I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was peaceful and we’re still enjoying a few more days off till we’re back to the grind. Even so there’s been lots going on behind the scenes at RoseWillow! Unfortunately due to the holiday season we aren’t quite ready to announce our latest venture but look for a site wide announcement in the next few weeks. It’s going to be quite AWESOME!

Well we asked your opinions on a site mascot last month and it was an overwhelming yeah to incorporating Joy’s chicken Murray as town mascot. I’m sorry to those who didn’t get to vote the poll was taken down a bit early because we were having a few problems with the script and thought the poll software might have caused it. As it turned out it was our Webhosts security system that caused the problem. Good to know we’re secure but we want everything to run right too. Thank you to Rex for the heads up on that one. Anyway… Murray had a hands down lead over the one vote for the moose.. which we just may make his sidekick. Joy will give you a bit of a background history on Murray and his adventures long, long before RoseWillow came to being in her blurb this month.

We see some of you have been doing your Christmas shopping at the Mall!! Thank you so much. Remember even though the Christmas season is done Valentines Day and mothers day are rapidly approaching. We have new specials almost every day posted and we’re still adding new shops so check back often.

RoseWillow has grown in leaps and bounds since it’s opening backing February of this year. Now we have a list a mile long of things we’ll be implementing over the next 12 months. It’s just all going to take a bit of time though but we promise you things around here will never be boring!

Please remember our Memberships are all FREE! If you would like to make a donation to help offset webhosting and new scripts you can find a paypal donation button bottom of this page. Or you can find our address on the Membership Information page if you would prefer donating alternate ways. Every little bit you donate is appreciated!

I shall wrap this up by wishing you all Health Happiness and Prosperity in 2009, and a HUGE thank you to all our friends and members for their continued support.

Your Mayor

When it gets cold enough here we quite often make ice blocks for candles. They are easy to make and inexpensive. We take any larger plastic container, which is usually an ice cream pail, and put a smaller container the same height as the ice cream container in the centre of it. We just need the smaller one to have the circumference to hold a candle. The candle is not the tapered kind but a thick one about half the height of the ice cream pail. We pour water in between the two containers and let it freeze outside. Sometimes we will place pieces of spruce and berries in the water and this especially looks nice at Christmas. When the water is frozen and candles lit they are a beautiful sight. We usually make about four and place them at the front of the house. But in the town where my brother lives they have a wonderful idea for them. The town makes them and sells them to people. On New Years eve people take these to a loved ones grave and when all the candles are lit it is an amazing sight. Although I haven’t done one for this year yet I plan to make taking one to the cemetery an annual event.

Hannah

#1 - PET or PETE: polyethylene terephthalate is used in many soft drink, water, and juice bottles. It's easily recycled, doesn't leach, and accepted by most curbside municipal programs and just about all plastic recycling centers.

#2 - HDPE: high-density polyethylene is used in milk jugs, detergent and shampoo bottles.. It has also has not been found to leach, and is widely accepted and easily recycled.

#3 - PVC: Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride is a bad, bad plastic. Soft PVC often contains and can leach toxic phthalates, and can also off-gas chemicals into the air. It's used in some cling wraps, many children's toys, fashion accessories, shower curtains, and detergent and spray bottles. You know that smell when you open a new shower curtain? Think PVC nastiness. To top it off, PVC isn't recyclable, either.

#4 - LDPE: low-density polyethylene is used most plastic shopping bags, some cling wraps, some baby bottles and reusable drink & food containers. It hasn't been found to leach, and is recyclable at most recycling centers (and many grocery stores take the shopping bags) but generally not in curbside programs.

#5 - PP: polypropylene can be found in some baby bottles, lots of yogurt and deli takeout containers, and many reusable food and drink containers ( the Tupperware- and Rubbermaid-types). It hasn't been found to leach, and is recyclable in some curbside programs and most recycling centers.

#6 - PS: polystyrene is used in takeout food containers, egg containers, and some plastic cutlery, and other things, .has been found to leach styrene--a neurotoxin and possible human carcinogen Incredibly it’s still used. It is not often taken in recyclable curbside programs, though some recycling centers will take it.

