Share your raw story/testimony?

[maraw]

I am putting together a web site designed specifically to promote Living on Live Food "cooking" classes in my area - that is, after I return from Alissa's training in May (she says very excitedly).

Anyway, I am looking for a few good raw-food folks willing to share their stories in writing. I'm not looking for the next War and Peace mind you, just a couple of paragraphs. If you prefer, it can be anonymous.

I am putting the final touches on the site now and would like to launch it sometime around late March to early April. You are welcome to visit the site now, but please realize there are still several unfinished pages and a few dead links. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks!
Anna

website: TheRawTable.com (http://www.therawtable.com)

[livingatthetop]

Review my journal and let me know what works/ Great site wow I am amazed one of the best ones I have seen great job check mine out www.freewebs.com/shernellcooke

Question where can I get a more professinol site?
and do I have to pay for it mine was free

[maraw]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it. I've been designing web sites for a while now, and have a background/education in graphic design and photography. At this point in my life it's just a hobby more than anything else. My real focus is helping people understand the importance of good nutrition.

I would love to look at your journal. Thanks for offering. Would you mind forwarding a link?

Thanks.
Anna

[livingatthetop]

can you show me how to do it , how do I link it into the page?

[Rawmney]

The work of a professional shows through. Beautiful site Maraw! I work on animal protection advocacy and have commented that we don't make veg food look as beautiful and appealing as it is to address the key decision driver for food - taste. Your site, like Alissa's, really communicates the beauty of fresh, natural food.

I'm too early in the raw jounrey to be a testimonial, but wish you well in your new ventures.

Best,
Rawmney

[maraw]

can you show me how to do it , how do I link it into the page?

I'm sending you a PM. Check it when you have a chance...

[rawpriestess]

Maraw, your site is beautiful!!!

[Indi]

Maraw

Its early days on 100% for me.
I am willing to share my experience as a transitional newbie.
(Its all positive!)
Enjoy Alissa's course and good luck with your site, it's beautiful.

[maraw]

I am willing to share my experience as a transitional newbie.


Thanks SO much Indi. That would be just great. It will be really nice to show people at different stages of their individual transition to raw. You can send it in an email, if you like, to anna@therawtable.com.

And thanks everyone for comments about the site. I am humbled by your compliments and kindess. Thank you.

Anna

[kmik]

Yes, great site Anna! You obviously are planning on doing great things with your certification! I was just coming on to post a question like this too... I won't piggy-back on your post, but if anyone's reading this that's willing to give me a word or two, please find my post!

[Mookie]

Your pages looks great!

[fiddler]

Hi Maraw,

Your website looks awesome!!!

The only suggestion I have would be to maybe change the red background for some of the pages to a less "painful" color. Black on white is the optimal reading color. Any colors straying too far from that spectrum can be a bit discomforting to some of us.
Also, the more free information you can provide, the more visitors you're likely to have. If you can provide some daily/weekly articles along with a newsletter that may help too. Also, before/after pictures really stimulate interest. Look what they've done for Bill Philips (bodyforlife) [ Although that diet is NOT one I subscribe to anymore -- thank Goodness ]

The pictures, layout and navigation are professionally done. Great Job.

Although my results are not as remarkable as some here, you're still welcome to use any (or snippets) of the testimony I PM'd to you. Alissa's book, DVD and forum were instrumental in my first few months of my transition to RAW. And, I occasionally pull out her book from time to time. God bless Alissa and the folks on this site for all their support.

Sincerely my best to you on your venture,
Gil Benson (aka fiddler)

[maraw]

Hi Maraw,

Your website looks awesome!!!

The only suggestion I have would be to maybe change the red background for some of the pages to a less "painful" color. Black on white is the optimal reading color.

Thanks for that feedback. On my screen it looks bright, but still comfortable. I will definitely take another look at it and see how I can improve it. Thanks!


Also, the more free information you can provide, the more visitors you're likely to have. If you can provide some daily/weekly articles along with a newsletter that may help too. Also, before/after pictures really stimulate interest.

That's the idea! I am still building and gathering information for the ed parts, and would love to include some before and after images - other than my own, of course. Anyone interested? How about you? Photographs would add a great depth to the testimonies, I agree.


Although my results are not as remarkable as some here, you're still welcome to use any (or snippets) of the testimony I PM'd to you.

Thanks Gil I definitely will. By the way, are you the chalk artist? Those are the most amazing dimensional drawings I have ever seen. Wow.

Thanks again.
Anna

[fiddler]

You're welcome Anna. No, I'm not the chalk Artist... That's the second time I've been asked that. I'll change my signature to make that clear.

