Valley View Centre

So much to offer!

1400 Cowichan Bay Rd

Wellness

Reiki Wellness

250 743-8122

Reiki, Foot Detox, Infrared, Acupuncture, Reflexology

Island Hellerwork

250 661-1687

Deep Tissue Bodywork, Somatic Transformation

Healthcare Services

Cobble Hill Dental

250-743-6698

Friendly, Family Practice

We Welcome New Patients!

Island Pharmacy

250 743-1448

Open 7 Days a week for all your pharmacy needs

Resonance Hearing

250 743-3337

Life Changing Hearing

Solutions

Why We Should Watch

experiences can be, there are also touching moments of connection – such as when they tell each other they will be good mothers and when Áila feels Rosie’s pregnant belly – that are interrupted by the rest of the world.

Food & Drink

Country Grocer

250 743-5639

Bakery, Meat, Seafood, Produce, Deli & Floral, Supplements

Cure Artisan Meat & Cheese

250 929-2873

Charcuterie, Cheese House Made Pates

Pizzeria Prima Strada

Cobble Hill

250-929-4655

Wood-fired pizza local wine & craft beer

Liquor Plus

250-929-1999

Wine, beer and spirits on the Upper Level.

Fitness

Valley Health and Fitness

250-743-0511

Full service gym/classes

This beautiful film, shot from the perspective of two very different Indigenous women, is the work of Blackfoot and Sámi filmmaker, actor, producer, and director Elle-Máijá Apiniskim Tailfeather, and screenwriter and director Kathleen Hepburn. Its grey pallet on a rainy Vancouver afternoon, shot in real time with natural lighting, mirrors the emotional sense of the film, where the apparently more privileged of the two tries to ‘help’ the other who is fleeing domestic violence.

The idea of agency –influence and control in your life – is big. What happens when we see something on the street and stop to help someone more marginalized? Do we expect them to follow our agenda since we ‘know what is best’? As skillfully illustrated when whitepresenting Áila leaves the room to call shelters for Indigenous-looking Rosie without even asking her what she wants to do, those with privilege are used to setting the ‘reality’ they want.

Showing the broad range of what Indigenous women’s

This film gives the viewer a visceral sense of the complexities of who we share which parts of our identity with, especially as women of colour – for being seen, for challenging assumptions, for safety. Anytime you put someone in a box, that has real world implications. Among other things, the title captures how the world breaks open for each child born; the impact of intergenerational violence during this time of colonialism and capitalism; the various kinds of traumas different bodies carry; and how differently we are treated depending on the skin we are in.

The Warmland Book & Film

Collective – begun in 2018 as a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – explores, celebrates, and learns from Indigenous authors and filmmakers. We are welcoming new members – if you enjoy friendly, spirited, and interesting conversation, email us at WarmlandBFC@ gmail.com for the zoom link. All books we read are available through VIRL. We next meet online May 10 to discuss Buffalo Is the New Buffalo by Chelsea Vowel.

Submitted by Ranji & David, on behalf of the WBFC

There are some recent studies showing that too much clutter in our spaces affects us negatively. Women in particular are susceptible to feeling stress due to disorganization. These studies uncovered that cortisol levels in our bodies increases when we are immersed in environments that are chaotic and disheveled. At work, mess and junk can make it difficult to concentrate, stay on task and enjoy our work life. Everyone has a different tolerance to clutter and untidiness, but I have yet to meet someone who didn’t feel it negatively in some way.

Here are some of the general ways that clutter impacts us:

- lost time looking for everyday items such as keys, purses and paperwork etc. - difficulty cleaning properly - can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression

- associated with mental fog - can lead to procrastination and lack of motivation

- feeling less content in our homes

In my experience as an organizer, I’ve seen some powerful benefits once we begin to address the clutter. Well worth the effort it may take to tackle it. Here are some of my findings:

1. If you are looking to improve your health, such as maintaining an exercise program, cooking nutritious meals or finding ways to destress, then you will prosper in a settled and organized home. It’s much easier to look after ourselves when our homes are working for us rather than against us.

