Advent Calendar

A Story For You

A Journey of Joy: The Meaningful Advent Calendar

Once upon a time in the quaint town of Everwood, nestled between snow-covered hills and twinkling evergreen trees, there lived a community known for its warmth and camaraderie. The spirit of the holiday season was especially vibrant in Everwood, where families and friends gathered to celebrate the joy of giving and sharing.

In the heart of Everwood, there stood an old, charming house that held a special secret. This was the home of the Baker family, renowned for their delicious treats and the enchanting stories they shared with the town. One winter, as the first snowflakes began to fall, the Bakers decided to create a meaningful Advent calendar that would not only count down the days until Christmas but also spread love and kindness throughout the community.

The Baker family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, along with their three children: Emily, a creative soul with a love for crafting; Liam, a budding chef with a passion for flavors; and little Olivia, a bright-eyed dreamer who saw magic in every snowflake. Together, they brainstormed ideas for an Advent calendar that would touch the hearts of everyone in Everwood.

The Bakers decided to craft a physical calendar that would not only mark the days but also hold small, meaningful tasks for each day. They decorated 24 small, wooden drawers with festive colors and glittering ornaments, each concealing a tiny surprise. The surprises ranged from handwritten notes of gratitude to handmade ornaments and sweet treats, all carefully thought out to inspire joy and connection.

The first drawer held a note that encouraged the finder to compliment someone and brighten their day. Another drawer contained a recipe for Mrs. Baker's famous gingerbread cookies, with a small bag of ingredients attached. Families in Everwood eagerly shared their experiences baking the cookies, creating a sense of unity and togetherness.

As the days passed, the Advent calendar became a town-wide phenomenon. Friends exchanged heartfelt notes, neighbors shared warm cups of cocoa, and children left small gifts for each other. The Baker family's creation had not only brought the community together but had also turned Everwood into a haven of kindness and compassion.

On Christmas Eve, the Bakers invited the entire town to gather in their cozy living room. The room was filled with laughter, gratitude, and a sense of belonging that lingered in the air like the sweet scent of holiday spices. As the clock struck midnight, the townspeople exchanged warm embraces, grateful for the meaningful Advent calendar that had made their holiday season truly magical.

And so, in the charming town of Everwood, the spirit of the Baker family's Advent calendar lived on, inspiring generations to come to celebrate the joy of giving, the warmth of community, and the magic of the holiday season.

May story find you…

~Linden

Dwelling Ways - Home Ways

Home for the Holidays: A Warm Embrace of Comfort and Joy (Even in Imperfection)

The holiday season is upon us, and as the air turns crisp and the streets adorned with twinkling lights, there's no place quite like home. In the midst of the festive chaos, our homes become sanctuaries of comfort and joy, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. However, let's take a moment to acknowledge that not everyone experiences a picture-perfect holiday season at home. Join me on a journey through the heartwarming embrace of home during the holidays, recognizing that for some, the path to comfort is marked by imperfections and challenges.

Nostalgia in Every Corner, Even the Bittersweet Ones

As we unpack the ornaments from dusty boxes and string lights along the mantelpiece, our homes become time capsules of cherished memories. Yet, for some, these memories may be tinged with bittersweet reflections. The holiday season can be a time of longing for those who may have lost loved ones or are facing challenges. Our homes, though imperfect, become a safe space to navigate these emotions, a canvas painted with the colors of resilience.

The Culinary Symphony, a Reminder of Abundance and Scarcity

The delightful symphony of flavors wafting from the kitchen may bring joy to many, but it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege of indulging in festive feasts. The contrast between the abundance experienced by some and the scarcity faced by others can be a stark reality during the holidays. Our kitchens become spaces not only for celebration but also for reflection on the importance of sharing and giving back to those in need.

Cozy Corners and Fireside Conversations, Even in Solitude

While many find solace in the company of family and friends during the holiday season, some may experience moments of solitude. Cozy corners and fireside conversations take on a different meaning for those who may be far from loved ones or facing personal challenges. Yet, our homes, imperfect as they may be, offer a sanctuary for self-reflection, healing, and the possibility of forging new connections.

Festive Traditions and Rituals, Creating New Narratives

Traditions, while comforting for many, can be a source of pain for others who may not have the opportunity to celebrate in familiar ways. Acknowledging the diversity of experiences, we find that our homes become spaces for creating new narratives, for reshaping traditions to fit the circumstances. Imperfect as they may be, these adaptations foster resilience and the strength to navigate through challenging times.

A Sanctuary of Love and Togetherness, Even in Unconventional Forms

Ultimately, the heart of our homes lies in the people within them. For those who may not have the traditional family structure, home takes on a different meaning. It becomes a place to redefine love and togetherness, embracing unconventional forms of connection and finding strength in chosen families and communities.

As the holiday season unfolds, let's celebrate the imperfections that make our homes uniquely ours. Whether your home is a haven of joy or a space where challenges are faced head-on, the spirit of the holidays lies in acknowledging and supporting one another. After all, there's no perfect place like home for the holidays, but there is always room for compassion, understanding, and the shared warmth that binds us together.

“That house was a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien

Holiday Tea - Florence Griswold Museum

Here is a photo essay of my time at a Holiday Tea at The Florence Griswold Museum. I hope you enjoy the scenes of a festive holiday trip I took with my sister who treated me.

Artist Pallette - Florence Griswold

There are decorated holiday trees throughout the museum. Each tree is filled with artist pallet’s that many artists have decorated which are on display on each sponsored tree. There were so many lovely art pieces. We couldn’t decide which ones we liked best.

Artis Tree

Artist Pallet

Holiday Table - Florence Griswold Museum

Bedroom - Florence Griswold Museum

Harp - Florence Griswold Museum

Writing Desk - Florence Griswold Museum

This Writing Desk was beautiful to see as a life long letter writer - very inspiring!

Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme, Connecticut

Who Was This Remarkable Woman?

One of four children of a ship captain, Miss Florence was born on Christmas Day, 1850 and raised in the finest house on the main street of a thriving Connecticut town. Old Lyme, a center of shipbuilding and commerce, was established in the early 1600s and counted the Griswolds among the town’s oldest families. Their Late Georgian-style mansion, built in 1817 on a twelve-acre estate, was purchased by Captain Robert Griswold for his bride Helen Powers in 1841. The family’s and the town’s fortunes reversed, however, as a result of the Civil War and the invention of steam-powered vessels. To survive financially the Griswolds turned their home into a school and eventually a boarding house. By the late 1890s only Miss Florence was left to maintain the family homestead. Soon she, and the town, would transform and survive in unexpected ways.

“In her delicate and high-bred way, Miss Florence had her part in fostering an authentic American art.”

— New York Times

Bear Medicine

Welcome December! The days are noticeably darker so much earlier now. It is a bit strange to be thinking at 2:00 in the afternoon that it will be dark in a couple of hours. It makes the rhythm of the days seem somehow slower - while at the same time there is a bit of hurry to them. When this time rolls around during the year it feels like there is the need to utilize every drop of daylight. If you live on the edge of the forest - the darkness seems to feel a bit thicker. I measure where I am by where the sun and moon come up through the trees over the hill. All of it is shifted. Each year it feels like a surprise - to be remembered again like an old friend.

Bear Medicine is a good theme to embrace during this season. The bears have made their ways toward their dens in the far north. Black bears come ‘round here and are no longer an infrequent occurrence. Of course this is as it should be. Bear belong here with us. We belong with the Bears. Walking out back toward the compost - singing and calling out is not uncommon in my day to day routines. A welcome knowing that we each play our part in the cycle of life.

The slowing down of Bears is a good reminder for me to take a different approach to my days. Have I prepared for the upcoming dark days? What needs to be contemplated and readied? Of course it is a bit late for Bears getting ready as they are doing it all summer long - we do still have some time. The winter seems to arrive a bit later now of course. We all feel this if we are observers of nature and the seasons. We notice the difference around us. We even talk about it our daily communicating with others in the community.

Readying for us here means will be warm enough. Is there enough firewood? When will we need more? Hauling - carrying - piling - loading - splitting - all the firewood things. The wool blankets come out and are placed on the beds. Sitting places need warm blankets to keep away drafts. It is a cozy feeling when these warmth makers come out.

Food ways begin to change to more soups of all kinds. Warm soup is eaten any time of day. It is a filling meal in the morning and savory meals just seem to make sense in the colder days. They also hold you longer throughout the day. A big bowl of soup in the morning will last you into the afternoon. It’s efficient and simple. In a month when some people celebrate a holiday time - making your food more simple is a gift to yourself. The Three Bears came looking into Goldilocks home when wandering. We - like Bears tend to like our porridge and soups in the colder times. In New England it isn’t much colder than down into the 20’s Fahrenheit at night right now. It’s cold but, it warms up again into the 40’s in the daytime. Slow soup might be a welcome routine for you too.

Bear Medicine means resting and taking care. You might think of something creative you would like to do this month. A craft project that is simple and enjoyable. Making a puzzle is a fun and relaxing thing to do. Of course all the slow crafts like sewing, knitting, quilting, carving - all of these are good winter time activities to plan ahead for. Do what is enjoyable. Try not to make your projects so overwhelming that it feels like a stress instead of pleasurable. I have done that - taking on a huge project and it takes the fun out of the season for me. Be realistic in fitting in projects this time of year for yourself. Too much - and it will feel no longer any fun for you. Slow Craft and Making time makes TIME for you that is peaceful and honoring of your unique rhythm.

This is just a simple reminder to take time if you are able. Try not to take on all the things. Say yes to only a few things to do with friends and family. Fitting in too many activities makes it hard to enjoy things and savor them with attention and contentment. Bears do what they need to do. I don’t think Bears ever take on more than is necessary.

We can be like Bears. Lumber along into this month with an eye to taking care of what you need to. Generosity toward yourself is also a good thing. Map out a small list of what you most want to feel like this season. Pick only 5 words that describe what that might feel like. When something comes up or you’re planning your days - ask yourself if an activity or obligation fits in with your five words of how you want to feel. You might keep a December journal for yourself. Make it an easy and reflective activity. Allow yourself a few moments in the morning or at the end of the day to focus on what is important to you and remind yourself of this in your December time journal/notebook. Do only the things that make it onto your special word list. Find resonance.

Lastly, I highly recommend reading nourishing stories this month. Find a lovely book of stories that speaks to you and how you want to feel this December time. Story Ways are the soul food that can keep us feeling held in a special way. If life is feeling a little less than what we most hope for - turning to a good book of seasonal stories or folk tales allows some magic and beauty into our lives.

A book I highly recommend is The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice. You might decide to read a story every few nights throughout the season. The winter solstice, the day the "sun stands still," marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and it comes either on December 20th or 21st. Celebrations honoring the winter solstice as a moment of transition and renewal date back thousands of years and occur among many peoples on every continent. The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for everyone who carries on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Storyteller Carolyn McVickar Edwards retells twelve traditional tales-from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia-that honor this magical moment. These are stories that will renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

“I hope Bear Medicine finds you...”

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

This is The Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden. She has a short video on YouTube about this oracle deck. You can find more of her work here. Kristen shares many creative ways of working. You might enjoy checking out her offerings!

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

Here are some suggestions for working with The Black History Oracle. I often just use the mini cards like this. I randomly spread them out on a table. I move them around in a sort of swishing way - mixing them up. I then - pull cards and place them together and write a poem or tell a story. These images evoke many emotions - thoughts - feelings as they move around on the table. On a particular day we are drawn to particular images. Take that as a sign that you will work with this story in this moment. Trust that the images will evoke something deeper inside you. Record your words in a journal. You can also collect the poetic words you write in a book. Over time you will develop a nice collection that you have formed from this particular oracle deck. Find the meaning of words that you have written through the connections made in working with this deck. This is all a part of self-discovery. I highly recommend purchasing this downloadable deck for a small donation of 5$. I store mine in a drawstring bag for convenience.

Reflective Exploration:

• Draw a card from The Black History Poetry Oracle and reflect on the figure or event it represents. Write a poem that captures the essence of their story and impact.

1. Intersectionality in Verse:

   • Select two cards from the oracle, each representing different aspects. Explore the intersectionality of these themes in a poem, highlighting the interconnectedness of various narratives.

2. Empowerment Poem:

   • Choose a card that symbolizes resilience or empowerment. Write a poem inspired by the strength and courage displayed by the person depicted on the card.

3. Time Travel Poem:

   • Pick a card and imagine yourself transported to the historical moment it represents. Write a poem that captures your experience as an observer or participant in that significant period of Black history.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor:

   • Explore the symbolism present on a chosen card. Write a poem using metaphor and symbolism to convey the deeper meanings and emotions associated with the human figure present on the card.

5. Dialogue with the Past:

   • Engage in a poetic conversation with the human figure on the card. Write a dialogue that explores their thoughts, challenges, and triumphs, bringing their voice to life in a contemporary context.

6. Collaborative Poetry:

   • Invite others to join you in drawing cards from The Black History Poetry Oracle. Each person can write a poem based on their drawn card, and then collectively create a collaborative poem that weaves together different perspectives.

7. Narrative Expansion:

   • Take a card and research further into the historical context it represents. Expand on the narrative by incorporating additional details and perspectives into your poem.

8. Haiku History:

   • Challenge yourself to distill the essence of a historical figure or event into a series of haikus. Use the brevity of the form to capture the significance and emotion of the subject.

9. Visual Poetry:

   • Use the visual elements on a card as inspiration for a visual poem. Create a poetic composition that incorporates text and imagery to convey the story and emotions associated with the depicted history.

Remember to approach these prompts with an open mind and a willingness to explore the rich tapestry of Black history through the lens of poetry.

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

“I seek”

Wooden Figures - Tarot for Kids by Theresa Reed & Kailey Whitman

Creating scenes with your tarot cards is a fun creative exercise. These Ostheimer wooden family figures hold meaning for me. The Tarot For Kids tarot deck by Theresa Reed and Kailey Whitman is the deck that you see here. You can find objects that hold resonance for you and use that in a way that works and is meaningful to you. Next, pick a tarot deck if you have one that is in the mood you are carrying today.

I often use the book Journaling the Tarot: Evolutions by Andy Matzner. This book holds many wonderful journaling questions for you to work with. This book offers prompts based upon each card in the tarot spiral. It is okay to be intentional with your questions in the book as well as picking something to work with that just is a random find in your browsing through the catalogue of ideas/prompts/questions/ponderings. I recommend getting this book for use in exploring your own personal biography.

One example is to work with The Fool card in the deck. Of course each deck is different in what it offers. Imagery is important here. If you are doing internal explorations - working with a deck that is gentle might work the best at some moments. If you are going deeper in with some harder places in your own interior - you may choose a more challenging deck. It is up to you to find a safe way to work with the tarot that is a support rather than a hard place to deal with. You might even ask a friend - support person - therapist - group - to allow you to explore some of these questions with you.

The Fool - Tarot for Kids by Theresa Reed & Kailey Whitman

From the Journaling the Tarot: Evolutions book - some questions to work with under the Fool is the following.
1. If your soul could speak to you, what would it want you to know? Where would it want you to go? What would it want you to do? What would it want you to have? What would it want you to be?

The gentle image of this particular Fool is very nice to work with around childhood memories. It also offers a soft and welcoming and somewhat playful image for creativity and adult explorations around new beginnings. If you work with these question as outlined above - you may find some unexpected gems in going over where you are in this moment.

This is also a useful set of questions regarding a new business exploration and what you might be feeling about this realm in your life. Any time that you are embarking upon a new adventure - this set of questions offers a window in to what might be important to you. A journal is your friend in exploring of course! If you keep a journal over time in working with the tarot as well as these profound exploratory questions - you will discover amazing things about yourself. Keep going.

After you have drawn a card to work with you might set up a creative display for the day or for a week - whatever time you need to sit with and ponder these questions. I will be offering up questions from this comprehensive book over time for you to work with. Of course please purchase the book to support Andy Matzner’s work if you would like to dive deeper in on your own timeframe.

Coming to your little altar of exploration will spark new thoughts and ideas in you each day. Record all of this in your journal. A living tableau to work with life questions makes the important work of self-discovery all that much more rich and enlivening. Discovery about the maps and charts of our Biography is a treasure waiting for you. Please reach out and share any insights you have found.

“If you look deeply enough into something - You will see everything.”

— anonymous