#a treasured thanksgiving day tradition

[naffeclipse]

I absolutely adore every AU you come up with, but I was actually curious if you had already or were considering writing a traditional DCAxReader? Hopefully I can kick this art block soon because there is so much fanart I want to draw of your stories :) Hope your week is going well! (besides the roof disaster ^^;;;)

On another note... AUs are my brainrot and I keep thinking about that post about the large bed... and spoopy ghosts. Clipgeist? No running away from something that can follow you to the ends of the Earth. Poor Y/Ns just can't catch a break lol

I have a few canon stories with the DCA x Reader on my Ao3 but nothing as grand or long as my AUs! I do have a 'canon' story plotted but I don't know when I'll write it. Hopefully one day!

Ah, that's so exciting! I hope you can chisel that art block down hehe 

It's going good (aside from the roof ;-;) I have this week of school before we go on break for Thanksgiving and it can't come soon enough!

Shaking your hand so hard rn!! I love AUs! And a spooky ghost one? Oh ho, I've always wanted to write a domestic monster scenario!

Perhaps Y/N moves into an old, old house with steep roofs, pointed arches above the windows and doors, and a lovely porch. It's two and a half stories tall (the half story is attic space under the roof rafters) with a four-story central spired tower! All dark wood and even darker interiors. You can't desire if it's Dracula's castle or a fairytale home for the happily ever-after-ed prince and princess. It's even got a secret underground tunnel! What more do you need when flipping a home? You love restoration and you intend to keep all its gothic charm while updating it to be, well, livable.

It's also incredibly cheap! Like, stupid cheap, for something that should be incredibly pricey for its prestige style and historical value. Not that you've ever looked a gift horse in the mouth, but even you have second thoughts before ultimately snatching up the house key.

The first night is always unsettling—maybe you hear a voice whisper in your ear despite it being dead silent and there's not a soul for miles, but you'll brush that off as getting spooked by old ghost stories your brain conjures up within the ornate decorated rooms.

From there, things get stranger and stranger still. Your paintbrush is moved and you know you didn't set it there because of the wet paint dripping onto the floor. The electricity is ever fickle, turning off at the most opportune moments during the night, like when you swear you saw a figure standing at the end of the hallway, all thin and scraggly with a ghostly smile and an inhuman head framed with wavering energy that almost seems to glow like embers in the dark!

Still, you continue your repairs and restorations, sometimes softly talking to yourself out loud and talking to the house like it's a wounded animal you intend to restore back to its fittest with all the love you can pour out of your heart. Places need love, too.

The most obnoxious thing is that you can't access the tower—the door is always locked, and no matter what key you try, it refuses to budge. You don't dare risk causing damage by prying it open, but you swear you'll get into that tower one day. There's got to be treasure inside with how mysteriously it stands, just out of your reach. Though, you've mostly put it aside for now. Whenever you jingle keys in the lock, you swear you hear a voice grow angry with you, and the hallway becomes so cold you can see your breath.

So, yeah, you're saving that for later.

The pivotal moment of you even considering a haunting is one night when you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed from the ever-growing list of chores and how everything is falling apart faster than you can fix it. You dissolve on the living room floor into thick tears. You're usually so put together, even when alone. You hate crying. There's no one to hold you together except yourself, so why fall apart in the first place?

Your little moment of getting it out is interrupted when a quilt falls over your shoulders. A soft, heavy quilt of midnight skies and dotted pale blue stars that was never in this room.

You leap to your feet, quilt falling away, and call out in classic horror victim fashion, "Who's there?" but no one answers. In frozen terror, you stare at the room, expecting something, anything to jump out or scream at you, but it's so, so quiet. All is still, like apologetic comfort.

That couldn't have happened. No draft, no forgetfulness could explain how a quilt was draped over you as if by a concerned friend.

You stare at the quilt and decide that you've had a long day. You go to your room, unable to relax even once you're under the covers, feeling something cold and misty above your bed.

When you wake in the morning, that starry quilt is draped over your lying form. You did not put it there.

Something or someone else tucked it around you.

#haunting au #ghost!eclipse #clipgeist is so *mwah* #anyways what goes bump in the night but a haunting specter that may or may not vie for your affection #just don't go into the tower #hei-z-sky #naff writing

[imagine-silk]

Could I request what Thanksgiving is like with some of the Fallout guys?

》Hope y'all had a good one cause mine had horrible food TTMTT

【Danse】 In the Brotherhood you weren't supposed to celebrate Thanksgivings. It was labeled as a waste of time and resources. But every year the crew would put something together in private. Everyone knew, even the higher ups, but it was left alone. So when Danse leaves he misses what he was used to. What made it better was the fact he wouldn't have to spend it alone.

【Deacon】 He disappeared and no one knew where or why. So it was another Thursday. You knew he knew what the day was, everyone was going to celebrate. You had your party with one guest missing, but that guest was almost expected to not go. After it was all done you were snatched while the others were cleaning up. Deacon all but shoved you into his little home-base to show you a dinner setup, admitting he wanted to have your attention selfishly and party. It was his way to say thanks.

【Hancock】 He loves any excuse to throw a party. He doesn't even know what Thanksgivings is and he doesn't care. Thank you bye. Someone said it involved food and family so the entire town makes food in the world's messiest potluck and throws down. Music is blasting, no one is sober, and someone is making out on the table.

【MacCready】 He had no idea what Thanksgivings was until you told him. The biggest part of him is telling him it's a waste of time and effort. That's also the part that leaves his mouth. But there's a quiet part under all that that yearns for it. The warmth of food and family on a day set aside just to relax, indulge. So during the party he doesn't complain and just sits quietly.

【Nick】 Thanksgivings is never something he really thought about. He liked the passive tradition of it but never went out of his way to do anything, even before the war. So when he woke up in the trash as a robot it didn't occur to him to keep up the tradition. But spending it with you and yours feels familiar, it feels like home again.

【Preston】 Not every year did he get to celebrate so he treasured when he could. Having warm food heat the room with people in sweaters and hiding under blankets was the best time of the years for him. Christmas was too cold and made him worry about other and the gift giving always got out of hand. Thanksgivings was his favorite. With a lot of persuasion you get others to plan the party and get him to sit out just to take a break.

