Tuesday, January 28, 2025

I'm Relaunching The Betsy Tacy Book Club: 2025 Series Read Along

Last year, you may recall,  I launched The Betsy Tacy Read Along, which was to be a year long reading of the books in the Betsy Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, and shortly after that I came down (for the first and hopefully last time) with covid. Something about covid sent my life into a bit of a spiral, unlike any other virus I've ever had (I am as we speak, recovering from pnuemonia). I couldn't concentrate, was easily overwhelmed (more than usual, as that is easy for me if I'm not careful, anyway), and the fatigue lasted for months. I felt the need to pare down, cut out and eliminate so many things that were demanding my attention, even good things. Looking back I realize it was the right decision at the time, but I mourned so many of the things I had planned.

Then this week Elizabeth at Inkberry Hill Cottage announced her Steeped In Storybook Book Club, and wouldn't you guess, the very first book on her list is Betsy Tacy. That got me to rethinking my own goal of hosting a book club/read along here, and since I still had the post in my archives I decided, why not?

With that, I've come up with a schedule which you'll see below and participation is really very simple. We'll read one book in the series each month and on the first Monday of the following month, I'll share my thoughts about each book in a post, and if you are reading along with me, you can share yours in the comments. Here's how it will work

So that we can "catch up" I suppose you could say, we'll read the first two books in February. I find these books fairly easy reads, so I don't think finishing two in one month will be difficult. Also, if you participated last year you might remember that we actually discussed the first book, so this one may be a repeat for some of you.

January / February - Betsy Tacy and Betsy Tacy and Tib
Discussion - Monday, March 3

March - Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill
Discussion - Monday, April 7

April - Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown
Discussion - Monday, May 5

May - Heaven to Betsy
Discussion - Monday, June 2

June - Betsy In Spite of Herself
Discussion - Monday, July 7

July - Betsy Was A Junior
Discussion - Monday, August 4

August - Betsy and Joe
Discussion - Monday, September 1

September - Betsy and the Great World
Discussion - Monday, October 6

October - Betsy's Wedding
Discussion - Monday, November 3

We'll finish up our discussion in early November, and then towards the end of November, I'll have a fun Advent Calendar reading for us to enjoy with select passages from each of the books.  I discovered this year and almost posted it then, but now I'm glad I waited so we can make it a part of our year-long readings.

If you already own the series, that's wonderful! And if not, check with your local library or you can order the from Amazon (these are the books I have!)


The Betsy Tacy Treasury (The First Four Books in the Series) (AFFILIATE LINK)'

I looked for them on the Internet Archives, but so much there has changed in recent months, and many books are no longer available to borrow.  I did see that there is also a Kindle edition of the titles listed above, if you'd prefer to go that route.

I'm looking forward to spending a year in Deep Valley with Betsy, Tacy and Tib, and you as well! If you want to join me, please leave a comment on this post to let me know. And, as always, don't let the year long commitment scare you.  This is all very simple and easy, just read when and if you can, and if you forget and don't visit the post each month to join in the discussion, that's ok, too.  There are no rules here, other than to be kind, friendly and courteous to all! If you ever forget what book we are on or when our next discussion will be, I'll create a link back to this post in the side bar over the next few days, so you can always just click on it and find your way back here.

Until then, my friends . . . .



I'll meet you at the top of the hill!

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and this post contains affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we receive a small commission from Amazon. We appreciate your support!

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Small Things - Last Saturday in January 2025



"Life is not, for most of us, a pageant of splendor, but is made up of many small things, rather like an old fashioned piecework quilt. No two people have the same, but we all have our own, whether it be listening to Beethoven's fifth with a beloved friend, or seeing a neighbor at the back door with a basket of white dahlias. Or after a long, hard day, having the family say, "That was a good supper."

GLADYS TABER


In no particular order, here are six small things that have inspired me this week.

Emily P. Freeman's latest podcast episode, a balm for the soul as all of us, in some form or fashion, are challenged by our fractured political system.

2. Far From The Farm - Lifestyle / Decor / Blogging / Faith
I saved a link on Pinterest this week that introduced me to this website.  There is so much scope for the imagination here! The link I provided takes you not only to the website, but to a page with more ideas for things to do in February than you could possibly imagine!