2. I call this next one the Pivot Principle, the ability to make a quick course correction in life, because we aren’t bogged down in disorganization and chaos. There is something to be said about that kind of readiness in life. Oprah has a quote that I love and live by, “success happens when opportunity is met with preparedness”. I like to think that our ability to recognize and welcome opportunities, flows when our living spaces are functioning properly.

3. Do you sometimes feel you aren’t living up to your full potential? I firmly believe that in order to put our best selves forward, simplifying and crafting an orderly home will hands down be key to reaching that goal.

4. If we want to do our part for the environment, it is much easier to recycle properly once we’ve downsized and set up a robust system for sorting our returnables.

5. Managing too much stuff takes mental energy, more than we may have to spare. If we want to free up more space in our minds, we will need to safeguard our mental “bandwidth” by lessening our clutter load at home and work.

6. Are you looking for more connection in your life, yet might feel embarrassed to have people over? This can be a sign that your home isn’t functioning the way you need it to. Mastering our living spaces will free us up to host our friends and family more regularly.

7. Lastly, taking the time to let go of objects that we are done with helps to create space for the “new” to freely enter our lives. As we are all living longer than any other time in history, this means we can have very different chapters along the way, with potentially varying focuses and activities. Letting go of those items we are finished with is a good practice, and something we will likely do repeatedly throughout our long life.

At no other time in human existence have we had so much stuff. The effect this is having on our inner and outer lives is still being discovered and understood. What I see clearly working with clients, is their forgotten dreams resurface. A passion project that kept getting put off, finds its legs again. A trip that was too stressful to plan, finds the energy to move forward. A career change, a new endeavour…all benefit from that clearing energy, and can reignite.

We spend a great deal of time at home, and any effort put into it, is an investment in ourselves. Taking the time to consider what we keep around us and what we let go of, is a powerful way to honour and transform our ever evolving lives.

Mayfest at Sunrise Waldorf School

Asthe Valley begins to wake up, as the buds open on the trees and the small creatures in the forests around us come out from their winter burrows, the children at Sunrise Waldorf School are busily preparing for one of the most joyous events of the year; Mayfest! They are learning to dance around the tall Maypole, weaving in and out, each with their brightly coloured ribbon until at last they have made a beautiful woven pattern down the pole. They are practicing their instruments and their spring songs, and helping to gather willow fronds and flowers for the flower crowns they will each wear on the special day.

become a familiar part of the celebrations, as well as a small handful of local vendors selling handmade trinkets and tasty treats.

We welcome people from the wider community to sit on the grass and enjoy the music and dancing, and perhaps learn a little more about our wonderful little school!

Join us on Saturday May 6 from 10am to 2pm at Sunrise Waldorf School, 2148 Lakeside Road. Bring a picnic. This is a cash only event.

Mayfest is an annual tradition at our school, and always a day of music, laughter, dancing, and games. After a long winter, the children especially are eager to get out into the bright air and enjoy the colours, sights and sounds of a festival that always tells us Spring is officially here. Starting with Grade 1, the children perform progressively more complex Maypole dances to live music provided by Grade 7, and Grade 8 show off their stilt-walking and circus acts. Island Thyme Morris dancers from Victoria have

Alumni Day is on May 5. If you’re a former student of Sunrise, let us treat you to pizza, join our students in a favorite recess game (Capture the Flag, anyone?), and step back in time in one of our classes, whether it’s PE, handwork, or a maypole dance practice. At 3pm we’ll host an Open House over refreshments, and welcome former staff and parents to join for a visit. We are looking forward to seeing you there! 11:45am to 4:30pm. Please visit the event page for more information and to register. sunrisewaldorf.org/ event-details/alumni-day

Jenni Lewis, Sunrise Waldorf School Parent and Waldorf alumni.

Don’t miss out!

