The Internal Romance

When I put on make up, fuss a bit with my hair and dress up a little, people wonder if I am trying to attract a man. When I don’t get all gussied up, people wonder if I’m letting myself go.

The point is, what I do, I do for me. I have a love affair with life, and in this life I am the leading lady. Do I cast myself as the cleaning drudge or the hard done by divorcé, or even the less favoured sibling?

Are these true? I get to decide! They are true if I say they are.

I get to decide what my story is all about; is it a tragedy, a comedy, an adventure story? Ahead of me, all blank pages. The pages to the left have been written in already, but I am also editor of my story. I can go back with my magic red pen and change the flavour, point or purpose of the story

It’s my story. It can even be a romantic comedy.

The manure for a good story is always just about the same. There are interesting characters that are facing times of testing, and rising to the challenges. As the story resolves we see our characters gaining wisdom, growing in perspective and maturing. They are sharing their story with others.

So what’s with the romance thing? In my world, a story about a dog or a horse is a romance story. A story about children, or estranged families reconciling, or even stories about finding our ancestors. These things are the very essence of romance; anything about relationships, interactions, impressions, perceptions. Romance is who we are, where we are and how we are and with who.

Film Shot: Put a man alone looking at a mountain sunset, and Yup! – We’ve got ourselves a romance story.

I remember a line in a Sarah McLaughlin song. “In a world created for romance”. Think Maui, The Grand Canyon, the Sahara or Niagara Falls! To me, this world that we live in, that is the backdrop to our lives is created for romance.

What perks me in the very core of my being connects me with the God who created me. I understand more of God’s nature by what my own heart responds to: Romance, adventure, excitement, mystery; a story with great characters. The stories that we love, and flock to the theatres to see, are romance stories through and through. The Titanic grossed millions. Think of some other timeless classics: Gone with the Wind, Gladiator, Old Yeller, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, Lawrence of Arabia.

It is always marvellous to see ordinary people living extraordinary lives, or even people living ordinary lives in an extraordinary way. This world we are in is created for Romance.

In the Valley of the Details

The other day I was too weary to cry.

I don’t know about you, but I seem to travel from mountain to mountain. While I am standing on the peak, I can see with total clarity; where I am going, where I’ve been. I’m standing in the thrall of the vista. All of a sudden, everything makes sense. My decisions are clear and I chose my direction with purpose and commitment.

Once that decision is made, I start to travel down into the valley. At some point in the decent, I lose all sense ‘rightness’. The clarity is gone. I endure, I trudge, I put one foot in front of the other. Every fear kicks in. My mind is caught in a litany of negative messages.

Self pity, frustration, and discouragement reign. I am lost in the Valley of the Details.

I had been renovating in filth for 6 weeks. I had been painting 50 kilometres of baseboard, door and trim for four whole days and I realized on the fifth morning that the old brown paint was shadowing through. I absolutely had to do a fourth coat.

Many dark thoughts traveled through my mind that day. This was my low point. I was tired of being dirty. I hurt everywhere. I was definitely past my point of patience with crud and dry wall dust. I was totally sick and tired of painting trim. My life was reduced to nothing but paint, tea and sleep.

My neighbours, God bless them, noticing that I was feeling ‘lower than a snakes belly in a wagon rut’, offered to share their pot of chilli with me. This was their ultimate comfort food. Probably if I had been offered something I liked, I might have been distracted enough to move into a better state quickly. However, distraction was not forthcoming.

Truly, I loathe chilli. Chilli is what you eat when you are surrounded by cattle, and ‘nothing’. Chilli is what you eat when you are desperate and going to die otherwise. Chilli is what you eat when there is no more hope left to be had. Add a whack of soft bread and I am definitely on the slippery slope of depression.

Coming to the end of ourselves; this is where, for me, faith kicks in. No distractions, no rescue. This is where we have to just ‘gut it out’.

This whole day was an uninterrupted therapy session. I did persevere. Later that evening over tea and banana loaf, I was able to giggle with my chums and make fun of myself.

The trim looks great and has transformed the space. Friends are dropping by to oooh and ahhh. My landlords have kicked into gear and are speeding the process. The 720 square feet of bamboo flooring is being laid next week.

I am out of the valley and can see the completion of the project. Thanks to the team of ‘Angels’ who have helped and encouraged in so many ways.

Nutritional Solutions for Winter Ravaged Skin

-->

Many people at this time of year are noticing the discomfort of cracked fingers or are experiencing other weather irritated skin issues. It is important to remember that our skin is an organ. Our skin is responsible for regulation (fluids, temperature, and toxin removal) and protection. Basically it keeps our insides in and the outside, out.

