Spice Route Studios

Spice Route Studio "LINKS"

Have an interesting link which would fit well into

one of my eclectic catagories?

Send me your information via our Magic lamp..

The following links will give you a broad idea of where some of my varied interests lay.
**There are some really terrific - Hand Crafted Jewelry Sites - as this is one of my greatest passions.**

Links were updated on : Friday, November 25, 2005
Art	Dolls	Lapidary	Photography	Studio Tours
Associations	Gallery Sites	Legends/Myths	Publications	Wire Wrap
Bazaars	Games	Some Local Sites	Reference for Stones/Rocks
Beads	Goddess	Music	Rocks
Bits	GPS Fun	Old Spice Route & Spice info	SCULPTURE / CARVING
Books	Health	Photoshop	Shopping
Canadian Beads	Herbs and Wild Foraging	Plants	Shopping: Vintage Jewelry
Clip Art - Photos	Jewelry - Handcrafted	Poetry	Silver Metal Clay

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ART

My ART links to some of the members of our local artistic community. Some are for Canadian Resources; and others are places I enjoy & often vist. Enjoy wandering.

Canadian Artist Resource Caroline DeMooy Mark Kellett James Craig Nicholl Ontario Art Community

Artist with MCS Debi Fitzgerald Calligraphy and Illumination Ancient Design Art and Expression

Creative Canaries Community Patty Gregg Frederick Goodall I found these wonderful works when looking for paintings for this site.

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ASSOCIATIONS

Guess I am not much of a joiner but that is okay - perhaps I will add my cyber lists here one day? Each year I try to participate in a fund raising aution for the WAO.

International Jewelry Designers Guild Women's Artist Organization PMC GUILD

**ART**

My **ART** links to some of the members of our local artistic community. Some are for Canadian Resources; and others are places I enjoy & often vist. Enjoy wandering.
Canadian Artist Resource	Caroline DeMooy	Mark Kellett	James Craig Nicholl	Ontario Art Community
Artist with MCS	Debi Fitzgerald	Calligraphy and Illumination	Ancient Design	Art and Expression
Creative Canaries Community	Patty Gregg	Frederick Goodall I found these wonderful works when looking for paintings for this site.

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**ASSOCIATIONS**

Guess I am not much of a joiner but that is okay - perhaps I will add my cyber lists here one day? Each year I try to participate in a fund raising aution for the WAO.
International Jewelry Designers Guild	Women's Artist Organization	PMC GUILD

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BAZAARS

When we decided to have a bazaar for our site; a result of our our mutual accumulations of bits and pieces needing new homes - our research for other Bazaars discovered these interesting choices.

Of course the first one is our own ;-) hopefully the listing for all catagories will be finalized soon. Please keep checking back.

Spice Route Studio's Bazaar Bizarre Bazaar Harpers Bazaar

Icon Bazaar Persian Bazaar Turkish Gift Bazaar

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BEADS

My addiction for gorgeous beads contiues to grow - these are just a few of the places I visit and or shop.

Rings & Things Bead Jewelry Glossary

Fire Mountain Canadian Beads are here

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BITS

Useful sites and Canadian resources which I find useful. The Babel translator is a wonderful invention especially when we receive e-mails in a language neither of us know.

Tiny URL Canadian Heritage The Canada Page Babel Translator

Home Link Canada Canada 411 Keywords

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**BAZAARS**

When we decided to have a bazaar for our site; a result of our our mutual accumulations of bits and pieces needing new homes - our research for other Bazaars discovered these interesting choices.

Of course the first one is our own ;-) hopefully the listing for all catagories will be finalized soon. Please keep checking back.
Spice Route Studio's Bazaar	Bizarre Bazaar	Harpers Bazaar
Icon Bazaar	Persian Bazaar	Turkish Gift Bazaar

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**BEADS**

My addiction for gorgeous beads contiues to grow - these are just a few of the places I visit and or shop.
Rings & Things		Bead Jewelry Glossary
Fire Mountain	Canadian Beads are here

**TOP**

**BITS**

Useful sites and Canadian resources which I find useful. The Babel translator is a wonderful invention especially when we receive e-mails in a language neither of us know.
Tiny URL	Canadian Heritage	The Canada Page	Babel Translator
Home Link Canada	Canada 411	Keywords

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BOOKS

I love to read - many a long winters night finds both Tom and I snuggled near the warm fire with a good book as the icy winds swirl about our log cabin. We also collect old books in specific subjects - Tom has an avid interest in earl Canadian explorers of the Arctic where he spent much of geological career. I on the other hand have a passion for old herbals - old wild flower and/or gardening books and art in the ideas of design and illumination.

The Arabian Nights Free E - Texts Interesting Books Online for Free Amazon Books Canada

Bibliofind Great Books Index Liam's Pictures from Old Books Bibliofile

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CLIP ART - PHOTOS

How do we survive without the world of clipart and photos - these are just a few bits from an enormous sector of the web.

Mickey's links Runic Design Collections

Microsoft Clip Art More Tiles Tiles

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CANADIAN BEADS and other Bits

When I first discovered the world of beading - we had few Canadian Bead suppliers - now amongst the many - these are some I use; all with a fabulous array of goods or a specific specialty. As our International Border for parcels tightens my appreciation of availability here in Canada has grown by leaps and bounds.

House of Orange That Bead Lady

Northern Bead Adorn Eliza Beadin

Regina Manufacturing Lacy & Company Bead Fx

Dragonjools Integrity Pearls Mountain Gems

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DOLLS

Just recently my brain decided I needed to make Grandmother Story "dolls". They arrived in my head one night while I slept and have been clammoring to be made ever since. There were so many I had to tell them to slow down and have allowed two to become reality. It is a slow process working them in amidst my other interests. I am teaching myself the art of papier mache' and the first two are almost 2 ' tall - one will tell the story of ancient Nushu and bound feet the other a mixture of world myths of dreams and nightmares. All will evolve in good time - I hope.

