The Stew Magazine 01-12

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 1

ISSUE 3.1 | JANUARY 2012 | FREE

Inside:

the Resolutions in Moderation issue

When selfimprovement goes too far Pages 4-5 Create a healthier you through art Page 13 Tone Soup’s top albums of 2011 Page 14

PAGE 2 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Resolving to play more video games in 2012 might be fun, but it doesn`t count.

Try these alternate resolutions for 2012

On the Cover: This was a tricky story to put together, trickier still to find an appropriate cover photo. We once again hit up our favourite stock photography service for this one, but we think it’s an image we couldn’t have beat even if we were taking it ourselves.

We’re not sure if the difficulty in finding people to talk to for the story was a result of the topic itself, or a result of the chaos surrounding the holiday season that fell right in the middle of our production schedule.

Whatever the case, we think the story turned out pretty well. Check it out on page 5.

So here we are at the start of a brand new year — 2012 — and it’s that time of year when people look ahead to the future with hope and excitement. They want to make a better life for themselves — to be fitter, happier, healthier. These desires manifest themselves in the tradition of the New Year’s resolution, the idea that starting January 1st we will all change our lives and become better people.

This is a noble goal, and its nobility can often be seen in the most common sorts of resolutions: To quit smoking; to eat less junk food; to exercise more frequently; to quit drinking so much alcohol.

But we here at The Stew like to mix things up a little bit. Sure those traditional resolutions are nice, but we like things a little bit more exciting. For example, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Todd Sullivan will be trying, sometime this year, to write and record a song on which he will play all the instruments, and Executive Editor and Sales Manager Juli Harland plans to find opportunities to direct her interest in home renovation further from HGTV and closer to the workbench.

And so we challenge you, our readers, to try some non-traditional New Year’s resolutions.

Here’s a list of some things you could try, but feel free to think of your own, and be sure to email us at letters@thestew.ca to let us know what you’ve come up with, and how well you’ve succeeded.

1. Watch better movies: We know everyone loves the trashy movies. It doesn’t matter if you favour the action variety or the rom-com variety, there’s some-

HAPPY DAYS  Make a resolution to smile more often this year.You’ll feel better, and so will the people around you.

thing to be said for settling back in front of a film with little if any substance. But each year there are a few handfulls of films with a bit more substance to them, and if you usually make a habit of avoiding those types, maybe it’s time to take them out for a bit of a spin. You don’t have to jump headfirst into the foreign film section of your local video rental shop (unless that’s something you want to do). There are plenty of challenging films that come out of Hollywood too. Try working your way through last year’s Academy Award nominations for a simple place to start.

2. Eat more green vegetables:

When it comes to eating, most people in the new year want to do less of it, especially if they’ve tended towards some serious holiday gluttony. But most doctors think an increase in green, leafy vegetables can have a profound impact on your health.

Whether you want to suck ‘em back as salads or smoothies is up to you, just try not to go too heavy on the dressing.

3. Turn off the TV: Here in the 21st century, there seem to be hundreds of channels to choose from, and more are arriving every day. Surely there’s always something on that can at least hold your attention, even if it

isn’t particularly riveting. But ask yourself how many of these shows you’re actually enjoying, and you might find that you’re wasting more time in front of the tube than you realized. Even if you haven’t decided to go to the gym as part of your resolution plan, if you turn off the TV for even just an hour a day and go for a walk, you’ll likely find yourself feeling better both physically and mentally. And we bet you won’t even be able to remember what you normally would have been watching.

4. Learn to play a musical instrument: Our columnist Torrey Owen recently started to learn to play the violin (see page 19), but you don’t need to go for anything quite that off the beaten path.

Just find a dusty old instrument that’s lying around your house (most people have one) be it a guitar, an old piano, whatever. If you haven’t got one lying around, start trolling the classified pages looking for used deals, and hit up the garage sales once spring comes around. If you need to find an affordable teacher, why not try the Internet?

5. Smile more often: This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by the difference this one little change can make. Not only will it make you feel a lot better because, well, you’re smiling more often, but it will make everyone around you feel better too, because they’re encountering your smile more often. And that will make them smile more often. And that will make the people around them feel better. And then they’ll smile more often. And on and on and on.

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January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 3

Nutrition Facts

Things we are planning for 2012: An end of the world cocktail party on December 21

Serving Size: 24 pgs Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving

Calories 0 % Daily Value* New Year’s Resolutions Those we admit to 10% Those we keep to ourselves because we’re pretty sure we’re going to fail 90% Odds of the world ending this year Probably something like 0.187%, but we don’t have any official stats

When selfimprovement goes too far Pages 4-5 Creating a healthier you through art Page 13

Ingredients (or things that helped us get through the last month): Trying to keep to low-cholesterol diets over the holidays; enjoying the occasional not-so-low-cholesterol meals and snacks anyways; wrapping paper; playing with wrapping paper; raw-food cookies; presents; the new electronic drum kit; a lengthy stay at the in-laws due to faulty plumbing at home; how a really hot shower feels after two or three days without one, thanks to a plumbing problem; the blissful sound of a flushing toilet once the plumbing issue was fixed; baby’s first Christmas; baby’s first Christmas tree; baby’s first Christmas presents; bab’s first Christmas dinner; making sure all of baby’s first Christmas was captured on film and or video; letting baby make her first short film after she grabbed daddy’s video camera; realizing that baby’s first Christmas was more exciting for us than for her and loving it anyway; rechargeable batteries; cocktail parties; having a kick-ass in-house bartender for cocktail parties; excessive use of the word ‘no’ as baby gets more mobile; baby’s first teeth; starting the weaning process; time off; frazzled kick-start after having time off; looking forward to an awsome 2012.

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PAGE 4 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Canada ranked #5 in most deaths linked to eating disorders, with 19 in 2004. The US was #1 with 218

WHEN SELF-IMPROVEMENT GOES TOO FAR

BY TODD SULLIVAN THE STEW MAGAZINE

Most people think they have some room for improvement.

Maybe you think you should lose a few pounds or go to the gym more often.

Maybe you think you should quit smoking or maybe drink a little bit less. Maybe you think you should go back to school and finish your degree or finally learn to paint or work harder at home renovations or make more friends.

It doesn’t matter who you are, if asked, there’s probably something

about yourself that you could point your finger at and say, “That, right there, is something I should change.”

And for most people, those changes, those struggles towards self-improvement, are good things. Your life is a work in progress, and who you are today is not who you were one day, one week, one month, or one year ago. And who you’ll

be tomorrow isn’t who you are today. You are evolving.

But sometimes the struggle to be better can do more harm than good. You might think that getting a better education is a good thing, but if you’re popping pills and guzzling caffeine to push your way through allnight

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cram sessions, maybe you’re going about it the wrong way.

Maybe you think that going to the gym and working out more often will get you into better shape, but if you’re jamming steroids into your arm in order to improve your bulk, you’re likely doing far more harm than good.

And if you’re trying to lose weight, an eating disorder is not a

healthy way to do it.

“I think it’s so huge nowadays because everything is about being thin,” says Natasha Peeman, owner of Hairdooz by Natasha in Williams Lake.

“And I think it’s overblown nowadays, and it only gets worse. I always look at the fashions, and I’m like, when is it going to start being more covered up? Girls are wearing less and less and less and less.

And at what point are they going to start wearing more?”

Peeman knows what she’s talking about.

She struggled with an eating disorder for about three years.

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January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 5

Paula Abdul, Fiona Apple, Victoria Beckham, Kate Beckinsale, Kelly Clarkson, and Lady Gaga have all struggled with eating disorders.

“It was like a bulemia type of eating disorder. I don’t know really how it started. They say there are different types of that eating disorder, like excessive exercise or excessive purging.

It kind of got to all of that. I was eating and then throwing up everything I ate, and then I would go to the gym for three hours. It was crazy. I don’t know what was wrong with me.”

According to a 2002 Canadian survey, 1.5% of Canadian women aged 15 to 24 have had an eating disorder. And while that percentage may seem small, that still adds up to millions of people suffering with a disorder, some even while still in high school.

That’s something that former Williams Lake resident Naomi Porter is all too familiar with.

“I remember having a very tough time in high school,” Porter explains. “I never really fit in, I was too smart for my own good, so in high school I needed to stay thin for the boys to like me, at least. I would binge once a week — a midnight raid on the cupboards

What most of these people may need is just a great support system full of people who love and support but also that will be tough and honest.

— NAOMI PORTER

and fridge — and then only eat handful of food at supper time, because my parents would notice.

Though Porter has been healthy now for years, she can still remember what it was like as a teenager and young adult, struggling with something she didn’t even acknowledge. “I didn’t realize it was an eating disorder until I started fainting at school and the counsellor got on my case.”

Peeman found herself just as much in the dark. “At that time I didn’t think anything was wrong. I actually remember thinking: This is what I do. This

is just what I do.

“It’s amazing how many people have these same issues, and don’t tell anybody, or go on years and years and years.

“Some women and men live with it for a long time.”

Thanks to the Internet, learning the best way to lose weight with an eating disorder is just a quick Google search away. Worse yet, it’s easy to find communities looking to support and encourage those who just see their eating disorder as a lifestyle choice. Pro-ana and pro-mia (pro-anorexia and pro-bulemia) web sites are easily discovered, and while those

sites are filled with advice, little of it is good or healthy.

