Restoration of Antique Nativity
The historic church's Nativity Scene was brought out to be set up for its fiftieth Christmas, but the group was very worn-looking and needed repair and restoration. Most Certainly! It was clear that the group was much loved by the people and so I just loved it, too. Later that year came the easy opening to ask Father if I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing from an injury. I had the interest and love and skills.
Find full photo gallery https://ellefagan.com/creche-restoration-2007
A Nativity Story
BACKGROUND: Around 2000, I came to live in Vernon Rockville, Connecticut, recuperating from injuries from an accident. Just when I thought my life and work would be downed, maybe permanently, new opportunities found me, like the task of restoring a beloved old collection of figures for the Creche, or manger scene, at a local church.
I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing - especially since I had the interest and love and skills. Father White mentioned that the creche had been there when he arrived but that he was retiring and could not take up the project himself. But the pastor who succeeded him, Father Rick Ricard, took up the project happily.
BEGIN THE TASK: We planned, researched the specifics of tech needs for old, early fiberglass; shopped for the supplies and got to work. Five minutes on the job and , everyone on the village park shoppes area knew of the project ! It was clear that the Old Nativity Figures were important to them. I was thrilled with the interest and said so. "It wouldn't be Christmas without that Creche", one said, " I am 55, and they were here as far back as I can remember." I felt much better supported in the work ahead.
BLESSING: The Old Convent Garage was my studio and 'Step One', of course, was assessment of the details of the task. I took "Before" photos of the group of figures, for reference and comparison later, and smiled when this "odd" exposure effect presented to me at upload. The image of this Glowing Infant figure was inspiring, as I set to work.
THE TASK DELIVERS AN EXCITING SURPRISE ! : Following the norm for the work of restoring fourteen life-sized figures involved: Research into Provenance, technical needs and update research for best materials/methods/process.
Inspection revealed incised ID numbers and letters and a name at the foot of the pedestals. And internet search was a revelation: the figures were designed by Dick Wiken, a world-class sculptor with many fine achievements to his credit, and the man who designed the head for the famous WPA Doll. Big Story!
I took the revelations to the church. What a delightful moment, and happy hum among us, like on the "Antiques Roadshow" program many of us never miss. Further investigation resulted in official respect for the restoration. It would take longer to do than I could afford to gift. And I was paid.
MORE REVELATIONS: The Community must have truly loved that group! After more than 50 years, all 14 figures were there and intact ! When the word got around about the restoration, a few men of the parish found me and they were jubilant: there had been a special care group for the figures. Over time, the numbers of the group dwindled and faded, but remained. One of the now-mature "apprentices" , was thrilled to find me to celebrate this restoration of spirit as well as figures.
PROCESS: The very old paint was pale and chipped and flaked, efforts to repair it in the past were not lasting. Most of the figures showed pitting - a natural dehydration effect with old fiberglass "Blo-molds". Many had cracks and the delicate Infant Jesus figure had lost a thumb; a toe and one arm had large holes in two places. At every step, this project was dripping with symbolism.
The lovely features would shine again - effects, and details in costumes and trimmings meant a fine and fancy finish to it all. "Planning my play" fixed an issue with thinner fumes; I would do all the related tasks, then open the fumey stuff, work fast , and close it up, then finish for the day.
I began with the Angel - so she could bless the project and keep an eye on me while I worked. The effects I was able to obtain were very encouraging. The infant's injuries wanted more attention. I sang and prayed and worked with a feeling of privilege, continuing on to the Statues of Mary and Joseph; the Shepherds and Wise Men; the Lambs and the good Donkey. The faithful animals were sentinels as worked.
Dirt and flaking were removed, and surfaces smoothed. The putty/filler repaired the cracks and the parish sexton did some wood restorations to the wooden support for the donkey and found an area heater when the weather cooled, and extra lights, when the days shortened. Then the primer coat to seal and protect was followed by the new paints for each figure and that, in turn, sealed and shined with clear topcoat. Completed well. And all in homage to the Holy Family who changed the world.
DONE AND TIME TO COME TO THE STABLE: Time to set up the Nativity Figures had arrived, and the last sweep with the paintbrush on the rosy cheek of the Infant Jesus figure! The men of the parish set up the life-sized lighted wooden stable, nestled in beds and stacks of hay.
Once again, the Angel was called on first - and her figure attached over the door of the stable to hover in exultation.
Donkey, lambs, shepherds, Magi, and finally Mary and Joseph completed the scene of waiting for the Coming of the Savior. The Infant figure would not be placed till near Christmas Eve. A photo of the creche I restored appeared, at the Saint Bernard Church website Home page, front and center at the 2007 Christmas season. There was also a note about the Restoration and the invitation to the parish to join the annual event of caroling and placing the Infant in the creche on Dec.22, 2007 after the 5pm Vigil Mass. In December, it was already evening at that time of day, and so lunaria were lit and placed for their glow along the path from church to site of the creche - all followed and gathered round and began the carols.
Then, Father Rick Ricard, pastor, brought the Infant figure from the rectory to the site, and presented it to a little boy and a little girl, who, together, placed the Infant in the manger. I sang to the Infant represented by that figure, often, with it in my lap, while at the work the past months, and this time, I was joined by quite a chorus and lead by our priests.
They say it was chilly out, but not at the Creche that night!
I was glad we had chosen the super-weatherproof paints used on fiberglass yachts - it was clear and cold, but, even if it was freezing rain, the glow of the figures would win through for many years. In fact, it glows naturally with an nearly-spooky photo-realistic effect - if the air gets very cold the skin tones change hue, just as though they were live. And then when it warms, the color returns to normal.
I was enjoying the pageant, at the back of the crowd - when Father called me up to the front of the group to recognize me, personally, and the work involved - I used to enjoy hearing the word "gratified" when others were in my place, and now that word was mine to say and feel. The moment was the kind of treasure nothing can mar.
All was merry and bright! Caroling continued and then a cheer followed by the invitation from Father to join the reception at the rectory, which proceeded to the church hall for refreshments and more chat, to make a special evening marking the completion and beginning of special things!
NEW! Latest book about the famous Sculptor features these figure molds, including the famous WPA Doll's head, and leading architectural sculptures.
Dick Wiken, Milwaukee Architectural Sculptor
FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE PROJECT AT https://ellefagan.com/creche-restoration-2007
Ohhhhh Christmas Tree!
What a surprise this Christmas!
Since 1999 I have lived in rents where live tree or live candles were not practical - but being a creative , I found alternatives for the tree. I work in arts and tech - it’s modern for empty-nesters to “do something different”. So each year I was excited to do up arrangements of some of the precious things and collectibles I gathered over the years or save for the children - things with lights , crystal bells and dishes. And one year , my mother's ladies ceramics class made that funky little Christmas tree - I wired mine and made it a centerpiece and was fine. A charmer of a thing.
As a girl with great parents, and later, as a woman, with my late husband and our children, we never missed a step. With happy hearts we’d bustle about being sure each detail was set, just so. Americans, happily making Christmases from Currier & Ives and Christians “Everything perfect for Jesus!”. and praise and honor to non-Christian friends…and lots of them! The weather may be cold, but the people are warm and merry!
This year I thought I’d opt for a more elegant arrangement, but was not going to get a potted tree to have it die again in the dry house heat.
"But then something unexpected happened" :
It was CHRISTMAS EVE, noon: I ran over to Whole Foods for a few last-minute items and I was sad to see that they were cleaning up the array of live trees and boughs! They had been so good in sight and fragrance for weeks at every visit - the workers smiled at me in sympathy.
Now, only ONE tree left - a gorgeous Fragrant Fraser Fir taller than I am - I don't know why I did, but I asked one of the men:
"How much is it? "
"FREE! - they’ve all gotta go now!” he laughed!
" SOLD! " , I replied.
Here was My first live full-sized tree since Y2K!!! Happyt tears “in front of people” ,
And now to get it home! ! The clerk at Whole Foods dropped it off and would take nothing for the work....He even sawed the weedy stuff off and set it up!!!
Of course that made six hours work, rearranging the room for beauty and safety.....out with the vacuum and dustings. and now adorning the boughs with lights and decorations, collected thru the years, and cherished. I might be doing this at the last minute........... but who cares? Sometimes that’s the most fun.
Euphoria Gloria over this lovely fragrant tree and all it represents !
We are Connecticut natives but lived happily with corporate work in Nort!h Carolina, where the real Fraser ridge grows them. This tree is SO right - thank you elves, angels and wish-granters! And Glastonbury Connecticut Whole Foods Supermarket
Ohhhh Holy Night!
The Strawberry Top
True story - first published 2001
No matter how much we love the Winter Holidays with all the trimmings, there is the validity of Christmas 'stocking stuffers' - a refreshing escape from the "too-much-ness" of things. Stocking stuffers and similar "little-gift" observances renew the awareness that the true holiday spirit is a small and shining moment that connects people in light ! A funny little thing can be like that!
True story - first published 2001
No matter how much we love the Winter Holidays with all the trimmings, there is the validity of Christmas 'stocking stuffers' -
they are a refreshing escape from the "too-much-ness" of things.
Stocking stuffers and similar "little-gift" observances renew the awareness that the true holiday spirit is a small and shining moment that connects people in light !
A funny little thing can be like that!
Stocking Stuffers shopping 1975, I purchased a little wooden strawberry-shaped top.