Doll Making Techniques Paper Mache' Rediscovered Doll Face

Costume Doll Making by Runo Monique Trading Corporation

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GALLERY SITES

One of the first "special" items I purchased was 3 ceramic faces to which I wished to make part of my own creative design. I have one done . . Shahrazad

The other sites here are Ontario Galleries. The one in the algonquin art centre will carry my work for the first time this year.

The Face Algonquin Art Centre National Art Gallery of Canada

Whetung Ojibway Crafts and Art Art Gallery of Ontario The McMichael Gallery

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GAMES

Remember those long winter nights I mentioned where we read? well when friends visit we play games. Another great winter happening. To clam my brain down in the late evening I often play Snnod or Mah Jong both which I never get bored of.

Mah Jong Parlor Balderdash Snood

Mexican Train Dominoes Scrabble

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GODDESS

The longer we are priviledged to live in such a pristine world - the more I appreciate the intricate working of our Planet Earth - Gaia. My appreciation of ancient "Goddess" practices has doubled twofold. I certainly understand the resurgence in popularity today. The following sites are sharing some of the ancient artifacts and their histories which I find fascinating.

Artifacts All Sides of the Story

The Goddess Mother Goddess Goddess History

The Goddess Paintings
This beautiful book showcases the magnificent paintings of Susan Seddon Boulet.

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GPS Fun

Tom and I got to use these new fandangled items years ago when we prospected in the far reaches of Northern Labrador - since then their availabilty and lower pricing has enabled us to have our own ;-)

Obviously other folks find these as exciting as we do - browsing these sites will show you the "why".

GPS World Geo Caching GPS Overview GPS Nuts

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HEALTH

Unfortunately almost 15 years ago I had a drastic chemical injury which changed my life drastically. I now have to live in as chemically free world as I possibly can which has been quite an undertaking. We grow as much of our vegetables as we can organically - I wild forage for food and medicinal items and am slowly learning the art of herbalism. Multiple Chemical Sensitivities - MCS is a hard task master and many days are lost due to unavoidable exposures. These sites touch on some of the areas which have become my lifeline.

Canadian Organic Growers Island Place Trigger Points Dharma Centre Mother Nature's Medicine Chest

Healers Network How to Stretch MCS
My View
Pain Reference Chart Chemical Injury Awareness

Medicinal Herbs Alternative Pest Control Toxic Metals No Scents Please

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HERBS

I mentioned my continuing interest in Herbalism - I have become quite adapt at treating us both with domestic and wild foraged herbs. I believe firmly that the chmically laden foods available today and the tunnel vision of many doctors are truly a negative to our continued exhistence on this planet. I also firmly believe the giant chemical companies and pharmaceutical companies are only interested in profit and blindly forge their negative products for world consumption irregardless of the consequences. Perhaps they have told their "fairytales" of these items being safe for humans so often they believe them completely themselves? I fear for my granchildren and their children.

Studio Botanica The Urban Herb Gaia Garden Christopher Hobbs

Plant Database Formulary Salves

Home Remedies Herb Growing Marketing

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JEWELRY - Hand Crafted

Individual Write -ups for each these Sites

IJDG Member Gallery
The first link will take you to the worlds best collection of online handmade jools at the International Jewelry Designer's Guild. There are so many styles of mouth watering pieces I am sure you will spend hours checking out their individual sites.

Artful Gifts
Unique handmade jewelry and gifts of art. A delightful mixture of elegant items. From finely crafted jewelry; bookmarks with or without journals; wine glass wraps, gift baskets and painted rocks. Wandering through this site will surely bring pleasure to your senses.

Belle Pour La Vie
Belle Pour La Vie - Specializes in designer jewelry and natural body products! Twin sisters, Eva Polynice and Yvette Estime both contribute to the site.. Yvette's jewelry pieces feature bead weaves as well as wire crochet ; in these she utilizes semi - precious stones. Make time to wander about this interesting site - all sorts of goodies to be found.

Bella Vita Jewelry
H.M.Dundas makes fine Artisan Jewelry for Individual Expression. Hand crafted of gemstones, pearls & precious metals. Live Life Beautifully - La Bella Vita!

Capricious Crowns
Capricious Crowns and Jewels is based upon a background in design and a love for jewelry. The artisan tiaras and jewelry are made from precious and semi-precious stones and pearls, Swarovski and Czech crystals. I just love the following quote which I found found on the site:

"Every woman should have a crown to wear, whether she's cleaning house, doing dishes, chauffeuring the kids, or out for an elegant evening-just to put a little fun in her life."

Her necklaces, earrings, pins, and bracelets are equally worth a peek!

Cimmaran Designs
Beautiful well designed site - easy to navigate with a delectable variety of offerings for every pocketbook. Wonderful choices in semi precious and precious stones.

This beautiful site offers Information in English and French.

Cluny Grey Jewelry
Cluny 's Studio G in Arkansas produces beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Each of her one-of-a-kind pieces are created with gemstones, pearls, lampwork and dichroic beads. These are complimented by sterling silver, gold-fill, or vermeil. A few of her pieces evolve from found objects such as seashells or parts of vintage jewelry pieces. The site offers Custom Designs for Bridal and Wedding and specializes in jewelry for wedding members. Enjoy this site.

Dainton Danglers
In 2004 this Canadian beader gave her "Dangler" idea a try and her line of good quality, inexpensive jewellry was born. Theresa's "Dainton Danglers" are a collection of earrings, bracelets and key chains made in a very wide a variety of combinations. I am sure you will find something you enjoy which fits your budget. Do take a moment to enjoy Teresa Dainton's unique pieces.