Did you know that we are a local small team of passionate people who love playing and learning with kids with special needs? Our staff is growing! We assess and run interventions on site (and Telehealth) in paediatrics.

Occupational Therapists (OT), Speech-language pathologists (SLP), Physiotherapists (PT) are now welcome to join our brightly lit practice at Cobble Hill mountain. We step out to hike or trail run on our breaks. We love sharing our ideas, playing, and diving into self reflective practices to keep growing.

The candidate will:

- Feel energized when connecting with kids with special needs

- Work independently and within a supportive team

- Enjoy being busy and managing own time and workload

- Have interest sensory integration theory and children with ASD, ADHD, DCD, anxiety and more.

We are an understanding team with excellent collaboration, warmth, and a love of life long learning. Our support staff are long standing team members we can count on for tech support, frontline support, and creating resources. We value authenticity, professionalism, and reliability in an applicant.

I have always enjoyed helping others. I have worked with children, youth and adults in a supportive/helping role for most of my life. Sharpe Occupational Therapy Services Inc. is committed to, and focused on helping/supporting children (and their families) to be able to do the things they need and want to do, at school, home and in the community.

- Martin M, OT at Sharpe

Occupational

Therapy Services Inc.

My work as an Occupational Therapist at Sharpe OT Services Inc is rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling. Working in this private practice offers me the opportunity to apply my 30+ years of knowledge and skills directly and consistently with children and their families. It also challenges and encourages me to continue learning and honing my skills so as to provide the best therapy possible.

- Linda Z, OT at Sharpe

Occupational

Therapy Services Inc.

To join us and provide neurodiversity affirming, clientcentred, evidence based care, contact us. We are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Inquire by emailing: admin@ sharpeot.com

SUPERNATURAL SANTANA TRIBUTE BAND TAROT & MEDIUMSHIP READINGS

A six piece band of incredible performers deliver the experience of a Santana concert with all the energy and musicianship of the real thing. Spanning an over 50 year career the show takes the audience through all of Santana’s greatest hits and modern classics. From his seminal performance at Woodstock to the 1999 smash album “Supernatural” (from which this tribute derives its name) this is an unparalleled career faithfully reproduced by musicians of the highest caliber. Osborne Bay Pub, May 6, 8pm - 10:30 pm, 1534 Joan Avenue, Crofton Tickets at Eventbrite

50% OFF EVERYTHING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Crofton Shop & Wash is 7 years old! Come help us celebrate on May 13th & 14th All merchandise in the shop will be 50% off Bring your laundry and receive three free tokens!! New extra large machines in our renovated, much larger laundry space.

1606 Joan Ave, Crofton

With over 20 years experience as a psychic medium, Leigh has had the great pleasure of helping people with their life paths, connect with those who have crossed over and move stuck energy. Her readings will be a combination of tarot and intuitive mediumship. Leigh will be offering readings at the Community Farm Store on Saturday May 13, 11am- 4pm. Email shift123@shaw.ca to book www.shift-123.com.

Art In The Park With Robert Cerins

Join Robert Cerins and Friends for merriment, music, and original paintings. Robert is inviting a few artistic friends over on the May long weekend to celebrate. Come to Fuller Lake Park May 21st & 22nd from 11:11am to 10:10pm to buy some art, dance to live music played by The Paradigm Shifters and eat wholesome organic snacks and organic herbal teas! Art In The Park! Sunday & Monday May 21st and 22nd 11:11am to 10:10pm Fuller Lake Park 9279 Poplar Road Chemainus.

by Shiloh Badman

Inspired by Earth Day (with the theme for this year being: Invest in our Planet) many of us are looking to strengthen what we can do to protect and preserve our planet. Island Return It Centres on Vancouver Island are a great resource for those of us looking to dramatically lessen what we put in the garbage. They have been around since 1994, and have regularly added to their roster what they take back to be recycled and reused. That’s a bonus for those of us living

Island Return It is Hiring: Get paid to recycle!

