FISHBOWL MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

SALT SPRING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE Decmber 2015 - FISSUE #88

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Singing Amma

What to Do About Santa? • 5 December Calendar of

STUFF to DO on the ROCK • 9

Christmas on Salt Spring

r u o Y t e G ! n O w Glo

Full Colour Holiday Issue Stuffed with great reasons to Shop Local www.fishbowlmagazine.com read us online at issuu.com/fishbowlmagazine email us today at thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com

2013 SMALL BUSINESS of the YEAR!

On Our Cover

Shop Local THIS CHRISTMAS

Support the Salt Spring Economy!

We are encouraging all Salt Spring residents and visitors to celebrate a uniquely Salt Spring Christmas by visiting our local shops, restaurants, cafes and local attractions. There are many events and community programs to be found at christmasonsaltspring.com Think locally when purchasing Christmas gifts – at one of our great local retailers, at a craft fair, Saturday market vendors or at one of the many community fairs. When entertaining, we hope you will purchase food, drink and festive decor locally.

Keeping your consumer dollars on-island is truly the gift that keeps on giving – all year long!

Your support of our local accommodation providers, restaurants, grocery stores, retailers, attractions, adventure companies, artisans, wellness practitioners and professional services creates a vibrant tourism industry and ensures that we continue to improve as a destination while valuing the ecology that makes this Gulf Island destination the jewel that it is.

Locally-owned businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community. And each dollar spent at a local business will return up to five times that amount within our community through taxes, employees’ wages, and purchases of materials, supplies and services at other independent businesses.

Seasons Greetings and THANK YOU for Shopping Local on Salt Spring Island!

Festive Edition

FISHBOWL

Scopes

Brought to you by our own in-house astrologer who now goes by her numerologically correct name of “Ya Righta.”

Aries:

The office Christmas party this year will prove a great place to meet everyone you’ve been emailing from ten feet away all year.

Taurus: Feeling tight in the

pocketbook this season? You can save a ton of money on Christmas presents this year by simply discussing politics on Facebook.

Gemini: The only thing you

Scorpio: Here’s to your

favourite part of the holiday season!

Blaming your long term weight gain on the holiday season!

Sagittarius:

seem to give people over the holidays is the creeps. Try working on that this season Gemini.

Cancer:

Capricorn: Good news!

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is an excellent alternative to wearing those awful blankets with sleeves. Unless of course you’re WANTING to scare off yet another potential love interest this year. home early to save your parents some money this year will NOT go over well as their gift. You don’t have to be an astrologer to predict that Leo. Seriously now?

Virgo: Forget sitting on Santa’s

www.facebook.com/thefishbowlmagazinessi

likes your present better than you did when you received it.

We are sorry that you’re December birthday is always overshadowed by a guy who wore sandals indoors.

The stars predict no change this year.

Leo: Buying your plane ticket

Find us on Facebook at

Libra: Here’s hoping your bestie

knee this year Virgo ladies. If you wanted to wait in line for some fat bastard to make promises he can’t keep you could just start dating again.

We predict that your boss’s speech at the holiday party this year will be less awkward than him sexually harassing you afterwards.

Aquarius:

Being a secret Santa is pretty much the only office secret you’ve ever kept.

Pisces:

Rest assured your drunken comments at the office holiday party this year won’t be any more awkward than your sober comments in meetings.

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Price is Right

PRODUCT REVIEWS by: Genevieve Price Sponsored by

NYX Eye Shadow Base This is such a good product! Not to mention a little goes a long way so the jar seems to last forever. ,A thin layer spread over the eye creates a perfect smooth canvas for my eyeshadow. This primer base makes colours apply brighter and provides that “pop” I’m looking for. It also makes my shadow go the distance, all the way from a long day at work to that festive holiday party.

I chose the “Skin Tone” shade but they also offer a White base. NYX is nice and creamy making it a breeze to blend out. This product is also ideal for use on mature skin to help define the lid. It also evens out any blotchy or discoloured skin on the lids or to camouflage any veins that may be peeking through…I definitely recommend this product.

Big thumbs up!

