Is it just me or does Christmas seem to come around much quicker these years?

A couple of weeks ago, when the reality hit me that the Christmas season was fast approaching, I had a momentary feeling of wanting to just skip it ALL this year…that overwhelming feeling many of us are familiar with…I have so much to do in so little time, with so little money.

Then I did a little reminiscing and thankfully the Christmas spirit came upon me once again.

For those of you who need a little encouragement I invite you to come and reminisce with me.  I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking.

Scenes from Christmas past spending time with family….

Come inside where it's warm - Win ©

Building chapels in the snow - Carrie ©

A morning of family cross country skiing - Carrie ©

Scenes along the way - Bench by a temporarily abandoned campfire - Carrie ©

10 acres of cross country trails to explore - Carrie ©

The sleigh ride - Driving Diamond and Silver - Carrie ©

6 month old St. Bernard - came along for the ride - Carrie ©

Antiques hidden in the snow - Carrie ©

I think - a manure spreader from days of yore - Carrie ©

A classic I'm sure - Carrie ©

Where are those sugar cubes? Carrie ©

Pencil Crayon by Carrie © - Rescued Percherons

It may be cold outside, but the fire of friendship is warm and inviting - Carrie ©

Christmas is about relationships and building memories that will carry you through the tough times – sure to come to everyone at some time or another.

Our homemade nativity scene - Carrie ©

This nativity scene the kids and I made when they were little. They’re all grown up now, but we still haul these little characters made from spools and cloth out every Christmas.

Our tradition – on Christmas eve our family tells and acts out the Christmas story of Jesus birth. We each take a part and the characters to go with that part.

The parts about Mary soon to deliver her first child,  and Joseph having to travel by donkey to Bethlehem for taxation. Caesar had ordered it and they must go… we tell of how there was no room in any inn because of this, but then they find the stable where they will be warm and safe. That night Jesus was born.

Then comes the part about the shepherds watching their sheep by night, and then the angel of the Lord showing up – suddenly in a brilliant flash of light, and how he tells them not to be afraid but to go and see the baby that was born, the son of God come to bring peace to all men – to save them from themselves and their own destructions…and the angel is joined by a host of angels singing and praising God. All of heaven is in a state of rejoicing.

We move to the Wise men and tell how they followed the star which led them many many miles, all the way to the stable where Jesus was born. They brought him most precious valuable gifts of Gold and Frankincense and Myrrh…

We light the final candle in the advent wreath…

And then… we open the gifts…

Christmas is complete once again. I sit silently in my comfy chair, alone now among the lights and the glow of the flickering candles, and I am thankful. My heart is calm and full of gratitude…for my family, my friends, and most of all my God who did the unthinkable – sent his only son Jesus to earth so that I, you, everyone, could have a relationship with Him. Now that is what it’s all about. And that is why I celebrate Christmas.

Major Chicken invites you to let YOUR voice be heard.

Watch ACORN get splattered here  (on YouTube)  http://bit.ly/wnnkL

Watch Obama get splattered here (on YouTube) http://bit.ly/3WrrGS

Major Chicken

NOTE: One of my husband’s productions. A fun and innovative way to express yourself in a safe and non-threatening way. Good for a few laughs. My part in this all…coming up with Major Chicken of course.

The tasty, nutritious asparagus falls under the category of super foods in my books.

Here’s what I learned about asparagus.

Asparagus is:

* Rich in proteins

* High in fibre low in carbohydrates and calories

* An excellent source of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and A as well as many other minerals and B vitamins.

* Calcium and magnesium are found in the idea ratio of 2:1.

* Good for your heart

* Good for your gastrointestinal tract and colon

* Good food to help with depression

* Considered a diuretic

* Has anti-inflammatory effects

* Helps detoxify the body

* Good for nursing mothers – stimulates milk production

* Has anti-fungal and antiviral qualities

* Helps prevent bladder and urinary track infections

* Great for your capillaries – helps with preventing bruising and varicose veins

* Suppose to help stop hair loss

Almost too good to be true? That is an impressive list. And that’s not all I found. I left plenty of the supposed health benefits out – because it did sound just a bit too good to be true and would require that I spend a lot more time researching.

Having said that, I think we’ve got the picture.

How to best prepare asparagus. Lightly steamed is the most nutritious. This only takes a few minutes so don’t walk away from the stove. Use glass or stainless steel pots. When done, the stems should be a bright green color and still have a crispness to them. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt or Mrs. Dash and serve with a meal – or eat it all by itself as a snack.

Asparagus is a member of the lily family. Other vegetables in the lily family include leek, onions, and garlic.

I think you would agree that Asparagus is an excellent food to incorporate into your diet on a regular basis. Sometimes people avoid eating asparagus because of the smell excreted in the urine subsequent to ingestion. An amino acid called asparagine found in abundance in asparagus, is the reason behind this. Asparagine helps the body to cleanse itself of waste material.

