A Rocker For All AgesWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
Rocking chairs have survived test of many generations and a million sleepless nights. They come in fine wood, soft supple upholstery and even woven and painted. Yes, they all, each and every one of them, find a way into someone's memory, a plesant moment of past, and a safe refuge for future. Rocking chairs have rocked new moms with day-old babies, healed broken hearts and wounded pride, and then eased pains of getting old. Whether you place a rocking chair on back porch, front porch, near a fireplace, or really anywhere in your home, it will inevitably find its way into hearts of everyone who lives there. It will become place where a day's frustrations are soothed, plans are made and goals dreamed about. Aw, and stories that have been related by someone as they gently rock to rhythm of peace and tranquility. A person just cannot stay angry and uptight while they rock - its probably some great scientific principle, but tensions are dissipated and anger is subsided. You may start our vigorously rocking, but soon proper motion is attained to bring spirits back and bring life to right mode - relaxed and peaceful. Walls of resistance don't stand a chance when matter is discussed while rocking and possible arguments lose their sting. You see, rockers are not made for just men or just women, they are for anyone who wants to take a respite from daily turmoils and leisurely return to a better frame of mind. A person's religious or political affiliations can be discussed but never argues, and while you may or may not see other person's point of view, while rocking, they are entitled to their thoughts.
| | Matters of HeartsWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
As soon as February rolls around, everyone is thinking "hearts." Hearts are universal symbol for love, affection, and caring. There are heart-shaped candy boxes, cookies, flower arrangements, gift boxes, and charms. Children send Valentine's Day cards to classmates and friends, and adults show their feelings with notes, gifts, and special events. Mealtime can also be an opportunity to use hearts in our table decor. Heart-shaped ice cubes add just that touch of romance to wine and champagne. Use enouch cassis for color to insure firm cubes. Using yor favorite heart-shaped cookie cutters, place "hearts" of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepperjack on appetizer platters, or to accent a meat dish, vegetables, or whatever you choose. For a Valentine dipping bowl, cut a heart shape around a squash stem and remove contents. Fill with your favorite dip and surround with your choice of dippers. Heart-shaped cutters can be used to make sandwiches, cookies, bread slices, and cucumber slices. Heart-shaped pancakes, and heart-shaped cut outs on crust of your favorite fruit pies add delight when that special day rolls around.
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