Glassic Gems
Artisan Jewelry for the One-of-a-Kind Woman. This site states: "Each individual piece of jewelry is designed to be esthetically pleasing and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. "

Graceful Earth Jewelry
The abundance of grace the Earth has to offer is a constant source of amazement to Sandi Meyers when she looks at the variety of beautiful beads and pendants she utilizes in making her one of a kind pieces of jewelry. A lovely choice of interesting pieces.

Jewels by Jessica
It is well worth wandering through this unique site of re-worked vintage treasures from Greece. The pieces are playful and colourful; ideal for the young at heart. The discerning bride is sure going to enjoy shopping here.

Jessica Anne Rachel Josafat is a unique designer of handmade custom jewelry featuring funky necklaces, bracelets and rings. Her trendy pendants often feature cameos, glass or filigree.

Leo Jewelry
Leo Jewelry, has many levels of creativity to enjoy. The exciting collections offered are but one (all aptly named - Nostalgia - Prisma - Vogue) I enjoyed the Prisma the best; but you choose your favorite! Many of the art beads on this site are "painted" with polymer clay and signed by the designer. Others are painted or inlayed with special techniques developed by the artist. These original designs are well worth checking out.

Lu Lu B Designs
Based on the hope of locating customers who would appreciate her individual designs and who also were looking for unique jewelry of a high quality not typically found in department stores, Luellen Kirchner founded LuLu B Designs. The variety of choice is well worth browsing.

Mona Designs
Mona Designs is a true treat for your senses. Immerse yourself in the delicious color, texture, and dimension of her wearable art and gift items! Multi-talented Mona creates lampwork art glass. Her jewelry is designed with gemstones, pearls, vintage crystals as well as new crystals and French seed beaded jewelry, Venetian seed beaded jewelry and accessories. ! Check back often to view her constant experimentation with composition and trying new things. Her fabulous Christmas Tree Pins are worth a visit or two all to themselves.

Polished & Put-Together
Margaret Schindel's one-of-a-kind handcrafted beaded jewelry and unique custom bridal jewelry sets, are expressed in her own personal style with elegance. Her handmade beaded jewelry designs, utilize vintage beads, crystals and one-of-a-kind artisan glass focal elements. Do take time to enjoy her custom bridal jewelry.

The Silver Dragon - Beadwork and Fine Art Gallery
Patricia C. Vener ( aka The Silver Dragon) creates incredible art pieces that "flow".

I know you will enjoy viewing the results of Patricia's superb creative nature. Her beadwork techniques with intricate weaving are outstanding; then she interweaves more embellishments creating truly incredible works of wearable art. Patricia's pieces often feature a great deal of fringing. Her paintings and drawings, tend to be pure emotion, through the interaction of light and color and contrasts.

The Silver Lodge
The Silver Lodge brings you quality English artisan designed jewellery and also Native American jewellery and crafts. A two part site, with easy to follow links. A delightful range of hand made individual English jewellery and Native American jewellery and crafts. Do take time to explore all the varied aspects of this interesting site's jewelry.

Simply-Motley
I can't top this descriptive poem from Tammy Motley's site:

I bead for the love of beautiful things.

I bead for the love of creating.

I bead for my daughter, my mother and my friends.

I bead...

Rosarys are one of the beaded treasures found on this site. Take a moment to view her "Charity" corner - her Breast Cancer Ring - is lovely - what a great idea! Custom designs are also available. As you wander this delightful site, enjoy her elegant yet simple necklaces and earrings.

Sky Girl Style
After a 25 years in the airline industry, Janey is finally flying solo with her imagination using her garden as the source for my inspiration. She uses only quality materials including but not limited to Gem Stones, Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystals. Her stylish pieces are well worth a look.

Vibrant Jewels
Vibrant Jewels! I just love when someone admits they're a beadaholic! I do so identify ;-) with them. A great gemstone filled site. You can choose between Jewelry Kits and/or Handmade Jewelry. There is also a great selection of vintage jewelry. Karleen Page also paints, makes crafts and shares an interest in rocks, minerals and gemstones with her spouse Jim. Pour yourself a cup of tea as this diverse site will take some time to view.

Vintage Treasures
Some exciting pieces grace the Vintage Treasures site. I know a number of her unique creations in silver caught my eye! Jeanne M. Bellone works with sterling silver and fine silver for many of her signed Artisan pieces. One of Jeanne's specialties utilizes the age-old technique called "Viking Knitting" - which is weaving silver wire. These pieces are; as the kids say these days "AWESOME"!

Winddancer Designs
Sue is an interesting designer, and like many of us also addicted to beads. She creates artisan jewelry in eclectic style, ranging from antique to contemporary, elegant to playful. The colors and textures are as varied as the materials in her necklaces and bracelets. Sue also utilizes unique cabochons hand-cut and polished in Maine as the focal for some of her pieces. Her wire wrapped pendants add a delightful touch to some of her jewelry. Each piece is unique vision of artistic joy.

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LAPIDARY

About a year ago I lucked out on an estate sale of lapidary equipment which included about a ton of gem quality rocks for slicing. Having the ability to slice and polish and even shap if I wish has made a large positive step forward in my already off the wall jewelry designs. Having a resident retired geologist has become indispensible as he thoroughly enjoys sling and polishing with all this fancy equipment which leaves me time to create. We make a great twosome. The only negative is his knowlege of the names of specific rock is laking - being an economic geologist a Jasper is a Jasper - and the idea of specific names for different types is beyond his scholling ;-(

Great Slabs Gemmology and Lapidary Magazines Kingston Rock Club

A to Z list Canadian Rockhound Cab 101 Cyber Rock Hound

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LEGENDS / MYTH

Legends and myths play a large role in the naming of some of my pieces in fact some pieces evolved from specific legends. I am happy to pass on some of my links to the many sites encompassing the stories of the world. I am constanly amazed at how two cultures a world apart can have similar myths in their oral history. I also deal with the inner strengths of my stones. I often feel they direct my hands to enable them to become what the wish. I often start off with a totally different thought pattern and surprise myself with the end product..