Bateman Has

T H E F I S H B O W L - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • PA G E F I V E

Issues

the

starring the most awesome John Bateman

Conventional wisdom on Salt Spring warns us to avoid many situations. Situations such as, asking someone when they “fell in love” with the island, asking an artist what kind of art they do or starting a business. Of all the precarious situations you can find yourself of the island, perhaps the most dangerous is getting between a parent and their children’s right to be children.

However, Salt Spring Elementary decided to do just that this past Halloween. Somehow it was decided that the children weren’t going to be allowed to dress up in their costumes at school, this Halloween past.

No costume parade with, ghosts, Taylor Swifts or wizards. Actually dressing up as a wizard in any school wouldn’t be recommended because magic wands are deemed to be a weapon that may cause bodily harm.

As far as I could find out with my research, costumes were cancelled because they might scare some of the smaller children. Damn rights they might scare some of the smaller children. That in itself is a good reason to allow costumes, because guess what?

Small children are cognitively capable of knowing the difference between a classmate dressed as a ninja and a real ninja. Besides, when was getting frightened at Halloween removed from the human experience?

It’s important to note that there are different kinds of fear. When I was a kid, nuclear war scared me. Halloween was frightening in a thrilling way. It allows kids to enjoy the experience of fear in a safe environment.

Another situation I would avoid on Salt Spring at all costs is making a decision involving children without consulting parents first. This did not happen when costumes were canceled at SSE and guess what? There was a backlash. The situation exploded on social media in a very entertaining and what looked like a frustrating way for the parents involved.

The child that I have in elementary school actually goes to a different school that the one featured in this article. For that reason, some of you might think that this is not my business. I believe if you have a child and something as short-sighted as this happens, you have to voice it. Granted, if you are me, you tend to voice everything.

Compared to other issues facing kids these days, my tirade on this Halloween issue may be seen as trivial. It’s not. It deprives kids the opportunity to be creative. My kids have always put a lot of effort into their costumes and they take pride in them.

The excitement they felt heading to school. The opportunity to see what everyone else had done. The opportunity to be someone else for a day. The opportunity to walk down the halls with perceived anonymity.

What’s most important for me however is that kids have this opportunity from age 5 to 13. That’s 8 years that they are still kids. Years when they not only dress up as zombies, but they know in their hearts that they ARE zombies.

Our kids live in an era where they are increasingly being protected from things like climbing a tree, wrestling with a friend and being scared at Halloween. In other words, they are being protected from life. I for one always allow my kids to make their own mistakes. They disappear into the woods and sometimes get lost. They make a rope swing and sometimes fall and get hurt. They have cut themselves, pinched themselves and inexplicably punched themselves. They have also watched scary videos and believe it or not, got scared. I did the same when I was little and I am thankful for it every day.

Although Halloween being canceled at a school seems like a blip, I’m certain it didn’t feel that way within a child’s experience.

A Dramatic Reading of Dickens’

A Christmas Carol at the Salt Spring United Church.

Proceeds for this fundraiser go to the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, turning the tide of HIV/ AIDS in Africa.

Sat Dec 19th, 7:30 pm and Sun Dec 20th, 2 pm

Singing Amma*

Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, ECE Nurturing, empowering & educating families for over 30 years *amma = grandmother in Icelandic

What to do About Santa?

New parents gaze at their bright-eyed little bundle and wonder, as their first Christmas nears, what traditions do we, as parents, want to carry on now that we have a family of our own? Christmas baking? Christmas Dinner Traditional foods? Making or buying of gifts and wrappings? Stockings? Do we celebrate on Christmas day, or, if our children have two family homes, do we want to move our celebration to Solstice? And what to do about Santa? And, what about the eventual upset that so many remember in the moment the Truth about Santa was inevitably discovered?

There is a beautiful story in my family about Santa. My parents - forward-thinkers for their time - decided they did not want to “perpetuate the myth of Santa.” They sat their eldest down, as the Season approached, and gently explained that there was, in fact, no such thing as Santa. The story goes that my sister was, well, somewhat outraged at this unseemly suggestion and, at the ripe old age of three years, she defiantly declared, “Well!

There may be no such thing as Santa for you, but there is such thing as Santa for me!”

And that was that; the Myth, lovingly known as Santa Claus, has been passed down a few generations further.

So, Santa lives and life is good! For a while.

