Years ago, my sister-in-law told me about a cookbook called More-with-Less Cookbook (suggestions by Mennonites on how to eat better and consume less of the world's limited food resources) by Doris Janzen Longacre The copyright dates back to 1976 and has been renewed, renewed and renewed. Mine leads up to the 43rd printing in 1996. "There is a way of wasting less, … [Read more...]
The Huguenot Cross
This morning I wore a necklace with a Huguenot Cross pendant, and a friend noticed and asked about it. I told her that it was a Huguenot Cross and is often worn by Protestant believers in Europe. It's full of symbolism, but all I could think of at the moment—the opening song had just started up—was the most obvious: a dove dangling at the bottom is a symbol of the Holy … [Read more...]
Recycling Never Looked So *Adorable* (bonus: Save the Wolves)
My friend Anita, designer/creator of buttery-soft, recycled leather handbags, launched a line of children's backpacks called "Woof Packs." They come in different colors for both boys and girls—Anita said she'll soon be making some in pink—and I think my animal-crazy kindergartener will go bonkers over them! [Updated 2022: You may need to consult with the artist and … [Read more...]
How the Cuckoo Found its Voice – Resurrecting Forgotten Talents
At a friend's house, I took note of a beautiful cuckoo clock hanging on their family room wall. "I grew up in a home with a cuckoo clock," the host explained, "and I wanted my kids to enjoy one, too." I looked at my husband. He looked at me. "Do we still have it?" he asked. "We sure do," I answered. Take Time to Warm Up to Old … [Read more...]
Singing Revere Ware’s Praises
I'd just like to put in a good word for Revere Ware. Sixteen, almost seventeen, years ago, we received a set of Revere Ware pans as a wedding gift from my uncle. We've used them daily for all of those years, and they have occasionally served as an impromptu drum set for the little ones. With constant use and mild abuse, I suppose it shouldn't have come as a surprise to … [Read more...]
The Best Way to See Art: With Kids
We went to the art museum to see an exhibit of Roman art that was in our fair city on loan from the Louvre. En route, I had the kids take turns reading short chapters about ancient Rome from a kids' history book. I wanted them to have some historical context for the sculptures, busts, and reliefs they were about to view, so they took turns reading about … [Read more...]
I Love to Tell the Story: How Advent Traditions Invite Us to Reflect, Together
A few years ago we bought a preformed Advent wreath at Michael's. I wrapped some ribbons and beads around it, stuck some plastic red berries into the greenery here and there, and deemed it ready for service. It was hardly an example of artistic brilliance, but it would serve us fine. It was festive. It would hold the … [Read more...]
My Five Writing Strengths
I was once asked to make a list of five strengths I possess as a writer. Here's what I came up with. Five Writing Strengths 1. The ability to sit still for long stretches of time Not everyone can do this, you know. Some people get antsy, restless. After a few minutes of sitting still, they fidget and have to get up and make hot chocolate or call a friend. Writers need … [Read more...]
An Oasis in our Fast-Paced Lives
Ken Gire, in his book The Reflective Life, described the plentiful options we have before us to fill our plates, our days (I'm adding a few and updating to reflect opportunities present in 2007): Vehicles to transport us wherever we want, even off-road, with audio technology and reading material--iPods, books on CD, podcasts--to keep the ride from getting … [Read more...]
Adventures in Literary Outings: Encounters with Haven Kimmel, Author of A Girl Named Zippy
In 2007 I attended a colloquium at which Haven Kimmel, author of several books including a favorite of mine called A Girl Named Zippy, was the keynote speaker. It's been years since I read Zippy. Not long before I was heading to the colloquium, I happened across a post at Shalee's Diner reviewing it. The timing was fun, and I was glad she … [Read more...]
10 Simple Ways to Class Up One’s Act (a notch)
You may have concluded at some point that I'm not exactly a style guru. If so, you are correct. Just ask the friend who does my hair—she's thrilled if I agree to something other than a blunt trim straight across. I often forget to wear makeup, even though my face would certainly benefit from daily attention and improvements. And then of … [Read more...]
Psalter/Proverb Devotional Reading Plan
Many years ago I saw an article explaining how Billy Graham read through both the book of Psalms and the book of Proverbs each month. He read one chapter in Proverbs per day—Proverbs 1 on the 1st day of the month and so on through the 31st. I guess he'd read several on the 28th of February to make it to the end (certainly wouldn't want to neglect … [Read more...]
Group Books by Color
When my friend A. was helping me with some decorating ideas (I'm hopeless on my own), she recommended that I group the books on my family room shelves somehow. "Group them? Like, with the Dewey Decimal System?" I asked. I wasn't opposed. As a matter of fact, it would have made locating books much easier. "No, not like that. I'm thinking like a decorator here. You … [Read more...]
Creative Methods for Capturing Family Stories
At my brother’s urging, I signed up with StoryCorps to interview my mom back in 2007. My brother interviewed Dad. The idea of StoryCorps is to collect the stories of everyday people and save them for posterity. Here’s how they explained their vision: StoryCorps is modeled—in spirit and in scope—after the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of … [Read more...]
Thick and Chewy, Fast and Easy Pizza Dough
(Disclaimer: Experienced breadmakers must simply move on. They will find it too painful to read how I mess around with the nuances of bread-making.) Once a week, the kids ask for pizza. To save money and time (and eat a little healthier), I make my own crust. I got the original recipe and instructions from one of the Tightwad Gazette books … [Read more...]