Icelandic Lore Trees Animal Lore Talismen Myth Links

Butterfly Stories Myth Amulets Creation Gander Academy

More Links World Literature Celtic Tree Lore Folklore

General Folklore Myth, Saga Story Charms Where Something Stands

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Some Local Sites

We live in a vacation wonderland which actually mean mny trees - rocks - lakes and few 2- legged year round residents. The below are somelocal place you might find interesting. If you are ever up our way let us know and we perhaps can arrange to have you over for tea/coffee and a visit. The varied folks we have met over the years have enriched out lives.

Earth Ship Tire house Burleigh Island Lodge Apsley Voice Apsley Ontario

Apsley Acers Art Unseen
Site 1

Site 2
The English Potter

Johannus Boots Kawartha Lakes Tourism

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MUSIC

We seem to be almost eclectic in our musical tastes. I do think we lean towards the Celtic rhytms but a good Jazz band has us also tapping our toes. i have such good memories of my father playing his guitar and singing strange funny songs to us as children - many many moons ago ;-9 - As we often have family campfires when the kids (6) spouses (5) and grandkiddlies (6.75) are visiting; these old songs get revived and some new ones are learnt.

Loreena Mckinnett Enya Campfire Song Book

Soulshine Craggy Mountain Music

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The OLD SPICE ROUTE & Spice Info

When I decided to finally make an online site the idea of the many varied items which were first traded in the world - travelled via the ancient Spice Routes appealled to me as a base.

The following deal with some of these ancient routes and the lands the passed through which sparked a corner of peronal interest / intrique in the concept of veiling women; whether for mystic or religious purposes.

The Spice Routes All About Spices Veiled Women Spice Route Time Chart

Spices & Condiments Penzeys Spices
Great info and products
Late Medieval Spice Costs

Veils Suite Spices, or the Dawn
of the Modern Age

Film: The Spice Route Spice Route Recipes

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Since I was young I have photographed the many many endless items of beauty our world has to offer. Alas my wonderful 35 mm camera and varied lenses lie unused as my instant gratification with my digital camera fills my needs these days. My interest in other great photos continues - here are some sites which you may enjoy.

Spice Route Studio - Lin - coming soon Lucy Perna

The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography

istock Photos Fotophile Joshua Hakin

Durham West Arts Centre

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PHOTOSHOP

And when you get those wonderful digital photographs taken is there a better program in the world than Adobe Photoshop in which to manipulate them? It has a huge learning curve when teaching yourself - i still find bits I didn't know. I continue to be awed by what one can do with a photo - the unfortunate result is the knowledge that no photo these days can be accepted as fact.

Brushes Digital Art Free Downloads

More Brushes Tutorials Adobe Products

Brushes Borders Frames

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PLANTS

Another of my great passions in life. I started off learning the wild plants where I grew up - a small town on the north shore of Lake Superior. This knowledge expanded when I spent time with Tom in the sub arctic - many unique to me plants were foundup there - Now I am excited if I find a new to me plant even once a season. My "wild" interest led to a general enjoyment of plants as all domestic species evolved originally from the wild. The traistion the schooling in horticulture and the past ownership of a garden centre was a smooth transistion. Now I am well versed with the areas of organic growing and we are about to build a Northern growng box/greenhouse for extendedng the season. My lifelong interest in plants continues to evolve.

WWOOF Garden Reference Site

Northern Wildflowers The Eden Project Gardens North

Acorn Earth More Dirt

Antique Botannical Prints Sacred Seed Site Ethno Garden Products

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POETRY

I know my father wrote poetry - I came across his pages and read them as a teenager - my fascination with words; whether myth - poetry or song - even crossword puzzles and writing bits myself - play aan enormous part in my world. Perhaps this is why I get so perturbed - when after a chemical exposure my own ability speak greatly diminishes. The filing cabinets in my brain clang shut and my ability to express myself becomes so limited - but I can always read ;-)

Long Winter Poetry

Theme Poems

Quills Canadian Poetry

Canadian Poetry Archive More Canadian Poetry

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PUBLICATIONS

Speaking of reading - Who ever invented online ezines and blogs - kudos to you all. Even some ofthe world's pulbications which I find interesting have become hip and online. Who'd have ever thunk such a wonder?

Bead Inspired Canada Weed Wanderings Beader's Magazine Widdershins Enamel

Bead Unique Jewelry Business Blog Sacred Earth News Safer Travel Canadian Rockhound

Daily Candy The LINK Glass on Metal Science Magazine

Craig List Toronto Orchid Farmers Almanac Lapidary Journal

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REFERENCE for STONES/ROCKS

I often wonder if the evolution into such detailled stone use would have evolved if I had not met my soulmate Tom? Needless to say my own education in this area continues to grow. Now I am even sometimes teaching him - teehee.

