Issue 25

ISSN 1920-8200

Community Events

Living in The Cowichan Valley

Local Arts

Gourmet Recipes
Body and Soul

November 2010

Working Elves Image courtesy Thomas Marsh/The Herald-Dispatch

November Events

November 2010 Vol 2 Issue 25

The monthly magazine for people who love to eat, live

and play in the Cowichan Valley.

Published by

cowichan valley voice magazine

Richard & Sheila Badman

Contact us at: editor@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

250-746-9319

Copy Editor

Maeve Maguire

Writers’ Voice Editor
John Steven

Advertising Enquiries

Please Call Diana Pink

250-743-4293 or e-mail diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

*Non Profit Community Event Ad rates available please enquire.

FREE COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS

Date, Time, Event Title and Place ONLY

Email us by the 18th Day of preceding month to:

events@cowichanvalleyvoice.com.

Valley Voices

Heather Walker, Rick Dennis, Clare Carver, Bruce Wood, Brad Boisvert, Jenn De Valk,Chantel Steadman, John Steven, Chris LaVigne and Emily Doyle Yamaguchi, Victor Vesley, Margit Nellemann, Ramona Froehle-Schacht, Tracey Lewis, Faizal Charania, Debra Grove, Kathy Blackstaffe, Judith Belton, Christine England, Karel Bossi, Merridale Ciderworks, Maureen Fatin, Aaron Bichard, John Steven, Jean Crowder, Meghan Seal,Alison Irwin, Theresa Garrison, Edna Widenmaier, Tracey Paleczka, Robin Massey, Sheila Badman, Debbie Shkuratoff, Cam Bucknum Joan Cobham, Brett Holland, Tracy Scheck, Tobi Panter, Julia Star &

The Lovely Georgia Nicols

We welcome your story ideas & photo submissions, however Valley Voice magazine reserves the right to edit all submissions for space, clarity, content and style. The opinions expressed in Valley Voice Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers or other authors.

Valley Voice Magazine is distributed throughout the Cowichan Valley Malahat, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cherry Point, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton and Chemainus and to Ladysmith, Victoria, Ucluelet, Tofino, and Salt Spring Island.

Cover Image Janet Dwyer Mary Fox: Crawl Glaze Vase

Inside Image Martine Thompson Alder Harvesting his Autumn

Brussels Sprouts Fisheye Photography 250 743 0564

www.fisheyephoto.net

Valley Voice Magazine is published monthly.

Subscriptions are available at a cost of $35 a year

within Canada and $55 a year for US or International subscribers.

Visit us at www.cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Pages

November Events 4

Table of Contents 5

CWAV Society Winter Bazaar 6

Websites, E-Mails and Verbal Lint 7

Concert For a Winters Eve 2010 7

Meet Some Faces of the Duncan Market 8

Taste of The Valley 10

Smoked Octopus 11

On The Farm 12

Taste of Tea 13

Cowichan Gourmet 14

Bruce’s Kitchen Wins Salt Spring Island Award15

Cowichan Recyclists 16

Green Living: Skeletons in Your Closet?16

Wear In The World! 17

Listening Party 17

Patient Beauty at the Urban Edge 18

Silver Sisters at Leaf & Petal 19

CRAFT by Cowichan Valley Artisans 20

Out of Hand Craft Fair 20

Talking Arts: Mary Fox 21

Clare Carver 22

Building The Bridge 23

Putting Community on The Map 23

Road Bikes in the Dirt 24

The Many Benefits of Winter Golf 24

Duncan’s Campground:Maple Bay 25

The Weavers Sale 25

Creating a Blissful Holiday Season 26

Holiday Wonder at Waldorf 27

Off The Grid: Provisioning 27

Fall and the Metal Element 28

The Practicality of Spirituality 29

Detoxify, Renew and Balance 30

ARC Community Day 30

Writers Voice 31

Helpful Garden 31

Daryl Britt: Community Farm Store Farmer 32

Britt Farms 33

November Horoscopes by Georgia Nicols 34

Outnumbered! by Sue McKitrick 34

Moonbeams: Moon Power 35

Another View of Paradise 35

Feng Shui-ing Through Life 36

Honeymoon Bay Lodge & Retreat: The Vision 39

Buy Local Food!

Cowichan Women Against

Violence Society Winter Bazaar 2010

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAV), together with local Cowichan Valley Artisans, are excited to be bringing you their 2nd Annual Winter Bazaar in support of CWAV programs.Friday November 12, Saturday November 13, and Sunday November 14 at Duncan Christian School. “Over 800 new women accessed our services last year, and with new initiatives in the Cowichan region, like the Domestic Violence Court, these numbers are still rising. Because of budget constraints, government funding cannot be counted on for our program needs.” says Theresa Gerritsen, Executive Director, CWAV. This annual fundraiser is critical to funding our counselling programs, for women, youth, and children. There will be any number of craft fairs and sales over the next several weeks; why visit CWAV’s Winter Bazaar in particular? “Historically, local artisans and crafters (many of which are women) combine creative and economic goals in sharing their talents. We build crafting into some of our own groups, and know that many women augment family incomes through creative ways, transforming a hobby, skill, or talent into a few dollars to make ends meet. Our Cowichan area is rich with creative talent and we want to celebrate and support this activity,” says Elouise Johnson, chair of the CWAV Winter Bazaar Committee. We invite the community to come out and support our local artisans, while making a real and lasting difference in the lives of Cowichan Valley families.

http://cwav.viviti.com

ONE FOR THE MONEY: Cowichan Hospice Society gourmet film buffs MARY ANN DEACON and LEANNE FROST invite all Reel Alternatives movie lovers to cast a vote for your fave Canadian and international films on the 2010 Film Circuit. Voting takes place from now till December 15. At the end of the voting period one lucky voter will win $500 in cash. Winning flicks will be announced in January. Check www.filmcircuit.ca for details. PS Reel Alternatives is a Cowichan Valley Hospice fundraiser. For more info on this worthy community organization log onto www.members.shaw.ca/cvhospice.

TWO FOR THE SHOW: Take your sweetie to see homegrown country star SHELLY DUBOIS and her band Nov. 13 at Mercury Theatre (on Brae Road in Duncan). Expect farm fresh originals like the sassy “About Men” and heartfelt “Since I Met You”. (My favorite is “She Will Make It Through It All” a stirring anthem of female empowerment inspired by challenges Shelly faced in her own life.) For more about Shelly plus audio samples from her debut CD I’m Not Lookin’ Back and a music video, with our heroine singing the title track against scenic Alberta and Vancouver Island backdrops, check out shelly-dubois.com

THREE TO GET READY AND GO, CAT, GO: RANDY LIBOIRON replaces MIKE BISHOP as Program Director of Lake Cowichan’s community run radio station CICV 98.7 FM and to celebrate his new gig young Mr. Liboiron has launched a new show called Electric Breakfast Wednesdays from 9 am – noon. (Yeah, that’s usually the time I have my breakfast, too, Randy). Glancing at a recent playlist I see acts like Prodigy, DJ Shadow, Tricky, Smashing Pumpkins and The Orb on the EB menu. Ummmm .... tasty! PS Randy will continue to host Psychedelicatessen (vintage rock and pop singles and album tracks) Saturday nights from ten – midnight. (Listeners outside the Cowichan Lake area can pick up the station by logging onto www.cicv.ca and clicking on the “LISTEN LIVE” icon.)

By Rick Dennis

Help fund a Music Therapy

Program for Kids with Special Needs

Concert for a Winter’s Eve 2010 helps fund a Music Therapy Program for Special Needs children and adults in the Cowichan Valley.

Held every Monday morning throughout the year in the Moose Hall in Duncan, participants take turns singing with “The Band” a group of volunteer musicians including Lynn Smith, Anthony Duke, Andrew Wilson, Martin Jones and Dave Harley. This weekly event draws approximately 120 special needs people each week and their care givers from as far as Mill Bay and Nanaimo.

* Concert for a Winter’s Eve 2010 is also an annual fundraiser for Educational Bursaries for Special Needs Graduates from the four Cowichan Valley High Schools. The recipients accept these bursaries, shoulder-to-shoulder with their classmate’s and just like regular kids, are thrilled that the community recognizes their determination and post-secondary dreams.

* All admissions and donations go directly to funding Bursaries for Special Needs Graduates from our four Cowichan Valley Secondary Schools, as well as funding transportation costs and equipment for Monday Morning Music Therapy in the Duncan Moose Hall.

WEBSITES, EMAILS AND

VERBAL LINT

happily welcomes

Diana Pink

as the new Valley Voice

Advertising

Representative.

To place your ad or to request a Winter 2010 rate card

contact Diana by phone or e-mail

250.733.2635

diana@cowichanvalleyvoice.com

Concert For A Winter’s Eve

Friday, November 26 7:30pm

Brentwood College School

Box Office (250) 743-8756

“The DFM is the best way to keep your hard earned money in the Cowichan Valley and interact with residents who work very hard to grow food and create art here.”

Hilary Huntley

Trial By Fire Pottery is a full season vendor at the Duncan Farmer’s Market with wide variety of very useful pottery that happily goes in the dishwasher and microwave. Hilary Huntley is a professional potter who hauls the entire stall display to the DFM weekly with a bicycle and trailer, rain or shine! Hilary is also a dedicated volounteer on the Board of Directors for the Market. Come down to the Market in December to find the perfect locally handmade gift for Christmas.

Nuttin’ Butter and Sassy Salsas are fresh roasted and ground with no additives, preservatives or fillers added. The hazelnut butter features locally grown hazelnuts from Wilberry Orchards. “Our selection of nut butters ranges from almond and peanut butter to exotics such as hazelnut chocolate and walnut/maple/cinnamon.Our salsas include tomato, tomatillo, cranberry and mango. Their flavours are fresh and robust with a choice of ‘heat’. We use lime juice rather than vinegar resulting in a less acidic - more flavourful salsa. Try our old-fashioned, slow-cooked apple butter. New flavours on the way: blackberry butter and mango butter.

Tracy Lewis teaches and produces art, animation and travels with Reel to Real Film for Youth,facilitating animation workshops in remote communities.See Tracy’s whimsical greeting cards, original artwork, folk art toys and her first children’s book, called Juni and the Shark! at the Duncan Market.

Looking for a sweet treat? Beaver House Fudge is a local, home based business. Regularly at the market, Max and Karel Bossi use certified organic cream and butter, as well as locally grown ingredients where possible. Karel says, “ We use as many fair trade and organic ingredients as we can find. This includes,ginger, cinnamon, peanut butter, cranberries and chocolate. It is the quality of ingredients which goes into the fudge that makes the end product so delicious. This year we have launched “Fudge Kist Apples”. There’s nothing like a tart Granny Smith apple dipped in chocolate fudge!”