Trouble traditionally comes for children – and their parents - when children cross the Awareness Precipice and discover the upsetting, sometimes disheartening, and occasionally devastating, Truth about Santa, when it finally does make its way into the young brain as an inevitable fact. Uh-oh! What is a well-meaning parent to do?

You could adopt the fun and simple Tradition we created in our family for this news to be an exciting transition rather than an upsetting one: “When you discover the Truth about Santa you get to become part of the Magic!” (As in, when a child discovers what really goes on behind sleeping eyes, he or she becomes they youngest member to fill the “s.t.o.c.k.i.n.g’s”!) SO fun!!

Our on-going Tradition is that everyone who is in on the factual elements of the exciting Stocking-Filling Tradition gets to contribute. Each child gets, (or raises for themselves), a few dollars to go shopping with, they get to purchase the “SS” (“Stocking Stuffers”) of their choice, and when the Big Night finally arrives, the youngest are the first to fill the toe of each Stocking “hung by the chimney with care.”

Since we invented this playful way of dealing with the unveiling of the Truth behind the Stocking Tradition we have not had one tear spilled over the discovery. In fact, Becoming part of the Magic has proven to be just as exciting in these transition years, as was their prior-to ignorant bliss! So good!! No more tears at Santa’s Truth being revealed. No more heartbreak. And, more possibility of maintaining the Silent Pact of the Magic safe from any as-yet-unknowing siblings, cousins and friends.

Send your parenting questions to: the.singing.amma@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/thesingingamma Could a private session with the singing amma be helpful for you and your family? email: lisasigurgeirsonmaxx@gmail.com to book your session today!

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MEL byitMelinda OVER Parks-Divers Warm Fuzzies & Happiness.

I have been thinking about what makes people happy. What a perfect time of year to ponder such a concept as holidays are filled with opportunities to exercise happy making.

For many folks it is a dream they have. To life happy lives. And become millionaires! But come on, do you really think money brings more happiness? I don’t know, I have not tried it!

I was listening to a podcast about happiness. In this discussion, the author suggested that simplifying your life brings happiness.

She recommends limiting stresses by being organized. For example, go to bed early enough that you get enough sleep so you function clearly the next day. Or, plan things in your life so that they do not stress you later when you are not prepared. Does that sound like happiness to you? It sounds like contentment to me.

And sure, contentment is nice, but that is not the goal here!

Maybe I am a little more badass but happiness comes with a little more flavour and noise in my opinion. Happiness comes from pushing contentment to the side and sometimes even to the point of uncomfortable measures! Like pushing your comfort zone a little.

Maybe you always wanted to do something like drive in the city for example but you have been too scared to do it. But one day you push yourself, face your fears and do it. You feel pride, and happy for demanding a little more than contentment. Happiness buzz!

I don’t think there is a greater happiness then that that comes from selflessness though. Just to clarify, I am not speaking of doing something nice for someone and demanding to be noticed though it is perfectly fine to point it out if there is pride involved! “Look, I cleaned the house and did all the recycling because I knew you would enjoy that!”

Sponsored by the Salt Spring Island United Church

Community Christmas Dinner

That is just fine! As long as you are not attached to the fruits of your labour and demand something in return.

“Now give me a 3 hour massage! You owe me!”

Give from the heart. Sometimes it’s really simple stuff. Stop and listen to someone who is lonely for a few minutes. Do a little deed for someone, maybe make something special, send a card in the mail or something. Be extra nice to your pet!

Good actions make you feel good and that good feeling radiates into happiness. The real happiness that is warmer then contentment.

So, this holiday season, I am challenging myself to a “Happiness Project” of which I plan to take focus into the world beyond the tip of my nose and spread warm fuzzies into the community.

Will you join me in the challenge?

Happy Holidays!

Friday December 25th 12 noon - 2 pm Doors open at 11.30 am At Meaden Hall Downstairs of the Legion 120 Blain Road Come and enjoy Good Food, Great Companionship and Christmas Music

Turkey, Ham, Salmon & Vegetarian Dishes Free Admission Everyone Welcome

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NATURAL HEALTH NOTES

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with DR. PATRICK CALLAS Prevent the CHRISTMAS CRASH December 2015

Have you found yourself excited that Christmas holidays are approaching but when your time off hits, you are exhausted or even sick with a cold or flu?