Basic Magik Lapidary Zone Connection Gemologist
On-line

Mineral Data The Teaching Rocks Celtic Deities

Mystic Crystals Ore Features History Lore Facts

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**BOOKS**

I love to read - many a long winters night finds both Tom and I snuggled near the warm fire with a good book as the icy winds swirl about our log cabin. We also collect old books in specific subjects - Tom has an avid interest in earl Canadian explorers of the Arctic where he spent much of geological career. I on the other hand have a passion for old herbals - old wild flower and/or gardening books and art in the ideas of design and illumination.
The Arabian Nights	Free E - Texts	Interesting Books Online for Free	Amazon Books Canada
Bibliofind	Great Books Index	Liam's Pictures from Old Books	Bibliofile

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**CLIP ART - PHOTOS**

How do we survive without the world of clipart and photos - these are just a few bits from an enormous sector of the web.
Mickey's links	Runic Design	Collections
Microsoft Clip Art	More Tiles	Tiles

**TOP**

**CANADIAN BEADS and other Bits**

When I first discovered the world of beading - we had few Canadian Bead suppliers - now amongst the many - these are some I use; all with a fabulous array of goods or a specific specialty. As our International Border for parcels tightens my appreciation of availability here in Canada has grown by leaps and bounds.
House of Orange	That Bead Lady
Northern Bead	Adorn	Eliza Beadin
Regina Manufacturing	Lacy & Company	Bead Fx
Dragonjools	Integrity Pearls	Mountain Gems

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**DOLLS**

Just recently my brain decided I needed to make Grandmother Story "dolls". They arrived in my head one night while I slept and have been clammoring to be made ever since. There were so many I had to tell them to slow down and have allowed two to become reality. It is a slow process working them in amidst my other interests. I am teaching myself the art of papier mache' and the first two are almost 2 ' tall - one will tell the story of ancient Nushu and bound feet the other a mixture of world myths of dreams and nightmares. All will evolve in good time - I hope.
Doll Making Techniques	Paper Mache' Rediscovered	Doll Face
Costume	Doll Making by Runo	Monique Trading Corporation

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**GALLERY SITES**

One of the first "special" items I purchased was 3 ceramic faces to which I wished to make part of my own creative design. I have one done . . Shahrazad

The other sites here are Ontario Galleries. The one in the algonquin art centre will carry my work for the first time this year.
The Face	Algonquin Art Centre	National Art Gallery of Canada
Whetung Ojibway Crafts and Art	Art Gallery of Ontario	The McMichael Gallery

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**GAMES**

Remember those long winter nights I mentioned where we read? well when friends visit we play games. Another great winter happening. To clam my brain down in the late evening I often play Snnod or Mah Jong both which I never get bored of.
Mah Jong Parlor	Balderdash	Snood
Mexican Train Dominoes	Scrabble

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**GODDESS**

The longer we are priviledged to live in such a pristine world - the more I appreciate the intricate working of our Planet Earth - Gaia. My appreciation of ancient "Goddess" practices has doubled twofold. I certainly understand the resurgence in popularity today. The following sites are sharing some of the ancient artifacts and their histories which I find fascinating.
Artifacts	All Sides of the Story
The Goddess	Mother Goddess	Goddess History
The Goddess Paintings This beautiful book showcases the magnificent paintings of Susan Seddon Boulet.

**TOP**

**GPS Fun**

Tom and I got to use these new fandangled items years ago when we prospected in the far reaches of Northern Labrador - since then their availabilty and lower pricing has enabled us to have our own ;-)

Obviously other folks find these as exciting as we do - browsing these sites will show you the "why".
GPS World	Geo Caching	GPS Overview	GPS Nuts

**TOP**

**HEALTH**

Unfortunately almost 15 years ago I had a drastic chemical injury which changed my life drastically. I now have to live in as chemically free world as I possibly can which has been quite an undertaking. We grow as much of our vegetables as we can organically - I wild forage for food and medicinal items and am slowly learning the art of herbalism. Multiple Chemical Sensitivities - MCS is a hard task master and many days are lost due to unavoidable exposures. These sites touch on some of the areas which have become my lifeline.
Canadian Organic Growers	Island Place	Trigger Points	Dharma Centre	Mother Nature's Medicine Chest
Healers Network	How to Stretch	MCS My View	Pain Reference Chart	Chemical Injury Awareness
Medicinal Herbs	Alternative Pest Control	Toxic Metals	No Scents Please

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**HERBS**

I mentioned my continuing interest in Herbalism - I have become quite adapt at treating us both with domestic and wild foraged herbs. I believe firmly that the chmically laden foods available today and the tunnel vision of many doctors are truly a negative to our continued exhistence on this planet. I also firmly believe the giant chemical companies and pharmaceutical companies are only interested in profit and blindly forge their negative products for world consumption irregardless of the consequences. Perhaps they have told their "fairytales" of these items being safe for humans so often they believe them completely themselves? I fear for my granchildren and their children.
Studio Botanica	The Urban Herb	Gaia Garden	Christopher Hobbs
Plant Database	Formulary	Salves
Home Remedies	Herb Growing Marketing

