Apprentices at La Paix from 2000 - 2005.

I have kept in touch with many of the apprentices who have been at La Paix and many have visited again and again since their apprenticeship.  It is always heartwarming to visit with them and hear from them.  Inspired by Helen Caldwell, who visited again in November of 2005, I have asked several of them to tell me what they learned at La Paix and what they are doing now.  (revised 1-6-07)

Scroll down for Authentic Pizza Recipe - New Moon Pizza Contest Winner - Apprentice Sheena Sandhu

Helen says:  "When I think of La Paix a few words always come to mind:  calming, relaxation, serene haven, peace (of course) and endless possibilities.  Its hard to single out one most important lesson I learned from La Paix, in fact the lessons haven't and I don't suspect will ever cease.  I guess if I had to pick just one it would be to approach everything with love, respect, reckless abandon and devotion.  that dreams no matter what they are not out of reach.  To place your heart first and never stop following it.  To accept things for what they are and to come to peace with it or to change, whichever your heart decides.

What I am doing now:  I am 25 years old and I split my time wintering in the Florida Keys and summering on Cape Cod.  I work in the hospitality business, and I try to put love and devotion into my work and play.  I have decided to arrange my work around my life and not my life around my work.  I stayed at La Paix the summer after I graduated from college in May until September 2002.  After my time at La Paix I went abroad to the UK to work and travel.  When returning from England I found myself in the Florida Keys and fell in love with its beauty.  This is where my life has led.  I am always happy and find myself molding perfectly into the laid back atmosphere of the Keys.  I thank the Lord everyday for each day's blessings and the lessons I've learned thus far. (continued under Helen's photo on right.)

Helen Caldwell, Apprentice 2002, visited in Nov. 2005 and posed by the white oak tree fallen across the wood path.

continued.    I wouldn't trade my time at La Paix for anything.  I do still outdoor garden a little and I am planning on growing a small herb garden for my kitchen this season as well.  I did learn alot of technical things at LP - everything from gardening techniques and secrets to better success with certain herbs.  What plants complement each other and grow well together, what times of year to begin growing different species, drying herbs and storing them through winter months, what certain plants, herbs and foods can be used as preventatives for health, beauty, well being etc......The one thing invaluable to me that I came away from La Paix with is friendship.  And that is why the lessons at La Paix still continue to this day.  I still visit La Paix as much as I can and still keep in excellent contact with Myra."

Love, Helen

Kate Walsh with fiancée Garth.

Myra, of course you can use the pics I sent you.  I feel that I have learned so much from you while at La Paix, not only about the environment and sustainability but also about myself.  Reflecting back over the past five years since I have

been at La Paix, I have taken many lessons and learned and applied them to my daily living.  I found a new appreciation of the earth and her nuances by working side by side with you in the gardens.  I learned patience by watching the plants, flowers and herbs grow at their own pace. 
I found confidence in myself as I saw the seeds and plugs that I put in the earth
become big, beautiful flowers and vegetables. I found peace walking through the woods and the labyrinth.  Most importantly, I made a lifelong and cherished friend with whom I have shared good food, good wine and great conversation. I will try to think of more and let you know. La Paix has undoubtedly shown me that I can live off the land and that the earth can provide all I need as long as I respect and nurture her. Hope
your new year is healthy, prosperous and joyous.   Love, Kate

Kate has returned often to visit La Paix, last at the Lavender Fair 2006.  She was married to Garth in December 2006 and they now reside in Anchorage, Alaska.

She stated what she had learned at La
Paix "You can't roller skate through a
buffalo herd"  (from Roger Miller song)
Since leaving La Paix, she has worked as a marine biologist on fishing boats out of Alaska and has recently obtained a position at Quantum Environmental and Engineering (QE2) full time as their Environmental Technologist.

