Kindness is the Glue That Holds a Community Together

The blended aroma of fresh coffee and out-of-the-oven croissants greeted me as I entered my friend’s country kitchen. Jane grabbed her grandmother’s rose patterned fruit bowl off the counter. I picked up the coffee pot and together we headed toward the sunny breakfast nook with its bistro table set for two. “I must tell you... Continue Reading →

Foraged from Ashes

“Here’s something. Remember the big wildfire that was in the news last year?” asked Jim rustling his newspaper. “Yup,” said Gladys rolling the pastry dough. “Well apparently this young couple spent their winter months felling and milling lifeless tree trunks from their barren woodlot.” “What for? That charred looking grove will be filled with beautiful... Continue Reading →

Silent Night

Our story begins on Christmas Eve, 1818. Joseph Mohr, a young man of humble beginnings with an aptitude for music, has settled into his role as the assistant priest for the St. Nicholas parish in Oberndorf. It’s a village north of Salzburg, situated along the Salzach River.  Until recently it had served as an important waterway... Continue Reading →

The Accident

“So tell me what happened,” asked Granny knitting by the roaring fireplace.  “It was surreal,” whispered Carrie, lying stretched out on the chesterfield with a heating pad around her neck. “One minute I was making a left-hand turn out of the parking lot and the next minute I felt as if I was sitting there... Continue Reading →

Christmas Joy in Window Displays and Festival of Trees

Bundled up in my pink ski jacket and fur trimmed bonnet, I stood enchanted by the brightly lit animated display of Santa’s workshop. The Simpson’s department store window in downtown Toronto had cast a magic spell over me. I remember the feeling of absolute wonder and joy as I clapped my hands. And then I... Continue Reading →

‘Tis the Season for Hot Cocoa and Christmas Movies

I hear the rain clattering on the skylight and even though it’s only teatime, I turn on the lights. The whistling kettle on the stove beckons me to the kitchen where I finish making myself a hot mug of super rich chocolately cocoa. It feels like the appropriate thing to do, particularly as I’m about... Continue Reading →

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