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DECEMBER HAPPENINGS: Karesansui Raking Demonstration, Art of Japanese Gift Presentation, and New Year’s Cards at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Carly Cantor
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DECEMBER HAPPENINGS: Karesansui Raking Demonstration, Art of Japanese Gift Presentation, and New Year’s Cards at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

December workshops, classes, and demonstrations:
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 
Sumi-e Ink Painting (Floral Beginner) (Class) 
Time: Floral – 10:30am – 12:30pm  
Cost: $52.50 (Morikami Members $48.75)
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black
ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink
stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e
brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving
on to the main subject.
 
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16 
Sumi-e Ink Painting (Class) 
Time: Floral – 10:30am – 12:30pm  
           Landscape – 1:30pm – 3:30pm 
Cost: $52.50 (Morikami Members $48.75)
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black
ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink
stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e
brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving
on to the main subject.

Saturday, December 3 
The Art of Kokedama (Workshop) 
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm or 2:00pm – 4:30pm 
Cost: $60
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. It is wrapped with string
and contains an ornamental plant growing inside. These beautiful and decorative plants, brings an
organic and natural touch to planting orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants. Learn the
mechanics of how to make kokedama, creating two regular size and one small one to decorate your home
or to give away to a special person. 
 
Saturday, December 3 
Family Fun: Mizuhiki  
Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm 
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission.
Use the magic of mizuhiki, washi paper cords, to bring the symbol of togetherness to your next gift. 
 
Sundays, December 4, 18 
Sado: Tea Ceremony (Intermediate) (Class) 
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm 
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55)
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional
Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House
under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and
from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
 
Sundays, December 4, 18 or Thursdays, December 8, 15 
Sado: Tea Ceremony (Beginners) (Class) 
Time: 10:15am -12:15am 
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55)
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional
Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House
under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and
from season to season.
 
Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20 
Ikebana Flower Arrangement- Ikenobo School (Class) 
Time: Beginners – 11am – 1pm  
           Intermediate – 1pm – 3pm* 
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $52.50)
*Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of
Ikebana classes. 
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various
schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the
Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and
style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.

 
Wednesdays, December 7, 14, 21 
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class) 
Time: Beginners – 10:00am –12:00pm  
           Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm* 
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $52.50)
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has different
schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary
school which focuses on creativity and individuality. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create
pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.
 
Friday, December 15  
Karesansui: Raking Demonstration 
Time: 10:30am 
Cost: FREE with paid museum admission.
Karesansui, or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using carefully composed rock
arrangements and gravel or sand. Karesansui is carefully raked to represent characteristics of water
such as currents and waves while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands.  Learn about our
Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation. 
Saturday, December 10 
The Art of Japanese Gift Presentation (Workshop) 
Time: 10:30am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 3pm 
Cost: $35
Learn the customs and art of Japanese gift presentation in this hands-on workshop. Combining traditions
with contemporary aesthetics, participants are introduced to the beauty of Japanese packaging and
design, often incorporating natural and unconventional materials.  Learn to wrap with washi (Japanese
traditional handmade paper), create uniquely designed boxes, and other techniques to give your gift an
Asian-inspired elegance. Workshop tools and materials will be provided for the participants to use.
 
Saturday, December 10 
Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration) 
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm 
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.  
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in
the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip
of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.  
 
Sunday, December 11 
Film Screening: Belle 
Sponsored by JM Family Enterprises 
(122min., 2021, Rated PG, Animation) 
Time: 11am (Dubbed in English) and 2pm (in Japanese, subtitled in English)  
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission (FREE for members as part of Member Appreciation Weekend.
Children ages 3 and under free, limited tickets available)  
From the celebrated Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creators of
Mirai, Wolf Children, and Summer Wars, comes a fantastical, heartfelt story of growing up in the age of
social media. Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only
been a shadow of herself. But when she enters the “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her
online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a
monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on a quest to uncover the
identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone. 