**TOP**

**JEWELRY -** Hand Crafted

Individual Write -ups for each these Sites
IJDG Member Gallery The first link will take you to the worlds best collection of online handmade jools at the International Jewelry Designer's Guild. There are so many styles of mouth watering pieces I am sure you will spend hours checking out their individual sites.
Artful Gifts Unique handmade jewelry and gifts of art. A delightful mixture of elegant items. From finely crafted jewelry; bookmarks with or without journals; wine glass wraps, gift baskets and painted rocks. Wandering through this site will surely bring pleasure to your senses.
Belle Pour La Vie Belle Pour La Vie - Specializes in designer jewelry and natural body products! Twin sisters, Eva Polynice and Yvette Estime both contribute to the site.. Yvette's jewelry pieces feature bead weaves as well as wire crochet ; in these she utilizes semi - precious stones. Make time to wander about this interesting site - all sorts of goodies to be found.
Bella Vita Jewelry H.M.Dundas makes fine Artisan Jewelry for Individual Expression. Hand crafted of gemstones, pearls & precious metals. Live Life Beautifully - La Bella Vita!
Capricious Crowns Capricious Crowns and Jewels is based upon a background in design and a love for jewelry. The artisan tiaras and jewelry are made from precious and semi-precious stones and pearls, Swarovski and Czech crystals. I just love the following quote which I found found on the site: "Every woman should have a crown to wear, whether she's cleaning house, doing dishes, chauffeuring the kids, or out for an elegant evening-just to put a little fun in her life." Her necklaces, earrings, pins, and bracelets are equally worth a peek!
Cimmaran Designs Beautiful well designed site - easy to navigate with a delectable variety of offerings for every pocketbook. Wonderful choices in semi precious and precious stones. This beautiful site offers Information in English and French.
Cluny Grey Jewelry Cluny 's Studio G in Arkansas produces beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Each of her one-of-a-kind pieces are created with gemstones, pearls, lampwork and dichroic beads. These are complimented by sterling silver, gold-fill, or vermeil. A few of her pieces evolve from found objects such as seashells or parts of vintage jewelry pieces. The site offers Custom Designs for Bridal and Wedding and specializes in jewelry for wedding members. Enjoy this site.
Dainton Danglers In 2004 this Canadian beader gave her "Dangler" idea a try and her line of good quality, inexpensive jewellry was born. Theresa's "Dainton Danglers" are a collection of earrings, bracelets and key chains made in a very wide a variety of combinations. I am sure you will find something you enjoy which fits your budget. Do take a moment to enjoy Teresa Dainton's unique pieces.
Glassic Gems Artisan Jewelry for the One-of-a-Kind Woman. This site states: "Each individual piece of jewelry is designed to be esthetically pleasing and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. "
Graceful Earth Jewelry The abundance of grace the Earth has to offer is a constant source of amazement to Sandi Meyers when she looks at the variety of beautiful beads and pendants she utilizes in making her one of a kind pieces of jewelry. A lovely choice of interesting pieces.
Jewels by Jessica It is well worth wandering through this unique site of re-worked vintage treasures from Greece. The pieces are playful and colourful; ideal for the young at heart. The discerning bride is sure going to enjoy shopping here. Jessica Anne Rachel Josafat is a unique designer of handmade custom jewelry featuring funky necklaces, bracelets and rings. Her trendy pendants often feature cameos, glass or filigree.
Leo Jewelry Leo Jewelry, has many levels of creativity to enjoy. The exciting collections offered are but one (all aptly named - Nostalgia - Prisma - Vogue) I enjoyed the Prisma the best; but you choose your favorite! Many of the art beads on this site are "painted" with polymer clay and signed by the designer. Others are painted or inlayed with special techniques developed by the artist. These original designs are well worth checking out.
Lu Lu B Designs Based on the hope of locating customers who would appreciate her individual designs and who also were looking for unique jewelry of a high quality not typically found in department stores, Luellen Kirchner founded LuLu B Designs. The variety of choice is well worth browsing.
Mona Designs Mona Designs is a true treat for your senses. Immerse yourself in the delicious color, texture, and dimension of her wearable art and gift items! Multi-talented Mona creates lampwork art glass. Her jewelry is designed with gemstones, pearls, vintage crystals as well as new crystals and French seed beaded jewelry, Venetian seed beaded jewelry and accessories. ! Check back often to view her constant experimentation with composition and trying new things. Her fabulous Christmas Tree Pins are worth a visit or two all to themselves.
Polished & Put-Together Margaret Schindel's one-of-a-kind handcrafted beaded jewelry and unique custom bridal jewelry sets, are expressed in her own personal style with elegance. Her handmade beaded jewelry designs, utilize vintage beads, crystals and one-of-a-kind artisan glass focal elements. Do take time to enjoy her custom bridal jewelry.
The Silver Dragon - Beadwork and Fine Art Gallery Patricia C. Vener ( aka The Silver Dragon) creates incredible art pieces that "flow". I know you will enjoy viewing the results of Patricia's superb creative nature. Her beadwork techniques with intricate weaving are outstanding; then she interweaves more embellishments creating truly incredible works of wearable art. Patricia's pieces often feature a great deal of fringing. Her paintings and drawings, tend to be pure emotion, through the interaction of light and color and contrasts.
The Silver Lodge The Silver Lodge brings you quality English artisan designed jewellery and also Native American jewellery and crafts. A two part site, with easy to follow links. A delightful range of hand made individual English jewellery and Native American jewellery and crafts. Do take time to explore all the varied aspects of this interesting site's jewelry.
Simply-Motley I can't top this descriptive poem from Tammy Motley's site: I bead for the love of beautiful things. I bead for the love of creating. I bead for my daughter, my mother and my friends. I bead... Rosarys are one of the beaded treasures found on this site. Take a moment to view her "Charity" corner - her Breast Cancer Ring - is lovely - what a great idea! Custom designs are also available. As you wander this delightful site, enjoy her elegant yet simple necklaces and earrings.
Sky Girl Style After a 25 years in the airline industry, Janey is finally flying solo with her imagination using her garden as the source for my inspiration. She uses only quality materials including but not limited to Gem Stones, Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystals. Her stylish pieces are well worth a look.
Vibrant Jewels Vibrant Jewels! I just love when someone admits they're a beadaholic! I do so identify ;-) with them. A great gemstone filled site. You can choose between Jewelry Kits and/or Handmade Jewelry. There is also a great selection of vintage jewelry. Karleen Page also paints, makes crafts and shares an interest in rocks, minerals and gemstones with her spouse Jim. Pour yourself a cup of tea as this diverse site will take some time to view.
Vintage Treasures Some exciting pieces grace the Vintage Treasures site. I know a number of her unique creations in silver caught my eye! Jeanne M. Bellone works with sterling silver and fine silver for many of her signed Artisan pieces. One of Jeanne's specialties utilizes the age-old technique called "Viking Knitting" - which is weaving silver wire. These pieces are; as the kids say these days "AWESOME"!
Winddancer Designs Sue is an interesting designer, and like many of us also addicted to beads. She creates artisan jewelry in eclectic style, ranging from antique to contemporary, elegant to playful. The colors and textures are as varied as the materials in her necklaces and bracelets. Sue also utilizes unique cabochons hand-cut and polished in Maine as the focal for some of her pieces. Her wire wrapped pendants add a delightful touch to some of her jewelry. Each piece is unique vision of artistic joy.