Meet Some Faces of The

For Chef Steven Elskens and Christle Pope of Farm’s Gate Foods & Catering the Duncan Farmer’s Market is the perfect venue to showcase locally sourced, quality dishes that constantly change and evolve with the seasons. The idea was inspired by attending numerous music festivals that left them wanting healthier, more original dining alternatives. Besides serving delicious local food at festivals and fairs, FG also offers mobile catering ranging from a country breakfast to an evening of canapés and can even serve a five course formal dinner all from your location of choice! Drop by the market on Saturday to see what Steven’s been cooking!

Wendi Galczik is the sole proprietor and creator of MizDarlin’s Hats and Jewelry.

She makes one of a kind hats, cowls/neckwarmers for all ages,babies to adults.Specializing in charm bracelets she also makes jewelry. “I really enjoy being a part of the Duncan Farmer’s Market, and look forward to interacting with all the wonderful

people I meet there.

Duncan Farmer’s Market

Richard Lewin of Golda’s Finest Foods has been making pesto for over 20 years. He started with the traditional basil pesto and now has 11 varieties, including those made with artichoke, dill, roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato and blueberry. His wife, Judith Belton, is very proud to be offering Richard’s pestos for sale at the Duncan Farmer’s Market. One of the many good reasons to drop by the “pesto tent” is to see and taste the wide variety of Golda’s Finest Foods products including the whole line of pestos AND olive tapenade and the popular middle eastern condiment, Skoogk.

Started 12 years ago by a homeless father and son, who wanted to do something to help stop all the chemicals going into the water harming the dolphins, Organic Trader sells personal care/shampoo, lotions, facials care, baby & mum care, pet care products, home care & eco-cleaners.

With over 70 organic certifications, including biodynamic, kosher & fair trade, concerned buyers are assured eco-products free of harmful chemicals. “Organic ingredients supporting organic farms, lovingly put in formulations that work, and protect the Earth.”

Makaria Farm grows organic vegetables and strawberries on 10 acres in Cowichan Station. Owners/operators Brock and Heather are proud to offer sustainably-grown, top-quality food at a fair price. Makaria Farm’s fresh-picked produce is available at the Duncan Farmer’s Market from March through October. Visit www.makariafarm.com for information on Makaria Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which offers subscribers 18 weeks of fresh vegetables through the summer, as well as updates on farm-stand hours, educational projects, farm tours, and special events.

Duncan Market continued page 14

Taste of The Valley

Brunch at Merridale

Ciderworks

Sundays 11am -3pm

1230 Merridale Road

250-743-4293

Who said brunch was just a summertime affair?

Already Chef Woolfall fans, (Richard has a particular affinity for his apple poached chicken pot pie) we booked in for brunch on their debut Sunday. Greeted warmly as always by the friendly staff we chose to sit on the enclosed porch- a cozy place to dine while enjoying the orchard view and no less of an experience in the winter with the toasty overhead heaters. On offer is a simple gourmet brunch menu and 2 lunch specials. The twins shared Brick Oven Baked Thick Cut French Toast served with juicy bacon. This tasty “eggie bread” dusted with icing sugar and served with maple syrup was a hit for everyone. I ordered the Meat Frittata; (also offered vegetarian) a delicious combination of chorizo, bacon, red onion & cheeses. Richard forever an Eggs Benedict fan ordered his regular (also served with Candied salmon, Spicy Chorizo or Spinach and Tomato). Both dishes come with potato rosti, finely shredded, perfectly crusted and a wonderful accompaniment to our meals. In the spirit of brunch we paired our plates with a couple of Somerset Mimosas. What can we say? Everything was delicious. The signature rosti potatoes are a must try. If you are a Benny fan, the hollondaise was flavourful, rich and deliciously smooth with eggs cooked perfectly. One of the best Benny’s he’s ever had and we’ve had them all over the world! Everyone left happy and full. Reservations recommended or get there early as we are sure this brunch will fill up fast.

Ingredients Amount

Fresh Octopus 4-10 Lbs

Lemons 3 halved

Chopped Ginger 1/2 Lb

Chopped Onions 2

Head Garlic 1

For Cure

Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup

Maple Syrup 1/2 Cup

Soya Sauce 1/2 Cup

Chili Garlic Sauce 2 Tablespoons

Worchestire Sauce 2 Tablespoons

Salt 2 Tablespoons

Wood Chips 1 Bag

Smoked Octopus

Recipe courtesy of Matt Horn

Method

1. Place Octopus in a Stock pot with lemons, ginger, onions and garlic. Cover with water.

2. Bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer till tender this should take around an hour

3. Take out of water and cool

4. Mix all the cure ingredients together and pour over octopus and let sit for 24hrs, turn the octopus ever 8 hrs

5. Smoke Octopus for two hours with your favorite wood chips

*You can either use a smoker or a propane BBQ. If using a BBQ make a pouch with aluminum foil, soak half the wood chips in water. Mix wet and dry wood chips together and put into pouch poking holes with a fork. Heat one side of the BBQ on medium and place pouch on heated side.

Did you know?

Giant North Pacific Octopus are chameleons and can change colour to blend with the environment. In self defense it expells black ink so that it can flee unseen.

They tend to only live 3 - 5 years in the wild and can reach 50 lbs in weight and measure 15 - 16 ft across. Females lay about 100 000 eggs in one lifetime. Very few eggs survive. Genetically programmed to do so, both males and females die about a month after eggs have been laid. They live in dens under rocks with both a front and back “escape” entrance; dens are identified by middens of crab and clam shells that they have eaten. Their predators are large fish like halibut, seals, sea lions

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.

Guy Fawkes

Day

We started preparing for the winter long before the first frost, and I don’t just mean pickling beets and drying onions. As each vegetable crop was harvested, Brock mowed and tilled in the plants, then he sowed green manures.

Most people are familiar with the idea of fertilizing with animal manures to improve the vitality of the soil and subsequent crops. Green manures are simply plants grown and worked into the soil for the same purpose. These legumes, grasses, and other plants sequester and accumulate nutrients. Green manures also help hold the soil in place against wind and water erosion and suppress weed germination and growth.

Ideally, a legume is planted along with a grass. Bacteria on the roots of legumes collect nitrogen from the air in the soil and make it available to the legume, even storing excess nitrogen on the roots; you can actually see little pinkish balls of nitrogen on their roots. Our favourite combination to plant at Makaria Farm is fava beans with oats. If planted early enough, these two plants will be killed by freezing temperatures and leave the soil ready to till for an early spring crop.

Green manures aren’t just for farmers: they can make a big difference in any garden. For more information on green manures, check out Brock’s favourite book: The New Organic Grower, by Eliot Coleman. Green Manure Tip:

Don’t let your green manures go to seed, or they can become weeds! If the plants survive the winter, till them into the soil in the spring.

On The Farm

Cooking Classes in Cow Bay

Chef Matt Horn formerly of the Masthead Restaurant and now with Amuse Bistro in Shawnigan Lake would like to bring his knowledge of local seafoods to the foodies of the Cowichan Valley. Each week he will use three different local products all paired up with local wines. These small intimate interactive classes will allow guests to see all the different techniques, and sample these dishes.

Contact

250-748-0020

for more details.

Taste of Tea

“Chocolate contains large amounts of the same beneficial plant chemicals that now have burnished the reputation of tea. In fact, just one ounce of chocolate has about as much of these plant chemicals as a cup of brewed black tea. One large, ongoing study of the benefits of exercise found that men who eat chocolate in moderation live longer than those who eat none.”

University of California-Berkeley Wellness Letter

When we created our first tea blend, almost two years ago, we never thought that Persia (a combination of Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Ceylon and Lavender) would be the perfect tea to drink with chocolate. Fine chocolate and fine tea, when combined with a quiet moment of reflection and repose, are a healthful recipe for good living.

We have recently partnered with Cowichan Valley chocolatier, Patty Doyle of Pearl Chocolate, who has infused her fair-trade and organic chocolate truffles with several of our teas. Although Patty creates various types of fine quality artisan chocolates, her interest in using our local tea blends has inspired a truly unique and tasteful product. If you know your chocolate and are a lover of truffles, be assured you will not be disappointed with this sweet experience. My hope is that the gender-specific focus of the study referenced above should not deter women from pursuing chocolate truffles as a source of good health.

Now that the wood stove in the tea gallery at the farm is both boiling water and creating the ideal room temperature for chocolate truffles, the perfect moment of true delight awaits you.

Victor Vesely is a tea farmer and purveyor of fine and fun organic teas. www.teafarm.ca

Chicken Confit

Yields: 4 Portions

Ingredients Amount

Salt ½ cup

Organic sugar ½ cup

Fennel seed (ground) 1 teaspoon

Cloves (ground) 1/4 teaspoon

Bay leaves 2

Lemon zest 2 lemons

Garlic (minced) 3 cloves

Chicken Legs 4

Chicken or duck fat 4 cups or enough to cover chicken

Method

1. Combine salt, sugar and spices in a bowl.

2. In another bowl rub chicken with garlic and lemon zest.

3. Then rub chicken with salt and spice mix.

4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest overnight.

5. Remove chicken from bowl, place into a large oven proof pot discard left over liquid in bowl

6. Add Chicken or duck fat over top of chicken, on low heat bring fat up to a simmer

7. Place chicken in a 250 degree oven, cook long and slow until chicken is very tender when pierced with a fork. Approximately 4 hours

8. Store chicken in fat in refrigerator until ready to serve.

9. When ready to serve remove from the refrigerator for about 45 minutes

10.Remove chicken from fat (some fat will stick to it, this is good!).

11. In a hot sauté pan sear chicken until crispy on outside.

Duncan Market continued from page 9

Depot Dawgs - a locally based socially concious alternative to fast food. Check out the “100 mile dawg”, “dawg-on-curry”, selection of fine bagged tea. Gratuities donated to charity du jour. Our products are for those who care where their food comes from.

“The market is that weekly three ring circus of community that can bring out just about anyone and send them home with a fed body, mind, and soul.”

Faizal Charania

See you at the market!

Cowichan Gourmet

Charcuterie (pronounced shahr-koo-tuhr-ee) is not a new concept. The French have been creating charcuterie ever since the 15 century. Traditionally, charcuterie products where made with pork; however, today one can use almost any meat. At one time, charcuterie was done to help preserve the meat, before the invention of refrigeration, by preparing it in a manner to store it or seal it in its own fat in confit or rillette cases. Today, with modern refrigeration, we just prepare them the same way because they taste good. Confit and rillettes are prepared by cooking the meat long and slow in its own fat, though rillettes go through a few more steps. Another great charcuterie item is paté. There are many forms of paté: smooth mousse, like patés, as well as more country style paté, which are made more coarse by grinding up meat with the liver. Making your own charcuterie can be fun and rewarding but it takes a bit of practice.

For me, as a chef in the Valley, I like to use Cowichan Bay Farm chicken meat and livers when making charcuterie items. Cowichan Bay Farm is located, as the name says, in Cowichan Bay. The farm was created by the great-grandfather of current-day owner Lyle Young.

For generations, Cowichan Bay Farms has been providing ethical agriculture food choices for the people of Vancouver Island. Now, with their Farm House poultry-processing facility, Lyle has been able to help other farmers process their own poultry, as well as making local food more accessible for all.