A couple of good resources:

http://bit.ly/m2Bhv

http://bit.ly/2VrK7x

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation.

This is the time for berry picking in British Columbia. Our personal favorite berries are Cherries, Blueberries, and Raspberries.

This year was an exceptional season for  berries. In no time we filled our buckets to the brim with the berries – picking has never been such a pleasure.

This year topped it off with an abundance of cherries from just one tree, unlike any other year I can remember.

Eatin' and Pickin' them sweet cherries

What are some of the health benefits that these berries provide?

Blueberries…

…contain antioxidants that are thought to help our bodies fight free radicals.  They also contain vitamins and a significant amount of  fiber.

Studies on rats have found that blueberries slowed age-related loss in their mental capacity. The studies also showed blueberries to improved learning and memory.

Japanese researchers demonstrated the usefulness of blueberries in improving weak eyesight and lessening eye fatigue.

Cherries…

…are an effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain. Not to mention they are delicious to eat. Eating just a few cherries a day helps to the body to deal with uric acid levels, keeping them in check. Cherry juice is just as effective. (Note my previous blog on cherries -  What do Exercise and Black Cherries have in common?)

Raspberries…

…are a good source of antioxidants and may even have 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes or broccoli. Raspberries contain some very specific antioxidants that are found in few other sources.

So enjoy those rich nutrient filled, tasty berries while you can.  You can always freeze some for those harsh winter months. We’ve got plenty in our freezer to hold us until spring.

You can find more information on these berries at:

http://www.naturalnews.com/blueberries.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/019978.html

http://bit.ly/37sl6m

Crabapples anyone? No, they are not a berry but since they are one of my husband’s favorite fruits, I’ll mention them. They are a good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C -  good for jellies and Jams, and for those who like a tart treat, they’re all yours.

Crabapples from our very own tree

Hi everyone

I’m enjoying some holiday time while the sun shines.

I’ll be back.
A few snapshots of my garden before I run off to Mill Lake park to do some sketching with a friend.

Daisies growing in my garden - Carrie ©

My Stargazer Lilies and Coreopsis - Carrie ©

Purple Voluneers - Carrie ©

Does anybody know the name of these volunteers?

Herbs and Lettuce - Carrie ©

Fountain and Fish Pond - Carrie ©

Someone stole the fish!!! We think it might be a Kingfisher.

Chuzzle’s Incredible Journey is written for ages pre-school to Grade Two. A Mother and daughter effort – written by Minde Wachsmann, illustrated  by Carrie Wachsmann (myself).

Chuzzle, a young adventurous porcupine with many endearing qualities, embarks on a journey to find his dear friend Whuzzle. Chuzzle and Whuzzle used to play together everyday when they were neighbors.

Then Whuzzles and her family moved far away, past the Little Stream, through the Deep Forest, beyond the Green Blue Pond, and up the Giant Big Hill.

Chuzzle missed her very much. One day he decided he was now old enough to venture out on his own. Saying goodbye to his parents, Chuzzle packed his lunch and bravely embarked on his incredible journey to find his friend Whuzzle.

You can read the complete story at:

http://bit.ly/BxBbk

My daughter  and I have cooperated in writing and illustrating several short stories.

Illustrating this story was exceptional fun. I got another opportunity to use my  Wacom Tablet – a Christmas gift from my husband. Thank you dear.

Minde created the visuals for the characters – then I developed her  concepts into the images used in the story book.

Chuzzle leaves home – Carrie  ©

I sketched, then pencil crayoned the sketches. I scanned the sketches and detailed them using Photoshop and Wacom Tablet. Using my digital Nikon camera, I took photographs and used them to create backgrounds.

I’ve been studying some tutorials on http://deviantart.com which I’m finding very fascinating as well as helpful.

Here’s the photo I took of a burned out tree stump. I used it to develop the night scene in the forest.

I’ve learned to always have my camera ready cause I never know what treasures I’m going to find. (my moto: treasures are hidden in simple things)

Burned out tree stump - Carrie ©

Chuzzles arrives at his destination after his incredible journey - Carrie ©

You can read Chuzzle Incredible Journey at:

http://bit.ly/BxBbk

Available in Ebook form.

Posted in Nuggets and Blue Jeans, Photography, Story Telling, The Children's Story, Treasures are Found in Simple Things Tagged: art, artwork, Book Illustrations, Children's book illustrations, Children's fiction, Children's story, Digital artwork, Digital camera, Drawing, Illustrations, Nikon camera, pencil crayon, Photography, photos, sketches, Story Telling ]]> http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/a-childrens-story-chuzzles-incredible-journey/feed/ 0 nuggetsofgold Chuzzle cover blog Chuzzles leaves home Chuzzle leaves home Chuzzles Hollow Tree chuzzles-hollow-tree-night-time http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/xangos-mangosteen-juice-drink-to-your-health/ http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/xangos-mangosteen-juice-drink-to-your-health/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:35:01 +0000 nuggetsofgold http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/?p=943 ]]>

Recently I got very interested in Xango’s Mangosteen Juice because of something that happened to a close family member.

