Santo and Santina’s Onomastico (Name Saints Day)

Children’s story written by Grazia Martienssen

Good day children, Flyer the seagull here, today let me tell you about:

Santo and Santina are cousins named after their Nonno (grandfather) Santo. They have been waiting a long time to celebrate their name day. Most of their friends, family and relatives have already celebrated theirs. Their friend Sebastian celebrated his in January. Their cousin Agata’s in February. Santo’s friend Giovanni has his in June, and Rosalia’s was in September. Others celebrate theirs on various dates throughout the year. The festivities usually include fireworks and carrying icons or statues from the saint’s church in procession. Some of their older cousins have been confirmed and celebrate their confirmation saint’s day as well.

What’s your name? Do you know if you are named after someone special?

All Saints and All Souls Day
Finally, it is the 1st of November and it’s Santo and Santin’s Onomastico. They celebrate with their Nonno Santo and all the saints. It is a public holiday. Those who do not have saints’ names celebrate with them as well. Nonno reads to them and teaches them more about the saints. They learn that their feast day started sometime in the year 609 AD (Anno Domino). This refers to the number of years after Jesus passed on. Originally it was celebrated in springtime, which is in March, April and May, but later it was changed to November (winter).

They remember the saints at mass in the Eucharist. After mass family and friends visit them and bring them gifts. Nonno gets a calendar for the following year with the saints for each month on it. It also shows the patron saints of each Town. Along with other gifts, the children get a book with big pictures and some writing on each page explaining about the saints.

Everybody wishes them ‘buon onnomastico’ (happy name day). The family and relatives all come around and have a special meal together on Nonno’s farm where they spend the day after mass. Mom makes some long homemade pasta called maccheroni for the 1st course. The second course is meat with sauce (carne al sugo). She also makes cannoli for dessert (a sweet treat). Their cousins in North Italy send photos of their day, they are eating risotto (a rice dish) and snacking on roasted chestnuts (In different parts of Italy, traditions and cultures change). They set an empty place at the table for those in heaven.
The next day is tutti i morti (all souls day).

They remember their family and relatives and friends who have gone to heaven. They go to the graves to bring flowers especially chrysanthemums (In Italy different flowers are used for different occasions). They clean the graves and spend time with those in heaven. They light candles to pay their respect to them. Their friends in Rome sent a video of their picnic at the graveside to share a meal with those in heaven. They talk to their Nonna, Bisnonno (great-grandfather), and other families in heaven. Santo and Santina miss their Nonna and Bisnonno very much, but they know they can talk to them and they will be listening from heaven, so they tell them everything. They tell them all about preschool, their friends, their new puppies, absolutely everything.

Do you know anyone in heaven? Do you visit them at the grave and bring flowers?
Do you talk to them?

Hidden sweets
Later in the day they finally look around the house for sweets and luxuries hidden by their loved ones from heaven. It is so much fun looking for special treats. They find them all over the house and enjoy them.

Which special treats and sweets do you like?

Practical Magic – 102 Soup for the Soul

Written by Vanessa Anderson

The usual conjuring and imagery of Witches, witchcraft and spell work often centre around a cauldron bubbling on a hot fire – hubble and bubble – while a cackling crone stirs the pot, muttering softly to herself as she dollops and sprinkles her tinctures and herbs. Each component is selected for cause and effect, a concoction of sorts meant for suture and salve, whether corporeal, ethereal or spiritual. An act of intent, for which ailment affects.

I previously appealed to you, to remember your magic yet I was not quite sure yet which element of practical magic should follow my last instalment for I truly believe that everything we do, with intent, is magic. One practice, in particular, keeps circling my mind – cooking, brewing, concocting, creating with love and intent, spelling.

In my piece titled – When the world tries to break someone you love – I wrote about my nephew, he is sick, very sick. Amid the chaos of disrupted routine and emotional upheaval, one simple, wholesome act pulls together the red thread that binds us all – cooking. It is this element because it is so raw in our existence that I want to reflect on it in this piece.

The ill, like the stone thrown across a pond, cause a ripple and those within the concentric circles ebbing outward – hold the space of the one within. We take care of them, holding them together so that they can hold those within.

Through all the ages of man, in every culture across the spiritual realm, we have sustained each other, held these circles together and gathered others towards us, with food. When we celebrate, we gather and share food, when we mourn, we gather and share food, when others are ill, we do what comes naturally – we cook, we gather and we share food.