Three inches high, in the shape of a strawberry, a simple green spinning stick protruding like a stem, it was painted bright red-pink, with green strawberry seeds dotted all over it.
I love classics and tradition at the holidays and I hoped that the top would charm my family as it did me!
The Strawberry Top cost all of seventy-five cents as part of a last-minute holiday closeout, at a friend's decorator shop Winter Holiday sale, and found its place atop one of our Christmas Stockings!
Our nice life was full of the joys of the Season,and with lots of brightly wrapped gifts under the tree, for our "very-good-all-year-long" son and daughter (7 and 5 at the time).
And on Christmas morning, after the thrill of the opening of gifts and glee and hugs all around, snacks and. church , our children were fascinated by the mirthful little top!
They loved their gifts, but the Strawberry top was the surprise, a charmer that won center stage for their attention! We had to be firm about putting it away with the other Christmas things. But a tradition had been born!
Each Christmas, ever after, the top was among the first of the trimmings to be brought out from storage and the ceremony with Father,children and Mother gathered and gleeful at the thought of spinning that tiny Strawberry Top, signaling the start of holiday celebrations - each year more a family tradition !
A wonderful top!
An amazing top!
A remarkable spinning strawberry top!
When our teething Brittany Spaniel pup, Apples, put a toothmark in it, we held our breath, at top-spinning time: would it still spin? A wooden top depends on a delicate balance. But it spun as merrily as ever! And with Apples' toothmark in it, we loved it all the more ! The marvelous top would spin and spin, and spin and spin - and spin for more than a full minute - and longer, sometimes ! My sci-tech husband was impressed with its aerodynamics! Each time, expressing a strong and merry life at the Winter Holidays! Its dynamic a family-as-one symbol...it's heart shape - OUR hearts as one.
More years passed and never without our "Strawberry Top Moment", but then: Our children were in their early teens, the summer their Father died suddenly, and soon, that first Christmas following without him - except for his spirit, with us, always ! Gramma joined the children and I for a trip away at Thanksgiving - it was too soon and too intense to make our at-home dinner without our master turkey carver! But the draw of our own home and its charms and devotion to the traditions and observances moved us to give Christmas a chance. We began bringing out the boxes of things and planning the days ahead.
The Strawberry top achieved a mighty stature that year - the children, so solemn , at my side ... no jumping and giggling but the three of is hushed for their beloved Father, who was not there.
Then came the quick and light and firm twirl to the now slightly-worn wooden stem, and off it went !
IMPERTUBABLY ,
merrily,
steadily,
kind of dramatically sharing its magic with us!
"I guess we're ok", I said, my words reflected in our children's faces - as that top spun and spun on the counter - downright plucky!
"The Strawberry Top still spins ! " , our triumphant cheer !
And "Sure enough", the challenge of painful loss only meant, that the delight returned with a power!
With worth! Triumph!
Even after the children grew up and "flew up" to fine life on their own, the Strawberry Top remained a focus for us at holiday visits !
By then it had become a true barometer, of a sort... life changes, but love is eternal !
Our grownup daughter made an emerald green velvet pouch for the strawberry top, with bright red velvet lining, and tiny clear crystal beads, like snowflakes, on the outside, and a satin cord drawstring to close the pouch and protect it snugly. Now, no matter where we did Christmas, our top could come along, and make the key moment with "we-three" together and loving one another for another wonderful year! A true bit of magic: when a strawberry top finds your family circle, it is special.
And then, around 2008 - Gone!
The top disappeared, somewhere along the path of holiday travels.
We searched "high and low", and over and over, whenever it seemed right.
But no Strawberry Top! It was gone. I told the children, and sadly we marked that it had been...
A wonderful top!
An amazing top!
A remarkable spinning strawberry top!
Finally, I prayed and the answer came: "As special as we thought it,
maybe someone needed the Strawberry Top more than we did!
And the angels who brought the little wooden top to us, in the first place, may have spirited it out to them!
Peace and closure and we go on - and Christmas was still a delight.
But the little miracle was not ready to give up.
In 2012, preparing for the upcoming holidays, I remembered our top and missed it, and glumly popped "strawberry top" in the search box at the top of my computer's browser - and life changed!
Strawberry tops !
Plural !
Dozens of them!
JUST like ours!
But more - orange tops, pear tops, apple tops, carrot tops and dancing all over the page before me in a color show - from a company called "Londji" in Catalonia-Spain - they make classic wooden toys - and I tried to buy one of the strawberry tops - but at the time, they did not ship to the United States.
Stunned and happy, but not available for purchase at the site, I could not let go, so close to home and I emailed them with my story , in happy tears, asking the price for one strawberry top.
They liked the story so much they published it with their things and sent me one strawberry top, refusing to take payment for it!
The day it arrived at the post office the snow was deep and still falling, but
I geared-up
and off I went - or should I say, I flew ?
And then friends from the neighborhood spotted me struggling
Theygave me a lift.
"Why so elated? It's just snowing.... " they they laughed, and he gave me a leg up into the car, a sturdy four-wheel-drive.
I told them the story and they joined my merry mood.
Soon we were at the Post Office and the tiny box was in hand and opened in the car to delight another threesome in the snow - thirty years later!
Thrilled and now back home, I made tea and just gazed at my restored Strawberry top!
YES!
It was the right size shape and style in every way! NO hurry to test it: clearly, it would not fail.
I was glad I was alone - and sent a prayer of a sort that its tiny spirit always be graced to make and share the "Mirth on Earth" that was its destiny, and gave it a spin ...
A wonderful top!
An amazing top!
A remarkable spinning strawberry top!
Jubilation as I shared the news with our children - like the Angels at the Birth of the tiny Infant who would light the world !
And today it is already basking in the glow - this year's spint done and done and inviting more whenever we like. Yes! The Strawberry Top still spins almost 50 years later!
May the strawberry top send some of its magic to you yours - and may your holidays merrily spin, and spin, also, and always.... happy holiday! ..............elle
update: Tops are Pop again ... https://foreverspin.com/cart
And "Londji" in Catalonia-Spain for the wooden colorful traditional tops that spin for ages !
Christmas Wedding
Recently, both our children chose wedding days at Christmas to honor their late Father and myself. And so I thought they might like this "part one" of THE story of how we met and married. It was all so grand to us, and a gift of empowering love is their birthright! But that's another story. More will come.
After the ceremoney at St.Anthony Fairfield CT - at Frederick's Reception also in Fairfield, CT 12-17-66
December 17th 1966 - years of longing, and work and learning and more work and finding the moment of love forever born and winning through to this day!
At least for our children, long ago grown and living distantly with fine work and loves of their own I will share this "part one" of THE story of how we met and married. It was all so grand to us, and a gift of empowering love is their birthright!
But that's another story. More will come.
Our Christmas wedding turned out to be the Army's idea, and a lovely one! We were a 'love at first sight" pair - the happy result of long dreams and preparation and long prayed-for. We'd dated for nearly two years and we found it easy to talk about everything: there were no impediments to a bright future together. As often happens, once engaged, the planned date of 1969 , worked perfectly at first - his end of service sync-ed with my graduation from college - yes! But "Plan A" had to be dropped due to illness and financial setbacks to some of the top players in our lives - not a worry! The wedding date was accelerated to December 17th, 1966 at Christmas leave. Even better! This meant we could be together as Commissioned Officer and Officer's wife and I could help Red Cross. Of course, we were in a time of changes for us - some of which were not of our making and not of our desiring. But overall, such things were not a major obstacle. We were fine and families and legalities were pleased with us - happy.
I look back and think, "Gosh, we were brave!" We all had fine schools and fine studies and yet we were young, untried, new at adult life in any form, and that day, soon all off to war, and war is death! I remember the intense joy at our love and anguish for his survival in VietNam - competing for my emotions, love won that day.
We grew up on John Wayne patriotism and were sickened and undermined by the unpopularity of this war. But, just for now, even death had only limited powers in the face of our love! We knew we'd come "Shining through" and we did. War presented opportunities to serve one another AND our country and community and family, too.
In addition to the war to threaten this time of love's commitments, Mother and Dad were dealing with health and money issues , but they were the best, and so, cooking up a wedding helped everything !
This wedding project development was doing profoundly well at doing good in all ways.
In Fairfield, all brides were in heaven ! If you grew up there, for a golden time you owned the town! A blessed girlhood was paying off with a very happy start into adulthood! Wedding social and fashion and mores abounded! l Rules - there were rules and one could experience lots of desireable extras if one bothered to seek and follow them.
Young marriage is not really recommended, but we were were fine for it and it worked and lasted happily and successfully. There was plenty of excitement to whittle the few pounds off for a very classy look for the pictures! Happy cheat! Money, reception, gifts, engraved invitations, flowers, and the people we loved! Wardrobe? My beloved "Nanna" a friend of the family was a designer and we had serious fun with it and the shop keepers in the NYC garment district treated us like visiting royalty one afternoon, shopping for the wedding gown fabrics.
We made a nice picture in our wedding things - My double-brocaded satin and faux white mink Christmas wedding gown and his elegant USACE Officers Uniform: oh yes! It was going to be nice.
The day: Everyone had gone on to the church but the bride hung back for the classic "moment" on the threshold of her Father's house and stepping out over it to adulthood and new life, with a prayer for continued love for God and Man - especially one man! Her Man! The noise of war tried to crowd out the sweetness of the day and I recall ,saying silently to the heavens, " OHHHH NO YOU DON"T - not this day! This day is not yours - it is our day."