With this in mind, it is important to nourish the skin from the inside out. Winter is a good time to supplement with essential fatty acids. When the body is nourished this way, you will notice a reduction of the need to use a topical moisturizing product, or that what you use topically will be more effective.

If you would benefit from intensive hand or foot treatments, I suggest buying a pair of light cotton gloves/socks. Slather on a heavy moisturizing product at bedtime and put them on to protect your bedding and keep the product on the affected area longer.

In respect to topical products, many natural based creams and ointments are available and are amazing in their ability to help heal the skin. A light application of Grape seed oil is a wonderful protection for dry irritated skin. The oil is more ‘skin friendly’ and is used by many massage therapists for this reason.

I keep a small vial of a mixture of Grape seed/Calendula oil handy. The benefits of Calendula are many. First, it protects the skin from bacteria entering deeper into the tissues. As an antiseptic, it reduces inflammation and itching of the skin. It takes the heat out of burns and soothes abrasions. Calendula also promotes and speeds healing. A light coating of this over my regular moisturizer provides a bit of extra protection before going outdoors.

It also stands to reason, to take precautions to clothe your self adequately when going out and about in cold climates. Gloves and scarves are a wonderful invention.

I am outdoors more; walking downtown or to my renovation site on a daily basis. I am also experiencing the drying effect of drywall dust on my skin and hair. At this time I am using Super EFA Liquid, Berry EFA Plus, Evening Primrose Oil, Black Current Seed based GLA. As well as nourishing my skin, I am nourishing my glandular system, nervous system and immune systems.

Be sure to keep well hydrated. Drink plenty of pure water. Also consume broth and teas on a regular basis. Also make sure that your trace minerals are up to snuff. I like to use sea vegetables (Gomasio) to meet this need. Minerals are responsible for holding water balance in our tissues.

Morning Smoothie

3 ounces pure water

½ banana

¼ cup frozen berries

½ ripe avocado (optional)

1-2 heaping Tablespoons protein powder (Rice Pro or Soy or Harmonized Vegan Protein

1 teaspoon Progressive Nutrition - Vegge Greens or Vegge Greens Blueberry Medley

-->

1 Tablespoon Progressive Nutrition – Phytoberry Powder

1Tablespoon Berry EFA Plus (essential fatty acids)

1 Teaspoon Super EFA Liquid

Blend until smooth. Dilute down with more water as desired.

Optional:

Use juice instead of water

Use peaches or any soft fruit

Use a purchased smoothie blend diluted half and half with water

Add 1 tablespoon organic golden flaxseed, freshly ground

Give this a try daily for two weeks and you will be amazed by the change in your skin.

What the Heck Is She Thinking!

Hold on to your sanity! She's renovating again!

About a year and a half ago, a friend was viewing my progress while I was painting my present apartment/office. She turned to her husband and said, "Lets buy a property in town and rent it to Nelda".


Well, due to many earth-shaking changes in their world, they did buy a rental property, and after a lot of soul searching, I have decided to...dare I say it....MOVE!

Its rather like having 2 pregnancies in one year. I'm really happy about it, but I know that a huge labour looms before me and my memory is too good. Thank goodness for the help of friends.

This building is just up a block from my present location. The building is Circa 1907, has tall ceilings and full bay windows on both levels. It's a WOW!


There are many pluses. No disruption overhead. One of my best chums is also my downstairs neighbour (who provides wonderful laugh filled tea breaks regularly while construction is in progress).

Her family-owned business was a lighting store, and she is well experienced in the art of cobbling together amazing creations out of Re-Store pieces. Our total budget for the entrance lighting is about $5.00.

Thrown (willingly?) into the deal is her partner who is an absolute wizard of all things pertaining to building, plumbing/heating/carpentry/electrical/drywall. So far he cheerfully and kindly responds to my call. He is teaching me how to skim plaster. The man is a saint!

I have every assurance that in this new location my business will be respected and supported in the way it deserves. This is going to be beautiful (trust me).

What a blessing! It will be wonderful to be back in the arms of loving kindness again. I am so looking forward to feeling settled. It will feel like my own. I'm thrilled.

Maybe the clincher is the TUB. It has that cute little rectangular rod above for attaching a shower curtain. 'She sighs'.



I love to design, paint and decorate. I have had 3 official interior design jobs in the past, 1 residential and 2 businesses.

This is your first view of my future home/business location.


I have given up trying to look like a girl. Drywall compound plays havoc with your hair, especially when afore mentioned hair defaults to frizz anyway.