【X6】 He knows what it is, why it is, how it came to be, and anything else, and he does not care. It's a holiday so he'll spend it however you want. You want him to set tables he'll set tables. You want to eat turkey he'll get it. You ask if he's enjoying himself he'll say yes. He can't tell if he's telling the truth or not.

#ask and you shall receive #fallout 4 #fallout imagines #gender neutral reader #fallout x reader #companions react #danse #paladin danse #deacon fo4 #deacon fallout 4 #hancock #fallout hancock #maccready #nick valentine #preston garvey #x6 88

[mumblelard]

the lodger's new roommate or the lodger's old roommate, a tale of woe

i mounted them using the forty pound command strips and the lodger ripped them down thrice. message received

also, i'm into site specific maps lately and thinking a lot about hand drawn maps. i drew a map of the roads between my girlfriend's house and mine and i like how it turned out

i treated myself to early solstice presents this week: fancy new earbuds that sound so good, new trail shoes, a pink krink k-42 with an opacity that will make you swoon, and a t-shirt by an artist i like. i am still struggling with wanting stuff

i hosted all four of finn's cats yesterday while pest control treated their building. we had a nice visit. kreg keeps saying she wants to live here but i know she would miss her finnie

it got in the high fifties yesterday. i opened all my windows to let the fresh air flow and did a big clean. it was such a pretty day

i have been writing more poems lately. they are built like tiny verbal wunderkammer and filled with bright treasures i find on my rambles. i think, with practice, they are getting better

i'm making cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and roasted chicken this weekend. a makeup dinner for the traditional thanksgiving feast i missed last month

this year has been so packed full of change for me. a struggle that has plagued me for the last four years ended in a most dramatic way. a brutal passage that i survived, mostly, intact. i wish it could have ended some other way, but at least now, it's finally over

#the strength contained in one grizzly bear heart will generate enough force to move four gin universal density bales of cotton over one vert #the lodger #empty rooms #full lives #polaroids #photography #photographers on tumblr #i never could get the hang of wuersdays #year end review #rambles #battered #gorilla costumes #mark of cain #only two short months since my time in rice street #my grandmother is full of stories about stumbling great uncles and n-level cousins who passed out drunk in the snow and died #lips blue from the cold #declarations of intent #cursed money feeds cursed lives #i want to be a turtle when i grow up #and that would fix everything #second blue moon epoch #first autumn #end of messages

[drinksattheendoftheworld]

Favourite* 50 Movies Seen in 2023

As has become my tradition, I'm sharing the Top 50 new-to-me movies that I watched in 2023. I participated in a certain Letterboxd challenge last year through which I had more of a focus on movies from the 90s-present than I normally would have, but it did result in my exposure to some gems (half of my top 10 were from the list, so at least there's that!) This year, however, I hope to watch far more from before my birth as tends to be my preference. Anyway.

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Boogie Nights (1997)

American Graffiti (1973)

The Last Days of Disco (1998)

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Party Girl (1995)

The Misfits (1961)

Another Country (1984)

Back to the Beach (1987)

Tommy (1975)

Margaret (2011)

Women Talking (2022)

Wicked Little Letters (2023)

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)

Man Wanted (1932)

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Crooked House (2017)

The Aviator (2004)

Earth Girls are Easy (1988)

The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)

Impulse (1990)

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

Girls Nite Out (1982)

Pretty Woman (1990)

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

The Fabelmans (2022)

The Nest (2020)

May December (2023)

The Pelican Brief (1993)

Point Break (1991)

The Convert (2023)

The Long, Long Trailer (1954)

American Fiction (2023)

Dead of Winter (1987)

In Her Shoes (2005)

Mother, Couch! (2023)

Tár (2022)

Crash (1996)

The Miracle Club (2023)

Thanksgiving (2023)

Under the Silver Lake (2018)

Pompeii (2014)

Ghostkeeper (1981)

Eyes of Fire (1983)

The Bloodhound (2020)

Blue Ruin (2013)

Igby Goes Down (2002)

How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

Arlington Road (1999)

*Also, an important caveat: Favourite ≠ Best

#for the first time in nearly a decade i did not surpassed the number of movies watched the previous year #but only 5 short - i watched 183 in 2022 and 178 in 2023 #these numbers mean nothing but hey if i'm gonna keep track of them i feel like i should share them somewhere #endless list of favourite movies

[llatimeria]

in this article (sorry, it's paywalled) we're reading, Philip Deloria recontextualizes Thanksgiving as something more like a "rejoicing", and like. Yeah lol, he's completely right, in a way that's so obvious it feels absurd I didn't notice this until right now. The notion of actually Giving Thanks to anything is so pushed to the side it barely affects the holiday's miasma at all. Thanksgiving is an anachronistic celebration of an imagined American spirit, not a day of reflection about anything actually important to us. The parades especially strike me as ghoulish, even dystopian in this context; we have talented children march in sync while loudly playing war songs, delibrately mimicking the American militias that slaughtered thousands of people, justified with some extremely ill-concieved notions of "supremacy". As the kids trundle down streets built on stolen land by stolen labor, cheered on by thousands of Americans crowding the sidewalks or television sets, they're punctuated by giant, cutesie effigies of the most successful brands of that year, or elaborately decorated vehicles chauffering smiling and waving celebrities. This feels like a bit out of Hunger Games, or any other dystopian novel, but no, this has been the American reality for over a century. This is a treasured moment of warmth and nostalgia for millions of people, including myself. It's so baked into our culture that we even gloss over the fact that the most popular Thanksgiving parade is traditionally performed by a department store chain, thinly disguising their giant advertisement as an "American tradition".

How the fuck did it come to this?

[bgallen]

"Thanks are the highest form of thought"

This week, specifically In America, we celebrate the giving of thanks.