Who doesn't love a good sandwich? They're actually one of my favorite things, and by sandwich, I mean like the ones featured in this article. We're not talking a slice of bologna slapped on to two pieces of plain white bread with mustard here, in my opinion that doesn't even qualify as a sandwich.  If you happen to homeschool, this would be a fun activity if you are learning about the states. 

As someone who stuggles, this video gives me hope.

Every year for decades now I've observed an evening in early January where I take time to reflect on the coming year, Tabula Rasa (a clean slate). I'm a bit late to the game this year, but this post reminded me that I need to set aside some time.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

A Day of Light: Candlemas Celebrates The Light Of The World

Candlemas, one of my favorite days of The Liturgical Year, is coming up Sunday, February 2. With that, I thought I'd share this post from last year, which explains a little about the day and how one can observe and celebrate it.

It's been about twenty years ago now that I was first introduced to The Liturgical Year (Year of the Lord), and my life has been so blessed since that discovery. Slowly marking time by tracing the events of the life of Christ through the year has broadened and deepened my walk with the Lord in ways that I could never have imagined, and it all began with Candlemas (February 2). Also known as The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and likewise,The Feast of the Presentation of Christ, Candlemas symbolizes the day when Mary went to the temple to be purified with her newborn son and to present him to the Lord. It was the first personal remembrance and observance I made all those years ago, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. It likewise marks the beginning of Spring, although in the Northern Hemisphere you have to look closely to see that change is coming. The shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere is The Winter Solstice, which occurs on or around December 21. From that day on the daylight grows until we reach equal hours of day and night on The Spring Equinox, which occurs on or around March 21. The mid point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox falls around February 2, Candlemas.

You might be more familiar with Groundhog's Day, but as with so many of our Americanized holidays and observances, its roots have a much deeper and symbolic meaning.

Depending on what part of the world you grew up in, Candlemas symbolizes a number of different events, or, in our home, a combination of them all.

THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Under Mosaic law, a woman was viewed as unclean for 7 + 33 days  40 days) after child birth, and as such, could not go into the temple. From the 25th of December, February 2 marks forty days.
See Leviticus 12:2-8, Luke 2:22-24

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST
But long before the Church in Rome began observing the day of purification, other branches of Christianity, such as the Greeks and the Armenians centered their observance around Christ first coming to the Temple, and was known as "the redeeming of the firstborn," or in Hebrew, pidyon ha-ben and is why this day is also known as The Feast of the Presentation of Christ.
See Exodus 13:2, 12-13, Numbers 18:15-16

It wasn't until some time in the 600's that the Roman Church began referring to the day as The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So while the Eastern Church focus was more upon Jesus, in the Western Church the emphasis was upon Mary. Today is primarily observed by the Anglican, Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

THE FEAST OF LIGHT (RETURN OF THE LIGHT) OR THE FEAST OF CANDLES
Though candles didn't originally play much of a factor in the observance, some time in the 11th century the day came to be  commemorated as "The Feast of Light"  based upon the prophecy of Holy Simeon -- the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who was inspired by the Holy Ghost to know that he would live to see the "consolation of Jerusalem" -- and the encounter with the aged widow, Anna the Prophetess, who lived in the Temple and confessed Christ upon meeting Him.  In Luke 2:32 Simeon referred to Jesus as "the light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of the people of Israel." Since ancient times the Church has given special meaning to the candles used in Candlemas as a symbol of the Incarnate Christ: the beeswax is a symbol of His pure body, the wick His soul, and the flame His divinity.

In keeping with the reference to "the light", the tradition of blessing the annual supply of the Church's candles was established. Beeswax candles were blessed by being sprinkled with water and having incense swung around them, and were then distributed among the members.  Today, parishioners bring their own beeswax candles to be blessed. In some churches, the blessing is then followed by a procession in which people carry lighted candles while the choir sings, The Canticle of Simeon. The procession represents the entry of Jesus as light of the world into the temple. Afterwards, church members take their candles home and place them in their windows as a symbol of light during the darkest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. 

THE CANTICLE OF SIMEON
Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, 
In peace, according to Thy word: 
For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation, 
Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples, 
A light to reveal Thee to the nations 
And the glory of Thy people Israel.

Latin Version: 
Nunc Dimittis
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine 
Secundum verbum tuum in pace: 
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum 
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum: 
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, 
Et gloriam plebis tuae Israel. 

You can listen to it, here.