This hole was just covered with a layer of wallpaper. When I scraped off the paper, about three cups of soot landing on my face and in my mouth. Yuk!

I do love working with paint effects on old plaster. I am so excited about the entryway.









I do apologize for not keeping up with my posts. Be assured that I am not keeping up with anything else either. But, stay tuned and you will be able to see the step by step progress as my team and I transform a 'sow's ear' into a 'silk purse' .

Once Was Lost...

I thought I had lost our family photos for good. I had resigned myself to the fact that they had been sacrificed to the great 'Moving God'. (it also scored a spatula, soup ladle and a cork screw)

I helped my friend clean out her attic and low and behold! There were my box of photos!

This is the best of Christmas presents.


Ahhh! The Ghost of Christmas Past



There are some photos that just tug at your heart strings.


More tugs!









If Christmas is about memories, and family and counting our many blessings, this is the best! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Some Holiday Whoo-hoo

I really love pumpkin pie, especially at Christmas. However for one person it is really not worth the effort. I also need to avoid cow's milk as much as possible. This recipe is my compromise of pleasure, time and health.

My daughter gave me ramekins and a small butane torch for Christmas last year. I have been putting them to good use. For this recipe you will need four ramekins.

Dairy Free Pumpkin Brulee

¾ cup soy milk (I use So Nice - Vanilla)
½ cup pumpkin puree (or 125 ml can)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons Sucanat or cane sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
A pinch of ground cloves
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs


Preheat oven to 350 F
Boil 2 cups of water

Combine soy milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cane sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla in blender and process until well combined. Add eggs and process until smooth. Tap the bottom of blender container against your palm and set it aside for 5 minutes or so until any bubbles settle.

Divide the mixture between the four ramekins, and put the ramekins into a metal rectangular cake pan (8x8 inches). Add boiling water to the pan bringing the level of the water to halfway up the outside of the ramekins.

Put pan into the oven and bake for 35 or 40 minutes or until the custard has set. Remove ramekins from pan and let cool on wire racks. Can be covered and put in fridge overnight.

I put a thin layer of refined sugar over top and torch it to get a traditional Brulee crust.
This can be served with vanilla yogurt, frozen yogurt, whipped cream or any ice cream type product that you like.

Whipped Green

For an extra rich dairy free whipped cream sort of topping try whipped green. It must be eaten immediately as the avocado tends to oxidize.

½ ripened avocado 1 banana
1 Tbs agave or maple syrup 1tsp vanilla extract or liqueur
¼ cup soymilk or rice milk
A little lemon juice

In a blender, add avocado, banana, vanilla and soy milk and sweetener.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust amount of milk to get the consistency you want. This can be used as a dip for fruit or as a replacement for whipped cream.

Fresh Spring Rolls with the Ultimate Easy Dipping Sauce

-->

These spring rolls are my all time favourite food.  They are like salad and finger food at the same time.  I serve by putting sauce in the bottom of a bowl, and fan the spring rolls in the bowl.

8 large rice paper wrappers

8 ounce package rice vermicelli noodles or bean thread noodle, soften with boiling water and cool enough to handle

4 green onions cut in thin strips

2 carrots cut in julienne strips, lightly steamed and flash cooled

1 red pepper cut in thin julienne strips

3 Tbs fresh Thai Basil cut in thin strips

3 Tbs fresh mint leaves cut in thin strips

3 Tbs fresh cilantro leaves cut in thin strips

1 cup of lettuce cut in thin strips

 

-->

Options:

8 ounces cooked shrimp cut lengthwise in half or tofu cut in thin strips or ……

Use sliced crab meat; pre-grilled chicken, smoked salmon or Spicy Dry Tofu

Prep all your veggies and ingredients in advance

Soften the paper by dipping the rice papers one at a time in a large flat bottomed dish of cool water for about 1 minute.  Hold it by one edge and let the water drain off it.  Lay on a the counter or a cutting board  and let them soften.  Re moisten if necessary.

On the side nearest you, place the meat, tofu, a small handful of noodle, the greens, carrots, pepper, herbs etc and roll the paper around the filling like a jelly roll.   Keep your mass rather long and narrow.  Be careful not to over fill.  Flip in each end and continue to roll trying to keep the roll tight around the filling.

Place on serving dish, seam side down.  To keep them from drying out, cover with waxed paper placed over the top. You can also soak a rice paper and place that on top.  Discard before serving.

Get creative. Anything that doesn’t squeal can be made into a rice wrap.  Some examples are: chicken or mock chicken salad or green salad with a yogurt/fruit dressing.  Dress the salad lightly before you roll.  Don’t have it dripping with dressing, just enough to flavour.