Traditionally, the English colonists of Plymouth often held days of “Thanksgiving.” As Brittanica says, “they were days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.” It seems that the first Thanksgiving that we have based our current holiday on began with some of the Plymouth colonists going out in search of fowl to hunt. Here is an excerpt from Pilgrim Edward Winslow’s letter to a friend in England, “ Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some 90 men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

The “Indians” that Edward spoke of were, as many of you know, one of the communities of the Wampanoag Nation, which means People of the First Light. In the 1600s there were 67 villages that made up the nation covering territory on the “east coast as far as Wessagusset (today called Weymouth), all of what is now Cape Cod and the islands of Natocket and Noepe (now called Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard), and southeast as far as Pokanocket (now Bristol and Warren, Rhode Island).” This is what the Wampanoag today say of their ancestors, “It was up to the People to keep the balance and respect for all living beings and to receive all the gifts from The Creator.”  This particular meeting between the Plymouth Colony and this community of the Wampanoag led to a treaty between the two groups that lasted until the Great Narragansett War that occurred in 1675-1676.  

In a society that is far removed from being an agricultural society, we do not always grasp the importance of the harvest and celebrating that gift. The back breaking work required while the results are so often left to the weather of which we have no control at all is incredible to me. The fact that tomorrow I will go to the grocery store 15 minutes from my house and purchase all of the needed ingredients for my family to feast and celebrate is not lost on me. And that there are many that will not have that ability is also not lost on me. I am grateful for the example of the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag, in the midst of great differences (yet simultaneously more in common that one might initially think), both groups were more than willing to share in their bounty, celebrating a harvest after a very hard year for both. 

May it remind us today of our ability to share with our friends, family, neighbors, and those we come across - no matter our differences. Because, just maybe, we share more in common than we don’t share.  

I am grateful for the house that I live in, the family that I love, the friends that I treasure, the traditions I share with those people, the memories of past celebrations, and the hope of celebrations to come. I am grateful for this nation that I live in. I am grateful for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and that this coming Sunday begins Advent. I am grateful for music, coffee, and antique shopping.

And, I am grateful for you. 

I hope that you are able to celebrate and be thankful during this season and remember from the smallest to the largest, the blessings that have been bestowed upon you. And I hope that you feel loved and cared for. 

Happiest of Thanksgivings! 

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."  -- G.K. Chesterton

#thanksgiving #thanksgivingday #2022 #holiday #america #usa #happy #celebrate #history #remember #hope #joy #peace #patience

[firacard11]

Heartfelt Wishes: The Joyful Benefits of Sending Happy Birthday Grandma Cards

Celebrating the birthday of a beloved grandmother is a special occasion that deserves to be marked with love and thoughtfulness. In a world where digital greetings are prevalent, the charm and benefits of sending Happy Birthday Grandma Cards remain unparalleled. Let's explore the heartfelt advantages of choosing traditional cards to convey your warm wishes on this special day.

Personalized Touch: Happy Birthday Grandma Cards offer a personal touch that digital messages often lack. Selecting or creating a card that resonates with your grandmother's personality, hobbies, or interests adds a unique and sentimental element to your birthday wishes.

Keepsake Memories: Unlike digital greetings that may be easily forgotten, a physical birthday card becomes a cherished keepsake. Grandmothers often treasure these cards, creating a lasting memory that they can revisit with a smile, even years after the celebration.

Expressive Designs and Sentiments: Birthday cards come in a myriad of designs and sentiments. Whether you choose a card with a heartfelt poem, a nostalgic photograph, or a humorous illustration, the variety allows you to express your emotions in a way that resonates with your grandmother's tastes.

Tactile Experience: There's something inherently special about holding a tangible birthday card in your hands. The tactile experience of opening an envelope, feeling the texture of the card,Thanksgiving Free Online Cards and flipping through its pages adds an extra layer of joy to the birthday celebration.

Surprise Element: Mailing or personally delivering a Happy Birthday Grandma Card adds an element of surprise to the celebration. The anticipation and excitement of receiving a beautifully crafted card can elevate the overall birthday experience for your grandmother.

Thoughtful Gestures: Taking the time to select or create a birthday card demonstrates thoughtfulness and effort. Grandmothers often appreciate the sentiment behind a handwritten message, knowing that their grandchild put time and consideration into choosing a card that reflects their relationship.

Connection Across Distances: For those who may be physically distant from their grandmothers, sending a birthday card becomes a tangible way to bridge the gap. The card serves as a heartfelt reminder of the connection and love shared, even when miles apart.

Multi-Sensory Experience: Happy Birthday Grandma Cards engage multiple senses, from the visual appeal of the design to the tactile feel of the paper. Some cards may even include features like embossing, foil accents, or scented elements, creating a multi-sensory experience that adds to the joy of the occasion.

[vincewillard-1971]

Christ The Hope In Glory

Colossians 2:1-20

1. For I would ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

5. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.

7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19. And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

20. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22. Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

#Christian Faith

[mariellaolden]

My favorite holiday

By: Mariella Angela H. Olden (December 17, 2023)

Growing up, I have always loved the cherished traditions that mark the Christmas season in our country. While other nations celebrate Thanksgiving at the onset of December, Filipinos, including myself, start to build our Christmas tree at home as soon as the "Ber months" commence. Christmas carols would be everywhere, and Christmas lights would light up every house in the streets. No place in the world could come close to the Christmas spirit here in the Philippines.

During my childhood, I have always believed in Santa Claus. Whenever it was the 1st day of December, I would write letters to Santa. Color it red and green, and draw it with symbols of Christmas. I used to be artistic as a kid. I loved writing and giving letters. My parents would tell me I had to finish it as soon as I could so they could send it to Santa through the post office. On Christmas Eve, I sleep early with excitement because I know Santa will come to our house along with his reindeers afterwards. Each morning of Christmas, I would wake up with joy, seeing my wish come to life. It goes on without fail every year. It was then that I came to the realization, just like in the movies, that Santa Claus was, in fact, not true but rather a legendary figure, a Christmas character who served as a charming tale that made children believe in the reward of their wishes if they behaved well to their parents throughout the year. Well, as for me, I found out when I was ten that the real Santa Claus in my life was my father and my mother, who made sure to give me the material gifts such as toys I wanted and written in my letter, all in the pursuit of my happiness. I am forever thankful and grateful for them.