We do this to hold the line when others are raging against a battle and, if we are lucky, we may have others to hold the line should we find ourselves in a battle that threatens to consume us.

When we were little, and we felt sick, we rested and our mothers made us soup to eat. When family and friends are sick, we offer to make their food, and we sustain them when they do have not the strength to do so themselves. It is a practice (in magic) done naturally, with intent. We give of our time and our energy towards others, the ingredients may be wholesome and nourishing, but that is not all on offer.

We infuse love, a knowing and understanding of the space others are in. It is an act of kindness where energy, like magic flows naturally. It is not odd or strange that the foods we prepare are often, exactly what the body needs to support it. It is knowledge within, sometimes we forget, sometimes the universe reminds us.

Food, good food, is energy. When it is prepared with love and intent – whether twirling round a cauldron or a pot on the stove – it is magic.

All magic is, is practice with intent.

We give our thought to the idea that someone else is in need. We give thought to the knowing that they have other things on their mind. No matter whether they are the one who is ill, or the one taking care of the ill, or those holding the space between the lines and the circles – our thoughts, through simple practices, like making food, become the tincture that offers suture and salve to the wounds of the embattled.

Remember that you are magic.

Test the theory, remember the last meal you made now remember the way you approached preparing it, what you infused within, how you and others felt eating it? Was it merely sustenance for an empty stomach, or did it nourish and nurture more than just body?

Last thought: if you are what you eat, then should you not take back the power over how it is prepared?

The Squirrel that Went for Lunch

Written by Olivia Britz

Once upon a time, there was a squirrel called Olive who loved adventure and roaming and finding new places. One fine summer afternoon, Olive decided to go for lunch along the river and she scurried through the lush Winelands, through the big trees, and along the pebbled pathway to the restaurant along the river.

The forest was cool and fine and she laughed as she dashed from tree to tree, up and down feeling vibrant.

Olive had dressed up for this special occasion in her best wear and she felt frivolous and excited. As she approached the restaurant she could hear the rippling sounds of the flowing water.

When she arrived, she was welcomed and seated along the river, what a sight to behold her joyous spirit. Clean flowing water…shade beneath the trees…rocks in the water for her to jump along. Just enough sunshine peeping through the trees accompanied by a soft breeze.

She laughed to her heart’s delight as she gazed upon the wonders of nature.
What a gem of a find was this day out for lunch.

City Lunch with Squirrel
Squirrel woke up one fine Saturday morning with a thrilled heart and excitement pumping through her veins as she had a planned luncheon in town with some of her very favourite family members.

She had had a restful night after a busy day and was very excited about her excursion into the City.

After waking up she treated herself to some milk and chocolate biscuits. The morning was already warm and welcoming as she opened up her perfect little treetop house and let in the fresh air and sunshine.

She bustled about getting ready for her journey. It would be quite busy on the roads, it being a Saturday morning and all. This would not be a carefree forest excursion, she would need her wits about her and to exercise great caution on this trip.

She dressed smartly in comfortable but smart attire. What a day ahead was planned, entertaining with the family and eating good food and special bread pudding dessert that she was taking along in her picnic basket.

The ride into the City was hustle and hassle-free and she reached there in good time.
The Squirrel family and friends were delighted to see each other and shared their many stories of the week. One squirrel had some newly acquired paintings which she enthusiastically showed to the others in her cosy bedroom.

They spent a joyous relaxing afternoon eating delicious food and playing games galore.

All too soon it was time for Squirrel to take her ride back home, curl up on her bed with a good book and an afternoon nap.

World of Crystals

Crystals are very close to my heart, and I work with them regularly. Work? OK, Play, does that sound better? My friends often ask me if I am ‘crystaling’.

I see my crystals as friends. They help me with my garden, home, work and Fayre. They also keep me company when I sleep and bathe.

Each crystal has its own ‘personality’ and ‘character’. Each crystal is different as it is made from different minerals, thus portraying its own colours, plus each has its own unique inclusions. Just like human beings, no 2 crystals are the same.
Crystals are conscious that they are housed in a crystalline body, just as we are conscious that we are housed in a physical body. We are only guardian or keepers of crystals.
Crystals are not our slaves. So we have to ask them to do things for us or where they want to be placed in the home, car, work, garden etc.
If the crystal does not feel happy, it will either shut down and not work, or move. Yes, crystals do move!

Crystals gather, hold, amplify and release energy.

My crystal series is going to concentrate on a specific crystal, giving you ideas on how to clean and work with them. You will also get a good idea on what to do with the crystal once you have chosen it.

