A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future
December 30, 2005
Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon in your mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen and the warm scent of dough baking in the oven. Imagine opening the oven door and, with assistance, taking out the heated cookie sheet. Devour the cookies, small works of art, with your eyes: Fudge Brownies, Gingerbread, Nut Rolls, Painted Cookies, Sugar Cookies… With each bite, taste your childhood and family history. You can trace your blood and traditions not by DNA, genealogies and family heirlooms, but by recipes given from one generation to the next, like oral histories handed down in clans before recorded fact caught on.
Scholars once sniffed at “women’s lore,” but the notations of “1 dash nutmeg” and “1 cup chopped nuts,” when handwritten on a yellowing page, are as important to memorize as the dates of the American Revolution. They are a tangible reminder of love, care and craft in any society, but particularly in America, where encouragement to eat bags of artificially sweetened store-bought Christmas sweets leave people sugar-craving, guilty, physically and emotionally empty Christmas cookies are the opposite of this trend. They represent home, family, comfort, joy, and tradition.
It’s a miraculous event when generations gather around the stove to spend a day together, getting their hands dirty and sharing of themselves. It is miraculous because those memories are irreplaceable. It’s miraculous because children get curious and ask, for example, “Why are the Christmas cookies German? What was Christmas like when you were my age? Did Santa Claus visit you?”
Mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather can share with children the family history and everyday moments in the past, such as, “Your grandmother made a mistake and measured one cup of walnuts when the recipe called for half a cup. But the cookies tasted better, so to this day we always use 1 cup of walnuts in the recipe.” By reliving these rare glimpses of a life you may have forgotten, you honor and celebrate yourself as well as your family. Christmas cookies themselves transmit and record history and tradition.
In addition, Christmas cookies are a thread to Christmas past, not only our past, but long past. The word cookie came about thanks to Dutch settlers in North America during the 1700s to 1900s. Koek is Dutch for cake, so koekje, later cookie in English, means “little cake.” Christmas cookies like German Springerle continue the custom of serving Christmas baked goods started by the Romans, Teutonic/Germanic tribes, and other pre-Christian civilizations. Christian religions sanctified these symbols of worship of the harvest gods by adding a “J” on the top to mark the breads as offerings to Jesus Christ. Ancient European peoples ate gingerbread at Winter Solstice feasts. When you bake gingerbread and Springerle, you’re participating in a tradition that endures.
In that spirit, here is a recipe for successful cookie-making:
Start with 1 family, 1 kitchen, and a box of recipes. Add an uninterrupted period of time. Subtract phone calls, televisions, or any other distractions. For best results, add the Prayer Before Baking from CHRISTMAS COOKIES ARE FOR GIVING:
"God bless this mixture with the sweetest and tastiest ingredients: joy, faith, family, friendship, love, and health. Let the scent of this holiday offering rise to Heaven and make the angels sing, for the happiness of mankind is their feast. Let us taste our blessings with each bite as we share the company of our loved ones. Amen.”
Sprinkle with laughter. Add amusing family stories with a lavish hand. Fold in 1 cup patience and understanding, blended with 1 gallon youthful enthusiasm and a pinch of baking know-how. Eat your mistakes with joy. Bake lovingly and well. Enjoy warm, delicious, Christmas miracle cookie-baking memories for years to come!
About The Author
Copyright Kristin Johnson.
Kristin Johnson is co-author of the "highly recommended" Midwest Book Review pick, Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com.
Pieces of Time and Pivotal Moments
December 30, 2005
Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal moments. Sometimes these moments have immediate impact. Other times, they are slow to manifest and reveal their importance. But if you listen closely to the soft whispers of life, they will guide you on an unexpected journey filled with beauty, understanding and fulfillment. One such moment occurred for me about eight years ago.
On this particular day, I was helping my mom redo her bedroom. We rearranged the furniture, cleaned, polished and changed the curtains and bedding. Then out came the new floral arrangements, potpourri and matching candles. Proudly, we stepped back to admire our work. That’s when Mom decided we needed a little atmosphere and she lit the candles.