Charcuterie items are often served cold, especially in the case of rillettes and patés, so they are great items for the holiday season when entertaining. I encourage you to try making your own, or stop by the new Amusé Bakery and Market in Shawnigan Lake for a selection of charcuterie, breads, and other accompaniments. We will even platter them up for you to take to a party.

Bruce’s Kitchen

Suite 106

149 Fulford-Ganges Rd Salt Spring Island , BC

(250) 931-3399

bruce@bruceskitchen.ca

www.bruceskitchen.ca

Bruce’s Kitchen was recently designated the Small Business of the Year by the Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce. Citing the restaurant’s reputation for excellent service and its commitment to community involvement.

Since opening in March 2009, Bruce’s Kitchen has filled a niche on Salt Spring Island for those who wish to eat food grown or produced locally. Chef and owner Bruce Wood bakes all the breads daily, develops new soups and specials every day — depending on what is available — and even produces the restaurant’s own catsup and mustard. The experience of eating at Bruce’s Kitchen was described in the Summer 2010 edition of Canadian Geographic Travel magazine, “Imagine a Michelin-starred chef gone all healthy and island time…” A special feature at Bruce’s Kitchen is the weekly communal dinner. A menu is developed for these events, based on a theme. The meals give Chef Bruce the opportunity to share more of his culinary expertise, and the patrons get to know one another as they are seated together at two large tables. One regular attendee said, “The dinners have spoiled me for eating out anywhere else.”

INTERNET ENCRYPTION SERVICES

LOOKING FOR SECURE METHODS TO

ACCEPT CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

SECURELY OVER THE INTERNET?

www.exclaiminternetservices.com

or Call Richard at 250-746-9319

Restaurant Wins Small Business of the Year Award

Bruce Wood’s Apple Maple Pudding

This is a glorious warm winter dessert. I have also served it in the

summer and mixed in one cup of fresh wild blueberries. It is best enjoyed warm from the oven with a dollop of soft whipped crème.

Pre heat the oven to 375 degrees.

Filling Ingredients Amount

Apples (peeled, cored, sliced) 4

Cranberries 2 pounds

Cinnamon ½ teaspoons

Flour 2 tablespoons

Unsalted Butter 3 tablespoons

Salted Butter 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup 1 cup

Method

1. Butter a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish.

2. Toss the apples with 1/2 cup of the maple syrup and the

cinnamon and place in the baking dish.

3. Beat the eggs with 2 tbsp. melted butter, the vanilla, maple syrup & lemon juice. Fold in the & baking powder.

4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet and fold together gently.

5. Pour the batter over the apples.

6. Bake the pudding for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot with soft whipped crème.

Deconstructing a Dead Battery

For most of my life, when it came to dead batteries, I should have been on an episode of Hoarders, a television show about people who overstuff their living space with absolutely useless junk. I actually hadn’t seen the show until recently when I accidentally got stuck while flipping channels — the batteries in my remote had died.

Anyway, it seemed I always had a drawer or two stuffed full of double- and triple-A batteries that had outlived their usefulness. I couldn’t bring myself to throw them out and knew they could be recycled; I just never knew where.

If you are in the same boat, visit www.call2recycle.ca.

All you have to do is plug in your postal code and an instant list of local battery and cell phone recycling drop-off locations appears.

There’s no longer any excuse to throw out those rechargeable batteries that can’t keep a charge, nor trash the alkalines that erode landfill liners so toxins can leach into the water table. And there’s definitely no excuse to overstuff your drawer to the point where you keep your cutlery on the counter.

The best way to avoid dead batteries is skip them entirely, using solar-run or hand-cranked products or AC/DC adapters when possible. And if it’s essential to use a battery, rechargeables can be used many times before finding the recycling bin. We’re fortunate to have numerous drop-off locations for battery recycling in Cowichan; thanks to www.call2recycle.ca, it hardly takes any energy to find them.

Green Living

Skeletons In Your Closet?

Do you dread having to find the ribbon for that gift you’re wrapping or the mittens that got tucked away last spring? In this month’s issue we’re tackling organization of closets and storage cupboards. It’s a great time of year to get into those dark little secrets and sort them out once and for all. It’s time to bring out the warmer clothing and put away the beach toys; why not get it all super organized in the process so it functions well for you throughout the season?

First things first: sorting out your stuff. Rather then hauling everything out into a giant pile on the floor, as you take things out sort them into three categories: Keep, Get Rid Of, and Maybe. Once you have the three groups sorted, go back to your Maybe pile and decide if each item is a Keep or Get Rid Of. Be realistic with what you decide to keep; for example, if you didn’t use it this summer you likely won’t need it next summer. Next, decide if the items are trash or donate and put them where they belong right away. Trash items go into the garbage and donate items go into a box or bag to put in your trunk to be dropped off.

You’re more than halfway there! Clutter is just postponed decision making, so now that you’ve decided what to keep, chances are you will have an easier time organizing it, but don’t stop there.

Here are a few

straightforward ideas:

1. Store the things you’re using now close at hand, within reach. Seasonal or occasional-use items in the back.

2. If you’re boxing things up for later use, label the box with exactly what’s inside to save going through each box.

3. Place small, similar things in containers. Like the ribbons for gift wrapping, or the hats and mitts.

4. Bins or drawers inside a cupboard are great for kid stuff; they’re more likely to put their stuff away if it’s easy.

5. Hooks on the inside of a closet door keep the kids’ coat off the foyer floor.

6. Separate your clothes by season first, then type (tops with tops, etc.), then hang them with like colours.

There is a huge selection of products on the market to help you make the most of your storage spaces. Have a look at your revived new space and see what will make it even better. A couple of appropriately hung shelves or a good shoe rack can make a big difference in how your space functions.

Listening Party

When was the last time you listened to an album the whole way through? Or noticed the well-composed progression from one song to the next? You’ve heard of the slow food movement, so why not “slow music”? It’s not about trading in your hardcore for a sonata; this is beyond genre. Trying a listening party experience is all about devoting time to the music you love and sharing it with other people who love it too.

Get started by setting up your speakers in a way that really create the perfect stereo field: set them equidistant from each other and you, and angled slightly inward so the sound can surround you. Next, treat each song like you’re going to the movie theatre: get your snacks, set up a comfortable space, talk a bit before you start and then get settled in for some good quality listening. From then on, it’s all about making your ears happy. A great way to start a listening party is to find something new to discover and there are some fantastic online sources out there. Check out stereomood.com for automatically generated playlists that are associated with your mood or a word. From “It’s raining” to “Road Trip”, there’s a lot to choose from. There’s also Blalock’s Indie Rock Playlist where you can stream playlists and “mix tapes”, or Band Camp where you can listen to seemingly infinite amounts of new music in whole albums and purchase them too. Of course Grooveshark is a good place to find your favourites and build a playlist of classics.

But nothing beats hearing music created by your neighbor, your friend’s brother, or the girl who serves you coffee every day. The Hidden Tracks, No Don’t Stop, Headspace, Wolf Parade, My Lovely Son, Jon Bone, Puzzleroot, Sound & Science, Forestry, Zoe Laukner, Bells & Cannons — these are all Valley-grown talent to be proud of! Stay connected with live music in the Valley and music created by these fine folks by visiting www.cowsounds.org. Happy listening!

Cow Sounds is an online resource and events calendar for promoting live music in our community. Emily is one member of this dynamic group, whose passion is to continue making the Valley a great place to live and play.

Wear In The World!

155 Craig Street, Duncan

250 - 748 - 1040

Sometimes you never know where a journey will take you. Sharon and I moved up here from the United States four years ago to own and operate Practical Magic Herbs on Station Street. I was a recordist in the film industry; Sharon is an acupuncturist. We wanted to run a business together and be a part of a community where we could effect real positive change. Our lives in the big city didn’t offer such a possibility.

Almost immediately we started tinkering with the store, and by the third year we realized the changes were so profound, a new beginning was on the horizon. Instead of nursing along someone else’s vision, we decided to create our own, based on our passions in life. Sharon has been involved with fashion for years, studying Design in her native England and managing several clothing stores. She has a keen eye for these amazing clothes we’re finding in Nepal, Bali, Thailand, and right here in B.C. The craftsmanship, the color, the natural fibres have impressed us and those who find their way into our store.

We try to maintain Fair Trade guidelines when purchasing our product as we believe in the social justice and economical and environmental impact of such practices. My passion is music and I’ve provided what amounts to the most eclectic selection of genres and artists on the island, at least in terms of World Music. Blues, Folk, Celtic, Reggae, African, Hawaiian, Lounge, Funk, Jazz and much that defies category, melding so many different styles. Many artists are on small labels you’ve never heard of, lots of local and Canadian as well. With all the titles on a listening station, one has a chance to sample it all! We were also first in the area to feature Dr. Hauschka natural cosmetics, which are created in harmony with nature. So, with amazing fashions, jewellery and music in a warm, inviting atmosphere, we’ve created a place where hopefully you feel better than when you walked in. Something we realized a while back is that you affect real change one person at a time. It starts with you and radiates outward — that’s our goal, one customer at a time.

Sharon with a bamboo outfit from Maha Devi”. Photo Arno Featherstone.

Patient Beauty at the Urban Edge

… A handsome house to lodge a friend, A river at my garden’s end.

Alexander Pope

Is the ‘handsome house’ at the river-blessed end of Koksilah Road the work of pioneer builder Robert McLay Jr.? Was it his home, and did he build it before or after his other well-known commissions? These are a few of the many questions that have grown out of the restoration of #5241 Koksilah – questions that two years of digging have only answered in part.

David and Ulla Coulson bought the property in the winter of 2007/08 and have been working to restore its buildings and gardens ever since. Understanding the history is key, but it’s surprising how few details have surfaced regarding this particular heritage home.

Most - local historians, McLay family descendents, Cowichan ‘old timers’ believe that the house was built by Robert McLay Jr. as his own residence. The same Robert McLay Jr. that built (acted as general contractor for) the Duncan Garage, the Whittome Building/Odd Fellows Lodge, the Cowichan Merchants Building (both the 1910 original and its 1912 replacement, following fire), the old Hydro building on Canada Ave., and the Koksilah School House – one of few surviving wood frame buildings attributed to him.

He was talented in maths, entrepreneurial by nature, and capable of a project ambitious in scale and design. He also owned the land that the house stands on, part of the original McLay family farm known as Willow Brook.

Working on the assumption that McLay may have built the home around the time of his marriage, in January of 1911, David Coulson has elected to reinforce the structure and restore the character details before it’s too late. After all, the place looks strong enough to withstand another hundred years – given the right care.

“Everything here is solid fir, knot-free.

They even used premium grade fir flooring

on the second storey,” Coulson says. “And the wainscoting is gorgeous – 1x24 inch wide through the Grand Room and 1x18 inch in the rest of the house.”