Many families set aside their blessed candles for use on the family alter and for various feast days, as well as during storms and power outages. From the Pieta prayer book comes this prayer to pray while burning a blessed candle during a storm.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace.+ God became man, + and the Word was made flesh.+ Christ was born of a Virgin.+ Christ suffered.+ Christ was crucified.+ Christ died.+ Christ rose from the dead.+ Christ ascended into Heaven.+ Christ conquers.+ Christ reigns.+ Christ commands.+ 

May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh.+ Christ is with us with Mary.+ Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won.+ Holy God! + Holy Powerful God! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us. Amen.
Here are a few of the symbols and traditions associated with Candlemas, as well;

DOVES
Doves are a symbol of Candlemas, as they were offered by Joseph and Mary as a sacrifice at the presentation. Their symbolism is significant, as they were poor and unable to afford a lamb for sacrifice. Traditionally, those who were unable to do so were allowed to offer a pair of doves instead.

ST. BRIGID
In Celtic and Christian tradition, February 1 is recognized as St. Brigid's Day, who among other titles, is the patron saint of Midwifery.  There is a legend (though no biblically supported), that she served as a mid-wife to Mary, and that later when Herod was searching for Jesus, she distracted him so that the Holy Family could escape. In Celtic tradition, Brigid rules fire and water, and at Candlemas we see how the cold is slowly giving way to the warmth. Snowdrops, mentioned next, are also associated with St. Brigid as many believe that they appear wherever St. Bridgid's feet have trod.

SNOWDROPS
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are also known as "Candlemas Bells" because, being the earliest to bloom in the depths of winter, and often shortly before Candlemas, though some varieties bloom all winter long in some places. Legend says that they sprang up by the hand of an angel, who then pointed them out as a sign of hope to Eve, who was weeping in repentance and in despair over the cold and death that entered into the world after she and her husband sinned. Because our Hope is Christ, the Light as referred to by Simeon ,it is providential that the snowdrop should bloom so close to this feast day. If possible, gather some Candlemas Bells to bring inside. Legend tells that bringing them indoors before this date is bad luck, and bringing them indoors on this day "purifies" one's house. These flowers, along with carnations, are also the "birth flower" for those born in January.

And while most of us have taken all of our Christmas decorations down by now, some people do hold on to them until February.

TAKING DOWN THE FINAL REMNANTS OF CHRISTMASTIDE
The eve of this Feast is the absolutely the last (and best) day for taking down the Christmas tree, putting away the creche, etc. In some Latin countries, the creche isn't just put away, but is replaced with a figure of the Child Jesus sitting on a chair, acting as a sign that it is time for the devotion to the Divine Childhood to give way to a focus on the grown-up Savior and the public ministry, forty days of fasting, and Passion to come.

In any case, when Candlemas is finished, all feelings of Christmas give way to the penitential feelings of Septuagesima and then Lent. The English poet, Robert Herrick (A.D. 1591-1674), sums it up in his poem "Ceremony Upon Candlemas Eve" -- and reveals a folktale in the process:

CEREMONY UPON CANDLEMAS EVE
Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and misletoe;
Down with the holly, ivy, all,
Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall:
That so the superstitious find
No one least branch there left behind:
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected, there (maids, trust to me)
So many goblins you shall see.

The very ancient carol, below, also speaks of the departure of Christmas on this day. It is called "I Am Christmas," and was written by James Ryman, a Franciscan Friar, ca. 1492. The reference to Hallowtide (the days of the dead centering around All Saints Day) here refers to the fact that it was during Hallowtide that monarchs used to announce where they would be spending Christmas.

I AM CHRISTMAS
Here have I dwelled with more or lass
From Hallowtide till Candelmas,
And now must I from you hense pass;
Now have good day.

I take my leave of king and knight,
And erl, baron, and lady bright;
To wilderness I must me dight;
Now have good day!

And at the good lord of this hall
I take my leave, and of guests all;
Me think I here Lent doth call;
Now have good day!

And at every worthy officere,
Marshall, panter, and butlere
I take my leave as for this yere;
Now have good day!

Another yere I trust I shall
Make merry in this hall,
If rest and peace in England fall;
Now have good day!

But oftentimes I have heard say
That he is loth to part away
That often biddeth 'Have good day!";
Now have good day!

Now fare ye well, all in fere,
Now fare ye well for all this yere;
Yet for my sake make ye good chere;
Now have good day!