Being the eldest in a Filipino household, I grew up celebrating Christmas together with my extended family. We would set up our Christmas trees and decorate our homes with lanterns and Christmas lights. Attending every Simbang Gabi and completing the nine-day masses have also become a tradition. After the mass, our evenings were sweetened with the delights of puto bumbong or bibingka as dessert after dinner. Each year, we plan a specific theme, pairing our attires with it, and the chosen best outfit is awarded a prize. By the night of Christmas, we would play different games for children and adults. Another segment of the program is the performances of every family, which they prepared days prior. The highlight of the night is whenever we exchange gifts together. Much of our memories were made up of the preparations, the holiday foods, and the shared stories. Our family makes time to celebrate together every Christmas. For most, this is just typical. But for mine, it is one of a kind. 

As the year passes and another Christmas season approaches, a faint but deep ache of sadness settles in. Memories of our previous celebrations flashback, marked by the presence of every family member – parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, children, and the inclusion of some close friends. There's a noticeable difference between those treasured times and now. Even while most are still with us to celebrate this holiday, the absence of others creates a shadow that highlights the hole left by those who are no longer here to join us in our seasonal gathering. I missed them, and I missed celebrating Christmas with them.

As the song goes, this is the season to be jolly. The season of joy and a time dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Beyond that, for us, it also serves as a period of reflection to look back on all the events and experiences we've had in that year. As we approach the end of the year, it becomes a powerful reminder that we have conquered the challenges, and we look forward to the promise of a new year: a fresh start and a new beginning.

Now, in my adulthood, I've come to recognize that the true essence of Christmas is still there. It never left. Despite the absence of some loved ones I wish were still here with us, their spirit and unwavering love remain in our hearts. If someone were to ask me what my favorite holiday is, without hesitation, I would still answer them with a smile on my face: it is Christmas. My sentiment extends beyond our traditions but lies in the joy of sharing this wonderful season with my favorite people.

If I were given the opportunity to make a wish to Santa again, my wish would not revolve around materialistic things anymore. Instead, my heartfelt wish would be providence, continuous good health of our family, and, most of all, to relive the magic of Christmas, not only this year but also in the years to come, just like the old times.

***

Mariella Angela H. Olden, 18, is a Biology freshman at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She wishes to celebrate the holidays again with her family, just like the old times.

#essay #youngblood inquirer #words #poetry #quote #life #christmas #holidays #art #writer

[daimonclub]

Christmas markets in America

Best Christmas markets in USA Christmas markets in America, the best fantastic Christmas markets in the U.S.A. including New York, Chicago, Arlington, Washington, Elkhart Lake, Philadelphia and many more. Christmas markets have their roots in European history, but have also become incredibly popular in cities and towns across the U.S. Exploring these markets is a fun way to celebrate the season and stock up on holiday gifts and goodies without even having to travel abroad. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas at these markets that are full of ornaments, Christmas trees, and warm winter wear. You can often find delicious gingersnaps, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot chocolate to entice your taste buds and keep you warm. So this holiday season, unless you’re traveling to one of the famous Christmas Markets in Europe, consider visiting one of these festive markets to get in the spirit of Christmas. These cities also make excellent travel destinations in November and December to see how other cities celebrate the season. Sausages are one of the top reasons that Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is one of the top Christmas markets in the country, and it’s been one of the longest-running Christmas markets in the U.S. There are plenty of other amazing German-inspired foods here, and many vendors that sell cuckoo clocks, table laces, ornaments, and woodworking masterpieces. One of the essential activities at this market is to get a glass of gluhwein in a themed cup that changes designs every year. For the kids, there’s a Kinder Club that organizes fun activities, like scavenger hunts. Admission to the festivities is free.

Chicago Christmas market This is a unique Christmas market because it primarily celebrates the life and work of the great author, Charles Dickens. This fair will transform you back to London in Victorian times, as San Francisco takes on a whole new look. Expect to see lamp-lit lanes with pubs, shops, and restaurants that create Victorian London. Bring your top hat and dress in character because this is a festival to remember! Make sure to catch some of the theater performances and entertainment provided by local actors. This market is typically open for five weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shops onsite sell jewelry, masks, journals, drinkware, ceramics, and unique toys for kids. Visit the five traditional pubs for food and drinks, make your own crafts, and even get your fortune told! Leave it to a town named Bethlehem to throw an incredible Christmas market. This is a classic Christmas market that embraces old-world traditions and exudes authenticity. Here you’ll find glassblowers and other artisans creating holiday treasures for you to decorate your home or give as gifts. Favorite activities among families with kids include sitting on Santa’s lap and eating breakfast with Santa. This market runs on select days starting right after Thanksgiving. Christmas in New York City is a truly magical time, and aside from Rockefeller Square and Central Park, the place to be to celebrate is the Union Square Holiday Market. This market draws about a million people per year and typically has over 150 vendors set up. You can find unique handmade wearables and jewelry here, as well as children’s toys and Christmas ornaments under the red and white striped tents. You can find some excellent handcrafted bowls, winter accessories, artwork, and candles here. Lots of the artisans sell certified organic and fair-trade goods, as well as ones that are recycled and made in New York. You can find a list of the vendors on the Urban Space NYC website. Leavenworth is a German-themed town in Washington that has a wonderful Christmas market each year. This Christkindlmarkt is typically held in Front Street Park and Leavenworth Festhalle. For over two decades, this Bavarian-style annual Christmas tradition has been helping locals and visitors get in the holiday spirit over Thanksgiving weekend. There’s a lantern parade after the welcome ceremony. There’s lots of holiday music to enjoy here too, as well as a lantern-making workshop and children’s crafts at the Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt.