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**LAPIDARY**

About a year ago I lucked out on an estate sale of lapidary equipment which included about a ton of gem quality rocks for slicing. Having the ability to slice and polish and even shap if I wish has made a large positive step forward in my already off the wall jewelry designs. Having a resident retired geologist has become indispensible as he thoroughly enjoys sling and polishing with all this fancy equipment which leaves me time to create. We make a great twosome. The only negative is his knowlege of the names of specific rock is laking - being an economic geologist a Jasper is a Jasper - and the idea of specific names for different types is beyond his scholling ;-(
Great Slabs	Gemmology and Lapidary Magazines	Kingston Rock Club
A to Z list	Canadian Rockhound	Cab 101	Cyber Rock Hound

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**LEGENDS / MYTH**

Legends and myths play a large role in the naming of some of my pieces in fact some pieces evolved from specific legends. I am happy to pass on some of my links to the many sites encompassing the stories of the world. I am constanly amazed at how two cultures a world apart can have similar myths in their oral history. I also deal with the inner strengths of my stones. I often feel they direct my hands to enable them to become what the wish. I often start off with a totally different thought pattern and surprise myself with the end product..
Icelandic Lore	Trees	Animal Lore	Talismen	Myth Links
Butterfly Stories	Myth	Amulets	Creation	Gander Academy
More Links	World Literature	Celtic Tree Lore	Folklore
General Folklore	Myth, Saga Story	Charms	Where Something Stands

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**Some Local Sites**

We live in a vacation wonderland which actually mean mny trees - rocks - lakes and few 2- legged year round residents. The below are somelocal place you might find interesting. If you are ever up our way let us know and we perhaps can arrange to have you over for tea/coffee and a visit. The varied folks we have met over the years have enriched out lives.
Earth Ship Tire house	Burleigh Island Lodge	Apsley Voice	Apsley Ontario
Apsley Acers	Art Unseen Site 1 Site 2	The English Potter
Johannus Boots	Kawartha Lakes Tourism

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**MUSIC**

We seem to be almost eclectic in our musical tastes. I do think we lean towards the Celtic rhytms but a good Jazz band has us also tapping our toes. i have such good memories of my father playing his guitar and singing strange funny songs to us as children - many many moons ago ;-9 - As we often have family campfires when the kids (6) spouses (5) and grandkiddlies (6.75) are visiting; these old songs get revived and some new ones are learnt.
Loreena Mckinnett	Enya	Campfire Song Book
Soulshine	Craggy Mountain Music

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The OLD SPICE ROUTE & Spice Info

When I decided to finally make an online site the idea of the many varied items which were first traded in the world - travelled via the ancient Spice Routes appealled to me as a base.

The following deal with some of these ancient routes and the lands the passed through which sparked a corner of peronal interest / intrique in the concept of veiling women; whether for mystic or religious purposes.
The Spice Routes	All About Spices	Veiled Women	Spice Route Time Chart
Spices & Condiments	Penzeys Spices Great info and products	Late Medieval Spice Costs
Veils Suite	Spices, or the Dawn of the Modern Age
Film: The Spice Route	Spice Route Recipes

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**PHOTOGRAPHY**

Since I was young I have photographed the many many endless items of beauty our world has to offer. Alas my wonderful 35 mm camera and varied lenses lie unused as my instant gratification with my digital camera fills my needs these days. My interest in other great photos continues - here are some sites which you may enjoy.
Spice Route Studio - Lin - coming soon	Lucy Perna
The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
istock Photos	Fotophile	Joshua Hakin
Durham West Arts Centre

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**PHOTOSHOP**

And when you get those wonderful digital photographs taken is there a better program in the world than Adobe Photoshop in which to manipulate them? It has a huge learning curve when teaching yourself - i still find bits I didn't know. I continue to be awed by what one can do with a photo - the unfortunate result is the knowledge that no photo these days can be accepted as fact.
Brushes	Digital Art	Free Downloads
More Brushes	Tutorials	Adobe Products
Brushes Borders Frames

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**PLANTS**

Another of my great passions in life. I started off learning the wild plants where I grew up - a small town on the north shore of Lake Superior. This knowledge expanded when I spent time with Tom in the sub arctic - many unique to me plants were foundup there - Now I am excited if I find a new to me plant even once a season. My "wild" interest led to a general enjoyment of plants as all domestic species evolved originally from the wild. The traistion the schooling in horticulture and the past ownership of a garden centre was a smooth transistion. Now I am well versed with the areas of organic growing and we are about to build a Northern growng box/greenhouse for extendedng the season. My lifelong interest in plants continues to evolve.
WWOOF	Garden Reference Site
Northern Wildflowers	The Eden Project	Gardens North
Acorn	Earth	More Dirt
Antique Botannical Prints	Sacred Seed Site Ethno Garden Products