Saturday, December 17 – Friday, December 30 
Family Fun: Nengajō: New Year’s Cards  
Time: 10am- 5pm 
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission.
Join us throughout the holiday season to create Japanese New Year’s cards, or nengajō, to present to
family and friends. 
Current Exhibit:
Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper
Through April 2, 2023 
Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper presents over 30 highly textured two-dimensional
works, expressive sculptures, and dramatic installations that explore the astonishing potential
of this traditional medium. In this exhibition, nine Japanese artists embrace the seemingly infinite
possibilities of washi (Japanese paper), underscoring the unique stature this ancient art form has earned
in the realm of international contemporary art. For more than one thousand years, Japan has produced
some of the world’s finest paper. The breathtaking creativity of these artistic visionaries deepens our
understanding of how the past informs the present, and how it can build lasting cultural bridges out of
something as seemingly simple and ephemeral as paper. Washi Transformed features work by nine
contemporary Japanese artists: Aoyama Hina, Horiki Eriko, Ibe Kyoko, Ikezaki Yoshio, Ishii Kakuko,
Kimura Yuko, Nishimura Yuko, Tanaka Takaaki, and Yoshida Ayomi.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach.
For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida
since opening in 1977. Morikami invites guests to discover its South Florida’s history, connection with
Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens, each inspired by a different historical period and style
of Japanese gardening. Visitors experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through
engaging exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, a world-class bonsai display, Pan-
Asian cuisine, and a distinctive museum store. The Morikami Museum is fully accredited by the
American Alliance of Museums.

Karesansui raking demo at Morikami Museum (Photo credit: Austen Waldron)

Farm City Luncheon

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Farm City Luncheon

Photos by Carol Porter

On Nov. 16, 2022, the Central PBC Chamber of Commerce presented the annual Farm City Luncheon at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Terri Marshall
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Holiday Gift Ideas

Tis the season to shop! If you’re looking for unique gift ideas for travelers and adventure seekers on your list, boy do I have some ideas for you! From experiences to packing gear to mementos to trigger memories of past adventures, here are my suggestions.

Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes

An ideal stocking stuffer, the Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes reduce toothpaste waste one refillable tube at a time. These TSA-approved dishwasher-safe tubes are BPA-free and PVC-free. The kit comes with two clearly labeled sizes – a one-week tube and a two-week tube – to ensure users never have to worry about bringing too much or not enough toothpaste. A wide mouth opening allows for easy refilling and a standard screw top end keeps contents securely inside.

A removable sliding clip securely seals the refilling end to prevent leaks, and a three-layer ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH) vapor barrier prevents contents from drying out. An ideal way to reduce unnecessary waste while keeping your pearly whites clean on the road. matadorup.com/products/refillable-toothpaste-tubes

VSSL Insulated Flask

Billed as the world’s first flask with an integrated Bluetooth speaker, the VSSL Insulated Flask is a drinking vessel designed to help adventurers slow down and savor the moment while listing to their favorite tunes on the integrated Bluetooth speaker. An ideal gift for hikers, campers and anyone who likes to celebrate with a favorite beverage and tunes. www.vsslgear.com/products/vssl-insulated-flask-speaker

Wanderfull Hydro Bags

Anyone who spends hours sightseeing in a new city, hiking a new trail, attending a festival, or just taking the dog for a walk knows the importance of staying hydrated. But, let’s face it, carrying your water bottle means giving up the use of one of your hands. I’m happy to report, this problem has been solved by the original WanderFull HydroBag! These adorably designed cross-body bags have a built-in section for your water bottle along with a section that keeps your cell phone, keys, credit cards and cash organized. And, they come in an array of colors. You probably need to get this for all the walkers, travelers and dog owners on your holiday gift list – and don’t forget to buy one for yourself! www.wanderfullbrand.com/collections/hydrobags

Wildlife Adoptions

If you have an animal lover on your gift list, consider gifting a symbolic adoption of wildlife through World Wildlife Fund. After traveling to Custer State Park this summer with my 12-year-old grandson, I chose to adopt a bison in his name to honor our memories of being surrounded by these magnificent beasts as we drove along the Wildlife Loop. The gift includes a plush stuffed animal, a photo and an adoption certificate. www.gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/species-adoptions.aspx