#7 - Everything else, the grey area. First, and perhaps most notably, #7 includes PC, or polycarbonate, which has been making headlines lately because it's used in Nalgene's reusable water bottles and baby bottles and has been found to leach bisphenol A, a hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen; as such, Nalgene is switching to HDPE, a less harmful plastic. It has been banned in some places.

The unfortunate part is that of bioplastics (made from plant-based material rather than the usual petroleum base for plastic) also falls under this category. Most common of these is PLA, or polyactide, which is most commonly made with corn, these days. It isn't easily recycled, though it can be composted in industrial composting operations--your kitchen composter most likely doesn't create enough heat to help it break down.

One thing I don't do anymore is reheat food in any plastic container. I not use foodwrap over a glass bowl to reheat food and I don't defrost food in plastic or on styrofoam of any kind. It is said that heat will leach the chemicals into your food or beverage even in safe containers. I'd just rather not take any chances.

Check your numbers! Use Safer plastics and always, always Recycle where you can!

From time immemorial the quest for the holy grail of the hangover cure has been sought by men and women the world over. We’ve all heard the usual, ‘don’t drink too much,’ and, ‘have a glass of water after every drink’, ‘only one drink and hour,’ and all that other unrealistic garbage those of us who are serious about our alcohol have to tolerate. The fact remains that we are going to drink too much and we WILL get a hangover. One other fact remains: There is no cure for a hangover.

Great. We’re going to get sick. It will hurt. The issue of this article is to determine how much it will hurt and for how long.

First things first. What is a hangover? Well, if you haven’t had one by now you probably won’t, so I’m not going to state the obvious. Let’s just all agree that hangovers are hell and self inflicted. Since there is no cure for a hangover, what are we to do? Well, there’s no cure for the common cold either but that doesn’t stop us from taking steps to relieve the symptoms.

A lot of people I talk to tell me that they drink a large glass of water and take a Tylenol before bed. Folks, alcohol is an anti-diuretic and you’ve been quaffing it all a night long. One glass of water isn’t going to cut it. You need to pound a gallon or two. I suggest you do it over a period of time to avoid looking like the Michelin Man.

We all know that the liver is responsible for metabolizing the alcohol you ingest. We’re causing that organ to work overtime when we soak it in Jack Daniel’s. Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is another drug that needs to be metabolized by the liver. In fact, in patients that have decreased liver function, hospitals and doctors will not prescribe it. I think we can all agree that even if our liver is working fine it sure feels like it’s been damaged so perhaps taking acetaminophen isn’t such a good idea. Stay away from the pain killers. You did this to yourself, suck it up.

So far we’ve done nothing but drink water. Some people substitute sport drinks such as Gatorade instead, citing the electrolytes in the drink as providing relief. Sure. Sounds good to me. Just stay away from coffee, tea, energy drinks or anything else that contains anti-diuretics. You’re already dehydrated, don’t make it worse. So if you manage to pull your head out of the watering trough or the toilet, as the case may be, long enough, you need to get some food into your belly. Sounds disgusting, I know, but it needs to be done. Try something you can nibble on. If you punch a hogey down you might be finding what it looks like post-chew pretty quickly.

I know some people who swear that having another drink in the morning helps with a hangover. Hair of the dog that bit you. These people are likely alcoholics. If you have a hangover and reach for another drink, you’re either very stupid or it’s time to go to some meetings.

One of the reasons you feel so bad the next morning is that not only do you have toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism, you also have a deficiency of B vitamins. One of the large intestine’s response to alcohol is to limit thiamine uptake. (Thiamine is vitamin B1.) So perhaps we can look for a source of B vitamins to replace what we lose. There are many sources of vitamin B we can use: potatoes, bananas lentils, chile peppers, liver oil, liver, turkey, tuna, brewer’s yeast, and molasses, to name a few. So a nice turkey and tuna sandwi… .Wait, what? Brewer’s yeast???