One of the most striking features inside the 2,700 square foot home is the stone fireplace in the so-called Grand Room on the main floor. The mantel is four inch thick granite – wide enough to walk on. From Koksilah Road, you can glimpse between the cedar and maple trees the patient beauty of the river stone porte cochere, chimney, and base surrounding the house. Tight vertical rows of evenly-sized stones at each corner with a playful herringbone pattern from edge to edge. This masonry is unique, even if we consider century-old Victoria homes into the equation.

In her 1975 book entitled And So They Came to Cowichan, Margaret Bishop (Robert McLay’s niece) recalls with nostalgia the wild hazelnuts, gooseberries, and mock orange that grew at Eagle Heights (Koksilah). But she leaves no record of her uncle’s building projects at Willow Brook, only noting that he was “a very successful building contractor” and that he may have helped his sister, Robina Boal, develop a parcel of the family farm after she and her husband Jim quit proprietorship of the Koksilah Hotel (sometime after 1906).

So far, Coulson has completed: reinforcement of the pillars and foundation beneath the front porch, sensitive rebuild of damaged bargeboards and other wood details, stripping and repainting the exterior to era-appropriate colours, reveal and restoration of fir flooring throughout, modern upgrades to washrooms and water closets that preserve the heritage floor plan exactly, cleaning and re-shellacking of main floor wood paneling, and the return of the basement stair entry to its original position (presumably moved to accommodate ground floor suites during its history as a multi-residence). Much remains to be done, but already the house has regained some of its special patina.

Situated on the border of Duncan’s residential, commercial, and light industrial areas, the McLay House overlooks a progressive community of live and work spaces – a pioneering project to create affordable housing, substantial green space, and a home for viable business on the urban edge, at the garden’s end.

In their efforts to restore this building as closely as possible to its original appearance, the Coulson family would greatly appreciate assistance from the community in the form of histories, anecdotes, documents or photographs concerning Robert McLay Jr., the house at #5241 Koksilah, or tradesmen that may have contributed their talents to its original design. Please contact David Coulson at coulsondesign@shaw.ca.

The Silver

Sisters Show and Sale

November 19-20, 2010

Leaf & Petal Flower Shop

101 Station Street

Downtown Duncan

With over half a century of combined fascination with fire and metal, three local women silversmiths, Heather A. Hamilton, Michele Heath, and Morgan Saddington, have come together in their first combined show and sale to display the endless possibilities of jewellery designs in sterling silver and stone. Specializing in the various methods of incorporating semi-precious gems in her work, Michele creates unique pieces with stunning stones from all over the world. Morgan is fascinated by the fluidity and movement of wearable chains. And with hammer in hand, Heather is drawn towards three-dimensional sculptural forms. In time for the holiday season, treat yourself to a visual delight of stunning, unique, and often one-of-a-kind, sterling silver jewelry amid the beautiful floral designs with the Leaf & Petal Flower Shop.

Holiday Theatre

Chemainus Theatre Festival is proud to present the most-loved ghost story of all time, A Christmas Carol. Written by Charles Dickens, and adapted by Jeremy Tow, this lovely holiday treat will thrill your senses. Full of carols and holiday cheer, the immortal characters tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, coming together to illustrate the true meaning of the holiday season. A show for the entire family to enjoy!

A Christmas Carol runs November 11 to January 8. You can attend a performance to A Christmas Carol from $39 to $46 (plus taxes); children 12 and under are ½ price. Show days: Wed thru Sun. Show times 8 pm & 2 pm.

Out of Hand Craft Fair

Out of Hand Craft Fair

The Crystal Gardens

713 Douglas St . Victoria

Friday, November 26th thru Sunday, November 28th

For Cowichan Valley farmer Ramona Froehle Schacht, the shift that Southern Vancouver Island shoppers are making to choose local products is more than food for thought. “This year at the Out Of Hand Artisan Fair, we have our biggest ever Artisan Food section. People want to trust where their food comes from and know who produced it. In addition to over 100 booths featuring jewelry, luxurious body products, clay, glass, hats, and designer fashion creations, the 2010 fair features a whole new range of delicacies that will become part of special meals and holiday celebrations.” The Out of Hand provides shoppers the opportunity to buy high-quality, thoughtful, and unique gifts directly from the source.

This year’s fair features 16 talented Cowichan Valley and Salt Spring area artists, including North Cowichan residents Victor Vesely of TeaFarm, ceramic artists Margit Nellemann and Cathi Jefferson, Crofton’s mushroom forager Eric Whitehead, and talented glass artist Jo Ludwig, South Cowichan’s True Grain Breads, and of course everyone loves Karel Bossi’s homemade Beaverhouse Fudge from Whippletree Junction — just to name a few.

“When we moved to the valley to farm, we knew, of course, that many of “our” artists lived and worked here, but we didn’t realize how much those two aspects of our lives would intersect. But if you think of it, growing food, adding value to basic ingredients to make cheese, jam, pickles, etc., and making art or clothing or body care products from raw materials, all share certain elements. Whether you’re growing food or creating beautiful, useful objects, you share a passion for local, green, sustainable, creative living. Both farming and organizing an event where local artisans can sell their work, engages us in our community. We love living in the Valley and we love the people here. The response to our organic produce has been phenomenal, and we hope to see many of our new friends and neighbors at the Out of Hand Fair,” says Ranona.

Dana Zaruba, from Duncan, has been manufacturing healthy and delicious condiments since 2006, under the name Hot Chick Spice Company. Her product line includes her award-winning Pomegranate Mustard, Orange Chipotle mustard, nut and spice blends, and her wildly popular Chocolate Wine Sauce. Dana is thrilled to be at the centre of a growing hub of creativity both in food and arts. Her continued presence at local farmers’ markets and Christmas fairs like Out of Hand allows her to maintain contact with regular clientele, and keep pace with changes happening in her community.

Ross Atkinson is the man behind Salt Spring Wooden Toys, which was inspired by his two sons to create safe, healthy toys for all ages. Three years ago, Ross moved to Salt Spring Island from Galiano Island and set up his woodworking shop where he began making children’s toys and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Ross creates environmentally sustainable products by using reclaimed wood (from construction projects) that would have otherwise been burned or taken to land fill sites. Types of wood used include cedar, spruce, maple, Douglas Fir, and bamboo. These are toys made to last. See his website at www.rossatkinson.ca.

Ladysmith’s Craig Lambie found more time to devote to metal art when the forestry industry showed signs of struggle back in early 2007. He sold his manufacturing company, but kept a metal plasma cutting machine from the sale, and started to experiment with different cutting and coloring techniques. His skills were based on steel manufacturing, and switching over to art took a fair bit of trial and error. “Initially my success was limited, but with more practice the quality of my metal art improved. As my sales improved, I was able to invest more time and material into experimenting with three-dimensional metal pieces,” Craig says. “My first real break came from a meeting West Coast Salish Artist, Joe Wilson, and his brother Richard. They approached me and asked if I could make a three-dimensional salmon intended for the new Convention Center at Canada Place in Vancouver. After I received the design, I was able to cut and form the almost 4-foot salmon. The finished prototype was accepted by the Vancouver Convention Centre.

There are now 12 salmon hanging above the escalators between Canada Place and the Convention Centre. With Joe’s permission, I use many designs to create Native metal art designs. I have come to love all forms of Native art, and look forward to making impressive pieces in cooperation with artists like Joe Wilson. I also accept designs from other artist or individuals and help them bring their ideas to life in metal art.”

OOHCF Continued on Page 38

craft

I went for a walk today, happily swishing my boots through the maple leaves. Doing this always reminds me of my childhood. It got me thinking about how kids see the world: their innate curiosity, creativity, and sense of play. I gave a box of off-cuts from our wood shop to friends and was amused to find that a good many of them had been fished out of the bin by their kids — they saw great potential beyond mere firewood.

When I began to learn my craft, almost immediately I began to look at my surrounds in a different way. For example, I found myself noticing architecture (I never really had before). I saw the intent of aesthetic quality that many ‘mundane’ objects had. I saw structure in the natural world. Most of the creative people I know, whether they be craftspeople or fine artists, seem to have a special ability to observe the world around them and use what they find in a novel way. I think they retain or relearn those special qualities kids have.

I was at my friend Margit’s a while ago and saw her piece ‘communi-tea’. It was a large teapot resembling an apartment building, with the different floors each comprising a separate chamber for tea. My colleague, Cam Russell, did a piece entitled ‘rococoa table’, a clever word play on rococo, the style of furniture, and cocoa. His table was in the rococo style, but with a glass top that covered an artfully arranged pile of multi-coloured Hershey kisses. I think both these illustrate an inspired way of ‘seeing’ the ordinary and turning it into something very special.

Enough writing, I better get back to the shop and play.

Sandra designs and builds one of a kind furniture with her partner Joe.

Mary Fox Pottery

Annual Studio Sale

Saturday, November 6, 11-5pm

Sunday, November 7, 11-5 pm

321 Third Avenue,

Ladysmith

Creating beautiful vessels for people to use or contemplate is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend one’s life. I have been potting since I was 13 and have never grown tired of any aspect of my job. I love to go out to my studio every day full of creative energy to create anew. My focus is on expressing the beauty and strength of pure form. I delight in the challenge of creating contemporary vessels based on classic lines and have a keen interest in developing original glaze effects for my works.

Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1959, I moved with my family to British Columbia in 1966. I am self-taught and have worked solely as a potter since 1979. My works are exhibited nationally and internationally, and I especially enjoy the time that I spend with customers from around the world who visit my studio in Ladysmith.

Mary Fox

Mary Fox Annual

Studio Show and Sale

Mary’s studio has been wonderfully renovated to display her unique pieces. The shelves of this inspiring studio are filled with a significant collection of functional tableware, new works in porcelain and unique decorative vessels.

Those familiar with her work will recognize the uniqueness of pieces whose like has been exhibited at the Canadian Craft Museum and the Gallery of BC ceramics. From Ladysmith her pots go out into the world. Her work has been shown and celebrated internationally, in Japan and Australia. Italy honored Mary’s work in an exhibition at the Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, Faenza, Italy.

To add to the fun Rocky Creek Winery will be tasting their award winning wines and Tracy Lewis will be presenting her whimsical cards, folk art toys and books. As well, Lynda Diamond from Island Estuary Bed & Breakfast will be bringing along her gourmet antipastos, dips & butter which will be available for purchase.

The studio’s regular hours are Tuesday- Saturday, 1-5pm or by chance.

Chalice by Mary Fox

Image Janet Dwyer

Talking Arts

Mother and Child by Mary Fox

Image Janet Dwyer

Mary Fox in studio

www.cowichandale.com

Clare Carver

I took a watercolour painting class with my son when he was in middle school. We both loved this medium and continued in the class for a couple of years. Ben moved on to art in high school and I continued painting for fun, when I had the time.

In 2004, I quit my work as a clinical counsellor in Ottawa and moved to Vancouver Island to start a different life. I took art classes at Malaspina College (now VIU) and learned how to draw. I experimented with charcoal (lovely) and chalk pastel (gruesome) and then went back to watercolour. It’s sometimes hard to go back to something when you have tried other things, and I found that I wasn’t as excited or motivated as previously. In 2008, I went on holiday to Bali and, while there, took a course on batik with a watercolour artist...I was hooked!