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour

Anyone on your list heading to New York City to celebrate the holidays? Treat them to a special experience on the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour with On Location Tours. See the places featured in several favorite holiday movies including The Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone 2. On this tour, you’ll travel warm and cozy on a bus from the Upper West Side to the Upper East Side and into Midtown. Highlights in include a peek into the brilliant holiday windows at Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s. Catch a glimpse of the famed tree in Rockefeller Center, featured in Home Alone 2. And see the apartment building featured in Elf along with other recognizable sites. Can’t make it during the holiday season? Give the gift of an On Location Tour year-round with other non-holiday tours including Sex & The City sites, Soprano sites and more. www.onlocationtours.com/new-york-tv-and-movie-tours/holiday/

The Diary of a Dog

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The Diary of a Dog

If a dog kept a diary, I think a normal week would go something like this.

Monday

Woke up early today to the sound of buzzing. It was one of the days when Dad leaves in his fancy pants and comes back just before dinner. Where does he go all day? Why doesn’t he take me?

Breakfast was served as usual. Tried to keep busy until my next meal. Hard to do as I must wait an eternity between feedings while the humans seem to eat whenever they please. Must find a way to access the vault of kibble. Thumbs would be very nice.

Tuesday

After breakfast, Mom and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. She was very good and stayed on the other end of the rope that keeps us connected. Maybe one day she won’t need me to guide her, and we can go walking without her rope. Will keep training her since she doesn’t seem ready to be unleashed and walk by herself yet. These things take patience.

Wednesday

Slept.

Thursday

The doorbell rang today and woke me from a nap. Looked out the window and saw a person holding a big brown box. Barked until he left. Sure to get extra treats for keeping everyone safe.

Friday

The humans were very happy today. Not sure why. Dad said something about a date. Don’t know what that word means, but when I hear it, the humans disappear for a while. They usually sit down and eat dinner in the evening, but they left before dinner. They must be hungry because they were gone for a very long time. Slept the whole time they were gone then ran to the door to greet them when they got back. Got lots of attention so it was good.

Saturday

No loud buzzing noise to wake us up today. Must be the day Dad puts on his outdoor feet and we get in his big black thing with wheels that takes us places. This is my favorite day. I wonder if we will go to the park or the nature trail or to get a pup cup or to the beach or pet store. Must stop writing now so I can keep my eyes on him and follow him everywhere he goes to make sure he doesn’t forget me. It is going to be a good day. I know it.

Sunday

Still tired from yesterday, but very happy. Spent the entire day with the humans. We did lots of fun stuff. The humans seem to feel the same way I do because they are resting a lot too. I even saw Dad sleep on the couch. Luckily, he didn’t fall off. It’s so much safer to sleep on the floor like I do.

The Brightest Line

Heidi Hess
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The Brightest Line

By Heidi Hess

I love Miami. I know what you’re thinking ‘Does anyone really love Miami?’ Yes. It’s me. I’m that person. Miami Vice made it cool but it is a vibrant tropical place to go and get your city fix. There are a ton of museums and all sorts of cultural events. Most recently I attended the Van Gogh experience (I totally recommend you do this!) and the Miami Book Fair (Another ringing endorsement here.) And while those things were grand there is one very specific thing I do not like about Miami. The traffic. And this the reason I am hesitant to drive down there. But I have some good news. Brightline is here. And it’s fantastic. 

My daughter and I took Brightline down for the Miami Book Fair. They had discounted seats  so I thought, why not. What’s the worst that could happen? (The worst case scenario side of my brain kicks in and I have to tell it to shut up. None of these imagined things have EVER happened)

My husband dropped us off at the station in downtown West Palm. The terminal was clean and all of the representatives were extremely helpful (Did I mention that we had no idea what we were doing? Cue the line Scarlet says from Gone With The Wind “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.”) 