Yes, pick your jaw up off the floor. Brewer’s yeast is indeed an excellent source of most B vitamins. So why do we get a deficiency if we are drinking brewed products? Because the product we drink have the vitamin removed. Yup. They are made will all the goodness nature intended and human wisdom removes the good parts.

It’s the nature of hard alcohol to have the yeast removed because of how the drink is made. Distillation is a form of filtering in itself. The real head slapper is when it comes to beer. Beer is naturally chock full of delicious brewer’s yeast but most breweries pasteurize, sterilize and filter their products, removing all traces of the yeast. This is to promote clarity, uniformity, and shelf life. They’re not concerned with your health as much as they’re concerned with making money. Keep that in mind when you buy.

The good news is that there are products out there that are made with quality in mind rather than mass production. These products often do not filter their beer. Of course you’ll have to pay more, but quality has a price. If you are pinching pennies, as many of us do, you could always brew your own beer. This way you’ll know EXACTLY what’s in your beverage.

You knew this was coming, didn’t you? Homebrewed beer is full of B vitamins that reduce or eliminate hangovers. It’s true. Of course if you slop down a couple of gallons in a sitting you’re going to get plowed and pay the price, but that price will still be less than if you slammed some cheap commercial product. You can brew nice clear beer in the comfort of your home that is every bit as good as any commercial product you can buy. Depending on your skill you can often exceed the flavor and quality of many brands.

So if you’re going to drink and want to avoid a hangover, drink in moderation. If you want to drink lots and avoid a hangover, I guess you could take some pills or have a voodoo witch doctor dance around you with rattle or some other such nonsense. Me, I think I’ll just brew my own.

Joe

The Sports Center - Year in review

2008 held many fierce battles and glorious victories (and otherwise!) in the field of sports. The (endless?) baseball game saw Sir J prevail, with loo and Kimberleyose close-behind. Despite sprinting to an early lead, the season proved just too long for Hannah - who did very well, even so. Mayor, Tammy, Dooley & Triceratops were all valiant contenders too!

In Lucky Loser, Bald Eagle and stroker battled for 13 weeks, only to fall the same day as co-champions. Third place went to LMcG, who lasted 9 weeks. Guess-the-NFL went all 17 weeks, and ended in a tie - between stroker & Bald Eagle! - with 163 pick each, and a nod to stroker there on pecentages. LMcG was third in picks with 157, and Triceratops third in percentage, at 61.7... I suggest all 4 seek out their local bookie for next year! Pick-3 saw a flukish late point-surge by greedy Ed, with honorable mentions to stroker, Bald Eagle, Silas, loo, LMcG... and lurking female too!!

Over on Yahoo, a dozen teams battled throughout the season in the RoseWillow fantasy football league. Silas' team of "Orangutans" edged Triceratops in the championship game; while Tammy's "Seahorses" (with the last week's highest score) won the bronze-medal match over Swan's Stompers. "Pink Powderpuffs" and "WaverDancer stroker" ran into playoff trouble, with Pink taking the 5th-place game. Despite being ranked 1st & 3rd going into those playoffs, it was Ed's "Rabid Rabbits" sneaking by "BaldEagles" to "win" 7th place. Mandy and "Black Snakes", LMcG's "Stormcrows" and loo's "The Loo-sers" finished just out of those playoffs, but never out of contention.

CONGRATULATIONS - and my sincere *thanks* to all and everyone who played: there can be no game without players! Best wishes and good luck to all in 2009!! (And do feel free to join us in NFL-playoff-predictions now, and all games to come, too...)

Ed

Dear Dr Phyllis
I was wilder I my younger days, but never married or really wanted-to, though I’ve known my share of guys. I’ve had affairs in the past, including a long one with a married man that stopped and re-started a few times. I’ve never mixed my sex-life and career, and I’m happy being single. My dogs have been my girls, and I survived the “biological clock” madness. Lately, I’ve been having dreams about a friend from long-ago who I never had sex with. I also have a craving for ice. I like to crunch ice as a snack.

