Editorial
Volume 20 Issue 5 — January/February 2015
by Melva Armstrong

As I write this editorial on the winter solstice, December 21st, I am reflecting on how peaceful and calm it was on my walk today. There was almost no wind and the tall white popular tree branches, as well as the smaller bushes were all covered in snow. It was like a pretty postcard scene as I made my way up and down the hills with the dogs. They were once again in sniffing heaven, trying eagerly to figure out where all those creatures were whose scents they could smell, but none were in sight. I saw lots of bunny and deer tracks, but not the animals. On two other walks, I saw three deer crossing the road together and at another time, two ruffed grouse fluttered up onto a tree branch when they heard us pass by. These birds live close to the ground in the bushes along the road and because I couldn’t see them, the loud sound of their flapping wings startled me. Their brown colours help them blend in with the bushes, which must be their protection from predators.

By the time you read this, another year will have drawn to a close, which gives us all an opportunity to reflect on everything that happened during these last twelve months. There will be much for which to be grateful, as well as some less joyful moments. However, life is naturally a mixture of ups and downs, comfort and discomfort, happiness and sadness, all of it making us stronger and more powerful human beings. May you continue on your path of evolutionary progress and embody all those things your heart desires in the new year’s coming days and months. I will enjoy walking this ongoing journey with you.

When I think about human life, I know that the most important thing is our breath. Without it, we won’t last very long, so it is imperative to look after our lungs and keep them healthy. The second most valuable thing for maintaining healthy bodies is good nourishment. The food and water we consume has to be natural and contain all the nutrients essential to keep our cells working in perfect right order. This is why I believe in growing my own and/or purchasing food that is locally-grown and certified organic. For these reasons, I’ve been a member of Keith Nue’s certified organic community shared agriculture (CSA) farm for several years. Because I feel it is important for you to know more about this unique way of purchasing food from a local organic farm, I’ve included an article called Making Local Organic Food Accessible Year Round (p. 14) by Christine Wood. In it, Keith explains to a new member how his CSA operates and what kind of food she can expect to receive and how often she will receive it. The important things to note are that his produce is certified organic and local and it is available year round. His farm is near Husdon Bay, and he drives his refrigerated truck to various locations where the members come and pick up their food. Pickup is twice a month in the summer and once a month the rest of the year. To learn more, contact Keith.

Also, to learn more about growing your own healthy garden and field crops and preserving organic heritage seeds, as well as looking ahead to spring, Stacey Tress has written an article called, Seedy Saturday—Emerge From the Cold into the Promise of Spring (p. 8). The first Canadian Seedy Saturday event started in Vancouver in 1990 and they are now common events across the country, as well as internationally. According to Stacey, “The beauty of this kind of event is that it raises awareness about seed sovereignty and food security, while building community.” They are usually held between February and April. Her article includes the dates of some of the locations across the prairies. If you want more information,
I recommend searching the internet.

There is a wealth of information and knowledge presented in this issue, so be sure to read it from cover to cover. A big thank you to all the many advertisers and those who have contributed articles over the past year for your support and kindness. I am grateful for all your contributions and I look forward to sharing 2015 with everyone.

May your new year be filled to overflowing with much peace, joy, love, laughter, good health, and abundance in all things.

Namaste
(The spirit in me honours the spirit in you)