Dale Hawkins, Executive Chef, Stonewall Resort presents Sheena Sandhu, Apprentice from
New Delhi India New Moon Pizza Fair 2005.  Winner!  Authentic Roman Pizza*
scroll below for recipe
 

Dear Myra, I'll send the pictures this week as an attachment or something.  We had a dinner party last night for over a hundred people so I am really tired.  Last couple of days have been busy.  I made little flower decorations with carnations and asparagus foliage.  They did look lovely.  I was apologizing (subconsciously) while arranging the plants, abut cutting them.  I felt sad at the same time.  I think things like a perfect rose, a diamond, or a beautiful fern or even a mushroom are so perfect in their beauty, flawless from every angle...that man can't even begin to contemplate rivaling nature in creation.
I think you'll know what I mean.  So beautiful, but all that beauty is just there for a very brief while and then it's over.  Would I qualify  to be on your website, apprentice part, I mean?  Yes, Torma could use a pal, I think.  Another addition, a pup next spring would be nice.  Consider a Labrador.  They are wonderful and very wise and intelligent dogs.  I am all for Labs now.  A mighty fine breed, they are...very loving.  Hope the lamb quarters which we had frozen are coming in handy now.  They show Monk here on TV every Friday night.  I watch it sometimes.  I remember my stay at La Paix then.

I am amazed how much chemicals people are using everywhere to grow plants.  It's ridiculous.  I have banished all chemicals from my lawn and garden.  Doing nothing, I simply don't need it.  A few days ago, my first rose (a baby pink color) bloomed in it's flower pot. (I just have one tiny rose plant).  Also the first nasturtium came up....I was thrilled!  Really, I am thankful that my stay at La Paix has opened my eyes to gardening and its benefits.

But, it's tough doing it here as very little material is there, in terms of tools and aids and even the seeds.  Basically, I have to work on my soil and get it to become really healthy and fertile.  Yes, of course I remember Liz and Rick Johnson.  Please convey my greetings to them.  I am proposing a toast to your health...Cheers!!!! Best regards Sheena
 

  Editor's Note:  Sheena is a government official in Nagaland, India where her husband is the Chief of Police.

Sheena Sandhu Authentic Roman Pizza  Winner New Moon Pizza Fair September 2005

Dough

4 oz. whole-wheat flour
2 oz. regular unbleached flour
1 tsp. salt
7 gm active dried yeast
4-5 tsp milk
1 tsp. sugar/honey
1 egg
extra virgin olive oil

Topping

1 red Spanish onions
3-4 cloves of garlic
4-5 red ripe tomatoes
16 Kalameta olives
Small tin of anchovies (optional)
fresh basil leaves
extra virgin olive oil
salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar.

Sheena was an apprentice at La Paix in August/September 2005.

Dough

1.  Warm the milk and sugar gently to a temperature of 98degrees F.  Take it off the flame, slowly add the yeast and mix it well so there are no lumps.
2.  The two flours are to be mixed together and warmed for about two minutes on a low flame.
3.  Mix the yeast and add the egg to the flour mixture in a wide bowl with a fork.  Add 3-4 tBsps of olive oil and knead the mixture together.  It will come together in a ball.  Knead in the bowl with your hands for 3-5 minutes.  It will be smooth and pliable. 
4.  Lightly oil the top, cut a big cross in the ball and leave it in a warm place for 3-4 hours covered with a wet dish cloth.
5.  May be left overnight in the refrigerator, if required.

Topping
1.  Slice the onion into 3 rings.  Mince the garlic.  Finely chop the tomatoes and cut the olives in half.
2.  Melt the garlic & onions in the olive oil till the onions turn soft and yellowish.  Add tomatoes, salt, pepper (freshly ground) and a pinch of sugar.  Mix and cook over a low flame for about 30 minutes.
3.  Add fresh basil, anchovies and olives.  Cook for another five minutes.  Check the seasoning. 
4.  ASSEMBLE:  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Oil the pizza pan lightly.  Stretch the dough over the plate with your fingers as thinly as possible.  Leave for about 15-20 minutes to rise.  Add the topping, leaving a boundary of about l/2 inch.  Dot with olives.  Heat for 25 minutes on until the pizza looks done.
 

She now has her own website - and my photo is on it under concepts - but I don't know what it says. (It is in Japanese!) Since leaving La Paix, she has married and has a beautiful baby boy.  Her business is part of her dream - building beautiful garden furniture with her husband, a fine cabinet maker.  http://www.cocoronet.net/concept1.html

Yuri sent me a beautiful hand painted wooden plaque for my birthday in 2006 - it says, "Joy, Love and Peace".....

Yuri Kuramoto, now Yuri
Atukso