Mona from Minneapolis

Dear Mona
Mona first off get to the dentist and have those teeth checked.. Then get your ass to the Dr and get checked for Anemia. Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch or paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well. Mona.. you..aren't into pottery too are you?

I suppose a fantasy here and there about an old friend is harmless. Unless of course it's Bon Homme (pronounced "OOOMM" not "Homie")the Big white guy with the voyager sash.. Then my dear you have serious problems.

Give your friend a dingle and go out for drinks... just.. don't have yours on the rocks.. men.. get a bit antzy if you chew.. And get the dogs checked for worms.. one never can be to safe..

Dr Phyllis..

Dear Dr Phyllis

My darling wife tends to sit in the livingroom clipping her toenails. This would not bother me at all except for the fact she.. does not collect the clippings. The ones that don't almost take someones eye out are left on coffee tables end tables and some even fall between the couch cushions. I find this exceedingly distasteful and have mentioned it to her numerous times but she just shrugs it off and continues to clip. Help.

Pissed in Portage

Dear PO'd in Portage

Here is a simple solution that will drive your point home.. Clip Your toenails fingers the dogs toenails collect her clippings Hell cut the cats nails.. Head off to bed before her..sprinkle the nails liberally on her side of the bed and turn over and turn out the lights.. Once she gets a rogue nail threw her nightgown and into her nether regions I'm sure she'll get the message. If this doesn't work.. Next time she sits for a cutting session plug in the vacuum and aim it at her feet.. You might want to try sucking up the clippers while you're at it too. Then again.. A gift certificate for a peticure would work for me!
Dr Phyllis..

Have a question for the good doctor? Just drop it in the mail drphyllis@rosewillow.ca or drop her a note in her Forum.

From Dr Phyllis and all the Loonies in the Bin A Very Happy New Year!

Ever heard of Rullupylsa? Unless you are of Icelandic decent probably not. I lived in an Icelandic heritage town for many years and would hear folks talk about this often, especially at Chirstmas time. There was one store in town that made it and we decided to give it a try one year. My hubby fell in love with the stuff. This year I though I'd order him one for a treat.. After not having it for many years I thought it was a wonderful treat and looked up a few recipes on how to make it myself. We just might be getting sheep this spring.. Multi purpose. Grass cutters in the summer Rullupylsa in the winter! If you enjoy lamb this is a must try.

1 large lamb flank
1 tbsp. salt
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp. saltpeter (optional, personally I would not use it)
1 onion chopped fine

-Use the largest flank about 2 lbs. Remove all the bones and excess fat.
-Place skin side down on the table and sprinkle with a mixture of the salt, spices and saltpeter and onions.
-Roll up tightly and sew firmly across the edge and ends. Rub the outer surface with salt and wrap in wax paper.
-Let stand in a cool place (just set it in the fridge) for 4-5 days to allow the meat to absorb the seasoning.
-Turn it 2 or 3 times during this time. Then cover with cold water.
-Bring slowly to a boil and cook steadily for 2-2 ½ hours.
-Drain well and place in a shallow pan with a weight on top to squish out excess water.
-Cool and slice thinly

Rullupylsa can be enjoyed as a sandwich meat or on crackers. How ever you serve it I'm sure you'll love it too!

EnJoy!

Considering the fact that people just had their fill of Turkey last month(Maybe the month before for Canadians) and might well have Turkey at Christmas, A little background on this Bird might interest some people.

The American turkey is one of the first birds to be caught, domesticated and sent back to Europe as live stock. These birds were comparatively easy to capture and took to captivity fairly well. They completely supplanted the Guinea Fowl that was previously imported to England from Turkey as the Holiday feast bird,coming to be called "American Turkey" because of the bird it replaced on the market.

The American Indians ate turkey of course but didn't think very highly of it. As hunters, they found the turkey far to easy to get and because of that, just bringing home a turkey was sort of an admission of failure.Most turkey were taken by women and children with stones or blowgun darts or even a stick. Indian hunters took pride in their hunting, so eating turkey was thought of as eating crow.