We boarded the train, took our seats and we were off. We watched the world wiz by from the comfort of their plush seats. A stop in Fort Lauderdale and we were there.

There was a discount on the tickets but even if there wasn’t, it’s cheaper than gas. And – once we got to Miami they had electric cars ready to take us to our final destination.  The driver even put the music on that we liked (It’s was 80’s- am I that predictable?)

Why am I telling you this? Two reasons. First, I love Miami and you should take your family there to explore everything they have to offer. Second, I think Brightline is the bee’s knees and I want it to stick around. And if you don’t know about it or don’t know anyone that has used their services, how can we support it? 

‘Tis The Season for Sustainability

Cristian DeRusha
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<strong>‘Tis The Season for Sustainability</strong>

By Cristian DeRusha

December is the time to get cozy, give presents to your loved ones, and prepare your home with twinkling lights and pine trees for the holidays. But it’s also the time where our plastic footprints go through the roof, whether that is with the use of shiny gift-wrapping paper, trendy gifts, or just single-use home decorations you repurchase each year. As a matter of fact, Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving to New Year’s than any other time of the year. That’s about 25 million tons of garbage in just five weeks.

So, while ‘tis the season to celebrate and reconnect with our loved ones, it is also the season to try new ways of being more conscious about our environmental footprint. Here are a few of my personal tips for avoiding excess waste during the holidays.

Switch Up Your Christmas Lights

One way to make a major impact on your energy usage this holiday season is to make the switch to LED lights. Holiday lights don’t use a ton of electricity, but this small switch can save you almost $50 on your energy bill. Not to mention that LED lights shine brighter to bring that much more holiday cheer to your home!

Sustainable Wrapping Paper

If you look forward to the excitement of ripping wrapping paper off a present on Christmas morning, there is an abundance of options allowing you to do so guilt free! Wrapping paper is typically only used once before it’s thrown away. Using sustainable wrapping paper is essential for an eco-friendly approach to the holidays. I recommend using pages from old magazines or newspapers to wrap your gifts. You can also avoid using paper altogether by using reusable fabric gift bags. And if you just can’t do without traditional wrapping paper, make sure to check your local store for paper that comes from recycled materials.

Zero Waste Gifts

Finding zero waste gifts is not always easy, but it’s not impossible. If you’re looking to buy new, look for long-lasting, reusable items instead of “trendy” things that will probably end up in the garbage very quickly. Think about gifting experiences over items, like seats to a concert, dinner at a nice restaurant, gift cards to a store, or tickets to a holiday light show. Some of the most environmentally friendly gifts you can give are the ones you make yourself. Consider baking fresh cookies or pies for your friends, soaps, candles, or even better (in my opinion), seeds to help kickstart their backyard garden!

Eco-Friendly Decorations

Getting creative with festive decorations is a fun way to get the whole family involved. Start decorating sustainably by making your own with items you probably already have in your home! Whether you save up your wine corks for a garland, or use dried fruits, pinecones, and foliage for ornaments, there are endless options to bring nature into your holiday celebrations.

Cook Farm to Table

There isn’t much to celebrate this season without food! When shopping for your holiday menu, stop by local farmers markets to get fresh produce and other ingredients straight from the farm. You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying a great meal at the same time!

No matter the occasion this festive season, there are always sustainable options to spice up any holiday! Keep the planet in mind during the holidays and enjoy feeling good while giving back to our environment with sustainable options and avoiding plastic. Happy holidays!

Enlightened:  An Interview with Artist Arlet Gomez

Denise Marsh
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<strong>Enlightened:  An Interview with Artist Arlet Gomez</strong>

By Denise Marsh

“People come into our lives for a reason” is a popular phrase;  but for me, it is more of a mantra.  Arlet was a mom of one of my former first graders.  We spoke predominantly about her son and she came to volunteer at one of our class celebrations.  When her son was no longer in my class, I didn’t think twice about her; I assumed the “relationship” was over.  That’s just how it always has been with former students and their parents for the most part with the exception of a few that have remained in contact.

