Firekeepers and the Spirit of Fire

Firekeepers and the Spirit of Fire BY LISA S.T. DOSS

The holder of the match has a significant responsibility. More than in the act of striking, the bearer acknowledges the Spirit of Fire, understanding its correlation to respect. Fire is a living being, dancing, jumping, snapping, and hypnotizing its prey. In the modern world, flames arrive with the press of a button or an automated response within the home. It’s only through lighting physical objects, such as a fireplace, candles, or lanterns, that we hold the matchstick and revere its power. In one instant, a chemical reaction, comprising potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, and sulfur, produces a flare of heat and light. Long before the match and the striker, fire was a power termed “Puha” and offered in prayer to the one who lives beyond the Sun. The physical energy protected by the symbolic circle of stones continues to live on in campfires and ceremonial rites from ancient civilizations to the Native Americans and cowboys. Firekeepers, or flame tenders, assumed chief responsibility for tending the fire 24 hours a day. Whether suffering from storms, snow, or insufferable temperatures, the keeper managed the hungry flames until the dance ended.

The Firekeepers

The words “fire” and “wisdom” in these civilizations are synonymous, interconnected to shine a light on shared human values and needs. It takes commitment to learn to be a beacon, helping people seek their path through difficulty. The stone circle brings people together, feeding the body through dance and easing the mind. Families and friends can start a monthly ritual centered around the Spirit of Fire, remembering connections, trust, and celebrating the presence of everyone seated. The gift passes on to the young, who also learn the responsibility and dangers of fire by assisting the flame tender with jobs as old as time itself.

• GATHERING TINDER: The highly flammable materials found outdoors might include dry pine straw, grass, hanging moss, animal feathers, wood shavings, leaves, or cattails near a pond. The more moisture your potential fuel contains, the less likely it is to produce a spark. Preparing in advance is a timesaver; therefore, ask a child to collect their pencil shavings, find an abandoned bird’s nest, or enclose a paper bag with cotton balls saturated in petroleum jelly. Additional materials are dryer lint, potato chips, sawdust, melted wax, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel.

• COLLECT KINDLING: Larger than tinder, kindling can be comprised of rolledup newspaper, large pine cones, thin carboards, and softwoods, such as thin sticks of pine or shavings. Size should match the diameter of a pencil and easily be snapped with bare hands. All materials must be dry.

• STACKING WOOD: Transporting wood from one location to another sounds like a tedious task, especially to a young child. But it’s part of the old ways, aiding the keeper.

Returning to Old Ways—Making Fire

Blessing the earth before the first spade entered the ground, men formerly dug to create an 18-inch deep firepit. The symbolism continued as tiki poles similar to dowel rods were laid across it, forming a cross. Modern times allow gatherings to occur almost anywhere, with the affordability of a portable, wood-burning or propane stainless steel firepit. And, throughout time, these same rules apply:

• Only the Firekeeper works close to the circle.

• Refrain from placing objects too close to the dancing flames. The Fire Spirits may view them as a gift and singe the edges or consume them whole.

• Arms and hands stretching across the fire disturb the flames and show disrespect to the Spirits.

• Only a limited number of people can meander near the circle. Living with Fire

In our modern age, children need to experience the power of lighting a matchstick to witness firsthand its explosive effects. The burned match has a ceremony too, in its placement, especially within a house. Teachable moments arrive as children interact with flames; perhaps also with the rule never to leave a flame unattended or to be careful when combining grease, food, and fire. The signs of an unhealthy fire, such as billowing smoke building quickly in as little as 30 minutes, lead to fast reactions. What to toss? Is it water or flour?

DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

BY TABI FALCONE After everything that has happened with schooling since the beginning of 2020, I think all parents can agree on this point: Teachers are absolute rock stars and deserve all the good things in the world. That being said, we absolutely want to spoil them when it comes to Christmas – but not all of us have the financial means for large gifts, or we want our gifts to be more personal and from the heart. Coming in clutch here with some great DIY gifts that any teacher will love!