Snapped out of my reverie by a horn blast from my "carriage" , they promised to be going on to the church without me, if I did not come along as Dad did, to escort to me to Godfather Uncle Bill's long white car, laughing that I'd miss my own wedding! "Here comes the Bride!" , they called, laughing merrily, then turned solemn, as we approached the Church. The lovely vigil snowfall I'd hoped for had created the pretty scene and cleared, and now it was the cool and crisp but sunny day! Everything with the sparkling white coverlet and me afraid to own up to my own delight in it.
As we entered, it was clear that the arrangements were being carried out really well: work was well done: all was ready and lovely, especially the hearts! There for me was the church I helped fundraise for, festooned with flowers and ribbons all along my path; and the people filled the pews. There was my bridal party on ahead of me: maid of honor/cousin Betty; a sister of the groom, Mary; a best friend, my sister junior bridesmaid in her first gown, Lorraine, and my boss' six-year-old, our flower girl little Sandy.
Waiting at the altar the groomsmen were a handome show, in the classic line of duty: groom's brother the Best man, John Francis, in Naval Uniform, who almost took over the wedding when his Navy ship was delayed in docking and he had to make a wild dash racing down the aisle,to take his place on time; next, in Morning coat, my brother, Rick, on his way to a green beret then red; then Denny, a fellow officer from the groom's OCS ; and for my kid sister, my groom's kid brother Terry ! Some guys! I can be proud of them all to this day, thank goodness!
My Father, almost ashen with solemnity, escorted me down the aisle and passed my hand to my soulmate's keeping, so handsome in his newly-commissioned USACE officer's uniform - lucky me !
Our priest at the service was a personal friend to my father-in-law, who'd studied for the priesthood himself, early on, then turned to accounting and law and many babies. The vows: It was time. And we were ready and we were fine. The event itself seemed to go too quickly, after all that preparation!
But with rings and a kiss and a blessing and a song, and a full church giving a cheer, we were one!
The Reception at THE place for it that year was dizzy, with two hundred in attendance, but went very well, and soon we were at the Bridal Suite at the Hotel Americana in New York for the wedding night, and plane to Bermuda in the morning! We were just so happy to be "US" , we enjoyed the beauties of the "eye- lahnd" and our time alone so lovely! And when the Blizzard of '66 gave us an entire extra week at the Airline's expense - oh yes - grand fun to be stranded on an island with one's one true love! What better start - thank you, saints and angels!
Even a blizzard will clear after a week, but homecoming would now be on New Years Eve and more fun, and then off to Fort Knox a few days later. But that's another story.
My wish for my newlywed children ? Quote from a top pop film at the time: "Gidget" - her Grandmother in the movie points to the family motto: "Don't say that Love has been a disappointment to you ~ Don't you be a disappointment to Love ! "
...easy, once you get the idea
e.
Restoration of Antique Nativity - FDR/WPA/FAP
The historic church's Nativity Scene was brought out to be set up for its fiftieth Christmas, but the group was very worn-looking and needed repair and restoration. Most Certainly! It was clear that the group was much loved by the people and so I just loved it, too. Later that year came the easy opening to ask Father if I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing from an injury. I had the interest and love and skills.
Find full photo gallery https://ellefagan.com/creche-restoration-2007
A Nativity Story
BACKGROUND: Around 2000, I came to live in Vernon Rockville, Connecticut, recuperating from injuries from an accident. Just when I thought my life and work would be downed, maybe permanently, new opportunities found me, like the task of restoring a beloved old collection of figures for the Creche, or manger scene, at a local church.
I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing - especially since I had the interest and love and skills. Father White mentioned that the creche had been there when he arrived but that he was retiring and could not take up the project himself. But the pastor who succeeded him, Father Rick Ricard, took up the project happily.
BEGIN THE TASK: We planned, researched the specifics of tech needs for old, early fiberglass; shopped for the supplies and got to work. Five minutes on the job and , everyone on the village park shoppes area knew of the project ! It was clear that the Old Nativity Figures were important to them. I was thrilled with the interest and said so. "It wouldn't be Christmas without that Creche", one said, " I am 55, and they were here as far back as I can remember." I felt much better supported in the work ahead.
BLESSING: The Old Convent Garage was my studio and 'Step One', of course, was assessment of the details of the task. I took "Before" photos of the group of figures, for reference and comparison later, and smiled when this "odd" exposure effect presented to me at upload. The image of this Glowing Infant figure was inspiring, as I set to work.
THE TASK DELIVERS AN EXCITING SURPRISE ! : Following the norm for the work of restoring fourteen life-sized figures involved: Research into Provenance, technical needs and update research for best materials/methods/process.
Inspection revealed incised ID numbers and letters and a name at the foot of the pedestals. And internet search was a revelation: the figures were designed by Dick Wiken, a world-class sculptor with many fine achievements to his credit, and the man who designed the head for the famous WPA Doll. Big Story!
I took the revelations to the church. What a delightful moment, and happy hum among us, like on the "Antiques Roadshow" program many of us never miss. Further investigation resulted in official respect for the restoration. It would take longer to do than I could afford to gift. And I was paid.
MORE REVELATIONS: The Community must have truly loved that group! After more than 50 years, all 14 figures were there and intact ! When the word got around about the restoration, a few men of the parish found me and they were jubilant: there had been a special care group for the figures. Over time, the numbers of the group dwindled and faded, but remained. One of the now-mature "apprentices" , was thrilled to find me to celebrate this restoration of spirit as well as figures.
PROCESS: The very old paint was pale and chipped and flaked, efforts to repair it in the past were not lasting. Most of the figures showed pitting - a natural dehydration effect with old fiberglass "Blo-molds". Many had cracks and the delicate Infant Jesus figure had lost a thumb; a toe and one arm had large holes in two places. At every step, this project was dripping with symbolism.
The lovely features would shine again - effects, and details in costumes and trimmings meant a fine and fancy finish to it all. "Planning my play" fixed an issue with thinner fumes; I would do all the related tasks, then open the fumey stuff, work fast , and close it up, then finish for the day.
I began with the Angel - so she could bless the project and keep an eye on me while I worked. The effects I was able to obtain were very encouraging. The infant's injuries wanted more attention. I sang and prayed and worked with a feeling of privilege, continuing on to the Statues of Mary and Joseph; the Shepherds and Wise Men; the Lambs and the good Donkey. The faithful animals were sentinels as worked.
Dirt and flaking were removed, and surfaces smoothed. The putty/filler repaired the cracks and the parish sexton did some wood restorations to the wooden support for the donkey and found an area heater when the weather cooled, and extra lights, when the days shortened. Then the primer coat to seal and protect was followed by the new paints for each figure and that, in turn, sealed and shined with clear topcoat. Completed well. And all in homage to the Holy Family who changed the world.
DONE AND TIME TO COME TO THE STABLE: Time to set up the Nativity Figures had arrived, and the last sweep with the paintbrush on the rosy cheek of the Infant Jesus figure! The men of the parish set up the life-sized lighted wooden stable, nestled in beds and stacks of hay.
Once again, the Angel was called on first - and her figure attached over the door of the stable to hover in exultation.
Donkey, lambs, shepherds, Magi, and finally Mary and Joseph completed the scene of waiting for the Coming of the Savior. The Infant figure would not be placed till near Christmas Eve. A photo of the creche I restored appeared, at the Saint Bernard Church website Home page, front and center at the 2007 Christmas season. There was also a note about the Restoration and the invitation to the parish to join the annual event of caroling and placing the Infant in the creche on Dec.22, 2007 after the 5pm Vigil Mass. In December, it was already evening at that time of day, and so lunaria were lit and placed for their glow along the path from church to site of the creche - all followed and gathered round and began the carols.
Then, Father Rick Ricard, pastor, brought the Infant figure from the rectory to the site, and presented it to a little boy and a little girl, who, together, placed the Infant in the manger. I sang to the Infant represented by that figure, often, with it in my lap, while at the work the past months, and this time, I was joined by quite a chorus and lead by our priests.
They say it was chilly out, but not at the Creche that night!
I was glad we had chosen the super-weatherproof paints used on fiberglass yachts - it was clear and cold, but, even if it was freezing rain, the glow of the figures would win through for many years. In fact, it glows naturally with an nearly-spooky photo-realistic effect - if the air gets very cold the skin tones change hue, just as though they were live. And then when it warms, the color returns to normal.
I was enjoying the pageant, at the back of the crowd - when Father called me up to the front of the group to recognize me, personally, and the work involved - I used to enjoy hearing the word "gratified" when others were in my place, and now that word was mine to say and feel. The moment was the kind of treasure nothing can mar.
All was merry and bright! Caroling continued and then a cheer followed by the invitation from Father to join the reception at the rectory, which proceeded to the church hall for refreshments and more chat, to make a special evening marking the completion and beginning of special things!
NEW! Latest book about the famous Sculptor features these figure molds, including the famous WPA Doll's head, and leading architectural sculptures.
Dick Wiken, Milwaukee Architectural Sculptor
FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE PROJECT AT https://ellefagan.com/creche-restoration-2007
Advent Wreath Explained - for the children
Blessed Childhood, especially at Christmastime, included Advent Wreaths and Calendars. Happily Married with children later, it was easy to carry on such glowing customs and fill the house with all the good things in preparation for the Winter Holiday !