Evidently, there was a residue of cleaning solution on her hands, because the moment she flicked the lighter, flames burst in the air. Large blisters instantly formed on her hands and she began to shake. As the tears rolled down her face, she looked up at me and whispered, “The children.”
Those were her first words, not a cry, not a scream, not a curse ? “the children”. I panicked. I though she was in shock. I hurried her into the bathroom to tend to her wounds but the blisters were so large she couldn’t move her fingers. I realized I would have to take her to the doctor; I was also concerned about her state of mind. Her response seemed so strange. “Mom, what do you mean, the children?” I asked.
She looked up at me with the sweetest, most sympathetic tear-filled eyes I had ever seen. “The poor children who get burnt.” Then she continued to explain, “I saw it on Oprah. If this is painful for me, how much pain would a child be in? I feel so sorry for them?what they must go through.”
That was her answer. My mom had second and third degree burns, her hands were swollen, blistered and shaking, but her tears were for the children. Children she saw on Oprah. My thoughts were less pure. At that moment, I didn’t care about anyone but her.
Four years ago this October, I lost my mom to cancer. True to her nature, she never complained during her illness. Not once. Even in her suffering, she taught me valuable lessons. One of these lessons came when we were in her hospital room waiting for test results. The doctor finally arrived, flew into the room, delivered his devastating news and then abruptly left.
I was shocked, hurt and angry all at the same time. I turned to my mother and said, “I hate him.” She looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes and said, “That’s not nice. He was just doing his job. Can you imagine how hard it must be for him to have to tell his patients bad news like that?”
Oh, Mom, you certainly were something.
In the years since I lost my mom, things have changed in many ways. There are sorrows and bittersweet longings, but her gentle lessons continue to touch my life and guide me.
Mom would be proud to know that my husband John and I recently published our first children’s book. Although we originally set out to write an entertaining story about a boy with school troubles, I soon discovered that John was the victim of a school bully. He had buried the hurt and humiliation deep inside, but as we stepped further into the writing process, the impact of his experience was evident.
My mother’s lessons taught me to listen closely to the soft whispers of life. This perspective helped me to realize that a message emerged from our collaboration, beyond the pages of our book. This knowledge changed the direction of our lives.
Our children’s book became the basis for an anti-bullying program. The program, filled with stories, songs and practical advice, teaches children about the consequences of bullying and helps to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
Today, as John and I speak at schools and community events, I pray that our pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal moments serve to help the children. Because now, I understand.
AWARENESS
Necks crane as innocent eyes follow my every move
Silent, enthralled children,
A captive audience
In the wake of their hushed response,
I hear the echo of my own words.
Anticipation looms
Awaiting an answer
A solution, an explanation,
I cannot provide.
I have let them down
For I can only share my story,
Not repair the social injustice that has befallen them.
They are victims,
As once was I
With only my experience to offer,
I silently pray to ease their anguish,
Whilst knowing I cannot.
About The Author
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON’S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy’s magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children’s rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com
Glass Sinks ? 4 Unbreakable Rules of Buying a Glass Vessel Sink
December 30, 2005
1. Know your sinks
How durable are these sinks? These sinks are tempered. Tempered glass is regular glass that has been heated to a very high temperature, and then quickly cooled. This procedure strengthens the glass, making it 5-7 times stronger than regular glass.
Sink glass is fairly thick. Typical thicknesses range from ½ inch to ¾ inch. You can go about your normal grooming habits such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, shaving, applying make-up, etc without worrying about breakage.
Like the look of these above the counter glass sinks, but don’t want glass? Consider a porcelain vessel sink. You’ll get the look without the worry.
2. Know your space
The most popular bowl sinks are 15-20 inches in diameter, about the width of your keyboard. They’re about 5-8 inches deep, about the length from the base of your wrist to your ring or middle finger.