Some likewise view this day as the first official day to symbolize the return of spring, but because our biggest snowfalls in my neck of the woods are often in March and even as late as April, mentally, I'm just not there yet. However, I do keep a phenology wheel and because of that, I am very aware of how the days are lengthening and the light truly is returning.

GROUNDHOG'S DAY
As I mentioned earlier, Candlemas Day is also known as "Groundhog's Day" in America, the day when, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there'll be 6 more weeks of winter. There is a similar belief in Europe about how Candlemas weather foretells the length of winter. The English have a saying, "If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two winters in the year." The Germans also have a few sayings about how the weather at Candlemas bodes ill or well for the nearness of Spring:

When the bear sees
his shadow at Candlemas,
he will crawl back into his
hole for another six weeks.

or this one;

If Candlemas is mild and pure,
Winter will be long for sure.

And finally;

If it storms and snows on Candlemas day
Spring will not be far away.
If Candlemas is bright and clear,
Spring is not yet near.

In our home we've used a variation on these poems;

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain
Winter is gone and will not come again.

But I also came across this lovely little poem just this week, which is so much like the poems we've traditionally used during Advent that I wish I'd found it when the girls were young.  At any rate, if you followed along with my Advent plans last year, perhaps you'll enjoy it.

Candle, candle burning bright,
Winter's halfway done tonight.
With a glowing, we are knowing,
Spring will come again!

While Punxsutawny Phil is fun, personally I much prefer the loveliness of Candlemas.

IDEAS FOR OBSERVING CANDLEMAS
If you want to conduct an actual Candlemas Ceremony, you'll find an outline here.

- Let children roll and make their own beeswax candles, or if you want to get really adventurous, perhaps make some by dipping them a few days ahead.  Here's a kit for making your own rolled candles, or you and also purchase them ready made. I also love these orange peel candles, so beautiful how so many of the same elements are used in decorations from Advent through to the days before Lent. If you do make your own candles, here's another lovely poem to share with the littles in your life.

“A candle’s but a simple thing, it starts with just a bit of string. But dipped and dipped with patient hand, it gathers wax upon the strand. Until complete and snowy white, it gives at last a lovely light. Life seems so like that bit of string, each deed we do a simple thing. Yet day by day on life’s strand, we work with patient heart and hand. It gathers joy, makes dark days bright and gives at last a lovely light.”

- Light candles and set them in the windows. You can use the electric or battery operated ones that are popular at Christmas for safety.

- Go on a nature walk and try to locate some snowdrops. If possible, bring a few in and put them in a vase.

- This candle ring is particularly pretty, especially with the sun in the middle symbolizing the return of the light and lengthening days.  You could easily make one out of bread dough, even just a small one using birthday candles. There are twelve candles around the outer ring, one of each month in the year and then the sun candle in the middle.  If you want to make it a little bigger, you could use emergency candles which I usually purchase from the dollar store. It might make a pretty centerpiece for your table to share a special meal.

In honor of St. Brigid (whose feast day is actually February 1), many people make a St. Brigid's Cross, but there are other traditions associated with this day, which you will find here.

TRADITIONAL FOOD
Food is always a great way to celebrate feast day because we always have to eat. Crepes are by far the most traditional food for Candlemas, and are very popular for celebrating in Europe, especially France.  Both crepes and pancakes are fitting because of their round and golden texture, symbolic of the sun (light).  Whatever you serve, you’ll want to put some candles on the table to celebrate this awesome day. Here are some recipes you might like to try

If you think you can’t make crepes at home yourself, you’re wrong! It’s really every bit as easy as making pancakes. Check out this recipe for the best easy homemade crepes, but if you still find it too intimidating, I've made these buttermilk pancakes a few times, and they are so good.But this year, I've actually got my eye on these Bacon and Corn Griddle Cakes.

But if breakfast food isn't what you're looking for, in Mexico, tamales are the candlemas tradition! But then again, tamales can be a LOT of work, so instead, you could try out one of these.

My personal favorite, Chicken Tamale Casserole, a dish I've made MANY times! So easy, and so good! But if you'd prefer beef, this recipe looks good, too, Tamale Pie.

You could make these Mexican Cookie Rings with the littles in your life and let them decorate them with bright, festive sprinkles and serve them with Mexican Hot Chocolate.  You could also make simple cut out sugar cookies in the shape of a dove, perhaps sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

I also love the idea of this Cardamom Coffee Bread Wreath, it would be lovely topped with some small candles and perfectly fitting!