This individual has suffered for his entire adult life with severe asthma attacks and related infections. These were particularly bad during the cold winter months. Some of these infections led to a miserable stay in the hospital.

After a couple of years of being encouraged by his spouse to try Xango Juice, this individual gave in and committed to regularly taking 1 0z per day.

Rightfully so, he was pretty skeptical that a “juice” could be the answer to his health problem.

This past winter for the first time, he did not have a single asthma attack!!

He also did not have a single infection.

Now, I was impressed!

I’ve had heard about Xango Juice, but I too was a skeptic – so – I missed out - until now.

Now I’m so impressed I’ve now got our whole family drinking Xango Juice.

Has it improved my personal health? Yes. I believe so. Specifics to follow.

Of course I did my own research.

What’s so impressive about XanGo® Juice?

XanGo® Juice uses the WHOLE mangosteen fruit.

As early as 600 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia recorded the use of the mangosteen as a general remedy and healing agent.

The mangosteen rind was sliced and dried, then ground to a powder and administered as an herbal preparation.

The mangosteen rind was steeped in water overnight and taken as a tea.

The mangosteen rind was made into an ointment and applied externally as a lotion.

It was through these popular uses that the benefits of mangosteen were passed down through history and several scientists and explorers took note.

When Europeans explored Southeast Asia, folklore related to the mangosteen first spread to Western culture.

Mangosteen fruit is known throughout the world as The Queen of Fruits.

“There is a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward to anyone who could deliver to her the fabled fruit.” (Wikipedia)

One of the things I learned was that  XanGo® uses every bit of the fruit.

Remember what your Mom said about the best part of the apple and the potato and the carrot being in the peel?

The best part of the mangosteen is found in the peel.

The peel of the mangosteen is called the Pericarp.

This is where most of that good stuff is found.

That good stuff is called Xanthones.

What are these Xanthones?

In Short… Antioxidants.

Antioxidants protect the body from the deteriorating effects of free radicals.

In Long…. ” xanthones are a unique class of biologically active compounds that possess a number of bioactive capabilities—such as antioxidant properties.

Over 200 xanthones are currently known to exist in nature, and approximately 48 to date have been found in the whole mangosteen fruit.

My research tells me that:

Xanthones may help:

• maintain intestinal health
• support the immune system
• neutralize free radicals
• support cartilage and joint function
• promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system

More on Xanthone research found here:

http://www.thewholefruit.com/research.php

Are you curious?

Want more information about XanGo® Juice?

Contact me at:

carrie@wachsmannstudios.com

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation.

Summer has definitely  arrived. This past week we’ve enjoyed 30-35 degree weather. (85 – 95 degrees F) I say it’s too hot to be serious about working. Sitting in my little office with merely my fan for air conditioning, I’m thinking of everything but computer stuff.

Some of you may be having images  of a nice cold beer right about now.

Actually, I’m still thinking about last weekend and our weekend retreat at beautiful Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre.

Ferns in the woods - Carrie ©

The forest was  filled with inspiring images.

No, I’m not talking about me… I just happen to be in the picture… surrounded by inspiration.

Where oh where will it lead? Carrie ©

An Amphitheater! Do I hear Shakespeare? - Carrie ©

Nothing like a little suspense-sion to test your fitness Carrie ©

Me Jane, you Tarzan? A swinging ladder is not as easy to climb as I make it appear - Carrie ©

Steps that lead down, down, down to the river - Carrie ©

It’s days like these that remind me why I love British Columbia.

Tuck shop in the centre of Stillwood Camp - Carrie ©

Conference Centre - Carrie ©

The multi-purpose gym and meeting room. The silo houses a rock climbing wall. Carrie ©

A fine dinning hall & a lot of fine dinning here - Carrie ©

OOPS… I forgot to get a picture of the pool.

Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre  is located in Cultus Lake, British Columbia. You can visit it online at: http://www.stillwood.ca

My husband and I spent last week in Washington DC. This was our first visit to the District of Columbia and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The reason for our trip – our TV pilot “Military Miracles”, was one of 48 documentary and feature films screened at the Third Annual GI Film Festival.

Taken while filming Military Miracles at Camp Pendleton - Carrie ©

You can view Military Miracles trailer here: http://bit.ly/GvG1X

The GI Film Festival was held at the Carnegie Institution of Washington.

Carnegie Institution of Washington - image taken from http://www.gifilmfestival.com/location

http://gifilmfestival.com

The GI Film Festival is a celebration of the

American Armed Forces.