Make sure that you have the appropriate amount of space to accommodate the sink and accessories, plus maintain ample space away from the edge of the counter and the wall so that the "fear of leaning on it" factor is no longer a factor. 12-15 inches around the entire sink will do.
Don’t have much space? Then try a pedestal sink. Pedestal sinks are sinks that are pre-mounted on a space saving pedestal. Don’t want to sacrifice floor space? Try a wall mounted glass sink countertop. Both options will give you an ultra modern sink while conserving space.
Have a large bathroom to fill? A glass vessel sink vanity can help consume some space. You’ll get a glass sink and a roomy counter that comes together.
3. Know your traffic
Since children have the uncanny ability to break things, you may want to rethink putting a glass vessel sink in a young child’s bathroom. Children over age 10 tend to be more conscientious of their surroundings, and your glass sink stands a greater chance of survival around children of that age or older. In general, less foot traffic around it, the better.
A guest bathroom or power room is well-suited for these sinks. You’ll be able express your style while impressing your neighbors, friends and family. And who doesn’t like to be respected for their exquisite taste? Most importantly, there will be less traffic and less worry.
If you have a large family, a family with young children or one bathroom and want the look of these glass sinks but realize that glass might not be the best option, then consider a porcelain or copper vessel sink.
4. Know your budget
Prices can start as low as $50 to as high as $10,000. There could be many reasons for the difference in pricing. Glass sinks can be factory made or custom made, blown glass or fused glass, single layer or double layered glass.
Custom made and/or blown glass sinks are more expensive due to the time and expertise involved in creating them. With custom made sinks, you’ll communicate one-on-one with the artist of your sink and you’ll receive expert knowledge about its creation and special maintenance requirements. The best part: no one else will ever have a sink exactly like yours. This comes with an upscale price of $1,000 or more.
Consider the sink’s quality. Whether quality, customer service or knowledge, sometimes you get what you pay for. Be careful of sinks that start at rock bottom prices. They sometimes come without warranties, the sellers are not knowledgeable about the sinks and they’re simply quantity discounters and have nothing more to offer than just a low price.
Buying a glass sink is simple when you plan properly and know your limitations. With these 4 Rules, you’ll be 4 steps closer to establishing the bath of your dreams and needs.
Valerie Mason excitedly shares her knowledge and passion about glass sinks at her website http://glassvesselsink.com. To find out the #1 reason for glass sink breakage and how to prevent your vanity sink from making you sick, go to http://glassvesselsink.com.
Carrots : The Master Key For Healthy Living!
December 30, 2005
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases immunity towards various chronic diseases. Yes, carrot does it all for you. This natural health booster enhances your health on various grounds and fills in the essential vitamins to your body like pro-vitamin A, B3, C and E. Other important advantages of carrot besides those mentioned above includes preventing various gastrointestinal complaints like colic and ulcers and it also prevents heart attacks and cancer by reduces cholestrol levels as it has high soluble fibre levels.
. Tip: Carrots are more nutritous when eaten cooked. The valuable nutrients lie either in or just beneath the skin.
See how Carrot works?
Beta-carotene, the main content of carrots, is maily responsible for improving your vision. The vitamin A forms a purple pigment called rhodopsin the eye needs to see in dim light. Hence, if we dont get adequate vitamin A, it can lead to night blindedness.
Beta-carotene also acts as an anti-oxidant which prevents free radicals responsible for cancer and heart attacks. A study at Texas and Chicago states that men with higher content of Beta-carotene are 37% less prone to heart related diseases. Carrot has one more anti-oxidant called alpha-carotene which reduces the risk of lung cancer.
. Tip: Cut off the leafy tops of the carrot before storing them. The leafy tops suck the vitamins from the main body robbing its nutritions. You can make best use of carrots by adding it to your favourite juices.
Wow, see the magic of carrot which is so easily available and cheap too. So start having atleast 50 gm of Carrot daily to fill in the required amount.
