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salt FISHBOWL spring island l mouatsclothing.ca THE • MONTH 2020 • PAGE A
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M O U N T A I N
FOR
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WEAR PLAYING
H A R D W A R E
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M O N T A N E
OUTDOOR
W. Allan Hancock Wildlife Artist
NEW & RECENT WORKS
Sage made this mobile (see right) with treasures she collected from an outing to the beach with Taryn’s Mom. Taryn has made a number of them as well and we have all of them hanging throughout the yard, including one outside my studio window. The birds enjoy landing on them, checking them out - this is where the idea for the painting came from... and I love the way the light catches Sage’s mobile. The title refers to Sage’s treasures and the birds.
To view more of Allan's beautiful work or purchase a piece visit wallanhancock.com
On Our Cover
Beauty Under Gray Skies - Trumpeter Swan acrylic, 14 x 12 inches, 2020
I am particularly fond of gray days and their soft subtle colours. In this painting, I enjoyed playing with the shapes created by the dark and light areas of the water and the sense of movement throughout the piece even though the swan is (aside from its preening) just sitting there.
photo credit billie woods photography
Treasured Things - Red-breasted Nuthatch, acrylic, 10 x 13 inches, 2016
Written by Peter Segnitz: Then 12-year-old W. Allan Hancock received a paint-by-numbers kit in 1980. It was a gift from his grandparents. Allan latched on, but it wasn't to the templated scene inside the kit. He latched onto just the paints, which he used for creations all his own. His choice of subjectmatter was the wildlife that he had held in awe for as long as he could remember. Art had always been - and remains - his great calling. His parents remember a little boy sprawled out on the floor, drawing and colouring for hours on end. In high school, it was artrelated classes which earned him a place (his only place!) on the Honour Roll. In university, though, art-related studies were unfulfilling, a sure sign that the formal, academic side of art wasn't in his wheelhouse. On the practical side, Allan gained his first career foothold in art by accepting a job with a greeting card company in 1989. He painted watercolours of wildlife, 9-to-5 in a commercial studio space. It was glorious, but the company folded a few years later. Allan turned to full-time shift work at Robin Hood Flour Mill where he had previously worked summers. During that period, he was painting part-time and achieving sales at a Saskatoon gallery. He also succeeded in having pieces selected for limited edition prints released by Ducks Unlimited Canada and other organizations. Satisfaction with the Robin Hood job dwindled as public interest in his artwork increased, so in 1995 Allan decided to forsake the steady paycheque and to pursue art full-time. He sold his house and car and moved to Vancouver Island, pulled by its abundance of art festivals and wildlife. He reasoned that down the road, he would rather say "I gave it my best shot" than regret the path not taken. He has never looked back. In forging his own unique approach over the years, Allan feels gratitude for many fellow artists. Especially important in his childhood were Glen Loates and Leon Parson, the latter featured in his grandfather’s Field & Stream magazines. During his youth, Robert Bateman, Fenwick Lansdowne, Roger Tory Peterson and George McLean figured large. In adulthood, it was Ray Harris Ching and Gustave Caillebotte.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 THE FISHBOWL is brought to you by publisher Genevieve Price. Columnists: Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, John Bateman, Dorothy Price, Dr. Hannah Webb, Dr. Ralph Miller, & Mishka Campbell.
Salt Spring Island’s #1 Source for Arts, Entertainment & Culture. Check out our Facebook page!
Occasional Contributors: Melinda Parks-Divers, Lis Bell Walton
Green Printing & Layout: Imagine That Graphics.ca Ad Sales: Deadlines are the 10th of the month previous to book ad space & submit content. Calendar events can be submitted up until the 15th. For rates & information call Genevieve today at 250.538.8427 or email thesaltyfi shbowl@hotmail.com. THE FISHBOWL • MONTH 2020 • PAGE B
Price is
Right
PRODUCT REVIEWS by: Genevieve Price
LIFT your
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charcoal + rose DETOX MASK
As I have an oily Tzone, I mixed it with plain, natural yogurt, as recommended, also suggested are honey and good old water. I love that this Vancouver based company has included ground rolled oats, an ingredient my mother used, along with white clay and charcoal. I washed my face cleaned, dried it, and then applied the mask. I let it work its magic for 10 minutes until it was fully dried and then I washed it off with warm water. I loved how the mask felt on my skin. No moment of panic when the burning sensation sets in, just a cool tightening. The addition of rose was a lovely calming and soothing scent. A few notes, the mask does come in powder, start small with your liquid of choice. While I did it with yogurt, I also tried it with water and really needed half, it’s suggested you mix equal tsp to tsp, I did half a tsp water to 1tsp mask mix and then added drops until it was perfect. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container but depending on your mix of choice I’d go no longer than a week. My other tip, or reminder really is that often masks bring to the surface imperfections or blemishes we don’t know are waiting to emerge. Plan to do your facial on a quiet week, not leading up to a big event (yes, there will be big events again) just in case you get a pimple the day or 2 following. Midnight Palome also offers a cleansing balm, body lotion and fizzy bath soak to complete yourself care weekend. They also offer a few body care tools like a dry facial brush and rose quartz facial roller just to name a few and the prices are just right!