Family owned and operated, they have a lively and growing team, with a few staff having been with them since the beginning. If you are looking for work that is fast paced and enjoy being a part of the recycling solution, they are looking for good people now. Go to Islandreturnit.com and look under About Us/Employment for full details.

Recycling Has Never Been Easier

on the island, where there are 5 handy locations. It feels good to be utilizing the programs that are doing good work to responsibly recycle and reuse raw materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill and our oceans. It’s important to note that all items (bottles, pop cans, batteries, lightbulbs and ink cartridges, to name a few) can be returned at no cost to us, which isn’t always the case in other communities; and we get paid to recycle bottles, aluminum cans and drink carton containers. Doing our part for the planet has never been easier.

With a bit of planning, we can set up a robust recycling system to organize and precount our refundables and sort our recycling, so drop off is swift and easy. Island Return It has Bag Buddy racks and plastic bags available for sale, which can help us set up a permanent system in our homes or work places. Here are a few sorting tips to help at drop off time:

1. Separate bottles from aluminium cans at home, and store cans in clear bags. Alcohol and non alcohol cans also must be separated

2. Pre-count at home, as it will reduce time at the depot.

3. Have a sticker or clipboard handy to jot down how many items are being adding to the bags, so no need for recounting on delivery day. Please count accurately.

New Location Update

In other news, Island Return It on Salt Spring

Island has just recently reopened at their new, more central location, at 251 Fulford Ganges Rd. with more parking to serve you better. This Ganges location only takes back ready to drink cans and bottles, including milk and milk substitute containers. They are open TuesdaySaturday 9:30 to 4:30pm

4. No liquids inside containers please (leave the lids on).

5. For safety reasons, glass should be delivered in boxes, bins or crates rather than in plastic bags.

6. Soft and crinkle plastic can now be sorted together.

7. Don’t forget to bring broken electronics, small appliances and light bulbs when visiting. Explore the full list on their website.

Thank you for recycling. The planet thanks you too.

Let’s Talk About Curbside Recycling, Cowichan!

Have you ever wondered why you can only put certain items in your curbside recycling tote? Is recycling contamination something you’ve heard about but don’t know what it means? What you put in your curbside tote matters because curbside recycling in British Columbia is unique compared to other provinces, with an emphasis on responsible management of materials within North America.

Curbside recycling in British Columbia Recycle BC, the organization that oversees curbside recycling in British Columbia is funded by businesses, retailers and manufacturers of packaging and paper products to ensure that these producers take responsibility for the collection, processing and recycling of the items they create and sell. This not only shifts the cost of recycling away from consumers but also creates a consistent, province-wide accepted material list that reduces confusion and streamlines the recycling process. Accepted items include everyday household packaging and paper products such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, plastic and metal containers, single-use items, non-hazardous aerosols, and foil. To ensure that the program is successful, these materials are collected by a network of different organizations such as local governments (like the Cowichan Valley Regional District and its member municipalities) that create relevant educational materials that suit each community’s needs.

What is contamination, and why does it matter?

Items that do not belong in the program are called contaminants, as they are outside the producerfunded program and can pose health, safety, and quality control issues impacting the recycling process. Recycle BC has an extensive contamination audit process for all collected materials and requires its collectors to keep contamination at 3% to meet the standards of local processors and end markets. Collectors exceeding this threshold can be fined up to $5,000 per load, meaning we must all come together to keep program costs low.

Curbside contamination in the Cowichan Valley

According to Recycle BC audits, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) currently has an average contamination rate of 8.5%, with the residents in Youbou, Sahtlam, and Cobble Hill contributing to the highest rates of not-accepted curbside material in the region. In order to gather more in-depth information about what items residents are misplacing in their curbside recycling totes, the CVRD has been performing curbside audits since 2019 and began an in-house audit program in 2021 where staff collect, sort, and track curbside recycling samples. As a result of this program, staff uncovered the top 5 contamination categories placed in CVRD Recycling totes:

1. Household Garbage and Personal Hygiene Waste: masks, dryer sheets, lint, dental floss;

2. Glass: clear or coloured glass bottles and jars, ceramics, glassware;

3. Hard and Soft Cover Books;

4. Hard Plastic Products: plastic toys, kitchenware, storage containers; and,

5. Electronics and Hazardous

Waste: propane canisters, batteries, flammable or explosive items.