For dressings to dip your spring rolls into:

Mix about a ¼ cup of lightly ground Gomasio into the basic balsamic vinaigrette,

or mix equal parts of peanut sauce with the balsamic dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Basic

2 parts oil to one part vinegar - If you find dressings have too much bite, add 1 tablespoon of water. 

Balsamic Vinegar is strong tasting – so add a little less than the full part

Crush 1 garlic clove and add to oil

Add 1Tbs of Dijon mustard (emulsifier)

Herbamere to taste

This is better made ahead and left to marinate a bit.

Japanese Gomasio

Rinse 1 cup of brown sesame seeds in sieve under tepid running water

Let drain

Use dry cast iron skillet –medium heat 

Cut dulse into small bits

Toast in pan until dulse is crisp

Add 1 tsp Celtic salt –ground fine

Up end sieve and dump in sesame seeds all at once

Spread over bottom of skillet and leave it to dry for a bit

Stir gently and fairly constantly (you may need to reduce heat)

This is ready when seeds are fragrant, slightly golden and hollow

Cool slightly and store in an airtight jar.

Grind about ¼ cup of the seeds using a mortar and pestle and add to the basic Balsamic Vinaigrette.  

Peanut Sauce

¼ cup of crunchy organic peanut butter

Add boiling hot water and mix, a little at a time, just until you get a smooth consistency

2 Tbs rice vinegar

2 Tbs Braggs Aminos or Tamari sauce

1 tsp or more Thai red pepper sauce

1 inch or more ginger root, pealed and grated

1 clove of garlic minced fine

Adjust flavourings to taste

(I mix this with equal parts balsamic vinaigrette)

Oriental Dressing

¼ cup rice vinegar

¼ cup warm brown rice syrup or agave syrup

1 Tbs water

1 Tbs sesame or canola oil

1 clove garlic minced

1 tsp grated ginger root

¼ tsp toasted sesame oil

A little hot stuff

Holistic Help for 'Younging' the Aging and Elderly

-->

-->

People often think that little improvement can be expected for people of age.  This is far from the truth.  There are however, areas of special concern for the elderly.  The first thing to consider is the effect of the accumulated toxic burden on the body.  Because entrenched toxins diminish the function and energy of our body, they can diminish our quality of life.  These toxins are often deep, layered and entrenched.

The next thing to consider is the likelihood of malnutrition, not just from a poor diet, but from the diminished absorption because of low function in the digestive system and lack of enzyme function.   Lowered energy or vitality, is often why the body will cannibalize its resources over time.  This is especially true of the glandular system, and the structural system.

In regard to the toxic burden,  Green food complex such as Greens + and Vegge Greens offers a huge broad spectrum of nutrition as well as supplying enzymes, pro-biotics, essential fatty acids and digestive tonics.  These complexes contain Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylinositol, and Phosphatidylcholine which feed the brain.  Drainage teas such as Esiac, Florescence and Essigen not only help to relieve the toxic burden over time, but are a good choice to protect the cells of the body from these toxins.

Essential Fatty Acids are also necessary to nourish the brain, nervous system, glandular and hormonal system.  These EFA’s are not created by the body and must come from the diet.  EFA’s help to lubricate the joints and reduce joint inflammation.  Unfortunately, when people have had their gall bladders surgically removed, they will remain unable to process any fats in the diets for their whole lifetime.  This includes the healthy and essential fats.  Taking a digestive enzyme that contains Bile Salts will be a helpful addition to emulsify fats.

Antioxidants are essential for anti aging.  Co-enzyme Q 10 has been proven to support the cardio-vascular system.  Network antioxidants such as Phytoberry work by protecting the cells in every system of the body.

In regard to nutrition, aging and fatigue of the digestive system can diminish the body’s absorption.  Good nourishment can be obtained by getting creative.  A smoothie drink that contains rice based free-form amino acids as well as Vegge Green and Phytoberry and be an amazing boost to a chronically undernourished system.  Consider investing in a juicer. Carrot or a combination of carrot, apple and beet juices can really perk up anyone and will be a creative solution for those who have trouble chewing. 

Bio Strath from Bio-force is a good choice for really nourishing and strengthening an exhausted digestive system.    There are homeopathic singles and plexes that help to enhance the body’s glandular and organ strength.  There are tonics to support and energize the vital function of the body.  Magnesium is the first choice for muscle spasms. 

Not everything that we put in our mouth benefits the body.  Minerals are especially difficult for many people to absorb.  Tissue or Cell Salts in a 6x or 12x potency are the most body-friendly way of providing mineral nutrition easily and effectively on a cellular level.  For this reason, this is something to consider for young and old.