When I got back to Canada, I started to paint on fabric using the traditional batik method. I melted wax and drew my picture with a tjanting tool. Years before, my mom sent me silk paints and yards of silk.Since then, after much research, I moved on to a water-based resist (instead of wax), exchanged wooden frames and duct tape for a proper frame, and then to painting with silk dyes. The advantage of dyes, although more work because they have to be steam set, is that they merge with the fabric (keeping the soft texture), and they are much more vibrant than paints. I am enjoying finding new ways and things to paint in silk. At present I am painting cushion covers, wall hangings, scarves, eyeglass cases and purses. I joined Imagine That! in the summer last year and enjoy having my work in such a well-respected…and well-visited store. I am a member of the Visions Art Studio Tour, and also sell my work in Lobelia’s Lair in Nanaimo and South Shore Gallery in Sooke. I will be opening my studio in Cowichan Bay in the spring…see website for details. www.pillotalk.ca

Building the Bridge

Putting Community on the Map

What makes a good map? It is a delicate balance of science, aesthetics, and technique to convey an idea. When the three factors converge in perfect harmony, the results can be ground-breaking!

Based on the premise that we can help build healthier communities through community engagement and informed decision making, Cowichan Green Community has added another initiative to its roster of social enterprises: the Community Mapping Group.

The Community Mapping Group is borne out of the success of CGC’s 2010 “Buy Local! Buy Fresh!” food map, and will help raise funds to support CGC’s ongoing initiatives, including the Farm to School program, community gardens, and the annual Seeds for Change Speaker Series.

“Setting up a social enterprise allows us to keep together a team with an incredible amount of experience,” explains Judy Stafford, Executive Director of CGC. “Mapping can have such a positive impact on education at all levels of the community and government; it is an important service and we are happy to be able to continue to offer it to the region. It’s a good fit with Cowichan Green Community’s focus on sustainability.”

“As a non-profit, we are constantly looking at innovative ways to create more sustainable funding streams,” Stafford continues. “The social enterprise model is very unique in that it allows non-profits to operate a revenue-generating business where the profits feed directly back into the organization. This gives us the flexibility to utilize those funds for all our other environmental and social programs that are so important for the sustainability of our community.”

The Community Mapping Group offers a range of services, including data collection and analysis, cartography and map creation, database design/implementation, graphic design and web-site design, development and maintenance.

Leading the Community Mapping Group is Jason Young, M.SC. Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, a GIS Technician with seven years of professional experience. Jason enjoys the variety of a GIS Technician’s work, and the influence this work has on the community.

“GIS is an amazing tool for transforming ‘data’ into knowledge, and knowledge is the key to making good decisions,” Young explains.

Whatever your mapping needs, the Community Mapping Group is here to help. For more information, or to book a consultation, call Jason Young at Cowichan Green Community at

250-748-8506, or visit

cowichangreencommunity.org.

Growing up I experienced life in two different worlds; my father, a member of the Cowichan Indian Band and my mother is of Irish English descent. My parents met in the mid 1970s and would marry in 1981. A common conversation in our house was that if my parents had been a little older and met in the 1950’s or 1960’s they never would have even considered dating? Back in those days, most areas of Duncan were segregated and Indians were not allowed in certain businesses. If they were they would have to enter in doors marked “Indians”.

Elders and other community members have stories of not being allowed off reserve past dark and having to sit in the balcony of the local movie theatre. When traveling on the ferries they had to remain on the car decks. Could you imagine?

We have come a long way from those days. But, there are still places we need to go; ways we can continue to build bridges, to make a stronger, reconciled and connected community.

Recently, a group of locals, both native and non native, organized the 3rd Annual Walk of the Nations Festival a celebration of culture, acceptance and understanding. The Walk started off as a legacy of the Cowichan 2008 NAIG games but has grown into a celebration of Cowichan community and all the amazing people and cultures that surround us. This is only one of the ways we are starting to work together and break down those barriers. Since NAIG, people have been more comfortable in getting to know their neighbours and learn about their culture, art and language.

I am a proud Cowichan Tribes citizen but I am also proud of my family, who raised me to be myself and to accept everyone for who they are. I couldn’t imagine living in a town where I couldn’t go see a movie with my friend or head Downtown for dinner after dark. Let’s be proud of how far we’ve come and excited for where we have to go! Huy ch q’u.

Road bikes in The Dirt

Bicycles are great machines. They allow us to feel free, like kids again, while benefiting from the physical activity. Some people ride to work, some people ride for fun, and some compete here on Vancouver Island at numerous cycling events, which are held by the local cycling clubs. Cyclo-cross is an interesting fall-winter sport, and is the fastest growing segment of competitive cycling. With roots going back to England and Northern Europe in the early 1900’s, there is a lot of heritage in the sport.

Cyclo-cross racing combines riding on a mix of surfaces, from asphalt to sand or grass, with running while carrying your bike up stairs or over obstacles, like a creek or man-made barriers. The race course is typically under 3 kms in length, and the riders do multiple laps, so this is a spectator-friendly sport with lots of action. Locally, the races attract men and women ranging in age from under 10 years to over 65, so it is always easy to fit in.

The bikes look like road bikes with their drop-style handlebars and multiple gears, but the tires are a little wider and have more grip as these machines are made for off-road. Cyclo-cross bikes have become quite popular among people who want a bike which is versatile enough to ride on the road or explore the local trails, and maybe do some touring.

The Many Benefits of

Winter Golf

The advent of the cold weather usually turns our thoughts to typical winter activities, but here on the West Coast, we are so lucky to be able to continue to partake in summertime activities while merely dressing for the colder weather. Golf is one of those popular sports that individuals of all ages can enjoy. Innovative programs for kids and juniors are introducing this game to the younger generations, thereby growing the game at the grassroots level. That is good news for the golf industry but there are just as many benefits for the individual. Whether you are a veteran golfer with years of knowledge or a beginner, there is no doubt that the benefits are many and diverse:

•Emotional – golf engenders a mental clarity and focus and relieves stress with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors for 4 to 5 hours at a time. The sport is personally challenging with opportunities to continuously learn and improve; the chance to indulge in an individual sport rather than team sport is also what draws some people.

•Physical – those who choose to walk while playing golf will cover anywhere from 6 to 10 km and can burn up to 400 calories if they carry their clubs. The golf swing uses major back, arm and gluteal muscles in addition to the smaller stabilizer muscles and improves awareness of posture, balance and flexibility.

Although many golfers prefer the “fair weather” to indulge in their sport, the winter is an excellent time to hone the swing and work on strength and flexibility. Many instructors encourage their students to use the winter season to do just that as individuals who have taken the time to work in the off-season will come out better, stronger players in the Spring.

Recommendations during the winter months from Edd Boudreau, Director of Instruction at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, include activities such as practicing your short game, putting, practicing your swing. Even with layers of clothes to stay warm, you can still hit chip shots and pitches and head out to practice areas. Spend a few minutes a week hitting putts down your hallway and rehearsing the swing you want. The off-season is also a great time to get swing lessons and to take the time for productive practice.

Jason Lowe is the General Manager

Arbutus Ridge Golf Club

Maple Bay after World War I: Duncan’s Campground

With a clean, pebble beach, proximity to lush forest, and a spectacular view of bay and mountains, Maple Bay is a natural spot for summer recreation. In the years before 1919, Maple Bay had very few year-round inhabitants, but summers were full of campers from Duncan. The waterfront boasted only the old hotel (now a private home), a summertime general store, a small marina with private home, and a prototype bed-and-breakfast called the Bay of Maples Teahouse. Besides these buildings, there were a goodly number of rough summer cabins, shacks, lean-tos and many tents.

The big draw for summer campers was, of course, swimming from the narrow strip of beach, and fishing from the decaying old steamer wharf. Into the 1920’s, the Bay became a popular place for huge group gatherings, for weeklong camp-outs or, more often, for big picnics or bonfires, sometimes involving as many as 200 people! Duncan businesses would host picnics for their employees, and religious youth groups would hold their summer camps. Each night, the beach would be aglow with four or five fires circled with people laughing and singing, with ukeleles likewise blazing.

Next month: “Along the Maple Bay Waterfront in the 1920’s”.

Weavers Sale

If cooler fall temperatures have you reaching for ‘warm and woolly’ accessories, then you’ll want to drop by the Weavers Sale in The Loft Art Gallery in Mill Bay to see what’s new. For the third year in a row, the Tzouhalem Spinners & Weavers Guild sets up shop for the whole month of November in the Gallery above ‘Valley Wines to Vines’ in the Mill Bay Shopping Centre. Walls that usually hold framed pictures will be the backdrop for wonderful handmade textiles: scarves, shawls, felted hats, knitted slippers and toques, tea towels, table runners, bags, bookmarks and more, all created right here in the Cowichan Valley. With the festive season coming up, do bring along your Christmas list. Since many of the items on display are one-of-a-kind, the Weavers Sale could be the perfect place to shop for The Perfect Gift! You may, of course, treat yourself to a special treasure as well.

Throughout the Weavers Sale, a Tzouhalem Guild member will be on hand from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. to welcome visitors to the upstairs Gallery. They’re also there to encourage folks to try out the on-site looms, just to see what’s involved in throwing a shuttle, changing a shed and weaving a pattern.

Other demonstrations, such as Japanese braiding, inkle band weaving, spindle spinning and basket weaving, are scheduled for the four Saturdays in November.

Cowichan Valley Museum & Archive 1997.2.1

Image of Alison Irwin weaves a band on an inkle loom. Photo by Adrian Irwin.

Annual Weavers Sale

November thru to December 2

10am - 3pm

Valley Wines To Vines

Mill Bay Shopping Centre

For more information

Alison Irwin 250-746-6330

Els Van Dam 250-743-0851

Does the holiday season leave you feeling drained and stressed out?

Do you feel like the holiday season is getting longer each year?

By nurturing ourselves, we can reduce the stress and move more effectively through the day. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to reduce stress, affect mood, and to stimulate a positive healing response in the body. Essential oils are anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial making the oils very effective for fighting germs and bacteria to strengthen the immune system. Custom blends of oils can be created for specific healing. Blends can be taken home and used on the body or in the bath. Submerge yourself in warm water scented with uplifting scents! Create an atmosphere where you can recharge your batteries and feel good about yourself. Or burn essential oils in your home to nurture yourself and your family!

November is a good time to incorporate some easy holistic treatments to help glide you through the holiday season.

Creating a Blissful Holiday Season!

To reduce tension and stress:

Use 3 drops of Lavender in a warm bath to reduce tension and assist in unwinding from the day.

For a headache:

Use 2 drops of Lavender on fingertips and massage into forehead. Lavender is one of the essential oils that can be used on its own without a carrier oil.