Curbside Recycling Resources

Knowing what belongs in your curbside recycling tote can seem confusing, so when in doubt, remember that the curbside recycling program accepts packaging, not products. This means that the packaging around the product you purchased is included in the program, rather than the product itself. For example, the packaging around batteries can be placed in your curbside tote, but the batteries themselves must be taken to a Recycling Centre for proper handling at the end of their useful life.

Putting the right items in your curbside recycling tote results in successful recycling and ensures that the funds collected for the program are used as intended – to recycle the materials!

To learn what’s accepted in the program and recycling options for hundreds of items, download the Cowichan Recycles app or visit https://www.cvrd.ca/2584/ Recyclopedia.

For more details about the curbside program, accepted material list and additional recycling resources, visit https:// www.cvrd.ca/3381/Recycling

Leah Berscheid (she/her) Environmental Technologist Recycling & Waste Management Division

Cohousing is a unique and progressive form of housing offering the best of both privacy and community by incorporating full ownership of one’s home AND commonly owned spaces like workshops, exercise rooms, guest rooms, studios, playgrounds, craft rooms, party rooms, storage and so much more!

Tailoring each project to the needs and wants of future residents, cohousing promotes creativity, welcoming initial investors to contribute to the design process of the property, the homes and the shared spaces.

For more information on Vancouver Island cohousing opportunities email friends@ amisto.ca For all other real estate inquiries email brianhorwitzrealty@gmail. com

When Broombusters started in 2006, the word on the street was that there was no way to stop Scotch broom. That is because people were using the wrong methods. A lifelong railroad man gave Broombusters the key: cut broom while it was blooming. Sounds simple enough. But it must be done right.

This month, we want to share the details of how to cut Scotch broom properly, so the plant actually dies, and the seeds remain dormant in the soil. Best practices depend on size of plant, circumstance, season, surrounding ground cover, your tools, strength and time.

Let’s start with a common question:

Why not pull out the roots?

Scotch broom spreads almost exclusively by seeds – not from roots. A mature broom plant produces 18,000 seeds which survive in the soil for over 30 years. If you pull out a mature plant, it will disturb the soil, and the previously dormant seeds will be exposed to sunlight and sprout. Often hundreds of them! So, you exchange one big plant for a multitude. We want to keep the grass and groundcover intact, to suppress the seeds.

• Cut at ground level or below. Using loppers. Cut it once and then look again. If there is any bit of stem above ground level, cut again. Tap soil, grass or leaves over the top. www.broombusters.org.

• Small broom. Smaller than a pencil. Pull these small ones in the wet season. If pulling causes any disturbance of the soil, don’t pull. You might decide to leave small ones until the winter rains.

• Big broom. If the stem is too big for your loppers, or your strength, just cut all the green and manageable branches off. If there is nothing but a thick stem left standing, the plant will dry out and die in the summer’s heat. Leave enough standing so people don’t trip on it – sometimes 1-3 feet. Peeling the bark back like a banana peel increases the stress on the plant (and its easy and fun.)

• Multiple Stalks. If broom has been cut poorly, mowed or mangled before, it will produce multiple stalks, making it harder to find the single stem that goes into the ground. Dig around the stalks with your finger or a garden tool to find the single stem that goes into the ground. Cut there.

• You can’t find the single root or it is too big to cut? Use a hatchet and mangle it. Expose as much as you can to the sun. It will be unhappy and may die. If not, you’ll get it next year.