The Advent Wreath is perfect for homes with young children, and if candles are a safety issue, you can get non-flaming ones, but I simply stay alert - they are lit, honored and then extinguished, always with adults present. And soon the children are old enough and can even help light them - adding the appreciation of the children's growth to the event - it is all symbols!
Advent, itself is a commemoration of the ages and ages that mankind was urged to wait in darkness, and worked hard finding bits of the light to prepare for the Coming of the Messaiah - at Christmas, through our sharing of Him in Communion , to the Parousia, or Second Coming , yet to be !
The Advent Wreath as we know it today was the creation of a Priest in 1839, to help deal with wiggly little ones, enthusiastic for the coming of Christmas.
At our home for over 40 years now, this wonderful permanent brass wreath is brought out and shined, and sometimes we add some evergreen boughs around it. Our home in those years was a true Holly House, surrounded by the shrubs - since we'd begun our married life with a Christmas Wedding - and this one has bells for berries, and one of the leaves snuffs the candles afterward. It supports the Four candles lit at the four Sundays of Advent, in certain order and at every suppertime with prayer.
The Stag at the center holds the CHRISTMAS CANDLE, and both are symbols of the Christ. The Candle is always large enough to be lit each day thru the Christmas holidays until the Epiphany on January 6th. It is always white and the wick always "virgin" - never lit before Christmas. The Stag is also a Jesus symbol, especially among Irish since the stag will route the Irish archenemy, snakes - along with the Irish icon, Saint Patrick; "the Deers's Cry" his famous Lorica, calls to the symbol of the Christ - the stag.
The Irish French and Polish American culture is ours and so we chose the style to suit it. So think and have fun choosing ones that symbolize YOUR family's way.
Next, after some prayer for guidance for a moment, look online for a nice presentation of Advent Wreath Prayers and Liturgy. This one is from Loyala Press
Gather your family at some regular time - before , during or after the evening meal, and at the first week of Advent, light only one of the purple candles....second week two purple candles, third week is Gaudete Sunday and so the two purple candles are now joined by lighting the pink or rose one...then finally at the Fourth Week of Advent all four candles - three purple and one rose are lit, and each evening the candles and prayer are offered to prepare for Christmas. JUBILANT - the four candles are now taken away and the one large White candle in the center Reigns - The Savior Christ is Born and we celebrate in prayer and song and gifts and treats and fun social events and fine foods and more....until January 6th when the candle is put away and we thank God for one more Lovely Winter Holiday and its bounty of the spirit to warm us till Spring!
There is the feeling of immersion in the spirit of the Birth of the Messiah and a beautiful sense of family spirit growth and faith formation...no matter the faith. Such traditions help us to develop a very special sense of the spirit, of personhood and quality of life.
The Candle set is found at churches and at Amazon for very little cash - the large white one I always buy specially - this one is beeswax and elegant, but any good white candle is fine - also the large broad pillar candles that stand alone - all that is important is that it be white and never lit before. So you will want to use it up at special moments thru the year, so it is all gone by next Advent season.
Elle
p.s. the pedestal is mine and unique - not required; you can probably do a search for wizard pedestal and find some like it...... but to me it is a holyman and passionately supportive spirit - like Gandalf, Tim Cook from Apple and all Wizards who uphold the best.
I bought it on impulse and am not silly, so I looked at it , wondering what I was going to do with it and it has been busy ever since. Not always lit...but....When Advent is done the Christmas Tree takes its place. My apartment sized tree is a dazzler and takes tending and delights me and never dies from house heat before the holiday is done ! But the pedestal then gets set to one side till the next holiday - soon displaying a fancy Valentine, then the Easter Egg display and later flags and pumpkins. LIFE - it's about life - and please enjoy my wish for a Happy Holiday to you.
How the Robin Got His Red Breast
Legend - fable - fiction - 2006 - from "A Christmas Stocking" by Louise Betts Egan
On that first Christmas, it is said, the night was wrapped in a bitter chill. The small fire in the stable was nearly out, Joseph had gone for food and the new Mother Mary worried that her baby would be cold. She turned to the animals about her and asked them for help.
Legend - fable - fiction - 2006 - from "A Christmas Stocking" by Louise Betts Egan
On that first Christmas, it is said, the night was wrapped in a bitter chill. The Newborn Baby sleeping, Mary resting, but the small fire in the stable was nearly out, Joseph had gone for food and the new Mother Mary worried that her baby would be cold. She turned to the animals about her and asked them for help.
"Could you blow on the embers," she asked the ox, "so the fire might continue to keep my son warm?"
But the ox lay sound asleep on the stable floor and did not hear her. Next, Mary asked the donkey, horse and the sheep to breathe life back into the fire, but the sleeping animals did not hear Mary. She wondered what to do.
Suddenly, Mary heard a fluttering of little wings. Looking up, she saw a plain, little brown robin fly into the stall. This robin had heard Mary calling to the animals and had come to help her himself. He went over to the dying fire and flapped his wings hard.
His wings were like little bellows, huffing and puffing air onto the embers, until they glowed bright red again. He continued to fan the fire, singing all the while, until the ashes began to kindle. Next, with his beak, the robin picked up some fresh, dry sticks and tossed them into the fire. As he did, a flame suddenly burst forth and burned the little bird's breast a bright red. But the robin simply continued to fan the fire until it crackled brightly and warmed the entire stable.
The Baby Jesus slept happily.
Mary thanked the robin for all he had done. She looked tenderly at his red breast, burned by the flame, and said "From now on, let your red breast be a blessed reminder of your noble deed."
And to this day, the robin's red breast covers his humble heart.
Krustiki - story and recipe
The Krustiki-making at Holidays! The heavenly sweet wafer crisps! The image on this page is of the irons used to make them - passed to me from my Mother, from her Mother, and one day to my daughter. It's not just a treat - it's a life thing and for the love.
The Krustiki-making at Holidays! The image is of the irons passed to me from my Mother, from her Polish-American Mother, and one day to my daughter. It's not just a treat - it's a statement of life and love.
As with many of the world's favorites, this treat is called by several names, & more than one country claims it for its own. In America today, we call them "Rosettes", and I also like the literal translation of krustiki, "little crusts" or cookies.
People refer to the collection of several other Polish cookies by the name, as well, including one that is also called Angel’s wings or one called Christmas babies. Photos follow here. Light, sweet, easy to make, although, our family favorite requires the “irons”, heated and dipped into batter and fastfried, and sugar-dusted, like those in the photo at left, often passed down through the generations.
Whatever the name, they are special!
The story through the years:
I ~ Krustiki ~ 1956 In childhood, I loved school - both the ones at Greenfield Hill and beloved Saint Anthony's, which was not just school, but generations after it was founded to help Polish-Americans learn perfect English and "be good Americans", the Saint Anthony’s Polish-American experience was a fine opportunity to learn and pass on my Mother's cultural favorites, as well.
At Holidays , especially, I spent many happy hours, with the older women, learning and sharing the rituals, like the making of the delicate "Krustiki", meaning "Little Crusts". Today, proudly, the stars,flowers & rounds are still made privately, in very special groups.
The krustiki irons, passed on through generations of women, are brought out from wrappings, cleaned, attached to their handles, and set into pans of hot oil to heat. When all is ready, the hot iron forms are dipped in batter and oil till crisp - then cooled and dusted with confectioners sugar, and the result is exciting! Crispy, yet tender light and melt-in-the-mouth sweet and yet not too fattening. Oh yes! they were, and still are, a delight! Such fun and then the irons carefully cleaned , oiled and wrapped and put away for the next time. A worthy afternoon for a young girl - Strong, nice, kind, and perpetuating.
The mommies' approval and interest was so good for feelings of worth in a child. They cared, and so I cared. I felt there was symbolism in making the krustiki : Women, so delicate and lacy and yet strong as iron - easier to understand, while making krustiki! We are batter in the hands of God, by whatever name you call Source of Life!
Star-shaped Krustiki - super light and a airy and yet a satisfying treat to eat!
II ~ Krustiki ~ 1976 No act is really simple, and even the simplest tasks inspire complex thought. With the Mothers and Aunties, I was learning the big lessons and was not afraid to think. Working side-by-side, it was all easy.
Years passed: growing up, I did fine in studies and truly blessed marriage and wonderful son and daughter! Glad I worked and prayed and played and cared - my dreams came true, with work and love - and Motherhood of my own, with gifts to share! Far away from 'roots' in every way, now it was not just pleasant, It was clarifying to do the krustiki-making on my own - it was so different and even more special. Connecting me in spirit, with the Mothers and Aunties of my childhood, there was an overflow of happy love in the continuum.
My Mother visited often and the visits often included the special preparation of Krustiki, and now,my own daughter alongside us and joyfully, by her own preference! Exult! To reward her interest... Not a word of teaching - "permissions" for her to enjoy and learn, as she pleased!
III ~ Krustiki ~ 1996 Time and time passing too swiftly! The family circle was growing up and well. Then My husband's sudden and early death Made the sweetness of empty-nesting not so easy. Mother remained true when all lights failed due to the recession threatening nearly everyone. The lessons from those days with the "mommies" were MUCH more than sweet recollections - but insurance policies that saved my soul when so severely stricken.
