Symbiosis

A symbiotic relationship is one in which two entities are so wrapped up in each other that neither one can function independently.  I think this is  perfect representation of  this situation.

I like things that are bit unusual.  I found this cypress root that was exposed when exploring a problem with water pipes caused by roots invading an area.  It "spoke" to me, crying out for me to pick it up and take it home.  How could I say No to such pleading eyes.

I took it home, cleaned it up, let it dry awhile, then set to sanding it down.  When finally satisfied with the end product I then applied several coats of polyurethane.  I'm not sure exactly how many coats, but I'm sure it was at least fifteen.  The final piece is about 10 inches tall.  I still enjoy looking at it all these many years later.

Not everyone enjoys the unusual as much as I do, but that's okay.  I respect their opinions, but it doesn't change how I feel about this particular piece.

How do you feel about the unusual?  I'd love for you to share your thoughts.

     

Almonds - Oh Yes

I do like my almonds.  And that's a good thing.  Edgar Cayce, also known as the sleeping prophet, recorded some of his "readings" way back in the 1930's or so, and in them he made several references to the efficacy of this wonderful nut.  He said if you ate 2 or 3 almonds a day you would never need to fear getting cancer.

It was many years ago that I read his prediction that scientists would discover this fact by the end of the 20th century.  I have recently also read some interesting news that almonds can prove useful in lowering blood pressure, therefore helping one achieve a healthy heart.  And other, more recent articles, hail the ingestion of almonds in helping diabetics getting better health.

Way back, years ago, when I mentioned Cayce's observations to a friend, she was very pleased.  "So I could eat 2 Almond Joy candy bars a day and be protected from cancer?"  I responded that I wasn't sure that was the intent of his statement for he was an advocate for healthy eating, and thought the almonds could be used instead of meat products to get the proper nutrients that could be missing in a too-strict vegetarian diet.

Of course if one was predisposed to eat a candy bar, perhaps the Almond Joy would be a better choice than others.  This is my own opinion and not one I discovered in my reading.  Although I wouldn't advise taking them for daily consumption as a cancer or heart disorders prevention.

Here's wishing you a healthy New Year.  And just maybe (if you are so inclined) the enjoyable taste of a few almonds every now and then.

Savoring Life

Salt has been around since creation and is found is areas all over the world.  And it has been used by people for who knows how long. 

Evidence has been discovered showing salt extraction and drying going back to 6051 BC in Romania.  And in China they have found a verifiable salt works dating to 6000 BC.  The use of salt is necessary for healthy human development.

Of course too much of a good thing can cause you health problems as well.  That's certainly true for modern mankind.  I read somewhere that food companies will use 5 billion pounds of salt a year in their industry.  This number seems absolutely astronomical, but it could very well be true.

The very first patent was issued in North America to Samuel Winslow for his new process in making salt.  I could not find any information on just what this process was, but it would be interesting to know.

Salt is used as a compliment, as in "He's the salt of the earth."  And it can be used as a caution:  "Take it with a grain of salt."  But it is still a necessity.  One quote I liked was from Helen Rowland:  "A wise woman puts a grain of sugar into everything she says to man, and takes a grain of salt with everything he says to her."

Nelson Mandela once said:  "Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all."  That pretty well covers what we all need to have a sustainable life with a chance of success.

I say to you:  May your life be flavored with enough salt to make it interesting but not so much you produce salty tears of grief."

Enjoy.