Kevin and Annmarie Gianni head up Renegade Health and live all they talk about. Traveling throughout the country in The Kale Whale, a totally greened-out RV that’s powered by veggie oil! During their journey, they’re exploring the culture of natural health in America and sharing experiences along the way.

All through the weekend Kevin spoke with us, this was either an impromptu talk (when Laura found a scheduled guest speaker had not arrived or was running late) or in combination with Annmarie. Together they offered their tips on a successful partnership; coming from a couple that are living in close, very close quarters, working together and spending a lot of time on the road together… they had some practical and proven tips!

Kevin and Annmarie actively participated in many of the talks and I was pleased to sweat alongside him at Sunday morning’s training session. You are both an inspiration and we’re very thankful, as I’m sure Matt is, that Kevin headed up the Bachelor Party events (check out that blog).

The Gianni’s are always welcome at Panther Canyon.

Arriving bright and early at the farm for my workout, it hit me once again- this place has so much energy… but Robert was about to tap in and drain that!!
0800 and we’re in the sunken garden amongst the straw bales again only this time health and fitness is the topic. Robert has an interesting story, one of success as a national vegan bodybuilder champion. In a primarily carnivore hungry environment, Robert exemplifies a vegan lifestyle without the heavy meat and egg based (staple) diet of the majority in the industry. We discussed a balanced diet, calorie intake pre- and post workout foods. The following link will put you straight to more information and contact details for Vegan Bodybuilding. Training was solid and after 2 1/2 hours (without weights) we were all feeling great, if not a little buggered from the session. Maintaining physical physique is a challenge for vegans, it can be done when you know what the body needs and where to find it; my story is not unlike Roberts… minus the ‘ripped and cut’ body!
For me the transition from main fare to a vegan lifestyle was overnight… quite literally, a flight from Cairns to Perth (across Australia). I decided to go vegan, on landing, for 6 months- what’s 6 months out of your life eh?! At the time I was hitting the gym hard and working offshore in a physically demanding and supervisor in a male dominated (high testosterone!) and competitive role- right Craig P! Going from 242 lbs to 180 lbs in less than 6 weeks didn’t help me at my work nor promote the strength aspect of a vegan diet. Of course, as many of you know, the body then balanced out and I gained weight and bulk again to settle around the 200lb mark. It was here I began to stabilize on every front; strength came back as did a clarity of mind never experienced before- two pivotal components that were sure to lead to a successful career in the industry.
Balancing a lifestyle while living aboard a vessel took some time and planning but could be done. Sprouting seeds, dehydrating juiced veggies into a powder etc and as I progressed up the management ladder I found it possible to influence the food that was coming in and access the galley for a few ’special’ treats. On one particular occasion we were offshore in the Adriatic and the companies asked me to stay on a few extra days over Christmas… no worries, just send out some fresh fruit. Picture this- every couple of days a helicopter would land with a box of pineapples and coconuts for me… not the greenest of transport modes but effective!! So here we are now some 10 years later and after a few ups and downs we’re coming in at a comfortable 207lb and targeting to be at a nominal 200lb over the next month, participating in cardio exercises (stair climb/cycling events) and training 5 times a week- feeeeeeeeeling good and raw!!
Robert is doing a great thing for the vegan and raw food movement; let’s support him and his efforts.

Ha- where does one start with Elaina?!! Elaina heads up Pure Joy Planet and is one of the leading raw food chefs in the country. I’d purchased a round of goods from her just on a year ago and remember our first communication, a message on my mobile going something like “UPS says you don’t exist and can’t deliver”…we did get that one sorted out quickly and the dehydrator is still going good now- and I do exist!
I had emailed Elaina prior to the event asking if she could bring a couple nut milk bags along, I’d burst the ones I had- note to others that may have considered this: don’t be stupid like me and try to use nut milk bags with you NorWalk juicer… they explode!!
It was with a smile I got to meet Elaina in person, and collect my nut milk bags. I sat in on her “body and beauty tips” talk (let’s keep this one a secret eh!), figured I needed all the tips I can get!! And now I’m trying the apple cider vinegar as soap, brushing teeth with baking soda and will have some Oregano and Rosemary oil by the end of the week to try out with my scrub brush… all interesting stuff and makes you feel gooooooooood, real good.
Not surprised that as the day and wedding progressed I would end up sitting at Elaina’s table beside other beautiful people enjoying sensational raw food… not to mention some kind of Cacoa, super foods, mocha concoction she’d blended up that had one grinning from ear to ear! This Shelia is high energy and can dance, now on occasion this Aussie has been know to rip up the rug a little but on this bitterly cold evening the closest I could get to stirring up some dust was to jump… movement beyond that was too much- may have had something to do with the workout that morning as well (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!). I was reminded that “jumping is not dancing”… guess we’ll have to save that for next time. I look forward to attending one of your raw food preparation classes one day and have you run a few from Panther Canyon Cabins. Get your veggies in the ground, sharpen your knife- Elaina’s coming to Austin!