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**POETRY**

I know my father wrote poetry - I came across his pages and read them as a teenager - my fascination with words; whether myth - poetry or song - even crossword puzzles and writing bits myself - play aan enormous part in my world. Perhaps this is why I get so perturbed - when after a chemical exposure my own ability speak greatly diminishes. The filing cabinets in my brain clang shut and my ability to express myself becomes so limited - but I can always read ;-)
Long Winter	Poetry
Theme Poems
Quills	Canadian Poetry
Canadian Poetry Archive	More Canadian Poetry

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**PUBLICATIONS**

Speaking of reading - Who ever invented online ezines and blogs - kudos to you all. Even some ofthe world's pulbications which I find interesting have become hip and online. Who'd have ever thunk such a wonder?
Bead Inspired Canada	Weed Wanderings	Beader's Magazine	Widdershins	Enamel
Bead Unique	Jewelry Business Blog	Sacred Earth News	Safer Travel	Canadian Rockhound
Daily Candy	The LINK	Glass on Metal	Science Magazine
Craig List Toronto	Orchid	Farmers Almanac	Lapidary Journal

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**REFERENCE** for STONES/ROCKS

I often wonder if the evolution into such detailled stone use would have evolved if I had not met my soulmate Tom? Needless to say my own education in this area continues to grow. Now I am even sometimes teaching him - teehee.
Basic Magik	Lapidary Zone Connection	Gemologist On-line
Mineral Data	The Teaching Rocks	Celtic Deities
Mystic Crystals	Ore Features	History Lore Facts

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ROCKS

Rocks - rocks and more rocks - did I mention our world rocks - we actually rock on.. BTW did I mention we also really like ROCKS? This year we are planning to start some local prospecting to see if we can come up with some unique local sources for my jewels .

Great Slabs Greens Rock Shop Cabbing Rough

Jaspers Canadian Geology Sites Hoff's Rock Shop

Mountain Gems More Local Rock Sites Bancroft Area

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SCULPTURE / CARVING

Am I driving you all crazy yet - take a look at our friend Kim Warne's rock sculptures. Wow! I have just begun to carve some bone which will be worked into my jewelry. Love my Flex shaft Dremel ;-) Someday when I grow - up; I hope to have time to teach myself how to use some of these cabbing machines we have acquired. It seems the quest to learn is never ending - how people say they can be bored is beyond me.

Soundings
Soapstone Carvings - Kim Warne

Daniel J. Cline Tools

Antler and Bone Amoregems

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SHOPPING includes some a few sites for Gorgeous Rubenesque Women like myself ;-)

When the world became too toxic for me to be part of how I missed shopping or even just looking to see what was new and different inthe world. Needless to say the ability to shop online was a wonderful happening. It took Canada awhile to catch-up but slowly we are acquiring some great shopping venues. I still have some favorites in the staes which have items I just can't find here or which allow me to send gifts direct to friends in other countries. Life for me has evolved - life for me is good!

Costco Canada Super Shopper
Ontario
L.L.Bean Sears Canada

Canada Post Ottawa Gift Baskets Batik Daring Women

Remember When Vintage
This store has been in the vintage costume jewelry business for over 25 years, and online since 1997. They carry an exquisite array of vintage jewelry and will be happy to search for special items for you.

Plus Size Directory Natasha's Cafe

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SILVER METAL CLAY

Two years ago I read about an amazing clay which when fired in a kiln became metal - available in gold and silver and soon platinum. after reading and bit by the PMC bug I took myself and my Hepa Filter Mask on a trip to the Bead 'n Button Show in Milwaukee to take a course in this exciting material. Slowly I have rearranged my studio - purchased a kiln which had to be vented outside if I wished to use cork clay with this metal clay and I did. Now I am looking for time to "start" working on some of the unique ways I plan to use this product. Who'd have forseen the interest in my jewels growing to such an extent that I have yet to begin this quest. Patience Grasshopper; I often say to myself - this will happen soon...

PMC - Precious Metal Clay Whole Lotta Whimsey

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STUDIO TOURS

One of the main things I belong to which has enabled the popularity of my jewelry to grow by leaps and bounds is my particiaption in our local studio tour her in Apsley, Ontario. As my volunteer offering I make and maintain the site for them. There are many creative people hidden within the forest of our areas. We all thrive on our quiet beautiful surroundings and appreciate the commraderie of our fellow artists.

Ontario Crafts Council The Country Connection Apsley Studio Tour

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WILDFORAGING

There is something rather grand about wandering our beautiful forest and knowing what food can be eaten from its bounty. I am just finishing the learning of the local mushrooms ;-D Here at Apsley Acers we have almost 200 medicnal wild plants and hundreds of edible bits. Life is good.

Wild Food Adventures Wild Food Primer Survival Handbook

Pioneer Thinking Wilderness Survival Nutritional Table

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WIRE WRAP

Like beading and most things I do Wire Wrapping is a self taught process. The folks at this MSN list group do it perfectly and but up with my Sharon style process. Like everything I seem to do things my way. not sure if this falls under creative or stubborn or easily bored.

Fine Wire

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Great Slabs	Greens Rock Shop	Cabbing Rough
Jaspers	Canadian Geology Sites	Hoff's Rock Shop
Mountain Gems	More Local Rock Sites	Bancroft Area

Soundings Soapstone Carvings - Kim Warne
Daniel J. Cline		Tools
Antler and Bone		Amoregems

Costco Canada	Super Shopper Ontario	L.L.Bean	Sears Canada
Canada Post	Ottawa Gift Baskets	Batik	Daring Women
Remember When Vintage This store has been in the vintage costume jewelry business for over 25 years, and online since 1997. They carry an exquisite array of vintage jewelry and will be happy to search for special items for you.
Plus Size Directory		Natasha's Cafe

Wild Food Adventures	Wild Food Primer	Survival Handbook
Pioneer Thinking	Wilderness Survival	Nutritional Table