But it can be just as hard — maybe even harder — to offer the tools to help someone on the road to recovery.

“Some of the ladies I know, some of the girls I know, they’re not ready to get help yet,” says Peeman. “And it doesn’t matter what anybody does or says, they’re not just going to go and get help because of that. They have to be ready.”

Porter’s thoughts are similar: “I don’t know what you could say to someone because how they see themselves is not how other people see them. I never once looked in a mirror and saw the cheekbones or ribcage; I saw flesh, curves.

“I guess what most of these people may need is just a great support system full of people who love and support but also that will be tough and honest.

“I don’t really believe a person “overcomes” an eating disorder. They learn to control it, but it is always there, like a little black monster in the back of the brain. It all just depends on who is stronger.”

Peeman has one other piece of advice: “Tell somebody. If it’s not a doctor then your friend or a close family member, or even somebody not that close to you, just tell somebody. Because then you have somebody you can talk to about it.”

Though it was a struggle, she’s happy to be where she is now. “It was so awful, I remember actually sitting and thinking, I would rather be fat and happy than feel like this. It was a gross feeling. And every time it happened, I would eat something, and then I would obsess and obsess and obsess until I threw it up.

“I just think it’s so sad meeting people when they have these problems and they can’t deal with them and they can’t get better. It’s just so sad.

“I definitely don’t ever want to go back to that. I think, after I have my baby, how am I going to get rid of this weight. And I’m like, I’ll do it healthy. I’m not going back to that.”

If you need help or information call the BC Eating Disorders Help Line toll free at 1-800-665-1822.

Here’s John and Jane.

The holidays are over and things are settling down at John and Jane’s home, but with every new year comes new resolutions.

And rather than spending a fortune for a gym pass, John is installing a home gym so he and Jane can get healthy in the privacy of their own home.

With the weather getting chilly again outside, it is also a good time to upkeep their furnace and improve air quality by killing off 99.9% of their airborne pollutants in their home with an easy-to-install Swordfish in the furnace.

And with all the colds and germs the kids are bringing home these days, that will help the whole house stay healthy.

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PAGE 6 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Overcome the demons that plague you in 2012

BY TODD SULLIVAN THE STEW MAGAZINE

Two years ago, I finally quit smoking.

This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

It was also one of the most important things I’ve ever done. By quitting smoking, I have had an almost incalculable affect on my health.

I’ve reduced my chances of dying of heart disease. I’ve reduced my chances of dying of a number of different cancers. I’ve reduced my chances of struggling with emphysema. I’ve significantly improved my blood pressure. And, on top of that all, I smell a whole lot better.

But if you had asked me three or four years ago if I thought I would ever

be smoke free, I probably would have laughed and said no. And then lit a cigarette and thought, sadly, about some of the horrible choices I had made in my life.

It’s not so much that I didn’t think I would try to quit. By then I had already tried to quit a good number of times, and failed more and more miserably each time (strangely enough, my previous best attempt to quit smoking was my very first attempt, which lasted three months before temptation took me down). And I would be fairly certain to try again, just as I would be fairly certain to fail.

The reason I felt this way is because I didn’t think of myself as someone who smoked. I thought of myself

as a smoker. It wasn’t simply something that I did, it was an integral part of who I was. It was a part of my identity. And you can’t just change who you are. Can you?

Of course I was just making excuses. I was giving myself a reason to feel bad, and the fact that I felt bad kept me smoking, because it was like I had to punish myself for being so weak, such a pathetic example of humanity.

When I did finally quit smoking it wasn’t because I changed who I was. It was because I finally acknowledged that being a smoker wasn’t an integral part of my identity. I had been wrong about that, and realizing that is what finally helped me overcome my

nasty addiction (that, and my ability to just stay in bed for hours at a time if I felt particularly bitchy).

I bring this up because that feeling — that this is an inescapable part of who you are — is a feeling that came up during some of the conversations we had while putting together our feature story this month. It was in regards to eating disorders and not smoking, but the feeling is essentially the same. This feeling of being trapped by something you know is maybe not all that good for you. This feeling like you have no choice to but to keep right on doing it.

But you don’t have to.

You can stop.

It won’t be easy. But it will be for the best.

SPEAK

It doesn’t matter what it is you’re trying to keep yourself from doing. If you have an eating disorder, if you’re a smoker, if you’re an alcoholic, these are all behaviours that can leave you feeling trapped, leave you feeling like there’s no escape. But there is an escape.

There is a way out. You can stop. With a struggle and with support, you can.

I’m not here to judge you, because I know I don’t want my own struggles judged. I only want to let you know that you can do it. And you will be better for it.

Whatever you’re struggling with, may 2012 be the year that you finally overcome it. Happy new year, everyone. todd@thestew.ca

Call or Fax us: (778) 412-2600 Email us: letters@thestew.ca Find us on the web at http://www.thestew.ca or Friend us on Facebook!

It’s sad that I’ll never get to be a Barbie

BY JULI HARLAND THE STEW MAGAZINE

As a woman turning 40 this year, it is hard for me to say that I have never really had a very fantastic body image. From as far back as I can remember I have always compared myself to an unattainable media standard, weighing and measuring myself, and coming up lacking. To be honest, I can’t recall ever feeling 100% happy with how I looked to other people. Or, really, how I thought other people thought of the way I looked.

I spent the better part of my teen aged years comparing myself to a very good friend of mine. She was beautiful, blonde, smart, and skinny as all hell. She was also anorexic.

I, on the other hand,

have always been an emotional eater. I used to think it would be really great if I could just get myself to commit to the purging part of binging and purging. It seemed like all I was any good at was the binging part.

So I would get depressed.

And eat burgers. Or chips.

Or chocolate bars. Or whatever tasted good at the time. And I would tell myself, “This is just a little bit of chips, it’s no big deal.”

And that felt good. And so that’s how I dealt with all my negative emotions.

And that was alright. I had a great relationship with food. Really great. We were intimate.

And I could stop any time I wanted, after all.

Turns out that is not as easy as just putting down

the piece of pie. My health started to become an issue as I got into my thirties, mostly starting with a miscarried pregnancy a couple of years ago, and then continuing through to my full-term pregnancy last year, and still even now.

I had to really watch my blood sugar for the pregnancies, and now it is my cholesterol. The doctor has threatened medication.

Now that is a wake up call. You mean all the years of gorging on doughy goodness took a toll? You bet it did. But just putting down the doughnuts is harder than not going through the Tim Horton’s line-up.

It seems that no matter how good I am supposed to be there is always the temptation to have just one of whatever it is that I

want. Especially when the hormones are raging and I am feeling down. It takes determination, still, to say no, or to reach for some healthier hummus and carrots (which I love, by the way).

How does that all relate to body image? It is all connected. There is still that young girl inside of me who would love to look like Twiggy, be a size 0, wear the skimpiest of lingerie and drive people wild with envy at the very sight of my tight abs and magnificent breasts.

But in reality I have days where my size 16 jeans are a little snug, my abs are held together with Spanx, and my breasts, though not too shabby, don’t necessarily point the same direction as they did when I was 16.

And there are days that

knowing I will never be what media deems perfect still bothers me. And there are days when the stresses of the day still find me wanting to drown my sorrows in a bucket of Ben and Jerry’s.

But thankfully through a lot of self-discovery, selfacceptance and support from my loving partner, not to mention just plain old growing up, I can look in the mirror and pretty much dig that chick I see looking back at me, with all her faults. And even though a shitty day still leads me to the fridge, these days I can wallow pretty well with celery and peanut butter.

And though I still have to continue to redefine my relationship with food, it’s a start. juli@thestew.ca

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 7

Question of the Month

We’re definitely hoping we’ll be able to publish the winning stories from the CIRAC writing contest again this year.

When a nightmare becomes a reality It’s the final year of high school, the middle of the never-ending semester, and the beginning of my worries.

Eight months to go, and that time is rapidly reducing. The hours of school are quickly becoming more and more overwhelming and stressful. Teachers and authorities are constantly poking their wrinkly noses into your business, like the way young children swipe icing off a freshly baked cake.

Teachers waddle up to you and, insistently, ask, “What are your plans after you graduate?”

Their beady, old, eyes, with a sideways, crooked smile, and screeching, achy tone of voice that echoes in your dreary head, reminds

you that a simple “I don’t know,” response will just drag the emotional conversation longer than is wanted.

High school was a scary thought, but after attending for five long years, it becomes something like a home away from home. A place dreaded on Monday mornings. A place where all the girl drama begins.

A place your parents said helped them ‘find themselves.’ The thought of leaving high school and never returning is like a bad dream that will become a reality soon enough.

For people such as I, who immensely dislike future planning and despise the unknown, graduation is slightly horrific. The day I graduate

and grasp hold of my muchearned diploma is something I truly look forward to.

Then I think of the moments with my friends that I will never let fade my memory, and all the great teachers I’ve met that helped me over the little barricades in my life at some point during my high school years.

Going to high school was a nightmare for me, back when I was young, but now it’s not so bad.

I’m frightened to leave high school, but at the same time, I’m ecstatic to finally be able to let the chaotic world hear my voice for the first time, loud and clear. My Monday to Friday schedule is about to change dramatically, but it’s going to change

for the better!