Chicago best Christmas markets The city of Arlington is the place to be if you love crafts and Christmas. This Christkindl Market is one of the largest of its kind in the Southwest. The local Christkindl Market here is full of vendors that sell beautiful pieces of pottery, garments with alpaca wool, and Christmas decorations. There are lots of kid-themed activities here, including a puppet show petting zoo. The lantern parade is definitely worth watching too. Another great place to celebrate Christmas is our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. This is a favorite Christmas market among foodies because of the fresh donuts, ice cream, and holiday treats for sale under festive tents. Non-traditional and ethnic foods, like churros and empanadas, can also be found here to savor and enjoy. You’ll find this market near the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, so it’s an easy walk from these popular sightseeing spots. The market is located at 8th and F Streets and open daily, and lots of musical acts across all genres perform at the Market Stage. One particularly fun place to bring in the Christmas season is Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This market has traditionally been held at the Osthoff Resort and features a heated tent full of German crafts, apparel, nutcrackers, and gingerbread houses. You’ll also find gift ideas inspired by Russian and Czech traditions too. This market typically lasts for about 10 days in early December. Favorite foods to enjoy here include bratwursts, dumplings, potato pancakes, red cabbage, and apple strudels. Helen is a German-themed town in northern Georgia, so it only makes sense that there would be a Christkindlmarket here! This is a very walkable town, and the winters here are usually mild and pleasant. There are several German restaurants in town outside the festival, as well as fun shops that are open year-round. At all times of the year, you’ll notice the German-themed architecture of the buildings in Helen and beautiful alpine scenery that you might not expect to find in Georgia. This Christmas market is a great place to find Victorian antiques and local Colorado wines. In fact, this is a great market for adults because there’s an annual pub crawl that lets you sample local wines and German specialties. Get in the spirit of Christmas by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride and listening to carolers sing festive tunes. This market typically takes place on the first two weekends of December. Don’t miss the chance to take a tour of the Hamill House and the Hotel de Paris Museums. The Santa Lucia Children’s Procession is extra special as well.

Christmas markets in US There are dozens of vendors at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village, which sells lots of holiday gifts and delicious foods. Favorites foods of the festival include sausages and waffles. This market carries a very authentic German vibe and is also famous for its mulled wine. This market is located downtown at Love Park just west of City Hall. It runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and often has a “sneak peek” weekend before the official opening to get visitors excited for what’s to come. Lovettsville may be one of the lesser-known towns on this list, but it also has a fun Christkindlmarkt worth visiting. Lovettsville is preserved by the Loudoun Valley German Society and just two miles south of the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It was a German settlement town for nearly 100 years. Here you’ll find the traditional German foods and drinks, as well as live music and activities for the kids. New York already starts gearing up for the holiday season in the fall. Christmas markets return to the city as early as October, setting the mood for the most magical time of the year. Here’s where to find the best Christmas markets in NYC. You'll also love this: Is there a better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in New York? Booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks are the most authentic environment to have a merry time and wrap up your gift shopping. Whether outdoor or indoor, New York is home to four major holiday markets and a good number of smaller winter bazaars. Kicking off at the end of October, Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens the holiday market season in New York. Besides being the first to open, it’s also the longest-running, inviting visitors to explore their impressive array of booths all the way through New Year’s Day.

Christmas markets in America Debuting in 2002, Winter Village in Bryant Park is one of the most festive Christmas markets in NYC. The center of the city is a truly inspiring place to drink in the splendor of winter as you and your loved ones stroll down aisle after aisle of specialty vendors and themed attractions. Winter Village has lots to offer: an ice skating rink with free admission, holiday stands to offer seasonal bites, beverages to refuel, local crafts, jewelry, clothes, and many more cute baubles. Union Square is proud to host over 25 years of holiday markets and this year will be no exception. The market’s layout was initially modeled after European Christmas markets and despite some changes since its original inception, the Union Square Holiday Market still mirrors its cousins across the Atlantic pretty closely. It is one of the largest Christmas markets in New York and a holiday tradition for any visitor. At Union Square, you can browse through winding rows of stalls with live music playing in the background. A total of 100 red-and-wite-striped booths display their unique wares and artisanal foods at this Christmas market in NYC. The Union Square Market boats more than 150 registered vendors, both local and international, that are carefully selected. That’s not all, however. Union Square Holiday Market has grown significantly over the years and now also features a kid’s art studio and a warming station for the frostbitten among you. There’s no way you will leave this holiday market without a full belly and a happy smile. Located at Central Park’s southwest corner, in close proximity to the iconic Wollmann ice skating rink, you will find Columbus Circle Holiday Market. What better way to end a perfect wintery stroll through Central Park than with one of the best holiday markets in NYC? This outdoor Christmas market will transport you to a quaint German village enthralled in the holiday spirit. With about 100 booths, the European-style Columbus Circle Holiday Market belongs not only to the best but also to the largest holiday markets in NYC. What can you find at the famed circle during the holiday season? Hot mulled wine, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind ornaments make it the quintessential NYC shopping experience. Merry shopping!

Christmas markets in America If you find yourself in the area on a Monday, be sure to take advantage of free Broadway performances in the Shops at Columbus Circle thanks to Broadway Under The Stars! When temperatures plunge, those of you who are sensitive to the cold may consider spending their time at one of the indoor Christmas markets in NYC. Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central boasts a large month-long indoor holiday market in New York that’s perfect for those who prefer to stay snuggled in warmth regardless of outdoor conditions. At the Holiday Fair, vendors are carefully selected to guarantee only the best experience for their visitors. If you’re looking for gifts, you’ll find a wide selection of one-of-a-kind items. More than 1 million shoppers pass through the holiday fair each day. The iconic transport hub is a convenient location for a jolly extravaganza! Inside the Oculus, you can find a whimsical pop-up holiday market called “The Market at Westfield World Trade Center” that will make your commute even more magical. A path leads you through a little winter village featuring over 20 specialty shops limited edition gifts, snacks and souvenirs. As if the Oculus wasn’t already one of the most beautiful photo ops in the city, a few more props were added to help you get the perfect Christmas card photo this year. The festive decorations include a clocktower, a chrome snowman, and a lush winter landscape. The Underground market named “Turnstyle” features 39 eateries and several popups. For the holiday season, they added several seasonal shops, helping you to do some indoor gift shopping. It’s perfect for those who want to stay indoors. Compared to other holiday markets in New York, however, it feels less festive here. In total, there are seven entrances to the market. Just follow the signs that are posted generously throughout the underground. You don’t need to swipe your MetroCard to visit the Turnstile Holiday Market in NYC. Staten Island’s Empire Outlet is celebrating its holiday market. Local merchants are offering their goods on the third floor of Empire Outlets. The market gives you another reason to ride the free Staten Island Ferry. Once you’ve arrived, you can visit the Christmas market, shop at the outlet and also stop by the Winter Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor, one of the best Christmas Lights in NYC, to fully round up your day on Staten Island.

