CO-OPERATION

I watched the giant wheel turn, and generate a power That sends along an energy that turns throughout the hours. The scientist has learned to use this helpful natural law, Co-operation’s power multiplies adding strength on which to draw. In man’s pursuit of happiness, the daily walk and talk, Co-operation’s power still works, as mind empowers thought. To blend the self with soul’s ideals, and find in consequence, A growth of unity and aim, and adding needed strength. As one helps those with higher thoughts, they help others too, Just like the paddle wheels turn, when water surges through. And as we place upon our minds a guide at access door, Helpful thoughts join others to add power unknown before. In silent moments to reveal a oneness with all things, Bringing hope with strength renewed, as inner turbines spin. So love’s true seed can sprout within to draw these energies, To open up a path of light, and share its beauties free. Each one a part, encircled ‘round, to others call to bless, Thoughts and beliefs start the wheels and will let’s them express. As helpful efforts join the flow that marks the tides of time, Those here and now and yet unborn, to peaceful living climb.

BEAN RECIPE - ONE OF THE BEST

Rushing past the breakfast area with her files in hand, I spotted one of the Carrington chefs and remembered I wanted to compliment them about a delicious bean dish that had been on last week’s menu. All at our table had agreed it one of the best. With neurons speeding around the brain department I still required a key word to complete this task (the senior moment syndrome). My mind came up with the letter ‘i’ so I went back to my suite and asked Google for help using the words “bean recipes” and my computer offered a long list of recipes to peruse.

Old recipe books are interesting judging from the notes that family members had jotted in the margins of cookbooks of yesteryear. Half a century before someone’s handwriting had penned, “This recipe won first prize at the fall fair of 1929.” Rolling back the tapes of time, we see the snow falling at our country school that doubled as a meeting place for the community. After evening get-togethers the men hitched the horses to their sleighs, while the women helped the children fasten coats, boots and scarves and banked the fire in the pot-bellied stove with a large chunk of coal for the overnight safety of our one-room school for studies the next day.

The cursor led me to older recipes. Winter months had delayed the egg-laying process until spring days warmed and brightened the prairies and the farm’s chicken house could get busy. Notes on cookbook pages told what might be used as a substitute for eggs in some recipes. Ground flax soaked overnight and extra flour added to some cake recipes to keep the cake from falling flat in the baking process. “Run to the chicken house to see if a couple of eggs have been laid, and on your way back stop at the grain bin for some flax. I’ll bring the kindling in and revive the fire. Then you can take the small bucket and together we’ll fill the boiler from the rain barrel, I think there is enough for the Saturday wash”, Mother gently ordered. Any day could be laundry day if there was sunshine to hang out the laundry and enough water in the barrel. If it was low one of my brothers loaded the six barrels, hitched up the team and drove a mile where water could be pumped from a creek. Mother placed her boiler on the two rear stove lids to free up the two front lids for cooking the breakfast oatmeal. Lids were lifted with a special iron tool in order to add more wood or coal at intervals all day to cook and keep the water warm in the attached reservoir. Was that recipe called "Chili Beans?"
Now where did I see that screen about beans – I’ll look another day. We may soon be going back to this more simple living.

HEALING FROM WITHIN

In light of the catastrophe in Japan this week of March 11, 2011, the main World News from Africa has shifted to the east following Japan’s devastating earthquake as well as continued aftershocks and other complexities as they arise. A great deal of healing will be needed in both of these areas as many countries seek to help in these troubled times. At this time it will be helpful to review an article that appeared in the Morning Star on November 10, 2010, by Katherine Mortimer. Her story tells about Mac Tey who offers help and healing from within for special strength needed in times of stress. “Stress produces a great deal of acid as this negative energy is carried to all parts of the body that blocks the digestion and all body systems,” says Tey. Originally from Indonesia, Tey was born into a large family of Chinese descent and has lived in Vernon since 1978 and founded the Vernon Kung Fu Club and Mind Quest for Better Living Society. He returned to Asia in 1993 and worked for Veteran Rehabilitation for the Ministry of Defense and Security in Jakarta helping soldiers who had returned from combat. He also gave lectures at universities. He returned to Vernon in 1903 and teaches diverse groups, hyperactive children, epileptic and emotional problems. “Sometimes it is just for stress relief. I will offer anybody a gentle Oriental approach to stress control. You attract what you put out there. Everything that happens to us is for a reason,” he added. With psycho immune therapy, Tey lets a client talk freely about personal experiences, from childhood to the present. Through guided meditation and affirmation, the person will be helped to reprogram and to strengthen the immune system. Tey calls himself a healer and with therapeutic touch healing uses energy healing that is expressed through his being and his hands. Therapeutic touch helps people free themselves from what holds them back, adding that holding on to anger and other negative emotions interferes with the healthy flow of energy. “My work is always presented in a loving and gentle way which provides warmth and safety for everyone,” he says and works through all groups including Vital Path Health Center in Vernon.

THE DINNER

Pleasant greetings start the day as diners eat together,
For friendship, food and fellowship no matter outside weather,
Each meal and with a caring nod, servers cheer the day,
And always have a pleasant smile while carrying order trays.

Crisp and green, the salads help fill our enzyme needs,
With dressings made with three main oils giving diners healthy leads.
“They’ve washed them too, from residue,” a grateful system cried,
“The fish is broiled, the yams are baked, Hooray, there’s nothing fried.”

I asked my surgeon what to eat to help improve my sight,
“Eat coloured fruits and vegetables, and you’ll be doing it right.
And while you’re at this exercise, recall – this food helps the heart.
All foods that are not overcooked – is another important part.

Our tummy counters waited for, refills for their store.
Since the protein bins were empty, and enzymes needed more.
A thankful body, trained within, could now mend injured parts,
And send their healing messages from the brain to fix the heart.

The carbonated beverages, much like that Trojan horse,
Claimed very little sugar had been added at the source.
Some diners always read small print and found this was a lie,
Cut out the sugared drinks for health, for some had wondered why.

We honour too our busy chefs and their helpers too,
Who find new ways and the time, to help both me and you.
Learning more about the import foods, that locally would thrive,
Save shipping costs, have better air – healthy, wealthy and wise.

It came about on meeting day one said it would be nice to know
More about the land nearby where salad foods could grow.
In the early days of spring we could do our exercise outside,
Breathing that fresh morning air, where improved health would thrive.