I think ahead to the future, when winter has come and gone, and the dandelions are popping out of the ground like zombies on Halloween night, and the world is thawing with the start of sunshine, June has arrived!

Those eight months have gone speeding by, my graduation dress fits perfectly, and my diploma is in my hands, right where it belongs.

2012 is my final year of high school, the middle stage of my never-ending adolescence, and the beginning of my adult life.

But still one question remains unanswered: What am I going to do after I graduate?

— Alana Ward

CIRAC preparing 2012 writing contest After the success of their first writing competition in 2011, the Central Interior Regional Arts Council is holding a second writing competition in 2012. The aim of the competition is to encourage and develop emerging writers. Any resident of the Central Interior region of BC who is (or is prepared to become) a member of CIRAC is eligible to enter.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts and the winner will receive an all-fees-paid place at the Island Mountain Arts 2012 creative writing course in July in Wells. Both the winner and

the runner-up will have their work published in Arts North.

Entries must conform to the following requirements: (a) They may be fiction (short story) or non-fiction (memoir or essay) (b) They must be no longer than 3,000 words. (c) They must not have been previously published.

Entries must be accompanied by a single cover sheet giving the author’s name and contact information. They

must be submitted electronically to the CIRAC Executive Director tschoen@ lincsat.com to reach him no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 28, 2012 Inquiries about the competition can be addressed to Graham Kelsey at (250) 243-2440 or gkelsey@xplornet.ca . A 2012 membership in CIRAC costs $28.00 and is good for the whole year.

A request for membership, accompanied by a cheque should be sent to CIRAC, PO Box 4537, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V5. To learn more about the benefits of membership see www. cirac.ca.

INE Z A MAG

What is the one thing you most wish you could improve about yourself?

Send your answers to letters@thestew.ca

Todd Sullivan todd@thestew.ca publisher / editor-in-chief

“I really need to lose some weight, but hopefully I’ll be taking care of that, as I’ll once again be participating in the Fit City Challenge this year. Wish me luck!”

Juli Harland juli@thestew.ca sales manager / executive editor “To take time to follow my own interests and hobbies. I am the typical caretaker, I really suck at taking care of my own needs while caring for everyone around me.”

Angela Shephard angela@thestew.ca fine frugality (crafters beat)

Jamie Horsley tonesoup@thestew.ca tone soup (music beat) “Not much, I guess, but maybe that means I need to improve my ambition.”

Carol Davidson stir@thestew.ca stir (health beat)

Torrey Owen torrey@thestew.ca In My Shoes (city beat)

Natasha Peeman hairdooz@telus.net beautydooz (health & beauty beat) “I wish I could improve my abilities to not take everything so personally. If I could do that life would run a lot more smoothly.”

Michelle Daymond candoitconsulting150@gmail.com Eating Local (food beat)

MEME OF THE MONTH MEME [meem] noun An element of a culture or system of behaviour passed from one individual to another by imitation or other non-genetic means an image, video, etc. that is passed electronically from one Internet user to another

Number 1 Song on My Birthday Originated at: Facebook This one’s pretty simple.

Find out what song was in the #1 position on the day you were born (Josh Hosler has an amazing archive with this info available at http://www.joshhosler.biz), then post that information in your Facebook status update, along with the information that you’re playing with the meme, so people know what the heck you’re talking about.

Now this is not a particularly new meme, but it has suddenly resurfaced over the last month or so, for reasons we’re not entirely sure of, besides the fact that it sort of provides an interesting piece of trivia about people you know.

Oh, and for the record, The Morning After by Maureen McGovern was charting when Todd was born, and American Pie by Don McLean was #1 when Juli was born.

“Hmmm...only one? I think I'd have to say my impulsiveness — I tend to do first, think later, which can be fun sometimes, but I definitely see the benefits of taking a step back to think things through first.”

Michael Jones jjonesmii@yahoo.com One Seoul Searching (overseas beat)

Laura Kelsey laura@wordsmore.com Poetry Editor

THE STEW Magazine is an independently owned and operated monthly arts and lifestyle magazine published in the Cariboo Chilcotin. All information contained in this magazine is correct, to our best knowledge, as of press time. Opinions expressed by correspondents and contributors are not necessarily those of THE STEW or its employees. We reserve the right to edit letters to the editor for grammar, punctuation, content, or length. All letters must be signed by the author. THE STEW Magazine accepts no responsibility for correctness beyond the amount paid for that portion of advertising space occupied by the incorrect item. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising or editorials submission which we believe to be inconsistent with the philosophy of this publication.

The contents of this publication are copyright The Stew Magazine 2012.

PAGE 8 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Natasha also spoke to use about her experiences for our feature story on pages 4 and 5.

Remember, you can beat an eating disorder When did it all start?

I don’t remember waking up one morning and saying to myself, “Today will be the day I’m going to have an eating disorder.”

Guilt has always been one thing I’ve had a hard time with. In my experience, guilt often accompanies depression, and depression goes hand in hand with eating disorders.

In my early childhood I was raised with healthy meals — not extravagant, but balanced, nutritious, and home cooked. I was taught to clean my plate; Do not waste. I know some of my issues with food came from not wanting to waste my family’s money by throwing out food. As ironic as this might be, years later, I was pretty much flushing money down the toilet, with my purging episodes.

We were pretty active kids, playing outside until dinner time. Sports were not my thing; Being the last kid picked for teams during P.E. at school really didn’t encourage me to play. I know that kids will be kids, and kids, especially, can be mean, and being harassed for your weight and being called ‘Wide Load’ when you’re only 10 is hard to manage, but I learned to let it go in one ear and in the other — or so I thought.

My mom was always very supportive of my

Beautydooz

By Natasha Peeman larger body type, she knew I was sensitive to the subject, and tried her best to raise me healthy and happy. Other members in my family weren’t so forgiving. At age 12, my New Year’s Resolution was to “Wean myself off food.”

I still remember telling myself that over and over.

So I guess that’s when the eating disorder reared its ugly head for the first time. I think now, how sad.

During my late teens and into my twenties, I don’t think I was as sensitive as I was in my earlier years. I knew I was overweight, but I seemed okay with it. Being the bigger girl was just my destiny. I spent long hours working out in the gym, or walking, or working at a very physical job. I never seemed to lose weight — which, to be truthful, was always number one on my priority list. I was 5 foot 5 and my weight stayed between 175 and 190 pounds.

It seemed like I was always on a diet, but the weight never really budged. In 2001 I went on a very popular lowcarb diet (during which I spent three months in the first phase when you’re only supposed to be in it for two weeks.) I lost 35 pounds, but it all came back when I stopped dieting. I was also swimming for a few hours every day (extreme exercise is another form of bulimia.)

I had no idea I was living an unhealthy lifestyle. I thought I was being active and eating better.

By this time I was working in the beauty industry, which, in reality, isn’t healthy for a person with body image issues.

I’ve struggled with having to stand in front of a mirror all day (I’m a hairstylist by trade.) Even now it would be nice if I could work through the day without looking and analyzing every body lump and bump.

The worst part of my eating disorder came

in 2005, which had me lose 60 pounds in five months. I was single, and was tired of being BIG. I wanted to be pretty, sexy, and confident. Little did I know that those attributes have nothing to do with weight. I started vomiting when I ate too much; I had no idea that it was harmful. This then turned to vomiting once a day, and then, eventually, every time I ate. It was hard on my social life, and stressed me out in certain situations, so I turned to not eating when I went out, or eating just a half-size lettuce greens salad with nothing on it.

Diet Pepsi and other zero calorie drinks were also my favorite.

My family had no idea what I was doing until later on in my sickness. I don’t know if they knew something was up, because I almost succeeded in tricking myself. I would excuse myself after dinner because I had “a headache” and go into the washroom, turn on the sink faucet to drown out the noise, and vomit. This ritual turned into “what I did”.

At this point my depression was on the fast track, my brain was obviously lacking important nutrients, and my thoughts were not clear or healthy. For someone with low self-confidence and body image issues,

compliments are a HUGE thing. With the weight that I had lost, the compliments and attention were pouring in. I still remember counting how many compliments I received every day.

Now I believe that it’s no business of mine to know or care about what someone else thinks of me. Whether I’m fat, thin, pretty, ugly, confident, or not. I really try to not care what anyone thinks.

The only person I have to make happy is myself.

In 2007 my now husband came into the picture. He’s been the single most supportive person I’ve ever met. He helped me to come to the realization that I needed help. I needed to get healthy and happy for our relationship, and mostly myself.

I remember telling myself that I would rather be fat and happy than thin and feel like shit!

I ended up in the hospital with severe depression in 2008 — that was the final straw. I wasn’t going to let this monster of an eating disorder take over my life. I wanted to have a normal life. I was tired of obsessing over the number on the scale twice a day. I was tired of stressing out over every single morsel of food I put into my mouth. I was tired of the guilt I felt over wasting a hard-earned meal. I was tired of all the secrets.

I began counseling with a doctor that specializes in eating disorders. I was also prescribed medication. Without the counseling and medication I don’t think I could have done it. Food and bulimia were my drugs of choice.

I was addicted to them.

