Most everyone knows that witches are make believe. Those that don't have created much havoc down through the ages right up to the present day. Poor Harry Potter gets censored, and Halloween parades get cancelled.
Thanks to L. Frank Baum, we know that witches come in two varieties, the wicked ones and the good ones. My favorite wicked witch is from Russian folklore. Her name is Baba Yaga, she has iron teeth and flies in a mortar and pestle. But the best part is her house; it stands on giant chicken feet and can spin around. (click here if you are feeling brave)
If witches were real, there is still nothing to fear. The defense is found in almost every adobe house in our own American Southwest. You simply paint the doors bright blue. Blue doors keep the brujas away.
I've spent considerable time being a children's storyteller, and Halloween stories are among my favorites. But I always preface these storytimes by telling the kids my viewpoint — "I hate really scary stuff. So we will only do fun scary stories."
One day when reading a silly witch story to a group of youngsters, I discovered a latent talent. I can make the best witch voice in the world. Sadly, I am not bragging - it's true.
When I switched to my witch voice in the story, one of my storytime kids burst into hysterical sobs and shrieks. The nice storytime lady had turned into a witch! When you've got a gift, you must use it with great care.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Witches
Most everyone knows that witches are make believe. Those that don't have created much havoc down through the ages right up to the present day. Poor Harry Potter gets censored, and Halloween parades get cancelled.
Thanks to L. Frank Baum, we know that witches come in two varieties, the wicked ones and the good ones. My favorite wicked witch is from Russian folklore. Her name is Baba Yaga, she has iron teeth and flies in a mortar and pestle. But the best part is her house; it stands on giant chicken feet and can spin around. (click here if you are feeling brave)
If witches were real, there is still nothing to fear. The defense is found in almost every adobe house in our own American Southwest. You simply paint the doors bright blue. Blue doors keep the brujas away.
I've spent considerable time being a children's storyteller, and Halloween stories are among my favorites. But I always preface these storytimes by telling the kids my viewpoint — "I hate really scary stuff. So we will only do fun scary stories."
One day when reading a silly witch story to a group of youngsters, I discovered a latent talent. I can make the best witch voice in the world. Sadly, I am not bragging - it's true.
When I switched to my witch voice in the story, one of my storytime kids burst into hysterical sobs and shrieks. The nice storytime lady had turned into a witch! When you've got a gift, you must use it with great care.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Thanks to L. Frank Baum, we know that witches come in two varieties, the wicked ones and the good ones. My favorite wicked witch is from Russian folklore. Her name is Baba Yaga, she has iron teeth and flies in a mortar and pestle. But the best part is her house; it stands on giant chicken feet and can spin around. (click here if you are feeling brave)
If witches were real, there is still nothing to fear. The defense is found in almost every adobe house in our own American Southwest. You simply paint the doors bright blue. Blue doors keep the brujas away.
I've spent considerable time being a children's storyteller, and Halloween stories are among my favorites. But I always preface these storytimes by telling the kids my viewpoint — "I hate really scary stuff. So we will only do fun scary stories."
One day when reading a silly witch story to a group of youngsters, I discovered a latent talent. I can make the best witch voice in the world. Sadly, I am not bragging - it's true.
When I switched to my witch voice in the story, one of my storytime kids burst into hysterical sobs and shrieks. The nice storytime lady had turned into a witch! When you've got a gift, you must use it with great care.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Spiders
I confess to a great fondness for spiders. Spiders are creators of great beauty, and I'm a sucker for visual delights.
The Navajos have a lovely story about Spider Woman who lives under the ground. Changing Woman visits Spider Woman and is taught how to weave, with one condition. Changing Woman must teach other Navajo women the art of weaving. Since Navajo women are some of the greatest weavers in the world, Spider Woman must be pleased.
On certain magical mornings, when the dew covers our meadow and the sunrise is just right, everything in the yard is looped with webs outlined in sparkling drops. That's when I remember that we live absolutely surrounded by spiders all the time.
The spiders on the outside walls of our house and I carry on a polite ballet. I hate to destroy their gorgeous handiwork. But if I don't occasionally cleanup, they proceed to "seal" all our outside doors and windows with their lacy webs. After my gentle cleaning, they can spin new orb webs in about an hour.