Donut Jar

• Find a cute mason jar.

• Fill to the brim with tiny donuts.

• Attach a sign that says

“We DONUT know what we would do without you!” around the neck with decorative ribbon or twine.

Hot Cocoa Kit:

• Get 4-6 empty test tubes with lids from the craft store or online.

• Fill each with a different ingredient for fancy hot cocoa.

EXAMPLES: Cocoa mix, cookie crumbles, candy canes, tiny marshmallows, etc.

• Tie all of the tubes together with a decorative ribbon, and place in a cute mug.

Hand Down a Great Gift

• Trace your child’s hand on decorative paper (or whatever paper you have on hand).

• Write on the hand “Hand’s down you’re the best!” and have your child sign it.

• Attach to hand sanitizer with a decorative ribbon.

Chill Pills

• Fill a large mason jar or other type of container with M&M’S or

Skittles (whichever you think your child’s teacher will prefer).

• Decorate a piece of paper with the words “chill pills” and attach to the jar.

Scrabble Desk Name Plate

• Go to a thrift store and find an old game of Scrabble – most thrift stores have at least one of these with missing pieces.

• Find all the letters to spell your teacher’s name and glue them to the game letter holder.

• If you want to go the extra mile, mod podge glitter onto the letter holder before attaching the letters.

It goes without saying (but we’ll go ahead and say it anyway) that presentation for gifts can make or break the effect – so make sure to package these up beautifully before you give them out. For just over $2, you can pick up a 20 pack of tissue paper and a few gift bags from the dollar tree which will completely elevate your presentation. If plain bags aren’t your thing – get your artsy side on and paint a little tree or Christmas ornament on the bag!

Most importantly, have your child decorate a holiday card with a sweet note about why they love their teachers. The “from the heart” gift notes make a world of difference in an overwhelmed teacher’s life.

5 Internet Safety Tips for Middle Schoolers

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

The Internet and social media can be a scary place for anyone. It is a whole world full of millions of websites, helpful and not so helpful. One mistaken click and a virus could invade your computer or some personal information could be taken without your consent. On the other hand, the Internet can be a wealth of knowledge, offer insightful advice and connect you with loved ones and friends. The key is to be careful and smart as to what you click on and who you speak to. Internet safety is important for any age, but it is extremely important for middle school students. Children change greatly through grades sixth through eighth. They enter the doors of middle school as elementary school students and leave as high schoolers. It is a time of growth, exploration and finding out more about who you are. These three years are also a time for learning and learning how to be safe in our world, including the digital world. Using the Internet and being on social media can be a lifeline for a social life to some students, but as always, there are some risks. Teaching your middle schooler to be safe on the Internet is essential. Share these tips below with your child to help them learn how to be safe online.

1. Follow the Golden Rule - It doesn’t have to be the digital world to follow the golden rule, but it is very important. Teach your child that treating others the way you would like to be treated, with kindness and respect, is one of the best ways to stay away from being bullied. This won’t be the total fix, but research has proven that people who bully others online in return get bullied themselves. Prevent this from happening by following the golden rule in all forms of social media and social networking. 2. Never share your passwords - Create passwords with strong combinations of letters and numbers. Try to avoid using identifiable information, such as names or birthdates. Design a password that only the user will know. Also, remind your kids to never share their passwords with friends.

Sharing passwords can sometimes lead to unnecessary conflicts. As the child’s parent, ask them to share their passwords with you only (some parents choose to monitor their children’s social media and online usage).

Have a discussion with your child about the importance of protecting your passwords.

3. Manage privacy settings - All social media sites have privacy settings and parental controls. Walk through each site’s security options with your child and explain what the option does and why it should or shouldn’t be turned off/on. Keep email addresses, home address, phone number, date of birth and more away from the public eye.

Keep in mind that when setting up accounts, privacy settings usually do not turn on by default. Users should immediately change them to their preference.

4. Post Carefully - Never post personal information or inappropriate content on social media. Posting controversial messages can open the door for strangers and friends to take advantage of the social media user. Posts on social media instantly become public and, while they can be deleted, they are never fully erased from the world wide web. This can lead to unneeded drama that could ensue and/or put your child in a dangerous situation. A good rule of thumb is to teach your children to keep their content clean and not to post anything they wouldn’t want their parents, minister, teachers, etc. to see. If your child is receiving inappropriate content or sexual messages, instruct them to tell an adult. Then, together, you can work towards getting the police involved. You can also report the usage to CyberTipline.com. Lastly, don’t meet friends offline that you met online. Remind your child they may not be who they say they really are.

5. Verify someone’s identity if you have

any concerns - Catfishing, the act of a person creating a fake online identity to manipulate someone, is prevalent online. A person, no matter their age, can fall victim to being catfished.

However, there are ways to verify a user’s identity if you are suspicious.

Search the person’s name on Google and do a reverse image Google search for their profile picture. If the person’s name shows up in multiple searches, there is a good chance that the profile is legitimate. With the profile pictures, be aware of stock images or the image appearing on multiple sites. Profile pictures are usually unique and only used for a few social media sites.

Whenever in doubt, it is always best to block the user. Teaching your children this key feature will help them manage the digital world.

The Internet can be a huge benefit to users. We have the whole world right at our fingertips. However, middle schoolers, and really children of all ages, need to understand the importance of using it safely. This only comes by being taught by trusted adults. By acting with caution and protecting themselves, children will be able to prevent the majority of possible conflicts and drama that happen on the web.

Presents

Sassafras Family Farms

The open forum of a marketplace provides a refreshing getaway from shopping aisles. Each venue offers a unique setting that may include activities for children, live entertainment and an array of foods. The curious shopper discovers she has direct access to fresh and locally grown fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables, dairy-based products, proteins, homemade goodies and artisan-based, handmade crafts. In addition, the welcoming man, woman or couple behind the table provides a small sampling of popular items. Whether you are a first-timer or repeat customer, take the time to introduce yourself, ask questions and inquire if owners receive visitors, offer a produce box or have a farm store. Most likely, the answer is “yes” or “it’s coming soon!”

Year-Round Market

Supporting local farmers, growers, ranchers and artisans is the motivation to rise early Saturday morning and attend regional and new markets. For anyone wishing to experience a pastoral, scenic drive, which passes by a Christmas tree farm, consider attending the annual Mistletoe Market on Saturday, December 4th, just across the Virginia state line. You’ll find ornately designed, well-crafted toys, ornaments, candles, wreaths and other unexpected treasures! Residents of Winston-Salem are fortunate to have two diverse yearround farmer’s markets, whether it’s at Winston-Salem Fairgrounds or on Marshall Street. Cobblestone, open every Saturday from 8:30am-12pm, is where you can visit a local farmer, Ana Gonzalez of Sassafras Family Farm!

The Family Farm

Along a busy road, drivers pass by family farms every day, not realizing what lies beyond the house. Stepping onto Ana Gonzalez’s back patio is a paradise led by stepping stones and pathways to several native plant and vegetable gardens, an orchard and multiple greenhouses. Engaging in a notill method, which implies layers of compost fed nutrients to the soil without disturbing the earth, the farm provides ample produce to the family and business. “We draw from sustainability, biodynamics and regenerative design to collaborate with nature,” writes daughter, Sara Gonzalez. “We compost, build our soil, practice slow agriculture, grow native and forgotten plants, maintain a larder, raise animals and carry out countless other activities that contribute to the health of the systems and cycles on a farm. We envision the farm as an ecosystem, as ambit, like a dinner party, as meditation and medicine, as a place for a different way of life. Our products speak for themselves because they also speak for the environment in which they were raised -- happy and healthy.”

Arrange the Flowers

Walking through rows of dahlias, Ana shares, “I assess each plant for certain attributes. For example, cut flowers need to be vigorous, produce harvestable stems and have a good vase life or dry well. We also look at the color of the bloom! I collect a wide variety of flowers, including native plants and herbs to create whimsical, rhythmic and wild floral arrangements.” Concluding the fall season, flowers, herbs and berries are dried and selected for their brilliant, appealing colors to create wreaths and arrangements for select holidays.

Spicing and Blending

In the thrill of growing medicinal herbs, the gift arrives during the harvest season in the form of flower petals, leaves, seeds and roots. Once dried, Ana creates small batches of international blends amply described as warm and aromatic, tangy and spicy, or bittersweet and toasty. Try the Moroccan “Ras Al Hanout” or the Egyptian “Dukkah” for a new, sensational family meal! Perhaps you enjoy or know others who love exotic to comforting flavors, such as Chile Morita or Pear Chutney, or one of the many herb combinations infused in pink Himalayan sea salt.

Bath and Body

Medicinal health of herbs and spices extends through SFF’s handmade soaps, therapeutic lip balms and healing salves. Each product has a luxurious, creamy texture comprised of beeswax, oils, butters and essential oils.

Through the e-commerce website, www.sassfrasnc.com, you can shop from the comfort of your home, selecting appetizing or beneficial topicals or requesting a floral arrangement, such as a wreath. You’ll have an easy time shopping at Sassafras Family Farms!

Up, Up and Away

Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach the History of Flight for Kids

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

Early records of taking flight, whether it be humans or objects, date back to 400 BC in China with the discovery of a kite. After this invention came about, Chinese citizens believed that humans could possibly start flying, and more kites were used in religious ceremonies. Through the years, numerous efforts were made by many people and different objects were created, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Ornithopter in 1485 and the first hot air balloon in 1783 by Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier. While these creations are just as important, they aren’t as well known as the contributions of Orville and Wilbur Wright and the invention of the first successful airplane. The possibility of flying like a bird can make children’s eyes grow wide. December 17th is known as Wright Brothers Day. This day is the commemoration of the historic flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903. Learning about the history of flight can be fun and exciting, especially explaining the concept to kids. Here are a few ways to celebrate aviation and flight any day of the year, but more importantly on December 17th.

1Virtually visit the Wright Brothers Museum in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina - Learn about the people, places and events that led to the Wright Brothers by visiting their museum through the National Park Service. A simple internet search for the museum and National Park Service will take you to the place. You can also visit nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm. You can explore the website, chat with a park ranger and more. If you are able, it would be fun for your family to take an in-person trip to Kitty Hawk and see the sites for yourself.

2Research Aviation Pioneers - The Wright Brothers aren’t the only ones who broke barriers in the world of aviation. Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Bessie Coleman and more set the way for people to follow. Let your child choose a name of a famous pilot and have them research their biography. From there, get creative and make posters, a play about the person or a short story. The more hands-on the research is, the more your child will learn. You can also take your research a step further and look at first people in space. 3Make a Popsicle and Paper Airplane - Many of us grew up making paper airplanes. This favorite craft is perfect for kids to make and you can add popsicle sticks to help with the support. For this craft, you’ll need: 3 popsicle sticks (6 x ¾ in) 5 popsicle sticks (4 ½ x 3/8 in) 2 small cardboard cutouts (4.5 cm x 0.8 cm) 1 small black bead Scissors Markers Glue

DIRECTIONS:

1. Glue the 5 small popsicle sticks together (one on top of the other) and let dry.

2. Cut the edges of the cardboard cutouts into narrow oval shapes.

Feel free to decorate the cutouts with markers or cardboard paper. These ovals will become the airplane’s propellers. Glue the cardboard ovals together at the center to form an X. Once dry, glue the black bead on top of the X.

3. Using the now-dried 5 glued sticks, turn them on their side. Using the wider sides, glue 2 large sticks on each side going across the 5 sticks. These sticks will become your wings.

4. Glue the propeller to the top of the 5 sticks.

5. Let your airplane dry completely. Once done, decorate as needed.

4Read Books About Airplanes and Aviation - Many biographies are available about famous aviators and about planes, in general. There are even reads for all ages. Titles include The Big Book of Airplanes, The Glorious Flight and Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?”