I couldn’t get enough of them. When people say that drugs, or addictive substances, are their friends — they’re always there for them — I believe that. Only addiction isn’t a friend you want to have.

It will rape and pillage you until there’s nothing left.

Nothing except a lonely, empty shell.

My eating disorder was the most horrible time of my life. I am now treated, healthy, and pregnant! My new body makes me happy. I see the roundness of my belly, and the full curves of womanhood. I am so thankful that I have a body healthy enough to support another human being inside of it. I am also so thankful for beating the ugly diseases they call bulimia and anorexia.

There are many women and men who aren’t so lucky. People die every year from eating disorders and depression. If there’s one thing I could say to people struggling with eating disorders is that you CAN beat it. hairdooz@telus.net

THE WILLIAMS LAKE FILM CLUB PRESENTS: Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 pm at the Gibraltar Room Back doors open at 6:30 Admission $9 Regular, Members $8, Seniors / Elders $6 THE ORANGE THIEF Sicilian / Italian with English subtitles A cocky, irrepressible and penniless young orange thief dreams only of one thing, owning a piece of his beloved Sicilian land. When landing in jail one day, his cell mate is “Turrido, the Smooth Blade,” a murderous yet philosophical man who offers our hero a deal he cannot refuse. And now his life changes as the lives of everyone he encounters. A film full of life, colour, music, singing...fights, love...

Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 pm at the Gibraltar Room Back doors open at 6:30 Admission $9 Regular, Members $8, Seniors / Elders $6 Double Feature: WHITE WATER, BLACK GOLD and SPOIL Two powerful documentaries. Beautifully done, 110 min.

White Water, Black Gold follows David Lavallee on his three-year journey across Western Canada in search of the truth about the impact of the world’s thirstiest oil industry. B oth government and industry spokespeople deny any cause for concern, but in the course of his journey Lavallee, backed by university scientists, makes a number of discoveries that challenge that assessment and raise serious concerns for Canada and the United States.

Spoil - The International League of Conservation Photographer’s adventure through the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia to support the flight against super tanker traffic throught he coastal waters. The proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project threatens the lands, ecosystems, cultures, and communities of the north with pipelines and oil tankers carrying crude bitumen for export to Asian markets.

SPONSORED BY THE STEW MAGAZINE AND THE WILLIAMS LAKE TRIBUNE

Together we stand...

This Month at the Women’s Contact Society: • Women’s Monthly Get Together – January 31, 2012, Bath Bombs with Eva and Robyn, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm • Mondays Starting January 9, 2012 Glendale Playgroup – 9:00 am – 10:30 am • Tuesdays Starting January 10, 2012 Songs, Rhymes, & Storytime – 10:00 am – 11:00 am • Wednesdays Starting again January 11, 2012 Women’s Only Fitness at the Salvation Army 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Child minding Available • Good Food Box Deadline is Wednesday January 11, 2012 by 2:00 pm Please phone for registration and times.

Pre-registration is required.

#301 19 N First Ave, Williams Lake, BC 250-392-4118 • Fax: 250-392-4145

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 9 JULI HARLAND PHOTO

FIRST CHRISTMAS ď ľ It was a festive holiday at The Stew HQ as we marked the first Christmas for the magazine’s unofficial art director, Morrigan Sullivan, shown here with just one of the many gifts she happily received. Morrigan is looking forward to even more excitement in 2012, including her first birthday.

Play Your guide to where to go and what to do for the month of January

PAGE 10 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Catching a film club movie is a great way to ease into watching better films, and you’ll bump into others doing the same!

January 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25, Williams Lake: After School Art Classes at the Station House Gallery. The classes will run Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with two classes each day. The first class is from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm and the second is from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Classes will be taught by Instructor Rachel Walker. Topics will be exploration of color, light, and shadow, and how to “see” like an artist. For $150.00 including materials, through ten classes, students will create original paintings, working with watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, and mixed media, and even be introduced to master artists. Rachel is very flexible in regards to the ten classes, so if

is now on “Like” us for daily updates on new stock, deals, and classes!

83A 2nd Ave South • 250-398-5121

Weight loss the healthy way Kix 4 Chix is a ladies non-competitive kickboxing program for EVERY woman. And it is unlike anything you have ever tried!

Age, fitness level, weight does not matter.

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250-398-8983 54 N Mackenzie Ave Williams Lake

January 5, 12, 19, 26, Williams Lake 5:30pm: Williams Lake’s Dry Grad Committee is in

FITNESS INC.

Gecko Tree

Tues-Fri 7:30-4:00 Sat 9:00-4:00

January 4, 11, 18, 25, Williams Lake 9:00am: It’s Uke Salute at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture building (the old fire hall)! Bring your ukulele and join our Wednesday morning sessions. Beginners to advanced. Come and play for fun. For information please email Sheila Wyse at ukesalute@gmail.com, or drop on in on Wednesdays!

Kix 4 Chix

Let us help you start the New year off right

Real food for real people.

one is missed, it can be made up for later on punch cards of 10 classes are $150. Contact Diane at the Station House for more info - 250.392.6113 or diane@stationhousegallery.com

Full range of breakfasts and lunches

Mon/Wed/Fri 6am-7am & 9:15am-10:30am Mon-Fri 5:30pm-6:30pm

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options always on the menu!

105b Mackenzie Ave, Call Nic @ 250-267-1672 or visit www.kix4chix.com

need of volunteers to help with the decorations for Dry Grad 2012.

They will meet each Thursday at 6:30pm at the former location of Gladie’s Fashions (beside the Bank of Montreal).

They will meet until Thursday June 7, 2012.

The Committee is welcoming all ideas and input and all are welcome to attend and help out. This year’s theme is “Stars and Constellations.”

January 5, 12, 19, 26, Williams Lake 6:00pm: Over 40s Club. A group for singles and couples over 40 with similar and varied interests. Activities may include dinners, hiking, camping, movies etc. Always looking for more ideas and people willing to host activities.

For more information please send a message to Heather at dentene@yahoo.ca. Fees (if any) for activities are the responsibility of the individuals participating.

January 5, 12, 19, 26, Williams Lake 7:30 to 9:30pm: Mainstream Square and Round Dance at the Child Development Centre.

Everyone is welcome to join Mainstream square and round dance on Thursday nights from 7 - 9:30pm at the Child Development Centre. Call Marie at 250-392-5360 or Nick at 250-392-2432 or email nmturner@telus.net for

more info.

January 10, Quesnel 7:00pm: Climate Action General Meeting at the West Fraser Timber Park Nature House.

January 10, Williams Lake 6:30 to 9:30 pm: The Williams Lake Film Club will begin the second part of the season Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Gibraltar Room with the film The Orange Thief. Everyone is invited to see the films, admission is $9 regular, $8 for members and $6 for seniors/elders (65+) and students.

January 13, 100 Mile House: Coming to the Parkside Art Gallery: “Into the Limelight” is an annual art show dedicated to introducing new artists to the community. Participating artists have the opportunity to gain experience with a gallery show without the stress of going it ‘alone’.

This year, Parkside Art Gallery is pleased to present Lianne Heales and Gina Myhill-Jones.

Please join us for this exhibition of new and exciting paintings, photos, sculpture and art glass. The opening is Jan 13, 7-9 pm and the show continues through to February 11th. 401 Cedar Avenue 100 Mile House . Please contact the gallery with any inquiries, 250-395-2021.

Join the Challenge!

Build your better body, one day at a time!

Body Transformation Challenge begins January 15!

Sign up Jan. 15 to Feb. 29 for only $199 (includes 3 month membership; $109 Signup without membership).

You’ll receive one session with fitness trainer Rozanne Friezen, Protein Powder, Fat Burner, a T-Shirt, and best of all,

a chance to win a $2,000 Travel Voucher!

FitCity AT H L E T I C A

SPONSORS: photography

MAGAZINE

181 S. 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake | 250-398-9191

www.fitcityathletica.ca

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 11

Get Fit challenges are a fun way to work on your healthy body image.

Challenge a friend and make it double the good time!

January 13 - 15, 108 Mile House: Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Races at the 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site, home of the Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race, sponsored by the Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Society. $6000 dollar purse. Friday Mushers meeting and Social Event , Public meet and greet (no fee).

Saturday Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Dinner Auction. Cocktails at 5 pm - Dinner at 6 pm, Auction at 7pm at The Hills Health Ranch Ball Room. For more information please contact Len Doucette 250-791-5225, email sleddograce@thehillshealthranch.com or see the website at: www. cariboochallengesleddograce.com January 14, Quesnel 6:30pm: Ukrainian New Year Dinner and Dance at the Legion Hall.

Tickets are $25 at the lounge. Dance the night away to Newcountry Touch. Limited seating.

January 14, Williams Lake from 9:00pm to 2:00am: Third Degree will rock the sox off of the Diamonds and Dust crowd. Come and support Williams Lake’s newest hot band!

January 18, Quesnel 7:00pm: Lillian Alling: The Journey Home 2012 Heritage Speaker Series, at Council

Chambers admission by donation. Susan SmithJosephy will share stories about her research tracking the “Mystery Woman,” Lillian Alling as she walked from New York, across Canada in an attempt to return home to Poland via the Bering Strait during the late 1920s. This is an illustrated presentation and copies of her book Lillian Alling; the Journey Home will be available for purchase.