The Domestic turkey is a notably stupid bird. Reports of them needing to be taught to eat,Eating themselves to death, drowning themselves in rainstorms and smothering themselves in Turkey Piles have at least some credibility. However, the wild turkey was a better survivor as is evident by their abundance in colonial America.So abundant that European hunters with little experience could feed their families with them.

However, Market hunting changed that quite drastically. Slaughtered by the millions, the wild turkey came close to extinction with only the most wary geniuses living to breed and passing along these traits to their young(poults).

The Wild Turkey of today is a fast, strong and wary survivor of 300 years of hunting pressure. He has eyes like an eagle,can fly very well when he has to and can outrun a fast dog.His hearing is much better than most wild animals and can distinguish a wider range of colors and see in all spectrums except infrared.His ability to detect ultra violet is the reason that turkey hunters in Camouflage are often detected and he trusts absolutely Nothing. If he had a sense of smell, the Wild Turkey might be completely unhuntable.

The wild Turkey of today is nothing at all like the turkey's that the pilgrims and Indians hunted and less like the domestic Idiot birds that centered on your dining room table. For pure survival instinct, the 21st century gobbler is second to no wild animal in the world. A true trophy to the hunter who can bag one.

So remember that while your thanksgiving and Christmas turkey are little more than brainless protein products, they share the DNA with a remarkable natural creature who is worthy of our respect.

Ishmael

Have you ever gotten a gift that has the most beautiful wrapping that just ends up in the garbage can? You’d love to save it but haven’t a clue what to do with it. Here’s an idea. Now bout home made beads for earrings bracelets or earrings. Or if you have a lot of paper or even an old catalogue or magazine you can make hanging door beads.

It’s quick and simple and you need very little supplies. Here’s what you can use.

Paper
-Old wrapping paper
-Newspaper
-Fliers
-Magazines or catalogues
-Pencil
-Scissors or exacto knife
-Ruler
-Glue or modpodge
-Varnish , varathane or shellac
-Vaseline
-Wood skewers or rounded toothpicks or for bigger holes straws
-Block of foam of some sort to insert the straw or skewers with beads on for drying.

1-Coat your straws or skewers liberally with Vaseline (don’t leave it blobby). This should allow the beads to slip off easily. Depending on how large you want your bead holes you can use a variety of different things. Even large Needles or actual Straw.

2-Draw out your pattern on the paper or make a template from a sturdy piece of cardboard first. Cut your paper pieces about 1/2-inch wide and 2 1/2-inches long.

3-. Put the glue on the inside of the paper so that the colorful pattern will be on the outside of your bead.

4-Place the flat side against the skewer and start rolling towards the pointed end of the paper .

5-If you’re handy you can get multiple beads on one skewer but if you find it easier just use one skewer per bead. Stick the skewer into a lump of Styrofoam and let it dry completely

6-Once the bead is dry you can loosen it on the skewer before applying your finish coat of varathane or varnish. It’s probably best to just check one or 2 beads first to see if they will come loose from the stick. If they are easy to remove leave the rest hardened onto the sticks and apply the finish coat. Once the finish coat is dry then remove all the beads from the sticks.

7-If you find that you aren’t happy with the bead color you can always paint them with an acrylic paint before applying the varathane or varnish finish to get the color you’d prefer.

String them up for a necklace, slip them on for a bracelet and make a pair of matching earrings. The possibilities are endless!

Have you been over to the RoseWillow Arts & Crafts Guild yet?

If not do pay us a vist when you have some time. Check out our featured artists or become one! If you are an artist or a crafter tell us about it! Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has a artistic talent. If you're so inclined send us info and photos of their work. With their permission of course. Have you been to a great craft sale lately? Have some tips for other crafter? Drop a mail to kim@rosewillow.ca. Let's hear from you!

Happy New Year EVERYONE!

Man and what a year it’s been and are we excited about the new things coming in 2009! I’ve got lots planned for us all. I just know you’re gonna enjoy, but things will remain under wraps for a bit yet. I have something big coming in a few weeks if all goes well I will post an all boards announcement but till then my lips are sealed.. *S*.

I want to introduce you all to our Town Mascot Murray. .. . Murray came about years back when I used to frequent many of us remember called Bianca’s.. Back in my Chat addiction days of the 90s *L*. Chatting wasn’t my only pass time.. Nope.. I also arranged a virtual Golf tournament. A few scavenger hunts. Oh yes easy now but this was BEFORE we had Google *L*.. There was the Cindy Night. (to bizarre to explain here trust me). The Halloween costume party. Yes you can have a costume party on line! And one of my favorites though not my idea, an on going virtual soap Opera. Man was that ever a Hoot. Scoundrel was the brains behind that one. I just did up the webpages for it. So much fun we had but Murray was a way to get up close and personal with our “Virtual” friends.

In late 1999 I was chatting with another regular and we were trying to come up with a way to get to know the folks in our chat room a bit better. The idea of Murray was born.. Why a chicken you ask? Well most folks new me by my never ending chicken stories. If you don’t or didn’t know My family is out on a farm and we raise our own chickens lots of chickens..

At first Murray was to be an autograph chicken but that was nixed quickly and I came up with the lapel pin idea. He was send from one host home to another with his ever growing pin collection a diary, passport and back pack and on occasion a change of clothes. I mean he needed formal wear for the wedding he attended and I must say he looked rather spiffy in his Kilt and tam.

Murray traveled to many of our members home. Some of our friends took him on exotic vacations. Joanne had him down in Mexico, GIJoe took him off to Germany, He was even out in Australia!. Man that bird traveled. We have the pictures to prove it too but again.. This is before digital cameras were really even affordable so our hosts had to get their film developed and luckily some of them had scanners to send off their pictures to us.. Gosh seems so archaic eh? *L*

Funny thing was it went beyond our chat room members. Murray got publicity in newsletters, newspapers and he even appeared on our national morning news program Canada AM. That appearance sparked interest from other folks wanting him to come for a visit and we happily obliged. Of course with all this publicity we started a website for our Murray Murraythechicken.com. Because Murray was not only popular with Adults but kids too he even branched off into a kids site.

With the closing of bianca’s Murray came home to us for a well deserved rest. Murray went out of circulation but was shall we say..was “Reborn” when I took on my cartoon Persona “Joy” at the reef. The new Murray was smaller and I think a bit cuter but none the less he was still Murray to me.

So now I can share him again with all of you. Whether or not he will travel again I don’t know. I suppose that’s up to you all. But he will show up from time to time around RoseWillow drawn in his smaller self. One of these days we may even give Murray a sidekick (other than me *L*).. Since "Moose" got the second most votes who knows where it could go. I’m sure will find ways to have fun with the little guy somehow!

So folks get ready for some fun goings on this year. I hope 2009 is a great year for all of us and thank you all for your continued support!

x
Joy

Aries: Your work and responsibilities may engage much of your attention at this time. Keeping up-to-date on business correspondence, filing, and telephone communications is favored now. Your mind is centered on productivity and devoting yourself to doing the best job possible. You should take advantage of this opportunity to improve upon your writing and comprehension skills, as this time period may allow you to quickly process information and effectively broadcast your thoughts and ideas.

Taurus: Personal relationships should take on new depths at this time. Being available to your partner and feeling totally natural in their presence promises you a comfortable relationship now. There will be mutual recognition of each other's worth and integrity and you will not have to change your personality to suit your mate's desires. There is more tolerance, honesty and faith in your relationship, leading to opportunities for greater commitment and pledges of love for each other. Pleasures, entertainment, and social activities shared with loved ones are highly favorable.

Gemini: You seesaw between optimism and impatience, between faith that everything is working out and a restless desire to take immediate action. Philosophical discussions are apt to become heated. Avoid pompousness, arrogance, and intolerance. You will neither win freedom nor influence people that way! Proselytizing or self promotion can lead to estrangement now. A lack of caution and overenthusiasm are pitfalls for you at present.

Cancer: You are very bold and adventurous right now and you cannot tolerate delays, restrictions, or any form of authority that prevents you from behaving exactly as you please. Your drive for personal freedom and insistence on your rights is pressing, and a confrontation in which you have to stand up for yourself is likely. Rashness, sudden acts of anger or violence, and a tendency to try to do too much too fast are tendencies you need to carefully monitor at this time.

Leo: Open communication with a lover, friend, or relative may help relieve your worries or concerns at this time. Your close, healthy, and meaningful relationships can provide you with invaluable insight and new perspectives on resolving fears and inhibitions. This is a good time to let go of any hurt or guilt associated with your past or patch up any differences that occur between you and another individual. You may also feel more inclined to look into ways to improve your personal health and well-being, especially if you have been undergoing recent stress or a minor health setback.

Virgo: Your friendly concern for others and your willingness to meet people half way benefits your career, reputation, or public image at this time. This is a favorable time to socialize with people you have professional ties with since the positive feelings you generate now are likely to be an aid to you in the future. Beautifying the place where you meet the public and an increased concern about your own physical appearance are also brought out now.

Libra: Minor pressures can interfere with romantic, social, or financial plans during this time. There are times and circumstances where you may attempt to steer clear of disputes or disruptive influences in your life, especially if your thinking is cloudy regarding personal issues and close relationships. You may take a less direct approach to romantic encounters or creative projects, as you tend to feel more self-conscious than usual in these areas. You might need to reassess a long-standing relationship or contemplate your values and perspectives on partnership issues. You will have to focus a great deal of attention on getting to the root of problems or blocks in your romantic or creative world so that you can start things running as smoothly as possible again.

Scorpio: This is a good time to launch your personal goals and put your inspirations into motion. You consider yourself capable of hard work and are unafraid of challenges or obstacles in your path. Similarly, you enjoy taking risks and finding new ways to beat insurmountable odds or no-win situations. Your energy and enthusiasm guides you to try things which you have never experienced before, breaking free from old fears that previously kept you from taking action.

Sagittarius: You are willfully resistant to any outside pressure, manipulation, or authority at this time. A fateful encounter with an adversary, one that can neither be avoided nor ignored, is indicated. You seesaw between taking forthright, direct action and using more covert, subtle methods. A desire to break down, destroy, or overthrow existing conditions is also a part of the picture. Be careful with sharp instruments or glass.

Capricorn: This is a happy and cooperative time for family or career matters. You develop strong feelings of concern for anyone or anything that needs your support or direction. You will find it easier to handle both taking care of your family and gaining control of personal and business affairs. Other people may admire and count on your dependability and loyalty and you enjoy the attention you receive from helping others at this time. This is a good period for entertaining and playful times with family members. If you have children, you may notice that you are less strict with them just now and should use this time to boost their self-esteem.

Aquarius: You may be given a chance to rectify problems in your close relationships and make changes where necessary. This period urges you to reach new levels of understanding and emotional awareness as to your individual needs for love and affection. A mate, partner, or someone wise to your particular circumstances can greatly assist you with genuine offers of guidance and acceptance. You may come out of this period with new perspectives, attitudes, and values with regard to love and intimacy.

Pisces: You are inclined to engage in interests, activities, and relationships which make you feel good about yourself. You may disregard the more conventional side of your nature in order to pursue something which is new, stimulating, or different. There is a tendency to resist being pushed too far in the direction of doing what others want you to do. Similarly, at some point you may have to deal with other people's grievances or anger directed toward you, or you may have to strongly defend your position on an important issue. You may have a significant encounter with an individual who aggravates you yet teaches you a valuable lesson or provides you with a healing experience at this time.

-Deborah Browning

Thanks folks for this months contribution!

I would also like to invite any of our readers to submit items of interest to our paper. It's easy to do just contact me at the address listed below. Everyone is welcome to participate in the paper so don't be shy!

Any Questions, comments, compaints can also be left in the Oracle's Forum too don't forget. I hope you all have a very Happy New Year.

Pierre.
Editor of the Rosewillow Oracle