A reprise of girlhood Response work was considered a creative and classic choice to help grief recovery, and did, though it got important, became an adventure, including three kinds of rescue, and also American Red Cross, local and "away" work during Operation Desert Storm. And more - too much more. I finally fell to injury and exhaustion. Medical needs set up, I was relocated to the airy Connecticut Hills, near the lakes, rivers and waterfalls...a beautiful healing experience! It worked partly because ethnic arts and crafts thrive there, and I was delighted to be asked to join in the seasonal group cooking of a few thousand Krustiki, prepared by the Church as a fundraiser.
Many of the women were seniors to me. Most of them did not know me. Still, on the word of others, I was very kindly treated, and I reveled in the memories of similar times in girlhood. I laughed at the anachronism of my "adventure boots" and promised daintier footwear next time.We worked in teams of two and I served as assistant at first; My partner wielded the irons, I was the tipper, flipper, tapper and drainer. Another work team collected the completed crusts, sugaring, packaging and storing them till Bazaar time.
Now my senior partner, satisfied that I would not injure myself or anyone else, allowed me the lead task. I heated my iron, dipped it carefully into the batter, then into the hot oil and tended the twin krustiki diligently. When they looked right, I eased them off the irons. Pausing as the irons reheated, I glanced about and my partner who was staring at my work oddly. Why?
My partner, mature and coolheaded, must have expected poor results from me, disabled, because she stared wide-eyed at my "snappy" work, and then at me, and I quietly rejoiced in her respect, and the treasured secret smile for us both! Or maybe it was just that is cool to Always wear world-class adventure boots when making krustiki?
IV~ Krustiki ~ 2016 And sharing this and its power to heal minor woes for its goodness. It is still there - the glow of love created through such the "simple" tasks! These words are a duty, a tour de force! My Husband is gone long ago and fine and free again for a long time; but my Mother, 90 and in decline, no longer recognizes me and so, more than ever, these moments must be not be lost, I hope stories like this one bring a glow to all its readers. She passed away in December 2017 and yes…it is Christmas 2018 and the sorrow fading and rich and wonderful legacy remains!
These customs and creations make , in their making, life itself ! Gloria!
Praise for their maker and the Angels who seemed to bless us through it all!
The Rosette-shaped Krustiki, the best-known - they display so nicely- so light!
~ a popular krustiki recipe ~
Buy the Polish Rosette irons online in many forms and shapes - Amazon has them and many Polish wares stores online and off.
As with many of the world's favorites, this treat is called by several names,
& more than one country claims it for its own. In America today, we call them "Rosettes"
Or enjoy the literal translation, "little crusts". Whatever the name, they are special!
krustiki or 'rosette" irons
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon lemon extract ( vanilla or your preference is fine )
confectioner's sugar for dusting finished cookies
Add sugar to slightly beaten eggs, then add milk. Sift flour before measuring, then together with salt. Stir into first mixture and beat until smooth (about the consistency of heavy cream). Add flavoring. Fry as directed.
For extra nice Rosettes, allow batter to stand two hours covered in refrigerator before frying.
Caution: Do not do this with children until you have mastered it yourself.
And later, When there are children working with you, gently but firmly teach and stay aware that hot oil is HOT! *** If you wash the irons immediately before cooking time, put them in a warm oven for a minute to dry thoroughly, or water in the crevices may cause the oil to spit and burn. Watch out for steam during cooking, too, and plan to test for the best temperature for the oil, and time in the oil, for a nice golden crust.
...but, back to the fun! Our church ladies group does up tons of them for fundraisers at our Christmas Bazaar. They substitute the extract with some fine brandy or rum.....yum!......Theoretically, the alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving only a special gentle flavor, so they are safe for alcohol-restricted diets, but check ...The preparation can be more fun with this recipe :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UP0VKrfHdk This video is the closest to the Polish generations-old process that I could find. May make my own video soon. The video shows it is fun and simpler than you might imagine ! And worth the effort!
My commentary on this video:
Shows the double- headed irons, available online for purchase as "Rosette cookie irons"
shows a very old sifter that I do NOT support - nice fresh clean sifter is safer
shows the wonderful process JUST right, though, but
does not show the optional turning with a cooking fork, in the oil to cook the white inside of the cookie - doughiness is fatal - crisp but not burned is key.
So, when the cookie looks almost done on the irons, take the fork and gently poke the cookie off the iron and over into the oil - let the cookie float in the oil, just a moment, till the white inside has crisped and then use the fork to remove the cookie to drain.
Takes a bit of practice and wearing cooking gloves if you fear you may splash.
"JingleBells" - the crisis!
Controversy over the origin of the Famous Winter Holiday Song
By RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press Writer
SAVANNAH, Ga.
- Dashing in the sun, through oaks and Spanish moss. Sleigh riding's no fun, when there's no snow to cross. Could "Jingle Bells" really be a song of the South? It's not hard to see why balmy Savannah has a tough time selling the Christmas carol as a native creation. Or why the claim makes folks in Medford, Mass. _ hometown of the song's composer _ cry humbug.
This much is known:
Controversy over the origin of the Famous Winter Holiday Song
By RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press Writer
SAVANNAH, Ga.
- Dashing in the sun, through oaks and Spanish moss.
Sleigh riding's no fun, when there's no snow to cross.
Could "Jingle Bells" really be a song of the South?
It's not hard to see why balmy Savannah has a tough time selling the Christmas carol as a native creation.
Or why the claim makes folks in Medford, Massachusetts, hometown of the song's composer, cry "Humbug ! ".
This much is known: James Pierpont was the organist at Savannah's Unitarian Universalist Church in 1857 when he copyrighted the song, "One Horse Open Sleigh," a title later changed to "Jingle Bells." One of the most popular American Christmas songs, "Jingle Bells" made Pierpont a pre-Civil War one-hit wonder. But did he write it here as a piece of homesick, holiday nostalgia? Or did he compose it years before in Medford, not seeing the tune as a moneymaker until he drifted south? "No one really knows where he was when he wrote it - that's the rub" , said Constance Turner, Pierpont's great-granddaughter in Coronado, Calif. "Evidently, James was quite the free-spirit and he published some bad songs and one, at least, we know of that's a very good song."
Medford, just outside Boston, claimed the carol without challenge until 1969, when Milton Rahn, a Savannah Unitarian, announced he had linked the song's composer to Georgia. Rahn was listening to his daughter play "Jingle Bells" on the piano when he glanced at the sheet music and noticed the composer's name: J. Pierpont. He had earlier found letters John Pierpont Jr., the church's pastor from 1852 to 1858, had written home to Medford saying his brother, James, had come to Savannah as an organist and music teacher. Further research found the composer had married in Savannah in 1857 weeks before he copyrighted "Jingle Bells." "I saw this as something to help us get publicity for the church," Rahn said.
Pierpont, who lived from 1822 to 1893, was said to be a wanderer who ran away to sea at 14 and later went to California during the Gold Rush. During the Civil War, he joined a Confederate cavalry regiment in Savannah, bucking his family's staunch abolitionist views. Though Pierpont came from an aristocratic family - his nephew was the financier John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan - he never made much money himself. His other songs included several touting the Confederate cause, with titles such as "We Conquer Or Die" and "Strike For The South." But none struck a chord like "Jingle Bells."
After Savannah erected a "Jingle Bells" marker across from the church in 1985, then-Mayor John Rousakis declared the tune a Savannah song. To folks in Medford, that made Rousakis and Rahn a pair of grinches out to steal their Christmas history. A series of not-so-jolly exchanges followed. "In the words of Shakespeare, it is our intention to keep our `honor from corruption' ", Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn wrote in a 1989 letter to Rousakis. "We unequivocally state that `Jingle Bells' was composed ... in the Town of Medford during the year 1850!" Rousakis fired back with an equally strong, unyielding letter. "James L. Pierpont is still here with us," Rousakis wrote, noting the composer's Savannah burial. "I am sure (Pierpont) will join us in spirit when we finally and formally proclaim Savannah, Georgia, as the birthplace of `Jingle Bells.'"
According to Medford, Pierpont was inspired by the winter sleigh races down snow-filled Salem Street in Medford and wrote the song at the Simpson Tavern, a boarding house with the only piano in town. Ace Collins, author of the 2001 book "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas," says he found more proof of Medford being the rightful birthplace while researching his chapter on "Jingle Bells." Collins said he found a New England newspaper from the early 1840s that mentioned "One Horse Open Sleigh" debuting in Medford at a Thanksgiving church service. The song proved so popular, he said, Pierpont gave a repeat performance at Christmas. When it comes to which city deserves bragging rights, Collins gets diplomatic. Pierpont may have written his song in Medford, he says, but Savannah made him realize its universal appeal. "Savannah was the key," Collins said. "If it can play in Savannah, where snow was a novelty, it can play anywhere."
On the Net:
Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah Georgia probable site of debut of "Jingle Bells"
Medford Massachusetts birthplace of author of "Jingle Bells"
Songwriters Hall of Fame ~ have fun finding the story behind other favorite songs, Holiday and "otherwise".
Oscar the Mouse
True family winter story - first published in 2004
Both of our two childhood homes and neighborhoods were classic: this one, in 1959, was part of my Mother's inheritance from her Father. In happy and prosperous times, she and my Father remodeled it completely, and he carved her name in a heart on the foundation. Respectable property with vegetable garden, iconic local flowers and fruit trees, and , on the fence Mother and neighbor Julia Mills grew concord grapes and there was jam-making every summer! There were huge maples and oak with a swing always tied to its branches, and evergreens to tantalize us with promise of Christmas, all year long!