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An eclectic set of songs and chants to sing, rattle or drum along with Marilyn Walker. Free, Online at Zoom, 7 to 8:30 pm. Music is one of the best stress relievers there is; it opens the heart and brings joy to the darkness within and without. Drumming gives a steady beat to synchronize our heartbeats and calm our thought-filled minds. The music today is a combination of covers and originals, songs, and chants with a new Covid song. We start with the riotous and energizing, then deepen gradually into the calming and contemplative. We finish with a shamanic calling in each of the 4 directions – you may join in with your drum and call in any spirit helps you’d like to.
Chances are, you or someone you know are feeling the challenge of the short days, loss of meaningful work and lack of social intimacy that these times bring. It’s a lot to grapple with and leaves us grasping for lifelines to keep our spirits up, from walks in nature to online shopping, all of us are searching for ways to feel connected. For over 10 years, those of us offering Dance Temple and other conscious dance have seen the power of dance to uplift our community. When the pandemic first hit in March we were forced to improvise in a pinch and our in-person events migrated online. It was a huge success with not only our local fans tuning in but a new community of dancers all over the world. Now suddenly, a new stream opened that we didn’t know was possible, bringing dance to people in their living rooms to feel a new level of freedom and connection. The dance could go on! When the restrictions eased during the summer, we brought the inperson dances back in a limited way, and continued with the online offering. Now, with new restrictions in full effect, in-person dances are once again suspended, but online offerings continue. We recognize that at this dark time of year, so many communities are facing a real challenge with depression and other mental/emotional challenges. More than ever it’s important to tap into the ways we can stay vital and connected; to tune into activities that bring connection, lightness and expression to our daily lives. The Dance Temple collective invites you to a variety of weekly online opportunities to tune in and rock out, in the comfort of your own home. Dance Temple on mixlr: (online radio), Monday and Thursday 7-9pm and Sunday 10:15-noon by donation! www.mixlr.com/dance-temple with optional zoom connection Shauna Devlin: 5Rhythms & Dance Your Ability online classes, events & trainings: shaunadevlin.net Lila Spencer: Online dance and embodiment offerings starting in January contact soulmedicineproductions@gmail.com Naomi Jason: Qigong-dance and Women’s online dance series starting in the New Year contact dancetemplelove@gmail.com
Join in with a drum, rattle, rhythm sticks or clap along with your hands. And since I won’t be able to hear or see you, feel free to jump or waltz around. If you can drum, vocalize and move at the same time, you get the deepest experience ever! While keeping social distance (so you won’t see all of us together), Marilyn Walker will be joined by Edgar Hann on his Newfoundland button accordion and Adam Huber on guitar. Please register at staroftheseassi@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
Wednesday, January 20
“Rainbow of Reconciliation”
Free, Online at Zoom — 10:30 am to 12:00 noon.