Fast Forward to a year or so later I saw Arlet  and her family walking on the same path as me.  It turned out that they had bought a property at my development and we are only a few minutes away from each other. We basked in the serendipity and decided to exchange numbers.  Later that week while on  Instagram I saw some of her art work and became an instant fan.    I am thrilled to be able to interview her and share her vision with the public. Arlet is one “hidden  gem” that needs to celebrated. 

The perfect light

AW: When did you realize that  you wanted to be an artist? At what age did you begin to have a passion for art?

AG: When I was a little girl  wanted to draw as many cartoons as I could; I guess that is how I discovered my passion for painting.  At the age of ten, my parents started taking me to an art club in our town and from that point on I decided to pursue further studies in the arts.  Following that path, I enrolled in a 4-year program in my hometown Art Academy where I started transformed into a professional artist.

 The next step took me to the Instituto Superior de Arte”-the most prestigious Art university in my country of origin, Cuba.  During my years as a student, many opportunities for exhibitions, awards, scholarships, and residencies were presented to me.  I also had an opportunity to take my artwork globally to countries such as  Denmark, Italy, Portugal, and Mexico.

AW: How would you categorize the art that you do? I have seen many of your paintings that depict nature as an underlying theme of water and nature; for example, paintings with oceans, rivers, lakes, trees, etc. 

AG:  I think that my art reflects on the wonders of life; on embracing the emotion and teachings of “everydayness”.

AW: Tell us about a few of pieces that you are most proud of. 

AG: Well, I’m not completely satisfied up to this point, so I think the work I will be “ proud of”  will be the one that is yet to come.

AW: Hispanic Heritage month was in the month of September spanning into the end of October. I know you were involved in some museum endeavors (as displayed on Facebook).  Can you please elaborate on this for us?

AG: Yes, on October 28th, the Contemporary Art of Latin American Diaspora exhibition was inaugurated in the Palm Beach Cultural Council.  There was a call for artists,  having Dr. Juliana Forero as a jury and curator, I had the honor  to have my painting, “Next Boarding”  chosen as part of this exhibition.

AW: Who or what has inspired your art the most?

AG: My artistic work is inspired by the light that illuminates each human being: light that shines from within, visible in the world and sunbeam of each daily scene. 

AW: Do you Commission pieces? If so, tell us about some  that have given you great joy.

AG: Yes, I do Commission pieces. I remember the last one with great affection because it symbolized new beginnings as seen through the flight of a group of flamingos over the sea. 

AW: What do you love most about being an artist? What are some obstacles that you have dealt with (or still deal with)?

AG: I love the game between the pictorial technique and the inner world brought to the canvas.  I love giving life to prophetic visions that are light and language between me and the viewer.  And the difficult part that I have to deal with is every day is managing my time so that the hours of the day are enough to achieve everything that I have in mind. 

AW: What has been your most popular piece? Do you ever do replicas of it?

AG: My most popular piece is,” Return to the Waters”, which portrays a dog drinking water from a lake.  It is not currently available because it was sold at the 36th Annual- All Florida Exhibition in Fort Meyers.  I really don’t like to make copies of the pieces because I find it boring. 

Knowing the pathway to follow in anticipation doesn’t create expectations in me, although I do like to repeat similar scenes or environments.

AW: How is your art unique?

AG: My art is unique because it is influenced by impressionist light; the brushstrokes I use are the printing of my soul on the canvas. 

AW: What are your future plans for your art?

AG: I have plans to continue with my “Other Views” project, started in 2010, which links the blind and visually-impaired to the Visual Arts.  Because, as I stated at the beginning, the light inspires my artwork and this parallel between a physical and spiritual world of shadows excites me.  Above all, because I am a warrior of the brush, the light becomes real and luminous. 

AW: How can people see more of your artwork? Are there any future shows or exhibits on the horizon?

AG: My work is continuously shown on social media, @arletgomezstudio on Instagram and arletgomezart on Facebook. I am currently being featured at the Hera Gallery in Rhode Island, a national juried exhibition.  I will also be featured in the Cultural Council until January 2023 as part of the Contemporary Art of Latin American Diaspora exhibition.  Additionally, February 18th I will be presenting a Solo exhibition in the Arti Gras Fine Arts Festival 2023, located in Palm Beach Gardens.   

The finished canvas

I am confident that one day you will also  have the privilege of viewing Arlet’s luminous and radiant personality depicted in her art.  After all,  sometimes we truly cannot see the beauty that has been there all along, right in front of us.  I continue to feel  grateful for the day Arlet and I  crossed “paths” .    Check out Arlet’s work and get ready to be amazed and enlightened!

8 WAYS TO INCLUDE IMMUNITY BUSTING FOODS INTO YOUR EVERY DAY DIET WITHOUT SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON EXPENSIVE VITAMINS

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8 WAYS TO INCLUDE IMMUNITY BUSTING FOODS INTO YOUR EVERY DAY DIET WITHOUT SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON EXPENSIVE VITAMINS

By Cheryl Alker

More than ever at the moment we are all looking towards finding foods that are going to boost our immunity.

Whilst there isn’t a silver bullet to ward off chronic diseases or acute illnesses, it is important to keep your body well-nourished so it can support healthy immune functionality to aid your body’s ability to cope with increased stress.

So here is our list of eight top immunity busting foods.

Fermented Foods

Recent years have shown an emergence of fermented foods. Scientists have discovered the important role gut bacteria plays in our overall health and wellbeing. It obviously makes sense, as 70 percent of our immune cells are actually located right in our gut.  It is therefore important to prioritize your gut health. The best foods to encourage healthy bacteria, or probiotics, to populate the digestive tract are:-

  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Kombucha
  • Sauerkraut

Nutrient-Rich Green Leafy Vegetables

Who would have thought that Popeye knew what he was talking about all those years ago? Spinach is literally packed solid with antioxidants. This plethora of antioxidants and nutrients literally work together to fend off disease. In fact adding any leafy green vegetable to your daily diet is an excellent way to promote optimal long term health. Just one cup of uncooked greens contains approximately 25 calories, but deliver Popeye levels of superhuman benefits!

Turmeric

Turmeric is probably, at present,  the most celebrated spice due to its incredible health benefits.  A member of the ginger family, turmeric contains a naturally occurring phytochemical called curcumin. Curcumin gives the spice its characteristic yellow color and its off the chart health benefits. Boosting immune cell activity is number one. Add a pinch of black pepper to your recipes that contain turmeric to help increase the actual amount of curcumin that gets released into the body.

Vitamin D

The majority of us get some of our vitamin D intake through regular sun exposure, however, its effectiveness can depend on the season, location, time of day and even air quality. There are a few food sources that contain vitamin D. Mushrooms that have been exposed to light are a good source such as shitake, maitake or portabella.  Plant-based milk and dairy products are also more often than not fortified with vitamin D and are pretty much the primary source of this immunity-boosting vitamin.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency has been linked to impaired immune function.  It is therefore an important micronutrient within the immune system.  Animal sources, such as red meat, poultry and seafood are excellent sources of zinc. Vegetarian options include beans and seeds.  In fact soaking and sprouting plant sources can significantly increase the body’s ability to absorb zinc from them.  It would therefore be prudent to soak rinsed chickpeas or pumpkin seeds for several hours before cooking. 

Vitamin C

Antioxidants are compounds that assist with slow damage caused by unstable molecules in our bodies. Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant and has always been up there for the role it plays in immune functionality.  Fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, red bell peppers and berries, when eaten fresh, will leave the high levels of vitamin contained in them intact.  However, cooking fruits and veggies for too long will reduce the vitamin C content. So eat them in their natural form for the best results.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an incredibly important immune-boosting vitamin.  It helps maintain the structure of cell walls which play an essential role in the body’s first line of defense.  Great sources of vitamin A are orange fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.  The beta-carotene found in such vegetables synthesizes into vitamin A.