True family winter story - first published in 2004
Both of our two childhood homes and neighborhoods were classic: this one, in 1959, was part of my Mother's inheritance from her Father. In happy and prosperous times, she and my Father remodeled it completely, and he carved her name in a heart on the foundation. Respectable property with vegetable garden, iconic local flowers and fruit trees, and , on the fence Mother and neighbor Julia Mills grew concord grapes and there was jam-making every summer ! There were huge maples and oak with a swing always tied to its branches, and evergreens to tantalize us with promise of Christmas, all year long !
That year, however, we had a problem: construction of new homes, begun that summer, just across the street, was going quietly and beautifully and our real estate value expected to improve from the neighborhood upgrade. If only the clearing of the sunny, grassy field hadn't created many homeless field mice, the project would have been flawless ! Father and Mother leading our Army, we fought a mighty war against the mouse invasion till winter ended it.
Our home calmed and then shifted into Winter Holiday preparations. Time enough to forget our " Battle of the River Street Field Mice". But now, WE were the "scurry-ers", with so much to do ! Cooking, at least, was again safe and hygienic, without the mice, and decorations and the Nativity Scene, shopping and choir and Christmas-caroling group and the sacred re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, and Midnight Mass, and Santa, restoring all the warm and generous feelings. After chasing things OUT, we could WELCOME once again !
Family time after dinner - an hour to relax with our favorite tv shows, till my Brother pointed to a spot behind us - at the very center of the living-room carpet, just behind the TV area, a mouse was sitting up and politely alert, as though he had been invited to join our TV circle !
He was "theater", in his cheery innocence; solitary, self-contained and thoughtfully sharing the television program, he kept to his spot, as though it truly was HIS spot. We simply stared in disbelief, and determined not to lose our Christmas Spirit, warily welcomed him to the circle and resumed our enjoyment of the Television Program with our unexpected and unlikely guest. Sometime during the show, he must have left, since he was gone when we next glanced in his direction.
Off and on, but ongoing, throughout that holiday, the mouse reappeared, and an imaginary, smiling, rapport developed among us, as he carefully took the same spot on the carpet, and seemed to fit right in. After the first few visits, my Brother named him "Oscar" - since he showed dignity and personhood - he was quite the "ham" - and after all the "mouse-in-the-house" troubles, this Christmas Mouse brought warmth and smiles and a secret among us, since most of our neighbors would not understand this "about-face" from Mouse Wars to rapport with Oscar !
Father, being always the Libra philosopher, captured our eyes and attention with that look that says, ' there is an important life lesson to be learned here.' Christmas Mouse stories are classic - "And now," he said, we have a "Christmas Mouse" story of our own.
Sometime thru that holiday, Oscar ended his visits, but more than forty years later, the memory is still a delight ! I hope you think so , too!
May we celebrate the special winter holiday renewal of the fundamental spirit of Hospitality throughout the Season, especially for unexpected and unusual Guests ! ~ elle
The Twelve Days of Christmas Decoded
An Underground Catechism ~
You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written. It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of unique gifts.
An Underground Catechism ~
You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written. It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of unique gifts.
Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. It was used as a memory aid, when to be caught with anything "in writing", indicating adherence to the Catholic faith, could be risking one's very life! Church history includes many British Catholic martyrs for the faith during this era.
The song's gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.
"On the First day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, A Partridge in a Pear Tree" The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury (since he rose from the dead) to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." This opening symbolic reference bewails the current persecution, and the desire to protect the faithful and tutor the "nestlings" - christian children.
The other symbols mean the following:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The First Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch",
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed in P.S. below.
-Paraphrased from -Fr. Hal Stockert 12/17/95 ( his version had to be cleaned up because his report of the persecutions digressed into boyish delight in describing methods of torture....not really appropriate or inspiring. But no other changes made.)
P.S. It has come to our attention that this tale is made up of both fact and fiction. But may it be that this tale give courage, and determination to use any creative means at one's disposal to keep one's faith alive. Original resource: Copyright © 1987-2003 Catholic Information Network (CIN) - Updated: 12-26-03
P.S. RE: On the twelfth day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming.
The twelve drummers represent the twelve precepts of the Faith presented in the Apostle's Creed. The translation of the Creed given in the Catechism is given below.
- I believe in God, the father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
- Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
- suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
- He descended into hell.
- On the third day he rose again from the dead
- He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints
- the forgiveness of sins
- the resurrection of the body, and
- life everlasting. Amen.
Celtic Christmas
Growing up with seven Irish uncles , one dolly auntie, "The Chief" their Da and his Else our Grammie, who was the true power, there was exultation in the popularity of Bing Crosby and several others of the Irish persuasion and their take on the winter holidays - "White Christmas", "Christmas in Connecticut" , "Christmas in Killarney" and more shared the grand heart with our fine-hearted family. Sharing here, once more in their memory.
Growing up with seven Irish uncles , one dolly auntie, "The Chief" their Da and his Else our Grammie, who was the true power, there was exultation in the popularity of Bing Crosby and several others of the Irish persuasion and their take on the winter holidays - "White Christmas", "Christmas in Connecticut" , "Christmas in Killarney" and more shared the grand heart with our fine-hearted family. Sharing here, once more in their memory. Bing-o sings it - click here!
Christmas In Killarney
The holly green!
The ivy green!
The prettiest picture you've ever seen!
It's Christmas in Killarney,
With all o' the folk from home!
It's nice, ya' know,
To kiss yer' beau
While snugglin' under the mistletoe!
And Santa Claus
You know, of course
Is one o' the folk from home!
The door is always open!
The neighbors pay a call!
And Father John, before he's gone,
Will bless the house 'n' all!
How fine it feels!
To click yer' heels,
'N' dance to the tune of the Jimson Reel!
I'm tellin' you no blarney!
The like' you've nivver known!
It's Christmas in Killarney!
With all o' the folk from home!
There really is a Killarney And its message still rings true!
I hope to get there one day, But, for now, the song may do!
Special thanks to Bing Crosby, whose American
recording of the song, above, was "Top40" in the '40's!
Photo above is of the Killarney Park Hotel
in "actual" Killarney, near Dublin and its airport.
find it online and visit...lovely! Spa! I do hope to get there!
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Ireland's "Sacred Space" offers so much ! "Pray as you Go" and get the new APS for you mobile.
and ADVENT RETREAT FEATURE - "MESSENGERS OF JOY" - a fine Christmas Preparation
There are also two "Chapels" - one for intentions in Life and one for Remembrance of those Gone.
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One for the New Year
"The Finest Music"
Fionn Mac Cumhail was a legendary Irish hero, urbane, cultured and cunning,
who combined elements of warrior, seer and poet.
In one story, Fionn sparked a debate when he asked his followers
what they thought was the finest music in the world.
"Tell us what you think," said Fionn, turning to Oisin.
"The cuckoo calling from the highest tree in the hedge," cried his jolly son.
"That is a good sound," said Fionn. "And Oscar," he asked,
"what do you think is the finest music?"
"The best music to my ears
is the ring of a spear on a shield," cried the sturdy lad.
"That is a good sound," said Fionn.
And the other champions told what
best pleased them:
the bugling of a stag across water,
the baying of a melodious pack heard from afar,
the song of a lark,
the laughter of a gleeful girl,
or the whisper of a moved one.
"Those are all good sounds," said Fionn.
"Tell us, chief," one ventured, "what do you think?"
"The music of what happens," said great Fionn,
"that is the finest music in the world."
James Stephens, Irish Fairy Stories
May the "music of what happens" be sweet and light all year long !
note: This is a serious update to my old, extensive Celtic things, so I apologize if ones you liked are not here yet. Suggest good ones you might like to see here, as well. Happy Holidays! elle.
Polish Cultural - The Lulajze
On Christmas Eve, at our home in the 50s and 60s, holiday preparations focused on the Nativity Scene arranged atop the shiny mahogany music center top - sight and sounds of recorded or radio holiday music, glows in memory even 50 years later. How we teamed well for a change, to help set it all up, with Mother in charge: cotton mat for snow and the wooden stable, with the lighted star at top; the icons in plaster and paint, with all but one of the figures set. For days, we'd visited the scene with a prayer and anticipation, gazing longingly at the empty manger like the Mary and Joseph and all the other figures .
On Christmas Eve, at our home in the 1950s and 60s, holiday preparations had reached "the moment". The shopping, praying, choir practice, christmas tree and stunning outdoor decorations and carolling and wrapping and cooking were done, in preparation for the celebration and commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. However you experience the Source of All Life and the Ages of Mankind, it is symbolically and actually very right, to celebrate the symbol of the arrival of new lights to mankind and his world.
At our home, it was Christmas Eve and so it was all about the New Arrival at our manger and the one at Church!
We three children became rapt with what was to come. Just now, we were focused on the Nativity Scene arranged atop the shiny mahogany RCA music center, our musical Father's pride and joy. This sight and the sounds of our church choirs, the spirited records or radio holiday music, classic carolers, and our endless sing-alongs, glows in memory even 60 years later.
I am there again, seeing in mind's eye and with my heart - the assembly of the Manger Scene - the Creche!
First the popular innovation of the time - a roll of cotton wool was rolled out and anchored to create a base of snowfor the holy landscape!