With the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of his glory. Ephesians 1:18 Friends and colleagues in the work of reconciliation and decolonization, Alex Nelson, a member of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw First Nations and Elder and Senior Advisor to the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council, and Logan McMenamie, recently retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Islands and the Inlets, will reflect on how story shapes individuals and communities to look beyond the obvious and see the divine and sacred in creation (nature) and our traditions. Join Alex and Logan for a conversation about developing common ground and spiritual connection across deep cultural boundaries. Please register at staroftheseassi@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
Salt Spring Has
Issues starring the most awesome John Bateman
Finally! It’s January 2021 and we can put that mean old 2020 behind us. The past year was rough for a number of reasons such as, long lines at the gas stations, long lines at the grocery stores, long lines at the recycle centre, long lines at coffee shops and... let’s be honest, the worst of it was mostly long lines. If you are sensitive about someone finding humour in a global pandemic, you better self isolate from this article for at least 2 weeks. Covid 19 created a certain amount of chaos for Islanders. Everyone was advised to stay inside and self isolate while still shopping local. The Saturday Market happened as usual. This year, however, facemasks and hand sanitizer were actually given to market goers. That gesture marked the first time anything was given away for free in the history of the market. If there was no pandemic and masks were simply in style, they would have cost at least $45 each. As far as hand sanitizer goes, vinegar at the falafel cart has always been free. There are many things Islanders have struggled with since the pandemic rules were put into place. One of the most difficult things that people have had to overcome is their ability to hug without discretion. For some this has created an intimacy vacuum that can never be filled. For others it’s sweet relief. Salt Spring is no longer anchored to a foundation of unsolicited physical contact. Gone is the fear that any chance encounter may result in an embrace. Personally, this will make future interactions with my mechanic a lot more palatable. Just like everywhere else in the world, Salt Springers also went on a toilet paper binge. For weeks and weeks, the shelves were empty. Unfortunately, everyone calmed down and the stocks were replenished. I say “unfortunately’ because I sunk my life savings into a company that made toilet paper from locally harvested skunk cabbage. Many people have speculated if things will ever go back to normal after Covid 19. To that I say: Please define “normal” by Salt Spring standards. Is someone walking around town wearing a mask but no shoes normal? Is it normal to sit in a ferry lineup to get off island while complaining about all the people coming on to the island? Apparently so. Salt Spring is suited for a pandemic more than anywhere else on earth. Not only is the island isolated geographically, people are isolated from each other. Islanders have been sticking to their own coffee shop cohorts for decades. If you go to Barbs, chances are you never got to TJ Beans. People also stay in their social circles. Plumbers don’t play hacky sack in the park and hacky sackers never go to work. The island’s largest industry, “self care” features many disciplines that don’t require any “in person” interaction. Now you can have your fortune told, your spirit animal fed and your life coached over the intimacy avoiding miracle of Zoom.
THE FISHBOWL • JANUARY 2021 • PAGE 5
So here we are, in a New Year, still in a global pandemic, still in the midst of uncertainty. And even here on this idyllic island that we call home, we all need perhaps more than ever, real connection, a full heart, and yes – peace. Peace is one of those catch-all words. The associations run from global politics to social justice, to images of sitting on the top of Mt Shasta with our legs crossed. The Salt Spring Peace Class has been working to turn those ideas upside down. And we’re not talking about a new yoga pose here. Rather than describing personal peace, this program empowers individuals to reach their own understanding. The question is – what do we have to rely on, when our normal support structures are not available? When lockdown fever is challenging our need for people, activity and, to be honest, our need for distraction? And the answer that we intuitively know is that we have to look inside of ourselves. The idea of this is familiar, but what the Peace Class does is remind the participants of resources that we already have, internally and individually. It helps us choose clarity over confusion, knowledge over fear, strength over vulnerability, peace over anger or frustration. The Class helps a us discover our personal tool chest so we can rely more on ourselves to feel good. Whatever is happening, (or not happening!) these days. It has been said “Discovering your own understanding is worth 1000 insights someone else can tell you”. This is the premise of the Peace Class. It offers a process of self-discovery, whatever your age, beliefs, or inclinations. The Peace Class, or Peace Education Program as it is known internationally, is presented by local volunteers in venues globally. In some countries it is embedded into school curriculums and even inmate programs. And we have an announcement! After years of the Class running at the Salt Spring Library, we now are able to provide it online. Part of this venture is to make it accessible to residents of all the Gulf Islands. It is necessary to register to show your interest. As usual, there is no charge. Previous graduates have ‘paid it forward’ with donations to make it free for all participants. Try it out. The online class will be running for 5 weeks on Sundays and Wednesdays from 5PM - 6PM, starting February 7th, using Zoom. You can read more about it and indicate your interest to register at www.ssi-peace.com. Please do this early so we can plan.