Beauty truly is a need. Even if you are only attracted to crystals for their beauty, allow their sparkling energy to get inside of you and uplift you.

You might even be pleasantly surprised as they stimulate some aspect of yourself, like your imagination, your ideas, or your sense of dreaming. Take it one step further and imagine going inside one of them.

You might receive messages or symbols. Whilst ‘crystaling’ you might even feel healing.
The energy of the crystal has the essence and the beauty if you will tune into them.
Enjoy ‘crystaling’

The Holistic Fayre, Bothasig is turning 8, on 12 July 2014

The shortest distance between two people is a smile

Swap out your battered and beaten day at the Shopping Centre with an indulging day of warm hospitality and effortless chatting amidst interesting and exciting stalls. Perhaps you’d like to visit a Reader for a peep into what the future might say….

We have a great selection of Psychic, Tarot, Angel, Astrology, Rune Stones, Medium and Numerology Readers, or maybe sooth those tired muscles with a relaxing Massage, Reflexology or even some Shiatsu.

Meander through the hall with its great selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s, Incense Sticks, Aromatherapy Home and Personal Care, Crystals, Jewels, Plants, Orgonite, Water Fountains, Healing Oils, Hats, Gifts, Clothing,  and much more.  You never know where you might find your next treasure.

Don’t forget to grab a cup of gourmet Coffee and a slice of delicious Cake while browsing…. And for lunch…. Choose from delicious Vegetarian & Non-vegetarian Meals, pastries, and Asian or even Greek dish….. you’ll be spoiled for choice… Not so hungry… how about a Samoosa or Cupcake? For this special celebration we have a very invigorating and exciting day planned just for you.

Various Belly Dancing Studios are shimmering through the hall with veils and scarves,  following the beat of the Drummer as they fill the hall with delight. Later, you’re welcome to try your hand at some free drumming…

Listen carefully during the course of the day for the announcement of the 8 Magic Word Competition.  Be enchanted with over 20 prizes for this Competition. Exhibitors have donated over 200 prizes to be given away to Lucky Visitors.  Prizes vary from gifts to gift vouchers, treatments and sessions.  Two little Angels will be roaming through the hall giving away mini Tea Cups sets and Lucky Birthday Pegs .

For an entrance fee of only R5-, you will be entertained, no doubt receive Free Gifts, and attend Free Lessons as you mingle indoors in a positive and energizing environment.  Spend the day with us and leave feeling excited, fun-filled and re-vitalized. Situated near the N7 Freeway, The Bothasig Community Hall is easily located with ample secure parking, often under trees.  Festivities start at 10am ending at 4pm with a Closing Ceremony of Gratitude.

Arrive a Stranger, leave as a Friend.

Visit our Website www.aboutholistic.co.za for full program of monthly Fayre

 

Minestrone

Note
This recipe calls for cooked pea beans or garbanzo beans (chickpeas). If you use chickpeas, begin soaking them 3 ½ hours before you make the soup. After 2 soaking hours, cook them in boiling water for about 1 ½ hours – until comfortably chewable. If you use pea beans, you needn’t soak them, but give them 1 ½ – 2 hours to cook. In either case, if you cook the beans in plenty of water, save the extra water to use as stock for the soup. You’ll have a fuller-flavoured, higher-proteined minestrone.

1½ cups cooked pea or garbanzo beans (¾ cup raw)
½ cup dry pasta
1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes
Parmesan cheese
3 tbs Olive oil
1 cup chopped Onion
4 – 5 cloves crushed Garlic
1 cup minced Celery
1 cup cubed Carrot
1 cup cubed Eggplant or Zucchini
1 cup chopped Green Pepper
2 tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Oregano
½ cup fresh chopped Parsley
1 tsp Basil
2 cups Tomato Puree
3½ cups water or stock
3 tbs dry Red Wine

4 – 6 servings 

• In a soup kettle, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until they are soft and translucent.
• Add 1tsp salt, carrot, celery and eggplant. (if you use zucchini, add it with the green pepper)
• Mix well
• Add oregano, black pepper and basil
• Cover and cook over low heat 5 – 8 minutes
• Add green pepper, stock, puree, cooked beans and wine.
• Cover and simmer for 15 minutes
• Add tomatoes and remaining salt.
• Keep at lowest heat until 10 minutes before you plan to serve
• Then heat the soup to a boil, add pasta and boil gently until pasta is tender
• Serve immediately, topped with parsley and parmesan

Miang Kham

Miang kham (or “mieng kham”, miang kam, miang kum, Thai: เมี่ยงคำ, IPA: [mîəŋ kʰam]) is a traditional snack from Thailand and Laos (Lao: ໝ້ຽງ Lao pronunciation: [mȉaːŋ]).

