Fun and Practical Ways of Getting Rid of a Cold

 Forgive the tardy post but as you may have guessed from the title I have been sick with the cold.   As I have been lying in bed coughing and hacking, I actually discovered many ways you can feel better.  

1.      Rest-  I hate to state the obvious but any doctor, naturopath, or witch doctor will tell you that the ultimate way to get rid of this nasty virus is to stay in bed and sleep lots. Phone in sick, let TV babysit the kids and forget all your other troubles. 

2.      Liquids, Liquids and more Liquids- Yes, it is important to stay hydrated especially when you spend a lot of time coughing and choking.  Your mouth will feel dry, your throat will be sore and you will find yourself sweating a lot.  So be sure to drink a lot of fluids especially hot beverages.  I happen to know the best hot beverage you can take for such a nasty cold.  That is my Dragon Fire Tonic.   

3.      Let off a little steam- If you have a humidifier or some kind of steam maker then use it!  Please know that you can put some wonderful aromatherapy to good use with this.  Personally, I like to use Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary and Pine.  These work the best when you are congested.  If you don't have anything like this, then never fear just take your dear sweet time in the shower.  Believe me this helps too.

4.      Watch some good ghost movies- This is just my movie genre preference but they always seem to make me feel better.  They don't have to be ghostly but if you're going to lie around all day, you might as well enjoy yourself.  Besides, all those ghost movies remind me of my home world.  And when you are scared, you may forget that you are also miserable. 

5.      Meditate- This may seem unnecessary to some but many studies have shown that the mind and body are connected.  If you take care of your mind, your body will start to take care of itself and you will get better faster.

6.      Put Vicks under and around your nose- this is something that I just tried.  It was suggested by a friend and it works!!!  It stings the nose a bit (if it's red) but it heals faster, stops running and makes it so much easier to breathe.  Don't forget to put Vicks on your chest and back as well.  Every little bit helps and reminds you of what your mother did when you were a child.

7.      Cough and Hack until it's out of your system – This is pretty self-explanatory.  The reason why you cough in the first place is to get the virus out of your system.  So let it all out!  Blow your nose as well.  Don’t be dainty.  Be loud, long and strong. 

8.      Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals - You will need to take Vitamin C, Echinachea, Ginseng and Zinc.  These four will help boost immunity and get rid of the cold faster. 

9.      Drink some wine - It may not cure it but it sure feels good until you pass out.  (See #1)

10.  If all else fails call an Exorcist - Why not?  You've tried everything else.

You want to take special care of yourself.  A little pampering, indulgence and T.L.C. will go a long way.  Treat yourself as you would treat a child. In the end, you will not only feel better but you will have experienced a little love as well.  It’s almost like a vacation except you suffer instead of your wallet. 

The Oracle's Adventures on Vancouver Island; Supper at the Shipyard

My favorite spots in this world are a beautiful cool forest where I can listen to the music of a waterfall or a warm meadow filled with the scent of wild flowers. Both remind me of the Nether World and I seek them out when I get homesick. Another thing that helps is to seek out someone actually from the Nether World to spend time with.

Do you remember my mermaid friend Odessa? I first met her 10 years ago when I was vacationing in Cuba. She was on the beach collecting sea shells as I was swimming in the ocean.  Something drew me to her but when I got near I accidentally splashed some water on her leg. She immediately became anxious because scales began to appear where the water had touched her skin.  I offered her my beach towel and reassured her by advising that I too was a mystic. She was the first actual mystic I met when I crossed over to this realm. We have been in contact ever since but do not get to see each other as much as we would like.

Odessa is extremely talented. She not only collects sea shells but makes jewellery from these shells and other natural objects she collects on her journeys. She is quite the traveller and never stays put in one place very long.

During my recent holiday on Vancouver Island, we were able to get together because Odessa has moved to Tofino and she made a special effort to come see me.  “The Shipyard” is a little place in the Maple Bay Marina and Odessa suggested we meet there. The restaurant is right on the water and surrounded by ships and boats of all sizes and descriptions.  The menu is a true pescatarian’s dream. Sounds like a good mermaid’s hangout right? It is Odessa’s favorite restaurant and she comes often.

I do want to warn my fellow vegetarians that our choices are limited. I did manage to score a nice pasta with a mixture of herbs and rose sauce that was fresh, rich, and satisfying. Odessa ordered the oysters, shrimp skewers, and double coleslaw. I could tell that she loved it as she ate the whole dinner in about five minutes without stopping to talk or even take breath. We ordered a bottle of white wine that had a fresh crisp citrus flavor and complemented both our meals. The wine was appropriately named “The Beach House”. Good food, good wine, and good friends eventually leads to good conversation.

We caught up on what each of us has been doing. I told Odessa about this blog. Odessa says hello. She told me about the challenges of operating her business. I suggested she consider starting her own website to increase sales and leave more time for the actual production. She was hesitant and thought it would be too much trouble and difficult to manage. I know what you are thinking. All she needs is a picture of herself, a laptop, and an internet connection. But I know Odessa well enough to know that it really isn’t about the amount of work involved. Odessa hates getting her picture taken.  She thinks she has “no good side”. But the truth is she is a little bit afraid of items that cannot get wet. This includes cell phones and lap tops. Odessa is of the siren persuasion and her life revolves around water. It is her favorite place to be and if she can’t make a splash, she is going to dash. I guess we all have our quirks and it is best that we respect all our differences.

I need to be near a forest or a meadow to feel at home. Odessa needs the water. We need each other. What makes you feel at home? Who makes you feel at home?

  

What's the best wine ever?... It's obvious

Many people have asked me what is your preference when it comes to wine?  My response.  All wine!  It's true but I will say I can not help but enjoy a bottle of Barefoot wine.



This is a lovely brand from Modesto, California.  They make a fun, sunny and flavorful wine that brings out the goodness in all things related to the Earth Realm.  It is good for any occasion and just happens to be easy on the wallet.  Now all of these wines are good but I find myself always reaching for the moscato.  Yes, the moscato.  It is a sexy little wine that has some very delicious fruity notes and a sweet citrusy taste that brings you back to paradise. 

If you are to pair this wine, here is a few marvelous suggestions.  A herbacious cheese such as dill havarti, a spicy pasta, raspberries, a rich belguim chocolate and sweet potato fries.  Now I've just made myself hungry and pining for this wine even more.  Seriously though wine lovers, get yourself this lovely little wine, sit outside and look out at a beautiful sunset.  It gives you that wonderful sense of romance that everyone (human or otherwise) should have.  You have this when you have a bottle of barefoot moscato. 

And since this is a wine post I want to give a shout out to my friend Nick.  He is an oenophile vampire who owns his own vineyard and yes I urge you all to try it even though he often disagrees with me on everything!  To you my sweet, suave friend, I say, "Bite me!"