For those tired feet from running in every direction,

try this foot soak:

Half fill a large bowl with warm water and add 1 tablespoon of sea salt or Epson salts. Put 2 drops of Grapefruit and 2 drops of Peppermint essential oils into the water. Soak your feet for 15 minutes, making sure you are sitting comfortably and can relax at the same time. Pat feet dry.

If you happen to overindulge in the delicious foods,

here is a tummy tamer recipe:

In 4 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive, put in 2-3 drops of Peppermint and 3 drops of Lavender essential oils. Massage into abdomen in a circular motion, right to left.

Tracy Scheck is a Certified Foot Reflexologist, Aromatherapist and a Norwex Rep. who resides in Cowichan Bay.

Provisioning is an old-fashioned word, but a concept as up-to-date in our world as it was in our grandparents’ time. Despite the wonderful warm Indian summer days, the calendar says otherwise — and we know what awaits!

Here, off the grid in Sansum Narrows, gale-force winds in winter may not allow access to supplies in Duncan or Ganges. Provisioning is the thing: laying in supplies for tough times ahead.

A woodshed full of dry wood is the first priority, a task done in the spring, and ideally a year before. There is nothing like dry wood to heat the cabin and to use in the wood stove for cooking and baking. This year’s wonderful blackberry crop has been transformed into jams and jellies and frozen for winter crumbles; likewise, the rhubarb and apple crop.

We’ve also done a mammoth grocery shop; the pantry is now well stocked with basics, like flour, oats, beans, and canned goods. The boats have been re-checked for survival equipment, which are always legally required but it makes even more sense now the water we swam in two months ago has gone ice cold. Aubrey always ensures we have gas, propane, and oil on hand; the generator is needed more in the winter months. Winter sun is always a help but can’t power the solar panels as well as in the summer. Fall clean-up continues and old dead piles of broom, branches, and wood-ends are now burnt in special burning barrels, and the smell of wood smoke always brings back memories of Halloween and pumpkin fields. This year, thanks to the Cowichan Land Conservancy Fundraiser, we were able to remove two large boat loads of scrap metal to Pacific Steel Recycling (Harpers) in Duncan. It helped them, helped us, and helped the environment.

Our grandparents wouldn’t think much of our efforts as they killed and dressed deer, made soap, and built furniture, but the idea of provisioning is the same, and here in the Narrows we are getting ready to hunker down if need be and enjoy the season.

Joan and Aubrey Cobham are the

parents of 7 and grandparents of 3. They live in their “off the grid” cabin in the Sansum Narrows

YOUR VOTE CAN SAVE WILD SALMON

Help The Land Conservancy win $169,000. to

purchase and protect valuable sockeye habitat.

Vote for the HORSEFLY RIVER RIPARIAN CONSERVATION AREA in the Aviva Community Fund Competition.

Horsefly has the 2nd biggest sockeye run in B.C.!

It flows into the Fraser River.

Vote for idea ACF5328 every day on:

www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf5328

Metal Element

In the Taoist philosophy that underpins acupuncture and Chinese medicine, everything in the natural world reflects aspects of the five elements. These archetypal elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water all have corresponding characteristics in all realms of life. Fall is the season of the Metal element. Metal has a yin energy of contraction and turning inward – we move more into indoor activities, some animals hibernate, plants contract their vital energy down into their roots, the days grow ever shorter… Metal is about death, letting go, surrender and release.

In nature, precious metals are the refined essence of the earth. So Metal is also about essence and refinement, such as fine wine, classical music, classy elegance. Metal is also sharp and cutting; excessive righteousness and strong judgments may be signs of the Metal element wreaking havoc. In Chinese medicine, the Lungs and the Large Intestine are associated with the Metal element. These organs, along with the skin (also Metal), are organs of elimination – letting go, release. Consequently, many lung and skin issues, constipation and more may be addressed through treatment on Metal.

On the emotional level, the Metal phase corresponds with grief and sadness. Long-standing, unresolved grief often results in physical problems in the chest, with either the lungs or heart being afflicted. (The Heart is also affected by sadness in Chinese medicine theory.) Asthma, emphysema, angina, and heart attacks may all be long-term results of unresolved grief. In Five Element theory, no one element stands alone. In the ever-changing cycles of life, one element gives rise to the next, and elements can affect each other in different ways. This Five Element mapping system serves not only as a basis for medicinal treatments, but also as an elegant metaphor for living within the cycles of nature.

Kundalini Yoga Classes

Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Denman Island

250-597-8849 kundalinicowichan@shaw.ca or

http://kundalinicowichan.shawwebspace.ca

The Practicality of Spirituality

Many people think that spirituality is frivolous and mostly about entertaining phantasies; however, spirituality must first of all, be practical.

For example, clients often come to me with livelihood concerns: they are not happy with their level of prosperity, they are not happy with their present work, they are looking for something more or something less or something else. The first thing I ask is what are the facts? What are you good at? What do you enjoy? I listen for honesty, enjoyment, and confidence in their voice.

Also, I am aware of the Hungry Ghosts that may come up with these questions. By Hungry Ghosts, I mean those unresolved, unconscious aspects of our beings that have great power and can take control of our lives, often without our realization. These Hungry Ghosts can be one, or a combination, of our own past experiences, family history, or ancestral memories.

For example, a woman may have had some uncomfortable experiences with education when she was a child. So, as an adult, when it would most effective for her to take more training in a field of interest, she makes excuses. She may rationalize, “It’s not really what I want to do”, or “I’m too old for that.” With spiritual counselling, she finds that she can resolve those experiences; then, she is free to choose in the present rather than being imprisoned by experiences from the past.

Or a client may describe some form of magical thinking, such as “I can create the world any way I want”, or “All I have to do is ask the universe with enough intent and it will be given to me.” That is childish nonsense. Being practical in the world is being spiritual. Being in body, in this time and place is our soul’s journey.

You can not create the world from nothing! First, you must take care of the basics of life, livelihood, prosperity, care, and maintenance of the physical. That is the first spiritual assignment of any person.

Spirituality is simply observing, intimately, what is in front of you, in the moment. Only in that congruity is there magic.

Try This:

1) Take the problem you are working on at present. What are the facts? What do I need from this situation?

2) Ask yourself what steps you must take to create what you need.

3) Observe your own resistances and phantasies about the issue. These are aspects that are keeping the problem unsolved.

4) Make a simple plan that can be applied today and for each day for the rest of the month. Observe carefully what opportunities arise from the world in harmony with your intentions.

5) Be grateful and always give back in some way. This completes the prosperity circuit.

Detoxify, Rebalance and Energize

In today’s fast-paced society, it is easy to forget to take care of our health. We start out with vibrant health, not thinking what unhealthy feels or looks like. However, as we age small problems can become more serious. Even if we are eating organic foods, exercising, drinking good water, breathing clean air, we can still suffer from toxic build up in the body over time. Toxins are chemicals that cause harm to the body’s cells, organs, and everyday functions. There are two main groups of toxins: Exotoxins and Endotoxins. Exotoxins come from outside sources and are inhaled or ingested, such as polluted air, water, cigarette smoke, alcohol, medications, food additives, and household chemicals. Endotoxins are created internally by the body. Undigested food can putrefy, creating toxins that damage cells, tissues, and organs in the body. Indications that the body may need detoxification are headaches, low energy, joint pain, respiratory problems, back pain, allergy symptoms, insomnia, mood changes, constipation, hemorrhoids, sinus congestion, acne and food allergies. Ignoring these early warning signs, conditions such as arthritis, ulcers, and psoriasis can occur and lead to other more serious diseases. Regardless of your current state of health, it’s never too late to start to cleanse, detoxify, and bring your body back into balance. Removing the toxins and keeping your pH levels balanced through green drinks, fresh foods, water, and exercise will make you feel better and you will have more energy. Systems such as the Detoxifying Foot Spa you see in the image can speed the process and assist in removing heavy metals, toxins, or acids from your body.

“I recently experienced a detoxifying foot spa and by the end of the session, the water had turned golden orange indicating that my body was too acidic. Afterwards, I had more energy, looked better, felt better and knew I had done something really good for my body.”

Diana Pink, Cobble Hill

It’s never too late to reclaim your body and health. Enjoy life and feel good!

Debbie Shuratoff - Reiki Master-Teacher, Foot Spa Detox

Practitioner, Natural Health

Consultant. www.reikiwellness.ca

Amy Hanson is a local health practitioner and workshop facilitator.

On November 27, she opens her clinic to free ARC Bodywork sessions. “I am very honoured to be hosting this event,” says Amy. “There are some amazing practitioners gathering to offer a day of healing to the people in the Cowichan Valley. All of us are passionate about sharing our work as it has created profound and lasting change in our own lives and for the clients we assist.” The uniqueness of ARC Bodywork is two-fold. First of all, it has effective techniques for specific physical conditions. A person going through menopause, for example, can receive an endocrine balance to help alleviate mood swings and hot flashes, or those feeling stressed and depleted can receive a treatment that balances and replenishes. Secondly, and the most valuable part of ARC, is when the client chooses a gentle form of dialogue called BodySpeak™. This is an organic process that deepens a client’s understanding of the challenges he or she is facing. The practitioner asks questions that allow for contemplation and expression, often relieving chronic pain or illuminating behaviours that no longer serve us in healthy ways. The result inspires new choices and strengthens the client’s ability to quickly move through their challenges. “Being an ARC practitioner,” Amy says, “is the perfect complement to this community. My work inspires people to become more in tune with their body, and the Cowichan Valley provides the ideal setting — a haven for those seeking a lifestyle that promotes healing.”

ARC

Community Service Day

Amy Hanson facilitates workshops, presentations and individual sessions for those seeking greater awareness and well-being in life. amy.hanson99@gmail.com

For more information:

www.thearcinstitute.com

1-800. 719.4271

Helpful Garden

Colour me happy!

Ah, November…dark, dreary, perhaps frozen and snowy. Winter blues and blahs. There are, however, some plants we can add to our gardens now to brighten our days and lift spirits all season.

Not much blooms in winter, but you can get lots of mileage out of pansies and ornamental kale. Pansies come in many colours and are inexpensive when bought in 6 packs. Buy the whole flat and plant densely. Kale comes in 4 or 5 different forms these days. Also, silver foliaged Dusty Miller and ornamental grasses mix well with pansies and kale in planters and garden beds.

Look for colourful berry choices, like kinikinik, cotoneaster, and wintergreen to add texture to these arrangements. Local garden centers all sell these plants now through December.

In the garden, there are several standouts for winter blooms. Camellia Japonica (available in many colors and flower forms) blooms from now through March, depending on the variety. Witch Hazel is invaluable for its delicate flowers and distinct crisp fragrance; it is available in shades of red, yellow, and orange.

The tiny white blossoms of Sarcococca (Sweet Box) will fill the air with an exotic smell for weeks during the darkest days of winter, and winter blooming Clematis also enrich the air with its sweet scent, if given a protected southern exposure against the house.

