicious raw cookies from a friend?
(Carmi's Note: A couple of months ago, I sent Mosaica a springform pan that I'd purchased on her behalf. Of course, I couldn't resist sneaking a few sweet treats in the package as well. )
C - What's the funniest or most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you?
M - Funny + unexpected, that's my cat to me! I'm getting lots of those moments since we adopted him 3 years ago...
C - Do you have a favorite song or musical artist?
M - Hum... Can't really point out only one. It all depends on my mood... I like a huge variety of genres; starting from classical, jazz, tribal music (with djembe and didgeridoo), indian classical music (especially ragas), all the way to the psy-trance. What I cannot listen to is the popular, "top 40" type of music, which I don't even consider music at all.
C - What book or movie had the most impact on the way you conduct your life?
M - I started reading when I was only 5 years old, so I managed to get through a vast number of books since then. Back when I was around 9 or 10 years old, my favorite books were those about the natives of America. Like I was unconsciously preparing myself for my coming to Canada... Or maybe I was searching for memories of a past life... Who knows? But it was very powerful, considering my young age at the time. A few years later I opened up to some different topics. I've read a lot of spiritual, metaphysical books, books about tradition, ancient healing techniques, medicinal herbs. I won't mention authors as they were mostly Hungarians. That was a significant period in my life and it's still not over.
Nowadays, I read books about permaculture, metaphysics, shamanism. I'd recommend John Perkins' "Shapeshifting" - a great book (if you like C. Castaneda, you'd like him too), and authors like Herbert Shelton. From the raw world, definitely David Wolfe's "The Sunfood diet success system", as I find he has the most powerful spiritual approach to the raw lifestyle.
As for movies... You'd be surprised! I don't really like movies. I can't watch fighting, yelling, shooting and violence so I mostly watch documentaries. There is only a few movies which had an impact on my life, and I'd say "The Matrix Trilogy" (especially the first part) was the most significant of all. Deepa Mehta's "Water" is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen.
C - What good movie(s) have you seen lately that you recommend?
M - I sent them all to you, dear! But I could definitely recommend Jet Li's "Fearless". The best movie I've seen lately.
C - What do you do to relax or treat yourself?
M - A very simple thing: I always turn to Nature. If I need to clear my mind or to calm myself down, I go for a walk. The most relaxing activity for me is gardening. It's both a relaxation/meditation and a treat for me.
C - If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
M - This is a tough one... I've asked myself this question quite a few times, but haven't found the answer yet. To be honest, I love all animals, but plants are much closer to me in some strange way.
C - Which word best captures who you are?
M - There are people who are 'Seekers' and people who are 'Believers'. I think if I say I am a 'Seeker', it describes me very well.
C - What do you most love to do?
M - Observing Nature. The most valuable lessons in my life came to me that way.
C - For you, Nature is...
M - A wise woman who shows me and teaches me all of Her secrets if I listen.
C - Do you have a favorite spot in Nature where you like to retreat to?
M - In the forest, sitting on a soft moss under a huge, old tree.
C - Do you have a vision that is especially close to your heart?
M - Of course I do... I think you may guess what it is ... I have a dream of a community. Which would be (will be? ) based on sustainability, spirituality, healthy lifestyle, love and friendship. A little bunch of conscious and open-minded people living and sharing their lives in harmony with Nature, deeply respecting Her laws.
C - What aspects about you do you feel you need to work on?
M - I have to learn to overcome my fears.
C - What's one of the most valuable lessons you've learned along your journey?
M - Everything is possible if you're able to get over your fears and free your mind.
C - We are all given major opportunities or come to major 'crossroads' in our lives. What's the most important thing you've ever done?
M - I have crossed the bridge.
Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to answer my many questions with such candor and honesty, Mosaica.
Anything you would like to know that I forgot to ask? Now is your chance to do so!
__________________
" Great spirits have always found violent opposition from medicore minds " - Albert Einstein ~~Fasting Bandit Ringleader /Member!!!/ Explorer
Beautiful interview!
Carmi, excellent job - great questions.
Mosaica, thank you for being so open and sharing your journey and your dream with us.
I would like to know, how is life in Canada different from life in Hungary? Was the transition difficult? What do you miss most about Hungary? And, what do you not miss at all about Hungary?