Best Christmas markets in the USA During the holiday season, Grand Bazaar hosts a seasonal version of its iconic flea market. The curated market takes place on Sundays on Manhattan’s Upper West Side yearlong but pulls out all the stops during the holiday season. Anyone interested in furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, and crafts will feel like they are in a Yuletide paradise here. Each week, the bazaar features a variety of merchants on rotation, offering tchotchkes, antiques, and delicious local cuisine. Be sure to come hungry! There are even more, smaller holiday markets in New York that you can explore during your trip. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing souvenirs or gifts, visiting a New York Christmas market transports you to a winter wonderland where you’ll experience a festive atmosphere and enjoy warm drinks among splendidly adorned walkways and parks. We’ve listed some more holiday markets in NYC for you here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXCKEzp-WHw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAJYkO3G8VU Read also our other posts on Christmas  ; Santa Claus town ; Christmas markets in England ; Christmas markets in Italy and Germany ; Christmas quotes ; 60 great Christmas quotes ; Christmas tree origin and quotes ;  Traditional Christmas Carols ; Ella Gray A Christmas story ; Christmas short stories ; Christmas jokes ; Christmas cracker jokes ; Funny Christmas Stories ; Amusing Christmas stories ; Christmas food ; Christmas thoughts ; Christmas story ; Christmas in Italy ; Christmas holidays ; Christmas songs ; Christmas poems ; An Essay on Christmas by Chesterton ; Read the full article

#America #Arlington #art #Bethlehem #chestnuts #Chicago #Christmas #ElkhartLake #gifts #markets #mulled #NewYork #Philadelphia #presents #shopping #U.S.A. #USA #Washington #wine

[halemiles96]

Tea Time Bliss: Ceramic Tea Light Christmas Trees and More

In the realm of home decor and cookware, ceramic products attract attention for their classic allure and adaptability. From enchanting Christmas accessories to useful kitchen area containers, the market is brimming with a variety of wholesale ceramic products that accommodate varied preferences and choices. In this article, we'll take a fascinating journey via the world of ceramic products, discovering every little thing from classic Christmas treasures to modern-day kitchen area thrills. The holiday season brings pleasure and nostalgia, and ceramic designs play a considerable function in producing a joyful ambience. Vintage white ceramic Christmas trees with twinkling lights and pink ceramic Christmas trees include a touch of retro appeal. Additionally, ceramic gingerbread residences and Christmas wonderful bowls produce a wayward setting for holiday celebrations. As a ceramic maker, there's a huge market for these classic treasures.|Exploring the Whimsical World of Wholesale Ceramic Decor. In the world of home decor and cookware, ceramic products stand out for their classic allure and adaptability. In this blog article, we'll take a wonderful trip with the world of ceramic items, exploring whatever from classic Christmas treasures to modern-day kitchen thrills. Vintage white ceramic Christmas trees with twinkling lights and pink ceramic Christmas trees add a touch of retro appeal. For those looking for sophistication and sophistication, bulk ceramic vases use a myriad of alternatives. Whether custom ceramic planter sets or tall black flower holders, these ceramic vessels enhance the beauty of any type of area. The cooking area is a room where functionality fulfills creative thinking, and ceramic items add a touch of fancifulness to everyday jobs. Figurines are a prominent choice for adding character to home style. Thanksgiving pilgrim porcelain figurines, chef porcelain figurines for the cooking area, and black Santa Claus figurines showcase the variety of ceramic craftsmanship. These figurines are not only attractive yet also create delightful antiques. The world of ceramic drinkware exceeds traditional mugs. One-of-a-kind tiki cups for cocktail bars and smoking cups add a spirited spin to your drink experience. These innovative styles, usually influenced by pop society, satisfy a particular niche market trying to find something unusual. When it comes to kitchen area fundamentals, ceramic deals both capability and elegance. White square ceramic plates, personalized canisters, and ceramic cooking area jars are staples that effortlessly mix functionality with aesthetic appeal. Wholesale ceramic plant pot vendors offer a range of options, from contemporary layouts to vintage-inspired items. The globe of wholesale ceramic items is vast and differed, supplying something for everybody. From the charm of classic Christmas designs to the functionality of cooking area essentials, ceramic items continue to record the creative imagination of customers. Whether it's a traditional ceramic vase, a quirky kitchen area device, or a customized creation, the opportunities in the globe of ceramic design are absolutely endless.

Discovering the Whimsical World of Wholesale Ceramic Decor. In the world of home decor and kitchenware, ceramic products stand out for their timeless allure and adaptability. In this blog post, we'll take a wonderful journey via the world of ceramic products, exploring whatever from classic Christmas treasures to modern cooking area delights. Classic white ceramic Christmas trees with twinkling lights and pink ceramic Christmas trees add a touch of retro charm. White square ceramic plates, personalized canisters, and ceramic kitchen area jars are staples that perfectly mix usefulness with aesthetic appeal. Whether it's a classic ceramic vase, an unusual cooking area device, or a custom-made creation, the opportunities in the world of ceramic decor are really limitless.

#wholesale ceramic coasters

[weeblyteblog]

The Coquitlam Grill: Your Home for Comfort Food

The Coquitlam Grill: What You Need to Know

In the heart of Coquitlam, British Columbia, lies a culinary gem known as The Coquitlam Grill, located at 2635 Barnet Highway #108. This cherished dining destination has earned its reputation for catering to all tastes and cravings, offering a delectable array of culinary delights from breakfast to dinner. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, The Coquitlam Grill welcomes patrons with open doors, inviting them to indulge in a harmonious blend of American and Canadian flavors. The menu features everything from classic all-day breakfast options to mouthwatering sandwiches, juicy burgers, succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty pasta dishes.