Announcing The Salt Spring National Art CALL2021/22 FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS Prize's prize awards of $41,000! CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS OPEN JANUARY 2021! OPEN JANUARY 1 - MAY1,31, 2021 SSNAP OFFERING $41,000 IN AWARDS SALT SPRING PRIZE – THE JOAN McCONNELL AWARD & RESIDENCY FOR OUTSTANDING WORK $20,000 ($15,000 and a $5,000 Salt Spring Island artist residency) JURORS’ CHOICE AWARDS Four awards of $3,000 selected by each juror PEOPLE’S CHOICE – ROSEMARIA BEHNCKE AWARDS four awards determined by a vote of viewers of the exhibition 1st prize – $3,000 2nd prize – $2,000 3rd prize – $1,000 Youth Vote – $1,000 SALT SPRING ARTIST AWARD for outstanding work by a Salt Spring artist – $2,000
$41,000 in Awards
www.saltspringartprize.ca
The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) was established in 2015 to recognize, showcase, and publicize the accomplishments of Canadian visual artists and to advance public appreciation of visual arts. Through this initiative we encourage Canadian artists whose work demonstrates originality, quality, integrity and creativity to submit significant pieces with a real visual impact and depth of meaning. As a biennial national art prize with $41,000 in awards, we are committed to continuing our legacy and look toward mounting a live exhibition in September 2021, respecting public health protocols in place at that time. With the call for submissions open January 1 - May 31, 2021, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are eighteen years of age and older as of January 1, 2020, are invited to submit their two-dimensional and three-dimensional work for consideration. SSNAP will showcase approximately 50 finalists chosen by a national jury. An exhibition of the finalists’ work will take place in Sept/Oct 2021 at Mahon Hall on Salt Spring Island, B.C. All artists' submissions must be submitted by the artists themselves and their identity will be anonymous to the jury until the exhibition opens. Keep yourself informed for updates by clicking the ‘Keep Me Informed’ button on our website www.saltspringartprize.ca
CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS OPEN JANUARY 1, 2021!
$41,000 in Awards CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS
www.saltspringartprize.ca
Musician Directory Billie Woods
Facebook-square facebook.com/billiewoodsmusic
BANDCAMP billiewoodsmusic.bandcamp.com
Everyday People
Facebook-square facebook.com/rootsrockboogie
Tony Prosk
GLOBE www.k-tones.com
Phöenix Lazare
Facebook-square facebook.com/phoenixlazaremusic
instagram instagram.com/phoenixlazaremusic
Youtube youtube.com/user/phoenixlazare
saltspringunderground
Facebook-square facebook.com/saltspringunderground Youtube youtube.com/watch?v=x-hcKmue_1I
Fawkes & Hownd
Facebook-square facebook.com/fawkesandhownd
Youtube youtube.com/watch?v=OvUvKVzm6K4
BANDCAMP saltspringunderground.bandcamp.com
instagram instagram.com/fawkesandhownd
Youtube youtube.com/channel/UCEVEdvvzso8Oy4Jh_ZUuctQ
Sarah Osborne
Facebook-square facebook.com/sarahosbornemusic
instagram instagram.com/sarahosbornemusic
Julia Beattie
spotify open.spotify.com/artist/5erYlGGHyZ7RH3sctmS74f
GLOBE www.juliabeattie.com
ITUNES-NOTE itunes.apple.com/us/album/today-single/1452924907
spotify open.spotify.com/album/56XLkcsmW0z6q2oNZgMnXg
apple music.apple.com/us/album/today-single/1452924907
Deezer deezer.com/us/album/87037842
Lisa Maxx
Facebook-square facebook.com/lisamaxxmusic
instagram instagram.com/lisamaxxmusic GLOBE www.lisamaxx.com
Youtube youtube.com/channel/UCoYOT_d37weMPqbkvK5zP4Q
the singing amma
Facebook-square facebook.com/thesingingamma
instagram instagram.com/thesingingamma
GLOBE www.thesingingamma.com
The Seiche
Facebook-square facebook.com/theseiche
Sharon Bailey
GLOBE www.sharonbaileymusic.com
Daryl Chonka
Facebook-square facebook.com/daryl.chonka.9 BANDCAMP darylchonka.bandcamp.com
GLOBE www.darylchonka.com
envelope info@darylchonka.com
Nicky MacKenzie
Facebook-square facebook.com/nickymackenziemusic instagram instagram.com/nicky_mackenzie
spotify open.spotify.com/artist/0DvB7H1zfupECFAdeVede5
Susan Cogan
GLOBE www.susancogan.com
Yael Wand
GLOBE www.yaelwand.ca/pictures
Tara MacLean
Youtube youtube.com/channel/UCUMtQTlKfm6SVUoLCpOGYhQ Facebook-square facebook.com/taramacleanmusic
instagram instagram.com/taramacleanmusic
GLOBE www.taramacleanmusic.com
Ora Cogan
instagram instagram.com/oracogan
BANDCAMP oracogan.bandcamp.com/ album/bells-in-the-ruins
Peter Prince
Facebook-square facebook.com/peterprinceband Youtube youtube.com/saltspringvideo GLOBE www.peterprince.ca
envelope music@peterprince.com
video taramacleanmusic.com/videos
spotify open.spotify.com/artist/1It4wk41Lhrspxd3awN9FJ
Valdy
Facebook-square facebook.com/groups/folksingerdeluxe Live@Five - every Sunday @ 5:00pm If we missed your artist info, please reach out via email to thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com. We hope to grow our directory through the winter months and would love to showcase you!
