SHERWOOD ARROW
May / June 2016 ISSUE
When friends meet for
tea, life is good”
Just about halfway through the year already! Where has the time gone! There
is a ‘school’s out’ excitement in the air that is catching! May and June is bursting with things to do, places to go, people to see - and let’s not forget the
‘seeds of ideas’ in the last issue of the Sherwood Arrow to inspire us to make
the most of the days ahead. If you have an interesting picture or two of one
of your community outings or activities, a story, or letter you’ve written or received that is worth sharing, please do! Remember, the perfect time to start
or do anything never arrives. Today is now. Today is the present - a gift.
“ Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or
fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings,
photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges,
street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only
things to steal that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work and
theft will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent.
And don’t bother concealing your thievery-celebrate it if you feel like it. In
any case, always remember what Jean Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you
take things from – its where you take them to.” – Jim Jarmusch
PLACES TO GO PEOPLE TO SEE COMING EVENTS
May 20-21
The Wizard of Oz, May 20-21st, Cowichan Performing Arts
May 21-22
Maple Bay Wooden Boat Festival, Maple Bay Marina
May 28, 7:00pm
“Back to Tradition” - Celtic Rhythm Dancers. Cowichan Performing Arts
Centre
May 28
CVGC Annual Flower Show & Tea St. Peter’s Church Hall, 10:00 am
June 2, 7:00pm
“Next Generation Leahy” - Celtic Music, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
June 9-11
“Dancing on the Island” ~ Carlson’s School of Dance, Cowichan Performing
Arts Centre
June 11
Community Flower & Garden Show, Cobble Hill Hall 9am -2pm
June 24
39 Days of July Summer Festival begins!
June 25
The Grand Parade!
Old-Fashioned Niceties That Deserve a Comeback
~ by Catherine Stewart
Call me nostalgic, but sometimes I just really miss handwritten letters.
Long-distance phone calls from a landline. Sing-alongs. You know, oldschool things that make people feel connected. And I’m not alone. I
talked to friends, writers, and other etiquette experts (some of their
thoughts are included here) who also yearn for a return to forms of graciousness, kindness, and attention that have gone by the wayside. It’s
stuff we easily can—and should!—do something about. And best of all,
you don’t need fancy equipment. Not even your phone.
Pick up a Pen. Let’s write more. Research suggests that writing by hand can activate your brain to remember more. And neuroscientist Kelly Lam-bert, Ph.D., the author of Lifting Depression, says that it can make
you feel good, too. “The brain’s reward center is connected to one of the movement centers,” she says, “so
one way to activate pleasure is through physical effort.” Write a Letter. It doesn’t have to be about anything monumental. And think about the people whose day you could make—parents, an old friend, a child.
Improve your Penmanship. No one will hit you with a ruler if you don’t, but tending to your handwriting
shows you care. And as Lesley Blume writes in her Let’s Bring Back book series, penmanship is “an indicator
of elegance and individuality.” Bring Back Personalized Stationary. It doesn’t have to be two millimeters thick or heavily embossed. Any note with your name at the top “is considered the most personal,” says
Lizzie Post, the great-great-granddaughter of Emily and the host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette. “It’s the
stationery version of your Sunday best.” Be a Promiscuous Thanker. Write thank-you notes not just for
birthday gifts and homemade-lasagna deliveries but also to let other folks know that you’re grateful for
them.
FEEL A NEED TO WORK WITH COLOUR? HERE’S A PROJECT THAT MIGHT INSPIRE—BUILD A
TREE—LEAF BY LEAF. USE PAPER MEDIUM, FABRIC, EVEN PRESSED LEAVES AND FLOWERS
COLLECTED FROM A WALK
Explore the artist within —
overlap leaves, mix colors, experiment with textures, there
are no rules to creativity! All
you need is scissors, tape,
washable glue, paint if you
dare, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm & maybe a friend or
two. Need some help getting
started? See insert for tree &
leaf patterns & more ideas….
Memories in the Making
St. Paddies’ day (March 17th) was soooo much fun!
Oh the dancing! Some of our residents are amazing
dancers – age has no barrier to smooth moves and
the shaking rattle and roll of hips and fancy footwork. They were centre stage as the band Silver &
Gold played on. Besides good music and Annette’s
decadently decorated green desserts to celebrate
the infamous saint, Chef Steve served up 70 Irish
coffees. Now that’s a party!
Sherwood House also enjoyed a visit from the Easter
Bunny. He was a big hit! And a big boy! Who was
that masked bunny?? He gave out hugs and
chocolate eggs to all the residents. And a big thank
you to Roses and More for thinking of us—they donated 4 dozen stunning red roses on Good Friday.
