It was a thrill to hear, yesterday, that Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was found in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. If you’re interested in the story of the exploratory expedition to Antarctica, during which the Endurance was crushed by sea ice and sank, I recommend Shackleton’s riveting book South. I read and reviewed it in 2020.… Continue reading South: The story of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Expedition – Review (repost)
Category: Public Domain
Mindfulness at Christmas
Thank you to Irene Latham for rallying us to revive our Spiritual Journey Thursday meme, at least this once. We’re invited to reflect on our One Little Word choices for 2017. My 2017 word was / is MINDFULNESS. I am aware that there are psychological and, in some faiths, religious overlays to the word which… Continue reading Mindfulness at Christmas
Delight
A week ago, waiting in the doctor's office, I spent some of the time people-watching. A mother and her 18-month-old caught my eye. The little guy, still in his foot PJs, was full of sauce (he was obviously not the sick one). He kept wriggling from Mom's lap and wandering off into the nursing station… Continue reading Delight
The Elf and the Dormouse
It's mushroom season—it must be, because they are growing everywhere. I snapped some fine specimens on my walk the other day. They always remind me of the fun little poem we learned in school—"The Elf and the Dormouse" Umbrellas galore! (Photo © 2015 by V. Nesdoly) The Elf and the Dormouse Under a toadstool crept… Continue reading The Elf and the Dormouse
St. Patrick’s Prayer
Happy St. Patrick's Day! The Prayer of St. Patrick I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to… Continue reading St. Patrick’s Prayer
The Gate of the Year
Seventy-five years ago, in December of 1939, Britain was at war. It's easy to forget, knowing what we do today, that at the time no one knew how that war would end. That year in his Christmas message King George VI ended his 9-minute broadcast with the lines of an obscure poem by a little-known… Continue reading The Gate of the Year
Bells Across the Snow
Bells Across the Snow O Christmas, merry Christmas, Is it really come again, With its memories and greetings, With its joy and with its pain! There's a minor in the carol And a shadow in the light, And a spray of cypress twining With the holly wreath tonight. And the hush is never broken By… Continue reading Bells Across the Snow
Motto for a Front Hall
Motto for a Front Hall If you come cheerily, Here shall be jest for you; If you come wearily, Here shall be rest for you. If you come borrowing, Gladly we’ll loan to you. If you come sorrowing, Love shall be shown to you. Under our thatch, friend, Place shall abide for you, Touch but… Continue reading Motto for a Front Hall
Violet Nesdoly 