As I explain to kids in my science classes, spiders don't chase people. Their venom is for getting lunch. All spider bites are accidents, so it behooves us large-brained mammals not to stick our body parts in dark corners or lonesome woodpiles.
The largest spider I've ever met was the size of a teacup. It was curled up taking a daytime nap in a rainforest tree in Costa Rica. This tarantula was definitely not a woman-eater, and I feel privileged to have encountered it.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
The Navajos have a lovely story about Spider Woman who lives under the ground. Changing Woman visits Spider Woman and is taught how to weave, with one condition. Changing Woman must teach other Navajo women the art of weaving. Since Navajo women are some of the greatest weavers in the world, Spider Woman must be pleased.
On certain magical mornings, when the dew covers our meadow and the sunrise is just right, everything in the yard is looped with webs outlined in sparkling drops. That's when I remember that we live absolutely surrounded by spiders all the time.
The spiders on the outside walls of our house and I carry on a polite ballet. I hate to destroy their gorgeous handiwork. But if I don't occasionally cleanup, they proceed to "seal" all our outside doors and windows with their lacy webs. After my gentle cleaning, they can spin new orb webs in about an hour.
As I explain to kids in my science classes, spiders don't chase people. Their venom is for getting lunch. All spider bites are accidents, so it behooves us large-brained mammals not to stick our body parts in dark corners or lonesome woodpiles.
The largest spider I've ever met was the size of a teacup. It was curled up taking a daytime nap in a rainforest tree in Costa Rica. This tarantula was definitely not a woman-eater, and I feel privileged to have encountered it.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Spiders
I confess to a great fondness for spiders. Spiders are creators of great beauty, and I'm a sucker for visual delights.
The Navajos have a lovely story about Spider Woman who lives under the ground. Changing Woman visits Spider Woman and is taught how to weave, with one condition. Changing Woman must teach other Navajo women the art of weaving. Since Navajo women are some of the greatest weavers in the world, Spider Woman must be pleased.
On certain magical mornings, when the dew covers our meadow and the sunrise is just right, everything in the yard is looped with webs outlined in sparkling drops. That's when I remember that we live absolutely surrounded by spiders all the time.
The spiders on the outside walls of our house and I carry on a polite ballet. I hate to destroy their gorgeous handiwork. But if I don't occasionally cleanup, they proceed to "seal" all our outside doors and windows with their lacy webs. After my gentle cleaning, they can spin new orb webs in about an hour.
As I explain to kids in my science classes, spiders don't chase people. Their venom is for getting lunch. All spider bites are accidents, so it behooves us large-brained mammals not to stick our body parts in dark corners or lonesome woodpiles.
The largest spider I've ever met was the size of a teacup. It was curled up taking a daytime nap in a rainforest tree in Costa Rica. This tarantula was definitely not a woman-eater, and I feel privileged to have encountered it.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
The Navajos have a lovely story about Spider Woman who lives under the ground. Changing Woman visits Spider Woman and is taught how to weave, with one condition. Changing Woman must teach other Navajo women the art of weaving. Since Navajo women are some of the greatest weavers in the world, Spider Woman must be pleased.
On certain magical mornings, when the dew covers our meadow and the sunrise is just right, everything in the yard is looped with webs outlined in sparkling drops. That's when I remember that we live absolutely surrounded by spiders all the time.
The spiders on the outside walls of our house and I carry on a polite ballet. I hate to destroy their gorgeous handiwork. But if I don't occasionally cleanup, they proceed to "seal" all our outside doors and windows with their lacy webs. After my gentle cleaning, they can spin new orb webs in about an hour.
As I explain to kids in my science classes, spiders don't chase people. Their venom is for getting lunch. All spider bites are accidents, so it behooves us large-brained mammals not to stick our body parts in dark corners or lonesome woodpiles.
The largest spider I've ever met was the size of a teacup. It was curled up taking a daytime nap in a rainforest tree in Costa Rica. This tarantula was definitely not a woman-eater, and I feel privileged to have encountered it.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Style
The difference between style and fashion is easy. Fashion is someone else telling you what to wear. Style is you creating your own personal look. I will vote for style every time.
Growing up, I had the perfect role model to exemplify pure, uninhibited style. My Aunt Vi created a look for herself as a young woman and remained unabashedly true to her style until she died at age 89.