Here,  visual artists have the opportunity to tell the heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories of  the American warrior.

Our experience began with a Red Carpet private screening of the MGM/UA major motion picture Valkyrie, staring Tom Cruise – the beginning of 4 days and evenings of fascinating and captivating story-telling.

Information about the film Valkyrie - read here:

http://bit.ly/14mED2

The Red Carpet Receptions provided great food and great networking opportunities.

The Red Carpet takes us into the Carnegie Institution Rotunda ©

Guests of honor included Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospitals.

Hollywood insiders presented a workshop on tips and strategies for success in the film industry.

I even got to rub shoulders with actor Steven Baldwin. Here’s proof.

Steven Baldwin is promoting his soon to come movie called “Now More Than Ever”.

Check out the “Now More Than Ever” teaser here:

http://www.NowMoreThanEverMovie.com

Baldwin’s movie is about our American Troops  in Iraq, their stories and their need for our support.

Sunday we took the opportunity to tour DC for several hours.

The White House - Carrie ©

National Museum Marine Corps. - Carrie ©

One of many scenes in the National Museum Marine Corps - Carrie ©

Arlington National Cemetery - Carrie ©

Street scene 1 - Carrie ©

Street scene 2 - Carrie ©

Our Hyatt Garden - Carrie ©

The event culminated in an Awards Night. Then back to the hotel for a quick 3 hours of sleep, and off to the airport to catch the plane home.

I have had a beautiful purple flowering Lavender plant growing in my little garden. To my chagrin – the harsh winter killed most of it and I am left with but a small, although healthy looking shoot. I am nurturing it in hopes that it will have a speedy come back.

Here’s why.

Lavender is not only pleasant to look at, it is soothing to the soul and healing to the body.

Let me tell you the ways I love Lavender.

Lavender and Roses Carrie ©

I love Lavender for:

1.    Its sweet aroma.

I use it as a natural perfume.
One drop of Lavender oil behind the ear is all it takes.

I use it as an air freshener.

A few drops of Lavender in a spritz bottle makes a great air freshener. I also have a little container of dried flowers in my house at all times. Just pinch a few in your fingers and inhale. You’ll feel your body relax.

Put flowers into a cotton pouch, add a little embroidery if you are so inclined, and squeeze and sniff.

2.    Its soothing properties.
I use a drop on the pillow at night.

Lavender is calming to the heart, relieves anxiety and soothes the nervous system. Soon, sleep comes sweetly.

3.    Its culinary uses.
I use it in tea and put it in salad.

Lavender makes a great addition to a cup of tea or even salad.
For a pot of tea use about 1 heaping Tbsp. of the Lavender flowers.
(fresh or dried)

For Salad, sprinkle as desired.

Lavender is has been used to aid the digestion since ancient times.

4.    Its healing properties.
I use it for healthy skin.

Add a few drops of Lavender oil to your bath. It will lift your spirit, calm the body and heal the skin.

Add a few drops of the oil to your all natural body lotion. From ancient times Lavender was used for it’s healing, antiseptic properties.

Lavender is often used to treat burns and wounds. Keep a spritz bottle of water with a few drops of Lavender oil added, in your beach bag. Spray lavishly onto skin after spending time in the sun. On hot days, I spritz to keep cool.

Here is MY “squeeze and sniff” Lavender pouch.

Notice the embroidery. No, I didn’t make this one.  This was a gift from a friend. I make very good use of it.

My husband is hooked on Lavender too. Not to be outdone, he took a sock, filled it with dried  flowers and put it into his car. Talk about smelly socks.

My husband's Lavender "squeeze and sniff" pouch

And… a few more interesting pieces of information:

Did you know that Lavender is known as a love potion?

Apparently, in Roman times “women hung Lavender next to their beds to incite the passions.”

http://www.lavenderenchantment.com/History_Lore/history.htm

Did you know that Lavender is mentioned in the Bible?

“Lavender is mentioned many times in the Bible. In ancient Greece, Lavender was called “nardus,” “nard,” or “spikenard” (named for the Syrian city of Naarda) and was used as a cure for everything from insomnia and aching backs to insanity.”
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/features/lavender.html

Several  passages in the Christian Bible which mention Lavender (spikenard):

Song of Solomon (Canticles) 1:12

“While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance.”

Song of Solomon 4:13, 14

(King Solomon talking about the love of his life)

“Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, fragrant henna and spikenard… spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.”

If you are a romantic at heart, the book of Song of Solomon is a must read book.

Mark 14:3
“…And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper as He (Jesus) sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenards. And she broke the flask and poured it on His head…”

(This woman is showing honor to Jesus by giving him her most costly possession)

John 12:3
“…Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil…”

(Here Mary gives the very best she has to Jesus, showing Him honor)

Here’s another good site to visit. Very nicely done.

http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/10-Uses-for-Lavender.47948