Well, I hope by now I've given you enough history and plenty of ideas for celebrating! Candlemas is such a lovely celebration, and as with so many other aspects of The Year of the Lord, filled with deep meaning and symbolism.  I hope you will try out a few of these ideas and savor in the beauty of this lovely day with your family.

"A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." - Luke 2:32



Monday, January 20, 2025

As For Me And My House

We will. . .

Serve the Lord with gladness. - Psalm 100:2

Love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds. - Matthew 22:37

Trust in the Lord with all our hears. - Proverbs 3:5

Love our neighbors as ourselves. - Matthew 22:39

Forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. - Colossians 3:13

Seek peace and pursue it. - Psalm 34:14

Think on things that are good true, honorable, just and lovely. - Phillipians 4:8

Outdo one another in showing honor. - Romans 12:10

this post was inspired by a lovely graphic I came across on Instagram from @Devoted Motherhood. You can find the post, here.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Small Things - Third Saturday of January, 2025

"Life is not, for most of us, a pageant of splendor, but is made up of many small things, rather like an old fashioned piecework quilt. No two people have the same, but we all have our own, whether it be listening to Beethoven's fifth with a beloved friend, or seeing a neighbor at the back door with a basket of white dahlias. Or after a long, hard day, having the family say, "That was a good supper."

GLADYS TABER


In no particular order, here are six small things that have inspired me this week:


1. 5 Habits of People Who Always Have A Clean Kitchen

I'm happy to say, I do all of these, and while my kitchen isn't perfect, it's pretty nearly always tidy, even in the midst of cooking and baking. I attribute that to cleaning as I go, which is something I seemed to have just instinctively learned as a young married wife. I loved my mother, but one thing I do recall (as the one who was tasked with the nightly dishes) is she left big messes!


2. The Faith of Our Grandmothers

"Love flows downhill". Grab a tissue, this one made me weepy. <3


3. Chocolate Sourdough Bread

This year, hopefully, I'm going to master sourdough, and this recipe is on my list!


4. Slow Winter Family Activities

As we've been snowed in for most of the past two weeks and may be again this coming week, we've already checked a few of these off our list.


5. How To Live Intentionally At Home

Sound advice!


6. Elizabeth Goudge

And I'll close with a question? Elizabeth Goudge, her name passes frequently across the screen of the various accounts I follow on Instagram. She comes highly recommended and everyone who has ever read her works love it! And here's my confession, I've tried . . . and it doesn't resonate with me. Maybe I'm starting with the wrong book? I've tried The Scent of Water and Linnets and Valerians (on recommendation) and quit both less than a chapter in. Is it just me? All advice welcomed!

Monday, January 13, 2025

A Longing For The Comforts Of Home

"One of the most fundamental of human longings is the longing for home. We long for a place that feels like the right place, where we belong,  where we ourselves are longed for and welcomed.  And for all its spiritual and psychological dimensions, this longing is physical and material as well.  We want there to be a place where waiting for us is a room, a bed, a chair, a meal - the things that meet the basic needs of embodied things like ourselves.  We want “the comforts of home”, not just somewhere away from home - a fancy hotel, say - but at home, where, we sense, they are supposed to be.” 

- MARGARET KIM PETERSON
Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life


Now that the holidays are over, I am slowly immersing myself in all things homekeeping, especially vintage housekeeping, which still resonates so deeply with me. I can't get enough of images like these, the sweet scenes of home and a wife and mother tending to the needs of her family. 

Growing up, I was blessed to have a mother in the home. My mother didn't go to work until I was in high school  and it was a great comfort to me. Regardless of what may have been happening in my life, knowing my mother was home and available to me at any moment grounded me, I suppose you could say. I liked knowing she was there and would be there to greet me any time I returned. Though our relationship wasn't perfect, her choice to be a stay-at-home mom is a gift I will always treasure, and it greatly influenced my life as a young girl.

Something I enjoy is perusing the plethora of vintage housekeeping books that are available on the Internet Archives. While nothing replaces holding a book in your hand, since there is no way I could or should own every book that catches my eye, the archives serves as a useful tool.