The major elements of Vi style were tailored suits in primary colors (Kelly green and red were her favorites), faux leopard accents, large hoop earrings, piles of real Navajo silver and turquoise bracelets and stiletto heels. Tabu perfume was the olfactory complement to her look.
Aunt Vi also had a real leopard skin coat in the days before conservation was a household word. When I inherited that coat, I was torn between my love for Aunt Vi and my love for animals. To solve this dilemma, I buried the leopard coat in our backyard.
My cousin Linda is one of the style stars in my life now. Her style is so fabulous that she has her own fan club. A group of young girls in her church can't wait to see what Linda will be wearing when she does the weekly reading.
Linda's clothes are boldly colored and patterned tops and skirts made of flowing chiffon. She complements these outfits with big, chunky, bead encrusted jewelry and amazing purses - one handbag is shaped like a teapot. Linda is a walking art show. I'm one of her groupies, too.
Among my many stylish friends, Donna has to be the absolute Queen of Style. Who else do I know that can pull off wearing a full length white, turkey feather coat?
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Growing up, I had the perfect role model to exemplify pure, uninhibited style. My Aunt Vi created a look for herself as a young woman and remained unabashedly true to her style until she died at age 89.
The major elements of Vi style were tailored suits in primary colors (Kelly green and red were her favorites), faux leopard accents, large hoop earrings, piles of real Navajo silver and turquoise bracelets and stiletto heels. Tabu perfume was the olfactory complement to her look.
Aunt Vi also had a real leopard skin coat in the days before conservation was a household word. When I inherited that coat, I was torn between my love for Aunt Vi and my love for animals. To solve this dilemma, I buried the leopard coat in our backyard.
My cousin Linda is one of the style stars in my life now. Her style is so fabulous that she has her own fan club. A group of young girls in her church can't wait to see what Linda will be wearing when she does the weekly reading.
Linda's clothes are boldly colored and patterned tops and skirts made of flowing chiffon. She complements these outfits with big, chunky, bead encrusted jewelry and amazing purses - one handbag is shaped like a teapot. Linda is a walking art show. I'm one of her groupies, too.
Among my many stylish friends, Donna has to be the absolute Queen of Style. Who else do I know that can pull off wearing a full length white, turkey feather coat?
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Style
The difference between style and fashion is easy. Fashion is someone else telling you what to wear. Style is you creating your own personal look. I will vote for style every time.
Growing up, I had the perfect role model to exemplify pure, uninhibited style. My Aunt Vi created a look for herself as a young woman and remained unabashedly true to her style until she died at age 89.
The major elements of Vi style were tailored suits in primary colors (Kelly green and red were her favorites), faux leopard accents, large hoop earrings, piles of real Navajo silver and turquoise bracelets and stiletto heels. Tabu perfume was the olfactory complement to her look.
Aunt Vi also had a real leopard skin coat in the days before conservation was a household word. When I inherited that coat, I was torn between my love for Aunt Vi and my love for animals. To solve this dilemma, I buried the leopard coat in our backyard.
My cousin Linda is one of the style stars in my life now. Her style is so fabulous that she has her own fan club. A group of young girls in her church can't wait to see what Linda will be wearing when she does the weekly reading.
Linda's clothes are boldly colored and patterned tops and skirts made of flowing chiffon. She complements these outfits with big, chunky, bead encrusted jewelry and amazing purses - one handbag is shaped like a teapot. Linda is a walking art show. I'm one of her groupies, too.
Among my many stylish friends, Donna has to be the absolute Queen of Style. Who else do I know that can pull off wearing a full length white, turkey feather coat?
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Growing up, I had the perfect role model to exemplify pure, uninhibited style. My Aunt Vi created a look for herself as a young woman and remained unabashedly true to her style until she died at age 89.
The major elements of Vi style were tailored suits in primary colors (Kelly green and red were her favorites), faux leopard accents, large hoop earrings, piles of real Navajo silver and turquoise bracelets and stiletto heels. Tabu perfume was the olfactory complement to her look.
Aunt Vi also had a real leopard skin coat in the days before conservation was a household word. When I inherited that coat, I was torn between my love for Aunt Vi and my love for animals. To solve this dilemma, I buried the leopard coat in our backyard.