• Mowing? Excavating? Chain saws? Mowing just creates a lawn of low broom, which will bloom again and again. Cutting with a chain saw or weed whacker leaves a stem, so the plant revives. However, rough cutting does prevent the plant from going to seed, and you can go back and cut the stem at ground level later that summer. In summer’s heat, the plant will die.

How to take care of Loppers: Loppers are great tools, but they have their limits. Only cut the appropriate size branches. You may be strong and able to cut through huge branches, but you’ll ruin the tool. Use a hand saw! If the lopper gets stuck in the stem, open carefully – do NOT wiggle.

Why cut in bloom? The roots of broom are weakest while in bloom because the energy is above the ground producing flowers and seeds. The cut is then exposed to the dry heat of summer, which makes it harder to revive. The stems of Scotch broom are photosynthetic, so the plant can grow all winter.

Plan disposal before you cut. Take to the transfer station, chip, compost or burn when appropriate. If you become part of Broombusters or another organized group, you may get help with disposal. Some municipalities help. But you must arrange before you cut!

Other Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, sunhat, long sleeves and pants. Check for ticks when you get home. In natural areas, be very careful not to step on native plants or disturb nesting birds.

Warning: Cutting broom is fun, and even addicting. Ask Jim G. of Parksville who cut broom for 199 hours last year! Join current local groups in Chemainus, Stony Hill and Lake Cowichan. Also, it’s easy to start a new group where you live. Contact Broombusters.

Cut Broom in Bloom!

Joanne Sales, Executive Director & Founder of Broombusters Invasive Plant Society.

It’s all in their head…

Ourdogs have a rich inner life. They have a brain that needs stimulation and feedback. There is more going on in that sweet head than thoughts of cookies.

Dogs are observing our movements. This is how they seem to predict a car ride or a trip to the vet. They see the patterns and remember them. And most of us are predictable. If you think your spouse knows you, they do not know you like your dog knows you. Your dog sees you when you’re not around other people and still seems to like you. But when a dog isn’t paying attention to you, they are checking out the world. They smell the air, hear the birds, feel the ground, and taste disgusting things. When you are sitting quietly with your dog outside, and you’re both awake, watch how your dog observes the world. They will squint their eyes as they sniff the air. Their ears rotate and lift at sounds that we may not hear. They adjust their bodies for comfort. What is going on in that head? Do they have streams of voice thoughts like we do? Are they remembering another time? Or are they considering the future? We don’t know. It’s easy to anthropomorphize and put words in their brains, but I think it’s more respectful to ponder what they may be thinking and give them their privacy. We don’t know what our spouse is thinking, either, but we don’t tell our loved one what they’re thinking. That would be rude. It’s important that your dog has some down time for their brain. Not just sleep, but relaxing brain time. Some houses are very busy and noisy and your dog may need some consideration to have time to chill without kids yanking their ears or the music cranked in the car.

Down time is when lessons are allowed to sink in and stay in the brain. At the Lucky Dog Daycare I can observe how the dogs all play for a while, then they all rest for a while. This isn’t just their bodies telling them to pace: the brain needs a rest as well. Brain work can be exhausting. Rest is a natural and necessary thing for all our brains.

Stimulation is a great thing for keeping the brain motivated. Take your dog to new places. Bring home new things to sniff. Take a different route. Go to a new park. Try a new sport. A tired dog is a good dog, and brain work helps tire your dog out. And then let them rest. Your dog is a self-thinking sentient being. We do our best to modify their behavior, but their thoughts are their own and that’s a nice thing.

Cvrs Plant Sale

The Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society organizes this annual event. Excellent rhododendrons and many other plants are reasonably priced, expert information is available, and entry is free. May 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church parking lot, 486 Jubilee Street, Duncan.

Sacred Silence

Mom is the first word any woman, with children, hears when there is a time of need in their child’s life. This privilege carries a treasure of gifts and challenges. I’m one of the fortunate ones whose mother still walks this earth. She’s my best friend, foundation, and internal guidance that I am thankful to have. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I openly acknowledge that some people are not as fortunate as I am.