Sponsored by the Quesnel & District Museum & Archives.

January 20, Horsefly 7:00pm: Vocal Workshop with Pharis Romero at the Community Hall only $5.00.

You’ll learn a few early roots and gospel songs and some harmonies to go with them. Come learn about breathing, tone, and singing well with others! No singing experience needed.

January 20/21, Williams Lake: Maranatha Christian School presents a Scrapbooking Getaway - Friday 5:00pm-11:00pm Saturday 9:00am-11:00pm.

Event includes lunch and dinner. Tickets are available at Creative Accents and the school.

For more info 250-3924995.

January 21, Williams Lake 6:00 to 9:00pm: My Wife’s Quartet plays at the Gecko Tree Cafe.

Doors open at 6pm, music starts at 7pm.

Tickets are $10 (show only) in advance at the Guitar Seller and the Gecko Tree. For dinner reservations, please call the Gecko Tree at 250-398-8983. Limited seating.

January 22, Williams Lake 11:00am to2:00pm: Bridal and Womens’ Expo at the Elks Hall. Everyone welcome.This is a must attend event for any bride-to-be planning her wedding as well as any woman wanting to be on the cutting edge of our local fashion, beauty and wellness services. One Lucky Lady will win the Grand Prize valued over $3000.00!

There will be an entertaining fashion show at 2:00 with local designs.

Also, please come enjoy C.J’s Grills outstanding menu that will be served all day, including the famous Light Chicken Dinner. $7.00 Admission at the door.

January 25, Quesnel 7:30pm: Quesnel Live Arts Presents: Marie-Josee Lord at the Chuck Mobely Theatre. Laureate of the prestigious Verviers International Voice Competition in 2001, where she placed sixth, this brilliant Canadian soprano made her professional grand debut at the Québec Opera in the role is Liu in Turandot (Puccini)

in 2003. Ever since then she has performed to captivated audiences around the world. Season tickets available at the Farmer’s Market this fall. Individual tickets are $25 for adults and $21 for students and seniors and will be sold at Bo Peep Boutique, Quesnel Music, Save-on Foods, and C&R Video.

January 28, Williams Lake 9:00am to 2:00pm: Let’s Talk about Food!

A Partnership between the Williams Lake Food Policy Council, the City of Williams Lake, Thompson Rivers University and the Oliver Street Market.

We need your input to create our Second Food Action Plan! This plan guides the direction of local food projects and initiatives over the next 5 years in our Community. “Eating is an agricultural act,” Wendell Berry. If you eat, we need to hear your voice at our Local Food Forum. Come for free! Catered local food lunch by small donation!

January 28, Horsefly 7:00pm: Community Coffeehouse - “Horsefly Goes Country!” at the Community Hall. $5.00 admission. Treats and beverages will be available. Contact Carmen at 250-620-3789 to sign up your musical act!

! u o Hair Y New Extensions Start the new year off with a

Clip in or bonds What’s your style?

12B N. Broadway Avenue Williams Lake

(250) 392-1994

Inner Balance Wellness Studio & Spa Holistic and Spa Wellness services Relaxation and rejuvenation for your mind, body, and spirit Mobile services and gift certificates available JENNIFER KOPP, NHP

250-267-2242 256 Westridge Dr., Williams Lake, BC innerbalance@telus.net www.innerbalancewellnessspa.com

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR FIT CITY CHALLENGE All registered contestants receive $50 off any Personal Training Packages with Rozanne Friesen • 20 years experience working to motivate and keep you on your fitness goals!

• Will personalize an exercise program designed to meet your goals while accommodating any limitations.

• Dedicated to helping people learn how to live a healthier lifestyle

250-392-0064 fitnesswithrozanne.com • fitnessbydesign@hotmail.com

PAGE 12 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

WE’RE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

NO RESERVATIONS RESTAURANT AND GRILL Opening mid-January for bar service DAILY SPECIALS: Wednesday Wing and Rib Night Thursday Steak and Prawns Friday Appy Platters Saturday Prime Rib

OPEN CALL TO ALL LOCAL PERFORMERS: We’re looking for comedians, bands, magicians, dancers, vaudeville acts, and whatever else you can think of. If you’re entertaining, we want to see you!

Contact Jessica at D&D for more info

160 Second Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC 778-412-9109 At the old Beeotcheese Lounge location

Open from 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday NO COVER CHARGE BEFORE 9:00 PM ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS!

Like us on

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 13

It’s not an official new year’s resolution, but you can be sure that there will be some painting therapy going on in The Stew HQ this year.

StewSpots

Creating a healthier you through art

Looking to get your copy on the latest edition of THE STEW Magazine? We’re available for pickup in a variety of places around the Cariboo Chilcotin.

Please remember that this list is always evolving, and we’re always looking for new places that our magazine can call home, so if you know of someplace that you think should be a drop-off point for THE STEW, or if you own a business and you’d like to have a few copies of our magazine on your shelves, plus let us know.You can reach us by email at either todd@thestew. ca or juli@thestew.ca.

Locations listed in alphabetical order 100 MILE HOUSE 99 Mile Supermarket A&W Chartreuse Moose Chevron Dairy Queen Donex Higher Ground Natural Foods KFC Lone Butte General Store Marcel’s Boulevard Cafe Nuthatch Book Store Parkside Art Gallery Pharmasave Safeway Save-On Foods Subway Tim Hortons Visitor Centre IN LAC LA HACHE Fast Trac Gas and Convenience Store IN WILLIAMS LAKE 7-Eleven A&W Alley Katz Bean Counter Canwest Propane Cariboo Growers Cariboo Spring CRD Library (Magazine & News Section) Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Center Cool Clear Water Dairy Queen Dandelion Living Denny’s Restaurant Dollar Dollar Elaine’s Natural Foods The Gecko Tree Halls Organics Hobbit House Karamia’s LD’s Cafe M&M Meat Shop McDonald’s Mohawk Movies on the Go New World Cafe The Open Book The Overlander Hotel Quiznos Red Shred’s Safeway Sandman Inn Save On Foods Shell Shopper’s Drug Mart Starbucks Station House Gallery Subway (Downtown) Subway (on the Highway) Tim Horton’s Tourism Info Centre TRU WLCBIA Women’s Contact Society Zellers Restaurant IN HORSEFLY Clarke’s General Store Cornerhouse Cafe The Post Office RaceTrac Gas IN MCLEESE LAKE Cariboo Wood Shop McLeese Lake General Store IN QUESNEL 7-Eleven (on the Highway) 7-Eleven (in West Quesnel) A&W Aroma Foods Billy Barker Hotel & Casino Bliss Burger Palace Carry All Books Granville’s Coffee Green Tree Health & Wellness Karin’s Deli Museum & Tourist Centre Quiznos Riverside Bistro (West Park Mall) Safeway Save On Foods Shopper’s Drug Mart Steeped Subway Tim Horton’s (on the Highway) Tim Horton’s (Downtown) IN HANCEVILLE Lee’s Corner IN TATLA LAKE Graham’s Inn IN BELLA COOLA Valley Inn Coast Mountain Lodge Valley Restaurant Eagle Lodge

JULI HARLAND PHOTO

ART THERAPY  Kimberly McLennan, Facilitator and Creative Living Coach, has just followed her own creative dreams and opened up Art 4 Wellness in Williams Lake.

BY JULI HARLAND THE STEW MAGAZINE

Artists may have a reputation for being moody, but maybe that’s just because they know how to get in touch with their feelings.

Creative expression has been used in therapy offices all over North America as a way to release stress, channel energy, and problem solve. And now Kimberly McLennan is bringing the therapeutic aspect of personal creativity to Williams Lake.

“When we think about today, most of our illness is stress related,” says McLennan, Facilitator and Creative Living Coach at Williams Lake’s Art 4 Wellness studio. “It’s emo-

tional trauma related. And what being creative does is it helps you release that stress and helps you find yourself, and to get past the stress and feel better.”

Through self-directed and guided creative expression, says McLennan, people can get in touch with their own truths, confidence, and awareness. Not to mention it’s pretty fun.

Children know this.

They are little balls of creativity and exploration.

It is looked upon as play, but while the little ones are playing dress up, finger painting, even dressing up their Barbies and making them dance with HeMen action figures (okay, maybe that was just me), they are not just messing

The Gallery is open all through January:

around, they are learning. They are molding the world around them, and they are on a journey of self-discovery and wonder.

As we grow older we can tend to forget the importance of that special creative time that was so vital in our youth.

Fear not, there is both time and opportunity to get comfortable with your inner Picasso again.

Something that McLennan rediscovered for herself through a series of events which found her leaving her ‘grown up’ job and returning to her first passion (and profession), art.

“Most days I am very excited about the opportunity to give people the opportunity to experience this, to get in touch with their creativity, to get in touch with their inner guidance,” McLennan says.

Through groups and

*

*

Station House Gallery

process, and sometimes you just need to start with gaining some selfawareness and self-esteem before you can get there, and this helps all that.”

So dust off those crayons, pick up that paintbrush, borrow your kids’ play dough, and create, indulge, release, seek out others, play. If you want to get in on one of McLennan’s workshops you can check out her website for class calendars and information at www.art4wellness.net.