My favourite winter showoff is known for its berries. The deciduous Callicarpa (Beautyberry) blooms in late summer. By winter, its leaves have fallen and dense clusters of lustrous, pearly purple berries line the bare branches. Truly special and is great for cutting.

Lastly, plant masses of winter blooming hellebores. Mix these with evergreen ferns and early bulbs like crocus, muscari, and galanthus (snow drops) for spectacular effect.

The other option is simply to decorate for Christmas early and leave it up until spring. Neighbours may talk behind their hands about it but whom will still be feeling merry come February? Ho ho ho, I survived the snow!

mountain air

Chantal Steadman

There are iron docks on lakes of gold

far from the true heart of the wilderness

Our recreation

Our love to dabble in creation

Mountain air enchants me

whispering soft lullabies in my ear

of golden, green and fragrant breezes

awash with distant memory

Where I am barefoot

on the earth’s soft clay

I take

these gentle steps of acceptance

while this solace of heat wave and crickets

surrounds me in the heart of summer

There is a symphony of love

that plays in harmony

to the rising and falling of the seasons

and waits for response in delicate submissions

a blooming bud

a fallen leaf cracked in surrender

a first snowfall

I am captured in a timeless beauty

of centuries

This

is what a dream feels like

when arms are open and spirit takes flight

above the glistening bodies of water

between heaven and earth

Writers’ Voice

Submissions may be sent to Writers.Voice@shaw.ca

Special thanks to Bucknucks Books for their generous

sponsorship of Writers’ Voice.

wv

Moon in a dewdrop

Mountains, rivers passing through

In silence, watching

(after Dogen)

WV Editor: John Steven

Meet Daryl Britt, farm store farmer

We are pleased, in this issue of the Valley Voice, to introduce you to our farm store “beef” producer, Daryl Britt. Daryl has been providing the Community Farm Store with amazing ground beef for the last three years. His beef is raised organically, ethically and sustainably using common sense practices that are in accordance with the well being of the animal. Daryl’s approach to beef farming employs long lost principals that are not influenced and swayed by the need for economic gain. A grain fattened, speed grown cow might be the best thing for the wallet come market time but for the animal itself and the person dining on the animal, a lean cow, organically fed and raised naturally, is truly best. We shudder to think that there is beef and other forms of “meat” on the market that has been raised on feedlots rather than fields and fed genetically modified grains rather than grass grown without artificial fertilizers or chemicals. Animals who have never been given a name, watched a sunrise, wandered a big field, or kissed on its head. It is with awe and reverence that we witness farmers like Daryl who dare to do things that are in keeping with humanitarian principals.

For those who are not vegetarian and would like to consume ethically and organically raised meat, you can find it at the community farm store. We carry a modest selection of organically raised meats, sausages, fish and chicken. We can also lead you to other farmers like Terra Nossa Farm here in the valley who are raising chickens, turkeys and pigs in accordance with the principals we all know to be best. We also recommend you check out Duncan Butcher Shop here in town. The owner is a believer in organic meat and whenever possible, offers organic alternatives.

A slight adjustment to our personal willingness to become responsible, conscious consumers will help “steer” the planet in the right direction. Together we can change the world, one meal at a time!”

SPEAKING OF ANIMALS: Our own local amazing “animal whisperer” Alexa Linton is back at the store working Wednesdays from noon till five. If you would like to be treated to some good advice regarding the health and well being of your beloved pets (dogs, cats, horses and more) be sure to drop by on a Wednesday and have a little visit with Alexa. PS: In case you didn’t know, we now have an excellent selection of foods, supplements and snacks to keep your pet in optimal health.

Daryl Britt and his wife Patricia have a small farm in the Cassidy area. They have lived on their land for over 30 years. They raise cows, some of which end up sold to local people as premium hamburger, and they also grow crops such as raspberries, corn and tomatoes. Daryl bought his first cow in 1971, when he still worked at a full time job. Every day he rushed home to make sure his cow had fresh grass to eat and was well looked after. Now in 2010, Daryl and Patricia have been retired from their “full-time” jobs for some years, and their herd has grown to include 42 cows and bulls. The farm is now a full-time job and more!

Daryl’s farming method is to allow the cows to live in a way that is as close to how they would live in the wild as possible. They live in the field in the summer and in the forest in the winter, and have never been in a barn in their lives. HE doesnt use any pesticides or chemicals on his land and no fertilizers other than what comes naturally- lots and lots of cow manure and fallen leaves! He doesnt give his cows antibiotics or medicines, and in all the years since 1971 he has only called in a vet once! Because the herd is fed grass and hayledge and because there is room for them to run and play, the meat from the cows is very lean, which is healthy for us to eat. Hayledge is hay that has been rolled into a big bale and wrapped in plastic to ferment abit, which makes it more nutritious. Daryl’s method also includes looking after the land. He has a small field, yet it produces enough grass for the herd to eat for three months. He never drives heavy equipment on the field and he breeds his cows to be smaller so they don’t dig the field up with their hooves. In the winter the cows live in the forested area, and Daryl feeds them hayledge. He feeds the cows 2-3 times a day which takes a total of 3-4 hours every day no matter the weather.

Looking after the farm is a huge amount of work, but it is also a healthy living. Like his cows, Daryl hasn’t had to see a doctor in many, many years!

Krista Seggie has lived across from Daryl’s property and has known Patricia and Daryl her whole llfe “My grandfather bought it around 1950, and gave a piece to my Dad to raise his family, and my Dad gave me a piece of his so that I would stay close. I am very passionate about growing and preserving my own food, I have had a garden of my own since I was about 11 years old. I encourage everyone I know to buy local food, and help spread the word about local growers through my community (South Wellington/Cassidy) and my kids’ school (South Wellington Elementary).”

Images of Daryl Britt, his cows and horses courtesy Lynn Thompson.

Britt

Farms

GOOD DEALS AT THE FARM STORE!

(while quantities last)

• Santa Cruz Organic Apple Juice 2.84 L. $7.99

• Annies Pasta and Cheese, all varieties,

on sale by the case. Check out the deals!

• New Chapter Whole Mega 120 softgels, only $19.99

• Purica Immune 7X, 120 capsuls only $34.99

Lots more in store specials, check out the deals!

November Horoscopes

Georgia Nicols M.A. is Canada’s most popular astrologer. A Buddhist, this Vancouver-based astrologer is featured in regional papers across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

www.georgianicols.com

Aries (March 21-April 19)

The intensity and collected focus that affects everyone feels this month will be double for your sign! “Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!” You will feel intense about everything -- including sex. You will also be passionately involved in discussions about shared property, inheritances, taxes, debt and insurance matters. But in the bigger picture, you’ll have a strong desire to improve yourself. You want to become a better person. You want to become the best you can be, no matter how old you are, or where you live, or what you do.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

It’s unusual to have a bunch of planets opposite your sign. This opposition draws your focus to partnerships and close friendships. Basically two things are taking place: (1) You’ll need more sleep than usual in the next month because you feel easily exhausted (that’s because the Sun is as far away from you as it gets all year, and the Sun is your source of energy). (2) Co-operate with others! Form working units. All kinds of partnerships can help you. Experts can help you get a better grasp on your relationships. Be receptive to others because their feedback will benefit you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re on a get-organized kick! You want things to run more smoothly at home and at work. In fact, you will enjoy trying your hardest to make this happen in your life because, after all, who benefits more than you? Start by giving yourself the best possible chance to do this. Get cleaning supplies, tools, paint, shelving, file folders or whatever it is you need to do a great job. After all, since you’re motivated to do this in the next month, why not get the best results? Romance with someone at work will begin for some of you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Time to par-tay! The next month is all about love affairs, romance, parties, vacations, movies, sports, the theatre, and any fun diversion. “Vegas!” Make sure you set aside time to socialize with others. If you’re romantically interested in someone, go ahead and make the first move. If you’re already in a partnership, do something romantic to rejuvenate the relationship. Chocolates, pistachio nuts, flowers – whatever. Show your main squeeze that you’re thinking about them and you care. Sports events will be hot! The bottom line is this: This month is all about being yourself.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This month you’re more involved with family. Visits with relatives are par for the course. Naturally, this creates increased activity at home. Some of this chaos is due to decorating and renovating, while some of this bustle is due to family businesses as well as family get-togethers. Not only is this an ideal time to exchange ideas, it’s a good time to discuss home repairs. And yes, conflict will arise as well. Bummer. (George Burns was right: “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.”)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Time to get busy! Short trips, reading, writing and studying, increased time with siblings and relatives, plus running mucho errands and, all the while, talking to everyone keeps you on the run for the next month. Your daily pace is accelerating! Just accept this. Don’t fight it. Get your rest. There is an upside to all this activity. For starters, you are confident and unusually assertive. In addition, it’s awfully sweet to discover how much beauty, and indeed love, there is in your daily world. People really care for you!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You’re thinking more about money, cash flow, earnings, future savings and security plus your possessions, including major expenditures and future purchases. Wise Librans are setting intentions about attracting wealth and attracting money. (“Bring it on!”) I think this is an excellent idea because our beliefs about things affect how they manifest in our life. And anyhow, at this stage in your life, you’re setting off on a whole new journey of reinventing yourself! So, why not raise the bar with your financial expectations?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Well, it’s all about you, dear Scorpio. Because the Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in your sign, this is an unusually powerful time for you! Furthermore, a celestial fluke puts Venus in your sign (with the exception of a few weeks) until January next year. Major bonus! This is a wonderful time to contemplate and evaluate what really matters to you. You will arrive at a keener appreciation of your value system, and not only what things are important to you but also what people are important to you as well

Sagittarius(Nov.22-Dec.21)

Different influences are occurring right now that trigger self-introspection, spiritual exploration, and an appreciation of your own solitude, especially outdoors. Essentially, you’re looking for some inner truth. Things at home and where you live are pretty good. It’s true, you’re doing a bit of a balancing act between the demands of others and your own time. But what you really need is a chance to pursue self-discovery. Ironically, for some of you this will attract a secret love affair.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Friends, as well as groups, clubs and organizations plus sports and athletic get-togethers all want a piece of you. In one way, this is flattering. But it’s also exhausting. You don’t like to be hounded. The upside is that a friend could become a lover. Tension with someone is also likely. (Bummer.) This influence will last for at least six weeks, but your romantic influence will last until January of next year! This is a good time to think about your hopes and dreams for the future. Share these ideas with others to get their feedback.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This concentration of planets in Scorpio is a bit at odds with your sign. The result is you are easily annoyed with others and a bit quick to dig in your heels. If you’re aware of this, it won’t consume you. In fact, the same energy that makes you impatient with others can also rev your engines and make you feverishly attack anything you want to achieve. Make it work for you instead of against you. In other words, use it to help yourself. Romance with a boss or someone older, richer, or more worldly is also likely.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You so want to get out of town. If you can travel anywhere this month, by all means do so! This same desire to expand your world applies to your need to get a better education and learn something new. You want an adventure! Sign up for a course. Go back to school. Talk to people from different backgrounds and other countries. Do whatever you can to broaden your experience of the world. Romance with someone from another culture is likely.. Relax -- some thrills and chills are sure to come your way in the month ahead.

