I’ve been reading Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs mysteries for a dozen years, maybe longer. That’s not quite one book a year, which doesn’t make sense since I could swear I read a couple a year. But I’ll readily admit numbers aren’t my strong suite, so whatever the case, I’ve only two more titles until the …
: to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity. Merriam-Webster The annual Grammy’s Christmas break sleepover has evolved over the past few years, but simply must include crafting, hot chocolate, the movie Elf, at least one argument over who will sleep where, more crafting, and pancakes for breakfast. (And did I mention crafting?) It …
It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life. J.R.R. Tolkien My morning pour-over, the cat on my lap, and a peek of the sunrise over the field out back. Teaching my grandson how to play Scrabble, bending into a stretch at the YMCA, a stack of books waiting. That, my friends, is magic. …
In Psalm 31, the psalmist praises a mother of noble character–a woman who was virtuous, strong, and selfless. This is my opportunity to rise up and call our mother blessed, to (as it says in the psalm) honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise. Mom’s life …
In many ways it’s been a typical holiday season: decadent food, festive gatherings, cozy nights. Friend Mary and I took in our town’s new Christkindl Market and it didn’t disappoint. Although it’s only a sliver of the size of Christkindl Market on Daley Plaza in Chicago, the folksy wares, yummy food, and–of course–gluhwein were spot …
The first time I heard the story of the Little Engine That Could was on Captain Kangaroo. (How’s that for dating myself?!) Captain read that picture book often on his show, and 4-year-old me loved the illustrations as much as the story. Earlier this month, my oldest son Peter and I took a road trip …
This is my symphony 