Get More Diet Tips at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Diet%20Tips.htm
About the Author
Jasdeep : for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.
Also get free tips and tricks on weight loss and a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at http://weightloss-health.com/Articles.htm
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Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes
December 30, 2005
So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your yard or on your patio, porch or balcony. Now all you have to do is go out and buy some bushes and plant them. Right? Wrong!!
There are several things that you have to decide before buying:
1. Where are you planning on planting?
2. Are you going to plant in the ground or in containers?
3. Do you want roses that are scented or unscented?
4. Do you want bushes, trees, climbers, vining or do you want them to grow into a hedge?
5. Do you want large, medium, small or miniature blooms?
6. Do you want roses for cutting?
7. What colors go best with your garden, patio, porch or balcony?
There are several types of roses, among them are:
Hybrid teas bloom frequently, are hardy, come in a wide range of colors, are well sented and are good for cutting for vases. The size of the blooms and the length of the stem depends on how they are pruned. They make the best long stem roses for cutting.
Hybrid perpetuals are seldom planted today as they have a limited color range and normally bloom less frequently. They are, however, quite hardy and have large well scented blooms. The “American Beauty” rose is from this category.
Grandifloras are a cross between hybrid teas and floribundas. The flowers are the same size and shape as hybrid teas, however they usually have an abundance of blooms on each stem. These roses are very popular for growing in containers.
Floribundas have slightly smaller flowers but are hardier, have a longer growing season in cold climates and yeild large numbers of flowers.
Polyanthas are small averaging just 18 inches in height. They are very hardy and produce large clusters of small flowers.
Miniatures average between 6 and 12 inches in height, carry small one inch or less blooms, are hardy and require little care. These make very good balcony container roses.
Climbers come in several types, Ramblers which are hardy, fast growing and can develope canes up to 20 feet long. Pillars are slower growing upright palnts that are well suited for growing on posts. Trailers are low growing easy to maintain plants good for covering banks and walls. Large Flowered Climbers are slower growing but have more showey flowers and are good for growing against fences and low walls. Hybrid Teas , Floribundas and Polyanthas can sometimes become climbers and have the same characteristics as the bushes.
Tree Roses can be developed from any type of rose. They are made by grafting a bush onto a long thick trunk. These look great on a patio or porch.
Shrub Roses are normally small, hardy fairly continuesly blooming bushes that can be used as hedge (hedges can grow to 5 or 6 feet and provide inexpensive privacy and color), thicket and trellis (trellis roses can add a beautiful accent to a yard or home entryway and can be made into an arch) roses. There are even varieties that can be used as ground cover on embankments or planted in hanging pots.
Today roses come in hundreds of varieties with new varieties being developed every year and in an almost limitless number of colors and color variations. It has been my experience, however, that usually the darker the color the heavier the scent. Most white roses seem to have no scent at all.
If you choose the right roses for the right place you can add beauty and elegance to any garden, patio, porch or balcony without spending large amounts of money or time.
For tips on what to look for when buying bare root roses see http://www.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/barerootrosesarticle.html
About The Author
David G. Hallstrom
Permission is given to reprint this article providing credit is given to the author, David G. Hallstrom, and a link is listed to http://www.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com the owner of this article. Anyone or any company reprinting this article without giving proper credit and the correct link, is doing so without permission and will be subject to legal action.
Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 5
December 30, 2005
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 5 - Tools For Assembly
A civilization’s maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools. When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite advanced. There are general tools that work well in many situations, and there are specialty tools made for one specific purpose. There are tools that require only manpower and a rudimentary knowledge, and others that utilize computer programs, a wide range of knowledge, and a powerful motor. We have even learned how to harness power for our tools and package it in a small battery component, giving us the freedom to take our tools wherever we need them.
It is truly amazing and wonderful to contemplate the vast number of tools and all that woodworkers are capable of doing and creating with the help of these tools. And for many people, working with tools is one of the thrills, or even obsessions, of woodworking.