A few favorites I've come across are the Mrs. Beeton's Books. Her first book, Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, published in 1836, was an instant success. There are actually what look to be a number of updated and revised versions at the archives, including;


and this one looks interesting,


I just love perusing these old texts, which are often filled with practical, as well as a lot of out-dated but still fun ideas. If you enjoy vintage housekeeping, too, I encourage you to spend some time searching them out on the archives.  I often do an initial search on Pinterest, which usually provides me with a number of images of covers and titles and then seek them out on the archives. I find them quite fun, like stepping back to a time when life seemed simpler.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Small Things - Second Saturday of January 2025

"Life is not, for most of us, a pageant of splendor, but is made up of many small things, rather like an old fashioned piecework quilt. No two people have the same, but we all have our own, whether it be listening to Beethoven's fifth with a beloved friend, or seeing a neighbor at the back door with a basket of white dahlias. Or after a long, hard day, having the family say, "That was a good supper."

GLADYS TABER

In no particular order, here are six small things that brought me joy this week.

I happened upon this blog recently and spent some time perusing it. Such a cozy place to visit!  I particularly liked her recipes for Three Ingredient Red Velvet Cookies and Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes. Red Velvet is my daughter's favorite and I'm thinking of trying out one of these for Valentine's Day.

I started following Kate Eastwood Instagram account over Christmas. She makes the most adorable crocheted items. I'm inspired!

I've loved old churches and cathedrals for so long now. I have it in my mind to visit a few in our area this year, from small country churches to stone cathedrals, they beckon. While researching to plan a few visits, I came across this website. I haven't had time to take a tour yet, but I bookmarked it to visit again!

Might have to consider these for Valentine's Day, too, or maybe next weekend! :)

The number of birds in our yard recently has been almost beyond belief! Like a little bird sanctuary. I've been perusing my Pinterest board dedicated to birds the past few days. I might try to make up a couple of treats for them!

I'll finally be getting around to taking down the last of the Christmas decorations this week, which always leaves the house feeling a bit bare. I found several of the ideas in this article helpful, and was happy to see her suggestion of "A Sunset Ritual". We've been doing this for years now, though I've never named it. Be sure to sign up for her **FREE** Cozy Winter Guide.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Snow Day


We got 4, maybe 5 inches of snow on Sunday and Monday, topped off with sleet and freezing rain. We are literally snowed in at the moment, as our driveway (left) is covered in inches of snow/ice. With temperatures barely making it into the 30's over the next few days and more snow on the way this weekend, I'm not sure when we'll thaw out!

With that, our holiday mood has lingered. I had planned to take all the decorations down on Tuesday, but they look so pretty with the snow I decided to wait. We were blessed to be among the few that did not lose power. I think at one time on Monday there we 62,000 people in our area without and many still have not been restored. Honestly, I'm not sure how we managed to avoid it, but I'm grateful.

I made a big pot of soup on Sunday and potato soup is simmering as we speak.  I've passed the time reading and cross-stitching, mostly,  Last night we watched a movie that showed up as a suggestion in our guide, The Gift of Love. It is loosely based on O'Henry's, The Gift of the Magi, although this adaptation takes a few liberties. It was a made for TV movie starring Marie Osmand in her acting debut. I never cared much for the Osmond's, but she did a pretty good

job. The movie originally aired on December 8, 1978, which would meanI would have just turned 17 and a sophomore in high school. It's a sweet adaptation, with all the elements that such movies from the 70's captures. They always leave me feeling sentimental, I think I may have even vaguely remembered it, which left me wondering if I hadn't watched it with my mom all those many years ago?

With the forecast as it is, I'm sure the next few days will be relatively the same. The birds have been very active at the feeders during the storm, and we've enjoyed watching them scatter about. The cardinals, especially, are so lovely against the backdrop of the snow.

Maybe next week life can resume, but for now, we'll just be over here lingering in the quiet beauty. 

What's the weather like where you live? Have you seen any snow?


Saturday, January 4, 2025

Small Things - The First of the New Year


"Life is not, for most of us, a pageant of splendor, but is made up of many small things, rather like an old fashioned piecework quilt. No two people have the same, but we all have our own, whether it be listening to Beethoven's fifth with a beloved friend, or seeing a neighbor at the back door with a basket of white dahlias. Or after a long, hard day, having the family say, "That was a good supper."

GLADYS TABER

In no particular order, here are six small things that brought me joy in this first week of the New Year.

