A couple of the grandkids stopped by the other day, looked around and one of them said as only an uninhibited child can do: “Grandpa, you have a lot of work to do to get ready for Christmas!” Then the other chimed in: “We can’t have Christmas without coming here! We always have Christmas here!” […]
To Ponder
Advent Calendar December 7: Nuts
Nuts were a big item in Christmas bakery but also just for snacking during my childhood. Hazelnuts were cheaply available anywhere, whether grated or whole. Californian almonds were an all-year-around treat, too, their price just as low as that of hazelnuts although imported from so far away! And we received boxes of nuts from my […]
In the Book Nook with … Pauli Pedersen
Author Pauli Pedersen lives on Fox Island, WA and has been enjoying an active life of teaching, raising five charming children, and performing as a classical singer. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an indefatigable spirit, she finds wonder in her family history. She began writing her memories of her dad’s struggle […]
Advent Calendar December 6: St. Nicholas Day
December 6 is a great day for children with a German background – they get a glimpse of Christmas joy. No way close to that Dutch children get on this day, but still. This morning, their first steps will be to their homes’ front door to find what St. Nicholas has stuffed into their boots […]
Letter: Silver-ribboned Stairs – Where Will They Lead?
On the rare early mornings this winter time of year, it used to be that as the sun appeared over the top of the hill the momentary sunlight would turn the edgings on the stairs into silver ribbons, horizontal icicles, shooting stars. Then, lost in thought, my hands cradling a cup of coffee in order to stay […]
Chasing Stories that Connect
When I was a boardmember with The Tacoma Actors Guild, we were struggling to get more supporters. Our patrons were not renewing memberships. No renewals mean death to live theater. A survey showed that those who attended our Tacoma Actors Guild productions did not like the plays that were being produced by TAG. Many of […]
Advent Calendar December 5: Baking
One of the most rewarding activities during advent is baking cookies. First of all, it’s something also children can participate in – so, it’s a great family activity. Second, you get something homemade for days on end (if you pace yourself eating them). And third, your entire home simply starts smelling delicious – no air […]
Advent Calendar December 4: Barbara Branches
Nature has fallen asleep by now. But wait – one really nice Advent tradition is that of Barbara branches. St. Barbara’s Day is December 4, and my mother always bought some branches for a vase. Not just any branches but such as from cherry trees or apple trees. As a child, I found it kind […]
Advent Calendar December 3: Advent Wreath
Have you ever wondered why advent traditionally is celebrated with a specific kind of wreath? Why with a wreath, at all? The circle as well as the evergreen boughs it is made of both symbolize eternal life; a wreath also is a reminder of a crown of thorns, of Christ’s endless love. As of here, […]