Woodworking and related tools have become so popular that there are numerous companies that manufacture these tools and thousands of places to purchase them. Combine that with the vast numbers of different types of tools and it can get overwhelming, especially if you are new to woodworking. Our experts helped us focus on the basics to develop an overview of those tools needed to get a good start in woodworking.
In the most basic terms, a woodworker needs four kinds of tools. They need a place to work, tools for cutting and shaping, tools for assembly, and finishing equipment. This simple statement provides the basis for the following discussion of woodworking tools.
The tools listed and described here represent just the tip of the iceberg. In keeping with the philosophy that it is best to learn the basics first, and to not invest large sums of money until a person is certain that they have an ongoing interest in woodworking, the emphasis is on hand tools, with a few basic power tools thrown in. These tools should prepare you for a variety of beginner projects and give you a solid foundation of equipment and knowledge to build upon.
Tools For Assembly
Once you have your wood cut and shaped, you will need to assemble your project. There are tools made especially for this purpose, and the list includes some of the most familiar household tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers and drills.
Screwdrivers
As the name explains, screwdrivers are used for driving screws into wood. Most people are familiar with the flathead or blade screwdriver and the Phillips. There is also a square drive screwdriver for those screws with square heads.
Within each of these groups, there are different sizes and specialties of screwdrivers. Some come with ratchet action or interchangeable bits. Some have magnetized tips to help hold screws.
Selection Tips
Most people purchase a set of screwdrivers to be sure to have a variety. Select a screwdriver with a comfortable, secure handle. Be sure the shaft doesn’t bend easily and that the blade or point is in good shape. Prices range from several dollars to over $10 for a specialty or multi-use screwdriver. Most bargain bin tools will bend easily and are not really a good buy.
Care & Maintenance
Avoiding rust is the main concern with screwdrivers. Wipe clean and store in a dry area. In addition, you want to be careful not to force a screw or use the wrong size as this can strip the tip of a Phillips or square cut tool.
Hammers & Mallets
Most people have used a claw hammer or ball peen hammer for basic household projects such as hanging pictures or putting up shelves. Hammers have metal heads for driving nails and other fasteners. A mallet has a head shaped like a pop can and is solid and heavy. They are used to drive chisels or take joints apart. The head can be made of steel, wood, or rubber. Some are magnetized. Again, most people find it helpful to have several different styles of hammers and mallets.
Selection Tips
A good hammer or mallet will have a solid handle with the striking head firmly attached. Some have fiberglass or reinforced handles. Others are padded. The choice is one of comfort and cost. A good hammer can be purchased for under $10 while mallets can be more expensive depending on the size.
Care & Maintenance
As with screwdrivers, the main concern with hammers and mallets is avoiding rust. Occasionally you may have to replace or refit a handle.
Clamps
When you want to hold two pieces of wood together, either with glue, or hardware such as screws, it is often handy to use clamps to hold the wood while you work or until the glue dries. In addition, clamps are important safety tools when used to hold your piece of wood securely when sawing, drilling, shaping, etc.
There are many different kinds of clamps, named for the way they look, the material they are made from, how they are operated or what they are used for. The C-clamp and F-clamp, named for how they look, are two types that are usually operated by tightening a bolt. The area that comes in contact with the wood usually swivels to adjust to different angles and surfaces. These clamps come in an amazing array of sizes to accommodate nearly any job.
When working with metal clamps, the teeth or surface that holds the wood can often cut or dent your material. Use scrap pieces of wood as a buffer between to avoid damaging your work. Some people use wooden hand screw clamps that consist of two blocks of wood tightened by large screws. There are also pipe clamps for large spans, trigger release clamps, edging clamps with a third tightening shoe, and several other specialty designs to fit your specific needs.
A vise is a heavy-duty type of clamp that is often mounted on a workbench. It can be used in many different situations and most open quite wide to accommodate a variety of projects.