Another view of Paradise

Everything is Bigger Here

When the only vacation spot you’ve ever known is Vancouver Island, you begin to view it as Mecca. As we grew up we came to realize that the world was full of beautiful places, but that never diminished what a truly amazing place that Vancouver Island really is.

The first thing you really notice upon arrival is that everything here is larger than where we came from. You’ve all heard about how big the trees, the fish, and the ocean are, but have you ever noticed the size of island spiders? They are MONSTERS. The first one I witnessed was the size of my daughter’s hand as it was crawling across my pillow! Not a good first impression. It only occurred to me why they have to be so big, when I saw the insects that needed to be caught by the spiders.

I had always thought wasps with big legs and abdomen hanging down were just an affectation for movies to make them look more formidable, but I see now where they exist. Of course being the ‘man of the house’ I am nominated to kill all insects, though never minding the job before, it had never occurred to me that the little critters could freak me out the same way they do the kids.

Back on the prairies we had trouble with slugs eating zucchini in the garden in wet years. Slugs are supposed to be the size of a thumbnail, not a thumb (some even bigger) I had visions of not being able to tell the zucchini’s from the slugs if we didn’t take steps, so we are now the proud owners of a little squad of ducks who love eating the gooey morsels. But once we had the ducks, we got to see just how large the eagles were. Suddenly our yard was a frequent haunt of the giant raptors as they swooped in to try and pick them off.

The other day while playing with kittens inside the house, my daughter suddenly shrieks while pointing out the window “otters!” she yells. I smile expecting to see cute little cat sized things we have in Alberta. My jaw hits the ground as I watch two otters the size of dogs jump our fence and start galumping into our yard at speed. I quickly get over my shock as they charge for our poultry. I run out the door yelling and waving my arms and off they went back to the way they had come. The size of everything here makes me feel about three apples high. This is good for keeping perspective on just how small a role I play in the big picture. Maybe that’s why people feel so easy going out here.

Paganism considers the energy of the Full Moon for releasing the unwanted and for protection; the New Moon energy is for personal growth, healing and blessing of the new. The Waxing Moon (between new and full) energy is about attraction and the Waning (between full and new) is rejection, of that which we no longer desire.

November’s Full Moon is known as the Snow Moon (English Medieval), the expected time of year when the first winter snow falls in most parts. Beaver Moon (Colonial American) is time to set beaver traps prior to the waters freezing to supply warm furs for winter. Dark Moon (Celtic) marks the beginning of Winter and Celtic New Year, known as the dark half of the year. Mourning Moon (Neo Pagan) also marks a New Year, and also a time to say farewell (mourn) the old and welcome the new. During Trading Moon (American Cherokee), trading and bartering is prevalent among tribes and towns at this time for goods and produce in preparation for winter.

November 21st is a Gemini Full Moon with a go-with-the-flow flavour. Time to expand your experiences, get outside that box and be open in general. You may find yourself meeting new people, sharing or shifting ideas and changing circumstances while making some emotional leaps during this moon phase. With this in mind, be sure to use the airy energy of Gemini to also notice and appreciate humor in life. Sometimes a simple smile can make changes feel better!

Moon Powers

Cameron and Teresa Bucknum live in a little house in the woods with their four children.Raised in the Prairies they are now living their dream of living in the Cowichan Valley.

As a family they run Bucknucks Books.

A report released by researcher Ben Parfitt points out that neither the National Energy Board nor Environment Canada have adequately considered the implications of shale gas drilling including impacts on water quantity and quality.

A process called “hydraulic fracking” creates cracks in rocks to allow shale gas to escape using a combination of water, sand and chemicals.

Mr. Parfitt is concerned shale gas extraction will consume immense quantities of water while contaminating existing supplies.

While one project may not have much impact, multiple projects could damage an aquifer for all time.

New Democrats don’t think the risks of unconventional oil and are worth damaging water supplies for our rural – and sometimes urban - communities.

In May, an NDP motion calling for a review of federal policies and regulations on oil sands, offshore drilling and shale gas was passed unanimously by the House of Commons.

That hasn’t stopped the government from greenlighting big oil and gas projects with no regard for the environmental and health consequences.

Some oil and gas companies are dreaming up newer and riskier schemes to get at oil and gas resources and it is up to the House of Commons to ensure that the process is safe.

Crowder’s
Corner

Templates can be used for many different purposes. One definition for a template is “anything that determines or serves as a pattern or mold.” It is a great idea to start thinking about what the template you could use for your house.

What is it you need in your life that you would like your house to reflect: organization, creativity, love, abundance, peace, passion, fun, happiness? A good idea is to first walk into each room and ask yourself, “If this room was a metaphor for my life what would it be saying?” From there, you can determine quite quickly the template of your home. Remember in Instinctive Feng Shui, the workings of your home are a metaphor for your life.

Now that you have a good feeling of what pattern or mold your home offers, you can enhance your space to best fit your needs. Have fun with it!

Here are some metaphors commonly used:

• Plumbing and overflowing pipes or toilets can represent an over flow of emotions

• Problems with doors can mean joint pain and arthritis

• Leaky taps are a constant drain on emotions, draining money

• Cluttered entryways can symbolize headaches and problems breathing, perhaps confusion

• Electrical issues represent the energy in your home and overloaded circuits might mean you have to slow down

• Floors can represent foundations in life

• Walls can represent structure

• Windows can represent clarity in your life

Feng Shui-ing Through Life

Jingui Golden Shield

Qi Gong

Cowichan Bay -

Every Thursday 7pm

Salt Spring Island -

Every Sunday 11:30am

For info: 250-597-3799

www.jingui-bc.com

Reawaken to a more resilient, vital, and integrated human experience through Jingui Golden Shield Qi Gong. This traditional Chinese energy cultivation system helps to develop higher human potential and significantly increase health and longevity. Jingui Qi Gong integrates the body, mind, and energy through the careful application of physical practice, meditation, and herbs. The origin of Jingui Qi Gong can be traced back hundreds of years to temples located on Emei Mountain in western China. It has been designed and refined for countless generations as a method for awakening the vast reserves of potential that lie waiting within each of us. It is not until this generation that this ancient tradition has been made available to the general public outside the temple walls. Weekly classes in this rare, temple-style method are offered in Cowichan Bay and on Salt Spring Island.

The Rosette Guitar Duo

November 6

8pm $15/ $20 Advance

Duncan Garage Showroom

For more information contact

www.duncangarageshowroom.ca

“…telepathic interplay and graceful musical finesse…”

-Guitar Nine Webzine

Since 2001 the two members of the RosetteGuitar Duo (or RGD as their fans call them) have collaborated in creating a new and

innovative music that at once pushes the boundaries of what is commonplace and embraces the familiar. Since its inception, the RGD has performed hundreds of shows across Canada and its members have refined their approach to realizing music of

substance and integrity through four recordings of original compositions. Both members

are classically trained concert guitarists in their own right and bring this level of attention

to detail, passion, and skill to the Duo’s music. This devotion to the performance aspect

of music combined with each members varied musical experience and wide range of

influences creates a rich palette of sounds that resists catagorisation and truly sets theRGD in a league of its own.

The Rosette Guitar Duo crafts music that invokes the spirit of meditation in all of its forms - relaxation, contemplation, rejuvination,and joy shimmer through the delicate tones, rich harmonies and intricately woven melodies that the Duo masterfully perform.

Voices Choices

Sip Sample Shop and Spa

November 20th 12-4pm

Merridale Ciderworks

1230 Merridale Road

Cobble Hill 250-743-4293

Tickets $15 - All proceeds go to the United Way

Merridale Ciderworks hosts the 2nd annual fundraiser for the United Way. Last year over 200 guests poured through the doors to sample their way around the room while shopping for the festive season from a selection of drinks, culinary treats, and artisanal giftware. All ticket proceeds go to the Cowichan Valley food bank. Sipping and Sampling – A fine selection of local food and beverages will be sampling Each beverage offered will be paired with local food. prepared by chef Dave from the Merridale Bisto. Little Qualicum Cheese will also be here with– raclette served on slices of merridale brick oven bread. Shopping and Spa-ing – Grab a basket to fill with local food, wine and table art. It’s a great way to find gifts for the ‘difficult to buy for’ people on your list. And to end the day in a truly pampering style, take the opportunity to relax in the cozy surroundings of the merridale orchard spa. Mini hand and back massages will be offered by the Merridale spa practitioners. Indulgence never felt so good!

Trial By Fire 5th Annual Christmas Show & Sale

November 27 & 28th

10am -5pm

Clements Centre

5856 Clements Street, off James Street, Duncan

Trial By Fire Pottery a micro-business here in the Cowichan Valley is hosting it’s 5th Annual Christmas Show and Sale. Hilary Huntley is a professional potter who is usually found at the Duncan Farmer’s Market and volunteers with a few groups around town. She has been potting since 1996 and quit my job to persue potting full time in 2006 with a move to the Island as the launching point for this adventure. The pottery for sale is entirely functional comprised of mugs, bowls and plates that are all for daily use and everything is microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. There will be baking dishes and bowls of al sizes from 1 inch across to 15inches across. Hilary chose the Clements Centre because of the good work that they do and the rental proceeds of the facillity stays in the valley and is used to to help others. Everyone is welcome to attend the show, admission is free and wheelchair accessible.

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Image courtesy Craig Lambie.

10028 Park Drive

Honeymoon Bay, BC 1.888.749.4252

honeymoonbayretreat.com

The inspiration and vision for Honeymoon Bay Lodge & Retreat began in 2004 with the purchase of what was formerly the Honeymoon Bay Elementary School. Tim and Karla Erickson, co-founders of Rosebud School of the Arts and Rosebud Theatre in Alberta, left Rosebud after 27 years to seek new direction and opportunities in life.

They needed the first few months to relax and gather their energy after so many years of developing and looking after the arts organization. They discovered many people (including themselves) do not realize how tired and spent they are until rest comes their way, or is forced upon them.

From these thoughts and revelations a desire was born to find a place where they could assist people in getting away from the demands of life and discover perspective, awareness, and renewal.

Tim Erickson was involved in the development of Chemainus Theatre with the Oswald Smith Foundation in the early 1990s; after discussing the idea of a retreat setting with Ken Smith in 2004, they formed a partnership to develop the Honeymoon Bay Lodge & Retreat. Operations began in 2008 with Oswald Smith Foundation as owner. The business operates as a not-for-profit society.

Today the focus is to provide an environment where wellness is promoted, creativity can be reborn, and passion and inspiration can be awakened. It is a place where groups host seminars, workshops, and creative sessions. There are wellness practitioners available, a wonderful chef who provides excellent cuisine in the dining room, and helpful staff ready to attend to people’s needs.

Hopefully, those who stay will leave pleasantly renewed and refreshed. Tim is often heard saying, ‘the miracle my wife and I were looking for has actually happened and we get to be a part of it every day”.

Photo Neil Fatin