Next, we'd set the wooden stable, at a far corner, connecting the lighted star at top, carefully concealing its electric cord. Radiating from the manger corner were now set the icons, with perfectly-formed features in plaster and paint, all facing the empty manger/crib at center of the stable. For days, we'd visited the scene with a prayer and anticipation, longing for the missing icon, and then a quick prayer and on we'd go. Mary and Joseph waiting, soon joined by the statues of cow, sheep and donkey and camels and the shepherds and three Wise Men. I liked the lambies, but the longing for the appearance of the Infant Jesus was what it was all about.
Finally! It was Christmas Eve and the annual ritual began!
At sunset. Mother calls, thrilled and hushed and prayerful - "It is time!" ! We formed the family procession. Lights out, except for those from the Christmas Tree decorations. With Big Eyes and "Shhhh!' we would tiptoe upstairs at our Mother's heels, developing the holy moment! Removing something from a corner of the cedar chest , Mother turned, smiling and holy, as her cupped hands opened to reveal a box. Opening the box, a lace handkerchief bundle would be withdrawn, and opening the top folds of the handkerchief...
Lo! the tiny Infant Jesus figure was displayed to our delight !
Struggling to be still and reverent, in our excitement, we continued our family procession , quietly down the stairs in single file, behind Mother, to the site of the Manger scene. Then one of us - chosen to bear the infant that year - would receive it from Mother and we'd gather around the creche to place, at last, lovingly, the infant figure into the manger !
Wesoly Swiąt !
A child is born!
A Saviour Who Is Christ the Lord!
The Little Lord Jesus Lays Down His Sweet Head!
Lulajze !
We would linger there at the feet of the lovely little Nativity scene, lost in love, and pray and sing one of the lullabies to Jesus!
- and then on to Midnight Mass to share the news with friends and neighbors !
Through most of our childhood, the church was one that had been founded to help new Polish-Americans. The culture and music at the holidays still shared the wishes in three languages; English, Latin and Polish!
The magic of the moment culminating in the formal declaration of Christ's birth - the miracle and mystery of it ! All is calm, hushed and bright, as the choir repeats what Mary sings- the lullaby to Jesus, or "lulajze" to her new baby: Sleep Little Jesus!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE SONG - LULAJE.
Here are the lyrics in English and Polish for you,
Link to this video of the "Lulajze" performed by Choir and Philharmonic of Krakow, Poland
or tthis more recent performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaSW0X0TY0s
, with best wishes for the best Winter Holiday ever, however your beliefs inspire you to express it!
IN THE NATIVE POLISH AND IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION JUST BELOW EACH LINE
Lulajze Jezuniu (the "Lullaby to Jesus" in Polish)
1.Lulajze Jezuniu, moja perelko! Lulaj ulubione me piescidelko.
1. Sleep, little Jesus, my little pearl! While Mama Comforts you, tender, caressing!
Chorus: Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze, lulaj! A Ty Go, Matulu, W placzu utulaj.
CHORUS: Lullaby, little one, in loving arms lying, Guarding my darling and stilling Thy crying!
2. Dam ja Ci stodkiego, Jezu, cukierku, Rodzenkow, migdalow co mam upudetku.
2. When Thou awakenest, Jesus, my treasure, Raisins and almonds I have for Thy pleasure.
Chorus :Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze, lulaj! A Ty Go, Matulu, W placzu utulaj
Chorus: Lullaby, Little One, in loving arms lying / Guarding my darling and stilling Thy crying!
3. Lulajze przyjema oczom Gwiazdeczko, Lulaj najsliczniejsze swiata Sloneczko.
3. High in the heavens a lovely star sees us, But like the shining sun, my little Jesus.
Chorus: Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze, lulaj! A Ty Go, Matulu, W placzu utulaj
Chorus: Lullaby, Little One, in loving arms lying / Guarding my darling and stilling Thy crying!
There are more stanzas,depending on the translation.
The famous Polish composer and pianist, FREDERICH CHOPIN adapted it for his "Scherzo in B minor, Opus 20."
Mrs. Casimir Wierzynski, wife of Chopin's finest biographer, made a literal English prose translation for Henry W. Simon, and he paraphrased it into English verse.
I wish to thank all for the special Christmas moments, and the desire to share them with others in a mode that will make them wish to do the same. Wesoly Swiat!
For and from My Mother, who left us December 10, 2017 at 92 in March - Albina Filanowski Backiel Smith Duffy, who inspires us always, and loves us all, every one !
...and also dedicated to my fellow Polish choir members from Grammar School days, and all the mystically special Christmases we shared and helped to create!
Sto Lat!
This page - first posted 2003
Cranberry Sauce without the Calories
This version of Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is all the fun and many fewer calories!
Cranberry Sauce can be mostly sugar - but NOT this one. Mary Jones of radio fame had me doing this one on the air, - in 2014 - Thank you Mary!
Essentially, all that is involved is buying, cleaning and sorting the berries - boiling them till it is sauce - Sweeten to taste, with ZERO CALORIE Sweetener - cool and serve. DONE ! All the fun, not much work or guilt!
DETAILS:
Bring home Fresh cranberry from the market. One small bag and one batch for your first try at it. You can always make more - it is 15 minutes, start to finish. Check that the berries are firm and healthy - no fun at all, if you get them home and they are not good.
Bring water to boil in a GLASS or stainless steel pan* ; a bit more than the volume of the berries. *A metal pan may corrode and ruin the sauce - trash ruined berries and start over .
SORT the berries into a bowl, then add them and one sprinkle of salt to the boiled water. A few bad berries can ruin the sauce. Test for firmness and good looks before adding to the water. Mush ones are bad. Firm/hard ones are good, unless you spy some other faux.
COOK : Stirring constantly with a gentle spoon to prevent sticking; the boiling water will stop, when you add the berries , then resume. Once the boil resumes, lower the heat to medium-high and add any good zero-calorie sweetener to taste. NOT too much - you can Add more later if the result is not sweet enough but much more work to fix it if it is too sweet.
DANGER of hot splashing - keep children and YOU safe in this.
SKIM AND HAVE FUN - the berries pop like popcorn - can be enjoyed from a safe distance ! Sometimes a froth will form - leave it and stir it in, or skim it off and discard it - your choice.
REDUCE - keep stirring till all the berries are popped and the sauce has boiled down/ reduced to a nice thick business that LOOKS like proper whole berry cranberry sauce. It thickens a bit when cooled , so keep this in mind.
REMOVE and COOL - when the sauce IS sauce, slide it off the heat and let it cool a bit - do not cover it. Mixture is HOT - if there are children near, do not let them near the hot sauce. Serious burns result.
TEST SWEETNESS - at serving time, with sauce having cooled and rested, taste again to be sure the sweetness is right - add more if needed - if it is too sweet, some dry wine will cut that a bit.
OPTIONS - add things! flavorings if you like at this point - liqueurs, juices, extracts like almond. FRUITS , like live mandarin sections , or sliced apples, Pomegranate or raspberries or other berry....or even a little wine.
SERVE WITH - the classic Thanksgiving Turkey - or as a dessert sauce; with cakes , or puddings; with greek yoghurt or whipped cream or over ice cream.
REJOICE - the calories are negligible in this sauce, though the ice cream and whipped cream and cakes run the tally upward. if the sauce seems too thick later: Add juice or boiled water and stir. heat in microwave to a bubble for a moment, to thin it.
The cranberry sauce itself is fresh, wholesome and very tasty - One more for your "all of the fun / none of the guilt" cookbook.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
White Snows of Winter 2017
Wednesday November 8, 2017 evening.
Invited to join the farewell to one of our military divisions deploying today - I found the YouTube link to the song, "White Snows of Winter" and posted it at their place at Facebook, to send my heart to them all.
the song was An old one from the Kingston Trio; sings of the separation of loved ones . May they know happy reunions after their brave service.
We care for all these people, men and women, giving us their lives, right at the holidays - may we be worthy!
So many years later, their story renewed memories of our own military days: pride, commitment, fear, passion, devotion, more commitment, duty, response!
Our minds and hearts had it easier. We grew up on the patriotic John Wayne movies and learned to believe we were doing the good thing in our loyalty and support of our land at war. The idea of demonstrations of such violence against our own military was not known in my parents' time. There was the daily impetus of passionate patriotism. among everyone - We supported our government in general and our soldiers , sailors and marines in particular - with our whole hearts and souls. So I grew up feeling very proud of my country and NOT a friend to its enemies, here or otherwheres.
Only later in life did I accept the fact that There have been times in our country when a war was very very unpopular , beginning with our War for Independence. Neighbor against neighbor in the matter was as bad as it gets , then repeated a century later in our Civil War to end slavery and maintain the union. And times afterward. But when I was young, the "seven irish uncles" held Sunday front porch meetings with my Grandfather, the elderly "Chief" at the head of the room, presiding. I grew up thinking all Americans were like them - passionately in love with our land, and ready to show it as needed. All the able-bodied served and were very proud to do so. Mother made ammunition at Remington arms in WWII and so , of course, at Fort Knox, I joined the American Red Cross, as a matter of course.
During our own "white snows of winter" Being the angel for my officer and gentleman seemed the only thing to do - we laughed off the high fevers for both of us from army base viral pneumonia - bragging we lost all that weight to look more svelte for the photo ops at our Christmas Winter wedding, though we could barely walk across the room at first from it.
The next winter, our son was born at Fort Knox - bringing him home on gray day that felt just fine, because he was our sunshine and so we were undaunted! 22 days later we were back in Connecticut and a hurry-up christening, so Daddy could be there for it before deploying to his time in Viet Nam, and for me, the new mommy tasks saved me from the unspeakable fear for my husband’s safety.