My cousin Linda is one of the style stars in my life now. Her style is so fabulous that she has her own fan club. A group of young girls in her church can't wait to see what Linda will be wearing when she does the weekly reading.
Linda's clothes are boldly colored and patterned tops and skirts made of flowing chiffon. She complements these outfits with big, chunky, bead encrusted jewelry and amazing purses - one handbag is shaped like a teapot. Linda is a walking art show. I'm one of her groupies, too.
Among my many stylish friends, Donna has to be the absolute Queen of Style. Who else do I know that can pull off wearing a full length white, turkey feather coat?
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Holland
When I think of Holland, I do not visualize tulips and windmills. I think of cats and giants.
Dogs may visit French cafes, but cats live in many Dutch restaurants. The resident cat may be asleep on the chair you pull out or be rubbing against your legs as you dine. Cat lover that I am, this situation makes me feel right at home. If you are repulsed, remember that Holland is a land of canals, and cats perform valuable mouse duty.
The giants are everywhere as the Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world. It's not as though they have a lot of growing room. The Netherlands is the size of two New Jerseys with a population of about 16 million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. No one knows why the Dutch tower over the rest of the world, but good nutrition and health care are probable guesses.
Most young men in Holland have the stature of NBA basketball players, but it's the women who are particularly striking. When Dutch women stride down the street, they resemble lithe giraffes. Their trim jeans on their trim legs seem to be never-ending.
The growth spurt must start early. Children with 7 year old faces have the legs of our 12 year olds. If only our American kids' growth was going up instead of out!
Height is not reserved for the younger generations. People my age are also extremely tall. I did eat my peas when I was a kid, but, by Dutch standards, I seem to be missing about seven inches.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Dogs may visit French cafes, but cats live in many Dutch restaurants. The resident cat may be asleep on the chair you pull out or be rubbing against your legs as you dine. Cat lover that I am, this situation makes me feel right at home. If you are repulsed, remember that Holland is a land of canals, and cats perform valuable mouse duty.The giants are everywhere as the Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world. It's not as though they have a lot of growing room. The Netherlands is the size of two New Jerseys with a population of about 16 million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. No one knows why the Dutch tower over the rest of the world, but good nutrition and health care are probable guesses.
Most young men in Holland have the stature of NBA basketball players, but it's the women who are particularly striking. When Dutch women stride down the street, they resemble lithe giraffes. Their trim jeans on their trim legs seem to be never-ending.
The growth spurt must start early. Children with 7 year old faces have the legs of our 12 year olds. If only our American kids' growth was going up instead of out!
Height is not reserved for the younger generations. People my age are also extremely tall. I did eat my peas when I was a kid, but, by Dutch standards, I seem to be missing about seven inches.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Holland
When I think of Holland, I do not visualize tulips and windmills. I think of cats and giants.
Dogs may visit French cafes, but cats live in many Dutch restaurants. The resident cat may be asleep on the chair you pull out or be rubbing against your legs as you dine. Cat lover that I am, this situation makes me feel right at home. If you are repulsed, remember that Holland is a land of canals, and cats perform valuable mouse duty.
The giants are everywhere as the Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world. It's not as though they have a lot of growing room. The Netherlands is the size of two New Jerseys with a population of about 16 million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. No one knows why the Dutch tower over the rest of the world, but good nutrition and health care are probable guesses.
Most young men in Holland have the stature of NBA basketball players, but it's the women who are particularly striking. When Dutch women stride down the street, they resemble lithe giraffes. Their trim jeans on their trim legs seem to be never-ending.
The growth spurt must start early. Children with 7 year old faces have the legs of our 12 year olds. If only our American kids' growth was going up instead of out!
Height is not reserved for the younger generations. People my age are also extremely tall. I did eat my peas when I was a kid, but, by Dutch standards, I seem to be missing about seven inches.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Dogs may visit French cafes, but cats live in many Dutch restaurants. The resident cat may be asleep on the chair you pull out or be rubbing against your legs as you dine. Cat lover that I am, this situation makes me feel right at home. If you are repulsed, remember that Holland is a land of canals, and cats perform valuable mouse duty.The giants are everywhere as the Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world. It's not as though they have a lot of growing room. The Netherlands is the size of two New Jerseys with a population of about 16 million. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. No one knows why the Dutch tower over the rest of the world, but good nutrition and health care are probable guesses.