Losing this role model can change who we are, leaving a huge void that can carry a lot of emotional upset, especially after we realize she is only accessible by prayer.

When parents, loved ones, friends, and even pets pass away, they generally cross over and transition to the other side without any problems. The only issues are the ones that exist with the loved ones left behind to do the grieving, coping, and accepting.

We all deal with the loss of loved ones differently. I’ve witnessed people cry uncontrollably, become withdrawn and act as if nothing happened, while others head down the path of selfdestruction, using drugs, alcohol, and reckless behaviour to numb the pain. We’re all different in our coping mechanisms and should never judge others for how they choose to grieve.

Modern Day Oracle

* Spiritual Mediumship

* Energy Healing

* Card Readings

* Empowerment Sessions

Call Sacred Silence 250-710-5287 www.sacredsilence.net or facebook: Sacred Silence

Grieving is love that has nowhere to go.

Over the past years, I have worked with people seeking guidance, reassurance, and closure from their loved ones in spirit, especially their mothers. I feel privileged when this divine, nurturing, and motherly energy makes her presence known. Her energy, in spirit, is always presented as gentle, loving, and embracing. It feels like the biggest energetic hug that vibrates at the speed of excitement when loved ones arrive at my studio. Such a therapeutic connection that offers healing for all.

If your mother is in spirit, know she is still with you and resides in your heart center, never leaving your side, doing her best to reconnect with you by sending signs that only an open heart can receive. She only wants what is best for you and will help, in spirit, to align you with your soul’s purpose.

Remembering Mom in Spirit

and it may be time to honour that by doing one of the following:

• Write a letter expressing how much you miss and love her. Put the letter in an envelope, and burn it to symbolize the power of letting go of the pain that may still be there.

• Buy flowers and set them afloat in a stream, symbolizing the flow of life.

• Plant a flowering vine to symbolize the growth you are experiencing while dealing with her passing.

The funniest reading I had was from a very bossy mother. While I was channelling for her daughter, this mother was overtalking and trying to control our session. My client mentioned that her mom was aggressive and controlling, known by the family as the “boss” She then permitted me to ask her mom to leave our session. Proving that even in spirit our loved ones do not change their ways.

Grieving is a very permissionbased process, and also a very lonely job. This Mother’s Day, permit yourself to anticipate the day by planning something special to celebrate your mom’s legacy.

Below are listed a few suggestions you can do Mother’s Day for your mom in spirit. She’s the reason you are here, giving you life force www.sacredsilence.net

• Sew a quilt from her favourite clothes and cuddle her.

• Go for supper to her favourite restaurant or cook her favourite meal.

• Play her favourite music all day long and dance.

• Create a playlist of her favourite songs on a music app and share it with the family.

• Visit her favourite places and have a private conversation with her at each location.

However you decide, know she is only a “Mom” shout away. Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful women, single mothers, and men who have stepped into this role for their children!