Chef Annette prepared a lovely ham and scalloped potatoes with cream cheese & fruit turnovers
for dessert to finish off the special holiday shared
with family and friends alike.
Congratulations to Sherwood
House’s kitchen staff member
Sarah McLeod who scored
102% on her finals at VIU. How
awesome is that!
A BEAUTIFUL TALE OF LOVE
A middle-aged gentleman walked into the make-up
section of a department store. The salespeople approached him
assuming he was buying goods for his significant other.
To their surprise, he begged them to teach him how to put on makeup. They were a bit taken aback, but seeing as the store was not
particularly bustling at that hour, indulged him. He took detailed
notes throughout the rather thorough lesson, and finally at the end
they simply couldn't hold it in any longer, and asked what had inspired him to learn this art.
He replied, 'My dear wife recently lost her sight in a terrible accident,
and so she can't put on her own make-up anymore. We've been
married over two decades, and she knows I think she's the most
beautiful woman in the world no matter what, but when we go out
nowadays she doesn't have the confidence she used to have. I
came here because I want to be able to put her make-up on for her
so she can feel as beautiful on the outside as I know she is on the
inside.
Good friends are there when you need them. Fairweather friends are only there when they need you. But
it’s really nice to have the friends who are there when
there’s really no need at all ~ Dee Zantamata
Erna, Audrey, Thelma & Mary don their hats for afternoon
tea. Camaraderie at it’s best. Looking good ladies!
Emma is the 3rd eldest of 16 children. “It was a lovely
time”, Emma fondly remembers growing up in New
Town, New Brunswick in a five bedroom house. “We
were all healthy and happy. We loved to pick strawberries, raspberries & wild blueberries together and play.”
She talks lovingly of her mom’s baking—especially her
delicious cinnamon buns that she would make right after making biscuits. Her mother was the ‘monarch’ of
the family — “Dad was lost when she passed away at
the age of 57, but he stayed in the house taking care
of the younger children.” Emma moved to Montreal
after high school and found work in a bakery. She met
her husband at a dance and married in Montreal where
they lived most of her life. Emma’s husband worked for
Air Canada so for $6 a ticket, they could go just about
anywhere —and so they did! Emma has a lot of stories
which she is always eager to share. Emma likes her
tea prepared English style and served in a bone china
cup, a prelude to good conversation and light hearted
banter. If you enjoy laughter, Emma’s the go to girl!
Do you have a photograph to share?
What’s your story?
CHARLIE BOY & FRANCES
GRATITUDE IS HAVING EVERYTHING YOU NEED
Growing up in my Grandma’s house as a boy was an experience that would shape me for the
rest of my life. We were poor in everything but spirit, yet I learned so much about life there. My
Mom, Dad, Nana, two brothers, and I were crowded into a home made from two old shanty cars
and several built on rooms. I always knew what my next set of clothes would look like because I
had seen my older brother wearing them the year before. I always knew what we were going to
be eating in the Winter, because I had weeded it in the garden during the Summer. Still, I never
felt poor. No king ever ate as good as we did on Sundays after church when Nana cooked her
homemade meatballs, spaghetti, and freshly baked bread.
Even though we had so little I can still remember Dad, Mom, and Nana giving so much. We were
always sharing with others. Everyone who visited us could expect a plate of spaghetti, or a mason jar of canned vegetables, or a flower pot full of fresh blossoms to be given to them. I can still
remember the sparkle in Mom and Nana’s eyes whenever they passed something on to others.
We never felt richer or more blessed than when we shared what God had given us. I learned early on that the greatest joy comes from giving rather than getting. Giving fills your heart with love.
Giving fills your soul with God. Giving brings your spirit closer to Heaven.
Don’t be afraid to pass on your blessings, riches, gifts, and talents to others. That is why God
gave them to you in the first place. Share everything you have. If you have a beautiful smile then
pass it on. If you have a lovely laugh then pass it on. If you have a few extra dollars then pass
them on. If you give great hugs then pass them on. If you have a special talent then share it with
others. If you have a heart full of love then give it to the everyone. No life is ever truly lived until it
becomes a gift in itself, so make your whole life a gift to the world. (Joseph J. Mazzella)
EATING FOR HEALTH
Super Seeds of life
Hemp and Chia seeds are one of the
most nutritionally well-balanced plant
foods on this earth.
HEMP SEEDS. Add these super seeds to your daily food regime - they are power packed with a healthy
dose of protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and fiber that offer the perfect harmony for the human body.

