Personal, Poetry

Dear After-Christmas Leftovers

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration. We did. We even had a white Christmas, something of a novelty in this southwest corner of Canada. Now that 2022 is almost upon us, do you find yourself looking ahead, perhaps crafting resolutions and setting some goals for the next 12 months? I do. Not… Continue reading Dear After-Christmas Leftovers

Poetry, re-post, Religious

Let Christmas Come

Christmas lights in Douglas Park this year, photographed after a snowfall a few weeks ago. On this day before Christmas Eve, I wish all who read here a Christmas filled with love, warmth, light, family, friendship, and health. Let Christmas Come Let strings of rainbows ringing patios,and radiant pearls outlining roofsblink into the twilight. Let… Continue reading Let Christmas Come

art, Poetry

Christmas Seed

A few years ago, our church’s Christmas production included selected individuals telling their own Christmas stories. One of the storytellers, Keri, came from an addiction fueled life on the streets. Her journey to Jesus and sobriety began with an anonymous gift given to her by someone handing out food in Vancouver’s downtown east side. I… Continue reading Christmas Seed

Christmas, Personal, Poetry, Religious

Advent Preparations

Welcome to December! In this month’s blogs, I’ll be sharing poems with you—mostly reflections on Christmas. In this first poem, I write about what I’ve spent most of yesterday and today doing: decorating my home for Christmas. At our house that’s a pretty predictable process. But not all Christmas preparations are as easy to list.… Continue reading Advent Preparations

Form poems, Kids, People, Personal, Spiritual Journey Thursday

Special Day (Spiritual Journey Thursday)

Welcome to Spiritual Journey (first) Thursday, hosted here today. This month we’re exploring the topic “special days.” Following my thoughts, below, is a widget where you can leave the link to your post. Somebody's turning seven! (Photo © 2018 by V. Nesdoly) The look on the face of my four-year-old granddaughter—of excitement, anticipation, I’m-ready-for-the-spotlight—said it… Continue reading Special Day (Spiritual Journey Thursday)

Objects, Personal, Poetry Friday

Ghostly visible

Ghostly visible as winter’s “Fresh Blueberries” summer’s Christmas scene © 2017 by Violet Nesdoly *********** I photographed the Christmas scene above last August when we were visiting the kids up north. I wondered how many times I had passed it and not even seen it. It made me think of other things we see and… Continue reading Ghostly visible

Book Reviews, Christian fiction

Twenty-One Candles (review)

Twenty-One Candles: Stories for Christmas by Mike Mason My rating: 5 of 5 stars Mike Mason (Canadian author of The Mystery of Marriage, Champagne for the Soul and the Blue Umbrella fantasy series for kids) has a personal tradition of writing a Christmas story every year. This book is 21 of those stories, collected into… Continue reading Twenty-One Candles (review)

Children's, Non-fiction, Personal, Writing for kids

A Child’s Christmas in Saskatchewan

It's Christmas Eve, the time our thoughts turn to all things holy—and presents! How crass. But how real, especially if you're a kid. A few weeks ago when I was cleaning out some papers, I came across a picture book I wrote and illustrated way back when. It was one of my course requirements at… Continue reading A Child’s Christmas in Saskatchewan

Book Reviews, Fiction

Cecile’s Christmas Miracle (review)

Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas Volume 7 by Ruth L. Snyder My rating: 5 of 5 stars Cecile’s preparations for Christmas this year are nothing like they were last year when she lived in Alberta. Now, as a nurse working with the San Bushmen people of Botswana, she’s covering up to protect herself from… Continue reading Cecile’s Christmas Miracle (review)

Objects, Poetry Friday

Christmas on the West Coast

Christmas on the West Coast Twigs stunning in diamonds doors lined running pearls scribble reindeer all lit up under Christmas tree swirls. Balconies wearing ruby emerald, agate bling like necklaces, bracelets scarves, pins and a ring. Roof lines cascade ice lights twinkle bells and bright stars. Windows beam the old story. Velvet antlers deck cars.… Continue reading Christmas on the West Coast