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

Biblical Art

Advent project

I'm excited to be going through Advent with Ann Voskamp's beautiful book The Greatest Gift! It's a Jesse Tree project where each day's reading adds another bit to the story of Jesus' family tree. There are 25 decorations too, one to go with each day's reading (sorry, you have to buy the book to get… Continue reading Advent project

Writing Prompts

December prompt: light

In my part of the world December, and Christmas, take place during the darkest part of the year.  Our December days are short, the nights long. Perhaps that's one reason lights are such a big part of our Christmas decor. When I think about the spiritual aspect of Christmas and light, one of the first… Continue reading December prompt: light

Found, Poetry Friday, Religious

The (not so) secret message of Christmas

The (not so) secret message of Christmas Unto us a child is given. O come let us adore Him! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee Emmanuel; His name is called Emmanuel. Veiled in flesh the God-head see. O holy night! Light and life to all He brings. I wonder as I wander. © 2013 by Violet… Continue reading The (not so) secret message of Christmas

Family News, Writing Life

It’s December!

November, the crazy month of writing challenges is over!  A few years ago I submitted myself to NaNoWriMo. For the last couple of Novembers, I've participated (somewhat) in the November Poem-A-Day Chapbook Challenge (prompts, initiative and encouragement supplied by Robert Brewer the blogmeister at Poetic Asides, Writer's Digest's blog for poets). I participated in that… Continue reading It’s December!

Poetry

When song reverberates past the notes

On Saturday night I experienced a rare confluence of two loves—music and poetry. It was my sister-in-law who alerted us to the fact that Steve Bell was in town. So we bought tickets and caught him in Surrey at only the second stop on his Keening for the Dawn (new Christmas album) tour. Steve, if… Continue reading When song reverberates past the notes