In Thailand, it is often sold in the street, the ingredients separately wrapped in small plastic bag. In Laos and Thailand, the preparation is particularly popular at festivals and is usually prepared on-site and sold ready-made to attendees.

Mieng Kham is a great, easy to make appetizer or snack. It’s fun to eat and healthy too! This is an excellent dish to serve at a party.

Little bowl a of salted peanuts;
roasted dried onions;
finely chopped fresh lemon pieces;
sliced lemongrass;
fresh grated ginger;
roasted coconut;
allow 2 crisp lettuce leaves to serve as “cones”.
Have ready also small bowl of Agave syrup per person.

Teaspoon a little of each condiment into lettuce, fold and eat.
Makes an amazing starter to a veg., curry. Dee- lish- ous.

Broccoli Corn Bake

Everyone who eats this dish raves about it. I love it when something so good is so easy to make

Ingredients
3 cups broccoli florets, cooked, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons sunflower oil
1 small onion finely chopped
2 tablespoon plain flour
1 cup low fat milk
4 large eggs lightly beaten
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tin creamed style sweetcorn
Good pinch salt
Ground black pepper
Pinch ground allspice

Directions

• Preheat oven to 180C.  Lightly coat a 2litre baking dish with non-stick spray
• Heat oil in saucepan. Add onion and cook until soft.  Stir in flour, then add milk to make a thick sauce. Allow to cool a little then add eggs, sweetcorn, broccoli and cheese.  Season and pour into baking dish.
• Place dish in a larger pan and fill with water to halfway up sides.  Bake for approx 55 – 60mins, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean

Date Paste

This is a very simple but energy booster.

Ingredients
1 Packet pitted dates (or same amount in fresh dates
1 teaspoon honey
Warm water to soak dates

Method

• Cover dates with warm water, just cover, leave at least an hour,
• Drain, but keep water,
• If dates are not pitted, do so now
• In blender add dates, honey, and a little date water.
•  Puree dates in food processor or blender. Blend until the date paste is creamy. Add more soaking water if needed.
• Store in air tight container or bottle

To Serve
Toast 2 slices of good bread, spread with date paste, sprinkle with sprinkles, cut  into “fingers”, enjoy as a tea snack, or after school snack,
I CALL THEM “MORE Please””
xxxPeggi

Helpful Hint

• This recipe keeps for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 3+ months in the freezer.
• Make your Date Paste in bulk. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Store your Date Paste in a ziplock baggy, laying it flat in your freezer. Freezing it flat will enable you to break off a small or large piece as you need it.
• Can be used as sweetener in baking

7th Birthday Photos

A birthday is not a Birthday without a Cake

Our 7th Birthday was a roaring Success!  Thanks to You that made this possible.  Here are a few selected photos, for a full view of all photos, please view our Facebook Group

Opening Ceremony
This takes place before every Holistic Fayre. This helps bring the positive vibe you always feel upon entering the hall

Candle of love, harmony and friendship has been burning for 7 years.

Mariechen blowing bubbles

3 of our Best Psychic
Alison, Phyl and Mariechen

Please leave messages for our Beloved Madiba

Jewels to add sparkle to your life

Healing Oils all the way from Hermanus

All jewels hand crafted by Sally

Maria offers Awesome Orgonite to protect your home and lifestyle

Johan offers a wide range of organic herbs, plants and accessories

Free 20 minute Informative Talks available at the Fayre, every hour on the hour

Theresa welcomes everyone at the door. She often has Free Gifts on offer

M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue is our Charity of choice. Please support

Pieter offers Herbal Remedies

Join in a Free Drumming Lesson at the Fayre

Zarina offers yummy scrumptious home made Indian Cuisine

Michelle offers mini-hand manicures and a Whisper of Fragrance

You will find the widest selection of Esoteric Books and Angel Cards at our Fayre

Be thrilled by Belly Dancers – watch out – they dance through the hall

Attend another very popular Speaker, Maeve, in one of her Free 20 minute Talks at our Fayre

Colourful Belly Dancers, who all offer Belly Dancing lessons

The widest selection in Cape Town of incense sticks and accessories is at our Fayre