Native American hand drums are among the most famous cultural icons in the world. For centuries Native people relied on their belief in the special power of drums for the most important things in life. Hand drums have always been the most prized possession and Native instruments of choice in the areas of Native American spirituality and physical healing.

It just needed rawhide lamp shades. Sometimes you just can't see it, you know what I mean? A friend who just bought a beautiful log home had a problem because he said we wasn't much of a designer and didn't know what to do next. Have you ever experienced that? I sure have. Sometimes when we are involved in a project we are so close to it that we can't see the obvious.

Native American drums are probably the most recognizable Native American instruments among American Indians and non Native people alike. Drums for generations have been at the center of Native lifestyle, forming what has become the foundation of religion and spirituality as well as social gatherings where a pow wow drum is center stage.

Indian tribes in North America history have all used drums in various ways to connect with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit.

When it comes to cooking school and a career in cooking, you are developing a lifestyle and life path. Remember the US Navy slogan "it's more than a job, it's an adventure? Well that is true for you too. As you set, your course to be the best you can in cooking you are also embarking on one of the greatest adventures of your life. Not only will you learn the skills and techniques you need in cooking school but also you will develop life long friends and valuable resources.

Do you really need cooking classes? Think about Holiday Inn TV commercial. Imagine how that guy on the operating table felt, being comforted by the surgeon after his operation. The doctor says everything looks good. As far as I can tell, you are going to be fine. The man on the table in the white hospital gown replies, wow thanks, you doctors are amazing.

Can you imagine eating at the same Italian restaurant several times in a row? One of our favorite things to do after church is to eat out for lunch. For the last few weeks, we have been going to the same local Italian restaurant when we could have gone anywhere. Last week when my wife suggested it, I thought, again, we were just there, but it is always good.

Shamanism is big in most Native American cultures. It serves a great function within the tribes and it has even begun making a way into more modern cultures recently. The Shaman is often considered to be like a median between our world and the spiritual world. They are able to use this power to gain knowledge and wisdom for helping people here in this world.

Chinese cooking night is a wonderful tradition that my family has created over the years and one that we have all come to love! On this special night once a month, my aunts, grandmas, parents and even my two brothers and their families clear their hectic schedules and gather around the family kitchen to whip up a savory and delicious meal straight from the Orient.

My passion for French cooking began the year I spent in France learning about this famous art. I knew French meals were delicious but also came to realize that the production of a meal was just as important as learning how to cook it.

While there I threw myself into the history and art of French cuisine, going to cooking school as well as learning from the locals and was able to bring back a wealth of information to include in my everyday cooking.

Gourmet cooking is often thought of as being only done by highly trained chefs in five star gourmet restaurants. Have you ever wished you could be a gourmet chef or desired to refine your cooking skills? Although these talented chefs are truly masters at what they do, it is also possible to learn the art of fine cooking at home and on your own. Gourmet cooking is fun and is a great way to add a little magic to a special moment.