Deena Williamson, PFP Account Executive PO Box 1341, 3308 Brouse Road, 150 Mile House, BC V0K 2G0

For all of your investment and insurance needs, please call me.

Bus: (250) 305-0118 / Toll Free: 1-877-296-9006 Fax: (250) 395-2977 / Residence: (250) 296-9009 Email: dwilliamson@moneyconcepts.ca Website: www.moneyconcepts-100mile.com Affiliated with National Financial Insurance Agency Inc.

Start the new year by giving

new life to an animal in need Do you:

*

Have the time, dedication, patience, space, and income for an addition to your family?

Adopt.

Want the love, but not the fulltime responsibility?

Stop in for a visit!

After-school classes starting Jan. 17 and 18 $150 for 10 classes (supplies included)

workshops such as ‘Modern Day Muse’, ‘Touch Drawing’, various meditation groups, a class where participants will learn how to build their own deck of tarot style cards, and even an open play group for the whole family, McLennan is excited about sharing the healthy benefits of creative expression.

“That just excites me.There are long term benefits to this. You have to want to take those steps, and sometimes it takes a lot of courage. It is all a

*

Volunteer! * Just some of the many furry friends waiting for forever homes at the Williams Lake SPCA

250-392-6113

#1 Mackenzie Avenue North Williams Lake At the foot of Oliver Street

Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Bond Lake Road, Williams Lake, BC • (250) 392-2179

PAGE 14 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Moby’s Destroyed was on of Todd’s favourite albums of the year, but that’s maybe just because it makes for really nice writing and editing music.

Tone Soup’s top 10 albums of 2011

10. Iced Earth Dystopia Over the years Jon Schaffer has guided the ever evolving and consistently awesome Iced Earth. Dystopia is just another awesome addition to that catalogue. What can I say, I’m a power metal fan. I can listen to a lot of Iced Earth. Thanks for the wicked album!

Best song: Dystopia Runners up: Anthem, End of Innocense

9. David Guetta Nothing But The Beat Quite simply the best dance album I heard all year. I used to listen to a lot of house music, so this is fresh stuff that makes me wanna dance like 10 years ago. I enjoyed every minute of this album. Every time I hear it I can’t sit still.

This album will make you

move. Take it jogging.

Take it to the gym. Put it on and dance around the house as you clean. And when you’re out shaking your booty at the club, you’ll probably hear some of it there too.

Best song: Titanium (feat. Sia) Runners Up: The Alphabeat, I Just Wanna F. (feat. Afrojack, Timbaland & Dev)

8. Moby Destroyed This sleepy little work of art has been described

by Moby himself as, “Broken down melodic electronic music for empty cities at 2 am.”

He says the album was, “Primarily written late at night in cities when I felt like I was the only person awake (or alive).”

That feeling permeates the music fully. This album makes great quiet background music for any activity you might want quiet background music for.

Best ambient album of the year.

Best song: The Day Runners up: Lacrimae, The Violent Bear It Away

7. Matthew Good Lights of Endangered Species It’s Matthew Good. With horns! Such a troubled man as Matthew always manages to pack his songs with emotion and intensity. I’ve always enjoyed a large majority of his work, and the addition of a sizeable wind instrument section has given this album a distinct, fresh flavour that sets it apart from any previous album he’s released. Great album! I love it!

Best song: Set Me On Fire Runners Up: What If I Can’t See The Stars Mildred?, Shallow’s Low

6. Mastodon The Hunter Another solid album by one of my favourite metal acts.

Personally, I still think Crack The Skye is a better album overall, but The Hunter is still easily deserving of a spot in this Top 10. It’s Mastodon’s highest charting album to date, actually

hitting #10 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. Classic Rock Magazine even called it Album of the Year. Being the first album that they’ve made that wasn’t any sort of a concept album gave them more freedom to create songs out of riffs and jams rather than being confined to writing to fit a concept. Some of the lyrics in the album are actually pretty funny; ‘Curl of the Burl’ is actually inspired by an episode of the TV show Intervention, and is about crackheads running through the forest looking for rare cuts of wood to hawk at the local hardware store. How awesome is that?

Best song: Curl of the Burl Runners Up: Octopus Has No Friends, Spectrelight, All the Heavy Lifting

5. Ghost Opus Eponymous Opus Eponymous is the debut album by this Swedish doom metal band. What they really sound like is good, old school, classic metal like Black Sabbath (a primary inspiration for most doom metal), Blue Oyster Cult and Mercyful Fate.

Ghost released thier first EP in the summer of 2010 and Opus Eponymous in October of that year, but the album didn’t make it to North America until

CHOOSE FROM: Cheese Omelette Egg Salad Pizza Sub w/ Cheese Cold Cut Combo Ham Veggie Delite

Tone Soup

By Jamie Horsley 2011. With a band as talented and well produced as this, you would suspect it might be a band of well-experienced, possibly even well known musicians, but the band is made up of five ‘Nameless Ghouls’ and lead singer Papa Emeritus.

The nameless ghouls appear with their faces concealed in hooded robes and Papa Emeritus wears a skull mask and Catholic Cardinal’s robes.

To push the suspicion further, when two of the nameless ghouls were interviewed on video they requested that their voices be disguised to protect their anonymity.

The lyrics are mostly satanic and apocalyptic themed, and even my girlfriend laughed and said, “The lyrics sound like they should be coming from a death metal band.” As a big fan of classic metal and being raised on classic rock, I love the sound of Ghost.

It’s the only band I know of that has legitimately captured this sound and skillfully created something fresh with it. A statement on the band’s website by A Nameless Ghoul confirms that they are working on new material. I can’t wait!

Best song: Ritual Runners up: Stand By Him, Con Clavi Con Dio, Genesis

4. Zola Jesus Conatus Zola Jesus is the stage name of 22 year old Nika Roza Danilova who was raised on a 100 acre plot of forrested land in Wisconsin. With little to no access to TV and internet, Nika focused her attention on books and music. She began vocal training at age 7 and was performing opera by age 10.

Her lifelong dedication can certainly be heard in the power of her vocals.

As I mentioned when I reviewed this album, I had heard Zola Jesus’s first album when it was released in 2009 and didn’t think much of it and promptly forgot about her until last year when I heard she had another album coming out. Conatus is her third studio album and she has as many EPs. Of all that, the aptly-titled Conatus (which is Latin for ‘moving forward’) is by far her best work. Every other review I’ve read of this album also agrees that Conatus

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS! Downtown: 336 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC • (250) 398-7821 Highway 97: 1196 Broadway Ave, Williams Lake, BC • (250) 398-7800

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 15

Agree or disagree with Jamie’s picks? Shoot him an email at tonesoup@thestew.ca.

Be sure to send us a CC on that to letters@thestew.ca -- we want to hear your picks too!

is a huge leap forward for her.

I love everything about her powerful vocals and slightly gothic ambient style.

Best song: Vessel Runners up: Collapse, Hikikomori, Shivers

3. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds When I first heard of Noel’s solo project, I figured it would be another Oasis sound-alike, a la Beady Eye, and that it wouldn’t get more than a couple of listens so I could review it. I never expected it to become one of my favourite albums this year or that it would be the album I most recommend to friends.

Of all the albums on this list, I think this just might be the most palatable to a variety of musical tastes. This album is bright and cheerful sounding and packed with emotion.

A week after being released the album debuted at number one on the UK albums chart, and in less than a month was certified platinum in the UK. In comparison, it took Beady Eye (the band formed by Liam Gallagher and the rest of Oasis) seven months to sell half as many records as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds sold in a month. This album is superb.

You need to hear this at least

once. I’ll bet money you’ll enjoy it.

Best song: The Death of You and Me Runners up: Dream On, (Stranded On) The Wrong Beach, A Simple Game of Genius, Everybody’s On The Run

2. Steel Panther Balls Out One of my most favourite albums of the year. Also the most outrageously offensive album I’ve heard all year. But it’s so funny! Be warned: This album is not for everyone.

In fact this album probably doesn’t have a very large target audience at all. This album is for men! Not boys; this is not a kid-friendly album and while impressionable adolescent boys will love this album almost as much as Internet porn, it’s about equally as wholesome. Women will hate this album. If your girlfriend catches you rocking out and singing along to any part of this album the consequences could be anything from strange looks to a lack of sex in your near future (from her at least). This album is not for your Mother — unless you were raised as trailer park trash, your mother would be shocked and appalled at most of the best parts of this album.

There’s a whole song idolizing Tiger Woods and the

lyrics in the song ‘Why Can’t You Trust Me Baby’ include such gems as “Oh, you better treat me with a little, a little respect / Before I go Chris Brown and punch you in the neck,” so you can see where the set of morals surrounding the album lie. But all is to be taken with a grain of salt. It’s all an exaggerated parody of 80s hair metal and everything that the Moral Majority loved to point fingers at when they attacked heavy music in the 80s. Clever, vulgar and hilarious. Like The Simpsons or South Park.

Best song: Supersonic Sex Machine Runners up: That’s What Girls Are For, If You Really Really Love Me, 17 Girls In a Row, Weenie Ride

1. Foo Fighters Wasting Light After four years without an album Wasting Light has catapulted Foo Fighters back up to the top of the charts.