Beyond its delectable cuisine, The Coquitlam Grill boasts a well-stocked bar, where an extensive selection of beers, wines, and expertly crafted cocktails awaits. What truly sets this establishment apart is its commitment to warm, personalized service, generous portions that guarantee satisfaction, and prices that won't break the bank. Whether you're a local seeking a familiar haunt or a traveler seeking a taste of British Columbia's culinary culture, The Coquitlam Grill provides an inviting, relaxed ambiance perfect for family gatherings and memorable evenings with friends.

The Coquitlam Grill: A Taste of Home

The Coquitlam Grill's commitment to satisfying every palate is evident in its culinary offerings. The dinner menu, a symphony of American and Canadian flavors, features everything from mouthwatering sandwiches and juicy burgers to succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent pasta dishes. A range of libations, from beers and wines to meticulously crafted cocktails, awaits on the drink menu, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal. And don't forget to indulge in the tantalizing selection of treats on the dessert menu.

Menu specials showcase seasonal and chef-inspired creations that add a touch of excitement to your dining experience. A dedicated menu tailored to the preferences of seniors ensures a delightful meal for all ages. The cherished tradition of the turkey dinner and a strong focus on nutrition ensure that health-conscious diners have options that cater to their needs. Reasonable and accessible menu prices make The Coquitlam Grill a welcoming spot for all. For those seeking a festive feast, the Thanksgiving and Friday special menus offer delightful options. Explore the breakfast and brunch menus, ensuring that any time of day is the right time to experience the culinary delights at The Coquitlam Grill.

The Coquitlam Grill: A fragment of culinary history

Standing as a beacon of culinary excellence at 2635 Barnet Hwy #108, nestled within the vibrant community of Coquitlam, BC, Canada, The Coquitlam Grill embodies a rich history of satiating appetites and creating treasured memories. Over the years, this establishment has blossomed into a beloved local institution, renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and a menu that celebrates the region's culinary diversity. The Coquitlam Grill's legacy serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of an exceptional dining experience that transcends the boundaries of time.

The Coquitlam Grill's Culinary Mission

The Coquitlam Grill's visionary approach embodies its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience, a vision meticulously crafted by a team that wholeheartedly embraces the power of good food to unite individuals and foster a sense of belonging. For those who step through its doors, The Coquitlam Grill's vision unfolds into reality, one mouthwatering plate at a time.

The Coquitlam Grill: Order ahead and skip the wait.

The Coquitlam Grill's culinary excellence knows no bounds, extending beyond its inviting dining room to the world beyond. With a dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its patrons, the restaurant has introduced a convenient delivery service, ensuring that the mouthwatering flavors of American and Canadian cuisine can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast to start your day, a gourmet burger to satisfy your cravings, or a sumptuous pasta dish to warm your soul, The Coquitlam Grill is just a phone call away, ready to deliver a culinary experience that is both convenient and memorable.

Contact Information

Address: 2635 Barnet Hwy #108, Coquitlam, BC V3E 1K9, Canada

Phone number: [phone]

Website: https://the-coquitlam-grill.club/

[jonfarreporter]

Holiday season is coming! How about something with Vetiver!

As the holiday season is approaching quickly, many businesses and merchants are preparing for the annual array of holiday craft fairs and Christmas markets/boutiques. Among them is Caryl Brandes of Caryl B - Gifts That Pamper!

As November begins, Brandes will be featuring her line of high-quality lotions, creams and bath salts as she returns to the annual Sonoma Women’s Club in Sonoma, less than a block from the historic plaza.

And then by the middle of November, she will be bringing her products to the Marin County Mart Farmers Market in Larkspur. Located between the Larkspur Ferry Terminal and the new SMART Train Station, the Mart serves the communities of Marin County, as well as San Francisco locals who want a break from The City.

Then for Thanksgiving weekend, Brandes will be at the Crocker Holliday Artisan Market in downtown Sacramento at the Scottish Rite Center.

Described by co-chairs of the fundraiser, Lesli Pletcher, Jean Schaffer, Connie Spickelmier & Pamela Trump as “a tradition” and the place to find “one-of-a-kind treasures.”

Proceeds from the annual event support participating artists, Crocker Art Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Proceeds also go to Creative Arts League of Sacramento’s arts outreach to Mustard Seed School, Stanford Settlement, Sojourner Truth (SoJo); to low-cost art tours, and other important community programs in the Sacramento area.

During the three-day weekend artisan-crafts-extravaganza, Brandes will be among over 100 artists and craftspeople all providing the best in original works and special products.

Brandes strives to create the best in personal care items and just about every season she debuts a new item or product line variety.

Just in time for the holiday season, Brandes is introducing Warm Woods. “It’s really yummy with notes of Sandalwood, Cedar, Amber, Musk and Vetiver,” said Brandes.

Vetiver is considered to have health benefits and has been used for centuries like aloes, lavender and lemongrass. Like Sandalwood, Vetiver can be traced back to India. The Kannauj region was a major center of trade for this and other aromatic plants, herbs and spices.

During the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana, trade and demand for this perennial plant was so great, a tax on Vetiver was introduced. A very enduring plant it is both resilient and non-evasive.

Used in cosmetics, skin care and aromatherapy, Vetiver has been known in India for more than two millennia and is used in making soap. Naturally antiseptic, Vetiver it has been used to treat acne and skin abrasions.

Because Caryl B products are specifically designed to travel easily in purse, handbag or carry-on luggage, it’s all in the packaging. “This year I am concentrating on gift boxes pre-made or the customer can ask for specific items/fragrances,” Brandes said.

Caryl B schedule for the remainder of the Fall is as follows:

Sonoma Women’s Club on weekend of November 4 & 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM at 574 First Street, East in the town of Sonoma.

Marin County Mart Farmers Market in Larkspur at 2257-C Larkspur Landing Circle; for two consecutive weekends of November 11 and November 18, from 9 AM to 2PM.

Crocker Holliday Artisan Market, Thanksgiving weekend of November 24, 12 Noon to 5 PM, November 25, from 10 AM to 5 PM and November 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, downtown Sacramento (cross street is Carlson Drive).

For more details visit each of the events’ websites in the links within the highlighted text.

To learn more about Caryl B and to order directly from Caryl Brandes, visit the Caryl B website.