 A zest for life is a huge factor for people of any age.  Passion is an essential ingredient for good health and long life.  There is no substitute for meaningful work, dynamic relationships and the love for learning.  This is true at any age.  Somehow we think that our elders should learn to get on without these essential aspects of life. 

I have good friends who live in a retirement community.  They asked if I would ever consider moving there.  I said to them, “Do you really want to hear what I have to say?”  I went on to say that although they had a lovely village in a wonderful location with great people but, I viewed it as an ‘Age Ghetto’.

I feel that it is unfortunate for the rest of us in society when the most experienced, skilled and resourced citizens are being segregated within a gated community where they can only minister to one another. To me this is the have giving to the have. Philosophically, I feel that an integrated community is a healthy community.  The young and the old need each other.  Since I am closer to being the later rather than the former, I hope this is true. 

I must also point out that aging and maturing are not necessarily the same thing.  Without a maturing of spirit, we unfortunately just get old.  A friend of mine once, promoted me in the nicest way.  She said “even though Nelda has lived 50 years, she hasn’t lived the same year 50 times”.  

. 

Canine Health

-->

Once you have known one of these creatures as a best friend, you will never be the same.

We had just adopted our border collie in April.  On the second day of September, my mom, after a lengthy decline, died.  In October our dog was diagnosed with mammary carcinoma.  We were all worn out and distraught.

I was referred to a Naturopathic vet, who refused to see my dog unless the dog was being fed real food from organic sources.  She had no time for pet owners who used manufactured food.  She believed that most of the health problems with pets were diet related. 

We followed her advice and treatment protocols, and thankfully, my Border collie remained in remission from cancer for almost 13 years until her death from old age.

Natural Dog Food

-->

The amounts aren’t really important, as long as the consistency is ok.  Cook this up in a slow cooker on low.  Can be frozen in small batches in air tight containers.

1 lb or so of organic beef or lamb

Such as liver, kidney, ox tail, tongue, stewing beef, or hamburger

2 cups organic whole grain barley or organic brown rice

2 cups or so of organic vegetables (carrots, squash, yams)

1 or 2 cloves garlic

1 to 3 teaspoons of Dulse or Kelp sea vegetable

Add a small amount of peas or green beans

Left over (bland) roasted meat would be ok

-->

Avoid:   tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, corn, onions, wheat, oats, salt or spices and human left-overs

        

Mix the food with hot water to make it stew-like, and then when it cools, add in any supplements.

One of the best supplements for dogs is called ‘The Missing Link’.  This is available from Health food Stores.  (There is also a cat formula.  In addition, Kelpmate is a great supplement for cats.  Kelp is essential for cats.)

These can be easily added to your pet’s food when it has cooled to eating temperature:

Vegge Greens (a sprinkle)

Phytoberry (a sprinkle)

Bone Meal (New Zealand source) (in the Missing Link)

Desiccated Liver (in the Missing Link)

Ground organic golden flax seed – this goo is amazing to relieve constipation for dog and human alike.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils (in the Missing Link)

A few fresh raw peas, carrot shavings or green beans, in season

Adult dogs usually do well with 1 meal a day as long as it arrives at a consistent time.

-->

I usually provided a morning meal of yogurt or keifer.  I would add the Vegge Greens to the yogurt.

Dogs respond well to Echinacea, bee propolis and oil of oregano, homeopathic plexes and homeopathic single remedies.  Many herbs are also very effective for dogs who are feeling under the weather.

One winter morning I noticed blood in my dog’s urine.  I then noticed that her shoulder area felt hotter than usual.  Right away I gave her homeopathic Cantharis, waited 10 minutes then  I put 20 drops of a herbal kidney drainer (Common Mallow Combination #1) in a little water on a saucer for her to lap up. Keep in mind that my dog was about 40 pounds in weight.

I stared giving her a homeopathic complex called Febriplex, which helps the body work with fevers. I also put 5 drops of oil of oregano in her yogurt. After I started this program she still had one very obvious red pee, but from then from then on she was a right as rain. 

I kept up the oil of oregano for about 5 days, reducing it to about 2 drops, and kept up with the herbal remedies for about 2 weeks.

I always assume that there is something deeper out of whack for the acute situation to take hold.  After the crisis day or so I would start on a program to really clean up the urinary system.  Like humans, yeast, fungus and bacterial residues are often an underlying concern.  In this case I used a flush for the ‘plumbing’ consisting of Unda # 44 and Fungisode along with the Common Mallow Combination #1.

Just as with people, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.