Thanks again,
Peaches
__________________
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." – Richard Bach / "Whatever you fight, you strengthen, what you resist, persists." Eckart Tolle A New Earth
What a terrific interview given by both the interviewer and the interviewee! I loved the beginning where Carmella interjected a few posts from Mosaica. I just spent the better part of an hour reading those posts, and thought that I have to jump in on those, too. But, for now I must get to work on straightening my house after a wild weekend.
toodle doo
ps~Mosaica, your avatar reminds me of 2 of my 7 sisters. We are Irish on the maternal side, but the mysterious, Hungarian side from which my father hails is what these two beauties must attribute their good looks to. They were born with darker hair (not blonde) like the rest, and I'm the only redhead of the bunch.
I would like to know, how is life in Canada different from life in Hungary? Was the transition difficult? What do you miss most about Hungary? And, what do you not miss at all about Hungary?
Hi Peaches, thank you for your question. Well, life in Canada is quite different from life in Hungary... First of all, Hungary is a small country, Canada is huge: it's exactly 101 times bigger than Hungary! It influences just about everything in life, ei. the average Canadian house would be huge and probably a property of a millionaire in Hungary. The cars are also different, smaller and a lot more efficient; no trucks or monster suvs. The buildings are different: a lot of old, historic buildings. The washing machines are different: we only have small front loaders and we don't use dryers. Food is different, and I have to admit Hungarians enjoy a bit better selection. Speaking of food, the size of meals is very reasonable in Hungary, while Canadians eat too much! The opportunities are better in Canada, although the education system is far better and way more accessible in Hungary (we pay symbolic tuition fees comparing to the Canadian). But we don't have untouched nature, the country (along with all European countries) is very crowded.
The transiton for me was quite smooth, since I wanted to move badly.
I miss the culture, the architecture, the famous Turkish bath houses, the versatile cultural events and of course I miss my friends.
Hungary is very political; politics is present in people's everyday life to a level I feel uncomfortable with. I'm happy to be away from that. I don't miss the mentality; Canadians are more open-minded and accepting. Considering my lifestyle and plans, Canada is a far better place for me.
Thank you, Mosaica. Your answers are very insightful and interesting. I'm glad you have found such a comfortable place in Canada. By the way, your English is superb! It seems as though you have been speaking it all your life. I know people who were born here who don't have the command of the language that you have. Congratulations!
Peaches
__________________
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." – Richard Bach / "Whatever you fight, you strengthen, what you resist, persists." Eckart Tolle A New Earth
Mosaica, this was a treat. Thanks for taking the time to contribute your answers. It's so awesome to see how spiritual you are and yet what a solidly grounded energy you give off. It's such a nice balance!
PS- I love John Perkins' book too! what a contrast between that and his political exposes huh?
Great Interview! I especially like to read your comparison of the two nations. I kind of have the idea that all nations are more political than the North American ones. Am I wrong? I have noticed, for example, during the Orange Revolution people can protest for weeks and they do not worry about losing their housing and such. Or we don't hear about it. Most US citizens who might need to protest a situation do not have the financial resource to be able to afford to protest (without becoming homeless for starters.)
You have mentioned that you are new with the language - well you are brilliant at it. You may have an accent in person but you sure don't have an accent in writing! You place your words in the English style - yet I know people who came here as children and they still organize their English words in the order of their first language and use the concepts of their first language - just translated to English. I have not noticed that with you. You get an A++++++++!!!!
Mosaica nevertheless graciously accepted to answer my many questions.
Uhh, that's impossible! I have to name at least a few... Let's see: red delicious apples, blueberries, pineapples, watermelons and definitely dates. As for veggies: tomatoes and sweet peppers, but only the home-grown ones. Their taste is superior compared to the hothouse ones. Oh, and lately, baby bok choy too. 
They are such a success every single time (thanks for the talented recipe creators) that I can't get enough of them. I really enjoy working with fruit, and the best opportunity for that is to make a wonderful fruit cake. But I also enjoy making smoothies. They are a very important staple in my raw diet, so making them on a daily basis makes me creative, which is a good thing.
I remember throwing out some raw refried beans and pesto sauce. I'm still not able to make a good raw bread, except for my corn bread and Ani's sunflower-black sesame bread. The other breads I've tried tasted like cardboard to me... That's something I'd like to learn from someone who's an expert in raw bread making... 
Peas, green beans, all kinds of salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, cucumbers, corn, carrots, onions, garlic, leek, radish, spinach, swiss chard, kale...
) based on sustainability, spirituality, healthy lifestyle, love and friendship. A little bunch of conscious and open-minded people living and sharing their lives in harmony with Nature, deeply respecting Her laws. 
Linear Mode
