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
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 !
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.
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
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
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
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!
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!
They saw I was shocked and said not to fear.
"Your place was so quiet!
We thought we'd stop here,
And just take a break from the holiday noise -
there's so much to do for good girls and boys!"
Well, I was pleased, and feeling much better.
They rested and napped, then back out in the Weather,
I guess is what happened, 'cause I, too, got sleepy.
Soon I was napping and no longer weepy.
And when I awoke, they seemed to be gone.
Me. alone, but not lonely, enjoying a yawn!
This yarn for the season I hope you'll recall
to children, grandchildren - it's for one and all!
~ Elle Smith Fagan