1. A Lovely Little Coffee Shop
My husband took me to a little coffee shop for breakfast yesterday, and wouldn't you know, they had the cutest little vintage red and green bar stools! I loved the ambiance more than the menu, to be honest. Still, it's always nice to go out for breakfast, and even more when the shop is decorated in your favorite colors!

2. On My Reading List
I'll be posting my reading list and goals for the year early next week, but on that list is this book, Gather & Give: Sharing God's Heart Through Everyday Hospitality. Since homekeeping and hospitality is my theme for the majority of my posts here, I found it fitting. I also have goals to be more intentional in growing friendships this year, and hosting small dinners with friends. I actually started this book a few years back, but for some reason I just realized I never finished it, so back on the list it goes!

3. Souper Sundays
I mentioned in my post yesterday that beginning this Sunday, I'm implementing a new ritual in our home, Souper Sundays. I've been saving soup recipes to a board on Pinterest for awhile now. Here are a few I'm excited to try soon!  Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Bacon,  and this Ham and Bean Soup sounds perfect for a cold winter's day!

4. Gratitude
Gratitude is a primary focus for me in the new year. I love this, . . . let us be still in grateful love!

5.  These words . . .

january
(jan-u-ary) * noun
A fresh clean page. 
Short, slow days. 
Cosy layers and hot coffee. 
Slate grey skies and trees stripped bare.
Dormancy.
An invitation to rest in the silence of winter.
Magic brewing in the darkness. 
Seeds growing out of sight.


6. Biblical New Year's Resolutions
I found this on Instagram a few days ago and added it to my common place book. 





Friday, January 3, 2025

Savoring The Last Days of Christmastide

Though New Year's day has come and gone, the season of Christmastide lingers, and I'm here for it. With the exception of those tasks which always need attending to, I've set aside any thought of resuming "life as usual", at least for a few more days.

We brought in the New Year quietly, just myself, my daughter and her sweet pup, who was well past ready for bed when I snapped this picture just a little after midnight. I've never known a dog to follow such a routine, but he definitely has his preferences.

My husband retired early, and so we celebrated earlier in the day, continuing our tradition of watching The Hobbit trilogy, which is something I look forward to every year. My daughter requested jalapeno poppers for our celebratory New Year's eve feast, which I paired with queso, guacamole and cowboy caviar for good luck!

On New Year's Day we had our traditional feast of ham, scalloped potatoes, cabbage with bacon and onions and of course, black eyed peas! I think of the three traditional meals I prepare during the holidays, this one is by far my favorite. This year I made the same meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We all came down with the flu, and since I still had some of the ingredients on hand, I thought it easier to just repeat it. And while I appreciated the ease, we tired of the leftovers quickly and ended up with a significant amount of waste, a note for the coming year!

On New Year's Day, my husband and I had planned to go on our first hike, but as I am s-l-o-w-l-y moving back into hiking due to sciatic nerve pain, we decided it was too windy to risk it as extreme cold can cause a flair. The low temperature itself would not have posed a problem, since I would have dressed appropriately and once you get your body moving you warm up quickly. But the winds have been fierce in our area for close to a week now, making what has already been a colder than usual winter down right frigid! And so we opted instead for our first country drive. The valley of the Blue Ridge mountains is, to me, one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I feel so blessed to live here. The side roads that meander through the countryside often beckon, and we are prone to follow. This has led to many deleightful discoveries over the years, including a number of small, quaint churches. They are so charming, and this time of year, especially, with their doors adorned with festive wreaths, they are quite picturesque.


On Thursday we had planned to stay at home, but they're predicting some extreme temperatures to move in this weekend along with a bit of snow, freezing rain and ice, so we opted instead to make a quick trip into town to stock up with all the necessities. I'm implementing a little plan beginning this weekend, Souper Sunday, and making up a big pot of soup, which will more likely feed us through the weekend. But my plan is to elevate out Sunday supper by setting a pretty table, lighting candles, and hopefully setting the stage to put away our devices and linger around the table in conversation, a pause, I suppose, before the demands of the week come calling. I have a number of recipes saved on my Pinterest board and I've made note of a few I want to try, but we're going to start off with a recipe we all know and love, Grammy's Cabbage Soup. I've shared it here with you before, but I think it's currently tucked away in the archives, so if you're interested, be looking for it early next week. 