Hemp seed contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.

Includes a stellar list of phytonutrients (Calcium; Iron; Magnesium; Manganese; Phosphorus; Potassium; Zinc; Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, D and E) and offers a superior vegetarian source of protein considered easily digestible.

Rich in soluble and un-soluble fiber which naturally cleanses the colon and reduces sugar cravings

Nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or
seed oil. The richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids.

A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid — for cardiovascular health and general
strengthening of the immune system.
For a long time, hemp seeds were ignored for their nutritional benefits because it’s botanical relationship to drug/
medicinal varieties of Cannabis. However, hempseeds do NOT cause any psychotropic reaction and instead provide significant health benefits with it’s unique nutritional profile.
ANGEL SALON & SPA ~ 250-510-8780
Mother’s Day Special (extended through May & June) and Father’s Day too!
Free foot soak with Epson Salts when you re-book your next hair appointment.
CHIA SEEDS.
One of the most nutrient dense foods in the world, chia seeds are probably the best plant-based
source of Omega-3s out there. Chia seeds are also a great source of magnesium and manganese, and aid in colon
cleansing.
Chia seeds are known for their abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great alternative from fish oil for vegans. These tiny seeds actually have more of the beneficial fats than salmon. The omega fatty acids can improve your
heart health and cholesterol levels, and can be helpful in losing weight. The gel that is formed around the seed with the
help of water has no calories and makes you feel fuller.
These seeds contain an abundance of antioxidants, as well as complete protein, a rarity in plant sources. They balance
your blood sugar and give you steady energy that lasts for hours (a good reason why runners have adopted chia). Chia
seeds are also a great source of fiber; they have both soluble and insoluble fibers.
OVERNIGHT CHIA CHOCOLATE PUDDING
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Almond Milk, unsweetened (or coconut milk)
1/3 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (omit cocoa if desired & use pureed fruit, or vanilla extract)
2-5 TBSP maple syrup (or honey)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. For Blended/Smooth Version: Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high for 1-2
minutes until completely smooth.
2. For Whole Chia Seed Version: Mix all ingredients (including any added flavors, fruits or
chocolate). except chia seeds in a bowl and whisk vigorously Whisk in chia seeds.
Pour mixture into a jar or glass container and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or
overnight to let gel. Make this at night to have ready for a fast breakfast the next day. It is also great to make in the morning for a
delicious pre-made dessert at night. Serve chilled with desired toppings, such as fruit, granola or coconut whipped cream.
Banana “Sushi”
Peel banana and spread with peanut or almond butter.
Roll in hemp seed & slice into bite size pieces
Hemp Seed Truffles
Ingredients
1/4 cup walnuts
6 Tblsp hemp seed
1/4 cup goji berries, soaked and patted dry
1/2 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons sesame seed
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend for a few minutes
or until mixture starts to stick together. Form into bite size balls.
Letter from a Mother to her Daughter
A special visit by the infamous Easter Bunny
Dorothy & Buddy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day;
Erna & Trudi (right) looking fabulous!
My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to
please be patient, but most of all try to understand what I’m
going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say “You said the same thing a
minute ago” Just listen, please. Try to remember the times
when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take
a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when
I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to
take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how
ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the
time to learn and don’t look at me that way. Remember, honey,
I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with
life's issues every day. The day you see I’m getting old; I ask
you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what
I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re
talking about, give me time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be
nervous, impatient, or arrogant. Just know in your heart that
the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when
my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before , give
me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you
first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad—just be with
me and understand me while I get to the end of my life with
love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we
shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for
you, I just want to say, I love you, my darling daughter”.
Cltr-Click HERE for some more innovative leaf ideas.