And soon, the joyful homecoming - the happiest one - with our little family all home and safe and warm and medals won! Proud to have served.
the indescribable holiness of home and loved ones, peacefully asleep so near, once more!
They still do not make words in English to say the words for the beauty of such days. We earned OUR life together and we Would have it now. Each day, giving and grateful for our path - helping in church and community and support for those who follow.
I am widowed for some time now and fine and date and work and jog about , but I am not sad today because we really did our part well in work and love - and I still do - and I am still fed by the goodness of the many lovely seasons warm and cool we enjoyed as a family - wonderful days to make for ourselves and all within our reach.
Thank you for that, life ! I am fine.
Believe! - A Christmas in August story !
It was 1996 - returning to my hometown fixed a broken heart. After twenty years , most did not even know me. I'd been beautifully raised there, married, off with corporate life and love - parenting, then early and suddenly widowed and empty-nested. Our children and I worked hard on our grief and won the Triumph! But too soon, I was injured in an accident, while hot-flashing with menopause, and response work burnout.
And so it was Christmas 1996. Till my disability setup was complete, I was Staying at the shelter I had helped before the disability, still helping with things, and doing up alterations of gifted clothing for others, for their job interviews, cultural enrichment, including music and arts. And I was able to help with computer training: and even night watch, which was there for the men's but not the women's floor (but that's another story).
Memories of forty years of bountiful Christmases helped a lot, to buffer the suffering at the shelter, and I was able to generate some Holiday for me and the half dozen "mates" there. But then another family death took even that bit of cheer from my heart. I did not even have money for a few Christmas Cards - let alone the hundreds I was used to, since childhood. My emotions were getting a bit scary. "ACT ! " "DO something" , , . I thought !
As painful as it was, a walk to town was one block away and I went to the art shop where I'd purchased my first artists' mannequin as a girl, and found the thing I needed ! The spark rekindled on the spot ! I purchased it and limped back to the shelter, supper. Then I found a tv table and a seat in the hall - making Christmas Cards with a stamp pad and Mary Englebreit's Santa image on the stamp, captioned, in large letters
"BELIEVE" .
yes "Believe" I thought , as I set to it.
Soon, I smiled as the memory of a family movie trip, the very funny Indiana Jones Library stamp scene came to mind. I turned that thought as loose as I dared. With each stamp to card, the message of cheer and the word "BELIEVE" banged at my dulled consciousness - I was not on medications, but so battered emotionally , but this "Believe" stamp project was working - and so I did more - and more, now repeating the message to ME and the others in the shelter -
"BELIEVE"
Grasp the stamp: "Thud" to the stamp pad - "BANG" to card.
Again and again and again and again - till the murky emotions let up and "normal" was within reach and I marveled at how a thing COULD help. My mates reacted with holiday cheer and encouragement - YES - injured myself, I was still being a good redcrosslady.
NO it was not over for me: there were "complications", to my own redemption, but a bit later, my rescue came, correct care, mybungalow for business and pleasure - and my work at the White House! "Pretty good believing, no?" More than I dreamed !
YES I still have the kit and cards and have not needed to repeat the performance with them. But I keep them handy - I may need them or need to share them with someone who needs to get their inner lights restored.
BELIEVE!
you can get this online still - usually used at eBay but my ancient one still works, even if the rubber has petrified a bit...only a bit Believe :-D
This Christmas in August story is for Nora and Bernie Gadomski, whose "Christmas in August" invention became famous in the houses of healing in Connecticut USA - the story: one of the rest home clients was much loved but not likely to make it till December, so the family and Nora's Crew at Elm Hill Manor got busy and created the holiday in August with all the bells and whistles! Santa brought gifts, the resident's family and children were invited and there was music and lots of food and treats and carol singing and a grand day for the grand person and his beloved folk, who maybe grieved a bit less , when he passed away, for having worked to make the happy Christmas in August.
In following years it was re-done for the memory and some fundraising, I think. Since it was a small private Victorian Mansion, in the historic district, the picture perfect Christmas in August became very popular. And more than once, shared the final holiday with other residents there.
Purpose - Splendid Torch - G.B.Shaw
Purpose
January Capricornian Earth tones - bookmark on canvas in fixed water media - ellefagan'13 (price on request)
If we are clamoring to make America Great Again , we need to look, first, in the mirror, and not always rant at the government or family or other loved ones on the topic. It is so wonderful to simply realize that there is, quite likely, one small thing each of us can actually DO to be worthy of our citizenship in a government of, for, and by the people ( i.e., us - you and I) The famous G.B. Shaw wrote this one and its lines are true and helpful to beat "the Januaries".
The first time these words [by G.B.Shaw] were printed was in an article entitled 'Art and Public Money', published in the Sussex Daily News (7 March 1907). *
Also named "A Splendid Torch" or, "Purpose" - this is A New Years Inspiration for everyone! A vitamin of a sort, from George Bernard Shaw, one of my least favorite persons, but most favorite storytellers. It is reprinted everywhere under several titles. I hope you enjoy the easy read! Elle
This is the true joy in life,
the being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one;
the being a force of nature
instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of
ailments and grievances
complaining that the world will not
devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that
my life belongs
to the whole community,
and as long as I live
it is my privilege
to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,
for the harder I work the more I live.
I rejoice in life for its own sake.
Life is no “brief candle” for me.
It is a sort of splendid torch
which I have got hold of
for the moment,
and I want to
make it burn as brightly as possible
before handing it on to future generations.
** p.s. thank you to Prof. Martin who found the exact source for this famous writing at
http://shawquotations.blgspot.com.es/2014/08/life-is-no-brief-candle-to-me.html
Gustavo A. Rodríguez Martín
Dpto. de Filología Inglesa
Fac. de Filosofía y Letras
Universidad de Extremadura
Campus Universitario, s/n
Cáceres, 10003 - ESPAÑA
The Bernard Shaw Quotations Page
George Bernard Shaw (GBS) Youtube Channel
Posted in Art, Inspirational story, spirit, writing, George Bernard Shaw
and
tagged with writing, Story, true story, Famous Writer, inspirational story, Purpose, Elle Smith Fagan
POWERED BY SQUARESPACE
First fruits for 2017 - Living Past 100 and Loving It!
Happy New Year! And MANY MANY more are likely to be yours according to reliable media. Every year more people live to be over one hundred years old and more-or-less lucid and enjoying quality days!
Happy New Year! And MANY MANY more are likely to be yours according to reliable media. Every year more people live to be over one hundred years old and more-or-less lucid and enjoying quality days! In 2014, there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older, and this was up from fifty thousand plus, in 2000. Click and Read the resourced article from Smithsonian to pursue this thread.
Our lifestyles, healthcare, clean living and fitness - they work! Family counselling makes the length of days a fine journey!
This is the best New Year's gift I can give the world. When you begin your day, think 100+ and see how it makes you look at people differently, starting with the one in your morning mirror. Insights as we outsight, no?
More and more of us "upper midlife folk" are jogging, dancing, working and earning , marrying and remarrying and enjoying intimacy till true old age says otherwise.
Grandparents are caring for grandchildren so that their children can concentrate on school or work goals - or , in the case of single parents, they are happy babysitters, so they can date and find the new soulmate on nights and weekends.
For some reason, we opt for old age too soon and then feel foolish and regretful for quitting on neat things to do and neat money to be made.
So much to see - to help others - travel and learn and maybe invent a thing to address a concern you carried all your life - or maybe stop saying "There oughtta be a law" and go get one made. Making a law or improving regulations in your life is very rewarding - and it is easier than you think. Focus and get online and see the cyber seniors doing it as I type here.
YES - it's about LIFE. "O Raidant Dawn - welcome 2017" May we not let it down!
You
You may not think the world needs you, but it does.
You are unique,
like no one who has ever been before,
or will come after.
You may not think the world needs you, but it does.
You are unique,
like no one who has ever been before,
or will come after.
No one can speak with your voice,
say your piece,
smile your smile or shine your light.
No one can take your place, for it is yours alone to fill.
If you are not there to shine your light ,
who knows how many travelers may lose their way,
as they try to pass by your empty place in the Darkness.?
- credited to various authors
POST SCRIPT:
The Story of "You" - and Me: I have shared this here because it was a gift to me on a day when only Job had suffered more - and I felt there was no "me" at all. It helped - I am fine - and so it is here to help others, most truly!
The Tablecloth - TrueYule loveStory
THE TABLECLOTH is a true winter holiday story - with a wonderful happy ending!
THE TABLECLOTH - true winter holiday story
The brand new pastor and his wife, arrived in early October at Suburban Brooklyn, New York, newly assigned to their first ministry, to re-open a church that was not in use, very run down and needing much work. Undaunted, they set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve 1970.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, and more. It was December 18 and they were ahead of schedule and just about finished. Then, on December 19, a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor's heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 10 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor. Prepared to postpone the Christmas Eve service, he headed home.
On the way, he noticed that a local business was having a flea-market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman was running from the opposite direction,trying to catch a bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus, 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.
The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area !
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was very pale. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, "EBG" were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria.
The woman was stunned as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war, she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again!
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.
To thank her for her beautiful gift, the pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a house-cleaning job. He then hurried back to prepare for the evening's duties.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve! The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great! At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. But one older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall, because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago, when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike?
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and witnessed the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine!
A True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid