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

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”

the Unwinding by Jackie Morris

The Unwinding and other dreamings by Jackie Morris is a book for dreamers.

This book is not meant to be read from cover to cover. It is a book for dreamers. Slight of word, rich of image, its purpose is to ease the soul.
The paintings between these covers were worked on in the between times, an Unwinding of the soul, when the pressures of were were too much. Dreams and wishes are the inspiration at times like this. Threaded through the curious world of The Unwinding are words, slight and lyrical. Their aim is to set the reader’s mind adrift from the troubles of our times, into peaceful harbours where imagination can stretch, where quiet reflection can bring peace.
The Unwinding is designed to be a companion, a talisman to be turned to again and again, a place of respite from an increasingly frantic and complex world.
(From The Inside Dust Jacket)

the keeper of lost dreams

Does she have a name, this woman? If she does, it is known only to a handful of people. The bear knows. He is the only creature of the earth she would call her friend. Between them there is trust, love. Her world is between the dusk light and the dawn light, the time of the moths, of the owls and the bats. (the beginning One)

myth

All she ever wanted was to escape from the ground. Earth-bound, landlocked, gravity her enemy. All she ever d reamed was to lift light into flight, to soar upwards, take to the skies with winged things.
And bird. She loved birds - loved how even a fallen feather, held between fingers, would pulse and turn in the hand and reach skywards as if, like her, every feather longed to be back in the air. (from myth - the midnight fish)

harbour - a strange boat

The women love to see the light of the full moon in the daylight sky, how it seems so slight, almost transparent, a tissue-paper disc in the light of the sun, And they love to dance.
White bears guard their journey, Dark-eyed owls watch the waves. They are dreamers, these women, these bears, they are seers and speakers of truth, dancers of time, travelling the world, gathering stories, For now, for a while, they rest on the water.
Stand on the shore and watch. As the moon sinks towards the edge of the sea you might see her open her wings wide in the twilight and rise to the sky, away from the skin of the sea, into the ocean of stars.
(from - harbour - a strange boat)

rest - Bear And The Nightingale

Wind in the trees, rattle branch. Can they hear the stars, here where they lie in the hollow? Head in hands, head on paw, each rests in silent trust of other, while daylight moths whisper night songs and nightingale, the bird of summer threads his song of love through winter’s dark.
Hare love the moon, misses her bright gaze, knows that she will come again with a wild certainty.
(from rest- Bear And The Nightingale)

“Rest now, in the peace of the wild things. May the swan be your pillow, may teh gold owl bring you visions. May the red fox give you cunning, and the wolf bring you courage. And may the while hore lend her strength to all your days”

— Jackie Morris

Please support this artist and her gorgeous books of beauty and poetic stories. You can find her at Jackie Morris. She lives in Wales in the UK. This particular book as it was mentioned is - a talisman to carry with you as you seek.

Ostheimer Wooden Figures - An Altar In My Home

In our home, altars are an important tableau to celebrate daily life as well as elevate holiday and important days that we would like to honor. Having a space to pause and contemplate the meaning of the day - as a seasonal table scape allows us to slow our pace and find a moment of reflection. Taking in the quiet space of a lovely altar is a ritual that offers a simple yet profound embrace of our days. It connects to our ancient ancestors as well, as they also arranged objects as symbols of importance.

A variety of materials of course may be used to create your own home altar or seasonal table corners. Items from nature are always beautiful to add to a scene. Simple materials of any kind that you find particularly relevant allows the making of the altar specific to you. As you go out on a nature walk perhaps you find abundance of sticks, leaves, bones, shells, tree back, moss, flowers and such. Of course do not take too much from a particular area and always be mindful of not harvesting anything that is on the species at risk list of plants. A list of these can be found at United Plant Savers. Creating a nature or seasonal altar that holds meaning should be ethically created.

Here is a simple altar in the photograph above that I created to honor and celebrate gratitude. Crystals provide the nature element to reflect purity of intention. Crystals can be found in many places. Find the colors and particular crystals that have resonance for you and your altar space. Ostheimer wooden figures are beloved pieces we have collected over many years that often find their way into a seasonal altar scene. The reminder and display of this lovely family creates connections in my mind of the long story of my own family. The mother and father stand in support of their young daughter. The simple and quiet posture of the figures brings an immediate sense of focus and calm.

Over time a collection of important items that are meaningful to you will begin to conjure up instant patterned memories and heart connections. This is good for your soul. A relevance of soul over the years provides an easy and comforting way into soul reflection as well as healing ways. As your eyes cast over a seasonal display that you have put time and energy into creating - all of this is taken in as you stand before your display. This can be for just a moment or for a little bit longer period of contemplation. A pause - a rest - a reassurance that life continues as you are a part of it - bringing strength and resilience to you.

You altar space is really a momentary and visually available meditation. It is a living picture of what your soul might need in that particular seasonal celebration. A gratitude altar can be this simple as I have shown. The meaning finding comes from what is important to you and your unique biography. A created altar cannot really be copied as it does not hold anything of importance to you and your own life path. It is so interesting to look at others creations of altars and corner celebrations - and many ideas can be gained in observing and researching altars. Examples and ideas can be found in art books, stories, shops, museums, Pinterest, album covers, botanical gardens and nature preserves. Here is a useful article for you to gain more ideas from - There Is Only One Rule For Creating Your Home Altar. There are so many creative ways to support yourself. Part of the fun in this creating is the contemplation, research, wandering, creation aspects of this unique form of meditation - art making - and meaning finding.

The subject of creating home altars is a large one. Books and articles have been written about this from a wide variety of viewpoints. An altar can be anything that you find as a focal point. A simple branch can be set upon a windowsill - done with intention this can become an altar space for you. A small vase of flowers will evoke feelings and thoughts that can be utilized as a focal point of meditation, enjoyment and pause. Photographs of a beautiful nature scene can provide dreaming and remembrance. Photos of loved ones or individuals that we admire can also sit on your altar space. The possibilities are infinite in this temporary art installation. I do not know of another form of creativity that can make manifest our inner lives as an outward reflection to have as a living picture of beauty.

Finally, altars are found everywhere already in your home. If you look at the items in your home as well as the arrangement of things - really everything can be seen with this intentionality. Your stove is a hearth and focal point of your kitchen - an altar to the sustenance that this object helps your prepare. The way you arrange your rooms is an altar - inside the container of that particular room. As you can see this wonderful way of looking at your surroundings offers creativity for our imagination each day. If we awaken to what is around us with wonder and curiosity - an offering of deep significance can be found reflected back to us from our living homes. If you decide to create intentional altars in your life, I believe it will offer you a rich and full palette of beauty as a helpful box of available medicine for your soul. I hope you will share your thoughts about altar making in your own life.

mary jo hoffman

Writing Desk Altar

Tasha Tudor Cookstove From Book by Richard Brown

Resources:
Branches and Wings - Making A Nature Altar
Devotions by Mary Oliver
A Woman’s Book of Altar by Nancy Brady Cunningham & Denise Geddes
Hagitude: Reimagining The Second Half of Life

Harvest

Held

I have enough - held by starlight - star keys
I look toward - past expectant hope - instead presence
Star cloaked hieroglyphics encoded - creates mapped DNA
Ancient abundance - found in blueberries - mushroom messages
Carried less into fields - after the mountains let go -
Climbed high - mountain goat tactics - forgotten why I came
Get busy with stance of stopped - directionality is diffuse
Tree ancestors - benevolent kind - held by rings of wisdom
Raven calls in early sunrise - forgotten warmth sparkles - edges
One day there is a basket full - all that is - wanted
Dropped seeds hold - potentiality of you
Rosehips are my hips - weighted worry
Follow the path - into a forest of yesterday
Shines your busyness - forgotten living - enough time
I stand with knowledge stone - seer will is asked for - heavenly
Still simple - internal gaze - spiral past desire
Words are prayer - food of find ways - I give all of it away

~Linden
The Bone Lines