Your cortisol (stress hormone) levels have just come crashing down and your immune system was vulnerable from those prolonged levels of high stress. Here are my best tips to keep your fall, winter and holiday season happy and healthy.

How to prevent the cortisol crash that can occur when you go from high stress mode to vacation time Healthy adrenal glands helps you prevent burnout, and colds and flus. So besides rest and stress-reduction, you should take adrenal supports. There are many different types; a good quality one will contain a combination of medicinal herbs and some also will have vitamins, minerals and adrenal extract from cows or pigs.

The top adrenals supports that I recommend are ashwaghanda, ginseng, holy basil, licorice root, rhodiola, and B vitamins. You can find different combinations of these adrenal remedies. If you are not vegetarian or vegan, animal adrenal extracts can also be very potent to give you an energy boost. Start taking these supports now, well before your holidays arrive, because prevention is the best medicine. If your vacation time is stressful with travel and family visits then continue these supports throughout Christmas vacation.

If you are really prone to colds and flus or already sick, add in immune supporting remedies now. The best natural immune supports are vitamin D, astragalus root, and medicinal mushrooms that are hot-water extracted (such as reishi, cordyceps).

Right now this ND is taking St. Francis’ Deep Immune and 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily until winter is over.

Merry Christmas Making!

Dragonfly Art Supplies 153 Lower Ganges Rd. 250-537-1151

Stay Warm Warmer! A good friend of mine says most of us are heat deficient. We do not move our bodies enough. I recommend that you sweat every day. Move your body, exercise, or take a sauna.

Hibernate Winter is a time to slow down and rest more (between bouts of sweating). Sleep more, create more downtime to read, engage in a favourite hobby, play with the kids or cuddle on the couch with a loved one.

Eat Seasonally During the winter eat more root vegetables and also more warm foods like soups, stews and broths. Avoid tropical fruits like bananas because they have too much sugar and they confuse our digestive processes during the colder months.

More Eating Tips 1. Rest your liver: don’t eat too much fatty food or drink too much alcohol.

2. Eat bitter foods, such as dark leafy greens, before big meals to improve your digestion.

3. More turkey and vegetables, please. Skip dessert.

4. After your first serving of Christmas dinner, wait 15 minutes and if you are still hungry then have seconds. Wear a tight belt or pants so you know when you are full.

5. Whatever you decide to eat, do so with gratitude.

Happy Holidays!

If you have any questions or a topic for me, please write to info@islandnaturalhealth.ca or call 250-537-0035

Island Natural Health

Naturopathic Medical Clinic Dr. Patrick Callas

Christin Boyd

Naturopathic Physician

Bowen Technique Practitioner

Amber Wood

Dr. Adella Gerry

Registered Acupuncturist

Naturopathic Physician

250-537-0035

190 Long Harbour Road, Salt Spring Island www.islandnaturalhealth.ca

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Marsha’s

Book

this December join us at ArtSpring for

Reviews

with Marsha Moreau

lots of holiday fun

During the month of December, join us at ArtSpring for lots of holiday fun.

On December 1 at 7:30 pm, Country Grocer, a sponsor of ArtSpring’s children’s programming, presents Canadian tenor Ken Lavigne. Country Grocer thanks the community of Salt Spring for their support. Come early at 6:30 pm to enjoy a delicious nibblies and beverages. ArtSpring is so grateful to Country Grocer for their continuing sponsorship of our children’s programming.

Thanks to the Country Grocer’s support, ArtSpring can offer $5 youth ticket prices for all ArtSpring Presents performances, concerts for the schools, workshops in the schools, children’s art enrichment programmes and the Chamber Music Festival Youth Camp. We continue to add new programmes for school children.

Come one and allto the ArtSpring Christmas Sing-Along on December 17 at 7:30pm. Elves, reindeers Santa, however you like to dress-up come to sing your favourite carols with friends and neighbours. Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

Celebrate the Christmas season with a live broadcast of The Nutcracker from London’s Royal Ballet on December 20 at 10:00 am. This is a show for all ages, full of beauty, magic and Tchaikovsky’s most well-loved and gorgeous ballet music.

For tickets to any of our shows call the ArtSpring Box Office at 250.537.2102 or www.tickets.artspring.ca. For a complete listing of events at ArtSpring visit www.artspring.ca/events.

Did you know that more than 20,000 people attended shows and events in the ArtSpring theatre over the past season?

Mel Williamson showing her art

December Auntie Pestos

through at

Broken Monsters

by Lauren Beukes I write reviews based on the books I read and have enjoyed, or if I feel I have something valuable to share. I don’t tend to give much thought to the time of year, or the fact that I generally submit my reviews an entire month before you see them. Keep that in mind as you read the review I wrote on Halloween (even though it’s now December).

I will admit I was a little afraid to read Lauren Beuke’s newest novel, Broken Monsters. Afraid, not because it would be bad but on the contrary, that it would be good, and would consequently scare the wits out of me. I don’t enjoy graphic horror, but I do appreciate a well written, suspenseful story that happens to contain some distasteful elements. Broken Monsters is just that. It makes you think, as any great mystery or crime novel does, but it also leaves you unsettled, a little jumpy, and if I’m being honest, hungry for more.

Broken Monsters tells the story of a Police Detective, Gabriella Versado, who has a case that is shocking even for her world weary eyes. As Detective Versado’s propel her towards solving “It makes you think... chapters the crime, we are also introduced but it also leaves to several other characters who you unsettled, inhabit urban Detroit, including the a little jumpy” detective’s teenaged daughter Layla, and also the killer, whose identity doesn’t remain a secret for long. This book isn’t a whodunnit, and it isn’t a cat and mouse game either. What makes this novel compelling is the story itself, and the way we intimately get to know each of the central players. Even though there is only one “bad guy” here, we eventually see everyone’s faults, and all their weaknesses are laid bare. For a story that occasionally crosses the line into fantasy, it’s surprising just how realistically these characters and their dialogue is portrayed. I wasn’t able to put this one down, even when what I was reading made me uncomfortable. I just had to get to the end, to see how it was all going to turn out. I think that’s the mark of a great thriller, and of a great author. Lauren Beukes has an unusual style. She doesn’t shy away from the unpleasant and hooks you with her forthrightness. The world can be an ugly place and there’s no covering it up here. Just a lot of broken people trying not to become monsters themselves.

PETER VINCENT

CITIZEN at LARGE Tucked away in the back alleys of Rome, a short walk from the Pantheon, is a little square called Sant’ Eustachio, where four or five cobbled streets meet in a confusion of bicycles, cabs, and bewildered tourists clutching walking maps. You know you are there by the ancient church sporting a stag’s head atop its bell tower, rather than the usual cross. Legend has it that in the 2nd century AD, a Roman General spotted a deer with a cross on its head and immediately converted to Christianity. Subsequently, the hapless General met a grisly end roasted alive inside an immense bronze bull. A martyr was born.

You will find one or two stray tourists peering up at the church entrance, but the reason we are here is across the square, at the Caffé Sant’ Eustachio. This tiny coffee house is choc a bloc with locals and coffee pilgrims, all vying for a piece of counter real estate to sip the famous espresso pulled by career baristas in velvet red vests.

Approaching the Caffé Sant’ Eustachio, you will navigate through outdoor tables filled with tourists from Wisconsin, who have not yet learned that the price of a coffee triples if you wish to sit. Just inside to the right is a distinguished old man working the cash register. The practice in Rome is that you call your order out to the old gentleman at the register . . . “Caffe, per favore” will get you an espresso. “Latté” will get you a nice cup of hot milk and a withering glance, so be careful with your words.

A cappuccino is fine - if ordered before noon. After lunch, Romans view a coffee with milk as a meal replacement and bad for digestion. They are probably right. Espresso will cost about 1 Euro, unless you are from Wisconsin.

You hand over your money and the gentleman gives you a receipt. Jostle through the throngs to the opposite counter where one of the three baristas will relieve you of your chit.

He (its aways a ‘he’ in my experience) will perform his elegant, practiced art of pulling the perfect shot. And you stand with the fellow coffee pilgrims sipping this sweet, earthy warm espresso, in this perfect little cup and saucer with a perfect little silver spoon, leaning against the small distressed oak counter listening to the muted chatter in several languages, soaking in the heat from the espresso machines and the aroma of coffee beans roasting in the wood fired roaster in the back, gazing at the collection of ancient coffee grinders and machines on the shelf high above the baristas and all this commingles together and there is nothing else you will ever experience like this again.

This is called “The God Shot.”

In this holiest of cities, in this legendary coffee house, amongst the hoard of fellow coffee acolytes, you have condemned yourself to the ranks of coffee geekdom, a martyr to the mighty bean - a far less painful road than the Roman General’s.

kind

paws with Sean Hogan

Peace & Goodwill Begin at Home Whether in the latest meme on social media, painted on the windows of a storefront, or backlit on a sign outside of a church, the proclamation, “peace on earth and goodwill toward all men,” seems to be ubiquitous around Christmas time. This phrase has its origin in the Bible (Luke 2:14),and still today carries meaning for many of warmth, hope, generosity, and kindness that is synonymous with Christmas. It is hard to deny that this time of year promotes such sentiment.

The questions have to be asked, though, where is the peace on earth?

What will it take for “good will” to be more popular than Donald Trump? The answers don’t come easy or simply. Or do they?

For me, the experience of Peace on Earth starts with how I walk upon Her. Each morning, I wake with a conscious prayer “may my heart be large and my footprint small.” Not only does it take the forming of intention in the mind, but the follow through of action to realize it. Without both, we have action without care, and thought without action. That is not enough to bring peace to the world.

Instead, a radical approach is to start with the self, the individual, and to spread out from there, in “ever-widening circles” (Rilke paraphrased). With peace within ourselves, we can see and be peace in the world. Peace cannot exist merely as a prayer or wish: we must live and breathe it first.

Wishing well for others is more than a nicety once we understand, at the core, we are all related and our actions have consequences.

As social creatures, animals (human and non-human) look to each other for validation, cooperation, and sharing regardless of circumstance or species. We could notice each other’s suffering and we always have choice in our next action. If we are sincere about our wish for peace and goodwill, then the next step we take ought to benefit the whole by lessening suffering for all. On the other hand, greed and unhealthy self-concern lead many people toward hypocrisy and an undoing of humanity.

At this time of year, many of us remember all the lives that have been lost and celebrate the new ones created. It’s a time of mixed emotions partly because, as a culture, we are yet convinced that the simplest way to create the world we want is to start at home, in our own heart, with the ones who surround us.

I believe that one of the best ways to heal a broken heart is to witness the heart of another healed. Animals who come to us from rescue situations, for instance, have a way of demonstrating the resilience we share as mammals. Yes, we can persevere through the awkwardness of “broken things” and still find our relationship via kind and considerate actions. Then we can affirm, “Yes, we do have peace and goodwill in our lives.”

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Now showing in DECember at

250 537 4491

For Everyone with Salt Spring Island teacher Dorothy Price

Yoga

LAUGHTER. Just what the doctor ordered!

Andrea

Russell

Andrea Russell will be showing an elaborate and eclectic collection of hand made leather masks designed to amuse and bemuse... Wild winter creatures and characters of all kinds will be coming out to play.

www.barbsbakeryandbistro.ca

VALDY caroling at the always festive

Merry Monday

in Fulford Village

Photo courtesy Kalvin Clark

THE FISHBOWL is brought to you by Stephanie Rhodes & Genevieve Price along with the following local columnists & sponsors.

We are Salt Spring Island’s #1 Source for Arts, Entertainment & all things island style. Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages.

That’s what the staff at the Mayo clinic are saying. Having a good sense of humour can’t cure everything but data is mounting about the positive benefits of laughter. Laughter relieves stress in the body and mind and may improve your immune system by reducing negative thoughts which can manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body.

Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations and improve your mood.

Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped or nonexistent sense of humour? No problem. Humour can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humour may be easier than you think.

You don’t have to have rollicking deep belly laughter all the time. Subtle or quiet laughter can still give you relief from the seriousness of life. Look for humour in your life. If you have funny photos or comic strips put them up so you will see them. Know which movies and TV shows give you a good laugh and watch as needed.

Most of us will find a wealth of laughter opportunities in our own life. Find a way to laugh about your own situations and watch your stress begin to fade away. When you notice you are self-absorbed in your work, daily concerns and problems, this is a perfect opportunity to laugh at yourself and break out of the bubble of stress and pressure. When something disappointing happens, if you can laugh at your reaction to it, it will help you make the leap from disappointment to acceptance.

Everyone works hard, makes mistakes, fails at an endeavor, trips and falls, says the wrong things...we are human! Instead of getting upset, try laughing at yourself and move on. When was the last time you laughed at yourself? Yesterday, last week, last year, or even...never?

We know that laughing is good for us but it is also good for those around us and sets a good example of how to roll through life with a sense of ease and fun. Even if it feels forced at first, practice laughing. It does your body good. “Laughter yoga” is a practice involving prolonged voluntary laughter. Laughter yoga is based on the belief that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter.

Who is responsible for bringing laughter into your life? You! Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you’ve had your chuckle, take stock of how you’re feeling.

Did your shoulders relax? Did your face muscles relax?

If you measure success by how much laughter and joy you have, rather than how much financial success you have, how successful would you be? Andrew Carnegie said “There is little success where there is little laughter”.

It takes mindfulness to notice when it is time to “lighten-up!”...and I know where to develop mindfulness!

See you on the mat! ~ Dorothy

cOLUMNISTS: John Bateman • Dorothy Price • Peter Vincent GREEN PRINTING & LAYOUT: IMAGINE THAT GRAPHICS.CA aD sALES: Deadlines are the 10th of the month Dr. Patrick Callas • Marsha Moreau • Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx previous to book ad space & submit content.

Sean Patrick Hogan • Jenny Redpath • Melinda Parks-Divers Calendar events can be submitted up until the 17th.

Matt O’Connor • Lucina Sliwowska sponsors: Mrs. Clean Laundromat • Pharmasave Call Stephanie today at 250 538 8164 Dorothy teaches classes & retreats locally & worldwide.

Dorothy teaches classes & retreats locally & worldwide.

Barb’s Bakery & Bistro • Hawthorne Hill Gravel Sales or email thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250.653.4655 Valcourt & Sons Roofing • John Lefebvre for rates & information. or phone 250.537.7675 Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com

2013 SMALL BUSINESS of the YEAR!

Gathered and Ground Beef

by CHEF KEN BRUDNER

If you purchase ground beef there are a few things you might not be aware of. First off, minced beef is mostly collected from the scraps of other cuts of meat that are butchered as one piece. When you buy a steak, rib-roast or other cuts of meat that are intact you are purchasing that meat from one animal only. When you buy beef that has been ground, it is very likely that the meat in the package you purchased is from many, many cows. Depending on the size of the packing companies that slaughters and butchers these members of the bovine family, will determine the amount of cattle they have in inventory. The more there are, it can be safely assumed that there is a greater risk of disease presence.

As beef is ground, far more surface area is created on the shreds of the meat than is on one hunk. Extra surface area, processing, handling and equipment needed for the beef to go through this procedure, gives the meat a greater chance to pick up bacteria.

Although great measures “...cook those burgers to are taken to avoid any complications in processing, the 71 degrees Celsius or 160 fact that your burger may have degrees Fahrenheit to come from a multitude of cows kill any bacteria.” may spark your interest.

So make sure you cook those burgers to 71 degrees Celsius or 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria.

At the odd time that I buy ground beef, I choose to purchase it from a smaller but reputable packer to lessen the chance of contamination and to know that my burger is from a few animals not hundreds, potentially.

I’m sure you have all heard of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). This deadly disease is mostly present in the central nervous system tissue such as the brain and spinal cord of infected cattle.

The producer, to get all possible yields will come close to this tissue while butchering for ground beef. This disease is not killed by the presence of high heat like other bacteria are.

Strange but true; it is a fact that a restaurateur can purchase pre-made patties with fillers and other “not so nice” ingredients, ready to go from a food distributor for a cheaper price than if they bought the meat itself and paid the employees to make their own from scratch.

In regards to lean or regular, it can be deceiving. There is plenty of water in ground beef, in fact, approximately 55%. When you cook a burger, a lot of that water evaporates as steam and the burgers original size at the raw stage is now decreased. The fat content is still relatively the same so the ratio of fat to meat, when the water evaporates, pretty much doubles leaving you with more than you anticipated. Of course it is healthier to cook your patties on some type of grill so the fat can more easily drip out of the meat. Enjoy but be careful.

Love What You Cook, Love What You Eat!

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