THE FISHBOWL • JANUARY 2021 • PAGE 7
John Bateman is a mental health advocate and the host of Our Anxiety Stories the Anxiety Canada Podcast. www.anxietycanada.com/ouranxietystories
y t e i Anx
Most people on Salt Spring think of me as funny. That is absolutely true, I have 2 awards to prove it! What many people don’t know is that I have dealt with nearly a lifetime of anxiety and periods of clinical depression. Hopefully that fact doesn’t ood you with anxiety. Many people experience anxiety exactly as nature intended it. We may get anxious before a test, while driving in a snowstorm or when we are asked to speak publicly. In these cases, anxiety can be helpful for us to prepare for, and tackle a situation successfully. For others however, anxiety can escalate to the point that it aects every aspect of their day. This is called, “chronic anxiety.â€? On many occasions it has aected me to the point that basic tasks such as getting out of bed and brushing my teeth seemed as impossible as climbing Mt Everest. Unfortunately, 2020 brought new challenges that very few people were prepared for. Extroverts were stuck inside. The gainfully employed found themself with no income. Parents had to ďŹ ll the massive void that was created with the cancelation of part of the school year. I have discovered through many conversations that the people who have historically dealt with chronic anxiety have found it easier to deal with the challenges that this pandemic has created. This is because they already have the tools in place to help with their anxiety. These tools may include: getting better sleep, creating a healthy diet, taking medication, introducing exercise or professional counselling. I have used all these tools throughout my life with anxiety. My favorite tool however is known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapy that has been used for over 40 years with scientiďŹ c studies that show it outperforms medication. The basic concept of CBT is that you pay attention to your thoughts, question them and then correct them with a more rational, productive thought. This may sound like work to people, but it actually isn’t. Everyone has a ow of thoughts constantly coursing through their heads. It’s basically a conversation we are constantly having with ourselves. These thoughts are completely normal, but they can easily start moving to the negative side of the spectrum. The problem isn’t that there are negative thoughts. The problem is that we start believing them. These negative thoughts can begin to cycle over and over in a process that is called rumination. They feed the anxiety and the cycle continues. CBT can help you break that cycle. Here are a few basic tricks I use on a daily basis to help me check my thoughts and put them in the right place. If you notice a negative thought, simply identify it as that and move on. It’s just a thought. It’s not real. It can’t hurt you. When I notice a negative thought, I say to myself, “negative thoughtâ€?, then I get on with my day. If a negative thought returns, I just repeat that process. I don’t waste any time trying to ďŹ gure out what the thought means. Remember that all emotions come and go. Humans are built that way for a reason. Running with one emotion for our whole lives wouldn’t be conducive to survival. So, when you feel anxious or angry, quickly remind yourself that all emotions pass quite rapidly. Allow yourself to be human. Every human that ever was has made mistakes, failed or embarrassed themselves. Use that as a perspective when you ďŹ nd yourself in those situations. People are WAY too hard on themselves. This is the most important one and is the reason I decided to write this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Statistics show that roughly 20% of people around you experience anxiety that could use treatment. Reaching out to people and talking is one of the best ways to help others and help yourself. Trust me, you will start to feel better. You really are not alone... I’m proof.
THE FISHBOWL • JANUARY 2021 • PAGE 8
The
Green Isle Enterprise Holistic Psychology, Health & Education By: Samuel D. Miller and Ralph D. Miller, Ph.D
What Happened?