5Dress Up in a Flight-Themed Costume and Have a Party - After learning about flight, celebrate your new knowledge! Dress up like an aviator or an airplane. Serve food cut out in sky or space-themed shapes. Play games about flight and more. This is a perfect activity to do on December 17th, and the ideas of what to include in your party are endless.

It is a wonder how airplanes and humans are able to be in the air. It is a mystery to many exactly what is needed to take flight. However, many people have created inventions and paved the way for this extraordinary achievement. Celebrate it with your kids and who knows, you may just have the next Amelia Earhart or groundbreaking pilot in your family.

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“ It’s been said that there are only two pains in life, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret… discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

- Anthony Robbins

Fall is the perfect time to review your finances because there’s still time to make adjustments before the end of the year. The continuing pandemic and economic uncertainty are making it more complicated, but financial experts recommend taking a close look at your savings and planning for 2022 goals now.

No matter where you are on your path, we are with you for the journey.

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What Makes Your House Your Home? BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

When Real Simple magazine asked “designers, writers, cooks, and others,” “What makes a house feel like home?” I reached out to my circle of women: “What makes your house your home?” If not top of mind, the words nevertheless seemed to be right there, on the tip of the tongue. Read on….

MB: A Steady Anchor

Your home should be a reflection of who you are…when you return to it…it is a place of comfort, peace, familiarity, and safety. A steady anchor…a grounding presence. That is my home.

AN: A Sacred Place

HOME: a very special, sacred place for family, friends, LOVE, happiness, sadness, candid communication—a place where we can be who we REALLY are—no makeup, girdle, etc.! Home can be wonderful smells from the kitchen, happiness and celebrations. But it can also be where, in life’s sad moments, we rally together as a unit, or as individuals. When I think of home, I think of warm and cozy.

MR: A Memory Maker

It’s knowing the creak in the fourth stair up, the foot pattern in my kitchen when I’m cooking and need to reach for the refrigerator or the pans. It’s the satisfaction I get from sitting in my garden that

I’ve cultivated for 26 years, listening to the water burble in the fountain I built. It’s seeing how the hydrangeas from Abby’s wedding have grown, and it’s the 26 years of clutter I have to clean out.

It’s the photo of Joel and me in the front yard the first year looking at where we need to start—start digging, start planting, start living a life together.

It’s the comfort of sleeping in my own bed knowing that the sun’s light will wake me in the morning, when I’ll make my tea and think about what needs to be done today.

Here’s to your home!

SH: A Place for Living and Loving

While I’d love for it to be a showplace, people I love live here. There are homeschool books spread out from one end to the other. My son’s daily detritus litters the foyer table. There is a pile of dirty socks at the foot of my daughter’s bed. Dogs sprawl on my beautiful leather couch. The remains of our shared pot of coffee need cleaning up. It’s all home. Signs of living and loving in this shared space.

HC: A Shared Life

My home is where I feel safest and most loved simply being me.

It is a place of love and comfort, a reflection of memories and aspirations. Together we’ve created this shared space: a beautiful

Steinway piano and paintings by beloved relatives connect us to our ancestors. Photographs and little craft projects remind us of the joyful exuberance of our children. Cozy nooks for reading, exercise equipment, and games reflect our interests and activities. The loving eyes and wagging tails of our dogs greeting us at the door and the click, click, click of their nails on the wood floor as they follow me from room to room; yes, that definitely makes my house my home.

JA: A Refuge

My home is a reflection of who I believe I am. I handpicked the color palette and every piece of furniture is something I thoughtfully chose for a purpose. It’s comfortable and every room makes me feel good to be in it. Remnants of my travels are everywhere.

My husband and I worked together on combining our households and he’s just as much a part of this home as

I am. When we walk in, we feel at home. It’s our refuge, always. These aren’t just things, they’re memories with a story that makes us smile.