#

#carylb #Holiday Artisan Craft Fairs #vetiver #sonoma #sacramento #Marin County Mart Farmers Market

[timdcook4]

For I want you to understand how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen my face in the flesh, so that their hearts may be encouraged, having been held together in love, even unto all the wealth of the full assurance of understanding, unto the full knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and in Him you have been filled, who is the head over all rule and authority; in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you being dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him, having graciously forgiven us all our transgressions. Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us which was hostile to us, He also has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them in Him. Therefore, no one is to judge you in food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, going into detail about visions he has seen, being puffed up for nothing by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees: “Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch”? Which deal with everything destined to perish with use, which are in accordance with the commands and teachings of men; which are matters having, to be sure, a word of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Colossians 2:1‭-‬23 LSB

[gabbygabbypoetry]

Thanksgiving Turkey with Italian Meat Stuffing This treasured family recipe for whole roasted turkey stuffed with Italian seasoning is sure to become a new tradition in your family. 1 large onion chopped, 2 lemons cut in half, 2 teaspoons garlic powder or to taste, 1 cup water, 1/2 loaf day-old Italian bread, salt and ground black pepper to taste, 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic chopped or to taste, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 4 cloves garlic chopped or more to taste, 2 large stalks celery with leaves chopped, 1 whole turkey neck and giblets removed, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

#cuisine #members #turkey #meat stuffing #family #dinners #meat

[astridstorm]

Funeral Homily for Peter Windley Herman

Good morning and welcome to St. James. A special welcome to Alice, Peter’s wife; to Caroline, his daughter and her fiance, Bruce, here with us from Florida; to Peter Jr and his girlfriend Megan, here from Chicago; to Alice’s siblings here today: Margo, Marion, Rob and Tom; nieces and nephew: Alison, Meaghan and Patrick. 

There are friends of Peter’s here from Millbank, welcome to all of you. Also from George Washington High School, even grade school (PS 187).

The Rev. Tom Newcomb, the former rector of St. James is presiding with me today, welcome to him. Until recently Peter continued to have regular lunches with Father Newcomb and their men’s group--some of them are here with us today, as well.

And of course a very warm welcome to the many parishioners who came out to remember the life of this man who was well loved and respected here, and will be--IS--very missed.

Peter and Alice have been at St. James for over 30 years. They became Episcopalians as a compromise between their two traditions, Roman Catholic and Methodist. This is not uncommon. I’ll never forget, though, Peter’s reason for staying in the Episcopal Church, not exactly a ringing endorsement. These are his words exactly: “you can get used to anything.” :)

But I think he did love it here, and that’s as much for the tradition as for the people--really, more for the people. He gave a lot to this community, serving as treasurer and member of the vestry, consulting frequently on our by-laws, looking at contracts. He was a loyal member of the (old) men’s group (as he called it), a regular at coffee hours. He always saw to it that we sang the Navy Hymn on the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He was of course a recipient of the Wally Owen Award for outstanding service to St. James.

What I think he’d be most proud of, though, was his generosity to the children of our parish. On the back of the bulletin is a picture from about four years ago of Peter and some kids sitting near the ice cream truck he would commission each spring. It usually came on Pentecost, one of the principal (and most important) feast days in the Episcopal Church -- but never mind that, because everyone really knew this day as Ice Cream Truck Sunday. 

Peter also generously had ponies brought in each year for Palm Sunday for the children to ride--this because of an old, as in centuries-old, church custom of having ponies lead the procession into the church, taken from the Gospel story of Jesus’ entry on a colt into Jerusalem. The Greater Church may call it Palm Sunday, but here at St. James it’s probably better known as Pony-ride Sunday. At least to our younger members.

We have others speaking today after me, but before I invite them up I’d like to point out that every bit of this service was chosen by Peter--every bit. Since I’ve known him, he’s talked about what was going to be in his funeral service. “Media vita in morte sumus”: In life we are in the midst of death. Peter embodied an old-fashioned appreciation for mortality. The more keenly we’re attuned to it This side of the grave, the more fully we can embrace our lives. And he did.

He reminded me just days before he died--and I quote--“I want it to be known that everything in this service reflects my values.” (end quote) From the prophet Micah’s vision of a day when war shall cease so that every man can sit under his vine and under his fig tree, safe and free from harm. To the Psalmist’s joyful noise in thanksgiving for God’s mercy. To the apostle Paul’s celebration of the variety of gifts given God’s people, all of which “worketh under that one and selfsame Spirit.”

Need I mention that all these readings can only (and ever) rightly be conveyed by the Authorized King James Bible itself, the only Bible Peter took seriously?

The hymns in this service all have meaning, too--In the Garden tells the story of Mary Magdalene’s heart-rending discovery of Jesus that first Easter morning. How Great Thou Art is an homage to creation and the humility it inspires -- these come from Peter’s Methodist upbringing. Others I scarcely need to explain: classic hymns and above all the Navy Hymn with which we’ll conclude this service.

But I think the pinnacle of this service and of the Scriptures for Peter was found in the story of the Good Samaritan, our Gospel reading. A man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Two men--religious leaders of this man’s own people, no less--pass by, hardly giving him a second glance. But a third man, of a different and disreputable tribe, stops to help. Not only that, but takes the wounded man on his own horse, to an inn, where he pays for him to be cared for, and brought back to health. 

It contains everything Peter valued going all the way back to his student days at Columbia and the religious classes he took at nearby Union Seminary, and his days in the Navy--values he formed then and never gave up: mercy, engagement, caring for the stranger, recognizing our shared humanity, and never failing to help someone in need.

The passage ends with what Peter wanted us to hear today, above everything else--his four favorite words in the Scriptures. And for that last line I’m going to have to take some liberties with the King James version because Peter always said they were the FOUR best words in the Bible, and I just noticed in the King James it’s five. I’ll just edit slightly. 

“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?” Jesus asked. 

“And [the lawyer] said, He that shewed mercy on him. 

Then said Jesus unto him, Go, [and] do thou likewise.”

Today we give thanks for a great man. Whose legacy we will carry on--and carry further, just as he would have wished us to. Go, and do thou likewise. Amen.