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My son Sam has been my colleague in many adventures in India and North America, including in our Gulf Islands Schools. — Ralph
the singing
AMMA *amma = grandmother in Icelandic
Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, ECE Nurturing, empowering & educating families for over 30 years
Goodbye to 2020! Dear mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles & teachers, May I just say, oh my! 2020 was quite the year! Unlike any other year any of us have ever experienced. Utterly unprecedented. It was a year brim-full of adversity. A year of constant uncertainty which, in itself, can be hugely challenging. And, 2020 is now behind us. So, all together, let’s... Breathe. While navigating through times of adversity it is important to know that “you must feel it to heal it.” My advice for moving forward out of this most difficult of years which we’ve collectively just come through, is that we first allow ourselves to feel all the feelings - the sadness, the grief, the anger, the multitude of frustrations and upsets. And, when we are each ready, it can really help to shift focus to the positive. To do this, practice some moments of mindfulness. Shift your focus to this moment, to right now, to stand fully in the present. And…. Breathe. Sometimes, though it may seem too simple, it can actually help to just look out the window and notice the sunlight shimmering on rain-wet branches, to take a walk in Nature and listen to its song, to pat your pet, to laugh at something silly with your little one. Young children can be brilliant at feeling big feelings in one moment, and then fully laughing in the next. Let’s follow their lead. Sometimes it may feel hard, or near impossible even, to find anything positive in intensely challenging situations. Those are the times when we need to look deeper, when we need to find the precious gems hidden in the dirt. But let me be crystal clear, I do not mean, in any way, to bring “toxic positivity” into the picture. Please, just, no. As I have said, we need to “feel all the feels” before we can pivot away. Taking some time at the dawning of a new year to acknowledge the year we are leaving behind can be an empowering, affirming, family tradition. Spending some of that time focusing specifically on the positives, especially in review of challenging times, can help us remember that it wasn’t all bad. We can see, in the process, moments when we rose above adversity, moments when we supported one another, moments when our resilience shone through. Maybe only in moments, but it was there. If we look, we can find it. Get very specific about these moments. The ones that brought you joy, like watching videos of the people in Italy singing apart-together from their balconies; the ones that raised your sense of gratitude, like the 7:00 salute, the banging of pots on porches around the world, hollering our thanks to our healthcare professionals, and the hearts in the windows; the moments when you broke down, and somebody reached out and held you either physically or virtually - and helped you through. There are actually a million such moments. Explore together and discover - what were the 2020 moments for your family?
Send your parenting questions to: singingamma@gmail.com or facebook.com/thesingingamma | www.thesingingamma.com
For Ever yone
Yoga
with Salt Spring Island teacher Dorothy Price
2021... Here we go! No matter what is going on in the world around us, many of us still think of starting anew on January 1st. And why not? It is the very first day of a whole new year. Wiping the slate clean, having a look at life thus far, being inspired to go forward with a renewed positive outlook and having some kind of improvement plan for one’s self is common to choosing New Years Resolutions. When did people start making New Years Resolutions? This tradition can be traced back 4000 years to the ancient Babylonians who would make promises to the gods. By 46 BC Julius Caesar had moved the beginning of the year to the first day of January in honour of the god Janus the two-faced god. One face looked back into the previous year and the other ahead into the future. A poll of 2000 people came up with these findings of the 10 top resolutions: Eat Healthier Food. Exercise more. Save more money (or spend less). Stop smoking. Read More. Change Jobs. Drink Less Alcohol. Spend More Time with Family & Friends. Get Organized. “Knowing what you need to do to improve your life takes wisdom. Pushing yourself to do it takes courage. If you change nothing, nothing changes.” - Mel Robins The only problem with resolutions is that they require courage and a strong will power to achieve. Whether it be facing your food challenges as you walk down the grocery aisle, pushing yourself out of bed early to fit in some exercise time, facing the difficulties of stopping smoking or drinking, saying no to any superfluous spending, turning off the TV and picking up a book, saying no to something so you can spend more time with your family or challenging your unorganized self to get organized. To make a change, you have to forge through the difficulties and challenges that your resolution requires. “The time is now. Stop hitting the snooze button on your life.” - Mel Robins Start now. You don’t need to have the perfect time and situation. Just start. January 1st gives you a starting point to take action. You are the one who has to do this. Nobody else is coming to rescue you or help you. Where do you feel it in your body when you think about the change you want to make? Where does the power come from to move us forward? The courage to start, and the will-power to continue comes from within. Breathe into your heart centre. Feel it. You are more than capable of doing the work to change anything for the better, despite how you feel. Ignore your doubts about your ability to do this. Your doubts create mountains. They are just thoughts and feelings. Ignore them! There is nothing as powerful, and as hard as taking the first step. Yoga practice helps me dig deep into my place of courage and power. Find something that helps you to find yours, and let’s get started!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! See you on the mat! ~ Dorothy For online yoga classes including asana, breathwork and meditation, see Dorothy’s online yoga school https://onlineyogaclasseswithdorothyprice.teachable.com Phone 250-537-7675
THE FISHBOWL • JANUARY 2021 • PAGE 9
Mishka’s
Book
Health with
Reviews with Mishka Campbell
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
by V.E. Schwab
Let’s start 2021 with a book that’s joyous and lovely and real. There’s a mystery, romance and history, adventure and tragedy, humour and fantasy. Sounds like a plan to you? This is not my favourite V.E. Schwab novel, but as a New York Times bestselling author, her talent is undeniable. Even an “okay” book she’s written is still an enjoyable book, and I think right about now we could all stand to read something that feels good. Addie LaRue is a very unique character. I’m sure it’s incredibly challenging to come up with an original idea in the fantasy realm but I think that’s Addie, and this novel, in a nutshell. In France, in 1714, due to a very poor decision making process, Addie makes a colossal error, born out of sheer desperation. She makes a bargain in exchange for her soul, which is (of course) more damning than she could possibly have imagined, once the fine print is made clear to her. She will live forever, thus escaping her current situation, but while living out her days she will not be remembered by a single person she encounters. Stop and think about that for a moment. I ask you to pause because I too absorbed that fact quite shallowly, without recognizing the magnitude of its impact. As I read on, the author reveals how many times Addie is put in danger, and how many times her heart is broken. Someone rents you a room and then an hour later accuses you of having broken in because they don’t remember you. You spend an incredible day with someone, truly connecting and feeling the beginnings of romance. The next morning, they open their eyes and have no idea who you are or how you ended up in their bed. Somehow, Addie has to navigate this lonely chasm for centuries, to find ways to still learn, and grow, and have gratitude, and some sense of peace. As a reader, it’s a really curious thing to contemplate. This story is complex because it jumps around in time a fair bit, delving into Addie’s relationship with the God/Devil who granted her wish, as well as exploring current Addie’s intriguing meeting with a bookseller who seems to actually remember her. There are so many great layers to explore in this novel, I say jump in with both feet.
Why am I so tired? Why am I so tired? Let me count the reasons… If you are fatigued, I highly encourage you to seek medical support. Help is available. This is one of THE main reasons’ patients seek out naturopathic medicine, and an area where we generally have much treatment success. You may be anemic. Low iron stores or low B12 stores are both forms of anemia, and both cause fatigue. A simple blood test can rule this out, and supplementation can fix the problem. Of course, it is not always quite that simple, as B12 is poorly absorbed especially in those with digestive problems. Injections may be necessary. Iron supplements can also be challenging, because they commonly cause constipation. Do not despair however, there are a variety forms and some are better absorbed and better tolerated. This is a very resolvable cause of fatigue. You may be hypothyroid. Your thyroid gland is a small organ that sits at the front of your neck. The hormones it secretes set the metabolic rate for your entire body. If it is under-functioning for whatever reason, you will feel tired. You may also experience weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and constipation. However, you may not have any of these classical symptoms. A blood test can check your thyroid hormones and assess for any antibodies that could indicate auto-immune damage as the cause. Your adrenals could be run down. This is another common cause for fatigue. You could be simply burnt out after years of running around taking care of business. Sad to say, overextending yourself to keep all the balls in the air can’t last forever. Rest and recovery time is needed. Or some strategies in the meantime if you can’t slow down quite yet. You may be nutrient deficient. When we eat a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates, our body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs. Not blaming here, many people simple learn this IS the way to eat, and it is difficult to shift these patterns. Especially when there are millions of advertising dollars aiming to sell us this very stuff. You may have a chronic infection. This could include Epstein-Barr virus (aka “mononucleosis”), a parasite, or chronic Lyme disease. Perhaps your testosterone is low. With aging, testosterone declines – this is a normal process. However, there are a variety of reasons (stress, environmental exposures) why testosterone begins decline more drastically than it would if it were to follow a natural course. This is worth testing. Maybe you aren’t sleeping. Lest we forget this important one! So many people struggle with sleep, and before you reach for the hardcore sleeping pills, let’s consider any hormone imbalances that may be causing the problem, talk about healthy routines around sleep, and try some gentle herbs. An ND can help you sort out which (there may be multiple) of these causes apply to you. Each of them has different treatment strategies. Book an appointment if you are tired and want support!
drhannahwebb.com | 250-999-9371
Scopes Brought to you by our own in-house astrologer who now goes by her numerologically correct name of “Ya Righta”
Aries
Libra
At this very moment, hundreds of kilometers away, some of the world’s greatest intellects are attempting to change the way you think about sugar free soda.
Certain planetary situations may bring new challenges on the career front. Kindly keep control of your negative thoughts during this period.
Taurus
Scorpio
The year 2021 is likely to begin on a very positive note! Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worst shortly after January 7th.
Gemini The year will sluggish note.
start
on
a
Cancer Gradually, relations with friends and associates are likely to improve but not until around mid 2021.
Tonight will be filled with darkness. Find some candles, there’s a wind warning for the Southern Gulf Islands.
Sagittarius 2020 has made you inflexible and stubborn. Enough is enough, right?
Capricorn You are easily replaced - don't take your gumboots off. It’s going to be a short day.
Leo
Aquarius
2021 as a year will be slightly challenging for Leos with medium brown hair with names ending in “on”.
You will “sync up” with a new coworker. Work life may get turbulent. Not a woman? Check back next month.
Virgo
Pisces
The good news is that traveling will be somewhat easier for you sometime this year, we aren’t quite sure when though, just sometime this year. Stand by.
You will find work in a strange office in which everyone is happy, no one makes irritating small talk. Just kidding, it's same old same old for you.
W. Allan Hancock Wildlife Artist wallanhancock.com
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Backyard Sessions - Winter Wren acrylic, 12 x 12 inches, 2020
Through it all, gratitude rings daily in his heart. He is honoured and grateful that people purchase his work and embrace it in their lives; that the Royal Canadian Mint has featured his work on multiple coins; that his work was chosen for the book cover of Witness: Selected Poems by award-winning Canadian author/poet Patrick Lane, and for prominent inclusion in the book Amazing Animals by Margriet Ruurs; that Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan has one of his paintings in her collection; and for much, much else. He is grateful each day for the love and bedrock support of his wife Taryn and their children Ezra and Sage and for the home they have made together on Salt Spring Island. He was grateful and humbled to receive a postcard in 2011 from the great Robert Bateman himself expressing admiration and stating: "You have a very strong and unique style – easily recognized yet accurate and full of vitality.” Through it all, Allan has richly experienced the worlds inhabited by the creatures he paints: the lakes, rivers and woodlands of Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Frequent family moves during his childhood and youth enabled countless field trips into the outdoors. The natural world became imprinted on his heart early, and deeply. That's not to say that the human world is absent from his work. Window casings, doorways, weathered siding, rusted metal fixtures, and other objects appear with regularity. As a mature artist, Allan deploys these man-made elements with great care for design purposes. But it's not just stagecraft. These details are also echoes reverberating from his outdoor immersions which have included poking around abandoned homesteads and old barns or venturing by canoe to Grey Owl’s cabin. He is keenly aware of the footprint of humanity on nature and the complex inter-weaving of the two. Go back to that paint-by-numbers kit of long ago. Talk about a quintessentially human artifact. Each of its components is manmade and it prescribes a 2D Lego-like construction. Yet inside the mechanistic humanness of the kit is a portal to the natural world: the paints themselves, with their infinite potential. The paints, as applied to a surface, by brushes guided by the hand and a mind and a heart steeped in nature, give nature a powerful voice. Here is the human world expressing nature in a way that never occurred to her over billions of years until artists came along to show her the way. The 12-year-old Allan likely wouldn't have articulated it this way. On receiving his grandparents' gift, his reaction was probably: "Cool, I can make a raccoon from this!" He already had a clear compass direction at that time, and he knew where his creativity wanted to go. It was always like this, and has been ever since. It's a joyful journey.
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