Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all.

Now, I know that perhaps some of you don't believe in Christmas. You are perhaps of a different religion, or maybe you just don't believe. I don't know how much that I really believe in an organized religion myself. I am more the when you gotta say thank you to the Creator (who or whatever you may believe that is) you say it. When you feel that you need guidance, you ask. When you just want to talk, you talk. Simple as that. Who is to say that there is nothing or no being there to hear or to answer? I don't know for a certainty that there isn't, so what is the harm? None really and what the heck!

What I do know is that the teachings of this man, Jesus, that lived 2000 or so years ago make sense to me. I especially like the one about "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you". Can you imagine a world where everyone did that! Wouldn't it be amazing?  There is also the story about having faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. Wow, what if we all had that kind of faith in a peaceful world where no one went hungry and we didn't try to take what we could before someone else got it, or if we were content sharing everything so that we were all comfortable. What a fine world it would be! 

Imagine a world where people respected each other to the point of not imposing their points of view on each other but respecting their right to their point of view?

What would it be like to replace the hate and fear in the world with love and peace? What would it be like to replace the constant toiling for the dollar to working and helping each other live a decent life?

December 25th isn't even the real birthday for Jesus. I think that he was born in the spring sometime. The church chose that date to bring in more people to the church. They combined the date for an ancient  rite that celebrated the Winter Solstice, the celebration of the return of the light, the lengthening of the day. What does it matter in the long run.

To me, this day symbolizes not the birth of a man, but the spirit of the words that he taught. This day symbolizes the idea of peace, joy, love and respect for our fellow man and hope for the future.

So, it is in this vein of thought that I say, Merry Christmas to everyone, no matter what religion, race, or creed.

Peace, Joy and Love for 2012.

Seasons Greetings!

Seasons Greetings to you all. It is finally here, our time for our winter solstice celebrations, whatever you call them. Many different people, many different celebrations, but they all celebrate the love and togetherness that this season brings to our hearts! Fill your hearts with joy and carry that with you throughout the new year!
This past year has been a very full one and fortunately for us at The Nest, a more abundant year in many ways. We have enjoyed some lovely new friends as well as welcoming back some of our friends from previous visits. Thank you all for gracing us with your presence and we look forward to your return in the coming years.
This year we have had some scrap booking groups in and I must admit that these ladies are certainly dedicated to the craft. They are turning out some amazing creations for their families to cherish for generations to come. Well done gals!!
We have cut down our tree from our good friends place last weekend and yesterday we finally put on the decorations. This year I have cleared out the boxes and said goodbye to those decorations that are no longer together enough to put on the tree or no longer able to be pieced back together. It was a sad goodbye but the time had come. (sniff)

I have most of my shopping completed, yeah, without too much thinking this year. How are you making out with your list? Stumped by anyone for this year? Why not give a Robins' Nest Gift Certificate for a retreat or a day spa? Give me a call at 705-639-2284 or email me for rates and availability!


Hint of the Month:


Here is a recipe for cooking carrots that you might want to try this holiday season.

Carrot Ribbons with Cashews
1 1/2 lbs. carrots
1/2 c. unsalted whole cashews
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
3/4 c. finely chopped onion
2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon plus 1 stick
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cardamon plus 4 pods

Cut carrot ribbons using a peeler down the length of the carrot.
Toast the cashews in a 2 quart sauce pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add the butter, onion, ginger and salt and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the carrots and remaining spices and 1 tbsp water. Cook, covered for 5 minutes then remove the whole spices, toss in the cashews and serve hot.

There are no upcoming events this month. January and February are booking up so if you are interested in a Winter Wonderland Get Away,drop me a line to find out availability.