The album has earned them 8 award nominations over the past year, three of which they won, including NME crowning Dave Grohl with the Godlike Genius Award. The album and its songs have also earned a total of six Grammy nominations for 2012 including best Rock Album and Album of the Year (I hope it wins both).

Dandelion Living

’Tis the Season

to give the gift of sustainability Now that the holiday season is over, it is time to step back and do something just for yourself. Like wrap yourself in decadently soft bamboo fabrics and dance in your living room, or sprawl out on your cozy alpaca comforter and pour your heart out in your 100% recycled journal. Come on in, we’ll hook you up. Indulgence can be earth friendly — trust us, we do it all the time.

MARY FORBES 271 Oliver Street (in the old Delainey’s Building)

In February they released a video for ‘White Limo’ and an audio stream of ‘Rope’.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t as thrilled as most with ‘White Limo’.

With one great and one not-so-great release I was a little concerned, but hopeful that the rest of the album would be as good or better than ‘Rope’. When I heard the rest of the album in April, I was overjoyed. It was the best thing I had heard in a long time. It was solid enough to withstand nine months of heavy rotation in my MP3 player and has rekindled my love of the rest of the Foo Fighters’ works.

And if my opinion, 14 nominations and 3 awards and counting, and being among the top 10 selling albums chartin in 21 countries — placing #1 in 12 of those countries — doesn’t convince you that the Foo Fighters are the reigning kings of rock, you need to see them live. Not only was this my favourite album of the year, it was also the best concert I saw last year.

They rocked out for three and a half hours! And how hard did they rock? Well, when they played their last show of the year in Auckland, New Zealand, seismic stations up to two kilometers away from where they were playing registered tremors in the Earth similar to those of volcanic activity. The tremors coincided with the highs and lows of the music and the start and end of the show. Absolutely, indisputably, album of the year.

Best song: Arlandria Runners up: These Days, I Should Have Known, Walk, Rope tonesoup@thestew.ca

THE STEW MAGAZINE’S

Monthly

MIX

These are the songs that rocked our world during the last 30 days

Todd Sullivan: ‘In Your Nature (David Lynch Remix)’ - Zola Jesus ‘Immigrant Song’ - Karen O with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross ‘When Will You Die?’ - They Might Be Giants Juli Harland: ‘War Pigs’ - Black Sabbath ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ - Nirvana ‘Beautiful People’ - Marilyn Manson Jamie Horsley: ‘Arlandria’ - Foo Fighters ‘Supersonic Sex Machine’ - Steel Panther ‘The Death of You and Me’ - Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Natasha Peeman: ‘The Big Bang Theory Theme Song’ - Barenaked Ladies ‘God Gave me You’ - Blake Shelton ‘All your life’ - The Band Perry Michelle Daymond: ‘Where is Love’ - Lily Frost ‘One Match’ - Sarah Harmer ‘Showerhead’ - Rachelle van Zanten

Shogun Martial Arts Newly renovated space includes separate entrance, waiting room, viewing area, change rooms, showers, and playroom

Karate • Kickboxing Kickbo • Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Classes Core Balance & Circuit Training Personal Training 83E South Second Avenue, Williams Lake (In Hodgson Place Mall)

250-392-2280

FIRST CLASS IS FREE!

PAGE 16 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

If you cancel your cable as a Temporary Lifestyle Adjustment, you might find that’s not so temporary. Seriously, there’s almost nothing good on televisiont hese days.

Following the formula for financial freedom

BY KIRSTEN STARK, FINANCIAL LITERACY PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR WILLIAMS LAKE AND AREA

Living in the Cariboo and being prepared for just about anything go hand in hand. At this time of year we are reminded of how brutal Mother Nature can be and we get ready to deal with power outages, extreme cold, and interesting driving experiences. In spring and summer she can be devastating, in the form of floods and forest fires. But we survive all of this by planning, being ready for the worst and, of course, hoping that it won’t actually happen to us.

So why do we forget all of this when it comes to our finances? We dispense with the planning, ignore the worst that could happen, and assume ‘that won’t happen to me’. But there is a financial cold front moving in and preparation is your best chance to survive it!

First you need find out where you are with your money; second you need to know how much it costs to take care of your basic needs; and third, be prepared to make changes to your spending habits. It breaks down like this.

Budget for Life: You might find that your finances look a bit like an iceberg. The small part that sticks up from the water is the money you actually get to do something with each month, whilst the rest lies hidden beneath the dark waters filled with money eating monsters like credit

cards, rent, mortgages, loans, savings, etc.

Here’s how to get started on your own BFL. Write down your life goals or, if that’s too hard, just start with ones for 2012. Think about how you provide for your family and how that might change in the future. Start to track all your income, debt, and spending, so you can build a budget that shows your current financial situation. If you have savings, a pension, or investment, check to see if they are doing what you expected.

Emergency Financial Plan: What is the worst that can happen, both now and in the future? The reality right now is that the world financial markets are in turmoil and that usually means that we all get to suffer in some way too.

Wage and benefit increases never seem to catch up with inflation and if our governments are having a hard time balancing the books, you can make a safe bet that creative taxation policies or spending cuts will affect us all.

I’m not suggesting you go out and panic about this, but more calmly sit down and think about what you might need in your EFP. What happens if you don’t get that pay raise or promotion you were hoping for? What happens if you were to lose your job and have reduced income?

Maybe you are approaching retirement and your investments are not performing as well as you hoped for. How will your lifestyle be affected if interest rates go up?

Financial Literacy Support Contact - Kirsten Stark Free and Confidential Phone: 250-392-8161 Email: kirsten@caribooliteracy.com Visit: www.caribooliteracy.com

This can all be scary stuff, but remember, you are getting prepared right now, not stressed out! If your circumstances were to change, try to work out what kind of bail out package you would need to adopt and how long it might need to last for.

Temporary Lifestyle Adjustment: So now you have worked out your BFL and your EFP, you might be motivated to free up some of your money. The TLA is all about balancing your needs versus wants. How much do you spend on the things your really need? How much do you spend on the things you want?

The best thing I ever tried was giving up television. In addition to instantly saving on the payment each month, I also avoided the constant stream of annoying advertising. I was less tempted to try to support a lifestyle that didn’t really make me happy or spend my money on things I didn’t really need.

The most important thing to remember about the TLA, is that it is temporary. You can always indulge again in the future, if you find you really missed something. The more TLAs you can make, the more money you will have for the things you really need and want to do. To achieve your goals for 2012 and your dreams for future years, try to follow this formula: BFL + EFP x TLA[x] = Stress Free Finances If that all seems a little overwhelming and you need some help to get started, then sign

up for one of the FREE community financial workshops. Anyone is eligible to register and there will be approximately 20 spaces available for each workshop, pre-registration is required.

Each workshop will start at 6 pm and will run for two to three hours. The workshop topics are: Budgeting & Money Management (February 7), Credit and Debt Management (March 6), Income Tax (April 3), Home Financing (May 8), Financial Planning (June 5) and Smart Consumerism (Date to be confirmed).

The workshops will be held in downtown Williams Lake at the CRD Library on Third Avenue or at the Women’s Contact Society on First Avenue, and the team of volunteer co-facilitators will bring an added dimension to the excellent workshop material available.

Please join us on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7 pm for the Focus on Financial Literacy, Special Event at the CRD Library in Williams Lake. Additional workshop information and registration will be available at this event, along with a door prize or two.

Early bird workshop registration by email to: kirsten@caribooliteracy.com or leave a message at 250-392-8161 (Option 3). Please state your name, phone number and which workshop(s) you wish to be registered for. Confirmation of registration will be provided by phone or email, approximately two weeks before the workshop date.

We’re bringing in the new year with

new, lower prices!

A series of 6 FREE workshops will be held in Williams Lake from February to June 2012: Feb 7th – Budgeting & Money Management Mar 6th – Credit & Debt Management Apr 3rd – Income Tax May 8th – Home Financing Jun 5th – Financial Planning TBD – Smart Consumerism Workshops will start at 6pm and run for 2-3 hours.

20 spaces are available in each workshop. Email or phone Kirsten to register; please state your name, phone number and which workshop(s) you would like to attend.

This project is proudly supported by a grant from the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund.

Stock up after the holidays and save!

955E South Mackenzie Ave, Williams Lake | 398-WINE(9463)

We’re proud to be an exclusive member of the RJS Craft Winemaking Academy, a designation honouring excellence in the craft of winemaking

January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 17

tweet

We’re not sure if using homemade beer or wine in your recipe is considered using local ingredients, but it never hurts to try.

the

movies Eating local: A challenge We watched some movies and this is what we thought of them, in 140 characters or less

Contagion: If you’re not a germophobe yet, you will be after this creepily accurate depiction of a nasty viral outbreak courtesy of Steven Soderbergh.

Cowboys & Aliens: A pretty silly movie, but given the title, you should probably know that. Definitely delivers on its promise of both cowboys and aliens.

Got something you think we should TwitteReview? Send your picks to us at letters@ thestew.ca

It is easy and fun to seek out local, in-season foods in the summer when our gardens are growing more than we need, when local Farmers’ Markets are thriving and the sun is bringing nourishment everywhere we look.

However, in the dark days of winter, with snow and ice covering the ground, eating locally and seasonally seems to be a more daunting task.

In Williams Lake we are extremely lucky to have Cariboo Growers open year-round, where you can buy seasonal produce and local, naturally raised meat, but I admit that it still takes more effort to prepare a mostly local meal in the depths of winter than in July.

Eating locally in January may be more difficult than in the summer, but it is not impossible! It can force us cooks to be more resourceful and creative; instead of finding a recipe and following it exactly, running out to the grocery store to buy what we need, I find myself starting with what I have in storage. Taking stock of ingredients first, then figuring out how I can prepare them into a hearty winter-fare meal.

And so, on behalf of the Williams Lake Food Policy Council and Cariboo Growers, I propose an Eat Local Challenge for the month of January!

I challenge everyone reading this article to prepare a meal using as many local, seasonal ingredients as possible.

Send me your recipes and stories about sourcing the ingredients, preparing and eating the meal. Be sure to include where each of your ingredients came from (for example, preserves from your

Helping you heal and be whole, holistically.

BODY WORK

by Joe Amaral

Experience Peace and Tranquility Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!

Healing Facilitator and Teacher For an appointment call the Hobbit House at 250-392-7599

home garden, purchased from Cariboo Growers -- you can find out the exact farm / ranch things come from, etc.).

Best of all, there will be prizes! Everyone who sends me an entry will be entered into a draw to win a Community Membership and a $20 Gift Certificate to Cariboo Growers. I will also choose recipes to be published in the February issue of The Stew, as well as snippets from people’s stories, to share their experiences of sourcing seasonal ingredients in the Cariboo.

The rules are fairly relaxed.

I’m not counting the percentage of local ingredients or anything like that. Just be creative, have fun, and support our local food system in the depths of winter! Please have your entry into me by Saturday, January 21.

LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD: SECOND LOCAL FOOD FORUM As the famous quote by Wendell Berry states, “Eating is an agricultural act.”

If you eat, we need to hear your voice at our Second Local Food Forum, hosted by the Williams Lake Food Policy Council, the City of Williams Lake, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Oliver Street Market.

WHEN: Saturday, January 28, from 9 am to 2 pm WHERE: TRU Cafeteria Our Five Year Food Action Plan for the Community is complete! We need your input in creating our Second Food Action Plan for Williams Lake and Area, which will help to guide and prioritize local food projects and initiatives over the

next five years.

Admission is free, and coffee and snacks are provided by the Oliver Street Market vendors you’ve come to love over the summer! Local food lunch by Cariboo Growers, by small donation.

I am looking forward to receiving your recipes and comments about eating locally this month, and for meeting many of you at the Local Food Forum! Don’t let the short days and snowy weather deter enthusiasm for eating fresh (or preserved!) Cariboo goods!

In the spirit of the Eat Local Challenge, here is my seasonal meal: WINTER BEEF AND VEGETABLE STEW 2 lb beef stew meat (San Jose Cattle Co.) ½ c. flour – (Vanderhoof Mills, purchased at Cariboo Growers) salt and pepper 5 tbsp. butter (local, but can’t say where from because it’s illegal!) ¼ c. red wine vinegar 2 onions, 1 parsnip, 2 carrots (Road’s End Farm) 2 c. beef stock (prepared from local ingredients in the summer, from my freezer) 1 c. red wine ¼ c. tomato paste 2 cloves garlic (Soul Food Gardens) 1 bay leaf 1 tbsp. dried kale or parsley (dried in the summer from my own garden) ½ tsp. dried sage (dried in the summer from my own garden) 3-4 carrots (Mackin Creek carrots, from Cariboo Growers) 2-3 potatoes, or ¾ lb baby

DID YOU KNOW: That in ten years (from 2000 to 2009) there were 207 electricity related deaths in Ontario?

Eating Local

By Michelle Daymond potoatoes (I used baby potatoes stored from my own garden)

well browned 6. Add chopped parsnip and 2 carrots and sauté till slightly tender 7. Add beef stock, browned beef, wine, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, parsely/kale and sage; stir to mix well 8. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for approx 1 ½ hrs 9. Add rest of carrots and potatoes, return to simmer and cook until tender 10. Discard bay leaf, season to taste with salt, pepper and perhaps a little more red wine Enjoy! candoitconsulting150@gmail.com

1. Mix flour, salt and pepper together in bowl 2. Add beef in small batches, stirring to coat with flour 3. Heat 4 tbsp. butter, add beef in small batches, browning on all sides. Transfer to bowl and set aside 4. Add the vinegar to pot and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan 5. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to pot; add onions and sauté till

Williams Lake’s Year-Round Local Food Co-Operative The non-profit store is on the corner of Third and Oliver Street

Catherine Roland Art Exhibition & Sale Oil Paintings and Pastels www.catherineroland.com

By appointment

250.392.0045 At the massage clinic of Cameron Self.

2-150B Oliver Street, Williams Lake (Above Woodland Jewellers)

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2-150B Oliver Street, Williams Lake

(Above Woodland Jewellers) Tues. to Sat. by appointment only.

(250) 392-0045

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Gift Certificates Available!

PAGE 18 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012

Journalling, poetry, letters, and writing in general are all ways to practice creative healing.

Secret Song

BY LAURA KELSEY

I secretly like a song.

I hum it when you aren’t around and sing it out when I am alone, allowing its forbidden notes to echo off my walls.

But always silence when you return, notes clatter to the floor.

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January 2012 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 19

Torrey has agreed to play a violin solo on whatever song Todd happens to come up with as part of his resolution this year.

Challenge yourself to accomplish something new in 2012 When Todd informed me that this issue would focus on the idea of self improvement, I couldn’t help but smile. I’m very passionate and dedicated to continual self development and improvement.

I think most anyone who knows me has noticed this trend.

I may have a different idea of self improvement than some people.

It seems, for some, that self improvement means dieting, tanning, and frequenting the gym in an attempt to sculpt oneself into perfection. Now as much I have the utmost respect for fitness and health, it seems some people are not necessarily eating and exercising for the sake of their own health, but rather for the sake of an image they wish to project. This to me just seems like a poor reason for self improvement.

For me, self improvement certainly involves the discipline of living a healthy lifestyle, but for the sake of health itself.

Granted, I’ve not always lived healthy, having gone through long periods of smoking way too many cigarettes and eating far too many greasy pizzas.

But I feel I’ve left that part of my life behind me, and I’ve moved on to something much more rewarding. It’s amazing how health can be it’s own reward.

In My Shoes

By Torrey Owen Beyond health and fitness, I find many other ways to ameliorate myself.

The sense of accomplishment is a driving force in my life. I love becoming competent, proficient, even masterful in skills.

It’s not unusual for me to become obsessed with something and devote all my time and resources to learning what I wish to learn.

For example, I took up the violin this past fall. As expected, the first few attempts at bowing the strings were less than melodic. But guess what?

I kept with it and noise gave way to something resembling music. I even picked up some books at the library and taught myself music theory, so I can now read sheet music.

I’ve gotten to the point that I’m able to play and people ‘seem’ to enjoy what’s being produced. I certainly enjoy it, though I am biased. I’ve taken to busking in the street on occasion, and even make a few dollars. Those who know me know I do

pretty much everything I can to avoid real jobs.

Jobs just seem to get in the way of my other ambitions, and I can’t have that.

The violin has given me an entirely new form of expressing myself. I feel that learning it has been very good for me. I’ve gained a sense of accomplishment from learning a new skill, and I’ve also gained that skill itself. I’m now more able than I was before.

This is something I value. I get one life, I want to spend it modifying, enhancing, and improving myself at every opportunity. I’ve also developed some other rather unique and performance-suited skills in the last year. I’ve not mentioned them in my articles, well, because I’m often a private person who keeps to myself. But a Youtube video will be released the first week of January showcasing what I’ve spent 2011 developing as a talent. There will be a link posted on The Stew magazine’s blog

NOW OPEN Just because the holidays LONGER! are over doesn’t mean you can’t still get gifts.

(www.thestew.ca).

I do hope you take the time to check it out. I’m quite sure you’ll find it worth your time.

Self improvement comes from doing things that are difficult. It means challenging oneself and doing precisely what one finds hard, knowing those things that are hard will become easier with time and repetition. If you want to learn to juggle, you have to be willing to drop the darn balls a few times before getting the knack of it. If you’re not willing to fail a few times, I don’t know how you could ever hope to succeed.

Self improvement also means a great deal of isolation and time spent in my own company. Some people find being alone difficult, but I quite enjoy it. In isolation I make all my own decisions without

I love becoming competent, proficient, even mastful in skills. It’s not unusual for me to become obsessed with something and devote all my time and resources to learning what I wish to learn. having to consult others.

I choose for myself what I’m going to do and for how long I’m going to do it.

In my early 20s I used to spend upward of eight hours a day playing pool, often on my own. My attitude was: If I want to do something, and no one else wants to do it with

me, then I’ll do it alone.

I’ve used this as a guiding principle in my life, and it’s gained me many rewards in the form of skills and abilities.

Anyway, I’m off to improve my violin playing for a couple hours. May 2012 be a spectacular year for all of you! torrey@thestew.ca

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PAGE 20 | THE STEW Magazine | January 2012