Adidas spokeswoman, Queen of Yoga and Meditation- Rainbeau Mars was high on my list of people to meet at Raw Union as I plan on brining her to the Texas Hill Country to bless Panther Canyon Cabins and set the benchmark for our yoga workshops.
I thought I would just walk right up, lay on the Aussie accent, and get a picture alongside her; Wow- was I in for a shock! This exceptional individual oozes Love, it just emanates from her and I’d put Rainbeau up on a pedestal, a celebrity of sorts and ”cute as a button” at that and found myself very nervous in her presence. Those of you that know me would be thinking “too funny” about now.
So Saturday all I could do was arrive late to her morning class, groan and creak through some poses and then check the various goods out at her stall latter in the day, picking up her PA’s card.
Sunday was a whole different ballgame and I found that after starting the morning off with a hard training session alongside Vegan Bodybuilder, Robert Cheeke…I too was 10’ tall and bullet proof!!

Much to my surprise, Rainbeau was very approachable (actually she has the same red blood in her veins as we all do!!!) and we chatted briefly. Exchanging cards; my tattered canvas cloth filled with TLC and few words had her smile. So after a spray of Rose Water I’m feeling good and on my way to enjoy the next round of talks and help set up for the wedding that was soon to follow.
Days later as I write this I’m very happy for the opportunity to meet her, our paths will cross again and maybe that is when I’ll get my picture, so; Dust of those mat’s, hang on to your hat’s- Rainbeau is coming to Texas!

How many of you blokes have ever been to a bachelor party and then woke up (hangover free) and trained early the following morning… never mind with Vegan Bodybuilder Robert Cheeke?!?! I hadn’t done much cardio since competing in the Marathon Tower stair climb event a couple months back. So when Robert lead the morning “moderate” paced run I thought I’d be ok… wrong again! We trained for 2 ½ hours without weights, just self body (enough for me!) and let me tell you that 2 days after I was still sore- fantastic workout.

It was another cool day but I came prepared this time, so making my way to the showers to change out of training gear I noticed a sign that said about conserving water. The showers had been set up in a yard with a straw base – grey water recycling in its purest form! Turning on the tap, no word of a lie I’m sure I saw ice fall from the shower head- conserving water was not going to be an issue today.

So feeling fresh as a daisy and very alive I made my way into the “Raw Entrepreneurs” circle. Orion encouragingly lead the discussion and we, the 12-15 of us, run through ideas we had, were working towards or just sat in for inspiration. What I noticed is that out of all those in the circle ~80% wanted to teach/educate in one way or another. I believe this is a significant sign; the teachers are getting prepared for the masses of students about to embark on a pivotal life change- One that will start heading us, all of us and the planet, in its true direction again. And captivating Eva, I may hold you to the offer of driving a truck load of Aussie Natives to Texas from LA!!

Michelle Sabanthe was next up and went on to talk about Men and Women, in particular our behavior… the hunter and the gatherer. This was very similar to the theatre show “Defending the Caveman” I had recently seen in Houston so I didn’t pay much attention  << Men!

Elaina Love spoke about beauty, oil pulling and scrubs. Raw chef and nice person to boot! There’s more on Elaina later.

So now we’re drawing very close to wedding time and people are being moved away from the area to allow the remainder of the set up to take place. Laura was there, very much in charge and I volunteered to shift a few tables around and carry the stage down. This allowed me to chat more with Robert about my “Fitter at Forty” program and help out… I find it hard to simply ‘attend’ an event and want to get involved where I can.

Once things were well under way I headed on down to the sunken garden and found a grassy spot directly opposite the altar. This gave me a great view of the proceedings and I could kick back a while. As time drew near people gathered around and those I’d met during the day stopped by for a chat or to pull up perch.

Natures altar x 2

The ceremony started with the burying of the time capsule by Angela’s Father and then a H2O blessing lead by Matt and followed up by Chad. Officiating the wedding was David Wolfe, a great union of two raw souls, soul mates to quote Matt.

Now we’re into the food, this was some seriously good raw food and dessert. Somehow (thanks Elaina!) I was volunteered to help carry the 3 tiered cake from the kitchen to the bride and grooms table… we could either pull this off or go out in a bang!!! As I’m still here to write this the latter did not happen. With the celebration complete, tummies full and cocoa blenders empty we made our way up to the main stage for some music and dance. It was starting to get cold by now, really cold and while I appreciate the various sweaters and hugs that were to extend my stay it soon became apparent that I would be heading back to the hotel soon.

Soul Mates

Here I am now, small apartment in Houston and while it’s only a 4 hour plane flight away it may as well be the other side of the planet as it is sooooooo far from where I was and how I felt over the weekend. I do know there’s people I met that will be good friends, some will get involved in PCC others will visit. Irrespective of where we all go from here, I know we are all a little better off for having attended the Raw Union- thank you Matt and Angela!

Driving from my hotel we pass Table Rock, picturesque landscape.

Table Rock

Arriving at Angels Organic Farm I walk around, smiling and looking for the main stage and the morning yoga session. So on my way through the various glass houses and gardens I can hear music… thinking that was from the yoga class I make my way in that direction- pleasantly surprised to find that the music was for the joy and nurturing of trays and trays of wheatgrass and sprouts I was to enjoy over the next few days.