Most young men in Holland have the stature of NBA basketball players, but it's the women who are particularly striking. When Dutch women stride down the street, they resemble lithe giraffes. Their trim jeans on their trim legs seem to be never-ending.
The growth spurt must start early. Children with 7 year old faces have the legs of our 12 year olds. If only our American kids' growth was going up instead of out!
Height is not reserved for the younger generations. People my age are also extremely tall. I did eat my peas when I was a kid, but, by Dutch standards, I seem to be missing about seven inches.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Monday, October 1, 2007
Pennies
People can be divided into two basic types - those who bend down to pick up a penny and those that do not bend down to pick up a penny. I belong to the former group. Never marry the latter.
I cannot conceive of turning down a gift, no matter how small. Not bending down is certainly an affront to the gods of good luck who have graciously put that penny in my path. And I know just what to do with good luck money.
When my Aunt Vi died, I executed her estate. In a dresser drawer I found a box labeled "found money". I had to ponder its meaning a moment, but then the light went on in my brain.
Aunt Vi was a great walker. After retirement, she hiked five to ten miles a day. She lived to be 89. My Aunt had lots of years to pick up all those stray pennies, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills that fate placed in her paths. To her, unearned money was special and not to be tossed casually into her tattered, black coin purse.
I immediately started my own found money box. The coins pile up year after year, each one never failing to deliver a moment of joy when spotted and claimed. But, unlike Aunt Vi, I periodically count up and spend the stash... always on something special or frivolous. After all, it is a gift, not grocery money.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
I cannot conceive of turning down a gift, no matter how small. Not bending down is certainly an affront to the gods of good luck who have graciously put that penny in my path. And I know just what to do with good luck money.
When my Aunt Vi died, I executed her estate. In a dresser drawer I found a box labeled "found money". I had to ponder its meaning a moment, but then the light went on in my brain.
Aunt Vi was a great walker. After retirement, she hiked five to ten miles a day. She lived to be 89. My Aunt had lots of years to pick up all those stray pennies, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills that fate placed in her paths. To her, unearned money was special and not to be tossed casually into her tattered, black coin purse.
I immediately started my own found money box. The coins pile up year after year, each one never failing to deliver a moment of joy when spotted and claimed. But, unlike Aunt Vi, I periodically count up and spend the stash... always on something special or frivolous. After all, it is a gift, not grocery money.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
Pennies
People can be divided into two basic types - those who bend down to pick up a penny and those that do not bend down to pick up a penny. I belong to the former group. Never marry the latter.
I cannot conceive of turning down a gift, no matter how small. Not bending down is certainly an affront to the gods of good luck who have graciously put that penny in my path. And I know just what to do with good luck money.
When my Aunt Vi died, I executed her estate. In a dresser drawer I found a box labeled "found money". I had to ponder its meaning a moment, but then the light went on in my brain.
Aunt Vi was a great walker. After retirement, she hiked five to ten miles a day. She lived to be 89. My Aunt had lots of years to pick up all those stray pennies, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills that fate placed in her paths. To her, unearned money was special and not to be tossed casually into her tattered, black coin purse.
I immediately started my own found money box. The coins pile up year after year, each one never failing to deliver a moment of joy when spotted and claimed. But, unlike Aunt Vi, I periodically count up and spend the stash... always on something special or frivolous. After all, it is a gift, not grocery money.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
I cannot conceive of turning down a gift, no matter how small. Not bending down is certainly an affront to the gods of good luck who have graciously put that penny in my path. And I know just what to do with good luck money.
When my Aunt Vi died, I executed her estate. In a dresser drawer I found a box labeled "found money". I had to ponder its meaning a moment, but then the light went on in my brain.
Aunt Vi was a great walker. After retirement, she hiked five to ten miles a day. She lived to be 89. My Aunt had lots of years to pick up all those stray pennies, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills that fate placed in her paths. To her, unearned money was special and not to be tossed casually into her tattered, black coin purse.
I immediately started my own found money box. The coins pile up year after year, each one never failing to deliver a moment of joy when spotted and claimed. But, unlike Aunt Vi, I periodically count up and spend the stash... always on something special or frivolous. After all, it is a gift, not grocery money.
Please click here if you wish to send me a comment
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