Connecticut, Craft, Elle Smith Fagan, Inspirational story, true story, writing, Nativity Figures, Winter Holiday
Elle Smith Fagan
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.

Restoration of Antique Nativity
story, true story, Winter Holiday
Elle Smith Fagan
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! 

The Strawberry Top
Christmas family story, Connecticut, family, Inspirational story, Lifestyle, romance, spirit, True Sixties Story, true story, Winter Holiday Story, writing
Elle Smith Fagan
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.

Connecticut, Craft, Elle Smith Fagan, Inspirational story, true story, writing, Nativity Figures, Winter Holiday
Elle Smith Fagan
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.

Restoration of Antique Nativity - FDR/WPA/FAP
Inspirational story, spirit
Elle Smith Fagan
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. 

How the Robin Got His Red Breast
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Journey - The Shelter Quilt is Home.

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Journey - The Shelter Quilt is Home.

UPDATE  December 14, 2016
LIfelong arts and response work with red cross and others, my experience of Operation Hope Shelter for Homeless, in Fairfield Connecticut USA was unique.  

Among other things, at the end of my involvement there, there was this quilt:  made from "Bits and Pieces" of fabrics used to decorate the place, to alter clothing for residents needing to look good on job interviews etc... Lives whole again, once bits and pieces - as life will do- it's symbolism and being were so intense that only Monday, TWENTY years later, did it find it's home as a gift to the founders of the project. READ ON:

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New Years Eve Times Square 1966

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New Years Eve Times Square 1966

Freezing - just freezing - and we were delighted!  Soon it would be 1966, temps around 30 with significant wind chill that year, made no impression on us!

We two were in love!   We laughed, thrilled with  any excuse to hug close.  And so the weather was our friend, as we emerged from the parking garage.  The weather only added to the excitement of the evening and the thrill of being in New York City's  Times Square for New Years Eve!  

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Santa & Missus

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Santa & Missus

True dream - first posted  2000

My house was too quiet, with Christmastime near!  

My feelings so lonely ! My eye held a tear!

House locked for the night, and so off to bed.  

But sat up again, averting my head  

At space in the shelves that divided the room,

shone one little light to break up the gloom

And 'there' on my chairs, just taking a rest,

were Santa & Missus!  My house was so blessed!