As for color sensitivity, different folks have different tolerances for color contrast. My eyes are sensitive so that's probably why the red background bothered me moreso than others.

Recently, I saw some Trucks that were painted to look like they had no walls but showed illusions of what could be inside... don't remember the link though.

Cheers,
Gil

[RawYogini]

Goregeous website! Would love to read a bio page about you on it.

[maraw]

Great suggestion. I'm working on it. With my family, I have a little more to share. My story is kind of plain - mostly weight loss and general energy level, feeling better in the morning, etc. But my kids/husband - there's the real story. I am writing it, but it takes time - like everything else. I agree though, it adds a more personal touch to the site/class/education. Hence the reason why I need you guys to help!

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions.

Anna

[pamojamo]

Wonderful site. Hat's off to you for doing this. I'm bookmarking it.

[Shivananda]

As for color sensitivity, different folks have different tolerances for color contrast. My eyes are sensitive so that's probably why the red background bothered me moreso than others.

No, I don't think that's it. I'm pretty normal, but I also find all that red background to be very uncomfortable and unpleasant to try to read text against. I just wanted to skip over it.

Other than that I found the site awesome.

[greeninlosangeles]

I am 100 percent raw a little over 3 months, I was not very sick before though. I did have some heart palpitations which scared me enough to continue on the diet and I did not have them again except once as detox around a month in raw foods. I lost around 20 pounds. Should I write you couple paragraphs or you need more exiting stories?

[maraw]

...Should I write you couple paragraphs or you need more exiting stories?

You're story is as exciting and important as anyone elses. I would very much appreciate your sharing it. A couple paragraphs would be great. Thanks. I just want to share the positive changes that are possible with raw and living foods. Again, thanks for taking time to write it down. I appreciate it so much.

And on the color note: OK guys, you've convinced me. I'll soften the red. It would really bother me if I thought I was causing headaches all over the internet. :eek:

Thanks again for your input. This is so very helpful.

Anna

[greeninlosangeles]

Then I will write some and pm it to you. Do you want before and after photos - I need to take one after.

[maraw]

Do you want before and after photos - I need to take one after.

Yes, please! I would love to have someone else's up aside from my own. Anyone else willing to share photos would be great!

Thanks green...

Anna

[raeannasun]

Hey Anna! Feel free to use any of my pics in my gallery! Here's my story:
I have always been a health conscious individual and have known that vegetarianism was really the best route to be on......however I did not always walk that walk! The first turning point for me was reading "Why Christians Get Sick" by George Malkmaus. I became 85% raw at that point (2001) but stuck with it for less than one year. After my wedding in 2002, I became busy with work and my new life that I didn't spend as much time being kind to my body. I put on a lot of weight and got up to 191 pounds! I knew it was time for a change and I knew that being 85% raw and cutting out everything but vegan foods was the way to go. During this time last year I stumbled across websites and testimonials of people being 100% raw. This was so encouraging to me that I began researching more, reading more, and discovering the healing benefits of a 100% raw lifestyle. I am still trying to work at being 100% although it is difficult at times. I have remained strong in my efforts and have lost a lot of the extra weight that I have carried around! I know this is a lifestyle change and I will continue to see the benefits as I continue to make the right choices!!!!

Feel free to edit whatever you need for your website!

[yumyum]

I also think that your site looks great. I don't have much to offer regarding before and afters. I don't feel that I'm quite "there yet", meaning I haven't lost a lot of weight and I still look sick in portraits. Sorry. I do wish you the best of luck with the site and new ventures. :)

[misslinda]

WOWSERS Anna,

I"m not quite ready to share my full story but can i be on your list?

this is FANTASTIC! YOu mist be overwhelmed and excited all at the same time Id imagine..........the only thing I would want more of is pics of you!!!! I"m sure you're already working on that. I Love your avatar photo--it reminds me of a caption in "Victoria" magazine (you remember it?" ) showing all her beautiful creations and ideas.......

btw, as food stylist do for cheating, you could gloss up the fruits and veggies with oil and coloring if you wanted to stand out even more ;)

Otherwise, this is IMPRESSIVE. :)

[maraw]

Thanks everyone - before and after pictures and more raw stories would be great! Keep 'em coming!

You guys are really great - thanks SO much.

Anna

[DrPr]

I have a raw food blog at www.rawodyssey.blogspot.com. You are welcome to use anything from there, or I can put something together for you. Raw has been great for me. I've lost 40 lbs since January 1st and my blood pressure is normal now, among other benefits. For me, being raw has its challenges, but the benefits are surely worth everything.
-Allison