Georgia

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Expect a heightened focus on money this month; plus, you’ll be more concerned about your possessions, as well. Past issues are probably back to haunt you again. Certainly, increased chaos and activity on the home front will keep you on your toes. Fortunately, Venus will smooth your communications with others at this time; and of course, with lucky Jupiter in your sign, you have divine protection! You’re laughing.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This month the Sun is in your sign, which happens only once a year. This empowers you! It’s your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year; and you will attract people and favourable situations to you as well as gifts and goodies. With Venus in your Money House, expect money and wealth to come your way. Meanwhile, you’re buying beautiful things. You’re direct and forceful in your communications. Mars will keep you busy with short trips, appointments and an ambitious schedule. No moss growing on you!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You might feel a limbo-like quality this month because the Sun is hiding in your chart. Accept this and be happy to take a backseat. Enjoy times of solitude. Choose to work alone or behind the scenes. This is actually the perfect window to define some goals for your “new year” after your birthday arrives. What do you want to achieve in your coming year? Goals help you focus; plus, they make future decisionmaking easier. Meanwhile, enjoy your increased popularity! Treat yourself to some wardrobe items so that you feel great about how you look.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This month the Sun will be boosting your popularity! Go with what’s happening. Make an effort to see friends, especially old friends. Not only will you enjoy schmoozing with your pals, you will enjoy increased activity with clubs and professional organizations. Mars in your sign makes you more confident and boosts your energy and drive, which is why you will create a great impression on everyone. You da bomb!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Once a year, the Sun is at the top of your chart. Get ready for some great press, because when the Sun is acting like a flattering spotlight on you, people notice you more, and they admire you! (Even if you don’t do anything special.) Obviously, since this advantage occurs only once a year – use it! Go after what you want, especially if you need to make an impression on someone, or make your pitch or ask for permission. Enjoy schmoozing with creative friends. Romance is promising!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You want a change of scenery this month. If you can’t travel on a long trip, then get away for a weekend. Take a day trip. Be a tourist in your own city. Go to new places or restaurants, parks and museums. Hike outdoors. Do something that makes you feel more alive! You also want to learn something new and thought-provoking. Venus, at the top of your chart, makes you look attractive and charming to everyone. Someone will ask for your advice about how to improve something.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This month the Sun will highlight the resources of others, taxes, debt, inheritances, wills, estates and shared property. This is the perfect time to wrap up old business in these areas. (You’ll be surprised at how swiftly you will do this.) Your ambition is aroused. (Oh yes, you’re pro-ative!) Nevertheless, if you can travel for pleasure, you will. Meanwhile, with lucky Jupiter opposite your sign, partnerships and close friendships will be more meaningful and important to you. They will also be a source of joy.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This month the Sun is opposite your sign, which happens once a year. You will need more sleep because your energy will lag. (Take cat naps.) In addition, this polarized position of the Sun will magnify your focus on partners, spouses and close friends, giving you more objectivity and the ability to see your role in these relationships. This new objectivity will help you to see how you act in your closest relationships – giving you a chance to improve your style of relating to others. Expect improvements in your job and your health. Romance is affectionate.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You’ll work hard to be efficient and productive this month. Nevertheless, Mercury retrograde will dog your steps with silly mistakes. Cut yourself some slack. Fortunately, with Venus opposite your sign, all your relationships are smooth because there is less ego involved. You are less judgmental and more forgiving, which certainly makes you happier, and others as well. Money disputes or arguments about inheritances might arise. Fortunately, Jupiter will bring lots of opportunities for pleasure and fun!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This month is perfect for vacations, increased socializing and exploring the arts. Enjoy musical performances, the theatre and movies as well as sports events. Get out and have fun! Plan an exciting getaway. Have a picnic. Do something that makes you feel you’re giving yourself a treat. Old flames might be back in your world, which can be tricky. Sometimes this is exciting but generally, it’s unnerving. (When you go out, dress sharp because living well is the best revenge.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your focus on home and family will be highlighted this month. You might be dealing with a parent more than usual? Certainly, relatives you haven’t seen for a while are back on the scene. Fortunately, the placement of both Venus and Mars will mean you’re ready to work hard and party hard! Not only will you have the energy to accomplish what you want to do; at the same time, you’ll enjoy entertaining diversions, social outings and playful times with kids. Basically, your outlook is more optimistic! Have you noticed this? It’s easy to be happy and not realize it.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) www.georgianicols.com

This month the pace of your days will accelerate in a fun, busy way. You will have more outings, more appointments, and increased contact with siblings, relatives and neighbours. You might take short trips. You will have more tasks and errands to run that will create a busy schedule. But hey, it will be fun busy! You’ll enjoy seeing new places and meeting new faces. Many of you will redecorate or tweak your digs because you will entertain at home. Romance will sizzle as well because you’re up for a good time! A boost in your income will please.

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If you would like to contribute and support the visiting EldersPlease contact walktogether@inspiredlearning.ca 236 594-9251