Vitamin E

Another powerful antioxidant that contains inflammation reducing properties is vitamin E. Great sources of vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Incorporating these ingredients into some of your recipes or having a handful as a healthy snack will ensure you get your daily quota.

So there you have it, a definitive list of what you need during the Holiday and flu season!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Carly Cantor
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December is my favorite month for a multitude of reasons. Whether it be the cooled air or the holiday ambiance, it is ultimately the best time of year. It’s the time when everything happens. I overall enjoy the entirety of the month, and I want to share that passion this season of giving. 

            There are so many different aspects of life. Therefore, in this article I will be covering my favorite parts of winter. For starters, here are some of my favorite winter activities for you to try this year!

  1. Baking cookies. There is absolutely nothing like hanging out on the kitchen counter in your coziest pajamas while waiting for your cookies to become golden. The way the warmth from the oven surrounds you and makes the cold seem distant is absolute magic. Baking cookies during the holiday season is not only fun but also heartwarming.
  2. Binge watching your favorite holiday movies. The combination of fuzzy blankets and Christmas bells in a dark living room is one of my personal favorite atmospheres. Binging your favorite movies–while eating your cookies–is such a relaxing activity, and it’s incredibly convenient. 
  3. The beach. For anyone who doesn’t live in Florida, this may seem like an odd pick to put on a winter activity list, but natives know how beautiful the beach during winter can be. The cool breeze and freezing water allow for an absolutely enjoyable time, and it is most definitely my favorite place to be. Florida winter weather is ideal for the beach.

            What I constantly worry about when planning is not what I’m doing but what I’ll be wearing. Fashion is incredibly important to me as a person, and I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Here are my winter closet staples.

  1. A sweater. I believe this is a most obvious choice. A sweater is absolutely essential for cold weather. Personally, I adore thrifting my sweaters. Thrifting during the holidays can also be a fun activity for your family and friends. 
  2. Cute pajamas. I am in love with comfortable and cute pajama sets. I own quite a few myself. I believe your pajamas define your sleep, and I constantly like to look fashionable, even when dreaming. Pajamas are simply a great investment for winter, especially since the nights get colder.
  3. A fuzzy going-out jacket. It is so important to have a going-out jacket for the wintertime. If you’re attempting to leave the house without one, you’ll freeze. Even though Florida doesn’t exactly get to a freezing temperature, our inhabitants are so used to a tropical climate that the sudden change feels much larger. Therefore, a cute and warm going-out jacket is an essential part of your wardrobe that I guarantee you will use almost every day.

            Not only is winter’s ambiance special because of the weather but also because of the holidays. Winter is the most prominent time for the holidays, hence the name ‘the season of giving’. I often struggle to find gifts for others, so here are some last minute and go-to gift ideas.

  1. Candles. Candles are so simple yet so thoughtful. It shows you know the person down to the scents they like. Candles are also universally loved and easy to find in stores. 
  2. A snack or food they like. This is often my personal gift to fall back on. You can really never go wrong with food because everyone enjoys it. Food is also able to be shared with others, which completely adds to the giving aspect of the season.
  3. Jewelry. No matter who you are, I believe everybody can appreciate jewelry. From diamond necklaces to simple watches, many people wear accessories that are either useful or represent them as a person. If you are to go the jewelry route, I would recommend following the personal journey of that person and picking something that they resonate with.

            Overall, winter brings me and–of course–many others immense joy. My goal for this article was to share that joy with you as my reader and friend, and I truly hope I delivered! Make sure to make memories this winter!

Sincerely, your local teen talk writer,

Carly Cantor

Year-Round Joy

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Year-Round Joy

By Joanna Fuchs

Christmas is full of shiny things
That sparkle, gleam and glow.
These holiday pleasures dazzle us,
And yet, deep down, we know…

That Christmas has its special gifts,
But our year-round joy depends
On the cherished people in our lives,
Our family and friends.

***

For more poems by Joanna Fuchs, visit https://www.poemsource.com/Christmas-poems.html

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