One of my favorite things to do with zucchini in the summer, when there is an abundance of it in my garden, is make a salad with other fresh garden veggies.

Summer Zucchini Salad

4 descent sized zucchini, cut into 1 inch quarter rounds.  Steam until tender. 

 While squash is steaming, mix together:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves

1 medium onion, diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro                                                                                                                      

 1/2 cup cooked black beans

When squash is just tender, remove from pot, cool then mix with the rest of the ingredients.  Chill for at least an hour before serving.

For a complete vegetarian meal, this goes great with cheese enchiladas and avocado.  You can also mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of corn into it for a truly colorful salad.

Several years ago, a dear friend of mine in California participated in a 12-week seminar based on the book The Artist’s Way - A Spiritual Path To Higher Creativity  by Julia Cameron.  My friend was so inspired by  the group, she continues to this day to practice the things she learned, has been taken courses at one of the local colleges, and is on her way to becoming a graphic designer.

Since then, I have been searching for a similar workshop to participate in.  I am happy to say, I have finally found a seminar right here in Raleigh!  Conduit For Change is a local organization dedicated to providing classes, workshops and retreats for people looking to reconnect with their creative side.  (I say “reconnect” because I believe that we all have a creative side, some of us just don’t know it yet!) 

They are offering a four-week creativity seminar that is based on the book mentioned above, as well as a few others.  The series begins Tuesday, July 21st, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., and will be held for four consecutive weeks.

For more information, go to www.conduitforchange.com