The picture you see at the top of this post and the one here to the right and below are of a group of buildings in our town. They caught my eye while we were out shopping yesterday. We went for breakfast at a cute little coffee shop we'd had plans to visit (more on that in another post), and after, as we were driving on our way to the market, I caught glimpse of them and immediately turned around!  I've seen them before, but the added touch of greenery just made them all the lovelier! The green building is actually another coffee shop that we have plans to visit, but the combination of the green against the red and the white, well, if you've been visiting here for awhile you know they are my favorite colors, as is vintage architecture, so when you combine the two? It's perfection!

And with that my friends, I'll close. I have a busy day ahead, cleaning out holiday leftovers and prepping food for the weekend. We are set with everything we need in the event of a power outage, we'd be good for a week or more. But any time there is a threat of weather, I like to be prepared. Meals made that can easily be re-heated on our propane stove, laundry caught up, candles and matches at the ready. Maybe it's just me, but honestly, the thought of losing power seems almost cozy! It's the perfect excuse to slow the pace of life, and just, perhaps, a lovely start to the New Year!


Until then!

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Epiphany - The End of Christmastide

Often lost or overlooked in the quieter days following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Epiphany (January 6) approaches. Observed as the end of Christmastide, Epiphany ushers in Ordinary Time.

We celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, retelling the story of their journey to Bethlehem as we reflect upon what it means to seek Christ today, and what gifts we can offer.

It is perhaps the timing of Epiphany that makes it one of my favorites. It is the dawn of a new year, a fresh slate, and an opportunity to realign my path with God's purpose and offer Him my very best.

Celebrating Epiphany is a joyous occasion, whether you share in the fun with the littles in your life, or even in a quiet, personal observance alone or with your spouse.  With stars and crowns and kings, it sheds a golden light upon the darker days of winter.

Today I'm sharing a number of ideas for ways that you can observe and celebrate this special day. Of course, I am by no means suggesting that you do all of them. So why not sit back with a warm cup of tea or your favorite beverage, maybe nibble on a few lingering holiday treats, if you still have them around, and decide on a few ideas that seem do-able to you. You can always come back to this post next year (it will be easily tucked away under Christmas and Epiphany).

Traditions
Grass Boxes - after their long journey, the camels the three kings rode in on will be tired and hungry. Have your child leave a box of grass (you could easily buy some fake straw or maybe even use some easter grass) under their bed for the camels. The next morning they will awake to find a few small treasures (gifts), the camels left in appreciation.

The Blessing of the Home - traditionally a priest blesses the home, but the head of the house can carry out the blessing as well. The traditional ceremony can be found here.

The Chalking of the Door
(if desired the head of the home can bless the chalk, prior to chalking the door)

20 + C + M + B + 20 

The C, M, and B are placed in between the numbers of the current year, with crosses in between each symbol. The three letters have two significations: the invocation Christus Mansionem Benedicat (Christ bless this house), as well as the first initial of the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.


The Blessing of the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh  - Some traditionally include their gold (wedding bands, etc) or other precious jewels blessed as well.

Crafts
Epiphany Prayer Boxes - I love this idea, Will you give Jesus your heart? Will you give Jesus your mind? Will you give Jesus your treasures?
Three Wise Men Paper Toys - These would be quick and easy to make, and fun for the littles in your life.
Three Kings made from toilet paper rolls. Just use materials you already have!
Here's another cute Three Kings craft, made using popsicle sticks, construction paper and glitter!
Glittery Crowns - another simple craft idea. These would be pretty made up and sitting on the table with a small votive candle in the middle.
Three Kings Crowns - a simple crown for your child to wear.
Three Kings Ornament - just print it off and let your child color and decorate it.

Food
King's Cake - this recipe is actually for Queen Mary, but would be perfect for the Epiphany.
Eggnog Pound Cake - I just love the sound of this recipe, and think it would also be fitting.

Whatever recipe you use, be sure to hide Baby Jesus inside which is symbolic of the Holy Family's flight to avoid King Herod.  Whoever finds the baby in the slice of cake receives a special blessing for the upcoming year.

Wassail - Wassail is popular throughout the Christmas season, but is also traditionally served on Twelfth Night and/or on the Epiphany.  This recipe is for an easy one, made in the crock pot.

The Gifts of the Kings - the are made using Pringles cans, but it would be lovely to place the contents in bowls for your table.

Jewel Bark - this candy would be lovely to make especially for this day.

Other Ideas
Watch The Star, for little ones, but maybe your not so little ones, too.
The Star, for the older ones