Growth through Music

So with the audible sensors inspired I was very receptive (or so I thought) to what I was heading into next. The stage with Rainbeau Mars upon it was amazing, Nature Hogan had presented the area so well with flora and arrangements from near and far. Rainbeau’s class was great and I was pleased to see the lady behind Adidas is just that- a loving, warm, inspiring human being on a journey that allows her to take others with and inspire along the way.

Flowering coconut- Nature

Laura Fox, aka Foxxy lady! Then introduced Matt and Angela who spoke about the proceeding days, they were joined by Fun yung moon and other Friends. We then broke off to enjoy the numerous lectures, films and discussions that were scheduled for the day along with browsing the various vendor stalls. As it was so cold, Heather down at her organic clothing stall became my new best friend… or should I say the lined hoody she sold me did- it was toastie!

The Main Stage & Dance Floor

The property was divided into many areas and mini arenas for with larger stage shows, bands and presentations along with smaller break out and more interactive discussions. One of these areas in the “sunken garden” I was to spend the majority of my time, not sure if it was the straw bale seating that was provided or just how the lecture line went but I was there… often.

 
First of the talks was to set the tone for the weekend at let me tell you, brothers Eric and Joe Cercedes certainly set the bar high with their information and research on the numerous health and holistic benefits of mushrooms. Read their specific blog later for more information.
Shaktari Belew presented Transition town and this sat well with me, resonated within and is very much in line with my own development concepts. Shaktari spoke about the Gaia University and I will provide more information on this important topic soon.
Matt Monarch shared his story and I found it to be not unlike my own… minus the beautiful English wife! Matt spoke of taking it to the next level, of eating less, colonics, Dr Norman Walker and all that is RAW.
Making our way up the main stage again we were to prepare for the bachelor party and women’s circle. Kevin and Annmarie Gianni kicked things off with a few words on relationships and their experience and words of wisdom, considering they’d been living and traveling together on their national tour in an RV- they spoke from ‘close quarters’. Laura handed out freebies from the vendors and the enthusiastic Chad Ashley Vandenberg took the stage to discuss his ‘gold rush’. David Wolfe spoke about grounding, balance, the combining and inclusion of superfoods… and drums!

Matt & Angela

The boys carried Matt off blindfolded down the hill while the girls gracefully made their way amongst the trees onto blankets where they would form the sacred circle. I will go into the bachelor ceremony on a separate page. I have never been to one quite like this and I look forward to more.
Feeling cold, tired and emotional I make my way back to the hotel- what an awesome day!!

I was excited to head to Raw Union, a raw food festival in Medford, Oregon. This was to be
an immense trip, not just my first Raw event stateside but the
opportunity to network and sound out the Panther Canyon Cabin concept.
The schedule of events highlighted a fantastic line up of speakers,
presentations and top class vendor products, which included its special feature- a wedding between Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes… I just had to
be amongst it!
Having attended similar events in other countries I approached this with
uncertainty, as there is an underlying perception that those participating in
‘alternative lifestyles’ may also involve some frowned upon practices. I just
wanted to make certain that the US Raw Gurus I was about to meet,
those that head it up over here, would fit in as a part of Raw ReTreat, one of the many sustainable principles adopted at PCC.
As PCC does not involve drugs of any kind or smoking, and instead promotes healthful, natural lifestyle, I am committed to maintaining that integrity. Thus, we also want to promote products that are aligned with that. Our intent at PCC is to educate and create a broader community that creates a balance between what we take and what we give back and teaches our successors, being our children, how to continue doing so with respect for our environment, planet, and community.
The proceeding week of blogs will go into the event, the people, the
lectures and my feelings- ebb and flow, throughout the weekend. You’ll
see in the conclusion my trepidation was most certainly unwarranted, I
have come away not only knowing what I’m doing is the right thing but
with a whole lot of love and support to accomplish such.
While reading through the Raw Union blogs, any reference to ‘we’ or ‘us’
is my style; it may include those I was with at a particular time, it
may be I never feel alone… someone is always with me, beside me,
watching me, or you may have been there and we spoke, smiled or shared
an understanding, then again maybe I write this to include you, to
welcome you on my journey.

Namaste!

Thanks to the great folks at Design Build Live , Brad Lancaster was in town for a weekend of talks 6th & 7th June. I caught up with Brad Saturday evening for his Grey Water discussion in Austin at the great outdoors nursery- ideal setting for such a talk. I have found a similar tone to most of the events I attend on sustainable living- they all make a reference to what is being done in Australia. I can remember as a kid we had a tank (cistern as you call it here) and our entire house used this water, we drank from it unfiltered and apart from my lop-sided forehead (joking!!!)…we turned out alright. Seriously- rainwater harvesting is really that simple and Brad has some great ideas in his books so check them out Brads great books
Rain and grey water will be a big part of Panther Canyon Cabins and you will have the opportunity to learn more and experience ‘hands on’ application… we may even get Brad across to help us.