Selection Tips
Choose a well-know clamp or one that has been tested and recommended in woodworking magazines. New gadgets come out on the market all the time, but many of them do not work, or are not appropriate for woodworking. It can be very dangerous if your clamp slips or is difficult and distracting to use, so you want to be sure you have a safe and functional product.
In addition, select the type of clamp that fits your needs and the layout of your shop. If you don’t have a designated workbench, a vise may be difficult for you to incorporate. On the other hand, you may want to set up a temporary workstation or be able to move your projects to different areas. In that case, clamps that are portable would be best.
Care & Maintenance
For the most part, clamps simply need to be kept clean and dry. The tightening mechanism may need to be oiled occasionally to ensure proper movement. Depending on the design of the clamp, springs or fittings may need to be checked and replaced.
Drilling Tools
As the name implies, a drill is used to create a hole in a piece of wood. You may want the hole to go all the way through, such as with an opening for a birdhouse, or you may want it to stop partway into the wood, such as when inserting a dowel. The size and shape of the hole are determined by the bit used. There are several different types of hand drilling tools.
A brace is a powerful and useful tool that is often overlooked because of the popularity of power drills. But it is used by those who have a large hole to bore, enjoy more traditional work, don’t have an outlet nearby, or feel that the brace gives more control. It resembles an inchworm in mid-crawl, with a chuck and ratchet on one end, an oval head on the other and a handle that juts out in a squared U-shape. The chuck opens and closes to accept bits of all different sizes, and is often used for holes over 1/2 inch and up to 5 inches. The tool is used by pushing down on the head and turning in a circular motion using the handle.
Another option for smaller holes is a hand drill that is powered by a drive crank and gear wheel. It is used for holes under 1/2 inch. It can be difficult to keep straight if drilling into hard wood that requires more pressure. A gimlet is a handheld tool also used for smaller, shallower holes, such as a pilot for a nail or screw. It is shaped like a T, with a handle across the top and the shank extending down perpendicular.
Of course, the popularity and relative affordability of power drills has made them one of the most common of home tools. The limitation is that some of them will not take the larger bits that the brace can accommodate. Other people find them noisy and hard to hold or direct for small, intricate jobs.
Selection Tips
The drilling tools mentioned here range in price from $25 or $30 for a basic power drill or small hand drill to over $50 for a sturdy brace or heavy-duty power drill. They can be purchased used, but should be checked to see that the bearings are good and the chuck doesn’t slip.
Bits usually are purchased separately and range in price from several dollars to over $30 each. They are often made for use with different types of wood density. When buying used, look for bits that have plenty of usable length left with straight shafts and no nicks.
Care & Maintenance
The main type of maintenance with drilling tools is to oil the turning parts and keep them operating smoothly. Additionally, sharp bits are essential to quality and ease of work. As with other edged tools, you may need to bring them to a professional to have them sharpened until you are able to learn more about that aspect of tool care.
Tool Summary
This completes part 5 of the condensed overview of some of the tools that are commonly used in beginning woodworking projects. As you can see, this topic could and has provided the content for entire volumes of books and in order to fully understand the possibilities in woodworking and create quality projects, it is critical that you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the tools you plan to use.
It is also important to note again that each type of tool has its own care and maintenance needs that are often more specific than what has been touched on here. The details have been left out of this book to avoid overwhelming someone who is brand new to woodworking. However, their omission does not mean they aren’t important.
“Failing to care for your tools is ridiculous from a financial standpoint,” stated shop teacher, Kevin Warner. “Why spend $20 on a good quality handsaw or clamp and then allow it to go dull or rust? Not only will you loose money, your work will suffer because your tools won’t perform as intended. And it will take you more time in the long run. Taking good care of your tools is one of the first steps in becoming a serious woodworker.”
Copyright © 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact.
Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new “Woodworking Beginner’s Guide - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started”, made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.
